The United States carried out major airstrikes on Iranian missile facilities near the Strait of Hormuz using powerful 5,000-pound bunker-buster bombs. According to US Central Command, the strikes targeted underground sites housing anti-ship cruise missiles that threatened international shipping in the vital waterway. The operation aims to weaken Iran’s ability to disrupt global oil transport and reopen the strait, a key energy corridor. The attack comes amid escalating conflict involving Iran, the US, and Israel, with rising regional tensions and concerns over global energy supply and security. (PC: X)

Iran launched missile strikes on central Israel, killing at least two people and causing significant damage. Tehran stated the attack was retaliation for the assassinations of key figures, including Ali Larijani and Qasem Soleimani. The strikes have intensified tensions between the two countries, raising concerns of a wider regional conflict. Emergency teams responded to multiple impact sites across Israel. Global leaders have called for restraint as the situation remains highly volatile, with fears of further escalation in the coming days.

Ukraine has deployed more than 200 anti-drone warfare specialists to the Middle East to assist Gulf countries in countering rising drone threats, particularly from Iranian-designed systems. The move reflects Kyiv’s growing global role in drone defence, built from its experience in the war with Russia. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned that drone warfare is rapidly evolving and could pose risks beyond current conflict zones. The deployment also signals deepening military cooperation between Ukraine and regional allies, as tensions in the Middle East escalate and concerns grow over the spread of advanced drone technology. (PC: AP)

Afghanistan spinner Allah Ghazanfar issued an emotional appeal following deadly Pakistani airstrikes on a Kabul rehabilitation hospital that reportedly killed over 400 people and injured hundreds. He highlighted the devastating impact on civilians and urged global attention to the crisis. In his message, Ghazanfar described India as a “close friend” and expressed a desire for stronger engagement. The strikes, denied by Pakistan, have intensified tensions between the two countries. His statement reflects growing concern within Afghanistan over civilian suffering and escalating regional instability amid the ongoing conflict. (PC: X)

In a major relief for passengers, the Indian government has directed airlines to keep at least 60% of seats on flights available at regulated or capped fares to prevent sudden price surges. The move aims to protect flyers from exorbitant ticket prices during peak demand, emergencies, or disruptions. Authorities emphasised maintaining affordability and transparency in pricing, ensuring fair access to air travel. Airlines will still be allowed dynamic pricing for the remaining seats. The decision comes amid concerns over rising airfare volatility, and is expected to make flying more accessible and predictable for passengers across the country. (PC: Reuters)

Iran has confirmed the death of senior leader Ali Larijani, reportedly killed in a targeted strike amid the intensifying Iran–Israel–US conflict. Larijani, a prominent political figure and former parliamentary speaker, played a key role in Iran’s strategic and diplomatic affairs. His death marks a major escalation, triggering strong reactions from Tehran and raising fears of further retaliation across the region. The development comes alongside ongoing missile and drone exchanges, increasing instability in the Middle East and heightening concerns over a broader regional war and its global geopolitical impact. (PC: Reuters)

The United States launched powerful airstrikes on Iranian missile sites near the Strait of Hormuz, deploying 5,000-pound bunker-buster bombs to destroy hardened underground facilities. US Central Command stated the targets included anti-ship cruise missile systems threatening international maritime routes. The strikes come amid escalating tensions between the US and Iran, following disruptions to shipping in the region. The Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil transit chokepoint, has witnessed increasing instability, raising fears over energy security and potential wider conflict in the Middle East. 

Israel’s military warned it will continue targeting threats, including Mojtaba Khamenei, amid escalating conflict with Iran. IDF spokesperson Effie Defrin said Israel would “pursue, find and neutralise” anyone endangering the state, though Khamenei’s location remains unknown. The statement follows Israeli strikes that killed Gholamreza Soleimani in Tehran. Israel also vowed continued operations against Iran’s Basij forces and signalled preparations for a prolonged campaign, including during Passover. Meanwhile, Iran launched fresh missile barrages, triggering air raid sirens across Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, underscoring intensifying hostilities and the widening scale of the conflict. (PC: X)

Oil prices surged sharply after Iran confirmed the killing of Ali Larijani, intensifying fears of deeper conflict and supply disruption. Brent crude rose above $103 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate hovered near $96, reflecting heightened market volatility. The spike comes amid ongoing US-Israel-Iran tensions that have already disrupted flows through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil transit route. Analysts warn that continued escalation could further tighten supply and sustain upward pressure on prices. Earlier trends also showed oil crossing $100 amid war-driven uncertainty, with global markets reacting strongly to geopolitical risks and potential prolonged disruption. (PC: X)

Preliminary findings indicate Israeli tank fire hit a UN base in southern Lebanon, wounding Ghanaian peacekeepers serving with United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon. The inquiry found three direct strikes using Israeli-manufactured 120-mm shells at the al-Qawzah position, raising concerns over peacekeeper safety. UNIFIL said the investigation is ongoing but stressed that attacks on peacekeepers violate international humanitarian law and UN Security Council Resolution 1701. The incident highlights growing risks as Israel-Hezbollah tensions escalate, with UN forces increasingly caught in crossfire. The mission, due to end in 2026, faces mounting challenges amid expanding military operations and regional instability. (PC: The Hindu)