External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said protecting Indian consumers is the government’s “overriding priority” as the conflict in West Asia continues. Speaking in the Rajya Sabha on Monday, he warned the crisis could cause serious supply chain disruption. He said the conflict may affect energy supplies, shipping routes and global trade. “Our government had expressed deep concern and urged all sides to exercise restraint,” Jaishankar said. “We continue to believe that dialogue and diplomacy should be pursued to de-escalate the tensions.” He said stability in West Asia is important for global energy markets and India’s economy. Jaishankar also told Parliament that about 67,000 Indians have returned from the region. (PC: India Today)

Iran has named Mojtaba Khamenei as the country’s new supreme leader. He is the son of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed nine days ago in US-Israeli strikes. State media confirmed the leadership change as the war in the region continues. The move marks the first time power has passed within the Khamenei family. People in Tehran reacted with concern about the future. One resident told reporters, “Even the thinnest of chances for a change are no more.” Meanwhile, tensions remain high in the region. Bahrain’s state news agency said 32 people were injured after an Iranian drone strike earlier on Monday. (PC: X)

Global oil prices have crossed $100 a barrel for the first time since 2022 as the conflict in the Middle East continues.   The surge has raised concerns about higher fuel costs around the world. Analysts say the rise could push petrol prices up in many countries.   US President Donald Trump said the increase is temporary. “The short-term price increase is a very small price to pay for world peace,” he said.   The UK government is also watching the situation closely. Chancellor Rachel Reeves is set to join an emergency meeting of G7 finance ministers to discuss the rise in oil prices and the possible impact on global markets. (PC: BBC)

The United States said it is not targeting Iran’s energy sector despite recent attacks on oil facilities near Tehran.   US Energy Secretary Chris Wright said American forces have no plans to strike Iran’s oil or gas infrastructure. “The US is targeting zero energy infrastructure,” Wright told CNN. “There are no plans to target Iran’s oil industry, their natural gas industry, or anything about their energy industry.”   Large fires were reported near Tehran after Israeli strikes hit oil storage sites on Saturday. Wright said the attacks were carried out by Israel. “These are Israeli strikes. These are local fuel depots,” he said.   Oil prices have surged amid the conflict. US benchmark crude rose 12 percent on Friday and 36 percent over the week.

Indian national cricket team delivered a dominant performance to defeat the New Zealand national cricket team in the 2026 T20 World Cup final at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. India posted a massive 255/5 after explosive batting from Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, and Ishan Kishan, while Shivam Dube added a late blitz. Samson’s 89 and Kishan’s rapid 54 dismantled New Zealand’s bowling attack. In response, India’s bowlers, led by Jasprit Bumrah, quickly crushed any hopes of a comeback. The emphatic victory secured India’s third T20 World Cup title and made them the first team to successfully defend the trophy. (PC: BCCI)

Indian benchmark indices plunged sharply on Monday as rising crude oil prices and escalating geopolitical tensions triggered heavy selling. The BSE Sensex fell more than 2,100 points while the Nifty 50 dropped nearly 3%, testing the 23,800 level in early trade. The sell-off came after global crude prices surged past $115 per barrel amid intensifying conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel, raising fears of supply disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. Banking and financial stocks led the decline, with the Nifty PSU Bank Index falling over 4%. Broader markets also weakened, as midcap and smallcap indices dropped more than 2%. (PC: India Today)

Indian medical students stranded in Iran have sent urgent distress calls as the conflict in West Asia intensifies. The All India Medical Students Association said it received more than 18 appeals, particularly from Isfahan, where dozens of students were shifted to underground basements after nearby attacks. Students in Qom, Kerman and Shiraz also reported explosions and shortages of food supplies. Parents of stranded students protested in India, urging the government to bring them home safely. The crisis comes as the war involving Iran, Israel and the US enters its tenth day, with fresh strikes and missile attacks reported across the region. (PC: AP)

Donald Trump said any decision to end the ongoing conflict with Iran will be taken jointly with Benjamin Netanyahu as the war enters its tenth day. Speaking to Israeli media, the US President said both leaders are in constant discussions and that he will decide “at the right time” after considering all factors. Trump also credited himself and the Israeli prime minister with preventing Iran from destroying Israel. The conflict began after joint US-Israeli airstrikes killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Iran has since retaliated with attacks on Israel and US bases across the Middle East, escalating tensions across the region. (PC: X)

The Iranian Red Crescent Society has warned residents of Tehran about possible toxic or “acid rain” after Israel targeted several oil storage facilities in and around the Iranian capital. Explosions at the depots reportedly released large amounts of hydrocarbon compounds, sulfur and nitrogen oxides into the air, raising fears of chemical burns and respiratory problems. Authorities advised people to remain indoors even after rainfall stops, warning that evaporation from contaminated surfaces could worsen air toxicity. Residents also reported dark skies and oil-like droplets falling with rain following the strikes. The attacks came amid the escalating conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States, which has intensified across the region.

Chants opposing Mojtaba Khamenei were reportedly heard in Tehran shortly after he was appointed the new Supreme Leader of Iran. A 17-second video circulating on social media shows women shouting “Death to Mojtaba” in Persian from a residential building during the night, though the footage has not been independently verified. Mojtaba, the son of former leader Ali Khamenei, was selected by Iran’s Assembly of Experts after his father was killed in US-Israeli strikes on Tehran. The leadership change comes amid escalating regional tensions, with Iran launching retaliatory missile attacks on Israel and US bases, raising fears of wider instability across the Middle East.