The Middle East conflict has sharply escalated after Israel’s strike on Iran’s South Pars gas field triggered widespread retaliation across Gulf energy infrastructure. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth claimed former President Donald Trump had “no prior knowledge” of the attack, though reports suggest otherwise. Iran responded with missile and drone strikes on key facilities in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, intensifying regional tensions. The crisis has disrupted global energy markets, with oil prices surging above $115 per barrel and gas prices rising sharply amid fears of supply shortages and Strait of Hormuz disruptions. (PC: AP)

Iran launched missile attacks on Qatar’s Ras Laffan Industrial City, one of the world’s largest LNG hubs, causing fires and extensive damage to critical energy infrastructure. The strike, seen as retaliation amid the escalating Iran–US–Israel conflict, has raised fears of major disruptions to global gas supplies, as Qatar contributes nearly 20% of global LNG. The attack has triggered a surge in oil and gas prices and heightened concerns over energy security worldwide. For India, which relies heavily on LNG imports from Qatar, the disruption could lead to higher energy costs, inflationary pressure, and potential supply challenges if the crisis deepens. 

Iran has said it is “not yet finished” after carrying out strikes on energy facilities in Saudi Arabia and Qatar. The attacks followed Israeli strikes on Iran’s South Pars gas field. Iranian forces warned that more action could follow if attacks continue. Saudi Arabia said it may consider military action. Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan said the kingdom “reserves the right” to respond. Fires were reported at key energy sites, though some were later controlled. Oil prices rose and supply concerns increased. Several countries called for restraint. The conflict has spread across the region, with strikes also reported in Israel, Iraq and Lebanon. (PC: HT)

US President Donald Trump said Israel will not attack Iran’s South Pars gas field unless Iran targets Qatar again. His remarks came after Iran struck Qatar’s LNG facilities, causing damage and fires. Trump said Israel acted “out of anger” and the US “knew nothing” about the earlier strike on Iran. He called Iran’s attack on Qatar “unjustified”. Trump added, “No more attacks will be made” unless Qatar is hit again. He warned the US would respond strongly if that happens. The strikes have raised tensions in the Gulf. Energy markets remain under pressure as supply risks increase across the region. (PC: NDTV)

Two Indian-origin men have been fined £1,391 each for spitting paan on streets in London’s Brent area. The fines increased after they failed to pay an initial £100 penalty and did not appear in court. Local authorities said the action is part of a “zero-tolerance” policy on public paan spitting. Officials say the stains damage public spaces and are costly to clean. Brent Council spends about £30,000 each year on removal. Councillor Krupa Sheth said, “If you mess up our streets, we will find you and you will pay.” Authorities have increased patrols and enforcement to stop such cases. (PC: India Today)

US President Donald Trump has warned Iran of strong action if it targets Qatar again. He said the US could “blow up the entirety” of Iran’s South Pars gas field. The warning came after Iran struck Qatar’s Ras Laffan energy site, causing “extensive damage”. The attack followed Israeli strikes on Iran’s South Pars field. Trump said Qatar was “in no way involved” and called Iran’s move “unjustified”. Qatar said the strike was a “direct threat” to its security. Energy markets reacted quickly, with gas prices rising sharply. The conflict has raised fears of more attacks across the region and further risks to global energy supply. (PC: BBC)

The ongoing Middle East conflict could push the world towards a recession if it continues for four more weeks, Axis Bank economist Neelkanth Mishra said. He noted that about 7% of global energy supply is already disrupted. “If this lasts more than four weeks… there will be the risk of a significant global recession,” he said. Mishra added that even a 4–5% supply shock can put similar share of global GDP at risk. Markets have not reacted sharply yet due to existing inventories. But he warned supply chains may worsen soon, with impacts already seen in sectors like real estate, auto and textiles. (PC: India Today)

The FBI is probing former US counter-terror chief Joe Kent over an alleged leak of classified information, reports said. The inquiry began before his resignation this week. Kent stepped down after opposing US strikes on Iran. In a podcast, he claimed key officials were “not allowed to express their opinion” before the decision. He said there was “no robust debate” before the February 28 strikes. Kent also said there was no clear intelligence of an immediate threat from Iran. He alleged Israel influenced the US decision. US officials have not publicly responded to his claims. (PC: X)

Iran struck Qatar’s Ras Laffan LNG hub after Israeli attacks on its gas fields. QatarEnergy said several sites were hit and damage was reported at the Pearl GTL plant. Qatar called it a “serious threat” to global energy security. The strike is seen as retaliation for attacks on Iran’s South Pars field. After the incident, Donald Trump asked Israel to avoid further strikes on the site. He said the US had “no prior knowledge” of Israel’s strike. He warned that more attacks could widen the war. He also said further damage to key energy sites could disrupt global gas supply and raise prices. (PC: HT, X)

Gas prices rose sharply in the UK and Europe after attacks on key energy sites in Qatar and Iran. Prices jumped more than 25% in early trading before easing slightly. They are now more than double the level seen before the conflict began. The rise followed damage to Qatar’s Ras Laffan complex, a major gas hub. Experts say the spike reflects fears of long disruption. “The jump is huge,” said Matthieu Favas of The Economist. He added that hopes of a quick restart now look unlikely. Prices may rise further as demand increases later in the year.