US drone strike targets IS hideout in Afghanistan

The Ministry of Civil Aviation is closely monitoring the evolving situation in the West Asia region and its impact on air travel between India and countries in the region. Airlines are undertaking necessary operational adjustments in view of the prevailing conditions to ensure passenger safety and the orderly conduct of flight operations.

In a post by the White House, President Trump, while acknowledging that the United States is currently the world's leading oil producer and stands to benefit financially from higher crude prices, emphasised that his administration's overriding mission remains the permanent dismantling of Iran's nuclear program.

"There have been maritime incidents involving Indian crew on foreign-flagged vessels. Of these vessels, there were 78 Indian seafarers. Of these, 70 are unhurt and escaped. Four sustained injuries over the last few days, but are stable. Unfortunately, there have been three casualties, and one seafarer is missing," he said.

Sibal argued that the US is unlikely to risk a naval operation to forcibly "reopen" the Strait of Hormuz as the deep-water channel necessary for large vessels lies within Iranian territorial waters. Iran does not need sophisticated long-range missiles to defend this corridor; short-range missiles, torpedoes, and mines can easily sink high-value naval assets.

Speaking to journalists, Silveira said the country's fuel supply remains stable and the government is closely monitoring developments in the international oil market as well as domestic price movements.

India on Thursday rejected Pakistan's allegations of aggravating skirmishes with Afghanistan, calling them "baseless" and accusing Pakistan of blaming others for its own misdeeds.

"India is a major exporter of petroleum products, especially to our neighbourhood. We have been supplying diesel to Bangladesh through waterways, rail and the India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline in partnership with Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation. Diesel exports to Bangladesh have continued since then," he said.

IRIB Quoted the official as saying, "If any attack is carried out against Iran's economic ports, all docks, ports, and economic zones across West Asia will be destroyed."

Three crew members are feared trapped in a Thai-flagged vessel's engine room following an Iranian strike in the Strait of Hormuz. The attack is part of an intensifying IRGC blockade, where international ships are targeted by drones if they move "even a few metres" without permission.

The US will release 172 million barrels of oil "beginning next week" to stabilse markets amid war with Iran. President Trump vowed to "finish the job" despite Tehran's threats to "destroy" the economy. While Trump suggests there is "practically nothing left to target," Israel claims it has "a broad bank of targets."