Trump defends budget blueprint by stressing on safety

Speaking at a Women's History Month event at the White House, the US president said he had been fully briefed on the situation and described the incident as "terrible."

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.

India on Thursday highlighted a high-level diplomatic push to protect Indian interests, emphasising the twin priorities of citizen safety and the stability of energy supply chains.

The UAE has activated air defences to intercept an Iranian missile and drone attack, advising residents to "remain in a safe location." Authorities have intercepted over 1,700 threats since the conflict began. While most were neutralised, hostilities have tragically caused six deaths and 131 injuries among various nationalities.

Two oil tankers caught fire near Iraq after being struck by an "unknown projectile," with UKMTO reporting all crew are "evacuated and safe." This follows a surge in maritime attacks amid regional conflict, drawing a sharp response from India and warnings from President Trump regarding the Strait of Hormuz.

The Trump administration has launched "unfair trade practice" probes into 16 nations, including India and China, to reinstate tariff pressure. US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer stated the "investigations will focus on economies" with "structural excess capacity." Additional probes into forced labour could lead to new tariffs by July.

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."

Saudi Arabia intercepted multiple drones targeting the "Shaybah oil field" as regional tensions soar. Amid the conflict, Russia and Saudi Arabia "emphasised the need" for international efforts to prevent escalation. Meanwhile, the US warned Russia not to intervene, despite Trump and Putin discussing "opportunity for some peace" in Ukraine.

"Over the past 11 days, our military has virtually destroyed Iran. Tough country," Trump said. Describing the Persian Gulf country as "tough", he asserted that its core military systems had been "virtually destroyed".