"united-states"

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington has prepared measures to counter rising oil prices and protect shipping lanes while continuing strikes on Iran’s missile and naval assets, ruling out ground forces and emphasising limited objectives.

Exiled Iranian Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi described the reported killing of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei as a turning point, thanked US President Donald Trump for ordering strikes, and outlined a transition roadmap aimed at establishing a democratic Iran.

US President Donald Trump ordered sweeping strikes on Iran after failed nuclear diplomacy and intelligence assessments, despite doubts about an imminent threat. Backed by regional allies including Mohammed bin Salman, Washington pursued military escalation to curb Tehran’s enrichment ambitions

At an emergency UN Security Council meeting, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned US-Israel strikes on Iran risk wider war, as Washington and Tehran traded accusations. President Donald Trump confirmed Ayatollah Khamenei’s death, escalating regional tensions

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has died at 86 after a reported joint US-Israel strike, ending decades of hard-line clerical rule marked by nuclear standoffs, regional proxy conflicts, and violent crackdowns on dissent, leaving Iran’s political future uncertain

Israel launched “preventive” strikes on Tehran, including areas near Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s offices, under Operation Shield of Judah. Air raid sirens sounded across Israel as U.S.-backed attacks escalate tensions amid fears of Iranian retaliation

Israel launched a daylight attack on Tehran, targeting areas near Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s offices, with the United States involved. Iran closed its airspace amid rising regional tensions and potential retaliation

The US Department of Homeland Security is reviewing the Optional Practical Training programme for F-1 visa holders, signalling possible regulatory changes. The move could significantly impact foreign graduates, including over 300,000 Indian students studying in the United States.

Mexican forces killed Jalisco cartel chief El Mencho in a major military operation, triggering violent reprisals across several states. US officials welcomed the move while issuing advisories, as analysts warned of potential cartel fragmentation and further unrest.

Iran’s UN envoy warned that Tehran would respond decisively to any US aggression, citing self-defence under the UN Charter. Tensions rose after remarks by Donald Trump on Diego Garcia, amid ongoing nuclear talks and concerns over military build-up

At the Munich Security Conference, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar reaffirmed India’s commitment to strategic autonomy, emphasizing that energy decisions—including Russian oil imports—will be based on availability, cost, and risk, rejecting US claims of any commitment to halt purchases

A US lawmaker has introduced legislation to abolish the H-1B visa programme, citing job losses for American workers. The move could impact thousands of Indian professionals and students, who form the largest share of H-1B visa holders.

Estonia’s intelligence chief says Russia has no intention of ending the Ukraine war and is stalling talks with the US. While Washington claims progress, experts question whether President Putin genuinely wants peace or believes he can still win.

Iran’s Foreign Minister said the country’s strength comes from resisting global powers, even as talks with the US continue. While Iran insists it will enrich uranium, Washington has increased military pressure in the region.

ran said one of its drones completed a surveillance mission as the US military confirmed shooting down an Iranian drone near an aircraft carrier in the Arabian Sea, underscoring rising tensions amid a growing American military presence in the region.

Iran’s president says he has ordered efforts toward negotiations with the United States, signaling a shift amid high tensions. Talks would focus on nuclear issues, though major disagreements remain over uranium enrichment and regional security demands.

The US has criticised the EU for finalising a free trade agreement with India, accusing Europe of prioritising commerce over Ukraine by refusing to penalise New Delhi for buying Russian oil amid the ongoing war.

A massive winter storm has killed at least 28 people across the United States, knocking out power to thousands, grounding flights nationwide and closing schools, as Arctic air prolongs dangerously cold conditions in several states

Russian drone attacks on Kyiv and Kharkiv killed one person and wounded 31 as Ukraine, Russia, and U.S. officials met in Abu Dhabi for peace talks. Zelenskyy says a deal is “nearly ready,” but territorial disputes remain unresolved.

The United States has formally withdrawn from the World Health Organization, with the Trump administration accusing the global body of pandemic failures and acting against US interests. All funding and staffing have ended, marking a shift in US global health engagement.