Amid rising tensions in West Asia, recent developments have once again placed Iran, Israel, and the United States at the centre of global attention. Former diplomat K. P. Fabian says that Iran’s strategic moves are being closely watched internationally, particularly following attacks on nuclear and energy facilities. Fabian, while noting his opinion amid the ongoing global turmoil, said, "First Iran said that the Strait of Hormuz is open for everyone; ships belonging to America and Israel are open. And I think Iran will repeat this. Because you know that the Japanese Prime Minister was in the White House," as per ANI. Japan's PM, Sanae Takaichi, was on an official visit to the US recently, in which she met with US President Donald Trump at the White House. While briefing the media at the White House in the US, she said she had briefed Trump on what support Japan could provide under its laws. Trump had earlier called on Japan and other countries to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz that Iran has closed in retaliation for the US-Israeli attacks. Meanwhile, Fabian noted that discussions between Iran and Japan reportedly paved the way for the release of two Japanese nationals previously detained in Iran. Emphasising the calculated nature of Tehran's actions, the diplomat further added, "One was released by Iran, and the other will also be released. This means that Iran plays such a chess game that there won't be another announcement. Look, they are open. Only America and Israel." International monitoring agencies keeping a close eye on the West Asian conflict International monitoring agencies have also weighed in on the situation. The former diplomat also said, "The secretary of the National Atomic Energy Agency, IAEA, has also taken it to social media that the missile attack news was reported and the nuclear research centre has no sign." Also, according to ANI, no unknown radiation level has been found. Reflecting on regional history, the diplomat recalled the Suez Canal crisis of 1956, underscoring the long-standing complexities in the region: Britain, Israel, or France conspired. When Israel attacks Egypt, France and Britain will withdraw. But Egypt is the Egyptian territory. At that time, France, Israel and America had information. When the American president got to Israel, he said, 'Stop it.' But Israel did stop. The American president said, 'Let's—this is now radiation, but before that, Israel attacked Natan's nuclear facility.' It means that Israel started first. Iran only retaliated. This is very important." Fabian expresses concern amid the ongoing attacks Highlighting the humanitarian aspect, Fabian stressed the irony of the attacks occurring during Eid. "Eid is a time of peace. Now, on that day, to do such a thing shows how much hatred there is in people's minds, which is very, very sad. People are going mad," he said. The regional energy situation has also been affected. "Our condition is not good. You know there is a shortage of LPG. Qatar, from which we have a big contract because of Iran's attack, has had its production capacity brought down by 17 per cent, and Qatar has made it clear it is going to lose about 20 billion dollars yearly, and it will take a couple of years for it to restore the full production capacity," he noted. (With inputs from ANI)
22 March,2026 06:34 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentNearly 200 people were injured in Iranian strikes in Israel's Dimona and Arad, with 11 of them seriously injured, according to medics, after Israeli air defences did not intercept at least two ballistic missiles, local media reported on Sunday. After the strikes, Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israel Defence Forces (IDF) Chief of Staff Lt General Eyal Zamir announced that Israel will continue to fight country's enemies on "all fronts." Later, the IDF said that the Air Force was carrying out strikes in Tehran targeting Iran's infrastructure. Those seriously injured in the strikes in the south were a 12-year-old boy suffering from shrapnel injuries due to a strike in Dimona and a five-year-old girl in the subsequent strike in Ranad. The missiles were fired amid continuous Iranian attacks on the Dimona area on Saturday, The Times of Israel reported. Soroka Medical Center in Beer Sheba said it provided treatment to 175 people injured in the attacks on Arad and Dimona. In addition to the boy listed in serious condition from the Dimona strike, a woman in her 30s was moderately injured by glass shards and another 31 people were treated for light injuries in the city, the Magen David Adom emergency service said, The Times of Israel reported. The injuries were primarily caused by shrapnel or sustained while running for shelter. Another 14 people, who were injured, were provided treatment for acute anxiety. The ambulance service released a video of a residential building ablaze in the town. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
22 March,2026 06:23 PM IST | Jerusalem | IANSMore than 5,500 people have been evacuated as the Hawaiian island of Oahu suffered its worst flooding in over 20 years, authorities said. Heavy rain and thunderstorms will continue to pass over the US state of Hawaii on Saturday (local time), posing major risks to Oahu and Maui County, local officials warned. Hawaii Governor Josh Green said in a video on X that more rain is expected over the weekend. "The storm will deliver another 4 to 6 inches of rain on Oahu throughout this weekend, but it's now moving to Maui, where we expect somewhere between likely 4 to 8 inches but as much as 10 to 12 inches in some areas," said Green. "No loss of life so far. A few serious injuries. But don't take this storm lightly," he said. The governor noted that conditions remain dangerous because the ground is already saturated, meaning it will take much less rain to trigger flooding, road closures and damage. He told the media on Friday that the cost of the storm could top 1 billion US dollars in estimated damages to private and public property, reports Xinhua news agency. While confirming that more than 230 people have been rescued during the storm, officials cautioned that a 120-year-old dam could fail. Authorities told residents Friday to leave the area downstream of the Wahiawa dam, a 120-year-old dam on Oahu, warning it was "at risk of imminent failure." More than 200 National Guard members have been activated during the storm to assist with rescues, road closures, door-to-door checks and other public safety needs, according to Green. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
22 March,2026 06:21 PM IST | Oahu (Hawaii) | IANSSri Lanka's state-owned Ceylon Petroleum Corporation announced a revision of fuel prices. All fuel products, including auto diesel, petrol and kerosene, saw price hikes ranging from 60 rupees (0.19 US dollars) to 90 rupees per litre effective from midnight on Saturday. Lanka IOC, another major petroleum company in Sri Lanka, said it would align its prices with the revised rates set by the corporation. This marks the third price hike of fuel in Sri Lanka in less than a month's time. Previously, the country's petroleum companies adjusted fuel prices on February 28 and March 9. The price of auto diesel, for instance, has now reached 382 rupees per litre, compared to the pre-price-hike price of 281 rupees per litre. Due to the sharp increase in fuel prices, around 90 per cent of privately operated buses were expected to be withdrawn from service on Sunday, according to the Lanka Private Bus Owners' Association (LPBOA). LPBOA President Gemunu Wijeratne said bus owners had decided not to operate services after fuel prices were raised on March 21, describing the increase as the highest percentage hike recorded. He noted that diesel prices had risen by 31 per cent. He added that bus services are expected to resume once fares are revised, as operators have indicated that current rates are not sufficient to cover costs under the new fuel pricing. The LPBOA said that a minimum fare increase of 15 per cent is expected. The National Transport Commission, Sri Lanka's public bus service provider, also said it would implement measures to revise bus fares on March 22, with calculations currently underway. Bus operators have previously pointed out that several earlier fuel price increases were not followed by fare adjustments. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
22 March,2026 06:17 PM IST | Colombo | IANSWhile the situation in the Gulf countries does not look to calm down anytime soon, the Saudi Ministry of Defence on Sunday announced that their forces successfully intercepted and destroyed a drone that was flying towards the country's eastern region. As reported by news agency ANI, the military confirmed that the aerial threat was neutralised before it could reach its intended target. The defensive action from Saudi Arabia comes amidst heightened regional tensions that have seen a surge in such incidents. Furthermore, the targeted eastern area is of immense strategic importance, as it is where the "majority of the country's oil resources are located." Saudi Arabia neutralised various aerial threats Prior to this specific interception, the Saudi Ministry of Defence had announced the successful neutralisation of multiple other aerial threats, with military officials confirming they "intercepted and downed four more drones over the Eastern Province" in operations aimed at protecting key residential and economic hubs. Saudi Arabia's latest actions were reported shortly after a high-altitude engagement over the capital city, where the ministry noted that the "statement came hours after it announced shooting down a ballistic missile over Riyadh." These incidents occur as Iran has "repeatedly targeted Saudi Arabia" and other Gulf nations amidst the ongoing conflict involving the United States and Israel, as reported by ANI. During the early hours, the Saudi Civil Defence "issued a warning" to the public, though the alert was "cancelled seven minutes later" after authorities "determined the danger had passed." Saudi Arabia’s response to blatant Iranian attacks #Statement | The Foreign Ministry renews the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s unequivocal condemnation of the blatant Iranian attacks against the Kingdom, the states of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and a number of Arab and Islamic countries. pic.twitter.com/PZ9Yqg4wcc — Foreign Ministry 🇸🇦 (@KSAmofaEN) March 21, 2026 Following these events, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated the Kingdom's "unequivocal condemnation" regarding "blatant Iranian attacks" directed at Saudi Arabia and other GCC member states. In a formal communication via the Saudi media house, the ministry highlighted that Iran's "continued targeting" of Saudi sovereignty and economic interests represents a "flagrant violation of all relevant international conventions", contravening the "principles of good neighbourliness", the "Beijing Agreement", and "United Nations Security Council Resolution 2817". The ministry further observed a contradiction between Tehran's military actions and the "principles of Islamic brotherhood" it frequently cites, stating such rhetoric is "not reflected in its actions", reported ANI. Recalling a declaration from 9th March, the ministry warned that such aggression "will lead to further escalation" with "serious consequences for relations at present and in the future". Consequently, Saudi Arabia has ordered the "military attaché of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran", the "assistant military attaché", and "three members of the mission staff" to exit the country. (With inputs from ANI)
22 March,2026 06:12 PM IST | Riyadh | mid-day online correspondentAmid the escalating West Asia War, Iran on Sunday responded to the threats, a day after President Donald Trump warned that the United States would "obliterate" Iran's power plants if Tehran fails to fully open the Strait of Hormuz in 48 hours. As reported by news agency AFP, Iranian missiles struck two cities near Israel's main nuclear research centre, injuring dozens and shattering apartment buildings. West Asia War now moving in a different direction The developments signalled that the war in the Middle East, now in its fourth week, was moving in a dangerous new direction. AFP further reported that sirens blared across Israel on Sunday morning. The sirens further warned of new Iranian barrages as residents faced the devastation in the southern cities of Dimona and Arad. In northern Israel, a man was killed in a strike by the Lebanese militant Hezbollah group. Whereas, in Doha, six people were confirmed killed in a Qatari helicopter crash in the Persian Gulf nation's territorial waters. One person was still missing from Saturday's crash, which was blamed on a "technical malfunction". Responding to the Qatar helicopter crash, Qatar's Defence Ministry said that the dead included three Qatari forces and three Turkish nationals, including a military officer and two civilians. The missing person is a Qatari airman, it said. Trump warns Iran Earlier on Saturday, Trump said that he would give Iran 48 hours to open the vital Strait of Hormuz or face a new round of attacks. He said the US would destroy "various POWER PLANTS, STARTING WITH THE BIGGEST ONE FIRST!" He may have meant the Bushehr nuclear power plant, Iran's biggest, which was already hit last week, or Damavand, a natural gas plant near Tehran, Iran's capital. In turn, Iran warned early Sunday that any strike on its energy facilities would prompt attacks on US and Israeli energy and infrastructure assets-- specifically information technology and desalination facilities -- in the region, according to a statement citing an Iranian military spokesperson carried by state media and semi-official outlets. Strait of Hormuz The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf to the Indian Ocean and is a critical pathway for the world's flow of oil. Attacks on commercial ships and threats of further strikes have stopped nearly all tankers from carrying oil, gas and other goods through the passage, leading to cuts in output from some of the world's largest oil producers, because their crude has nowhere to go. (With inputs from AFP)
22 March,2026 04:25 PM IST | Tehran | mid-day online correspondentAccording to the Global Terrorism Index 2026, published by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), Pakistan recorded 1,139 terrorism-related deaths in 2025, a 6 per cent increase from the previous year. This marks the highest number of fatalities since 2013. During the same period, the country witnessed 1,045 terrorist incidents, highlighting a worsening security situation, reported the ANI. The report notes that Pakistan’s "strained" relations with neighbouring countries, especially Afghanistan, and attacks by banned groups like Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) have created significant security risks. Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan emerges as the deadliest group The TTP accounted for over 67 percent of all attacks in Pakistan since 2009, making it the deadliest terror group in the country and the third deadliest globally. In 2025 alone, TTP attacks rose 24 per cent to 595 incidents, resulting in 637 deaths, mostly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa near the Afghan border, according to the ANI. The most severe attack reported last year involved military personnel, leaving 21 people dead. Notably, the TTP was the only group among the world’s four deadliest organisations to increase operational activity in 2025, reflecting a dangerous expansion of its reach. Impact of Afghanistan and regional instability The resurgence of the Afghan Taliban in Kabul has had a direct effect on Pakistan’s internal security. The report highlights that the TTP benefited from the Afghan Taliban’s return, gaining both resources and motivation to expand operations geographically and improve efficiency. This regional instability has worsened the security vacuum in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, which together accounted for over 74 percent of attacks and 67 percent of deaths in 2025, as per ANI. Hostage crises and global context Pakistan also faced a dramatic rise in hostage-taking incidents, with the number of victims surging from 101 in 2024 to 655 in 2025. The spike was largely driven by the Jaffar Express attack, where 442 people were held hostage. Globally, Pakistan now ranks alongside Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Niger, and the Democratic Republic of Congo as one of five countries responsible for nearly 70 percent of terrorism deaths worldwide. Declining stability and warning signs After finishing second on the Global Terrorism Index in 2025, Pakistan’s new top ranking highlights a steady decline in stability. Analysts warn that unless security operations are strengthened and regional tensions addressed, the country could face continued increases in terrorism and associated fatalities in the coming years. (With ANI Inputs)
22 March,2026 03:38 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentJapanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi has hinted that Japan may deploy its Self-Defense Forces (SDF) to conduct minesweeping operations in the Strait of Hormuz, reported the ANI. He emphasised that any deployment would depend on the realization of a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel. Motegi highlighted Japan’s advanced maritime technology in minesweeping, stating, “Japan's minesweeping technology is at the top level in the world.” He added that a deployment would be considered only if mines posed a threat to maritime traffic after a ceasefire is in place, according to the ANI. Diplomatic context Motegi’s remarks followed high-level diplomatic discussions during the Japan-U.S. summit last Thursday. He recalled that President Donald Trump acknowledged Japan’s constitutional and legal restrictions on the use of its military overseas, the news agency reported. Motegi clarified that no specific promises were made during the summit, and no immediate issues require domestic deliberation by the Japanese government. Regional tensions and energy security The region remains tense following airstrikes by US and Israeli forces against Iran on 28 February. These developments have major implications for global energy security and the stability of the Middle East. Japan relies on the region for more than 90 percent of its crude oil imports, making safe maritime routes, like the Strait of Hormuz, crucial for its energy supply. Release of Japanese nationals In a related development, Motegi confirmed the release of one of two Japanese citizens detained in Iran. Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi stated on Sunday that the individual, who had been in custody since June, departed Iran via Azerbaijan last Wednesday and has safely returned to Japan in good health. Regarding the remaining detainee, Motegi assured that the government is working actively toward an early resolution of the case by saying, “We are working toward the early release of the other individual.” According to a non-profit organisation, the second detainee is reportedly the Tehran bureau chief of NHK, Japan’s public broadcaster, who was taken into custody by local authorities on January 20 as per ANI reports. Japan weighs strategic minesweeping Japan is carefully balancing regional security concerns, energy needs, and legal constraints on military action. The potential deployment of the SDF for minesweeping in the Strait of Hormuz would be a conditional, strategic measure to safeguard safe maritime passage. Meanwhile, Japan continues diplomatic efforts to ensure the safety of its citizens in the Middle East. (With ANI Inputs)
22 March,2026 01:18 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Defence said on Sunday that it was successful in the interception of several aerial threats over the kingdom’s capital and eastern regions, reported the ANI. Military officials stated that four more drones were shot down over the Eastern Province. This action follows a series of attempted attacks targeting residential areas and economic hubs. Earlier, Saudi forces had intercepted a ballistic missile over Riyadh, demonstrating the kingdom’s active air defense capabilities. In the early hours of the morning, the Saudi Civil Defence issued a warning to the public about potential aerial threats. The alert was cancelled seven minutes later after authorities assessed the situation and confirmed that the danger had passed, according to the ANI. Saudi Arabia condemns Iran’s actions The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly condemned what it described as blatant Iranian attacks on Saudi Arabia, other Gulf countries, and several Arab and Islamic nations. In a statement released via the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the ministry highlighted that Iran’s repeated targeting of Saudi sovereignty, civilian objects, economic interests, and diplomatic premises constitutes a violation of international law. The ministry noted that Iran’s actions contradict principles of good neighbourliness, the Beijing Agreement, and UN Security Council Resolution 2817. It also pointed out that Iran’s rhetoric about Islamic brotherhood and faith is not reflected in its military actions. Expulsion of Iranian diplomats Following the attacks, Saudi Arabia declared several Iranian diplomats as personae non gratae, ordering them to leave the kingdom within 24 hours. This includes the military attache, assistant military attache, and three mission staff members, the news agency reported. Saudi authorities warned that continued aggression could lead to further escalation with serious consequences for bilateral relations. Right to defend territory Invoking Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, Saudi Arabia reaffirmed its right to defend its territory, airspace, citizens, residents, resources, and interests. The kingdom emphasized it will take all necessary measures to safeguard national security and preserve sovereignty. These incidents occur amid ongoing regional tensions involving Iran, the United States, and Israel. Saudi Arabia has stressed that it will continue monitoring threats and take swift action to prevent harm to its citizens, infrastructure, and strategic interests. (With ANI Inputs)
22 March,2026 11:15 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAmid the ongoing global supply chain crisis, a large cargo ship carrying liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) from the US state of Texas has successfully docked at Mangalore Port. The vessel, Pyxis Pioneer, delivered critical LPG supplies, ensuring continuity of energy supplies on India’s west coast. Earlier this week, another Indian-flagged LPG tanker, ‘Nanda Devi’, arrived at Vadinar Port in Gujarat, following the docking of ‘Shivalik’ at Mundra Port. These shipments faced a hazardous journey through the Strait of Hormuz, where maritime traffic has been disrupted due to the ongoing conflict involving Iran, the US, and Israel. Russian crude oil reaches India Before the Pyxis Pioneer arrived, another vessel carrying Russian crude oil reached Mangalore Port, stationed about 18 nautical miles from the coast. The oil is being transferred through the single-point mooring system to pipelines for delivery to MRPL as per IANS reports. This shipment follows a temporary general license issued by the US, allowing the sale of Russian crude already stranded at sea as of March 12. The move aims to stabilize global fuel prices amid tensions in the Middle East. India has sharply increased its purchases of Russian oil, using the US license to manage supply disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict involving Iran. Indian shipping and safety monitoring India currently has 22 Indian-flagged vessels with 611 seafarers in the western Persian Gulf region. The Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping) is actively monitoring their safety, coordinating with ship owners, RPSL agencies, and Indian Missions. These efforts aim to ensure the safe arrival of critical LPG and crude supplies amid geopolitical tensions and disruptions in Middle Eastern shipping routes. US lifted temporary sanctions on Iranian oil In addition to Russian oil, the United States has temporarily lifted sanctions on Iranian oil stranded at sea to ease rising global crude prices. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed that the move will make 140 million barrels of Iranian oil available for global markets. He clarified that the authorization is short-term and applies only to oil already in transit, without allowing new purchases or production. Iran is the head of the snake for global terrorism, and through President Trump’s Operation Epic Fury, we are winning this critical fight at an even faster pace than anticipated. In response to Iran’s terrorist attacks against global energy infrastructure, the Trump… — Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent (@SecScottBessent) March 20, 2026 (With IANS Inputs)
22 March,2026 11:11 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA Russian drone attack on the city of Zaporizhzhia killed at least two people on Saturday, a Ukrainian official said, ahead of expected US-Ukraine talks. The attack came ahead of the expected US-Ukraine talks, which Ukrainian state media reported would take place later in the day in Miami. Trilateral talks involving Russia, which have yet to produce any breakthrough on key issues, have been on ice while the Iran war has dominated international attention. The White House did not confirm any meeting with the Ukrainian delegation. “The pause is temporary; we hope it’s temporary regarding the continuation of the trilateral format,” said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
22 March,2026 09:48 AM IST | Kyiv | AgenciesADVERTISEMENT
-1774184658914_d.png?tr=w-436,h-271 "Representational image. AFP")
-1774178344143_d.png "Officials in Hawaii ordered some 4,000 people living near an aging dam on the island of Oahu to evacuate the area immediately. Pic/AFP")
-1774179693131_d.png "Representational Image")
-1774183345525_d.png "Saudi Arabia intercepts Iranian drone amid West Asia conflict. Representational pic. (AFP)")
-1774176910720_d.png "Israeli Home Front Command officers inspect an apartment building struck by an Iranian missile. (Pic/Afp)")
-1774174085792_d.png "Violence in Pakistan highest since 2013, IEP report warns. Representational Pic")
-1774163054005_d.png "Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi. Pic/ X (@moteging)")
-1774157960326_d.png "A projectile hits a residential compound in Saudi Arabia’s Al Kharj area earlier this month. FILE PIC")
-1774155469307_d.png "DG Shipping monitors Indian vessels as critical oil and gas reach the country. Representational Pic")
