Two oil tankers, including the US-owned SafeSea Vishnu, caught fire after reported explosive boat attacks in the Persian Gulf near Basra, Iraq. Officials said 25 crew members were rescued as flames and thick smoke engulfed one of the vessels along a key global oil shipping route.

Videos surfaced online allegedly showing an oil tanker in the Persian Gulf that had come under attack from Iran.

The Iran war and Hormuz tensions push crude above $100, exposing India's reliance on Gulf oil and LNG. Gas rationing, fertiliser supply risks and inflation worries shows the urgency of diversifying sources and building reserves.

The Iran conflict escalates as the US strikes Kharg Island's military targets, warning of further action if shipping is disrupted. Simultaneously, Iran leverages the Strait of Hormuz for diplomatic gains,

By Jonathan Landay, Phil Stewart and Erin Banco WASHINGTON, March 16 (Reuters) - President Donald Trump ⁠was ⁠warned that attacking Iran could trigger retaliation against ⁠U.S. Gulf allies despite his claims on Monday that Tehran's reaction came as a surprise,

Joe Kent, head of the National Counterterrorism Center, has resigned over his opposition to the war in Iran. He had backed President Trump because Trump vowed not to get involved in new wars in the Middle East.