Tehran Resumes Commercial Flights as Pakistan Brokers Indirect US-Iran Talks

Tehran’s Imam Khomeini International Airport resumed commercial operations on Saturday, marking a significant step towards normalcy as Islamabad hosts a high-stakes diplomatic push to salvage ceasefire negotiations between the United States and Iran.

  In a major development for regional aviation and diplomacy, Iran has reopened its primary international gateway to commercial traffic for the first time since large-scale hostilities with the U.S. and Israel erupted two months ago. The resumption of flights coincides with a critical diplomatic mission in Pakistan, where top officials are attempting to bridge the gap between Tehran and Washington to prevent a return to active combat.

Aviation sector sees partial revival

State-run media in Tehran confirmed that the first batch of commercial flights departed from Imam Khomeini International Airport on Saturday morning. Destinations included Istanbul, Muscat, and Medina, signaling a cautious reopening of Iranian airspace. While the country had partially relaxed air travel restrictions earlier this month, the full resumption of international schedules at the capital's main hub is being viewed as a litmus test for the durability of the current ceasefire.

Pakistan hosts indirect diplomatic efforts

The diplomatic spotlight has shifted to Islamabad, where Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held extensive meetings with Pakistan’s top civil and military leadership. These discussions serve as a precursor to the expected arrival of U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. However, hopes for a historic face-to-face meeting were dampened as Tehran officially ruled out direct negotiations, insisting that all communication be mediated through Pakistani officials.

Energy markets react to developments

The economic stakes of the conflict remain high, primarily due to the continued disruption of the Strait of Hormuz. In response to the volatility, U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a 90-day extension to the Jones Act waiver, aimed at stabilizing global energy prices. Brent crude oil prices showed immediate sensitivity to the news, fluctuating between $103 and $107 per barrel as the maritime blockade on Iranian ports continues to squeeze global supply chains.

Human cost of the conflict

Despite the current pause in fighting, the human toll over the last 60 days has been devastating. Official reports indicate that over 3,375 people have been killed in Iran, while Lebanese authorities have recorded nearly 2,500 fatalities. The conflict has also claimed the lives of 13 U.S. service members and 15 Israeli soldiers. International peacekeeping efforts have not been spared, with UNIFIL reporting the death of an Indonesian peacekeeper this week.

Tensions persist on Lebanese border

While a three-week extension of the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah was recently announced, the situation on the ground remains precarious. The Israeli military reported downing a drone over Lebanon today, while Hezbollah claimed to have intercepted an Israeli UAV near Tyre. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has characterized the truce as a step toward "historic peace," yet evacuation orders in southern Lebanese villages suggest that a full de-escalation is still far off.

Regional security and naval standoffs

The maritime environment remains a flashpoint for potential escalation. While flights have resumed, the U.S. military maintains a strict "shoot and kill" order against small vessels suspected of mine-laying activities in the Persian Gulf. Iran, meanwhile, continues to exert significant control over traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway essential for a fifth of the world’s oil shipments, keeping global maritime trade in a state of high alert.

Outlook for the Islamabad talks

The success of the "Islamabad Channel" depends heavily on whether the indirect messages carried by Pakistani intermediaries can find common ground on Tehran’s nuclear program and the lifting of blockades. With the ceasefire currently indefinite but fragile, the next 48 hours in the Pakistani capital will likely determine if the region moves toward a formal treaty or slides back into a broader confrontation.

Trump declares ‘overwhelming victory’ in Iran; Navy and Air Force decimated

In his first national address since the commencement of military operations, US President Donald Trump announced the near-total destruction of Iran's military infrastructure, sending global markets into a tailspin.

US President Donald Trump has declared that American forces have achieved "swift, decisive, and overwhelming victories" in the ongoing conflict against Iran. Speaking from the White House in a prime-time national address, Trump claimed that Operation Epic Fury has effectively neutralised Iran’s naval and aerial capabilities, marking a significant turning point in the month-long military campaign conducted in coordination with Israel.

Military infrastructure systematically dismantled

According to the President, the US-led offensive has systematically crippled the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and destroyed key military assets. Trump asserted that Iran’s navy is "absolutely destroyed" and its air force lies in ruins.

The operation reportedly targeted advanced missile and drone programmes, including weaponry that officials suggest was previously unknown to international intelligence. "We took them all out," Trump stated, confirming that the strategic objective was to deny Tehran a nuclear shield.

Shift in regional power dynamics

The President framed the conflict as a necessary pre-emptive strike to prevent Iran from crossing the nuclear threshold. While he had previously suggested satellite monitoring of uranium stockpiles was sufficient, his tone shifted to one of absolute military necessity.

He noted that while regime change was not the formal goal, the decimation of top-tier leadership has led to a "less radical" emerging group. Trump indicated that the US is "finishing the job," with a projected timeline of two to three weeks for total mission completion.

Global markets react sharply

The address triggered immediate volatility across international financial hubs. In India, the Latest News Today indicates a sharp bearish trend as the Sensex plummeted over 1,400 points, while the Nifty struggled to maintain the 22,250 mark.

Investor anxiety was mirrored in East Asia, where the KOSPI dropped 2.6% and the Nikkei fell 1.5%. Market analysts suggest that the uncertainty surrounding the Strait of Hormuz and potential energy supply disruptions are driving the sell-off.

Crude oil prices surge

Energy markets responded to the escalatory rhetoric with Brent Crude prices witnessing a steep rise. Despite Trump’s assertion that the US "does not need their oil," the threat to global maritime chokepoints remains a primary concern for importing nations.

The President criticised allies for not taking a more active role in securing the Strait of Hormuz. He clarified that the US would not bear sole responsibility for reopening the shipping lanes, as domestic energy independence has reduced American reliance on the region.

Diplomatic failure led to war

Trump used a portion of his speech to criticise his predecessors, arguing that the Iranian "thuggish regime" should have been dealt with decades ago. He cited historical grievances, including the 1983 Marine barracks bombing, as justification for the current intensity.

"My first preference was always diplomacy," Trump remarked, adding that the continued pursuit of nuclear weapons by Tehran left Washington with no choice but to deploy "overwhelming force" to protect the American homeland and its Middle Eastern allies.

Humanitarian and sector impact

This India News Update highlights growing concerns regarding the impact of the conflict on the Indian diaspora and trade routes. While the US claims to be dismantling a "campaign of terror," the economic ripples are being felt by the common man through rising fuel costs.

Government Updates from New Delhi are expected shortly, as the Ministry of External Affairs monitors the safety of Indian nationals in the Gulf. The English News Portal India will continue to track the diplomatic fallout of this unprecedented military escalation.

Future outlook for conflict

As the US enters what Trump calls the final phase of Operation Epic Fury, the threat of further strikes remains. The President warned that if a comprehensive deal is not reached quickly, the US is prepared to strike Iran’s electrical grid "simultaneously and very hard."

With the core strategic objectives nearing completion, the international community remains on edge. Whether this military success leads to a stable regional order or further chaos depends on the transition of power within Tehran and the reopening of global trade routes. This National and International News story continues to evolve as the world assesses the reality of a post-conflict Iran.

Indian equity benchmarks staged a sharp rebound on Tuesday, with the Sensex surging over 1,372 points to reclaim the 74,000 mark and the Nifty climbing nearly 400 points, driven by positive global cues after US President Donald Trump announced a five-day pause on planned military strikes against Iranian energy infrastructure.

The BSE Sensex closed at 74,068, up 1,372 points or 1.89 per cent from Monday’s close. The NSE Nifty settled at 22,958, gaining 445 points or 1.98 per cent. Banking and auto stocks led the buying, reflecting renewed investor confidence amid easing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

Strong Buying in Key Sectors

Banking shares witnessed robust demand as the Nifty Bank index rose sharply. Auto majors also posted solid gains, contributing significantly to the broader market rally. Market participants noted broad-based buying across most sectors, with only a few pockets of selling.

Traders attributed the bounceback to Trump’s announcement late on Monday that he had instructed a postponement of strikes on Iranian power plants and energy facilities following what he described as productive talks with Tehran. The development reduced immediate fears of supply disruptions in the global oil market.

Oil Prices Volatile Amid Pause

Crude oil prices remained in focus. Brent crude rose about 4 per cent to trade above $104 per barrel during the session, while the Indian crude oil basket hovered near elevated levels around $150 per barrel. Earlier, prices had eased sharply when Trump first signalled the delay, dropping from highs near $113, but they regained some ground on Tuesday.

Analysts said the five-day window for diplomacy offered temporary relief to energy-sensitive sectors in India, though long-term concerns over the India-Middle East conflict persist. Domestic fuel prices, however, remained unchanged despite the volatility in global benchmarks.

Rupee Gains Ground

The Indian rupee opened stronger, rising 34 paise to 93.64 against the US dollar from Monday’s close of 93.98. Currency traders pointed to a weaker dollar and improved risk appetite in emerging markets as key factors supporting the local unit.

Global Markets Turn Positive

Asian markets advanced in Tuesday’s trade. Japan’s Nikkei rose 0.77 per cent, South Korea’s Kospi gained 1.74 per cent, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng climbed 1.45 per cent, and China’s Shanghai Composite was up 0.95 per cent.

Overnight, US indices also closed higher. The Dow Jones added 631 points or 1.38 per cent, the Nasdaq Composite rose 1.38 per cent, and the S&P 500 gained 1.15 per cent, reflecting relief over the de-escalation signal from Washington.

Sharp Fall on Monday

The rally on Tuesday came after a bruising session on Monday, when the Sensex had tumbled 1,837 points or 2.46 per cent to close at 72,696, while the Nifty dropped 602 points or 2.60 per cent to 22,513. Banking, auto, metal and FMCG stocks bore the brunt of selling amid heightened worries over the US-Israel-Iran conflict and rising oil prices.

Impact on Indian Economy

The sharp recovery provided some breathing space to domestic investors, who had seen significant erosion in wealth in recent sessions. Lower volatility and a pause in escalation fears could support foreign institutional inflows in the near term. However, analysts cautioned that any breakdown in talks could quickly reverse the sentiment, given India’s heavy dependence on imported crude.

What Lies Ahead

Market watchers will closely track developments in the US-Iran dialogue over the next five days. Any concrete progress toward de-escalation could sustain the momentum in Indian equities. On the domestic front, participants await quarterly earnings from key companies and upcoming policy cues from the government and RBI.

Traders also remain wary of elevated oil prices and their potential pass-through effect on inflation and the current account. With global cues turning supportive for now, the coming sessions will test whether this rebound can hold or if Monday’s losses signal deeper concerns.

The Indian stock markets witnessed a sharp sell-off on Monday, March 23, 2026, as geopolitical tensions escalated following US President Donald Trump's 48-hour ultimatum to Iran over the Strait of Hormuz. The BSE Sensex plunged over 1,800 points to close around 72,757, while the NSE Nifty shed more than 550 points to settle near 22,824, marking one of the steepest single-day declines in recent months.

Sensex Crashes 1,800 Points

Dalal Street opened in deep red amid heavy selling pressure across sectors. The benchmark indices erased gains from Friday's session and extended losses through the day, wiping out significant investor wealth.

Trump's Ultimatum Triggers Panic

The primary trigger was President Trump's stern warning issued late Saturday, demanding Iran fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours or face US strikes on its power plants. Tehran responded defiantly, vowing to target regional energy infrastructure if attacked. The ultimatum heightened fears of further disruption in the key oil shipping route, already strained by the ongoing US-Israel war with Iran now in its fourth week.

Crude Oil Surges Above $112

Brent crude climbed over 1% to trade above $112 per barrel, reflecting supply concerns. The Indian basket price hovered near elevated levels, adding pressure on import-dependent India. Rising energy costs fuelled inflation worries and impacted oil-sensitive sectors.

Sectoral Losses Widespread

All major NSE sectoral indices ended lower. Metals and PSU banks bore the brunt, while broader selling hit IT, financials, and consumer stocks. Midcap and smallcap indices also faced sharp corrections.

Global Cues Turn Negative

Asian markets mirrored the caution, with Japan's Nikkei down around 3%, Hong Kong's Hang Seng falling over 3%, and China's Shanghai Composite declining nearly 2.3%. South Korea's KOSPI showed mixed movement but overall sentiment remained weak. US markets had closed lower on Friday, with Dow Jones down nearly 1%, Nasdaq off 2%, and S&P 500 slipping 1.5%.

FIIs Continue Outflows

Foreign institutional investors maintained selling momentum, offloading shares worth over ₹5,500 crore on Friday. Cumulative March outflows stood at nearly ₹87,000 crore. Domestic institutions provided some counterbalance with purchases exceeding ₹1 lakh crore this month.

Background of Recent Volatility

Markets had rebounded modestly on Friday, with Sensex up 325 points to 74,532 and Nifty gaining 112 points to 23,114, buoyed by temporary relief in oil prices and bargain hunting. However, the weekend escalation reversed that trend swiftly.

Official and Market Reactions

Analysts pointed to the combination of geopolitical risks, elevated crude, and FII exits as key drivers. Market participants remained on edge as the 48-hour deadline approached, with potential for further volatility depending on developments in the Middle East.

Impact on Economy and Investors

The sharp decline raised concerns over rupee stability, corporate earnings, and broader economic growth. Higher oil prices could widen the current account deficit and stoke inflation. Retail investors faced significant erosion in portfolio values amid the uncertainty.

What Lies Ahead

Traders will closely monitor any response to the ultimatum and military developments. A de-escalation could trigger a rebound, but prolonged tensions risk sustained pressure on equities. Support levels near 22,500 for Nifty and 72,000 for Sensex will be tested in the coming sessions.

Black Monday on Dalal Street underscores how global events, particularly energy supply risks, continue to dictate sentiment in India's equity markets.

Analysts highlight Gulf countries restraint in the Middle East war as leaders defend key energy infrastructure without full retaliation, preventing the regional crisis from spiralling into a wider global shock.

Energy Infrastructure Under Attack  

Iran has struck multiple strategic facilities across the Gulf, including Mina al-Ahmadi and Mina Abdullah in Kuwait as well as Ras Laffan in Qatar. These sites form the backbone of crude oil and natural gas production and exports in the region.

Calculated Survival Strategy  

Gulf nations have responded with defensive measures, intercepting incoming drones and missiles. Yet they have stopped short of offensive action or joining the US-Israel alliance. Officials describe this as a well-calculated move to limit further damage to their economies already strained by sanctions and supply disruptions.

Sectarian Tensions Loom Large  

The region remains predominantly Muslim, with deep Shia-Sunni divides. Iran’s Shia influence contrasts with Sunni-majority Gulf states such as Saudi Arabia. Any full-scale retaliation risks transforming the current conflict into a broader Islamist civil war, a scenario Saudi Arabia has explicitly warned against by noting its patience is now limited.

Heavy Reliance on US Forces  

While Gulf countries possess advanced defensive systems like Patriot missiles supplied by the United States, their offensive capabilities depend heavily on American military bases in Kuwait, Qatar and other locations. Analysts note that full war participation could expose them if Washington chooses to step back, leaving them vulnerable against Iran’s established offensive network through the IRGC.

Economic and Inflation Risks  

Disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz have already pushed up global oil and natural gas prices. This mirrors the energy shock from the Russia-Ukraine war and threatens fresh inflationary pressures worldwide. The United States, a major producer and consumer of crude, is particularly wary as domestic cost-of-living concerns persist despite earlier promises to control inflation.

Investment Hub at Risk  

Over the past decade, Gulf states have successfully diversified beyond energy, attracting billions in foreign direct investment. Projects in AI, data centres and complex engineering have tripled since 2018. A full-front war would shatter this image of a safe investment zone and force companies to redirect capital elsewhere, potentially benefiting alternative destinations.

Refugee Crisis Fears  

Escalation could trigger large-scale outward movement from Iran and surrounding areas, repeating the humanitarian crises seen earlier in Iraq, Syria and Libya. Gulf leaders fear the resulting trafficking, militia activity and strain on domestic stability would prove difficult to manage.

Limits of Calculated Restraint  

Diplomacy remains the preferred route so far. However, experts caution that restraint is not indefinite. Direct strikes on desalination plants, which supply water to millions, or attacks on ruling families could force a shift to offensive action. Complete closure of the Strait of Hormuz would also collapse the economic lifeline of these nations.

The ongoing crisis continues to draw global attention as a public interest story with far-reaching implications for energy security. India News Update platforms and international observers watch closely for any policy shifts that could affect National and International News flows. Government Updates from the region stress the need for de-escalation at the negotiating table.

As developments unfold minute by minute, Gulf countries restraint in the Middle East war reflects a clear priority: protecting livelihoods, economic diversification and regional stability over immediate retaliation. Whether this approach holds or gives way to stronger action depends on how the conflict evolves in the coming days.

The Middle East remains on a knife-edge as the Iran conflict enters its seventh consecutive day of heavy kinetic warfare. What began on February 28 has rapidly escalated into a regional crisis, leaving major commercial hubs like Dubai ghost towns and claiming the lives of high-ranking officials, including reports confirming the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei.

As of Friday, joint Israeli and US forces continued to launch precision missile strikes against key Iranian infrastructure, following a three-day blitz where over 5,000 bombs were reportedly dropped. The human toll is staggering, with over 1,200 casualties reported within Iranian borders.

A Region Under Fire: Cluster Bombs and Drone Strikes

The nature of the weaponry used marks a grim turning point in the Iran conflict. Intelligence reports suggest that Iranian forces deployed cluster munitions against Israeli targets late Thursday. These "bombs within bombs" are designed to saturate large areas, significantly increasing the risk to civilians.

The reach of the "shadow war" has now extended well beyond the immediate borders of the primary combatants:

• Dubai: A high-rise building was engulfed in flames following an Iranian strike on Thursday night.

• Bahrain: The Hilton Hotel in the Jufair area was struck by an Iranian drone, sparking massive fires.

• Kuwait: Smoke was seen billowing from the Ali Al Salem airbase in the Al-Jahra area after a targeted Iranian missile strike on Friday morning.

Empty Streets and Economic Paralysis

The most visible sign of the war’s impact on daily life is the Dubai market impact. Once the bustling commercial heart of the world, Dubai's markets are now largely deserted. Residents are venturing out only for essential groceries, and the city’s world-famous beaches are eerily empty of tourists.

This economic paralysis reflects a deep-seated fear that the conflict could expand into a total regional blockade, disrupting global oil supplies and shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz.

The Humanitarian Crisis in Lebanon

Parallel to the strikes in Iran, the Israeli military has intensified its campaign against Hezbollah targets in Lebanon. On Friday, the southern suburbs of Beirut were hit by a fresh wave of US-Israeli airstrikes, forcing a mass exodus.

The Israeli military issued mandatory evacuation orders for entire districts, leading to:

• Over 100,000 displaced persons in less than 48 hours.

• Gridlocked highways as families flee in trucks, vans, and overloaded cars.

• Total disruption of essential services in the Lebanese capital.

Global Political Fallout: Protests in Italy

The ripples of the Iran conflict have reached Europe. In the Italian Parliament's lower house, a heated debate over the war turned into a visual protest on Friday. Members of the Green and Left Alliances brandished anti-American banners, chanting slogans against the Trump administration's involvement in the escalation.

What’s Next?

As the international community calls for a ceasefire, the lack of a clear diplomatic channel—compounded by the reported death of Iran's top leadership—suggests the volatility will continue. Travelers are advised to avoid the Gulf region entirely, and global markets are bracing for a period of extreme instability.