Middle East News

As Israeli strikes pound Iran after the killing of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, Israel’s Mossad is reaching out to ordinary Iranians via Telegram and social media, urging them to share intelligence and help bring down the regime.

US intelligence says Iran has not tried to rebuild its nuclear enrichment program after the June 2025 US-Israel strikes. The assessment contradicts Donald Trump’s claim that Tehran posed an “imminent” nuclear threat.

Joe Kent, former head of the National Counterterrorism Center, resigned in protest against the US war with Iran. He said Iran posed no immediate threat and accused officials and media of pushing the US into conflict. A former soldier and Gold Star husband, Kent cited personal loss in opposing the war.

Iranian-Canadian activist Goldie Ghamari backs US–Israel strikes that reportedly killed Ali Khamenei, says Iranians want regime change and predicts a major uprising led by Reza Pahlavi.

Global markets showed a mixed but calm trend as stocks rose and oil prices fluctuated. WTI crude fell while Brent stayed steady near $100/barrel after Iraq resumed limited exports. Investors are focused on US Fed decision and signals on inflation.

Israeli media reports say an overnight strike in Tehran targeted Iran’s Intelligence Minister Esmail Khatib. An Israeli official claimed the operation aimed at senior leadership, but Khatib’s condition remains unknown. The Israel Defense Forces has not confirmed the strike.

US President Donald Trump faces a growing dilemma in the Iran war as protests, oil shocks and global backlash mount. With Iran refusing to surrender, Washington is stuck between escalation and uneasy diplomacy.

UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed condemned ongoing Iranian terrorist attacks, extending condolences to the families of victims from Palestine, Pakistan, Bangladesh, & Nepal, and asserted the UAE's right to self-defence against the aggression.

Oil prices rose on March 17 after fresh attacks hit energy infrastructure in the Middle East, raising fears of supply disruption. Brent crude crossed $102 per barrel, while WTI also gained. Despite tensions, global stock markets remained strong.

A Nowruz greeting video posted by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has sparked online debate, with some users claiming it may be AI-generated. While many questioned visual and audio details, others supported the message and welcomed the outreach to Iranians. The video has also fuelled unverified rumours and conspiracy theories.