Media report claims Mojtaba Khamenei has agreed to negotiate with US; no official confirmation from Iran

India’s economic momentum showed signs of strain in March, with business activity expanding at its slowest pace in nearly three-and-a-half years, as Iran war weighed on demand and sentiment. Preliminary data released by HSBC on March 24 showed the composite PMI slipped to 56.5, down from 58.9 in February, the lowest reading in 41 months. While the index remained firmly in the expansion territory — above the 50-mark that separates growth from contraction — the sharp decline signals a loss of momentum.

Japan will release another part of its strategic oil reserves from Thursday, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said Tuesday, and will tap into joint stockpiles held by producing nations in the country by the end of the month. “In order to secure ‘the necessary amount for the whole of Japan’… we will release the state (oil) reserve from 26th March,” she said in a post on X. “Furthermore, a release from the joint reserve of oil-producing countries is expected to begin in March,” Takaichi added. On March 16, Tokyo started releasing 15 days’ worth of private-sector petroleum reserves.

Recruitment in Army Public School Nagrota

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to make a statement in the Rajya Sabha today on key aspects of the ongoing West Asia conflict and its implications for India’s energy security. A day earlier, Modi addressed the Lok Sabha, describing the situation in the region as “worrisome.” He also said the Centre has made adequate arrangements to ensure fertiliser availability despite concerns over imports, adding that the government has not allowed global crises to burden farmers.

Job Recruitment in AIIMS Vijaypur, Jammu

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-linked Fars News Agency has accused the United States and Israel of targeting a gas administration building and a gas pressure reduction station on the same street in Isfahan. The report said the strikes caused damage to parts of the facilities as well as nearby residential areas.

Fars also reported that the gas pipeline supplying the Khorramshahr power plant in western Iran may have been targeted. However, citing the local governor, it said a projectile landed outside the gas pipeline station and that no casualties were reported.

South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun said he spoke with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi on Monday evening, expressing deep concern over the ongoing conflict and its impact on the global economy.

During the call, Cho urged de-escalation in the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has largely closed to maritime traffic. He called on Tehran to take proactive steps to ensure safe navigation through the critical shipping route.

Cho also sought assurances regarding the safety of vessels and crew still stranded in the strait, including ships owned and operated by South Korean companies.

Brent crude surged back above $100 per barrel on Tuesday as uncertainty persisted over US President Donald Trump’s claims of talks with Iran, which officials in Tehran have denied while urging resistance.

Brent crude rose 2.9% to $102.84 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate climbed 3.5% to $91.20.

Different parts of Kashmir are witnessing donation drives where people are coming forward in an effort to support Iran in the aftermath of the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and the ongoing war in the Middle East. Jewellery, cash, and even small personal savings are being collected at mosques and public places across the Valley, The Indian Express reported.

Asian markets opened higher on Tuesday after US President Donald Trump said he would postpone planned strikes on Iranian power plants.

Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 rose 0.9% by 10:40 am local time, while South Korea’s Kospi gained 1.1%. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index advanced 1.4%.

However, markets remain volatile, with both stocks and oil prices fluctuating as the conflict with Iran continues. The ongoing tensions have heightened concerns of a potential energy crisis across Asia, given the region’s heavy reliance on oil and gas imports shipped through the Strait of Hormuz.

A powerful explosion has been reported at a Valero refinery in Port Arthur, one of the largest oil refining hubs in the United States. Authorities have issued an immediate shelter-in-place advisory for nearby residents as emergency crews rush to the scene. The facility is operated by Valero Energy. Details on casualties and the cause of the blast are still awaited.

Even as Trump warned Iran has “one more chance” at peace, ongoing strikes in Tehran and Beirut highlight the fast-moving and unpredictable nature of the conflict.

According to Lebanon’s health ministry, the death toll from Israeli strikes has reached 1,039, with 2,786 people injured since the conflict began earlier this month.

Israel carried out fresh airstrikes on southern parts of Beirut, expanding its military operations beyond Iran.

Even as talk of negotiations surfaced, United States Central Command said American forces continue to carry out aggressive strikes on targets in Iran.

Iran’s parliamentary speaker rejected Trump’s claims, saying no negotiations with the US are taking place. He described the reports as “fake news” aimed at manipulating global financial and oil markets.

US President Donald Trump said Washington is in discussions with Iran for a “complete and total resolution of hostilities”, adding that Tehran appears serious about peace. He also announced a five-day delay in planned US strikes on Iranian power plants, triggering an immediate drop of about 11% in oil prices.