Trump rules out agreement with Iran without 'unconditional surrender'

IANS | March 6, 2026 8:45 PM

Washington, March 6 (IANS) US President Donald Trump on Friday said there would be no agreement with Iran unless Tehran accepts what he described as "unconditional surrender", outlining a hardline position on the future of the Iranian leadership and the country’s political direction.

Operation 'Roaring Lion' against Iran making 'great progress': Israeli PMO spokesperson (IANS interview)

Lomas Jha | March 6, 2026 8:32 PM

Tel Aviv, March 6 (IANS) David Mencer, the spokesman for the Israeli Prime Minister's Office, has said that Operation 'Roaring Lion' launched by the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) and US against Iran is making "great progress" as the conflict entered its sixth day on Friday. In an exclusive interview with IANS, Mencer said that Iranian ballistic missile sites, which were a threat to Israel and other countries in the region, have been destroyed.

Philippines' ASEAN chairmanship faces delicate balancing act amid rising tensions: Report

IANS | March 6, 2026 7:36 PM

Kuala Lumpur, March 6 (IANS) With growing regional tensions in South-East Asia, the Philippines’ ASEAN chairmanship will be evaluated not by new declarations but by how effectively it can stabilise the bloc through prudent diplomacy, sustain dialogue among fragmented stakeholders, and ensure the forum’s relevance in addressing shared challenges, a report detailed.

Qatar Energy Minister warns oil could touch $150 in weeks if Iran war continues

IANS | March 6, 2026 6:14 PM

New Delhi, March 6 (IANS) Qatar’s Energy Minister Saad al-Kaabi has warned that war in the Middle East continuing for a "few days" could cause Gulf exporters declaring force majeure, halting deliveries, pushing oil to $150 a barrel and natural gas to $40 per MMBtu (Metric Million British Thermal Unit) within weeks.

IMF faces flak in Pakistan media

IANS | March 6, 2026 4:46 PM

New Delhi, March 6 (IANS) The mismanagement of Pakistan as a polity by its ruling elite has landed the country in periodic crises, which have been as much political as economic, and the resulting economic turmoil has necessitated 25 IMF programmes, each of which has compounded the country’s structural problems rather than providing a pathway to sustainable growth and development, a Pakistani media report said.

India and Switzerland discuss strengthening bilateral ties across diverse sectors

IANS | March 6, 2026 4:43 PM

New Delhi, March 6 (IANS) Sibi George, Secretary (West) at the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), held a meeting with visiting Swiss State Secretary of Foreign Affairs Alexandre Fasel on the sidelines of the 11th Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi on Friday with discussions focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation across various sectors.