Pentagon blames Iran for Strait of Hormuz disruption

IANS | March 13, 2026 7:12 PM

Washington, March 13 (IANS) The Pentagon on Friday said Iran, not the United States or its allies, was responsible for disruptions to commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical energy corridors.

Iran President Pezeshkian, FM Araghchi among top leaders to make public appearance during Tehran rally

IANS | March 13, 2026 7:05 PM

Tehran, March 13 (IANS) Several top Iranian politicians and officials, including country's President Masoud Pezeshkian, attended an International Quds Day rally in Tehran on Friday, marking their most high-profile public appearance since the joint US-Israel airstrikes that killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other top officials on February 28.

Conducted airstrikes on Pakistan's strategic military installations: Afghan Defence Ministry

IANS | March 13, 2026 6:20 PM

Kabul, March 13 (IANS) Afghanistan's Ministry of National Defence said on Friday that it has conducted strikes on Pakistani military centres and installations in Kohat district of Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in retaliation to the airstrikes launched by Islamabad on Thursday night which resulted in several civilian casualities on the Afghan side.

ASEAN FMs discuss implications of Middle East conflict

IANS | March 13, 2026 5:12 PM

Manila, March 13 (IANS) The Foreign ministers of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on Friday emphasised the importance of an immediate cessation of hostilities in the Middle East, calling upon all parties concerned to exercise utmost self-restraint, avoid any acts that may further aggravate the situation, and resolve differences through diplomacy and dialogue in the interest of maintaining peace and stability in the wider region.

Rising debt threatens Pakistan’s growth, job creation: Report

IANS | March 13, 2026 4:04 PM

New Delhi, March 13 (IANS) Pakistan’s central government debt rose by over Rs 7 trillion in 2025 marking an increase of nearly 10 per cent — a trend that risks diverting resources away from private investment, job creation and public services, a report said on Friday.