Oil markets are reeling after a dramatic surge in crude prices following rising geopolitical tensions in West Asia. US President Donald Trump has defended the spike in global energy costs, calling it a temporary sacrifice in the broader push to dismantle Iran’s nuclear capability and safeguard long-term global security. As crude prices surge to levels not seen since 2022, global markets are feeling the pressure. U.S. oil futures have crossed the $108 per barrel mark while Brent Crude Oil has jumped sharply, reflecting investor fears of deeper supply disruptions across the Gulf region. Despite the economic turbulence, Trump insists the short-term pain is necessary if it leads to a nuclear-free Iran and long-term stability in the region. Critics, however, warn that sustained energy price spikes could weigh heavily on global growth, consumer spending and already fragile supply chains. WATCH

Tensions in the West Asia have surged dramatically after Iran launched a fresh wave of missile strikes toward Israel, shortly after Mojtaba Khamenei was appointed as the country’s new supreme leader. Iran’s state broadcaster IRIB confirmed that the first wave of missiles was launched under Mojtaba’s leadership, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing Iran-Israel confrontation. While military developments unfolded across the region, unrest was also reported inside Iran. Videos from Tehran captured protesters chanting anti-Mojtaba slogans, with women’s voices clearly heard rejecting the leadership transition. Demonstrations broke out in parts of the capital even as religious chants echoed in the background. WATCH