“The U.S. and Israel launched their war on Iran on February 28.”

“U.S. President Donald Trump said overthrowing the Iranian government was his objective.”

“The Iranian government did not just survive the initial blow, but retaliated with missile and drone attacks at Israel and across the Persian Gulf, targeting American bases in the region.”

“The U.S. and Israel continued their air strikes, and Iran kept retaliating.”

“Mr. Trump has declared victory several times over the past week.”

“He said the U.S. was very close to meeting its military objectives such as destroying Iran’s navy, air force and missile capabilities.”

“Both the Pentagon and the Israel Defence Forces had earlier claimed that they had targeted most of Iran’s missile launchers.”

“Despite such claims, Iran continued to launch missiles and drones.”

“Last week, Israel attacked Iran’s South Pars gas field, and Tehran retaliated by targeting energy facilities in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait and Israel.”

“After the Iranian retaliation, Mr. Trump distanced himself from the South Pars attack, saying Israel would not target the Iranian oil field again, and warned Iran against attacking Qatar’s gas facilities any more.”

“The Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime chokepoint which the Iranians have effectively shut after the war broke out.”

“India’s response: This is worrying for the global economy, particularly for India which is dependent on imports to meet most of its energy requirements.”

“Now emphasizes avoiding civilian infrastructure attacks.”

“The U.S. media reported that the Trump administration is sending additional marines to West Asia in possible preparation for a ground offensive.”

“India’s position since the war broke out has triggered intense debates in the country. New Delhi condemned Iran’s attacks on Gulf states, but not the strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran, including the assassination of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader, on February 28.”

“India also co-sponsored a UN Security Council resolution that only condemned strikes by Iran on its neighbours.”

“Mr. Trump earlier sought help from his allies in Europe and Asia, as well as China to open the Strait.”

“It now increasingly looks like reopening the Strait of Hormuz has become the main objective of the ongoing war effort.”

“In the face of Iran’s threats, Mr. Trump said on Monday that he would halt attacks on Iran’s power facilities for five days.”

“The publication date of the article is March 23, 2026.”

“Mr. Pezeshkian, on his part, referred to the current presidency of India in the BRICS and said it should play an 'independent role' in bringing the attacks by the U.S. and Israel to a 'halt'.”

“Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 21 spoke with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and urged for 'freedom of navigation', indicating India’s growing concern over disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.”

“While no country was willing to join his war, he said the U.S. did not want anybody’s help.”

“The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has responded saying any attack on Iran’s power facilities would trigger immediate retaliation against power plants across the Persian Gulf.”

“Israel then struck Iran’s Natanz nuclear plant. In response, Iranian missiles targeted Dimona, which hosts Israel’s nuclear facilities.”

“A prolonged war, which is unpopular at home, could come with a political cost.”

“Mr. Trump faces a dilemma here. Oil and gas prices are rising.”

“On March 23, Mr. Trump threatened to bomb Iran’s power plants unless the Strait is opened in 48 hours.”