Pakistan, which was engaged in making a deal between Iran and America, can now enter into war also. Such speculations are being made because Yemen’s Houthi rebels have fired missiles at Saudi Arabia. After this attack, Islamabad may find it difficult to maintain good relations with both Saudi and Iran.

Pakistan had signed a defense deal with Saudi Arabia last year, after which thousands of its soldiers are deployed in Saudi Arabia. Now there is a fear that tension between Saudi and Iran may increase, which may also drag Pakistan into war.

This is our red line: PAK

A Pakistani official told Reuters, ‘Our government and Field Marshal have made it clear to Iran’s top leadership that attacks on Saudi Arabia are attacks on Pakistan. This is our red line.

Islamabad had previously expressed concern about Iran’s attacks on Saudi Arabia, but officials and analysts told Reuters that the recent Houthi attacks have greatly increased Islamabad’s concerns. Security expert Muhammad Aamir Rana said that Pakistan did not expect tension to increase so quickly. Officials also fear that further attacks by Houthi rebels could threaten the security of Pakistani troops deployed near the Saudi-Yemen border and increase pressure on Islamabad to retaliate under the defense agreement with Riyadh.

What is Pakistan worried about?

Retired Pakistani General Ghulam Mustafa said that the leadership is still trying to pacify both the sides. However, he warned that the situation could change if the Houthis increase their attacks inside Saudi Arabia. Islamabad is also worried that conflict in this region could disrupt maritime trade through the Red Sea.

Also read- Cruel face of Pakistan Army! 56 murdered in PoK in 38 days, dead bodies not even returned, protesters threaten Asim Munir

Will Iran accept Pakistan’s mediation?
According to the report, recent Houthi-Saudi tensions have made Pakistan’s role as a mediator between the US and Iran more difficult, although Pakistan helped broker an interim agreement between the two countries last month. A Pakistani official said that despite the growing frustration, Pakistan is committed to mediation.

The Pakistani official told Reuters, ‘Yes, there is disappointment, but it does not mean that we are abandoning mediation between the two sides. We have invested a lot in this and we are interested in continuing it.
Pakistan Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tahir Andrabi on Thursday appealed to all parties to exercise restraint. He said, ‘There is no substitute for sustained engagement, dialogue and diplomacy.’

Also read- Will China support India for permanent membership in UNSC? Gave a big statement regarding the claim, said- ‘Our…’

Since US President Donald Trump’s announcement of ending the peace agreement with Iran, there is a constant smell of gunpowder in West Asia. America is continuously attacking Iranian targets. On the other hand, the Iranian government has strongly condemned these American attacks.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry has issued an official statement on Thursday (July 16, 2026) regarding the continuous attacks by America. In the statement, the Iranian Foreign Ministry has strongly condemned the American attacks and termed them as war crimes against the Iranian nation.

What did Iran say on American attacks?

Iran’s Foreign Ministry said, ‘America has violated its promises made under the Islamabad Agreement. Along with this, these attacks are also a blatant violation of the United Nations Charter and the basic principles of international law.

In an exclusive interview with Press TV, Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei says the US aggression against the country is a blatant violation of international law and the MoU signed between the two parties.

Follow: https://t.co/B3zXG73Jym pic.twitter.com/7CvrvEgEIk

— Press TV (@PressTV) July 16, 2026

The ministry said, ‘Iran will use all available means to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Iran’s retaliation does not diminish the responsibility of the United Nations (UN) and the international community to hold those who take aggressive actions accountable.

from Iran UN threaten and US accused on

Iran’s Foreign Ministry has threatened in its official statement that if America continues to show indifference and no action is taken against the violations of international law, it could have serious consequences for the world in the long run.

Iran said that America violated the Islamabad agreement brokered just 20 days after signing it. Tehran has alleged that Washington has again taken aggressive action against it in direct violation of many provisions of the Islamabad Agreement and America will be responsible for whatever consequences its action may have.

Iran’s appeal to neighboring Gulf countries

During this time, the Iranian Foreign Ministry has also appealed to the neighboring countries of the Persian Gulf not to allow their land to be used for any action against Iran. Permanent security in the region can be ensured only through cooperation, mutual understanding and trust among regional countries. Regional security must be established without any foreign military presence and without destructive US interference.

Also read: Amidst the dangerous US bombing, Iran is now going to press that ‘vein’ due to which Trump will be forced, there will be ‘oil fire’ in the world.

Diesel-ATF Export Duty Hike: Taking a big decision, the Central Government has today increased the windfall tax on diesel and ATF (Air Turbine Fuel). The new windfall tax has come into effect from today, July 16. Along with increasing the export duty on diesel and aviation turbine fuel (ATF), the government has reduced the tax on export of petrol. The government has taken this decision at a time when global crude oil prices are rising once again amid geopolitical tension.

new windfall tax

According to the latest notification issued by the Finance Ministry, the export duty on petrol has been reduced from Rs 4 per liter to Rs 2.5 per liter. At the same time, export duty on diesel has been increased from Rs 8.5 per liter to Rs 15.5 per liter and levy on Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) has also been increased from Rs 7.5 per liter to Rs 14.5 per liter. With the change in windfall tax, the government has not made any change in fuel prices. Their rates are stable across the country.

Why did the government take this decision?

The government regularly reviews the windfall tax every 15 days based on the prices of crude oil in the international market. The government’s objective of increasing the windfall tax is to ensure that oil companies do not sell all the fuel to foreign countries in the pursuit of profit and that there is sufficient stock of it within the country. When crude oil prices start skyrocketing in the global markets, the margins of refining companies in the country increase significantly.

These companies start earning huge profits by selling diesel and ATF at expensive prices in foreign countries. If exports increase too much due to the greed for profit, there may be a shortage of fuel in the country. To avoid such a situation, the government charges double tax on exports so that it becomes less profitable for companies to sell oil abroad and domestic needs can also be met.

impact on common consumers

Since this is a tax applicable on fuel export, it does not have any impact on the retail prices of petrol and diesel. That means it has no direct impact on the general public.

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Currency Update: The effect of increasing tension between America and Iran is now visible on India’s pockets as well. On Thursday, the Indian rupee opened at 96.2475 against the dollar. It has reached very close to its lowest level of 96.96 made in May. The rupee has weakened by about 1.7% so far this month.

Why is the rupee weakening?

The biggest reason for this is the rising prices of crude oil. After increasing US-Iran tension, Brent crude has reached above $ 85 per barrel. There is a fear that if the situation worsens, the oil supply from Hormuz may be further affected. A large part of the world sends oil through this route. India buys more than 85% of its crude oil needs from abroad, hence as soon as oil becomes expensive, the demand for dollars increases and the rupee starts weakening.

How much is a 14.2 kg domestic gas cylinder being sold in your place today? Check commercial rate also

Why did the market panic due to increasing tension?

On Wednesday, America attacked Iran’s coastal defense and missile bases. After this, Iran warned of further reducing energy exports. In such a situation, the world fears that oil supply may be affected. For this reason, investors turned towards the US dollar which was considered safe, which further increased the pressure on the rupee.

Why is the effect of RBI’s efforts not visible?

A few weeks ago, when crude oil became cheaper, the Reserve Bank had taken several steps to increase the inflow of dollars. It was expected that the rupee would strengthen but now oil has become expensive again. Due to increase in demand for dollars in the market, the effect of those steps of RBI has weakened.

What effect will it have on your pocket?

• Both weak rupee and expensive oil can increase the expenses of common people.
• Petrol and diesel can be expensive.
• Due to cost of air fuel, flight tickets may become expensive.
• The prices of mobiles, laptops and other imported goods may increase.
• Expenses for studying abroad and traveling abroad may increase.
• Many imported food items can also become expensive.

If the pressure on both oil and rupee continues for a long time, inflation may increase. In such a situation, it may be difficult for RBI to reduce interest rates, which may affect loans and EMIs.

Has the price of petrol and diesel increased from today? Know how much 1 liter fuel is being sold in your city

What will happen next?

Now the whole world is eyeing the next step of America and Iran. If tensions increase, crude oil may become more expensive and the rupee may remain under pressure. If the rupee goes below the level of 96.96 then it will be the weakest level ever against the dollar.

The ongoing war between America and Iran has reached a dangerous level. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump’s former Defense Minister Mark Esper has warned that America cannot win the war with Iran on the basis of air strikes alone. He said that there is little possibility of changing Tehran’s attitude due to continuous bombing.

This statement has come at a time when President Trump has asked to further intensify the attacks on Iran. Due to the increasing war between the two countries, there is an atmosphere of tension in the Middle East. Mark Esper, while talking to ‘Financial Times’, said that military action alone will not provide a permanent solution to this crisis.

Meanwhile, there have been reports of air defense system being activated around Tehran. Explosions have also been reported near Borujard city of Iran. However, it is not yet clear what is the reason for these blasts, nor has any side officially confirmed it.

American aircraft in the sky

On the other hand, on public flight tracking websites, some US military aircraft have been seen flying over the area. These include three KC-135 and two KC-46A refueling aircraft. Apart from this, an E-3 AWACS aircraft has also been seen, which is used for aerial surveillance and early warning.

Aircraft visible on public flight tracking services do not reflect the full picture of military activity. Many military aircraft do not make their location public due to security reasons. In such a situation, the actual military activity may be much more than this.

It is noteworthy that America and Iran have adopted a very aggressive attitude against each other. America has claimed to have destroyed many Iranian targets. On the other hand, Iran has also targeted American military bases.

Also read: On one hand, American fighter planes surrounded Tehran, on the other hand Trump praised Iran, said – ‘Their goodwill…’

Due to the ongoing war between America and Iran, many countries of the world are being affected. Due to this, the prices of crude oil have also increased. After the price of crude oil increased again, the central government has increased the windfall tax on the export of diesel and aviation turbine fuel (ATF). At the same time, tax on export of petrol has been reduced. According to the notification issued by the Finance Ministry, the new rates will come into effect from Thursday (July 16).

The government has increased the export charge on diesel from Rs 8.5 per liter to Rs 15.5 per liter. At the same time, tax on export of ATF has been increased from Rs 7.5 per liter to Rs 14.5 per liter. On the other hand, duty on export of petrol was reduced from Rs 4 per liter to Rs 2.5 per liter.

The price of Brent crude also increased

The government periodically reviews the windfall tax keeping in mind the prices of crude oil in the international market and the profits of the companies. Under the same process, new rates have been announced this time too. A sharp increase in the prices of crude oil has been seen in the month of July. The price of Brent crude has increased by about 17 percent. Earlier, a continuous decline was recorded in April, May and June.

The price of Brent crude increased by about 2 percent to $ 84.73 per barrel. A major reason for this is the increased tension between America and Iran. After America’s attack on Iran, concerns about oil supply have increased. Importantly, the danger in the Strait of Hormuz has increased due to the war. Due to this the fuel supply has been affected.

Let us tell you that on July 1, the government oil companies had reduced the price of ATF by about Rs 5 per liter after the prices fell in the international market. Now with the increase in the price of crude oil, the government has made a new change in the windfall tax.

Also read: ‘Victory will not be achieved through air strikes alone’, Trump’s former defense chief warns America, what did he say about Iran?

America has dropped a tariff bomb on Brazil amid the ongoing war with Iran. President Donald Trump has ordered to impose 25 percent tariff on Brazil. The US has accused Brazil that President Lula da Silva and his government are not cooperating honestly. He said for Lula that he was doing politics instead of accepting the agreement.

America’s Secretary of State Marco Rubio has shared a post on X regarding the tariff. He wrote, ‘President Trump has instructed USTR (United States Trade Representative) to impose a tariff of 25 percent on most goods coming from Brazil. There should be no confusion about the reason behind this decision. President Lula and his government have not negotiated with the United States honestly and in good faith.

Today, President Trump directed USTR to impose a 25% tariff on most Brazilian imports. Let there be no confusion about why: President Lula and his government have not negotiated with the US in good faith.

His economic policies are bad for Americans and bad for Brazilians. For…

—Secretary Marco Rubio (@SecRubio) July 16, 2026

Brazil criticized America regarding tariffs

Brazil has criticized Trump and America on the tariff issue. President Lula has shared a post regarding this on X. He wrote, “It is not right to take unilateral steps against our country. In the last 15 years, America has achieved a surplus of $ 424.5 billion in goods and services from Brazil. In 2025, 76 percent of the imports coming from America will enter Brazil without any import duty and the average effective duty on American products is only 3.1 percent.’

Let us tell you that Trump had imposed tariffs on many countries of the world including India. Now he has dropped a tariff bomb on Brazil. The Brazilian government has said that we will adopt the path of ‘reciprocity law’ against arbitrarily imposed tariffs. Brazil will take this dispute to the World Trade Organization (WTO).

Also read: After the increase in the price of crude oil, the central government took a big decision, increased the windfall tax on diesel and ATF.

There is a war going on between America and Iran. Iran has recently laid to rest its Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei. Iraq also attended Khamenei’s funeral, but now it has stood in a friendly manner with America. Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi met President Donald Trump. This meeting of theirs is much discussed.

Khamenei’s mortal remains were brought to Iraq’s holy city of Najaf. Iraqi government officials and religious leaders, including Prime Minister al-Zaidi, had paid tribute at the official ceremony held at Najaf International Airport, but now al-Zaidi’s meeting with Trump has surprised most people. After this meeting the question is arising whether Iraq is Iran’s friend or enemy.

Donald Trump praised Al-Zaidi after meeting him. Trump said that al-Zaidi has changed the direction of Iraq in a very short time. Trump claimed that he also played an important role during the change of power in Iraq. The US President described al-Zaidi as a strong leader.

There may be an agreement between America and Iraq

Trump also said that Iraq has huge oil reserves and great economic potential. He indicated that major oil investment and partnership agreements between the US and Iraq could be announced soon. According to him, the partnerships formed between the two countries in the energy sector can be included in the biggest agreements.

Let us tell you that the ongoing war between America and Iran has taken a terrible form. Both the countries are continuously taking action against each other. Iran has destroyed many American military bases. On the other hand, America has also damaged many Iranian bases.

Also read: America imposed 25 percent tariff on Brazil, President Lula was furious, what did he say to Trump?

If you think that Dubai is only a city of tall buildings and shopping malls, then you are wrong. The real strength of Dubai is its Jebel Ali port. It is the largest container port in the Middle East and one of the largest container ports in the world. Goods worth millions of dollars move between Asia, Africa, Europe and West Asia from here. Last year this port alone handled 156 lakh container units (TEUs). However, the Persian Gulf is its major weakness, because every ship coming and going here passes through the Strait of Hormuz. For this reason, Dubai has thrown a new dice i.e. Fujairah Port. After all, what is the new port, why is it being built next to Hormuz and what will be the benefit of it…

Dubai’s biggest weakness: Jebel Ali Port

The lifeblood of Dubai’s economy is its famous Jebel Ali Port. It is the largest port in the Middle East and one of the top-10 ports in the world. Goods from all over the world first come here and then go from here to the whole world. But a big limitation of this port is that it is located inside the Persian Gulf. This means that to reach Jebel Ali every ship must first pass through the Strait of Hormuz.

Hormuz is a very narrow sea route, over which Iran has a lot of control. Whenever tension increases between Iran and Western countries, Iran threatens to close Hormuz. Recently, during the US-Iran war, this threat became a reality and Hormuz was closed for some time. When Hormuz was closed, Jebel Ali Port was completely cut off from the world. This is the weakness that Dubai now wants to eliminate.

Fujairah Port: ‘Plan B’ to bypass Hormuz

To overcome this weakness, UAE decided to convert the port of Fujairah into a ‘mega port’. This responsibility has been taken up by Dubai’s port operator company DP World. Fujairah is an area of ​​UAE which lies directly on the shores of the Indian Ocean. There is no need to pass through the Strait of Hormuz to go to the sea from here. According to the Financial Times report, billions of dollars are being spent on this project so that Fujairah Port can become a strong alternative to Jebel Ali.

According to the report of Independent, the purpose of this new port is not only to transport goods. This will be a huge logistics hub, where there will be huge terminals for storing oil. Fujairah already has a large oil storage infrastructure and it is being expanded further. The idea is to first transport oil from Gulf countries to Fujairah through pipeline. Then without going to Hormuz, it should be sent directly to the whole world through big tankers.

Special features of this project:

• This will include a new multi-purpose port and a new container terminal at the existing port.
• DP World is negotiating a term sheet with government officials.
• According to a senior company official, the new port can be completed in 18 months.
• Fujairah already has a storage capacity of 18 million cubic metres.

DP World is already rerouting cargo from Jebel Ali to the east coast ports of Fujairah and Khor Fakkan.

Why is the construction of Fujairah Port so important?

Experts point out three major requirements for the construction of Fujairah Port:

• Hormuz protected from ‘economic bomb’: This project is a direct answer to the ‘economic bomb’ that Iran can create by closing Hormuz. If ever in the future, Iran closes Hormuz completely and for a long time, then this ‘bypass system’ is being prepared so that the economy of Dubai does not get ruined. It is like an economic insurance policy for Dubai.
• New backbone of oil business: Not only UAE, Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi are also heavily dependent on Hormuz for their oil exports. Saudi Arabia has already built its ‘East-West Pipeline’, which takes oil to the Red Sea. Now Abu Dhabi has also built a huge pipeline which brings its oil directly to Fujairah Port. That is, the entire region is now engaged in creating a strong alternative to Hormuz. Fujairah is going to become the most important center of this strategy.
• New supply chain for the entire Gulf region: This project will give the UAE a permanent and alternative logistics gateway outside Hormuz. The UAE government is already planning to expand the ports of Fujairah, Dibba and Khor Fakkan. Along with this, it is working on the strategy of building roads, railways and pipelines.

How effective will Dubai’s visionary move be?

Dubai is building this new mega port in Fujairah to secure not just one port, but its entire economic future. This is a move that will neutralize Iran’s control over Hormuz. This is proof that the world no longer wants to be a ‘hostage’ of Hormuz and is preparing an alternative that can continue trade and oil supply at any cost. In the coming time, Fujairah Port will emerge not as a competitor to Jebel Ali, but as an ’emergency door’ that will replace it in times of danger.

America has intensified its attacks against Iran. Iran’s Health Minister has claimed that more than 30 civilians have died in America’s recent attack, while 260 have been injured. Ministry spokesperson Hussein Kermanpour gave this information on Wednesday (July 15). He said that the injured included at least 3 women and 6 children. So far, after treating 222 people, they have been discharged from the hospital.

Kermanpour said that these people were injured in the recent US attacks on Iran. Earlier on Wednesday, Iranian government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani had claimed that in recent days, more than 30 civilians have died in American attacks on southern Iran. In a post on social media X, Mohajerani expressed condolences to the families of the deceased. He said that the government will stand with the people with full strength. He described southern Iran as the beating heart of the country.

Claim of death of seven Iranian soldiers in US attacks

On the other hand, according to Iranian news agency Tasnim, the army’s statement said that America fired 13 missiles at Bampur Barracks located in Iranshahr area of ​​Sistan-Baluchistan province of Iran. In this attack, seven soldiers of the 388th Brigade were killed, while many others were injured. The Iranian Army said that the number of casualties could be limited due to the security measures present at the military base.

Iranian Health Ministry says recent US airstrikes have killed at least 35 people and wounded over 300 others, reports AP

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 15, 2026

Explained: Why is UAE building a new port next to the Strait of Hormuz? Breaking Iran’s ‘economic bomb’ or trying to hide its weakness?

According to the Iranian military, the purpose of the American attacks was to cause maximum damage, and for this the guesthouses, security posts and residential facilities of the military base were targeted. The army said that this attack was not limited to only damaging the military base, but its aim was to harm as many people as possible.

IRGC will give a befitting reply to bid attacks

The Iranian army has said that it will respond to the American attack on the Bampur Garrison (military base) in south-east Iran. Terming this attack as cowardice, the Army said that a decisive reply will be given at the appropriate time.

Iran’s big step amid tension with US, hanged a person who protested against the government