Speaking after a consultative meeting of Arab and Islamic foreign ministers in Riyadh, bin Farhan accused Tehran of premeditated hostile actions against its neighbours, both directly and through regional proxies, and urged it to halt further escalation.

“This pressure from Iran will backfire politically and morally and certainly we reserve the right to take military actions if deemed necessary,” he told a news conference.

Saudi Arabia’s defence ministry said it intercepted and destroyed four ballistic missiles targeting Riyadh, with debris falling near a refinery south of the capital. Interceptors were seen launched near the venue hosting the diplomatic gathering as ministers from countries including Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Qatar and Syria convened.

The strikes marked a significant moment in the conflict, with residents in Riyadh reporting blasts and receiving warning alerts for the first time since hostilities began.

Saudi authorities say the kingdom has faced hundreds of missiles and drones since the start of the conflict, the vast majority of which have been intercepted.

The escalation follows Iran’s vow to target oil and gas infrastructure across the Gulf after what it described as an Israeli strike on its facilities in the South Pars gas field.

Attacks on Wednesday affected energy sites in Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, raising concerns over global supply disruptions.The widening conflict, now in its third week, has already driven oil prices higher and unsettled energy markets as critical infrastructure comes under repeated threat.

Saudi Arabia and Iran restored diplomatic relations in 2023 after years of rivalry that saw them support opposing factions across the region.

Bin Farhan said Riyadh still preferred diplomacy but warned that continued Iranian actions could eliminate any remaining basis for trust.

“If Iran doesn’t stop immediately, I think there will be almost nothing that can re-establish trust,” he said.

Katz said in a statement that the operation targeted Khatib as part of Israel’s ongoing military actions against senior Iranian officials. He added that he and Netanyahu had granted the military authority to eliminate additional high-ranking Iranian figures without requiring further approval.

Iranian officials have not publicly confirmed Khatib’s death, and there has been no immediate response from Tehran regarding the Israeli claim. The absence of verification leaves the status of the Iranian intelligence chief unclear.

Katz’s remarks indicate a potential broadening of Israel’s operational mandate, suggesting a shift toward faster decision-making in targeting senior adversaries. The authorization to proceed without additional political clearance points to heightened tensions and a more aggressive posture.

Regional implicationsThe reported strike, if confirmed, could mark a significant escalation in the confrontation between Israel and Iran, particularly given the seniority of the alleged target. Developments are likely to be closely monitored for their impact on regional stability and the risk of further retaliatory actions.

Takaichi will be the first major ally to hold face-to-face talks with Trump since he urged Japan and other partners to send naval vessels to escort tankers through the strategically vital waterway, which has been largely disrupted by Iran during the conflict.

“The biggest risk is that Trump publicly presses her for security commitments that she can’t deliver on,” said David Boling of the Asia Group consultancy in Tokyo, a former U.S. trade negotiator with Japan.

The Strait of Hormuz handles roughly a fifth of global energy supplies, with about 90% of Japan’s crude oil imports passing through it, underscoring Tokyo’s exposure to the crisis.

Japanese officials said Takaichi had initially planned to steer discussions toward concerns over China’s regional posture ahead of a delayed visit, but shifting U.S. priorities have forced a focus on Iran and maritime security.

Japan has received no formal request from Washington, Takaichi told parliament earlier this week, adding that the government was assessing possible responses within the constraints of its pacifist constitution.

Several U.S. allies, including Germany, Italy and Spain, have ruled out joining a Gulf mission. Kaja Kallas said on Tuesday that no country was prepared to risk personnel in the conflict zone.

Public sentiment in Japan also remains cautious. Fewer than 10% of respondents support U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, according to a poll by the Asahi newspaper.

Trump has alternated between criticising allies for their reluctance and downplaying their necessity, singling out countries like Japan that rely on U.S. security guarantees while depending heavily on Middle Eastern oil flows.

Tokyo has historically limited its role in Middle East operations to logistical and intelligence support. Analysts say deploying Japanese vessels into an active conflict zone would face significant legal and political hurdles.

“It has turned into a discussion that shakes the very foundations of the Japan–U.S. security alliance,” said Kazuhiro Maeshima, a politics professor at Sophia University in Tokyo.

Mori died on March 14 at a hospital in Hiroshima, according to the report.

Mori became widely known after Obama’s visit to Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park in May 2016, the first by a sitting U.S. president.

Images of Obama embracing a tearful Mori came to symbolize a moment of reconciliation between the United States and Japan, more than seven decades after the end of World War Two.

The visit marked a significant diplomatic gesture, highlighting efforts to acknowledge the human cost of nuclear warfare while stopping short of a formal apology for the atomic bombing.

Mori was eight years old when the United States dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima on August 6, 1945. The explosion flattened the city and left him unconscious from the blast.

The bombing, followed three days later by a second atomic attack on Nagasaki, remains the only instance of nuclear weapons used in war. The two cities have since recorded approximately 550,000 deaths, including those who succumbed to radiation-related illnesses in the years that followed.

Three decades after the bombing, Mori began a sustained effort to identify victims who had been cremated at his elementary school playground in the immediate aftermath of the attack.

His research extended over decades and led to the identification of 12 Americans who died in the bombing, contributing to historical documentation of the event.

Survivors of the atomic bombings, known in Japan as “hibakusha,” have played a central role in preserving testimonies of the attacks.

With their numbers steadily declining due to age, their accounts remain critical to ongoing global debates on nuclear disarmament and the humanitarian consequences of nuclear weapons.

The session follows a phased election in which the military-aligned Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) secured a sweeping victory amid low voter turnout and the absence of a viable opposition. Retired brigadier-general and USDP chairman Khin Yi was elected speaker of the lower house on Monday, a position analysts say could play a central role in advancing the military’s political agenda.

Myanmar has been mired in civil war and a worsening humanitarian crisis since the armed forces overthrew the government of Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi in 2021, just as her administration was preparing to begin a second five-year term following a landslide electoral victory.

The Union Solidarity and Development Party, formed by the military in 2010, won 81% of contested seats in the election, according to official results. The bicameral parliament will also include dozens of military officers appointed directly by the armed forces, which are constitutionally guaranteed a quarter of the seats in the legislature.

Analysts say the arrangement effectively places the parliament under military control, giving the top brass decisive influence over the selection of the country’s next president. Junta chief and coup leader Min Aung Hlaing is widely expected to assume the presidency once the new government is formed.

“This level of control makes it clear that one can expect nothing substantial from this body; it is evidently a parliament that will operate solely at the whim of the military leader,” independent analyst Htin Kyaw Aye said.

The military leadership also plans to establish a new five-member panel, the Union Consultative Council, which some experts have described as a “superbody” designed to consolidate authority over both civilian administration and the armed forces.

The junta has rejected international criticism of the election, saying the process reflected the will of the people. Officials have indicated that a new government could be formed as early as April and have expressed hope that the political transition may help ease sanctions and revive foreign investment.

A commentary published Monday in the state-run Global New Light of Myanmar said the convening of parliament had raised expectations across the country for improved political stability and governance focused on national interests.

The U.S. memory chipmaker said the new plant would expand production of advanced DRAM chips, including high-bandwidth memory (HBM), used in artificial intelligence systems and high-performance computing.

Micron also confirmed it had completed the acquisition of Powerchip’s Tongluo P5 facility, located in Miaoli County, where the new fabrication plant will be developed.

The company said the additional facility would be similar in scale to its existing fabrication plant at the Tongluo site and would strengthen supply of leading-edge DRAM products.

Demand for high-bandwidth memory has surged globally as technology companies invest heavily in infrastructure for artificial intelligence applications.

Micron said construction of the second facility is expected to begin by the end of its fiscal year 2026.

Futures for the GIFT Nifty were trading at 23,257 at 08:11 a.m. IST, indicating that the Nifty 50 would open above Friday’s close of 23,151.10 after posting its steepest weekly drop in years and entering a technical correction.

Supply route developments lift sentimentMarket sentiment improved after the Wall Street Journal reported that the United States was preparing to announce a coalition of countries to escort commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, a maritime corridor that handles about one-fifth of global oil supply.

Additional support came after two India-flagged liquefied petroleum gas carriers Shivalik and Nanda Devi transporting roughly 92,712 metric tons of LPG successfully crossed the strait last week en route to India, easing immediate concerns about fuel supply disruptions.

India’s foreign minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said in an interview with the Financial Times published Sunday that he had been in discussions with Iran and that dialogue had produced some results.

However, investors remain cautious as the conflict in the Middle East continues to threaten energy flows and financial markets.

Oil and currency pressures persist as rude oil prices have stayed above $100 per barrel during the conflict, raising concerns about inflation and economic growth in India

.The surge in energy costs has also pushed the Indian Rupee to record lows against the U.S. dollar, highlighting the vulnerability of the country’s energy-dependent economy.

Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has been heavily curtailed since the United States and Israel launched a bombing campaign on Iran at the end of February, prompting Tehran to largely halt commercial shipping through the critical waterway.

Members of the party’s Middle East crisis economic response task force said the measures aim to stabilise domestic energy supply and prices as shipments of oil and gas to South Korea have been disrupted by the regional conflict affecting the vital maritime corridor.

According to data from the Korea International Trade Association, South Korea depends heavily on energy imports, sourcing about 70% of its crude oil and roughly 20% of its liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the Middle East.

Democratic Party lawmaker Ahn Do-geol said the government would prioritise managing LNG supplies by increasing electricity production from coal and nuclear facilities while scaling back reliance on LNG-fired power generation.

Limits that capped coal power output at 80% of installed capacity will be lifted starting Monday, Ahn said. Maintenance work at six nuclear reactors will also be completed earlier than scheduled to raise the utilisation rate of nuclear plants from the high-60% range to about 80%.

The government on Friday introduced a price ceiling on gasoline of 1,724 won ($1.15) per litre, with adjustments planned every two weeks to reflect changes in global oil markets.

Ahn said gasoline and diesel prices had already declined since the cap was introduced, falling by 58 won and 77 won per litre respectively as of Sunday.

Officials said a supplementary budget would be drafted by the end of the month and submitted to parliament to cushion the economic impact of higher energy costs.

Democratic Party leader Jung Chung-rae said the party would fast-track approval of the budget within 10 days after it is submitted. The proposed spending package is expected to include compensation for refiners linked to the fuel price cap, energy vouchers for households, logistics support for exporters and expanded investment in renewable energy.

The Budget Ministry said no specific date had yet been set for the supplementary budget but that preparations were underway.

Authorities are also considering designating the Yeosu Petrochemical Complex as a special industrial crisis response zone as part of efforts to support industries affected by the energy disruption.

For the first time since 1993, the Islamic holy month of Ramadan and the Christian season of Lent are unfolding at the same time, bringing together two traditions of fasting, prayer and reflection that rarely coincide on the calendar.

In the Williams household, that coincidence has turned into a deeply personal experience of faith, patience and mutual understanding.“We fast for different reasons, but the spirit feels the same,” said Kaosara, a practicing Muslim. “It is about discipline, gratitude and remembering those who have less.”

“Her husband, Olanrewaju, a devout Christian, agrees.Both of us wake up early, both of us pray more than usual, and both of us try to be kinder,” he said. “In many ways, the house feels more peaceful during this time.”

Ramadan follows the Islamic lunar calendar, shifting earlier each year by about 10 to 11 days in the Gregorian calendar. Lent, observed by many Christian denominations, is calculated based on the date of Easter.

Because the two calendars move differently, their overlap is rare. The last time Ramadan and Lent coincided significantly was more than three decades ago.For families like the Williamses, the convergence has created a unique moment where two spiritual traditions mirror each other in daily life.

Ramadan requires Muslims to fast from dawn until sunset, abstaining from food, drink and other physical needs while focusing on prayer, charity and spiritual renewal.Lent, which lasts about 40 days leading up to Easter, traditionally involves fasting, abstinence and acts of repentance.

Many Christians give up certain foods or habits as a form of sacrifice.Although the practices differ, the underlying themes are strikingly similar.“Both traditions emphasize self-discipline and compassion,” said Olanrewaju. “You begin to notice how often faith teaches us the same lessons in different languages.”

Despite observing different traditions, the couple has learned to structure their day around each other’s routines.Before sunrise, they share the pre-dawn meal known as suhoor, which allows Kaosara to eat before the day’s fast begins.

Later in the evening, she breaks her fast at sunset with dates and water, followed by dinner.Olanrewaju does not follow the same fasting schedule but often waits until sunset to eat with her.“It feels right,” he said. “If she has been fasting all day, I can wait a few more hours.”Their dining table has become a quiet symbol of interfaith harmony.

On some evenings, Christian prayers blend with Islamic invocations. On others, they simply sit together in silence, grateful for the meal before them.“For us, food has become a reminder of patience,” Kaosara said.

Nigeria, like many parts of the world, has seen religious tensions over the years. Yet interfaith families such as the Williamses challenge the narrative that different beliefs must create division.

The couple married more than two decades ago, deciding early that their home would respect both traditions equally.Their children grew up learning about the Quran and the Bible, attending both church services and Islamic celebrations.

“At home we never said one faith is better,” said Olanrewaju. “We said faith is about becoming a better human being.”During Ramadan, their home often fills with visitors arriving for the evening meal. During Christmas and Easter, the same friends return to celebrate Christian holidays.

“The house becomes busy all year,” Kaosara said with a laugh. “But that is how we like it.”

Religious scholars say fasting has long served as a spiritual bridge across cultures.In Islam, Ramadan commemorates the period when the Quran was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad, and fasting is considered one of the Five Pillars of the faith.

In Christianity, Lent recalls the 40 days Jesus spent fasting in the wilderness.Both traditions encourage believers to look inward, strengthen their connection with God and show compassion toward others.For the Williams family, these teachings are not abstract ideas but daily practices.

“When you fast, you become more aware of your actions,” said Kaosara. “You think before you speak. You try to control anger. You remember people who cannot afford food.”Olanrewaju says Lent carries similar lessons.“Giving something up reminds you that life is not just about comfort,” he said.

As global headlines often highlight religious conflict, the quiet routines inside the Williams home offer a different narrative.

In the early morning darkness, when the household wakes for prayer, there is no debate about doctrine or theology. Instead, there is a shared understanding that faith, in its many forms, can coexist under the same roof.

Neighbors sometimes ask the couple how they manage the differences.Their answer is simple.“We focus on what faith teaches us about kindness,” said Olanrewaju.

The coincidence of Ramadan and Lent will last only a few weeks this year before the calendars drift apart again. But for families like the Williamses, the experience will leave a lasting impression.As sunset approaches one evening, Kaosara arranges dates and water on the table, waiting for the moment to break her fast.

Olanrewaju sits beside her, quietly reading a devotional passage.Outside, the evening call to prayer echoes through the neighborhood.

Inside the house, the couple prepares to eat together two faiths, sharing one table, in a season of reflection that belongs to them both.

The statement did not specify where the incident occurred or what operations the officers were involved in at the time. Officials also did not disclose their identities or whether other personnel were injured.The announcement comes as Kuwait and other Gulf states remain on heightened alert following a series of drone and missile launches from Iran after recent U.S. and Israeli strikes on the Islamic Republic. Several countries in the region have reported intercepting aerial threats amid escalating security concerns.

The Kuwait Fire Force said only that the two officers were killed “while performing duties,” offering no further explanation. Authorities have not indicated whether the deaths were connected to fire response operations, civil defense activities, or emergency support related to the ongoing regional security situation.The fire service in Kuwait functions as the primary authority responsible for firefighting, rescue operations, and emergency response across the country.

Gulf countries, including Kuwait, have taken precautionary measures in response to the deteriorating security environment following the recent attacks on Iran. Governments across the region have stepped up air defense monitoring and emergency preparedness in case of spillover from the broader confrontation.While Kuwait has not publicly reported damage from incoming projectiles, officials have acknowledged the interception of drones and missiles launched from Iran in recent days.The deaths of the two officers were announced as authorities continued monitoring developments across the Gulf, where heightened tensions have prompted increased vigilance among civil defense and emergency services.