Zelensky said Kyiv had deployed several hundred military specialists to the Middle East following the outbreak of conflict involving Iran, aiming to share its experience in countering drone threats and safeguarding maritime routes.

“Ukrainian military personnel are taking part in consultations on the further operation of the Strait of Hormuz. Safe navigation is a global value; we know this from our experience defending the Black Sea,” Zelensky said in his evening address.

Ukraine has relied on asymmetric tactics and technological innovations during its war with Russia, including the use of naval drones, to counter attempts to restrict access to the Black Sea, a critical corridor for its economy and military operations.

Zelensky said interest in Ukraine’s defense capabilities is expanding beyond Europe, with diplomats receiving requests from Asian countries seeking cooperation on maritime security and related technologies.He did not identify the countries involved but said officials had been instructed to engage on the requests promptly.

Ukraine’s participation in Hormuz-related discussions reflects growing international focus on securing key maritime chokepoints amid ongoing geopolitical tensions affecting global energy and trade flows.

The announcement followed earlier remarks by Trump threatening severe action against Iran, which drew strong criticism from several Democrats and prompted renewed calls for constitutional measures to assess presidential authority.

Democratic Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said the ceasefire “changes nothing,” accusing the president of continuing to leverage threats against the Iranian people and arguing that his actions had crossed the threshold for impeachment or invocation of the 25th Amendment, which allows for transfer of power if a president is unable to govern.

Republican Senator Lindsey Graham called for a measured approach, stating that Congress should undertake oversight to verify the facts. He said a formal review process similar to the Senate’s examination of the Obama-era Iran deal would be a “sound way forward.

”Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized Trump’s earlier rhetoric, describing it as extreme, while acknowledging the ceasefire as a step back from escalation. He said the president appeared to be seeking an “exit ramp” following heightened tensions.

Republican Senator Kevin Cramer expressed support for Trump’s approach, praising what he described as “unwavering dedication” to national defense and framing the ceasefire within a broader “peace through strength” strategy.

Democratic Representative Yassamin Ansari said she was “momentarily relieved” by the ceasefire but reiterated concerns about Trump’s statements, calling for his removal from office through impeachment or constitutional provisions.

Republican Representative Zach Nunn welcomed the ceasefire, saying it reflected decisive presidential authority consistent with constitutional powers and the War Powers Resolution.

He added that attention should now turn to securing a lasting agreement to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons.

The reactions highlight deep partisan divisions in Washington over both the administration’s handling of Iran and broader questions surrounding executive authority in matters of national security.

Shipowners are seeking urgent clarification on the terms of a newly declared ceasefire between Iran and the United States that could reopen the Strait of Hormuz, as more than 800 vessels remain stranded following weeks of disruption to one of the world’s most critical energy corridors.

The partial shutdown of the strait, triggered by escalating conflict after US and Israeli strikes, has severely constrained maritime traffic through the narrow passage that connects the Arabian Gulf to global markets. Iran subsequently tightened its control over the waterway, leading to a near-total halt in shipping activity as security risks mounted.

Shipowners and operators have kept vessels anchored on both sides of the strait amid repeated attacks and the absence of guarantees for crew safety. The disruption has left a significant portion of the global tanker fleet immobilized, intensifying concerns over energy supply chains and freight logistics.

A ceasefire agreement announced shortly before a deadline set by Donald Trump has raised expectations of a temporary reopening. However, conflicting statements from Washington and Tehran have left critical operational details unresolved.

Iranian authorities have indicated that safe passage will be permitted for a period of two weeks, coordinated with their armed forces and subject to what they described as “technical restrictions.” In contrast, Trump characterized the agreement as enabling a “full, immediate, and safe opening” of the waterway. It remains unclear whether both sides have agreed on transit conditions, including any fees or procedural requirements imposed by Tehran.

The lack of clarity has prompted a cautious response across the shipping industry. The Japan Shipowners’ Association said it would first verify the terms of the agreement before advising its members on resuming operations. Industry participants broadly indicated that vessels would not begin moving until security assurances are substantiated.

Even under favorable conditions, analysts say restoring normal traffic flows will take time. In typical circumstances, approximately 135 ships transit the Strait of Hormuz each day, but volumes have fallen sharply during the crisis. Restarting operations involves coordination among shipowners, insurers, port authorities, and naval forces, all of whom must reassess risk levels before authorizing movement.

Jennifer Parker, an assistant professor at the Defense and Security Institute at the University of Western Australia, said the process cannot be immediate. She noted that stakeholders require evidence of sustained de-escalation rather than a temporary pause in hostilities before committing vessels and crews to transit.

Data from Kpler indicates that energy shipments account for a large share of the stranded fleet. Currently, 426 crude oil and refined fuel tankers are waiting in Gulf waters, along with 34 liquefied petroleum gas carriers and 19 liquefied natural gas vessels. Additional ships carrying dry bulk commodities and containerized cargo are also affected, reflecting the impact on multiple sectors of global trade.

The الأزمة has also created significant humanitarian concerns for maritime workers. According to the International Maritime Organization, around 20,000 civilian sailors are stranded aboard vessels in the region, including support and service ships. The agency has warned of mounting challenges related to supply shortages, fatigue, and psychological stress among crews who have been unable to disembark or proceed with their voyages.

For shipowners, the immediate priority remains clarity on operational protocols under the ceasefire framework. Questions persist over navigation corridors, coordination mechanisms with Iranian forces, insurance coverage, and liability in the event of renewed hostilities.

The Strait of Hormuz handles a substantial share of global oil shipments, making its accessibility central to energy market stability. Any prolonged disruption has direct implications for supply flows and price volatility, amplifying the importance of a clear and enforceable agreement.

While the ceasefire has introduced a potential pathway to easing the crisis, the absence of detailed, mutually verified terms continues to delay decision-making across the shipping industry, leaving hundreds of vessels and thousands of seafarers in a state of prolonged uncertainty.

The Department of Foreign Affairs said the woman died on Sunday “alongside her Israeli husband and elderly parents-in-law” when the home was hit. Israeli rescue services reported recovering four bodies from the rubble following the strike, which was attributed to an Iranian missile attack.

Local media identified the Filipino victim by her given name, Lucille-Jean, stating that she and her family were pulled from the collapsed residence after hours of rescue operations.

The Philippine embassy in Tel Aviv has notified the victim’s relatives and is coordinating assistance, including efforts to repatriate her remains despite ongoing travel disruptions in the region.

The death marks the second confirmed Filipino fatality since hostilities escalated following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran in late February. Mary Ann Velasquez De Vera, a 32-year-old caregiver, was killed on March 1 while attempting to bring her elderly ward to a bomb shelter.

The conflict has placed an estimated two million Filipinos living and working across the Middle East at risk, many of whom are employed as domestic workers or in maritime roles. The Philippines relies heavily on remittances sent home by overseas workers, making the situation a growing concern for authorities in Manila.

Thousands of Filipino seafarers remain stranded amid heightened risks in the Strait of Hormuz, where shipping activity has been severely disrupted. Philippine officials said Iran had pledged to allow safe passage for Filipino vessels and crew, though no clear timeline has been provided.

Meanwhile, Donald Trump reiterated warnings that the United States could target Iranian infrastructure if tensions continue to escalate, as diplomatic efforts to secure a ceasefire remain unresolved.

The scheme would provide government-backed guarantees to banks for lending over a four-year period, mirroring measures introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic to sustain credit flow to stressed sectors.

The guarantees are expected to cover up to 90% of loans of up to 1 billion rupees ($10.75 million), the sources said.The fiscal cost of the plan is estimated at 170 billion to 180 billion rupees ($1.83 billion to $1.94 billion), according to the sources, who declined to be identified as discussions are ongoing.

Indian businesses, including textile and glass manufacturers, have been affected by supply disruptions linked to the war involving Iran, while rising energy prices have added to cost pressures.

As the world’s third-largest oil importer, India remains particularly exposed to volatility stemming from the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global energy shipments.The government is also grappling with broader macroeconomic risks, including the prospect of higher inflation and slower growth as fuel costs rise and supply chains tighten.

The proposed guarantees are intended to encourage banks to continue lending despite heightened risks, ensuring businesses can meet obligations and sustain operations during the crisis.

India deployed a similar credit guarantee programme in 2020 to support sectors such as travel and tourism during the pandemic, helping firms resume operations and manage debt burdens.

Farmers in India’s northern grain belt are increasingly worried that a distant conflict in the Gulf could disrupt fertiliser supplies and threaten crop yields, as tensions linked to the closure of a key maritime route reverberate through global commodity markets.

In Punjab, a state central to India’s wheat and rice production, growers say uncertainty over input availability has begun to overshadow routine agricultural planning. Gurvinder Singh, a 52-year-old farmer, said concerns over fertiliser access have intensified in recent weeks as global supply chains face strain.

“We are already struggling with profits,” Singh said. “If we don’t get fertilisers, there will be less yield. That will affect my entire family and the entire region, because we are completely dependent on agriculture.

”Singh’s remarks reflect broader anxieties among farmers who rely heavily on imported fertiliser components, many of which are linked to energy markets and international shipping routes. India is one of the world’s largest consumers of fertilisers, and any disruption in supply can have immediate implications for crop productivity.

The concerns follow Iran’s move to blockade the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage for global oil and gas shipments, in response to strikes by the United States and Israel. The disruption has triggered volatility in energy markets, with ripple effects across industries dependent on fuel and petrochemical inputs.

Fertilisers, particularly nitrogen-based variants, are closely tied to natural gas prices, making them vulnerable to energy supply shocks. Analysts say any sustained increase in fuel costs or shipping disruptions could raise input prices or delay deliveries, affecting farmers during key planting cycles.

In Punjab, often referred to as India’s breadbasket, agriculture remains the primary source of income for millions. Farmers typically follow a rotation of wheat and rice crops, with fertiliser use playing a crucial role in maintaining yields. Any reduction in application due to shortages or high costs could directly impact output.

“We are praying this war stops because it will not spare us either,” Singh said, underscoring the sense of vulnerability among rural communities despite their geographic distance from the conflict.

The potential for supply disruptions comes at a time when many farmers are already facing margin pressures from fluctuating crop prices and rising input costs. Industry observers note that even short-term shortages can have lasting consequences, particularly if they coincide with critical stages of crop development.

India imports a significant portion of its fertiliser requirements, including key raw materials such as potash and phosphates. Supply chains for these inputs are globally integrated, often passing through major shipping routes in the Middle East. Any bottleneck in transit can lead to delays and price spikes in domestic markets.

Government officials have in the past taken steps to secure fertiliser supplies through strategic reserves and international agreements. However, traders say prolonged disruption in maritime logistics could test these buffers, especially if global competition for limited supplies intensifies.

The broader geopolitical situation has also raised concerns about inflationary pressures. Higher energy prices could increase transportation and production costs across sectors, feeding into food prices and complicating economic management.

For farmers like Singh, the uncertainty is immediate and personal. With planting decisions already underway, the availability and affordability of fertilisers will be a key determinant of the upcoming harvest.

As global markets react to developments in the Gulf, the impact is being felt far beyond the region, highlighting the interconnected nature of modern supply chains.

For India’s agricultural heartland, the stakes are tied not only to international diplomacy but also to the livelihoods of millions who depend on stable inputs to sustain production.

The Dubai Media Office said the incident involved fragments falling on an Oracle building following defensive action against an aerial threat.

“Authorities confirm that they responded to a minor incident caused by debris from an aerial interception.

No injuries were reported,” it said in a statement on X.Officials also reported a similar incident in Dubai Marina, where debris fell on a building facade without causing injuries or fire.

Oracle had previously been listed among 18 U.S. firms that Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned could be targeted in retaliation for attacks on the country.

Elsewhere in the United Arab Emirates, authorities said an Egyptian national was killed and four others sustained minor injuries after debris from an intercepted strike fell on gas facilities in Habshan, in the emirate of Abu Dhabi, on Friday.

A further 12 people were injured in a separate debris incident in Ajban, officials said.In Bahrain, the interior ministry reported that four citizens sustained minor injuries after shrapnel from intercepted drones struck residential areas in Sitra, damaging several homes. Emergency and civil defense teams were deployed to the site.

The incidents highlight the spillover risks of ongoing hostilities in the region, as air defense interceptions increasingly result in debris falling across civilian areas in Gulf states.

The refinery attack triggered fires that emergency and firefighting teams were working to contain, the company said in a statement carried by state media. No injuries were reported, and operations were being monitored closely, including air quality in surrounding areas, which officials said showed no immediate environmental impact.

Earlier, Kuwait’s military said its air defense systems were engaging incoming missile and drone threats.

The Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy said a separate strike hit a power and desalination plant, causing material damage to parts of the facility. Emergency teams were deployed under contingency plans to maintain operations and secure infrastructure.

Kuwait has faced repeated missile and drone attacks since the outbreak of conflict involving Iran and its regional adversaries, increasing pressure on critical energy and utility infrastructure.

The latest strikes highlight the growing risk to energy supply chains and essential services in the Gulf, even as authorities seek to contain damage and maintain operational continuity.

The airline’s notice did not specify the duration of the restriction or provide detailed justification, but the move comes against the backdrop of escalating geopolitical frictions in the region.

Separately, the website of budget carrier Flydubai indicated that Iranian nationals holding a valid UAE “Golden Visa” are exempt from the restriction and remain eligible to enter and transit the country.

The exemption suggests that long-term residency status continues to be recognized despite broader entry limitations.Neither Emirates nor Flydubai immediately issued additional statements clarifying operational details, including whether the restrictions apply uniformly across all routes or are subject to further regulatory guidance.

The UAE authorities have not publicly outlined a comprehensive policy announcement accompanying the airline updates. However, aviation advisories and carrier-level restrictions are often aligned with government directives during periods of regional instability.

The measures coincide with rising tensions involving Iran and neighboring states, which have increasingly affected aviation routes, airspace usage, and cross-border mobility. Airlines operating in the Gulf have in recent years adjusted policies in response to security concerns, diplomatic developments, and regulatory changes.

It remains unclear how many passengers may be affected by the restriction or whether additional carriers operating to the UAE will adopt similar measures.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced the address in a post on X late Tuesday, stating that Trump would speak at 9:00 p.m. to outline developments related to Iran.

The announcement came shortly after Trump told reporters in the Oval Office that U.S. forces could withdraw from Iran within “two or three weeks,” indicating that military objectives were nearing completion.

His remarks suggested that a withdrawal timeline would not necessarily depend on reaching a negotiated agreement with Tehran.The address is expected to provide further clarity on the administration’s strategy as the conflict continues to affect regional stability and global energy markets.

The White House did not release additional details on the content of the speech.The Iran conflict, which began in late February, has involved sustained U.S. military operations alongside escalating tensions across the broader Middle East.