Desk Correspondent , Tehran - Tensions in the Middle East have reached a boiling point as Iran issues stark warnings of retaliation against the United States and Israel, sparking fears of disrupted oil supplies through the Strait of Hormuz and sending global energy prices soaring, with significant implications for import dependent nations like India.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned US strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen as a dangerous escalation tied to Israel's Gaza and Lebanon operations, vowing Tehran's decisive response to threats. President elect Trump urged Iran to negotiate a nuclear deal or face "bombing like they've never seen." Brent crude jumped 3-5% above $75/bbl, WTI to $72, amid fears for the Strait of Hormuz (20% global oil flow). India, importing 85% of its 5M bpd crude via this route from Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and UAE, risks 10-15% fuel price hikes, inflation, and rupee pressure. Israeli strikes in Syria, Houthi Red Sea attacks, US carrier deployments, no de escalation in sight, evoking 1979 oil crisis warnings.

As diplomatic channels strain under the weight of mutual threats, the world watches anxiously for signs of restraint to prevent a full scale regional war that would not only cripple global oil flows but also exacerbate economic vulnerabilities for major importers like India, calling for urgent multilateral intervention.