Today’s Top Headlines — March 25, 2026

The Big Stories

Iran strikes central Israel; debris near Dimona

• What’s happening: As the conflict enters its 26th day, Iran has kept up its missile barrage. Israeli reports indicate debris fell in the Dimona area in the south. Tehran also just appointed a successor to Larijani amid the chaos.
• Why it matters: This non-stop escalation is pushing the region closer to a major international flare-up, keeping vital infrastructure in the crosshairs and sending oil prices trending upward.

Trump confirms talks; 15-point plan on the table

• What’s happening: President Trump has confirmed that negotiations with Iran are underway. According to the New York Times, the US has proposed a 15-point roadmap to end the hostilities.
• Why it matters: If these talks actually go somewhere, it could be a massive turning point for a war that’s now well into its fourth week.

US strikes hit Hashd al-Shaabi in western Iraq

• What’s happening: 15 casualties have been reported following a US strike on a Hashd al-Shaabi base in western Iraq. Additionally, security sources confirm six Kurdish Peshmerga fighters were killed in separate missile attacks.
• Why it matters: The conflict is clearly spilling over into Iraq, complicating the regional security landscape and threatening a wider military entanglement.

Iran weaponizes "Hormuz fees" during negotiations

• What’s happening: Rumor has it Tehran is playing the "Hormuz transit fee" card as leverage in their talks with the US, though the status of these negotiations remains a total mystery.
• Why it matters: Roughly 20% of the world’s oil supply moves through the Strait of Hormuz. Any noise here hits global energy prices immediately.

Iran strikes Diego Garcia base

• What’s happening: In a move that breaks all previous geographic limits of its missile capabilities, Iran has targeted the joint US-British base at Diego Garcia.
• Why it matters: This escalation has international authorities on high alert, forcing NATO to rethink its defensive strategy.

UAE condemns Iranian "terrorist aggression"

• What’s happening: The Emirati newspaper Al-Ittihad slammed Iranian operations as "blatant terrorist aggression," noting that the impact has reached the UAE, Jordan, and other Gulf states.
• Why it matters: Expanding the scope of strikes into Gulf territory signals Iran’s intent to widen the pressure points, dragging the entire region into the crisis.

Market Watch

Gold tanks 23.6% since war began

Gold has taken a major hit, dropping over 23.6% since the fighting started as a strong dollar and high-interest rate expectations dampen demand. Markets are currently holding their breath to see if this trend holds or if we see a rebound.

Dollar climbs as risk appetite fades

The US dollar is having a strong week as investors flee risky assets in favor of "safe havens" due to the Middle East turmoil. This is putting significant downward pressure on emerging market currencies.

Trump accused of market manipulation

A US Senator has accused President Trump of manipulating financial markets, citing suspicious trading activity occurring minutes before a major policy announcement regarding Iran.

Global Briefs

London convenes emergency talks

London is holding urgent discussions as the war expands and the situation on the ground continues to shift rapidly.