Regional Summary
The Emergency Opportunists Foreign wars are helping Middle Eastern and South Asian strongmen tighten their grip at home. From Saudi Arabia to Turkey to Pakistan, rulers facing Iranian missiles, street protests, or American pressure have used the crisis to grab power, silence critics, or dodge hard choices. Saudi Arabia’s break with Iran looks decisive, but it also helps Mohammed bin Salman. The crown prince threw out Iranian diplomats, threatened military action, and urged Donald Trump to “keep hitting Iran hard” — while his Public Investment Fund quietly closed a $6 billion gaming deal with ByteDance’s Shanghai studio. Saudi air defences shot down hundreds of drones and missiles with minimal damage, boosting the crown prince’s military reputation. But the real gain is political: a country at war leaves little room for questions about Vision 2030 reforms or human rights. Prince Faisal bin Farhan, the foreign minister, warned that Saudi patience “is not unlimited” — a message aimed at Tehran, but also at anyone at home thinking of challenging the throne. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) shows the same dynamic more starkly. Iran fired more than 1,900 projectiles in 18 days, cutting Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) output by half and closing Fujairah port. Yet Mohammed bin Zayed, the president, responded not with panic but with state-building: a trillion-dirham central bank backstop, a 136-country coalition at the Security Council, and a dismantled Iranian spy network offered as proof of vigilance. The Zayed National Museum opened on schedule — less cultural show than political statement that the ruling family can absorb punishment and still function. Abu Dhabi kept making deals: ADNOC’s $60 billion chemicals merger and a fresh $500 million from the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority. Wars have not slowed the state’s business machine; they have given it a patriotic sheen. Turkey under Recep Tayyip Erdoğan shows a more subtle version. The mass trial of Ekrem İmamoğlu and 401 co-defendants grinds on in Silivri, yet the government lets thousands rally for the jailed mayor — measured tolerance that lets Mr Erdoğan claim democratic credentials while keeping his most dangerous rival locked up. The opposition has shifted from street protests to forensic accounting: Özgür Özel, the opposition leader, accused the justice minister of accumulating 452 million lira in unexplained property wealth, targeting the judiciary itself. Mr Erdoğan positions Turkey as regional mediator, criticising Israel and courting both sides of the Gulf crisis. The foreign emergency provides cover for home repression, and the protests he allows are the ones he has already neutered. Pakistan takes this furthest. After bombing a Kabul facility that killed more than 400 people — an unprecedented escalation — Islamabad fended off Saudi pressure to invoke a defence pact against Iran while absorbing Washington’s new classification of it as a top-tier nuclear threat alongside China and Russia. Shehbaz Sharif, the prime minister, used the Afghanistan war as his excuse to avoid the Gulf conflict, while Field Marshal Asim Munir inflamed the country’s Shia minority by telling critics who “love Iran so much” to go there. Mr Sharif then froze fuel prices before Eid, eating 45 billion rupees in costs to buy public calm even as global oil hit $158 a barrel. Each move — the bombing, the diplomacy, the populist price freeze — justifies a security state that keeps Imran Khan in prison and the army supreme. When real threats arrive and missiles get shot down on camera, governments gain room to spend, crack down, and reorganise without the scrutiny that peace brings. These regimes are not manufacturing crises — Iran’s attacks are real, Pakistan’s border war is bloody, Turkey’s judicial takeover is documented — but each has learned that emergencies create opportunities. The power grabs now under way will outlast the rockets.Country Summaries
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia abandoned its year-old détente with Iran this week, expelling Iranian diplomats and warning of military action as missile and drone attacks forced oil executives to cancel public appearances and handle the emergency.
The kingdom expelled Iran’s military attaché and four embassy staff, giving them 24 hours to leave. Prince Faisal bin Farhan, the foreign minister, warned that Saudi patience with Iranian attacks “is not unlimited” and that the kingdom may take military action. Trust with Iran has been “completely shattered,” the government said.
The diplomatic break followed weeks of Iranian attacks on Saudi oil facilities. Iranian strikes have hit multiple Aramco sites including the Ras Tanura refinery, Yanbu port, and the Saudi Aramco Mobil Refinery Company (SAMREF) refinery, forcing temporary shutdowns and rerouting exports through Red Sea pipelines. Amin Nasser, Aramco’s chief executive, cancelled his appearance at CERAWeek to stay in Saudi Arabia and oversee the response.
But Saudi defences have held. The kingdom’s air defence systems have intercepted 438 drones and 36 ballistic missiles since Iran began its retaliatory strikes. Recent intercepts include 60 drones over Riyadh province, with minimal damage reported from falling debris.
Even as Saudi Arabia faces military pressure, Mohammed bin Salman, the crown prince, has been talking regularly with Donald Trump, urging the American president to “keep hitting Iran hard” and continue military strikes. The crown prince reportedly echoed advice from the late King Abdullah to “cut off the head of the snake.”
Meanwhile, the kingdom struck a major business deal. ByteDance agreed to sell its Shanghai Moonton Technology gaming studio to Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) for more than $6 billion, part of the fund’s expansion into the gaming sector.
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- Saudi Foreign Minister warns Iran of military action, expels Iranian diplomats — Prince Faisal bin Farhan, the foreign minister, warned that Saudi patience with Iranian attacks ‘is not unlimited’ and the kingdom reserves the right to take military action. Saudi Arabia subsequently expelled Iran’s military attaché and four embassy staff, saying trust with Tehran has been ‘completely shattered.’ (nytimes.com)
- Saudi air defences intercept hundreds of Iranian drones and missiles — Saudi air defence systems have intercepted at least 438 drones and 36 ballistic missiles since Iran began retaliatory strikes. Recent intercepts include 60 drones over Riyadh province and multiple missile intercepts, with minimal damage reported from falling debris. (aa.com.tr)
- King Salman issues Eid message emphasising Saudi role in global peace — King Salman delivered an Eid Al-Fitr message highlighting Saudi Arabia’s efforts to support global peace and maintain security through crisis containment. The message also commended the armed forces for their role in defending the kingdom. (saudigazette.com.sa)
- Saudi Arabia and Egypt sign mutual visa waiver agreement — Prince Faisal bin Farhan, the foreign minister, signed an agreement with his Egyptian counterpart Badr Abdelatty establishing mutual visa exemptions for holders of diplomatic, special, and service passports. The agreement facilitates travel between the two countries for official passport holders. (english.aawsat.com)
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United Arab Emirates
Iran launched war against the UAE, firing over 1,900 projectiles in 18 days and hitting civilian targets from airports to residential areas. The attacks — 300 ballistic missiles and 1,600 drones — cut production by over 50% at Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) facilities and shut down crude loading at Fujairah port.
But the UAE has absorbed the economic hit and kept functioning. The central bank approved a 1 trillion dirham support package to shore up banking stability during what Sultan Al Jaber, ADNOC’s chief executive, called “global economic warfare.” Major deals continued despite the attacks — ADNOC and OMV are completing their $60 billion chemicals merger, while the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) committed $500 million to a Hong Kong-based real estate credit fund.
The crisis has expanded the UAE’s diplomatic coalition beyond its usual partners. Sheikh Mohamed, the president, met Hakan Fidan, Turkey’s foreign minister, in Abu Dhabi, with Turkey condemning Iran’s attacks as a breach of sovereignty. More striking was the UN response: Abdullah bin Zayed, the foreign minister, secured support from 136 countries for Security Council Resolution 2817, the largest international coalition in UAE history.
Iran’s threat has widened beyond missiles and drones. UAE security forces dismantled an Iranian and Hezbollah-funded network operating under commercial cover and involved in money laundering and terrorism financing. The move suggests Iran may be activating domestic cells alongside its missile campaign.
Even as it manages the crisis, the UAE maintains normal life. The Zayed National Museum opened in Abu Dhabi this week, featuring work by Emirati designers and stressing national heritage. The timing shows the country will not be paralysed by external threats.
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- ADNOC facilities attacked and production suspended amid Iran conflict — Abu Dhabi National Oil Company facilities have been targeted in Iranian drone attacks, forcing suspension of crude loading operations at Fujairah port and causing production drops exceeding 50%. Sultan Al Jaber, the company’s chief executive, condemned attacks on energy infrastructure as ‘global economic warfare’. (reuters.com)
- Central Bank of UAE approves 1 trillion dirham financial resilience package amid regional crisis — The Central Bank of the UAE approved comprehensive financial resilience measures to support banking sector stability during regional tensions. The package includes enhanced liquidity access, temporary regulatory relief, and maintains the base rate at 3.65% following the Federal Reserve’s decision. (reuters.com)
- Abu Dhabi Investment Authority commits up to $500m to Hong Kong private credit fund — The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority committed capital to Dignari Capital Partners, a Hong Kong-based private credit manager focused on Asia Pacific real estate financing. The investment aligns with the authority’s strategy of partnering with specialist managers. (perenews.com)
- Mubadala increases global investment activity and partnerships — Mubadala has expanded its international presence through partnerships including with TWG Global and Guggenheim, seeking outside capital for Mubadala Capital’s $27 billion alternative asset management arm for the first time. (impactalpha.com)
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Turkey
Turkey has found a new kind of repression: crush the real threats, tolerate the symbolic protests. While Ekrem İmamoğlu, Istanbul’s mayor and biggest electoral threat to Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, faces trial alongside 401 others for alleged corruption, thousands rallied in his support this week and the police let them march.
Turkey’s controlled opposition has grown complex. The mass trial continued in Silivri court with strict restrictions — only journalists with government press cards could enter, parliamentarians argued over seating, defendants gave testimony in a case claiming 161 billion lira in public losses. But when İmamoğlu’s party held its 99th protest rally marking one year since his arrest, drawing thousands to Istanbul’s Saraçhane with international support, the authorities let it go ahead peacefully.
The opposition is fighting back by attacking the system’s enforcers directly. Özgür Özel, the leader of the Republican People’s Party, accused Akın Gürlek, the justice minister, of building up 452 million lira in property wealth — more than could be earned through official salaries over 190 years. Mr Gürlek denied the allegations as “fake” and threatened a defamation lawsuit, but this showed how the opposition is targeting the judicial officials overseeing their own persecution.
Even as Turkey juggles this domestic tension, Mr Erdoğan continues to position the country as regional mediator. He delivered sharp criticism of Benjamin Netanyahu during Ramadan speeches, warning that the Israeli prime minister’s “terror” threatens regional peace while stressing Turkey’s efforts to stay out of expanding conflicts. Turkey’s leverage as a broker has grown during the regional crisis, but the messaging shows continuity, not change.
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- Erdoğan spends Ramadan Bayram in hometown Rize, opens mother-named hospital — Erdoğan celebrated Ramadan Bayram in his hometown Rize, opening the Güneysu Tenzile Erdoğan State Hospital named after his mother. He announced that domestic GÖKBEY helicopters will serve as ambulance aircraft and visited local residents and patients. (aa.com.tr)
- Erdoğan condemns Netanyahu, warns of regional ‘ring of fire’ — Erdoğan delivered strong criticism of Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu during various speeches, warning that Netanyahu’s ‘terror’ threatens regional and global peace. He stressed Turkey’s efforts to keep the country away from the expanding regional conflict. (haber7.com)
- İmamoğlu corruption trial continues amid courtroom tensions — The corruption trial of 402 defendants including Ekrem İmamoğlu, Istanbul’s jailed mayor, continued in Silivri court with procedural disputes, defendant testimonies, and restrictions on courtroom access. The case involves allegations of a 161 billion lira public loss through corrupt activities. (hurriyet.com.tr)
- CHP leader Özel accuses Justice Minister Gürlek of excessive wealth — Özgür Özel, the Republican People’s Party (CHP) leader, accused Akın Gürlek, the justice minister, of amassing 452 million lira in property wealth, displaying property documents at a press conference. Mr Gürlek denied the allegations and threatened a defamation lawsuit, leading to a public feud between the politicians. (sozcu.com.tr)
- Bahçeli makes various political statements during Ramadan period — Devlet Bahçeli, leader of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), issued several statements during Ramadan and Eid, including messages about regional tensions, Nevruz celebrations, and calls for political unity among Turkish parties. He also visited the tomb of party founder Alparslan Türkeş and made contact with opposition leaders. (hurriyet.com.tr)
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India
Narendra Modi secured passage for oil tankers this week by calling Iran’s president. Mr Modi condemned attacks on energy infrastructure and stressed the need for secure shipping lanes through the Strait of Hormuz. S. Jaishankar, the foreign minister, confirmed the talks worked — two Indian LPG tankers passed through the strait after the diplomatic push.
The episode shows India can keep ties with competing powers even during crises. Mr Jaishankar described the approach as reasoned and targeted rather than blanket deals, suggesting India will keep talking to Iran even as it maintains ties with Israel and the United States.
Mr Modi marked a milestone at home this week. He became India’s longest-serving head of government, with 8,931 days in office combining his time as Gujarat chief minister and prime minister. Cabinet and party celebrated the achievement, highlighting his 30 million YouTube subscribers.
The record strengthens Mr Modi’s political position ahead of state elections. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) released candidate lists for West Bengal (255 seats), Kerala (47 candidates), and Puducherry (10 candidates), with Suvendu Adhikari set to challenge Mamata Banerjee in her Bhabanipur constituency.
Amit Shah, the home minister, also prepared legislation to simplify recruitment across India’s border forces and reviewed security in Manipur. Mr Modi addressed departing parliamentarians and hosted consultations with Italy.
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- Modi leads India’s Middle East diplomacy amid Iran-US-Israel conflict — Prime Minister Modi conducted intensive diplomatic outreach with Middle East leaders including Iran’s President Pezeshkian, Qatar, UAE, Kuwait, Jordan, and France amid escalating Iran-US-Israel conflict. Modi condemned attacks on energy infrastructure and emphasized need for secure shipping lanes. (politico.com)
- Modi appears in cameo role in ‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’ film — Prime Minister Modi made an unexpected appearance in scenes from the movie ‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’ directed by Aditya Dhar. Theatre audiences reacted with loud cheers and whistles when Modi appeared on screen during preview screenings on March 18, with the moment going viral on social media. (hindustantimes.com)
- BJP rejects US religious freedom commission report on RSS and RAW — BJP strongly rejected a United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) report that recommended sanctions against RSS and RAW, calling it ‘baseless’ and criticizing Congress leaders who endorsed the report. The party accused Congress of standing against India by supporting the US panel’s recommendations. (dailypioneer.com)
- Fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi makes fresh legal bid to prevent UK extradition — Fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi moved the UK High Court in a last-ditch attempt to stall his extradition to India, arguing fresh developments and risks of coercive interrogation. His counsel claimed risks of being moved from Mumbai’s Arthur Road jail, while India’s legal team defended the sovereign assurances given. (hindustantimes.com)
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Modi achieves historic milestone as India's longest-serving head of government with 8,931 days
March 22, 2026
Amit Shah introduces Central Armed Police Forces bill and conducts security reviews
March 20–22, 2026
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Pakistan
Pakistan bombed a facility in Kabul that killed more than 400 people this week, escalating its conflict with Afghanistan just as the United States elevated Pakistan to its list of top nuclear threats alongside China and Russia.
The airstrike targeted what Afghanistan called a drug clinic, though Pakistan said it hit terrorist ammunition depots and drone facilities. The casualty toll is an unprecedented escalation in Pakistan’s western border strikes, which have shifted from diplomatic engagement to open warfare.
The Afghanistan bombing came as Pakistan faces new pressure from Washington. Tulsi Gabbard, the US intelligence chief, warned that Pakistan is developing long-range ballistic missiles capable of reaching the American mainland. The 2026 threat assessment places Pakistan alongside China, Russia, North Korea and Iran as a significant nuclear threat to the United States.
Even as Pakistan wages war in Afghanistan, it is trying to avoid being drawn into another conflict. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has repeatedly summoned both Shehbaz Sharif, the prime minister, and Field Marshal Asim Munir, the army chief, to trigger their defence pact during the Iran crisis. Pakistan wants to avoid war while maintaining its promises to Saudi Arabia, citing its Afghanistan conflict as justification.
Pakistan has pursued diplomacy instead. Mr Sharif and Asif Ali Zardari, the president, called leaders across the Islamic world — Malaysia, Azerbaijan, Egypt, Bangladesh, Indonesia — urging de-escalation. Mr Zardari separately expressed condolences over the killing of Ali Larijani, an Iranian official.
Field Marshal Munir told Shia clerics at a Rawalpindi Iftar that those who “love Iran so much” should go there. The remarks, made during discussions about preventing violence over the Iran crisis, triggered widespread backlash from Pakistan’s Shia minority, which comprises 15-20% of the population.
The sectarian row adds to existing domestic pressures. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) keeps demanding better prison conditions for Imran Khan, with his ex-wife Jemima Goldsmith appealing directly to Mr Sharif for visa approval for their sons after delays of more than 60 days. Khan was examined by a medical board following court orders and diagnosed with a serious eye condition.
To maintain stability amid these pressures, the government is cutting deals. Mr Sharif rejected recommendations to increase petrol and diesel prices before Eid-ul-Fitr, announcing the government would absorb extra costs of Rs45 billion rather than pass them to consumers despite global oil prices surging to $158 per barrel.
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- Major rift emerges between Pakistan army chief Asim Munir and ISI over intelligence failures — Field Marshal Asim Munir has reportedly lashed out at the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) leadership over intelligence failures and poor coordination, with relations between the army and intelligence agency weakening significantly in recent months. The tensions stem from heavy security force casualties and lack of operational success against terrorist groups. (moneycontrol.com)
- Sharif rejects fuel price hike recommendations before Eid despite economic pressures — Shehbaz Sharif, the prime minister, rejected recommendations to increase petrol and diesel prices on the eve of Eid-ul-Fitr, announcing the federal government would take on the extra cost. He later approved a Rs200 per litre hike on high-octane fuel levy while keeping regular fuel prices unchanged. (tribune.com.pk)
- Pakistani leaders call world leaders on Middle East crisis — Shehbaz Sharif, the prime minister, and Asif Ali Zardari, the president, held phone calls with leaders from Malaysia, Azerbaijan, Egypt, Bangladesh, Uzbekistan, Bahrain, Indonesia and Turkmenistan, discussing the Iran crisis and calling for de-escalation. Mr Zardari also expressed condolences over the killing of Iranian official Ali Larijani. (tribune.com.pk)
- Imran Khan’s health concerns and family access issues in prison draw international attention — The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan was examined by a new medical board at Adiala jail following court orders, with reports of a serious eye condition. His ex-wife Jemima Goldsmith made a direct appeal to Shehbaz Sharif, the prime minister, to allow their sons to visit Khan after visa delays of over 60 days. (news18.com)
- Pakistan successfully completes 5G spectrum auction raising $507 million — Shehbaz Sharif, the prime minister, hailed the 5G spectrum auction as a ‘wonderful beginning’ for Pakistan after 480 megahertz were sold for $507 million. Mr Sharif said the launch would benefit various sectors from agriculture and technology to industry and mark a major milestone for digital advancement. (tribune.com.pk)
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Pakistan army chief sparks sectarian controversy with 'go to Iran' remarks to Shia clerics
March 19–21, 2026
Pakistan-Afghanistan military conflict escalates with controversial Kabul hospital airstrike
March 16–21, 2026
Major rift emerges between Pakistan army chief Asim Munir and ISI over intelligence failures
March 19, 2026
Saudi Arabia pressures Pakistan to honor defense pact amid Iran conflict as Islamabad seeks neutrality
March 17–21, 2026
PM Shehbaz Sharif rejects fuel price hike recommendations before Eid despite economic pressures
March 18–22, 2026
Pakistani leaders conduct diplomatic outreach on Middle East crisis with multiple world leaders
March 18–22, 2026
Imran Khan's health concerns and family access issues in prison draw international attention
March 17–22, 2026
US intelligence warns Pakistan developing long-range ballistic missiles capable of reaching America
March 19, 2026
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