Opposition PM Face 2029: Rahul Gandhi vs TVK Chief Minister Vijay

A major political controversy has erupted following calls within the TVK to project its chief for the post of Prime Minister. Opposition parties, including the AIADMK and the DMK, have strongly mocked the pitch, questioning the ambition and advising a focus on governance instead. Meanwhile, key ally Congress has issued a stern warning over the development, with ministers cautioning that they will withdraw from the cabinet unless support is extended to their national leadership for the top post. The escalating row has drawn sharp criticism across the political spectrum.

Tensions between the United States and Iran have escalated following a new barrage of US air strikes and Iranian retaliatory strikes against US assets across Jordan, Bahrain, and Iraq. The strikes led to five deaths, including a four-year-old child, and left 50 people wounded at a wedding near Sirik on the Strait of Hormuz. The military exchange follows attacks on two tankers leaving the Strait of Hormuz and warnings from Tehran over halting Gulf oil exports, which caused global crude prices to surge over four dollars a barrel. The developments come amid warnings of further military action from US President Donald Trump and upcoming sanctions from US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.

The United States military has launched fresh strikes against Iranian targets near the Strait of Hormuz. The action followed reports of attempts to place sea mines in the strait and the firing of missiles towards a military base in Jordan, where projectiles were intercepted. Fresh warnings have been issued that further retaliation will lead to more powerful military action. Operations are focused on securing the southern coastline of Iran to protect commercial shipping and energy corridors in the crucial maritime passage. The wider confrontation has shifted over recent months towards ensuring maritime passage through the strategic sea link, with international stakeholders seeking restoration of regular commercial shipping and stability across the trade route.

Tensions in West Asia have flared up once again after the United States military carried out fresh strikes against Iranian military targets. According to the US Central Command, the latest barrage hit Iranian air defence sites, radar systems, and maritime assets along southern Iran and Larak Island. The strikes were executed in response to alleged Iranian attempts to attack commercial vessels and American forces in the Strait of Hormuz. In retaliation, Iran responded with missile and drone fire, claiming strikes on US military bases in the region. The escalation comes amid ongoing tensions over commercial navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.