Oil Terminal, 90% Crude Exports: What Trump Could Get From Kharg Island

A scrubby island in the Gulf that is roughly one third the size of Manhattan, Kharg Island is the nerve centre of the Iranian oil industry -- and at the heart of US President Donald Trump's latest efforts to pressure Tehran.

On Monday Trump vowed that a failure by Iran to agree a deal to end the war could see the United States "completely obliterating" the export hub. 

A day earlier, he had said the United States could take the island, eyed by the Pentagon for ground operations, "very easily".

So what are Trump's options, and how might Iran react if he presses on this pressure point?

What Is Kharg Island? 

It may be a mere scrap of land, but Kharg  handles around 90 per cent of Iran's crude exports, according to a report by US bank JP Morgan.

Located in the north of the Gulf, around 30 kilometres (20 miles) from the Iranian coast and more than 500 kilometres from the Strait of Hormuz, it has no oil wells.

But it has Iran's largest oil terminal, oil pipelines, storage tanks and related infrastructure.

It also has military facilities, some of which have already been hit by Israeli-US strikes.

On March 13, "US forces executed a large-scale precision strike on Kharg Island", Centcom, the US military command for the region, said.

"The strike destroyed naval mine storage facilities, missile storage bunkers and multiple other military sites. US forces successfully struck more than 90 Iranian military targets on Kharg Island, while preserving the oil infrastructure."

Sources close to US intelligence services told US broadcaster CNN Iran had deployed additional troops and defence systems to the area in recent weeks, including MANPAD-type surface-to-air missiles and mines.

Trump's Options? 

There appear to be three routes for US forces wishing to seize the island -- an airborne attack; an amphibious operation; or a combination of the two.

The Pentagon is currently moving US paratroopers and Marines into the area.

"(The) US combat force build-up sets the stage for (a) potential ground offensive in Iran," said US think tank Soufan.

Centcom former commander General Joseph Votel told The War Zone website this month it would not take that many soldiers to seize Kharg.

"On a small island like Kharg, I imagine you'd need a battalion of Marines. We are therefore talking about a force of 800 to 1,000 men, perhaps a little fewer, certainly not much more," he said.

But taking Kharg and holding onto it "are two different things", stressed Professor Phillips O'Brien of the University of St Andrews in Scotland.

He said the US military would struggle to retain the island within range of Iranian missiles and drones.

Just 60 kilometres away is the city of Bushehr, an important military centre "from which the Iranians defend the entire northern part of the Gulf, including Kharg", noted Pierre Razoux of French research centre FMES.

Why Do It?

Trump's war goals remain hazy. It is unclear whether he primarily wants to force Iran to reopen shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz; force regime change in Tehran; coerce the Iranians into concessions on their nuclear or ballistic missile programmes.

In the short term, capturing Kharg could give Washington leverage to force Iran to negotiate -- presumably on Trump's terms, given the country's dependence on oil revenue, the Soufan Center said.

It might not have much effect in reopening the Gulf to shipping, however, because Iran controls a string of other islands in the Strait of Hormuz.

And if the Iranians choose not to cede to Trump's demands, "What does the US do?", O'Brien wondered.

"Does the US then, out of spite, level all the economic facilities on Kharg?

"That could easily boomerang back in American faces. It means oil prices skyrocket even more and stay high for much longer," he said.

"It also means Iran will be incentivised to shut down the traffic in the Straits for even longer. If they cannot get their own oil out, why let anyone else's?"

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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Which State Is Known As The Rice Capital Of India?

Rice is more than just a staple in India. It's comfort food, tradition and identity rolled into one. From steaming bowls of plain chawal paired with dal to elaborate dishes like pulao, khichdi and regional curries, rice forms the backbone of everyday meals across the country. But have you ever wondered where most of this rice actually comes from? Behind India's vast consumption lies a region that has built its agricultural identity around paddy cultivation. With sprawling fields, diverse varieties and generations of farming expertise, one state has consistently stood out for its contribution to India's rice production.

Also Read: Which City Is Known As The 'Biryani Capital of India'?

The Rice Capital Of India Is West Bengal

West Bengal holds this title because it is one of the largest producers of rice in the country. Thanks to its fertile alluvial soil, abundant rainfall, and favourable climate, rice is cultivated here extensively across multiple seasons.

Why West Bengal Leads In Rice Production

Several natural and agricultural factors give West Bengal an edge:

• Rich alluvial soil deposited by rivers like the Ganga
• High rainfall and humid climate, ideal for paddy cultivation
• Multiple cropping seasons (Aman, Aus and Boro)
• Strong farming traditions and widespread rural cultivation

These conditions allow farmers to grow rice almost year-round, ensuring a steady supply.

Popular Rice Varieties From West Bengal

West Bengal is known for its diverse and flavourful rice varieties, such as:

• Gobindobhog – Short-grain, aromatic rice used in traditional dishes
• Tulaipanji – Fragrant and soft, often compared to basmati
• Swarna and IR varieties – Commonly grown for large-scale consumption

Each variety differs in aroma, texture and cooking style.

Also Read: Which Indian State Is Known As The Fruit Bowl Of India?

Rice In Bengali Food Culture

In West Bengal, a meal without rice is almost unthinkable. It is central to both everyday eating and festive cuisine. Some classic pairings include:

• Rice with fish curry (maach-bhaat)
• Khichuri during festivals and monsoons
• Sweet dishes like payesh (rice pudding)

Rice here is not just filling - it defines the structure of the meal.

While states like Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Chhattisgarh also produce significant quantities of rice, West Bengal consistently ranks among the top contributors. Its scale, diversity and cultural connection to rice give it a distinct identity!

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Virat Kohli Drops Rare Catch For RCB vs SRH, Anushka Sharma Reacts. Watch

Virat Kohli, apart from being a great batter, is also a terrific fielder. However, in the Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Sunrisers Hyderabad IPL 2026 opener, Kohli dropped an easy catch. The incident occurred in the 18th over bowled by Bhuvneshwar Kumar. SRH's Aniket Verma miscued a shot on the third ball as Kohli came running in from long-on. The ball brushed his palms before landing on his thigh. Kohli looked surprised by the miss. In the stands, actor Anushka Sharma, Kohli's wife, could not help but laugh.

Virat Kohli drops a catch and Anushka was literally laughing pic.twitter.com/OzfMPFydTQ

— TAUKIR (@iitaukir) March 28, 2026

Kohli dropping catch and his wife is laughing
Peak cinema#rcbvssrh #rcbvsrh #klassen royal challengers bengaluru virat kohli anushka sharma ishan kishan fixers abhishek sharma jacob duffey travis headpic.twitter.com/JSrHb5kRzr

— Vikas Agarwal (@VikasAg55263788) March 28, 2026

Anushka Sharma's Reaction when Virat dropped it. pic.twitter.com/6jGh8d0yTB

— BC 18 (@StumpAndScreen) March 28, 2026

Later on, however, Kohli took Aniket's catch.

aniket wicket virat kohli takes the catch anushka sharma reaction#rcbvssrh #viratkohli #RCBRuns #ipl2026 pic.twitter.com/wQ7jzxBsZE

— (@ThecoolMahi) March 28, 2026

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on Saturday honoured fans who lost their lives in the 2025 stampede by reserving 11 seats at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru ahead of their first Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 match against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).

Notably, these seats will remain permanently unoccupied during all IPL and international matches.

Ahead of the IPL 2026 opener, players from both RCB and SRH also observed a one-minute silence to pay tribute to the fans who lost their lives in 2025.

For the unversed, 11 fans died and several others were injured in a stampede that occurred outside the stadium during the victory celebrations following RCB's first IPL title win. Cricket at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium had been suspended since June 2025.

During the season opener against the Hyderabad-based franchise, the defending champions RCB also wore black armbands as a mark of respect.

A statement from RCB read: "Royal Challengers Bengaluru will pay tribute to the eleven members of the RCB family who tragically lost their lives in the unfortunate incident on June 4.

"As a mark of respect, players will wear practice jerseys bearing the number 11 during the warm-up, followed by black armbands during the match.

"In a lasting gesture of remembrance, eleven seats at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium will remain unoccupied, serving as a permanent tribute to the fans whose unwavering support will always be a part of the RCB family," the statement concluded.

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2 India-Bound LPG Tankers Cross Strait Of Hormuz

Two liquefied petroleum gas tankers, BW Elm and BW Tyr, are crossing the Strait of Hormuz bound for India, according to ship tracking data from LSEG and Kpler.

The US-Israeli war against Iran has all but halted shipping through the strait, but Iran said this week that "non-hostile vessels" may transit the waterway if they coordinate with Iranian authorities.

The two India-flagged vessels have crossed the Gulf area and are in the eastern Strait of Hormuz, the data showed.

India is gradually moving its stranded LPG cargoes out from the strait, with four LPG tankers moved so far - Shivalik, Nanda Devi, Pine Gas, and Jag Vasant.

As of Friday, 20 Indian-flagged ships including five LPG carriers were stranded in the Gulf, Rajesh Kumar Sinha, special secretary in the federal shipping ministry, said.

LPG carriers Jag Vikram, Green Asha and Green Sanvi are still in the western Strait of Hormuz, LSEG data show.

India, the world's second-largest LPG importer, is battling its worst gas crisis in decades, with the government cutting supplies for industries to shield households from any shortage of cooking gas.

The country consumed 33.15 million metric tons of LPG, or cooking gas, last year, with imports accounting for about 60% of demand. About 90% of those imports came from the Middle East.

India is also loading LPG onto its empty vessels stranded in the Gulf.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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'Bibi Really Sold It': A Rebuke In Vance-Netanyahu Tense Call Amid Iran War

US Vice President JD Vance had a tense phone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier this week, during which he told the premier off for what he viewed as overly rosy assumptions about the war in Iran, Axios reported.

According to the outlet, Vance pressed Netanyahu on his confidence regarding the likelihood of regime change. One US official told Axios that "Before the war, Bibi really sold it to the president as being easy, as regime change being a lot likelier than it was. And the VP was clear-eyed about some of those statements", referring to Netanyahu by his nickname.

After the call, a US official claimed Israel was actively undermining Vance, who has emerged as a central figure in ceasefire talks with the Islamic Republic. A long-time critic of open-ended foreign interventions, Vance is participating in negotiations alongside US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.

The same official alleged that Israel was responsible for reports suggesting Iran preferred negotiating with Vance because he might be more receptive to a deal to end the conflict. "It's an Israeli op against JD," the official told Axios.

Another senior US official told Axios that, in their view, Vance remained the most viable path to a negotiated end to the war. "If the Iranians can't strike a deal with Vance, they don't get a deal. He's the best they're gonna get," the official said.

Vance Treads Iran Tightrope

For a man with his eye on the White House in 2028, US Vice President JD Vance has kept a low profile since the start of the Iran war.

The former US marine, who served in Iraq, built a political brand as a non-interventionist who wanted to keep America out of any more long, foreign wars.

Even Trump admitted they had their differences on "Operation Epic Fury."

"He was, I would say, philosophically a little bit different than me," Trump said on Monday of Vance. "I think he was maybe less enthusiastic about going -- but he was quite enthusiastic."

While he has publicly backed Trump's Iran operation, Vance has only given one television interview since it started, in which he stressed it would not be another American "forever war."

However, Vance earlier this month downplayed the differences and said, "I think one big difference is...we have a smart president whereas in the past, we've had dumb presidents and I trust President Trump to get the job done, to do a good job for the American people, and to make sure that the mistakes of the past are not repeated," said Vance, standing alongside Trump during an Oval Office event.

(With inputs from agencies)

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'Harassed By Wife, In-Laws': Pune Man, 20, Poisons Himself, Records Video

Driven to the edge by alleged harassment and mental torture by his wife and in-laws, a 20-year-old man has died by suicide after consuming rat poison in Pune. Before taking the step, the man recorded a video detailing the ordeal he was subjected to and sent it to a friend.

Police have filed a case of abetment to suicide against seven people, including the wife.

Mohammed Saad Asif Sayyad (20), who was originally from Malegaon in Nashik district, lived in the Jambhulwadi area of Pune. Officials said Saad had a dispute with his wife, Karimunnisha aka Nisha Khan, and she and his in-laws had subjected him to constant harassment.

On Thursday, Saad recorded a video on his phone in which he detailed the harassment and named seven people, including Nisha. He sent the video to a friend in Malegaon and then consumed rat poison.

"A case of abetment to suicide was registered on Friday. The accused who have been named in the FIR are Nisha, Sarwar alias Kaif Khan, Reshma Kamrukhan, Shama Javed Sheikh, Javed Sheikh, Atharva Kale, and Ishita. Sayyad's mobile phone has been seized to facilitate a forensic examination of the video," an official said.

(With inputs from Yashpal Sonkamble)

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Gujarat Man Kills Widow Who Used To Tie Him Rakhi, Then Joins Search For Her

A case of murder and deception has shaken up the Defence Colony area of Gujarat's Jamnagar after a missing widow was found dead in the home of a neighbour she considered her brother. The suspect, who allegedly strangled the woman, had joined her grieving sons in the search before his crime was uncovered.

Rinkidevi Bantu Singh Katheriya, a native of Mathura in Uttar Pradesh, had been building a life for her three children in Jamnagar following her husband's death from a heart attack in 2021. Employed at a pharmaceutical factory in Naghedi village, Rinkidevi was the sole breadwinner for her children - Rohit (19), Nitin (17) and Anjali (6).

The alarm was raised two days ago when she failed to return home. Her eldest son, Rohit, filed a missing person's report with the local police, sparking a search that involved both the authorities and close family friends.

During the investigation, police traced Rinkidevi's last-known movements to the residence of Vijay Odich, who lived in the house below the Katheriyas. Rinkidevi shared a deep bond with Odich and even tied a rakhi on his wrist every year.

To avoid suspicion, Odich also participated in the search efforts alongside the victim's sons, pretending to be a concerned family friend while her body lay hidden in his own home.

"He treated us like nephews and we saw him as an uncle," Rohit said. "We never imagined the person helping us look for our mother was the one who took her from us."

'Investigating Motive'

Upon discovering the body, Jamnagar police immediately secured the scene and sent the remains for a post-mortem examination. Initial findings suggest the cause of death was strangulation.

Officials said Odich has been taken into custody. "We are investigating the motive behind this heinous act," said Jayvirsinh Jhala, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Jamnagar. "The victim and the accused had a long-standing social connection, which makes the circumstances of this murder particularly grave."

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A "Lousy Fighters" Jibe From Trump As Iran Calls US Proposal "One-Sided"

US President Donald Trump characterised Iranian leaders as "great negotiators" but said their country had "lousy fighters" during a Cabinet meeting on Thursday. 

"They're lousy fighters, but they're great negotiators, and they are begging to work out a deal," Trump said at the White House alongside top officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth.

Trump suggested that a deal might not ultimately come together.

"I don't know if we'll be able to do that," he said of the prospects for a deal. I don't know if we're willing to do that."

Earlier in the day, in a post on Truth Social, Trump claimed that Iran had been "begging" for a deal but has publicly maintained that they are just "looking at our proposal".

Meanwhile, a senior Iranian official told Reuters that the US proposal to end the war was "one-sided and unfair". 

"In brief, the proposal suggests that Iran would relinquish its ability to defend itself in exchange for a vague plan to lift sanctions. It is one-sided and unfair, serving only US and Israeli interests", the official said.

He called Iranian negotiators "strange" and warned them to start taking things seriously before "it is too late".

Read | Trump's "Better Get Serious, No Turning Back" Warning For War-Hit Iran

"The Iranian negotiators are very different and "strange." They are "begging" us to make a deal, which they should be doing since they have been militarily obliterated, with zero chance of a comeback, and yet they publicly state that they are only "looking at our proposal." WRONG!!! They better get serious soon, before it is too late, because once that happens, there is NO TURNING BACK, and it won't be pretty! President DJT," Trump wrote.

Trump's comments come after he claimed Iran was desperate to make a deal to end nearly four weeks of fighting, contradicting the Iranian foreign minister who said his country was reviewing a US proposal but had ​no intention of holding talks to wind down the conflict.

Trump has accused Tehran officials of covering up ongoing talks for fear of becoming assassination targets following the killing of supreme leader Ali Khamenei.

Trump's warning came as Israel said it had killed the commander of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards' navy, calling him "directly responsible" for throttling the Strait of Hormuz since the war's outbreak.

But Pakistan confirmed Thursday it was indeed facilitating "US-Iran indirect talks" by relaying messages and that a 15-point American plan was being "deliberated upon" by Tehran.

The White House has declined to identify the "top person" it is speaking with in Iran -- beyond saying it is not the late leader's son Mojtaba Khamenei, who is believed to be injured and has not been seen since succeeding his father.
 

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NASA Plans Nuclear-Powered Spacecraft for Skyfall Mission to Mars

NASA’s Skyfall mission will test nuclear electric propulsion with the Space Reactor-1 Freedom spacecraft. Launching in 2028, it will deploy helicopter swarms on Mars to scout landing sites and search for water, potentially cutting travel time by 25%.

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Bhutan Moves 519 Bitcoin to Multiple Wallets, Including QCP Capital Link

Bhutan has moved 519.7 Bitcoin worth about $36.75 million from its sovereign holdings to multiple wallets, including one linked to QCP Capital. The transfer, identified through on-chain data, has raised speculation about potential selling activity. The move follows a similar transaction earlier this month, highlighting the country’s active approach to managing its crypto reserves.

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India Does Not Have LPG Problem, It Has LOP Problem: Pralhad Joshi To NDTV

Congress's Rahul Gandhi does not know about the LPG situation and is just "trying to create panic," Union minister Pralhad Joshi said at NDTV's India Sustainability Mission 2.0 today. "India does not have LPG problem, India has LoP problem," said Joshi, in a jibe at Gandhi, who is the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha.

Questioning why Gandhi did not attend the all-party meeting held today, he said, "Earlier, they were saying call an all- party meeting. When the meeting is called, he doesn't attend it".

"If you look at our neighbours, they are having major issues. In India not even a single petrol pump is dry. There is no shortage of petrol diesel and PNG. There are some issues related to LPG that's why some steps are taken," said Joshi, who handles the New and Renewable Energy portfolio.

"I am not only comparing it (India) to the Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Pakistan. In many other countries, there is a problem. But whereas in India today, our source was nearly about 27 (nations) for the crude oil. Now it has gone up to 40. But LPG, sources are less, but still, India, wherever it is available, we have kept the supply chain perfect," he said.

Moreover, the country, he said, has increased domestic production. "And wherever there is natural gas, means there is a connection with piped natural gas... 25,000 km of pipeline has been laid, there is gas in it," he said. 

Gandhi, he added, is just "scaring people, creating fear psychosis" from Day One or Day Two of the war. "Is it good for the country? While opposing the Modi government, they are opposing India... the Opposition should not spread rumours," he said. Then in another jibe at the Opposition, he added, "We believe in sun power, they believe in son power".

On Tuesday, amid reports of Pakistan allegedly facilitating talks between Iran and the US, Gandhi had launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the Middle East situation and India's handling of it. 

Referring to the All-Party meet, he said he would not be able to because it clashes with a programme in Kerala. 

"All-party meeting should take place, but a structural blunder has been made... And this cannot be fixed, especially since the Prime Minister cannot. He will do whatever America says and will not work in the interest of the farmers and the country. He will do whatever America and Israel say," Gandhi told reporters.

In a direct attack on the Congress, Joshi enumerated the times when the Congress-led government had taken mis-steps.

"What foreign policy are you (Rahul Gandhi) talking about? You are afraid... the way you have treated Pakistan, when a foreign secretary (former US Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice), comes and tells you 'don't attack', you tremble, bow down and come back," he said, citing then Union minister P Chidambaram's statement on India's preparedness after the 26/11 terror attack in Mumbai.

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