The UN Security Council on Wednesday passed a resolution calling for Iran to immediately halt its attacks on Gulf states, saying they breach international law and pose a “serious threat to international peace and security.”

The United States Department of Energy said Wednesday it will release 172 million barrels from the strategic petroleum reserve “beginning next week,” as the Middle East war disrupted oil prices.

India has stepped up assistance to its citizens in West Asia as escalating regional tensions continue to disrupt travel and safety conditions, with dozens of Indians repatriated from Lebanon and hundreds departing from Qatar on commercial flights.