Delhi street vendor’s profound take on gender equality goes viral: ‘Spitting truth’The Delhi street vendor’s reaction to being asked, “Are women oppressed?” has won the internet’s hearts. Published on: May 23, 2026 9:18 AM IST By Trisha Sengupta Share via Copy link A local street
Editorial independence is core to our work. Some links may earn us a commission, without influencing our opinions.Sharara sets are the ultimate festive trend for Eid al-Adha: Choose from these picks under ₹3000From pastel embroidered sets to regal Banarasi shararas
‘Most earnings spent on buying water’: Outdoor workers bear brunt of Delhi heatIn Delhi’s 45 degrees Celsius heat, outdoor workers say there is little room to stop. Updated on: May 23, 2026 10:29 AM IST By Anita Goswami | Reported by Aaditya Khatwani Share via Copy link As Delhi sweltered
Tulsi Gabbard resigned as President Donald Trump’s director of national intelligence on Friday (May 22, 2026), saying she needed to step away as her husband battles cancer. She is the fourth Cabinet official to depart during Mr. Trump’s second term. In her resignation letter
Fat loss coach shares the cardio routine that helped her lose weight from 84 to 54 kg sustainablyWalking or HIIT? Here’s a cardio routine shared by a fitness coach you can follow to lose weight and get in shape. Published on: May 23, 2026 10:54 AM IST By Anukriti Srivastava Share via Copy link
IITian founders offer ₹50,000/month to candidate who asked for ₹35,000 salaryIn a video, the IITian founders explained why they decided to pay a higher salary than what the candidate asked for. Published on: May 23, 2026 10:59 AM IST By Trisha Sengupta Share via Copy link In a refreshing
said on Friday there were no imminent new US tariffs expected to be imposed on semiconductors, but that it was important to protect the sector with duties to facilitate reshoring of chip production.Greer, speaking at a memory chip plant expansion project in the Washington, D.C., suburbs
The United States on Friday (May 22, 2026) temporarily banned the entry of lawful permanent residents who have been in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda or South Sudan in the previous 21 days, citing concerns over Ebola. U.S. citizens
US Plans Targeted Ground Operations In Iran, Eyes Raids Near Hormuz, Capturing Kharg Island
US Plans Targeted Ground Operations In Iran, Eyes Raids Near Hormuz, Capturing Kharg Island
The United States is preparing contingency plans for targeted ground operations in Iran, including potential raids near the Strait of Hormuz and the possible seizure of Kharg Island, according to a report by The Washington Post.
The developments signal a potentially dangerous new phase of the war, with US military planners exploring limited but high-impact missions aimed at weakening Iran’s strategic leverage over global energy routes.
The report mentioned that the Pentagon is drawing up plans that stop short of a full-scale invasion but may involve Special Operations forces and conventional infantry units conducting swift raids on Iranian military infrastructure.
The proposed operations come amid widening regional escalation, as Iran launched missile and drone attacks on industrial facilities in Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates, while Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis entered the conflict.
WHY STRAIT OF HORMUZ AND KHARG ISLAND MATTER
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical oil transit chokepoints, carrying a significant share of global crude supplies.
Any disruption to the waterway has immediate implications for energy markets and global trade flows.
According to the report, US officials are examining options to neutralise Iranian weapons systems positioned along the coast near the Strait, which could threaten commercial and military shipping.
Kharg Island, located off Iran’s southern coast, is considered Tehran’s most important oil export hub, handling the majority of the country’s crude shipments.
Analysts were quoted as saying that capturing or disabling infrastructure on the island could severely impact Iran’s economy and provide Washington with leverage in negotiations.
Military experts cited in Reuters reports said seizing Kharg Island could give the US a major strategic advantage, though the confined geography of the island makes it vulnerable to drone and missile retaliation from Iranian forces.
LIMITED GROUND OPS, NOT FULL-SCALE INVASION
Officials quoted by The Washington Post said any ground action would likely involve agile missions conducted by Special Operations units, rather than a prolonged occupation of territory.
The objective would be to destroy Iranian weapons platforms capable of targeting ships moving through the Strait of Hormuz, thereby restoring maritime stability without committing to a large-scale war.
The US has already moved significant military assets closer to the region, including Marine expeditionary units capable of rapid deployment and amphibious operations.
Despite preparations, Donald Trump has not approved any ground deployment so far.
The White House has maintained that military planning is intended to provide strategic flexibility rather than signal imminent escalation.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has also indicated that Washington believes its objectives can be achieved without committing large numbers of troops on the ground.
REGIONAL WAR SPREADS BEYOND IRAN
The conflict has expanded beyond Iran’s borders, increasing fears of a prolonged regional confrontation.
According to AFP, Iranian missile and drone strikes targeted aluminium production facilities in Bahrain and the UAE, injuring workers and damaging infrastructure linked to global supply chains.
Yemen’s Houthi rebels have also joined the conflict, launching missile and drone attacks targeting Israeli positions, raising concerns about disruptions to Red Sea shipping routes.
Saudi Arabia has already rerouted some oil exports to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, highlighting the growing economic impact of the conflict.
The continued closure or disruption of Hormuz could trigger volatility in global energy markets, as the waterway remains one of the most heavily used oil shipping corridors in the world.
KHARG ISLAND AS STRATEGIC BARGAINING CHIP
Experts cited in multiple reports suggest capturing Kharg Island could give the US a key bargaining tool in any future negotiations with Tehran.
The island serves as a major oil storage and export terminal, with infrastructure capable of handling large volumes of crude shipments.
However, analysts warn that holding territory so close to the Iranian mainland would expose US forces to sustained drone, missile and artillery attacks.
Military planners are therefore believed to be focusing on short-duration raids rather than long-term occupation.
“This is not last-minute planning," one official told The Washington Post, indicating that operational scenarios have already been extensively war-gamed.
DIPLOMACY CONTINUES EVEN AS MILITARY OPTIONS EXPAND
Even as military planning advances, diplomatic efforts are underway to reduce tensions.
Pakistan is hosting talks involving Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Egypt aimed at exploring mediation channels between Washington and Tehran.
Iranian officials have acknowledged mediation efforts, suggesting negotiations could still shape the trajectory of the conflict.
However, with continued strikes across the region and strategic assets like the Strait of Hormuz under threat, the possibility of US ground raids targeting coastal defence systems and energy infrastructure remains a central concern in the evolving conflict.
ALSO READ | Iran Agrees To Conditional Mediation With US, Seeks Immediate Halt To Attacks, Future Assurance
Source: News18
Related Posts: UK sets out fuel contingency plans for flights amid US-Iran conflict ICC rolls out contingency plans for T20 World Cup 2026 amidst Iran-US war Indian student who went missing six days ago in United States found dead Another win for world and United States United States says it struck Islamic State terror camp in Nigeria Why are calls growing for a global boycott of the United States United States is being too complacent about Iran and oil prices Taiwan considers high-tech strategic partnership with United States How Powerful Is Minuteman-III – The Nuclear Missile United States Tested Who Replaces Iran At FIFA World Cup In United States
What began as a satirical meme movement around unemployment and anti-establishment humour has now drawn the attention of India’s security establishment, with agencies increasingly viewing the viral ‘Cockroach Janta Party’ (CJP) ecosystem as a potential platform for mass mobilisation
1 hours ago
The Donald Trump-led administration announced on Friday that those seeking a green card to remain in the United States permanently must apply for it from their home countries “except in extraordinary circumstances”. A green card, officially known as a Permanent Resident Card
1 hours ago
Marco Rubio India Visit Live Updates: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Kolkata on Saturday on his first official visit to India, ahead of high-level talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi later in the day. Confirming his arrival
1 hours ago
Every Indian summer comes with its own set of rituals, rising temperatures, nostalgic family vacations, afternoon siestas, and of course, mangoes finding their way into almost every meal imaginable. But in recent years, mango season has evolved far beyond household indulgence
1 hours ago
![Patna (Bihar) [India], May 23 (ANI): Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Saturday announced that the government bus services across the State will be free](http://newsorbit360.com/files/news/en/imgs/free-govt-bus-travel-for-neet-examinees-in-bihar.webp?height=520)
Patna (Bihar) [India], May 23 (ANI): Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Saturday announced that the government bus services across the State will be free for all those taking the NEET-UG 2026 re-exam. Taking it to X, Choudhary urged the monasteries and temples of the state
1 hours ago
Vir Das says it was an ‘utterly dumb move’ to hack Cockroach Janata Party's social media accounts: ‘Legitimised it’After the X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram accounts of the Cockroach Janata Party movement faced issues, Vir Das reacted and said this. May 23, 2026
1 hours ago
It is no secret that Prateik Smita Patil has a strained relationship with father Raj Babbar and his first family, including Arya Babbar. However, the tensions were further intensified when Prateik refused to invite Raj and his first family to his wedding with Priya Banerjee and even changed his
1 hours ago
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that heatwave to severe heatwave conditions are likely to continue across the plains of northwest India, central and east India, and parts of peninsular India over the next 6–7 days. Several regions remain under red and orange alerts as
1 hours ago
Sunrisers Hyderabad’s playoff-clinching win over Chennai Super Kings has now sparked another debate online. While Ishan Kishan’s whistle celebration grabbed attention after the match, a viral crowd video from Chepauk is now becoming the bigger talking point among cricket fans on X (formerly
1 hours ago
In the winter of 1617, the fourth Mughal emperor did something unusual. Jahangir dismounted from his royal procession, walked to a narrow cave near Ujjain, and squeezed his body through an entrance so small that even a thin person would have struggled to enter it.In the winter of 1617
1 hours ago
Aaradhya Bachchan, who accompanies her mother Aishwarya Rai to the Cannes Film Festival every year, has finally made her own debut in 2026. Aaradhya accompanied Aishwarya to L’Oréal Paris’ annual Lights on Women’s Worth awards. Aaradhya looked radiant in a red gown as she posed with
1 hours ago
Thailand had introduced the 60-day visa-free scheme in July 2024 as part of a major push to revive tourism after the pandemic. Thailand has ended its 60-day visa-free stay policy for travellers from more than 90 countries, including India, in a move aimed at tightening security checks and tackling
1 hours ago
The Centre informed the Supreme Court of India on Friday (May 22, 2026) that it would bring back to India a few people whose families were alleged to have been “pushed” into Bangladesh, and would verify their citizenship claims upon their return
1 hours ago
There is no missing the smile in Indrans’ voice as he talks about his role as Mattancherry Sukumaran in the blockbuster Suriya-starrer Karuppu. “Tamil is a language I have immense respect for. The same goes for the films and the industry. I have worked in Chennai during my costume designer days
1 hours ago
Gold, Silver Rate Today May 23: Check 18, 22, 24 carat Gold prices in Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata Gold, Silver Rate Today, May 23: Gold prices continue to fluctuate amid the ongoing US war against Iran, causing uncertainty across global markets. Earlier on Friday
1 hours ago
The Commission has uploaded the e-Admit Cards of the admitted candidates on its website (http://upsconline.nic.in). The Union Public Service Commission(UPSC) is all set to conduct the Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2026 tomorrow, May 24, 2026. The examination will be held all over India
1 hours ago
As AI becomes central to workforce strategy, Indian employers are prioritising practical, AI-ready skills across both general industries and the technology sector, said Nasscom in a report it prepared in collaboration with Indeed, a global job search and hiring platform based in Texas
1 hours ago
Child rights group urges NCPCR to set up WhatsApp helpline for abused childrenChild rights group urges NCPCR to set up WhatsApp helpline for abused children Published on: May 23, 2026 10:32 AM IST PTI Share via Copy link Mumbai, A child rights group has urged the authorities to introduce a
1 hours ago
When the countdown used images from The Mandalorianto end with “forged for IMAX”, one was all set for high adventure in a galaxy far, far away. In place of the opening crawl, we have a couple of title cards for those who came in late, like in the Phantom comics
1 hours ago
Finally, a new era for the franchise is imminent, with auditions starting to play the secret agent. Here's what qualities the latest star needs to embody, according to Bond experts. Twelve men have walked on the Moon, but half that number have played James Bond on the big screen
4 hours ago
What happened when people Googled ‘disregard’ on May 22?Google Search went viral after a bizarre glitch turned the word “disregard” into an AI chatbot command instead of showing standard results. Published on: May 23, 2026 7:16 AM IST By Trisha Sengupta Share via Copy link What do you
4 hours ago
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrives in Kolkata as part of his 4-day visit to IndiaUS Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrives in Kolkata as part of his 4-day visit to India Published on: May 23, 2026 7:49 AM IST PTI Share via Copy link Kolkata
4 hours ago
Plan to divert Ganga water to Yamuna may be shelved over feasibility concernsOfficials said Delhi will now prioritise treated wastewater and internal flow-management projects to improve the Yamuna’s environmental flow. Updated on: May 23, 2026 7:53 AM IST By Paras Singh Share via Copy link A
4 hours ago
Mohali: Delivery man, friend dead as speeding car rams bikeVictims were heading from Kurali to Bhagomajra Colony in Kharar to meet an ailing relative when the mishap occurred; car occupants accused of being in intoxicated state, taken into custody Published on: May 23
4 hours ago
Stability Audio 3.0 marks a major advance in AI music generation, enabling longer, structured compositions beyond short clips. The new audio models support multi-minute tracks, open-weight access for developers, and licensed training data. The release highlights how AI music tools are evolving
4 hours ago
On the evening of November 8, 2016, Prime Minister Narendra Modi appeared on national television to announce one of the most dramatic economic interventions in modern democratic history. With four hours’ notice, 86% of India’s currency in circulation was declared worthless
4 hours ago
Lucknowites see red as daily blackouts become a normOne of the biggest protests was reported from Neelmatha’s Vijay Nagar and Shahinoor Colony, where over 500 households remained without power for nearly 16 hours after a transformer fault Published on: May 23
4 hours ago
