Apropos ‘Challenges of the post Khamenei era’ (March 2), the US President Donald Trump has this habit of shifting his positions and the reasons for the attack on Iran have also similarly shifted — first it was nuclear weapons programme and later regime change. For a President who claimed that he has prevented/stopped seven wars around the world after coming to power the second time, starting a war with Iran, that too while negotiations were going on, is ironic. This war being waged by the US and Israel will not only bring large scale destruction to the region, but may also destabilise Iran for a long time.

Kosaraju Chandramouli

Hyderabad

Securing oil supplies

Apropos ‘Fresh pain’ (March 2), the Iran-Israel conflict is a timely reminder of how vulnerable India’s economy remains to West Asian instability. Nearly half our oil passes through the Strait of Hormuz, and our Gulf diaspora sends home over $120 billion annually. The government must act on multiple fronts simultaneously. Strategic petroleum reserves should be reviewed and topped up without delay. Diplomatic back-channels with Gulf nations need quiet but urgent attention. And the RBI must remain watchful of both inflation and the rupee.

A Myilsami

Coimbatore

Sweet victory

I read the article ‘J&K scripts history and how’ (March 2) with interest. Jammu and Kashmir’s first Ranji Trophy win against Karnataka should be the sweetest because it has come after six decades or so for the team. Its captain Paras Dogra’s remark after the match that he can’t explain it, says it all. One hopes the national selectors would take note of the exceptional performances of some of the players of J&K, and give them opportunities to play the longer version of the game for the country.

S Ramakrishnasayee

Chennai

Exporters face the heat

Apropos ‘Indian exporters fear prolonged war could increase freight rates, transit time’ (March 2). Just when Indian exporters were on the cusp of recovery, overcoming the US tariffs, the Iran-Israel conflict has emerged as a destabiliser. Apart from raising freight and insurance costs, there is the risk of order cancellation.

The duration of the current conflict is hard to guess.

Rajiv Magal

Halekere Village, Karnataka

Published on March 2, 2026