Trump lashes out at allies, says securing Strait of Hormuz is ‘not for us’

Trump lashes out at allies, says securing Strait of Hormuz is ‘not for us’


U.S. President Donald Trump
| Photo Credit:
REUTERS/Evan Vucci

US President Donald Trump lashed out Tuesday at allies who have been unwilling to do more to support the US war effort against Iran, telling them to “go get your own oil” and declaring that securing the Strait of Hormuz is “not for us.” The president estimated that the American military will be done attacking in two to three weeks and said the US “will not have anything to do with” what happens in the strait that has been closed by the Islamic Republic. Instead, he told reporters that the responsibility for keeping the vital waterway open will rest with countries that rely on it.

There’s “no reason for us to do this,” Trump said after signing an executive order that seeks to restrict mail-in voting. “That’s not for us. That’ll be for France. That’ll be for whoever’s using the strait.” In other developments, the closure of the strait sent average US gas prices past $4 a gallon, and US strikes hit the central city of Isfahan, sending a massive fireball into the sky. Tehran attacked a fully loaded Kuwaiti oil tanker in the Persian Gulf.

The attacks showed the intensity of the war more than a month after the US and Israel launched it. The conflict has left more than 3,000 dead and caused major disruptions to the world’s supply of oil and natural gas, roiling global markets and pushing up the cost of many basic goods.

Trump, who has vacillated between insisting there is progress in diplomatic talks with Iran and threatening to widen the war, had earlier shared footage of the attack on Isfahan.

Fuel prices rise, rattling global markets

Iran’s stranglehold on the strait, the waterway leading out of the Persian Gulf through which a fifth of the world’s oil is transported during peacetime, has driven up global oil prices, as have Tehran’s attacks on regional energy infrastructure.

Spot prices of Brent crude, the international standard, hovered around $107 a barrel Tuesday, up more than 45 per cent since the war started February 28.

In a social media post, Trump directed blame at US allies like the UK and France that have refused to enter a war with no clear endgame that they were not consulted on.

“You’ll have to start learning how to fight for yourself, the USA won’t be there to help you anymore, just like you weren’t there for us. Iran has been, essentially, decimated. The hard part is done. Go get your own oil!” Trump wrote.

He singled out France for not letting planes fly over French territory while taking military supplies to Israel.

France has allowed the US Air Force to use the Istres base in southern France because it had guarantees that planes landing there would not be involved in carrying out strikes.

Allies refuse to get involved

Spain, which has emerged as Europe’s loudest critic of the war, said Monday that it had closed its airspace for US planes involved in the conflict.

Italy recently refused to allow US military assets to use the Sigonella air base in Sicily for an operation linked to the offensive, an official with knowledge of the matter said, confirming a local press report. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to speak publicly.

Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto wrote on X that Italy is still allowing the US to use its bases, adding that there has been no cooling of relations between the two countries.

Iran hits oil tanker as Israel strikes Iran, Lebanon

Israel and the US launched a wave of strikes on Iran, hitting Tehran in the early morning.

The Israeli military said it launched strikes targeting what it described as Hezbollah infrastructure in the Lebanese capital, Beirut. Defense Minister Israel Katz said Israel plans to control the area south of the Litani River — some 30 km north of the border.

Israel invaded southern Lebanon after Hezbollah began launching missiles into northern Israel days after the outbreak of the wider war. Many Lebanese fear another prolonged military occupation.

An Iranian drone hit a Kuwaiti oil tanker off the United Arab Emirates city of Dubai, sparking a blaze that was later put out, the Dubai Media Office said. Authorities said no oil spill resulted.

Four people were wounded by debris from an intercepted drone in Dubai, and air-raid sirens sounded in Bahrain, while Saudi Arabia said it intercepted three ballistic missiles launched toward its capital. Loud explosions were also heard in Israel not long after the military warned of an incoming missile barrage from Iran.

In Iran, authorities say more than 1,900 people have been killed, while 19 have been reported dead in Israel.

Two dozen people have died in Gulf states and the occupied West Bank. In Lebanon, officials said more than 1,200 people have been killed, and more than 1 million displaced.

Ten Israeli soldiers have died in Lebanon, including the four announced Tuesday, while 13 US service members have been killed.

Published on April 1, 2026



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OpenAI brings ChatGPT to Apple CarPlay through iPhones running iOS 26.4

OpenAI brings ChatGPT to Apple CarPlay through iPhones running iOS 26.4


OpenAI has reportedly updated the ChatGPT app on iPhone to support Apple CarPlay. According to a report by 9To5Mac, the update allows iPhone users to access ChatGPT directly through CarPlay for the first time. This development comes shortly after Apple introduced support for voice-based AI apps with the iOS 26.4 update. 


As per the report, the CarPlay version of ChatGPT is designed entirely around voice interaction, in line with Apple’s safety-focused guidelines. Users can speak to the assistant just as they would on the iPhone app’s voice mode, with no text-based responses displayed on screen. The interface is minimal, offering only basic controls such as an end call button and a mute or unmute toggle, alongside access to previous voice interactions. 

 


 
As per 9To5Mac, Apple’s CarPlay ecosystem restricts apps to specific categories and requires developers to use predefined templates. With iOS 26.4, the company expanded this framework to include “voice-based conversational apps,” enabling services like ChatGPT to integrate into the in-car experience while prioritising hands-free usage. 


The report added that the move aligns with Apple’s requirement that such apps must default to voice as the primary mode of interaction and avoid visual clutter that could distract drivers. ChatGPT is among the first major AI platforms to adopt this new category. 


The feature is reportedly available through the latest version of the ChatGPT app on iPhone and requires devices to be running iOS 26.4 or newer to function with CarPlay.


OpenAI shelves “Adult Mode” for ChatGPT

In related news, OpenAI has reportedly put its planned “Adult Mode” for ChatGPT on hold indefinitely, shifting focus to core projects like its chatbot ecosystem and Codex, according to the Financial Times. The feature, first announced in October 2025, has faced repeated delays amid concerns from employees and investors over ethical risks, including emotional dependency and reputational impact. The report adds that technical challenges, such as training models for explicit content and sourcing safe datasets, have also contributed to the pause.”



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Miss India Nikita Porwal brings celestial beauty to fashion awards, fans call her a goddess: 'Miss World right there'

Miss India Nikita Porwal brings celestial beauty to fashion awards, fans call her a goddess: 'Miss World right there'


On March 31, Nikita Porwal, the reigning Femina Miss India World, made a high-fashion appearance that solidified her status as a trendsetter in the making. Currently preparing to represent India at the historic 75th Anniversary edition of Miss World in Vietnam later this year, Nikita turned heads in a gown designed by the fashion designer duo Anjalee and Arjun Kapoor. Also read | Miss World 2026: Meet Ujjain’s Nikita Porwal, India’s representative at the 75th anniversary edition in Vietnam

With her flawless appearance, Nikita Porwal has garnered attention ahead of the Miss World 2026 pageant, set to take place later this year. (Instagram/ nikitaporwal_)

Nikita’s gown: masterclass in modern Indian couture

The red carpet at the Grazia Fashion Awards 2026 witnessed a moment of sartorial magic as Miss India World Nikita Porwal walked in wearing a gown that featured an avant-garde, pleated off-shoulder neckline that created a fan-like, architectural silhouette. The fabric was meticulously adorned with vertical rows of shimmering pearls and crystals, catching the light with every movement.

The gown featured a stunning cinched waist and 3D floral motifs in soft pastel hues — lavender, mint, and rose — accented by heavy silver beadwork that added a touch of romance. Completing Nikita’s red carpet look was her spectacular golden Miss India crown, intricately set with yellow and white stones, sitting atop her elegantly styled wavy hair.

Take a look:

‘Goddess alert’

The timing of this appearance is significant. Just days ago, the Miss World Organisation officially confirmed that the 75th edition will be hosted in Vietnam from August 9 to September 5, 2026. As the first Miss India to compete in this milestone ‘Diamond Jubilee’ year of the pageant, Nikita is under spotlight. Her appearance at the Grazia Awards served as a style preview, showcasing her readiness to bring the Miss World crown back to India.

Nikita took to Instagram to share the latest red carpet photos on March 31. A comment on her post read, “Miss World right there.” Someone also said, “So beautiful.” An Instagram user commented, “Miss World through and through.” A comment also read, “Goddess alert.”

Who is Nikita Porwal?

Hailing from Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, Nikita completed her schooling at Carmel Convent Senior Secondary School before graduating from Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda. Before winning the Miss India title in October 2024, Nikita began her career as a TV anchor at age 18. Her blend of Indian grace and stage presence has made her one of the most anticipated contestants for the upcoming Miss World beauty pageant.



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G R Infraprojects gains after winning Rs 1,454-cr NHAI contract

G R Infraprojects gains after winning Rs 1,454-cr NHAI contract


G R Infraprojects advanced 2.80% to Rs 821.50 after the company secured a letter of acceptance (LoA) from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) for a highway upgradation project valued at Rs 1,453.57 crore.

The project involves upgrading an existing two-lane carriageway into a four-lane divided highway along a 60.21 km stretch of NH-56 in Gujarat. The section runs from Nasarpore Village in Umarpada Taluka to Malotha Village in Vyara Taluka. The contract has been awarded under the Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM) model (Package VI).

The company stated that the project is to be completed within 910 days from the appointed date.

 

The company clarified that neither its promoters nor promoter group entities have any interest in the awarding authority. It also stated that the contract does not qualify as a related-party transaction under applicable regulatory norms.

G R Infraprojects is engaged in the construction of infrastructure facilities on an engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) and build, operate, and transfer (BOT) basis.

The companys standalone net profit jumped 37.70% to Rs 232.15 crore in Q3 FY26 as against Rs 168.59 crore in Q3 FY25. Revenue from operations rose 35.91% YoY to Rs 2,039.49 crore in the quarter ended 31 December 2025.

Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content

First Published: Apr 01 2026 | 10:33 AM IST



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G R Infraprojects gains after winning Rs 1,454-cr NHAI contract

RailTel Corp gains on bagging Rs 30-cr order from Jharkhand Education Project Council


RailTel Corporation of India surged 5.92% to Rs 260.45 after it has secured a contract worth Rs 29.69 crore from the Jharkhand Education Project Council.

The order entails selection of an agency for conducting English language training and setting up English language laboratories, the company said in a filing.

The contract, which involves both supply and services, has been awarded by a domestic entity and is to be executed by April 6, 2029.

The total contract value stands at Rs 29,69,03,155, inclusive of taxes.

RailTel said neither its promoters nor promoter group companies have any interest in the awarding authority, and the deal does not qualify as a related party transaction.

 

RailTel Corporation of India was incorporated in 2000, with the objective of creating nationwide broadband and VPN services, telecom, and multimedia networks to modernize the train control operation and safety system of Indian Railways.

The companys standalone net profit declined 4.07% to Rs 62.40 crore in Q3 FY26, compared with Rs 65.05 crore in Q3 FY25. However, revenue from operations rose 18.99% YoY to Rs 913.45 crore in Q3 FY26.



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