Iran-Israel conflict LIVE: War spreads across West Asia as Israel, Hezbollah exchange fire; Kuwait says 'several' U.S. warplanes have crashed in the country

#### Key Updates

• Israel army says working to intercept new missiles launched from Iran

• Israel army says 'struck and dismantled' Iran's state broadcaster HQ

• Iran's Revolutionary Guards warn the U.S. will 'no longer be safe'

• Cartoon | The Hindu's On the Draw cartoon on the Iran war

• Prepared to evacuate citizens stuck in Gulf, says Centre; State Governments set up helplines, control rooms

• Missiles and airstrikes leave trail of damage across West Asia

• Dubai, Abu Dhabi carriers to restart flights after two-day standstill

• Iran Guards say targeted Israel PM Netanyahu's office

• ​Imperial war: The Hindu editorial on the war against Iran

• Stock markets tumble as West Asia war dents risk appetite

• March 03, 2026 06:01 Loud explosions heard, clouds of smoke seen in Riyadh's diplomatic quarterLoud explosions were heard and clouds of smoke seen in Riyadh’s diplomatic quarter, home to foreign embassies in the Saudi capital and residences of foreign diplomats, four witnesses told AFP early on Tuesday (March 3, 2026) morning.“I heard two explosions followed by smoke rising over the quarter,” said a resident who preferred to remain anonymous due to the sensitivity of the matter.- AFP

Loud explosions were heard and clouds of smoke seen in Riyadh’s diplomatic quarter, home to foreign embassies in the Saudi capital and residences of foreign diplomats, four witnesses told AFP early on Tuesday (March 3, 2026) morning.

“I heard two explosions followed by smoke rising over the quarter,” said a resident who preferred to remain anonymous due to the sensitivity of the matter.- AFP

• March 03, 2026 04:59 U.S. urges citizens to immediately depart from a dozen West Asian countriesThe U.S. Department of State on Monday (March 2, 2026) called on Americans ⁠to immediately depart more than a dozen countries in the West Asia, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, amid U.S-Israeli strikes against Iran.Mora Namdar, the ‌State Department’s assistant secretary for consular affairs, said U.S. citizens should leave using available commercial transportation “due to safety risks.” - Reuters

The U.S. Department of State on Monday (March 2, 2026) called on Americans ⁠to immediately depart more than a dozen countries in the West Asia, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, amid U.S-Israeli strikes against Iran.

Mora Namdar, the ‌State Department’s assistant secretary for consular affairs, said U.S. citizens should leave using available commercial transportation “due to safety risks.” - Reuters

• March 03, 2026 04:20 Israel army says working to intercept new missiles launched from IranIsrael’s military said just after midnight on Tuesday (March 3, 2026) that it was working to intercept a new wave of missiles launched from Iran, warning residents in multiple locations to seek shelter.“A short while ago, the IDF identified missiles launched from Iran toward the territory of the State of Israel. Defensive systems are operating to intercept the threat,” the military said. - AFP

Israel’s military said just after midnight on Tuesday (March 3, 2026) that it was working to intercept a new wave of missiles launched from Iran, warning residents in multiple locations to seek shelter.

“A short while ago, the IDF identified missiles launched from Iran toward the territory of the State of Israel. Defensive systems are operating to intercept the threat,” the military said. - AFP

• March 03, 2026 03:55 Israel army says 'struck and dismantled' Iran's state broadcaster HQIsrael’s military said it “struck and dismantled” the headquarters of Iran’s state radio and television broadcaster, as it pressed on with its campaign against the Islamic republic.“A short while ago, the Israeli Air Force struck and dismantled the Iranian terrorist regime’s communications centre” in Tehran, the military said, referring to IRIB.“The activities taking place at the centre were carried out and directed by the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps. Over the years, the Iranian Broadcasting Authority called for the destruction of the State of Israel and for the use of nuclear weapons,” the military added. - AFP

Israel’s military said it “struck and dismantled” the headquarters of Iran’s state radio and television broadcaster, as it pressed on with its campaign against the Islamic republic.

“A short while ago, the Israeli Air Force struck and dismantled the Iranian terrorist regime’s communications centre” in Tehran, the military said, referring to IRIB.

“The activities taking place at the centre were carried out and directed by the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps. Over the years, the Iranian Broadcasting Authority called for the destruction of the State of Israel and for the use of nuclear weapons,” the military added. - AFP

• March 03, 2026 03:44 New series of powerful explosions heard in TehranFour powerful explosions were heard and felt by AFP journalists after midnight in Tehran, as local media reported blasts across the city.The four explosions were heard at 1:15 a.m. local time on Tuesday (21:45 GMT Monday), shaking the windows of apartments. The targets were unclear.With fighter jets flying over the capital, AFP journalists earlier saw huge columns of smoke rising from Tehran’s historic centre and the east of the city. The Mehr and Tasnim agencies reported explosions in these areas. - AFP

Four powerful explosions were heard and felt by AFP journalists after midnight in Tehran, as local media reported blasts across the city.

The four explosions were heard at 1:15 a.m. local time on Tuesday (21:45 GMT Monday), shaking the windows of apartments. The targets were unclear.

With fighter jets flying over the capital, AFP journalists earlier saw huge columns of smoke rising from Tehran’s historic centre and the east of the city. The Mehr and Tasnim agencies reported explosions in these areas. - AFP

• March 03, 2026 03:28 Israeli military says it has begun a new wave of strikes on TehranThe Israeli ‌military said late ⁠on Monday (March 2, 2026) it has ‌begun a ‌new ‌wave ⁠of ⁠strikes on Tehran.The strikes ‌came after it issued ‌an evacuation warning for residents ⁠in Tehran, ‌particularly those residing near state broadcaster ‌IRIB’s headquarters. - Reuters

The Israeli ‌military said late ⁠on Monday (March 2, 2026) it has ‌begun a ‌new ‌wave ⁠of ⁠strikes on Tehran.

The strikes ‌came after it issued ‌an evacuation warning for residents ⁠in Tehran, ‌particularly those residing near state broadcaster ‌IRIB’s headquarters. - Reuters

• March 03, 2026 03:26 U.S. embassy in Kuwait was struck by dronesThe U.S. embassy in Kuwait was struck by drones, three diplomatic sources told AFP after smoke was seen rising from the diplomatic mission earlier on Monday (March 2, 2026).One Kuwait-based diplomat and a Western diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the embassy had been damaged by a number of drones while a second Kuwait-based diplomat said the embassy building had been struck directly in the attack.As an AFP correspondent saw smoke rising from the diplomatic mission on Iran’s third day of retaliatory Gulf attacks, the U.S. embassy said that people should not come to the facility, warning of “a continuing threat of missile and UAV (drone) attacks over Kuwait”.- AFP

The U.S. embassy in Kuwait was struck by drones, three diplomatic sources told AFP after smoke was seen rising from the diplomatic mission earlier on Monday (March 2, 2026).

One Kuwait-based diplomat and a Western diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the embassy had been damaged by a number of drones while a second Kuwait-based diplomat said the embassy building had been struck directly in the attack.

As an AFP correspondent saw smoke rising from the diplomatic mission on Iran’s third day of retaliatory Gulf attacks, the U.S. embassy said that people should not come to the facility, warning of “a continuing threat of missile and UAV (drone) attacks over Kuwait”.- AFP

• March 03, 2026 03:24 Israel army says will strike Evin area of TehranThe Israeli military said on Monday (March 2, 2026) it planned to strike the Evin area in Tehran, warning residents to leave the designated zone.“The military will soon strike the Evin area of Tehran, in the Broadcasting Authority compound, as marked on the map,” the military said in a Farsi-language post on X.“In the coming hours, the (Israeli military) will operate in the area, as it has in recent days throughout Tehran, to strike military infrastructure belonging to the Iranian regime,” it added, showing an attached map of the targeted area.- AFP

The Israeli military said on Monday (March 2, 2026) it planned to strike the Evin area in Tehran, warning residents to leave the designated zone.

“The military will soon strike the Evin area of Tehran, in the Broadcasting Authority compound, as marked on the map,” the military said in a Farsi-language post on X.

“In the coming hours, the (Israeli military) will operate in the area, as it has in recent days throughout Tehran, to strike military infrastructure belonging to the Iranian regime,” it added, showing an attached map of the targeted area.- AFP

• March 03, 2026 03:08 British Prime Minister is dragging the U.K. into an illegal war: Jeremy Corbyn

• March 03, 2026 03:03 Rubio says U.S. would not 'deliberately target' school in IranSecretary of State Marco Rubio said on Monday (March 2, 2026) that the United States would not “deliberately” target a school, after Iran said 168 people died in U.S.-Israeli strike.“The United States would not deliberately target a school. Our objectives are missiles, both the ability to manufacture them and the ability to launch them,” Mr. Rubio told reporters, while adding that the Pentagon was investigating the alleged incident. - AFP

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Monday (March 2, 2026) that the United States would not “deliberately” target a school, after Iran said 168 people died in U.S.-Israeli strike.

“The United States would not deliberately target a school. Our objectives are missiles, both the ability to manufacture them and the ability to launch them,” Mr. Rubio told reporters, while adding that the Pentagon was investigating the alleged incident. - AFP

• March 03, 2026 03:02 Six U.S. military members killed since start of Iran war: CENTCOMA total of six U.S. military personnel have been killed since the start of the Iran war, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said on Monday (March 2, 2026), raising the death toll from four.“US forces recently recovered the remains of two previously unaccounted for service members from a facility that was struck during Iran’s initial attacks in the region,” CENTCOM said in a post on X.- AFP

A total of six U.S. military personnel have been killed since the start of the Iran war, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said on Monday (March 2, 2026), raising the death toll from four.

“US forces recently recovered the remains of two previously unaccounted for service members from a facility that was struck during Iran’s initial attacks in the region,” CENTCOM said in a post on X.- AFP

• March 03, 2026 02:35 U.S. attacked Iran 'pre-emptively' after learning of Israel plans: Marco RubioThe United States attacked Iran “pre-emptively” on Saturday (February 28, 2026) after learning that ally Israel was going to strike, which would have meant retaliation against U.S. forces, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said.“We knew that if we didn’t preemptively go after them before they launched those attacks, we would suffer higher casualties,” Mr. Rubio told reporters on Monday. - AFP

The United States attacked Iran “pre-emptively” on Saturday (February 28, 2026) after learning that ally Israel was going to strike, which would have meant retaliation against U.S. forces, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said.

“We knew that if we didn’t preemptively go after them before they launched those attacks, we would suffer higher casualties,” Mr. Rubio told reporters on Monday. - AFP

• March 03, 2026 02:16 U.S. embassy in Amman says staff temporarily evacuated due to threatThe U.S. embassy in the Jordanian capital Amman said it had temporarily evacuated its staff due to an unspecified threat on Monday (March 2, 2026).“Out of an abundance of caution, all personnel at the U.S. Embassy have temporarily departed the embassy compound due to a threat,” it said in a security alert posted on social media.Jordan is among countries across the West Asia that have been responding to Iranian counterattacks against a joint U.S.-Israeli campaign that killed its supreme leader.- AFP

The U.S. embassy in the Jordanian capital Amman said it had temporarily evacuated its staff due to an unspecified threat on Monday (March 2, 2026).

“Out of an abundance of caution, all personnel at the U.S. Embassy have temporarily departed the embassy compound due to a threat,” it said in a security alert posted on social media.

Jordan is among countries across the West Asia that have been responding to Iranian counterattacks against a joint U.S.-Israeli campaign that killed its supreme leader.- AFP

• March 03, 2026 01:48 Revolutionary guards commander says Strait of Hormuz closed, Iran to set on fire any ship trying to passIran’s Revolutionary ‌Guards commander said on Monday (March 2, 2026) ⁠that the Strait of Hormuz ‌is closed ‌and Iran is ‌to ⁠set ⁠any ship trying to pass on ‌fire, Iranian media reported.The move comes after ‌Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was ⁠killed in an Israeli ‌strike, which would threaten to choke a fifth ‌of global oil flows and send ⁠crude prices ⁠sharply higher.- Reuters

Iran’s Revolutionary ‌Guards commander said on Monday (March 2, 2026) ⁠that the Strait of Hormuz ‌is closed ‌and Iran is ‌to ⁠set ⁠any ship trying to pass on ‌fire, Iranian media reported.

The move comes after ‌Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was ⁠killed in an Israeli ‌strike, which would threaten to choke a fifth ‌of global oil flows and send ⁠crude prices ⁠sharply higher.- Reuters

• March 03, 2026 01:29 From Gaza to Minab, innocents murdered in cold blood, says Abbas AraghchiSharing a picture of graves, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi questioned Donald Trump’s promised “rescue” in Iran. He said 160 innocent young girls were killed in the U.S.-Israeli bombing of a primary school.

Sharing a picture of graves, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi questioned Donald Trump’s promised “rescue” in Iran. He said 160 innocent young girls were killed in the U.S.-Israeli bombing of a primary school.

• March 03, 2026 01:09 Israel army says struck Iran military, intelligence offices in TehranThe Israeli military said on Monday (March 2, 2026) that it struck multiple Iranian intelligence offices and other command centres as it pressed ahead with attacks on the Islamic republic.“The (Israeli military) struck over 10 headquarters belonging to the Iranian Ministry of Intelligence -- the regime’s main intelligence body -- as well as numerous Quds Force headquarters,” the military said in a statement, referring to the branch of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards which oversees its foreign operations. - AFP

The Israeli military said on Monday (March 2, 2026) that it struck multiple Iranian intelligence offices and other command centres as it pressed ahead with attacks on the Islamic republic.

“The (Israeli military) struck over 10 headquarters belonging to the Iranian Ministry of Intelligence -- the regime’s main intelligence body -- as well as numerous Quds Force headquarters,” the military said in a statement, referring to the branch of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards which oversees its foreign operations. - AFP

• March 03, 2026 00:27 Iran's Revolutionary Guards warn the U.S. will 'no longer be safe'Iran’s Revolutionary Guards warned on Monday (March 2, 2026) that the United States “will no longer be safe”, on the third day of joint U.S.-Israeli attacks against the Islamic republic.“The enemy should know that their happy days are over and they will no longer be safe anywhere in the world, not even in their own homes,” the Guards’ Quds force, which oversees its foreign operations, said in a statement carried by state TV.- AFP

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards warned on Monday (March 2, 2026) that the United States “will no longer be safe”, on the third day of joint U.S.-Israeli attacks against the Islamic republic.

“The enemy should know that their happy days are over and they will no longer be safe anywhere in the world, not even in their own homes,” the Guards’ Quds force, which oversees its foreign operations, said in a statement carried by state TV.- AFP

• March 03, 2026 00:09 Hezbollah condemns Lebanese govt decision to ban military activitiesHezbollah condemned on Monday (March 2, 2026) the Lebanese government’s decision to ban its military activities, while Israel carried out retaliatory strikes in response to rockets fired by the Iran-backed group.In a statement, Mohammed Raad, the head of the group’s Parliamentary bloc, condemned Beirut’s “swaggering decisions”, saying that “the Lebanese were expecting a decision rejecting the (Israeli) aggression”.- AFP

Hezbollah condemned on Monday (March 2, 2026) the Lebanese government’s decision to ban its military activities, while Israel carried out retaliatory strikes in response to rockets fired by the Iran-backed group.

In a statement, Mohammed Raad, the head of the group’s Parliamentary bloc, condemned Beirut’s “swaggering decisions”, saying that “the Lebanese were expecting a decision rejecting the (Israeli) aggression”.- AFP

• March 03, 2026 00:03 Iran says 'will not remain silent' after alleged strikes on school, hospitalIranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Monday (March 2, 2026) said his country “will not remain silent” after what he described as U.S.-Israeli strikes on a school and a Tehran hospital.“Attacks on hospitals strike at life itself. Attacks on schools target a nation’s future... The world must condemn it,” he wrote on X.“Iran will not remain silent or yield to these crimes,” he added. Iran has claimed 168 were killed at the school in the south on Saturday (February 28, 2026). - AFP

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Monday (March 2, 2026) said his country “will not remain silent” after what he described as U.S.-Israeli strikes on a school and a Tehran hospital.

“Attacks on hospitals strike at life itself. Attacks on schools target a nation’s future... The world must condemn it,” he wrote on X.

“Iran will not remain silent or yield to these crimes,” he added. Iran has claimed 168 were killed at the school in the south on Saturday (February 28, 2026). - AFP

• March 02, 2026 23:28 Qatar downs Iran warplanes, halts LNG production as Gulf crisis deepensQatar shot down two Iranian fighter jets and halted LNG production over Iran’s latest strikes, sending prices soaring, as the Gulf crisis escalated sharply on Monday.Qatar’s air force downed two Sukhoi SU24 bombers, the Defence Ministry said - the first such action by a Gulf country after three days of Iranian bombardment.The wealthy region of staunch U.S. allies has found itself in the firing line of Iran’s retaliatory attacks, with airports and hotels hit along with military sites.Six people have been killed and dozens injured.- AFP

Qatar shot down two Iranian fighter jets and halted LNG production over Iran’s latest strikes, sending prices soaring, as the Gulf crisis escalated sharply on Monday.

Qatar’s air force downed two Sukhoi SU24 bombers, the Defence Ministry said - the first such action by a Gulf country after three days of Iranian bombardment.

The wealthy region of staunch U.S. allies has found itself in the firing line of Iran’s retaliatory attacks, with airports and hotels hit along with military sites.

Six people have been killed and dozens injured.

• March 02, 2026 23:21 Drone hits fuel tank terminal in Abu Dhabi, situation contained: governmentA drone struck a fuel tank terminal in the Emirati capital Abu Dhabi on Monday, causing a fire, though operations were not impacted, authorities said, as Iran struck more oil facilities on its third day of Gulf attacks.“Abu Dhabi authorities have responded today to a fire resulting from the targeting of a Musaffah fuel tank terminal by a drone. The situation was promptly contained. No injuries were reported, and there was no impact on operations,” the Abu Dhabi Media Office said in a statement.- AFP

A drone struck a fuel tank terminal in the Emirati capital Abu Dhabi on Monday, causing a fire, though operations were not impacted, authorities said, as Iran struck more oil facilities on its third day of Gulf attacks.

“Abu Dhabi authorities have responded today to a fire resulting from the targeting of a Musaffah fuel tank terminal by a drone. The situation was promptly contained. No injuries were reported, and there was no impact on operations,” the Abu Dhabi Media Office said in a statement.

• March 02, 2026 23:17 Turkiye's Erdogan says attacks on Iran are clear violation of international lawTurkish President Tayyip Erdogan criticised ‌attacks on Iran by ⁠the United States and Israel as a “clear ‌violation” of international law ‌on ‌Monday, adding ⁠that Turkiye ⁠shared the pain of the Iranian people.Speaking ‌at a Ramadan fast-breaking dinner in Ankara, Erdogan said ‌Turkey would intensify its contacts at ⁠all levels until a ceasefire was ‌reached and calm achieved in the region, adding the continuation ‌of the conflict carried serious risks for the region ⁠and the world ⁠that nobody could ‌handle.- Reuters

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan criticised ‌attacks on Iran by ⁠the United States and Israel as a “clear ‌violation” of international law ‌on ‌Monday, adding ⁠that Turkiye ⁠shared the pain of the Iranian people.

Speaking ‌at a Ramadan fast-breaking dinner in Ankara, Erdogan said ‌Turkey would intensify its contacts at ⁠all levels until a ceasefire was ‌reached and calm achieved in the region, adding the continuation ‌of the conflict carried serious risks for the region ⁠and the world ⁠that nobody could ‌handle.

- Reuters

• March 02, 2026 23:16 Pakistan deploys troops, imposes 3-day curfew after deadly protests over U.S.-Israeli strikes on IranPakistani authorities deployed troops and imposed a three-day curfew before dawn on Monday in the northern cities of Gilgit and Skardu after several people died and tens were injured in violent protests following the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in the U.S.-Israeli strikes, officials said.Thousands of Shia demonstrators attacked on Sunday the offices of the U.N. Military Observer Group and the U.N. Development Programme in Skardu city. Protesters also burned a police station and damaged a school and the offices of a local charity in Gilgit, according to officials. At least 12 people were killed and 80 others injured, said police in the Gilgit-Baltistan region.U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said on Monday that protesters became violent near the UNMOGIP Field Station, which was vandalised. “The safety and security of U.N. personnel and premises throughout the region remain our top priority, and we continue to closely monitor the situation,” Ms. Dujarric said.- AP

Pakistani authorities deployed troops and imposed a three-day curfew before dawn on Monday in the northern cities of Gilgit and Skardu after several people died and tens were injured in violent protests following the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in the U.S.-Israeli strikes, officials said.

Thousands of Shia demonstrators attacked on Sunday the offices of the U.N. Military Observer Group and the U.N. Development Programme in Skardu city. Protesters also burned a police station and damaged a school and the offices of a local charity in Gilgit, according to officials. At least 12 people were killed and 80 others injured, said police in the Gilgit-Baltistan region.

U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said on Monday that protesters became violent near the UNMOGIP Field Station, which was vandalised. “The safety and security of U.N. personnel and premises throughout the region remain our top priority, and we continue to closely monitor the situation,” Ms. Dujarric said.

• March 02, 2026 23:14 Trump says acted on 'last best chance' to hit IranPresident Donald Trump said Monday that he took the decision to launch a war against Iran because it was the “last, best chance” to stop the country’s alleged nuclear bomb program. “This was our last, best chance to strike, what we’re doing right now, and eliminate the intolerable threats posed by this sick and sinister regime,” Mr. Trump said at the White House.- AFP

President Donald Trump said Monday that he took the decision to launch a war against Iran because it was the “last, best chance” to stop the country’s alleged nuclear bomb program. “This was our last, best chance to strike, what we’re doing right now, and eliminate the intolerable threats posed by this sick and sinister regime,” Mr. Trump said at the White House.

• March 02, 2026 23:12 Trump doesn't rule out sending U.S. troops into IranPresident Donald Trump on Monday said he is not ruling out sending U.S. troops into Iran, while threatening a new, “big wave” of attacks.While so far the assault has focused entirely on aerial attacks by missiles and bombs, Mr. Trump refused to rule out sending ground troops -- something generally considered to be far riskier in terms of possible casualties.- AFP

President Donald Trump on Monday said he is not ruling out sending U.S. troops into Iran, while threatening a new, “big wave” of attacks.

While so far the assault has focused entirely on aerial attacks by missiles and bombs, Mr. Trump refused to rule out sending ground troops -- something generally considered to be far riskier in terms of possible casualties.

• March 02, 2026 23:04 Modi speaks to Gulf leaders over safety of Indians as first Indian casualty reportedAgainst the backdrop of the continued conflict in the Gulf, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with the King of Bahrain, Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa, and the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed Bin Salman.The conversation came even as the first Indian casualty of the U.S.-Israel vs Iran conflict was confirmed by the Indian Embassy in Oman, which announced that an Indian sailor onboard oil tanker MKD Vyom has died.The Maritime Security Centre of Oman also confirmed the casualty of the Indian national in an announcement on Monday (March 2, 2026), saying that the oil tanker was hit by an explosive-laden boat northwest of Sultan Qaboos Port and its crew were evacuated following an “outbreak of fire”.PM Modi speaks to Saudi Crown Prince, Jordan, Bahrain Kings as Iran-Israel conflict continuesModi engages Gulf leaders on Indian safety as first casualty reported in Iran-Israel conflict amid escalating tensions.

Against the backdrop of the continued conflict in the Gulf, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with the King of Bahrain, Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa, and the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed Bin Salman.

The conversation came even as the first Indian casualty of the U.S.-Israel vs Iran conflict was confirmed by the Indian Embassy in Oman, which announced that an Indian sailor onboard oil tanker MKD Vyom has died.

The Maritime Security Centre of Oman also confirmed the casualty of the Indian national in an announcement on Monday (March 2, 2026), saying that the oil tanker was hit by an explosive-laden boat northwest of Sultan Qaboos Port and its crew were evacuated following an “outbreak of fire”.

PM Modi speaks to Saudi Crown Prince, Jordan, Bahrain Kings as Iran-Israel conflict continues

Modi engages Gulf leaders on Indian safety as first casualty reported in Iran-Israel conflict amid escalating tensions.

• March 02, 2026 22:31 Etihad flight from Abu Dhabi to Bengaluru to operate tonightThe Etihad flight from Abu Dhabi to Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport will operate tonight. The flight has arrived at 10 p.m and will depart at 11:10 p.m. to Abu Dhabi from KIA.- THB

The Etihad flight from Abu Dhabi to Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport will operate tonight. The flight has arrived at 10 p.m and will depart at 11:10 p.m. to Abu Dhabi from KIA.

• March 02, 2026 21:53 U.K. PM says he 'stands by' decision to not take part in Iran strikes amid Trump criticismU.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer defended on Monday his decision to keep Britain out of the U.S. and Israel’s initial strikes against Iran following criticism from President Donald Trump.“President Trump has expressed his disagreement with our decision not to get involved in the initial strikes, but it is my duty to judge what is in Britain’s national interest. That is what I have done, and I stand by it,” Mr. Starmer told the Parliament.The premier also said that British military bases in Cyprus “are not being used by U.S. bombers”, after he agreed to a U.S. request to use U.K. bases for “specific and limited defensive purposes” in the war.- AFP

U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer defended on Monday his decision to keep Britain out of the U.S. and Israel’s initial strikes against Iran following criticism from President Donald Trump.

“President Trump has expressed his disagreement with our decision not to get involved in the initial strikes, but it is my duty to judge what is in Britain’s national interest. That is what I have done, and I stand by it,” Mr. Starmer told the Parliament.

The premier also said that British military bases in Cyprus “are not being used by U.S. bombers”, after he agreed to a U.S. request to use U.K. bases for “specific and limited defensive purposes” in the war.

• March 02, 2026 21:49 Cartoon | The Hindu's On the Draw cartoon on the Iran warIRANwarRGB.jpg

IRANwarRGB.jpg

• March 02, 2026 21:44 Netanyahu says day is 'near' for Iranians to oust clerical ruleIsraeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday said the joint U.S.-Israeli campaign against Iran aimed in part to create the conditions for Iranians to oust their leadership, adding that the time was approaching for them to do so.“That day is drawing near. And when it comes, Israel and the United States will be there, together with the Iranian people. And it is important that the Iranian people be there with us. That depends on them, we will be there,” Mr. Netanyahu told journalists in televised remarks when he visited a site hit by an Iranian missile.Since Israel and the United States first launched strikes on Iran on Saturday, Mr. Netanyahu has said it is time for Iranians to “cast off the yoke of tyranny” and U.S. President Donald Trump has told them to “take back your country.”- AFP

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday said the joint U.S.-Israeli campaign against Iran aimed in part to create the conditions for Iranians to oust their leadership, adding that the time was approaching for them to do so.

“That day is drawing near. And when it comes, Israel and the United States will be there, together with the Iranian people. And it is important that the Iranian people be there with us. That depends on them, we will be there,” Mr. Netanyahu told journalists in televised remarks when he visited a site hit by an Iranian missile.

Since Israel and the United States first launched strikes on Iran on Saturday, Mr. Netanyahu has said it is time for Iranians to “cast off the yoke of tyranny” and U.S. President Donald Trump has told them to “take back your country.”

• March 02, 2026 21:43 Eight Indians, including three Keralites, stranded in Pakistan to be back home on March 3Three Keralites, who are stranded at the Karachi airport in Pakistan following a flight diversion due to the escalating conflict in West Asia, will be brought back to the State by early Tuesday morning.Five other Indians are also trapped alongside them. The three Keralites are identified as Krishna Das Nagalur, a native of Kodumbu in Palakkad; his wife, Rashmi Menon; and their three-year-old daughter Smriti, who were travelling on an Air Arabia flight from Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, to Kuwait.Their flight was diverted and made an emergency landing at Karachi International Airport due to the tense situation in the region.Read the whole story here

Three Keralites, who are stranded at the Karachi airport in Pakistan following a flight diversion due to the escalating conflict in West Asia, will be brought back to the State by early Tuesday morning.

Five other Indians are also trapped alongside them. The three Keralites are identified as Krishna Das Nagalur, a native of Kodumbu in Palakkad; his wife, Rashmi Menon; and their three-year-old daughter Smriti, who were travelling on an Air Arabia flight from Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, to Kuwait.

Their flight was diverted and made an emergency landing at Karachi International Airport due to the tense situation in the region.

• March 02, 2026 21:41 One dead as ship in Bahrain port struck by 'unknown projectiles'Unidentified projectiles hit an oil tanker at a Bahrain port on Monday, causing a fire that was extinguished, local authorities said, with the ship’s owner reporting that one crew member was killed.“US-flagged tanker Stena Imperative was struck by two unknown projectiles in the Port of Bahrain at 02:57 UTC (0257 GMT),” private maritime security company Vanguard Tech said in a statement.It added that “all crew members are safe and have evacuated the vessel.”The vessel’s Swedish owner, Stena Bulk, also told AFP that “mariners have reported no injuries and a damage assessment is being conducted.”- AFP

Unidentified projectiles hit an oil tanker at a Bahrain port on Monday, causing a fire that was extinguished, local authorities said, with the ship’s owner reporting that one crew member was killed.

“US-flagged tanker Stena Imperative was struck by two unknown projectiles in the Port of Bahrain at 02:57 UTC (0257 GMT),” private maritime security company Vanguard Tech said in a statement.

It added that “all crew members are safe and have evacuated the vessel.”

The vessel’s Swedish owner, Stena Bulk, also told AFP that “mariners have reported no injuries and a damage assessment is being conducted.”

• March 02, 2026 21:33 'Big wave' in war with Iran is yet to come: Trump to CNNThe “big wave” is yet to come in ⁠the war with Iran, U.S. President Donald Trump ‌told CNN on Monday, adding that Washington ‌did not know ‌who ⁠the country’s new leader ⁠would be following the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.“We haven’t even started ‌hitting them hard. The big wave hasn’t even happened. The big ‌one is coming soon,” Mr. Trump said, telling CNN it was unclear ⁠who was now leading the country.“We don’t ‌know who the leadership is. We don’t know who they’ll pick,” he said.Reuters reported on Sunday that ‌many senior U.S. officials remain skeptical the military operation against the Islamic Government ⁠will lead to ⁠regime change in the near term.- Reuters

The “big wave” is yet to come in ⁠the war with Iran, U.S. President Donald Trump ‌told CNN on Monday, adding that Washington ‌did not know ‌who ⁠the country’s new leader ⁠would be following the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

“We haven’t even started ‌hitting them hard. The big wave hasn’t even happened. The big ‌one is coming soon,” Mr. Trump said, telling CNN it was unclear ⁠who was now leading the country.

“We don’t ‌know who the leadership is. We don’t know who they’ll pick,” he said.

Reuters reported on Sunday that ‌many senior U.S. officials remain skeptical the military operation against the Islamic Government ⁠will lead to ⁠regime change in the near term.

- Reuters

• March 02, 2026 21:01 One fighter killed in fresh strikes on Iraq base: pro-Iran faction sourceAn Iran-backed fighter was killed on Monday in fresh strikes on a military base in Iraq housing the Kataeb Hezbollah group, a source from the armed faction said.“One fighter was martyred and another wounded in fresh bombing on the Jurf al-Nasr base,” a Kataeb Hezbollah source told AFP.The base serves as one of the main bastions of the powerful Tehran-backed armed group, which has been targeted several times since the start of the war in West Asia.- AFP

An Iran-backed fighter was killed on Monday in fresh strikes on a military base in Iraq housing the Kataeb Hezbollah group, a source from the armed faction said.

“One fighter was martyred and another wounded in fresh bombing on the Jurf al-Nasr base,” a Kataeb Hezbollah source told AFP.

The base serves as one of the main bastions of the powerful Tehran-backed armed group, which has been targeted several times since the start of the war in West Asia.

• March 02, 2026 21:00 Prepared to evacuate citizens stuck in Gulf, says Centre; State Governments set up helplines, control roomsAmid escalating West Asia tensions, the Centre on Monday said it is in touch with Indian missions in the Gulf region to ensure the safe return of stranded Indian nationals as State Governments across the country stepped up efforts to assist such residents.The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), which met last evening under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has expressed concern over the safety and security of the large Indian expatriate community in the Gulf nations. The CCS also directed all concerned departments to take necessary and feasible measures to assist Indian nationals affected by the developments.On Monday, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi said the Centre is fully prepared to bring back Indians stranded in the Gulf region and is in touch with Indian missions abroad to ensure their safety.In a statement, Mr. Joshi said discussions have been held with senior officials of the concerned embassies to facilitate the safe return of those affected by the war situation.- PTI

Amid escalating West Asia tensions, the Centre on Monday said it is in touch with Indian missions in the Gulf region to ensure the safe return of stranded Indian nationals as State Governments across the country stepped up efforts to assist such residents.

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), which met last evening under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has expressed concern over the safety and security of the large Indian expatriate community in the Gulf nations. The CCS also directed all concerned departments to take necessary and feasible measures to assist Indian nationals affected by the developments.

On Monday, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi said the Centre is fully prepared to bring back Indians stranded in the Gulf region and is in touch with Indian missions abroad to ensure their safety.

In a statement, Mr. Joshi said discussions have been held with senior officials of the concerned embassies to facilitate the safe return of those affected by the war situation.

• March 02, 2026 20:58 U.K.'s Cyprus military base comes under attack amid West Asia warA British military base on Cyprus came under attack by an unmanned drone on Monday amid the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran, as authorities issued evacuation orders for the surrounding area.An Iranian drone hit the runway of the U.K.’s Akrotiri air force base just hours after U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Britain would not join the offensive against Iran.The area around the Mediterranean island base and an airport in western Cyprus were evacuated, the Cypriot Interior Ministry said.“Following information received from the National Guard, instructions were issued for the evacuation of the Akrotiri Municipal District and Paphos Airport,” the Ministry said on X.- AFP

A British military base on Cyprus came under attack by an unmanned drone on Monday amid the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran, as authorities issued evacuation orders for the surrounding area.

An Iranian drone hit the runway of the U.K.’s Akrotiri air force base just hours after U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Britain would not join the offensive against Iran.

The area around the Mediterranean island base and an airport in western Cyprus were evacuated, the Cypriot Interior Ministry said.

“Following information received from the National Guard, instructions were issued for the evacuation of the Akrotiri Municipal District and Paphos Airport,” the Ministry said on X.

• March 02, 2026 20:56 Strikes hit Beirut's southern suburbs after Israeli warning: AFPSeveral strikes hit Beirut’s southern suburbs on Monday after Israeli evacuation warnings, as seen on AFPTV’s live broadcast, as Israel attacked the country following Hezbollah’s dawn missile launches.Plumes of smoke were rising from the targeted area as state media reported four Israeli strikes on the suburbs.- AFP

Several strikes hit Beirut’s southern suburbs on Monday after Israeli evacuation warnings, as seen on AFPTV’s live broadcast, as Israel attacked the country following Hezbollah’s dawn missile launches.

Plumes of smoke were rising from the targeted area as state media reported four Israeli strikes on the suburbs.

• March 02, 2026 20:54 Turkiye says day-trip crossings suspended at Iran borderTurkiye and Iran have mutually suspended day-trip crossings at their border, Turkiye’s Trade Minister said Monday as Israeli-U.S. strikes continued to pound the Islamic Government.“Same-day passenger crossings at all three customs gates have been mutually suspended,” Trade Minister Omer Bolat wrote on X.But he insisted there was “no extraordinary situation” at the three crossings along their shared 500-km (300-mile) frontier.“Iran is allowing its own citizens to enter their country via Turkey... we are also allowing our own citizens and third-country nationals to enter our country from Iran,” he said.- AFP

Turkiye and Iran have mutually suspended day-trip crossings at their border, Turkiye’s Trade Minister said Monday as Israeli-U.S. strikes continued to pound the Islamic Government.

“Same-day passenger crossings at all three customs gates have been mutually suspended,” Trade Minister Omer Bolat wrote on X.

But he insisted there was “no extraordinary situation” at the three crossings along their shared 500-km (300-mile) frontier.

“Iran is allowing its own citizens to enter their country via Turkey... we are also allowing our own citizens and third-country nationals to enter our country from Iran,” he said.

• March 02, 2026 20:50 Missiles and airstrikes leave trail of damage across West Asia

• March 02, 2026 20:39 British base in Cyprus, airport evacuated after drones interceptedBritain evacuated one of its sovereign bases in Cyprus on Monday while the Cypriot Government evacuated its second biggest airport, after it said two drones heading for Akrotiri had been “dealt with”.It came hours after an Iranian Shahed drone crashed into the Akrotiri base, causing minor damage, according to Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides.An AFP correspondent heard sirens sounding at the Akrotiri air base and saw about 70 vehicles, mostly with civilian number plates, leaving the area on the southern tip of the island around noon local time (1000 GMT).State broadcaster CyBC later reported the evacuation, saying that three fighter jets took off from the base at the same time.- AFP

Britain evacuated one of its sovereign bases in Cyprus on Monday while the Cypriot Government evacuated its second biggest airport, after it said two drones heading for Akrotiri had been “dealt with”.

It came hours after an Iranian Shahed drone crashed into the Akrotiri base, causing minor damage, according to Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides.

An AFP correspondent heard sirens sounding at the Akrotiri air base and saw about 70 vehicles, mostly with civilian number plates, leaving the area on the southern tip of the island around noon local time (1000 GMT).

State broadcaster CyBC later reported the evacuation, saying that three fighter jets took off from the base at the same time.

• March 02, 2026 20:35 EU to convene gas supply meeting on Iran conflict impactThe European ‌Union’s gas coordination group will ⁠meet on Wednesday to ‌assess the ‌impact of the ‌widening ⁠conflict ⁠in the Middle East, a ‌European Commission spokesperson told Reuters on Monday.The ‌EU’s gas coordination group includes ⁠representatives from member state ‌governments. It monitors gas storage and security of ‌supply in the EU and ⁠coordinates response measures during ⁠crises.- Reuters

The European ‌Union’s gas coordination group will ⁠meet on Wednesday to ‌assess the ‌impact of the ‌widening ⁠conflict ⁠in the Middle East, a ‌European Commission spokesperson told Reuters on Monday.

The ‌EU’s gas coordination group includes ⁠representatives from member state ‌governments. It monitors gas storage and security of ‌supply in the EU and ⁠coordinates response measures during ⁠crises.

- Reuters

• March 02, 2026 20:33 'Too risky' for Iran to hit Turkey over U.S. assets: analystsUnder relentless Israeli-U.S. attack, Iran has bombarded U.S. assets in the Gulf, but so far has not touched Turkiye - a “high-cost strategic gamble” that could go disastrously wrong, analysts said.Iran had long warned that if Washington attacked, it would target its regional assets, which in principle should include NATO-member Turkiye, where U.S. troops are stationed at several bases.Since the conflict began early on Saturday, Iran has fired missiles and drones across the Middle East, striking Israel, and at Iraq, Jordan and all six Gulf states in a bid to strike at U.S. assets. But not Turkiye, despite the presence of several highly sensitive sites hosting an unspecified number of U.S. troops.One is Incirlik, a key NATO air base used for decades by U.S. troops near the southern city of Adana, and another is Kurecik, a base in central Turkey which has a NATO early-warning radar system that can detect Iranian missile launches.- AFP

Under relentless Israeli-U.S. attack, Iran has bombarded U.S. assets in the Gulf, but so far has not touched Turkiye - a “high-cost strategic gamble” that could go disastrously wrong, analysts said.

Iran had long warned that if Washington attacked, it would target its regional assets, which in principle should include NATO-member Turkiye, where U.S. troops are stationed at several bases.

Since the conflict began early on Saturday, Iran has fired missiles and drones across the Middle East, striking Israel, and at Iraq, Jordan and all six Gulf states in a bid to strike at U.S. assets. But not Turkiye, despite the presence of several highly sensitive sites hosting an unspecified number of U.S. troops.

One is Incirlik, a key NATO air base used for decades by U.S. troops near the southern city of Adana, and another is Kurecik, a base in central Turkey which has a NATO early-warning radar system that can detect Iranian missile launches.

• March 02, 2026 20:31 Germany to fly out vulnerable people from Riyadh, Muscat: Foreign MinisterGermany is flying out particularly ‌vulnerable people, including children, ⁠pregnant women and sick people from Riyadh ‌and Muscat, German ‌Foreign Minister Johann ‌Wadephul ⁠said on ⁠Monday, the third day of a U.S.-Israeli air ‌war against Iran.Mr. Wadephul said that German crisis ‌support teams would be sent to Muscat, ⁠Doha and Dubai, and that ‌other teams were looking at “border crossing options between the affected ‌countries and countries such as Oman and Saudi ⁠Arabia, both of ⁠which still have open ‌airspace.”- Reuters

Germany is flying out particularly ‌vulnerable people, including children, ⁠pregnant women and sick people from Riyadh ‌and Muscat, German ‌Foreign Minister Johann ‌Wadephul ⁠said on ⁠Monday, the third day of a U.S.-Israeli air ‌war against Iran.

Mr. Wadephul said that German crisis ‌support teams would be sent to Muscat, ⁠Doha and Dubai, and that ‌other teams were looking at “border crossing options between the affected ‌countries and countries such as Oman and Saudi ⁠Arabia, both of ⁠which still have open ‌airspace.”

- Reuters

• March 02, 2026 20:30 Putin urges ceasefire in Middle East in calls with UAE, Qatar leadersRussian President Vladimir Putin urged a ceasefire in the Middle East during phone calls with Emirati and Qatari leaders on Monday amid the escalating war in the Middle East.In a call with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, both leaders “emphasised the need for an immediate ceasefire and a return to the political and diplomatic process,” the Kremlin said in a readout.The Russian leader also said he was ready to convey to Tehran the UAE’s concerns about Iranian retaliation strikes and to provide assistance in stabilising the situation in the region.During the call with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, both leaders shared concerns about “the risks of the conflict’s expansion and the danger of third countries being drawn into it,” the Kremlin said.- AFP

Russian President Vladimir Putin urged a ceasefire in the Middle East during phone calls with Emirati and Qatari leaders on Monday amid the escalating war in the Middle East.

In a call with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, both leaders “emphasised the need for an immediate ceasefire and a return to the political and diplomatic process,” the Kremlin said in a readout.

The Russian leader also said he was ready to convey to Tehran the UAE’s concerns about Iranian retaliation strikes and to provide assistance in stabilising the situation in the region.

During the call with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, both leaders shared concerns about “the risks of the conflict’s expansion and the danger of third countries being drawn into it,” the Kremlin said.

• March 02, 2026 20:27 Dubai, Abu Dhabi carriers to restart flights after two-day standstillDubai International Airport and Emirates said on Monday evening that a limited resumption of flights will begin today, while Abu Dhabi’s Etihad will also operate a restricted number of repatriation and cargo services – an early sign of easing of flight restrictions after two days of near standstill.“Emirates will begin operating a limited number of flights commencing on the evening of 2 March. We are accommodating customers with earlier bookings as a priority, and those who have been rebooked to travel on these limited flights will be contacted directly by Emirates,” Emirates airline said in a press statement on X. Its low-cost arm, flyDubai, will also restart flights.​Read the whole story here​

Dubai International Airport and Emirates said on Monday evening that a limited resumption of flights will begin today, while Abu Dhabi’s Etihad will also operate a restricted number of repatriation and cargo services – an early sign of easing of flight restrictions after two days of near standstill.

“Emirates will begin operating a limited number of flights commencing on the evening of 2 March. We are accommodating customers with earlier bookings as a priority, and those who have been rebooked to travel on these limited flights will be contacted directly by Emirates,” Emirates airline said in a press statement on X. Its low-cost arm, flyDubai, will also restart flights.

​Read the whole story here​

• March 02, 2026 20:03 Hundreds of Iranians cross border into Turkiye, witness saysHundreds of Iranians crossed the border into Turkiye on Monday ⁠afternoon as the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran expanded, a Reuters witness said, with those arriving speaking of fear in Tehran and queues at petrol stations.In ‌the morning, Turkiye had said day-trip passenger crossings at the three Turkish-Iranian border gates had been mutually suspended, ‌with Turkiye only allowing its own citizens and third-country nationals ‌to ⁠enter. On Sunday, travellers told Reuters that some Iranian ⁠citizens were being stopped from crossing into Turkiye.However, by Monday afternoon, Iranians started crossing into Turkiye at the Kapikoy border gate, against the backdrop of snow-covered hills in Iran.- Reuters

Hundreds of Iranians crossed the border into Turkiye on Monday ⁠afternoon as the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran expanded, a Reuters witness said, with those arriving speaking of fear in Tehran and queues at petrol stations.

In ‌the morning, Turkiye had said day-trip passenger crossings at the three Turkish-Iranian border gates had been mutually suspended, ‌with Turkiye only allowing its own citizens and third-country nationals ‌to ⁠enter. On Sunday, travellers told Reuters that some Iranian ⁠citizens were being stopped from crossing into Turkiye.

However, by Monday afternoon, Iranians started crossing into Turkiye at the Kapikoy border gate, against the backdrop of snow-covered hills in Iran.

- Reuters

• March 02, 2026 19:40 U.S. expected to have additional losses: Air Force Gen. Dan CaineAir Force General Dan Caine on Monday said that the U.S. expected to have additional losses. “We grieve with you, and we will never forget you,” he said of the family members of those killed.This briefing comes as the conflict has intensified into a wider war in the region. Iran and its allied armed groups have launched missiles at Israel, Arab states and U.S. military targets in the Middle East.- AP

Air Force General Dan Caine on Monday said that the U.S. expected to have additional losses. “We grieve with you, and we will never forget you,” he said of the family members of those killed.

This briefing comes as the conflict has intensified into a wider war in the region. Iran and its allied armed groups have launched missiles at Israel, Arab states and U.S. military targets in the Middle East.

• March 02, 2026 19:36 Israel army issues evacuation warnings for over dozen more locations in LebanonThe Israeli military warned residents in more than a dozen locations in south and east Lebanon to evacuate on Monday, saying buildings were being used by the Hezbollah armed group.“We have issued 18 urgent evacuation warnings for buildings used by the Hezbollah terrorist organisation in the following villages and towns,” said a statement by the military’s Arabic-language spokesman Avichay Adraee posted on X, which listed 16 locations as well as the south Beirut suburb of Burj al-Barajneh, which was the subject of an earlier evacuation warning.- AFP

The Israeli military warned residents in more than a dozen locations in south and east Lebanon to evacuate on Monday, saying buildings were being used by the Hezbollah armed group.

“We have issued 18 urgent evacuation warnings for buildings used by the Hezbollah terrorist organisation in the following villages and towns,” said a statement by the military’s Arabic-language spokesman Avichay Adraee posted on X, which listed 16 locations as well as the south Beirut suburb of Burj al-Barajneh, which was the subject of an earlier evacuation warning.

• March 02, 2026 19:35 Tehran hospital evacuated after explosions nearby, WHO saysThe World Health Organization said on Monday that a hospital in Iran’s capital has been ‌evacuated after explosions nearby and that it is working to ⁠verify reports that three other medical centres in the country had been hit ‌since the start of the U.S.-Israeli air war against Iran ‌on February 28. “We understand ‌patients ⁠were moved due to ⁠nearby explosions that caused collateral damage to the hospital,” said a WHO spokesperson, referring to the Gandhi Hospital ‌in Tehran.Witnesses told Reuters on March 1 that the hospital had been hit by Israeli strikes.The ‌WHO spokesperson said that it is working to verify reports about alleged damage to the ⁠Motahari Hospital in Tehran and emergency medical centres in Sarab, in northwestern ‌Iran, and another in the western province of Hamadan.Read the whole story here

The World Health Organization said on Monday that a hospital in Iran’s capital has been ‌evacuated after explosions nearby and that it is working to ⁠verify reports that three other medical centres in the country had been hit ‌since the start of the U.S.-Israeli air war against Iran ‌on February 28. “We understand ‌patients ⁠were moved due to ⁠nearby explosions that caused collateral damage to the hospital,” said a WHO spokesperson, referring to the Gandhi Hospital ‌in Tehran.

Witnesses told Reuters on March 1 that the hospital had been hit by Israeli strikes.

The ‌WHO spokesperson said that it is working to verify reports about alleged damage to the ⁠Motahari Hospital in Tehran and emergency medical centres in Sarab, in northwestern ‌Iran, and another in the western province of Hamadan.

• March 02, 2026 19:31 Military called to northern Pakistan region after deadly Iran protestsPakistan sent the military into the Himalayan Gilgit-Baltistan region on Monday and banned large gatherings nationwide after deadly protests against U.S. and ‌Israeli strikes on Iran spread, with 26 dead so far.In the northern city ⁠of Skardu, in Shi’ite majority Gilgit-Baltistan, normally a tourist hotspot, protesters set fire to a U.N. office on Sunday with ‌14 people, including a soldier, killed in the ensuing clashes, local officials said. Two others ‌died in the capital Islamabad.Ten people ‌were ⁠killed on Sunday in Karachi, where protesters stormed ⁠the U.S. consulate and breached the compound’s outer wall.Thousands of people also protested in the northern cities of Parachinar, Dera Ismail Khan and Peshawar ‌, but no clashes were reported.- Reuters

Pakistan sent the military into the Himalayan Gilgit-Baltistan region on Monday and banned large gatherings nationwide after deadly protests against U.S. and ‌Israeli strikes on Iran spread, with 26 dead so far.

In the northern city ⁠of Skardu, in Shi’ite majority Gilgit-Baltistan, normally a tourist hotspot, protesters set fire to a U.N. office on Sunday with ‌14 people, including a soldier, killed in the ensuing clashes, local officials said. Two others ‌died in the capital Islamabad.

Ten people ‌were ⁠killed on Sunday in Karachi, where protesters stormed ⁠the U.S. consulate and breached the compound’s outer wall.

Thousands of people also protested in the northern cities of Parachinar, Dera Ismail Khan and Peshawar ‌, but no clashes were reported.

- Reuters

• March 02, 2026 19:30 Khamenei's wife dies after being wounded in strikes: Iranian mediaThe wife of Iran’s slain supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei died Monday after succumbing to wounds sustained during the U.S.-Israeli attack, Iranian media reported.Mansoureh Khojasteh Bagherzadeh, 79, had been in a coma since strikes on Saturday killed Khamenei, the Tasnim news agency said.- AFP

The wife of Iran’s slain supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei died Monday after succumbing to wounds sustained during the U.S.-Israeli attack, Iranian media reported.

Mansoureh Khojasteh Bagherzadeh, 79, had been in a coma since strikes on Saturday killed Khamenei, the Tasnim news agency said.

• March 02, 2026 19:27 Hegseth addresses strikes in Iran and says this conflict is ’not endless'U.S .Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Monday there are currently no American troops on the ground in Iran, but left the option open, saying “we’ll go as far as we need.”When asked if the United States had boots on the ground, Mr. Hegseth told a news conference, “No but we’re not going to go into the exercise of what we will or will not do,” adding, “We’ll go as far as we need to go.”Read the story here

U.S .Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Monday there are currently no American troops on the ground in Iran, but left the option open, saying “we’ll go as far as we need.”

When asked if the United States had boots on the ground, Mr. Hegseth told a news conference, “No but we’re not going to go into the exercise of what we will or will not do,” adding, “We’ll go as far as we need to go.”

• March 02, 2026 19:18 Security chief Larijani says Iran ready for 'long war'Iran’s security chief on Monday said the Islamic Government was prepared for its war with the United States and Israel to last for a long period of time.“Iran, unlike the United States, has prepared itself for a long war,” said Ali Larijani, the powerful head of Tehran’s Supreme National Security Council, in a post on X.- AFP

Iran’s security chief on Monday said the Islamic Government was prepared for its war with the United States and Israel to last for a long period of time.

“Iran, unlike the United States, has prepared itself for a long war,” said Ali Larijani, the powerful head of Tehran’s Supreme National Security Council, in a post on X.

• March 02, 2026 19:14 Iran State TV says new missile salvo fired at IsraelIran fired a new salvo of missiles at Israel on Monday, State television said, in response to U.S.-Israeli strikes that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.“The 11th wave of Operation Honest Promise 4 is underway with missile and drone strikes on targets in Beersheva,” Iranian State TV said at about 3:30 p.m. local time (1200 GMT), citing a statement from the Revolutionary Guards.- AFP

Iran fired a new salvo of missiles at Israel on Monday, State television said, in response to U.S.-Israeli strikes that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

“The 11th wave of Operation Honest Promise 4 is underway with missile and drone strikes on targets in Beersheva,” Iranian State TV said at about 3:30 p.m. local time (1200 GMT), citing a statement from the Revolutionary Guards.

• March 02, 2026 18:41 India to take steps to ensure local fuel supplies amid West Asia crisisIndia will ‌take all necessary steps ⁠to ensure the availability of ‌major petroleum products at ‌affordable ‌rates, ⁠the Federal Oil Ministry said in a post on ‌the social media platform X on Monday.The ‌government is monitoring the evolving situation triggered ⁠by geopolitical developments ‌in West Asia, it said, after a meeting ‌with company officials to review the supply ⁠of crude oil, ⁠liquefied petroleum gas, ‌and other refined products.

India will ‌take all necessary steps ⁠to ensure the availability of ‌major petroleum products at ‌affordable ‌rates, ⁠the Federal Oil Ministry said in a post on ‌the social media platform X on Monday.

The ‌government is monitoring the evolving situation triggered ⁠by geopolitical developments ‌in West Asia, it said, after a meeting ‌with company officials to review the supply ⁠of crude oil, ⁠liquefied petroleum gas, ‌and other refined products.

• March 02, 2026 18:39 U.S. aircraft leave Spain after government says bases cannot be used for Iran attacksFifteen U.S. aircraft have left the Rota and Moron ⁠military bases in southern Spain since the U.S. and Israel launched weekend attacks on Iran, maps by flight tracking website ‌FlightRadar24 showed on Monday.Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares said Spain would not allow its ‌military bases, which are jointly operated by the ‌U.S. and ⁠Spain but under Spanish sovereignty, to ⁠be used for attacks on Iran, which Spain has condemned.At least seven of the aircraft were shown on FlightRadar24 as having landed at Ramstein Air Base in ‌Germany.- Reuters

Fifteen U.S. aircraft have left the Rota and Moron ⁠military bases in southern Spain since the U.S. and Israel launched weekend attacks on Iran, maps by flight tracking website ‌FlightRadar24 showed on Monday.

Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares said Spain would not allow its ‌military bases, which are jointly operated by the ‌U.S. and ⁠Spain but under Spanish sovereignty, to ⁠be used for attacks on Iran, which Spain has condemned.

At least seven of the aircraft were shown on FlightRadar24 as having landed at Ramstein Air Base in ‌Germany.

- Reuters

• March 02, 2026 18:38 Israeli military says it killed head of Hezbollah's intelligence headquartersThe ‌Israeli military said ⁠on Monday that ‌it ‌had ‌carried ⁠out ⁠a strike in ‌Beirut, killing Hussein Makled, who ‌served as the ⁠head ‌of Hezbollah’s intelligence headquarters.- Reuters

The ‌Israeli military said ⁠on Monday that ‌it ‌had ‌carried ⁠out ⁠a strike in ‌Beirut, killing Hussein Makled, who ‌served as the ⁠head ‌of Hezbollah’s intelligence headquarters.

- Reuters

• March 02, 2026 18:37 Cyprus says Paphos airport, area of U.K. base evacuated after drone threatsAn airport in western Cyprus and the area around a British base were evacuated on Monday, the Cypriot Interior Ministry said, following drone threats in the Mediterranean island.“Following information received from the National Guard, instructions were issued for the evacuation of the Akrotiri Municipal District and Paphos Airport,” the Ministry said on X.It came after two drones headed towards the Akrotiri base were intercepted earlier on Monday.- AFP

An airport in western Cyprus and the area around a British base were evacuated on Monday, the Cypriot Interior Ministry said, following drone threats in the Mediterranean island.

“Following information received from the National Guard, instructions were issued for the evacuation of the Akrotiri Municipal District and Paphos Airport,” the Ministry said on X.

It came after two drones headed towards the Akrotiri base were intercepted earlier on Monday.

• March 02, 2026 18:36 Israel army issues evacuation warning for buildings in south Beirut ahead of strikeThe Israeli military warned residents in the south Beirut suburb of Burj al-Barajneh to stay away from several buildings on Monday ahead of an imminent strike.“You are located near facilities and assets belonging to Hezbollah, where the (Israeli military) will act against them forcefully in the near term,” the army’s Arabic-language spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Ella Waweya, said on X.“For your safety and the safety of your family members, you must evacuate this building and those adjacent to it immediately and stay away from them by a distance of at least 300 metres,” said the post, which included a map of the targeted building.- AFP

The Israeli military warned residents in the south Beirut suburb of Burj al-Barajneh to stay away from several buildings on Monday ahead of an imminent strike.

“You are located near facilities and assets belonging to Hezbollah, where the (Israeli military) will act against them forcefully in the near term,” the army’s Arabic-language spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Ella Waweya, said on X.

“For your safety and the safety of your family members, you must evacuate this building and those adjacent to it immediately and stay away from them by a distance of at least 300 metres,” said the post, which included a map of the targeted building.

• March 02, 2026 18:35 U.S. military announces death of fourth American troop in Iran warThe U.S. military on Monday announced that a fourth American service member had been killed in the war on Iran.“As of 7:30 am ET (1130 GMT), March 2, four U.S. service members have been killed in action. The fourth service member, who was seriously wounded during Iran’s initial attacks, eventually succumbed to their injuries,” U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) wrote on X.- AFP

The U.S. military on Monday announced that a fourth American service member had been killed in the war on Iran.

“As of 7:30 am ET (1130 GMT), March 2, four U.S. service members have been killed in action. The fourth service member, who was seriously wounded during Iran’s initial attacks, eventually succumbed to their injuries,” U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) wrote on X.

• March 02, 2026 18:26 Russia accuses U.S. and Israel of attempted regime change in Iran and diplomatic sabotageThe Russian Foreign Ministry on Monday ‌accused the United States and ⁠Israel of trying to bring about regime ‌change in Iran and ‌of seeking to ‌sabotage what ⁠it called ⁠the process of normalising relations between Tehran and its ‌Arab neighbours.“It has become clear that, in addition ‌to regime change in Iran using the most ⁠unscrupulous means, such as the assassination of ‌the leadership of a sovereign state, Washington and Tel Aviv are trying ‌to provoke a breakdown in the process of normalising ⁠relations between Iran and ⁠its Arab neighbours,” the Ministry ‌said in a statement.- Reuters

The Russian Foreign Ministry on Monday ‌accused the United States and ⁠Israel of trying to bring about regime ‌change in Iran and ‌of seeking to ‌sabotage what ⁠it called ⁠the process of normalising relations between Tehran and its ‌Arab neighbours.

“It has become clear that, in addition ‌to regime change in Iran using the most ⁠unscrupulous means, such as the assassination of ‌the leadership of a sovereign state, Washington and Tel Aviv are trying ‌to provoke a breakdown in the process of normalising ⁠relations between Iran and ⁠its Arab neighbours,” the Ministry ‌said in a statement.

- Reuters

• March 02, 2026 18:25 CM Mann announces helpline to assist Punjabis stranded in West AsiaPunjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Monday announced a round-the-clock helpline number to assist Punjabis stranded in affected countries following the joint Israel-U.S. attack on Iran, assuring them all possible help.Stating that the State Government is in constant touch with the Centre to ensure their safe and prompt return, CM Mann said Punjab will extend full support and cooperation to those stuck in the strife-torn Middle East.“People can call 0172 2260042 and 0172 2260043, or send a WhatsApp message to +91 94787 79112, if any kind of help is required,” the CM said.- PTI

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Monday announced a round-the-clock helpline number to assist Punjabis stranded in affected countries following the joint Israel-U.S. attack on Iran, assuring them all possible help.

Stating that the State Government is in constant touch with the Centre to ensure their safe and prompt return, CM Mann said Punjab will extend full support and cooperation to those stuck in the strife-torn Middle East.

“People can call 0172 2260042 and 0172 2260043, or send a WhatsApp message to +91 94787 79112, if any kind of help is required,” the CM said.

• March 02, 2026 18:24 U.S. flagged products tanker hit by unknown projectiles in Bahrain port, sources sayU.S. flagged products tanker Stena Imperative was hit by ‌two unknown projectiles in the port of ⁠Bahrain early on Monday, causing a fire on board, ‌which was extinguished, two maritime security sources ‌said.The vessel was ‌struck ⁠at 0257 GMT, ⁠and it remains in the port, British maritime risk management company Vanguard ‌added. “All crew members are safe and have evacuated the vessel,” Vanguard said.It ‌is the first known U.S.-flagged vessel to be damaged since ⁠U.S. and Israeli airstrikes began on Iran on ‌Saturday, prompting heavy retaliatory attacks by Tehran on Gulf countries and Israel.The vessel’s owner, Stena Bulk, did not ‌immediately respond to a request for comment.- Reuters

U.S. flagged products tanker Stena Imperative was hit by ‌two unknown projectiles in the port of ⁠Bahrain early on Monday, causing a fire on board, ‌which was extinguished, two maritime security sources ‌said.

The vessel was ‌struck ⁠at 0257 GMT, ⁠and it remains in the port, British maritime risk management company Vanguard ‌added. “All crew members are safe and have evacuated the vessel,” Vanguard said.

It ‌is the first known U.S.-flagged vessel to be damaged since ⁠U.S. and Israeli airstrikes began on Iran on ‌Saturday, prompting heavy retaliatory attacks by Tehran on Gulf countries and Israel.

The vessel’s owner, Stena Bulk, did not ‌immediately respond to a request for comment.

- Reuters

• March 02, 2026 18:23 Israel says Hezbollah chief will end at 'bottom of hell' like Iran's KhameneiIsraeli Defence Minister Israel Katz warned on Monday that Israel would send Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem to “the bottom of hell” like Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, after an attack by the Lebanese armed group.“We will strike Hezbollah hard, and Naim Qassem, chairman of the Hezbollah terrorist organisation, will discover that whoever follows Khamenei’s path ends up like Khamenei -- at the bottom of hell,” Mr. Katz said during a visit to the Israeli air force operations centre.Khamenei was killed in an attack on his compound in Tehran as part of U.S.-Israeli strikes on Saturday.- AFP

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz warned on Monday that Israel would send Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem to “the bottom of hell” like Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, after an attack by the Lebanese armed group.

“We will strike Hezbollah hard, and Naim Qassem, chairman of the Hezbollah terrorist organisation, will discover that whoever follows Khamenei’s path ends up like Khamenei -- at the bottom of hell,” Mr. Katz said during a visit to the Israeli air force operations centre.

Khamenei was killed in an attack on his compound in Tehran as part of U.S.-Israeli strikes on Saturday.

• March 02, 2026 18:21 Oil tanker hit by unmanned boat off Muscat coast, 1 Indian killedAn Indian national was killed on Monday when an explosive-laden unmanned boat struck an oil tanker off the coast of Muscat Governorate, according to reports.“The Maritime Security Centre reported that the oil tanker MKD VYOM was attacked by an unmanned boat 52 nautical miles off the coast of Muscat Governorate,” Oman’s Ministry of Defence said in a statement.It said that the attack resulted in a fire and explosion in the engine room and the death of one crew member. The remaining 21 crew members were evacuated.The Ministry did not identify the nationality of the deceased, but local media reported that the victim was an Indian crew member of the tanker.- PTI

An Indian national was killed on Monday when an explosive-laden unmanned boat struck an oil tanker off the coast of Muscat Governorate, according to reports.

“The Maritime Security Centre reported that the oil tanker MKD VYOM was attacked by an unmanned boat 52 nautical miles off the coast of Muscat Governorate,” Oman’s Ministry of Defence said in a statement.

It said that the attack resulted in a fire and explosion in the engine room and the death of one crew member. The remaining 21 crew members were evacuated.

The Ministry did not identify the nationality of the deceased, but local media reported that the victim was an Indian crew member of the tanker.

• March 02, 2026 18:21 Two drones heading to U.K. base in Cyprus 'dealt with in timely manner': governmentTwo drones headed towards a British base in Cyprus were intercepted on Monday, a Cyprus Government spokesman said.“Two unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) heading toward the British Bases in Akrotiri were dealt with in a timely manner,” spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis posted on X.- AFP

Two drones headed towards a British base in Cyprus were intercepted on Monday, a Cyprus Government spokesman said.

“Two unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) heading toward the British Bases in Akrotiri were dealt with in a timely manner,” spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis posted on X.

• March 02, 2026 18:20 Tehran hospital evacuated after explosions nearby, WHO saysThe World Health Organization said on Monday that a hospital in Iran’s capital has been ‌evacuated after explosions nearby and that it is working to ⁠verify reports that three other medical centres in the country had been hit ‌since the start of the U.S.-Israeli air war against Iran ‌on February 28. “We understand ‌patients ⁠were moved due to ⁠nearby explosions that caused collateral damage to the hospital,” said a WHO spokesperson, referring to the Gandhi Hospital ‌in Tehran.Witnesses told Reuters on March 1 that the hospital had been hit by Israeli strikes.The ‌WHO spokesperson said that it is working to verify reports about alleged damage to the ⁠Motahari Hospital in Tehran and emergency medical centres in Sarab, in northwestern ‌Iran, and another in the western province of Hamadan.- Reuters

The World Health Organization said on Monday that a hospital in Iran’s capital has been ‌evacuated after explosions nearby and that it is working to ⁠verify reports that three other medical centres in the country had been hit ‌since the start of the U.S.-Israeli air war against Iran ‌on February 28. “We understand ‌patients ⁠were moved due to ⁠nearby explosions that caused collateral damage to the hospital,” said a WHO spokesperson, referring to the Gandhi Hospital ‌in Tehran.

Witnesses told Reuters on March 1 that the hospital had been hit by Israeli strikes.

The ‌WHO spokesperson said that it is working to verify reports about alleged damage to the ⁠Motahari Hospital in Tehran and emergency medical centres in Sarab, in northwestern ‌Iran, and another in the western province of Hamadan.

- Reuters

• March 02, 2026 18:18 Britain says it’s not at war after a drone strikes its Akrotiri base in CyprusBritain is not at war, the government said Monday, despite saying it would allow the U.S. to use British bases during its war with Iran and after a Royal Air Force base in Cyprus was struck by an Iranian-made drone.Sirens sounded again at RAF Akrotiri on Monday, and British warplanes were scrambled, apparently in response to a new threat.U.K. officials say an attack drone hit the runway at RAF Akrotiri, a British air force base in Cyprus, late on Sunday. There were no injuries and “minimal” damage, but the strike brought the conflict onto European soil. It was not immediately clear whether the drone was launched from Iran or by a Tehran-backed militant group such as Hezbollah in Lebanon.- AP

Britain is not at war, the government said Monday, despite saying it would allow the U.S. to use British bases during its war with Iran and after a Royal Air Force base in Cyprus was struck by an Iranian-made drone.

Sirens sounded again at RAF Akrotiri on Monday, and British warplanes were scrambled, apparently in response to a new threat.

U.K. officials say an attack drone hit the runway at RAF Akrotiri, a British air force base in Cyprus, late on Sunday. There were no injuries and “minimal” damage, but the strike brought the conflict onto European soil. It was not immediately clear whether the drone was launched from Iran or by a Tehran-backed militant group such as Hezbollah in Lebanon.

• March 02, 2026 17:57 IAEA's Grossi repeats there is no indication Iran nuclear sites were hitU.N. nuclear watchdog chief Rafael ‌Grossi said on Monday that ⁠his agency stands by its assessment ‌that there is no ‌indication Iran’s ‌nuclear ⁠facilities were damaged ⁠or hit in the U.S. and Israeli military ‌strikes on the country.Iran’s ambassador to the International ‌Atomic Energy Agency said earlier on Monday that a ⁠nuclear facility at Natanz ‌had been attacked. So far, the agency has seen nothing comparable to ‌the attacks on Iran’s nuclear sites that Israel ⁠and the United States ⁠carried out in June, ‌Mr. Grossi told a press conference.- Reuters

U.N. nuclear watchdog chief Rafael ‌Grossi said on Monday that ⁠his agency stands by its assessment ‌that there is no ‌indication Iran’s ‌nuclear ⁠facilities were damaged ⁠or hit in the U.S. and Israeli military ‌strikes on the country.

Iran’s ambassador to the International ‌Atomic Energy Agency said earlier on Monday that a ⁠nuclear facility at Natanz ‌had been attacked. So far, the agency has seen nothing comparable to ‌the attacks on Iran’s nuclear sites that Israel ⁠and the United States ⁠carried out in June, ‌Mr. Grossi told a press conference.

- Reuters

• March 02, 2026 17:46 Iran launches "tenth wave" of attacksIran’s Revolutionary Guards said Monday they had launched missile strikes on Israeli targets, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office and other sites in Tel Aviv, Haifa and east Jerusalem, calling it a “tenth wave” of attacks.A series of new explosions were heard above Jerusalem on Monday, AFP journalists reported.- AFP

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said Monday they had launched missile strikes on Israeli targets, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office and other sites in Tel Aviv, Haifa and east Jerusalem, calling it a “tenth wave” of attacks.

A series of new explosions were heard above Jerusalem on Monday, AFP journalists reported.

• March 02, 2026 17:25 Iran drones target Qatar's Ras Laffan energy facility, power plant: Defence MininstryTwo Iranian drones targeted a facility at Ras Laffan, QatarEnergy’s onshore gas processing base, and a separate power plant, the Qatari Defence Ministry said, on the third day of Iranian retaliatory strikes against countries in the region.One drone “targeted an energy facility in Ras Laffan Industrial City, belonging to QatarEnergy”, the ministry said in a statement, referring to the complex 80 km (50 miles) north of Doha.Another “targeted a water tank belonging to a power plant in Mesaieed”, the statement said, referring to an area 40 km south of the Qatari capital, which is also a key base for Qatar’s natural gas production.There were no reports of casualties, it added.- AFP

Two Iranian drones targeted a facility at Ras Laffan, QatarEnergy’s onshore gas processing base, and a separate power plant, the Qatari Defence Ministry said, on the third day of Iranian retaliatory strikes against countries in the region.

One drone “targeted an energy facility in Ras Laffan Industrial City, belonging to QatarEnergy”, the ministry said in a statement, referring to the complex 80 km (50 miles) north of Doha.

Another “targeted a water tank belonging to a power plant in Mesaieed”, the statement said, referring to an area 40 km south of the Qatari capital, which is also a key base for Qatar’s natural gas production.

There were no reports of casualties, it added.

• March 02, 2026 17:23 Two unmanned drones heading towards RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus intercepted, spokesperson saysTwo unmanned ⁠drones ‌heading towards ‌RAF ‌Akrotiri ⁠in ⁠Cyprus were “successfully ‌intercepted”, Cyprus Government ‌spokesperson Konstantinos ⁠Letymbiotis writes ‌on X.

Two unmanned ⁠drones ‌heading towards ‌RAF ‌Akrotiri ⁠in ⁠Cyprus were “successfully ‌intercepted”, Cyprus Government ‌spokesperson Konstantinos ⁠Letymbiotis writes ‌on X.

• March 02, 2026 17:20 Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah writes to PM Modi over war impact on KannadigasKarnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressing “profound concern” over the rapidly escalating geopolitical tensions in parts of West Asia and their impact on Kannadigas.- THB

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressing “profound concern” over the rapidly escalating geopolitical tensions in parts of West Asia and their impact on Kannadigas.

• March 02, 2026 17:14 Government discusses potential impact of West Asia crisis on trade; ensures all facilitationThe government on Monday held inter-ministerial deliberations with exporters and logistics players to assess the impact of escalating tensions in the West Asian region on India’s trade and assured all measures to mitigate any disruptions.The meeting was called by the Department of Commerce. It held a consultation with all stakeholder ministries, key logistics and trade facilitation partners to review the emerging geopolitical situation and its potential impact on India’s export-import (EXIM) cargo flows, including the export ecosystem.- PTI

The government on Monday held inter-ministerial deliberations with exporters and logistics players to assess the impact of escalating tensions in the West Asian region on India’s trade and assured all measures to mitigate any disruptions.

The meeting was called by the Department of Commerce. It held a consultation with all stakeholder ministries, key logistics and trade facilitation partners to review the emerging geopolitical situation and its potential impact on India’s export-import (EXIM) cargo flows, including the export ecosystem.

• March 02, 2026 16:55 Majid Ebnereza appointed acting Defence MinisterIran’s President appointed on Monday Revolutionary Guards general Majid Ebnelreza as acting Defence Minister after his predecessor was killed in Israeli-U.S. strikes.“By order of President Masoud Pezeshkian, Revolutionary Guards General Majid Ebnelreza has been appointed as acting defence minister,” said Deputy for Presidential Communications Mehdi Tabatabaei in a post on X.- AFP

Iran’s President appointed on Monday Revolutionary Guards general Majid Ebnelreza as acting Defence Minister after his predecessor was killed in Israeli-U.S. strikes.

“By order of President Masoud Pezeshkian, Revolutionary Guards General Majid Ebnelreza has been appointed as acting defence minister,” said Deputy for Presidential Communications Mehdi Tabatabaei in a post on X.

• March 02, 2026 16:50 Israel army says begun new 'broad strike' in 'heart of Tehran' The Israeli military said it began a new “broad strike” on Tehran, as AFP journalists reported hearing loud explosions in central and eastern parts of the Iranian capital.“The Israeli Air Force, with the guidance of Israeli Intelligence has begun an additional broad strike on Iranian terror regime targets in the heart of Tehran,” the military said in a statement, on the third day of the joint U.S.-Israeli operation against Iran.- AFP

The Israeli military said it began a new “broad strike” on Tehran, as AFP journalists reported hearing loud explosions in central and eastern parts of the Iranian capital.

“The Israeli Air Force, with the guidance of Israeli Intelligence has begun an additional broad strike on Iranian terror regime targets in the heart of Tehran,” the military said in a statement, on the third day of the joint U.S.-Israeli operation against Iran.

• March 02, 2026 16:41 Indian mariner killed as oil tanker attacked in Gulf of OmanA bomb-carrying drone boat struck a Marshall Islands-flagged oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman on Monday (March 2, 2026), killing one mariner on board, Oman said.The state-run Oman News Agency reported the attack in the Gulf of Oman off the coast of Muscat, the sultanate’s capital. It identified the vessel as the MKD VYOM. It said the dead crew member was from India.Click here to read more on this...

A bomb-carrying drone boat struck a Marshall Islands-flagged oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman on Monday (March 2, 2026), killing one mariner on board, Oman said.

The state-run Oman News Agency reported the attack in the Gulf of Oman off the coast of Muscat, the sultanate’s capital. It identified the vessel as the MKD VYOM. It said the dead crew member was from India.

• March 02, 2026 16:40 U.S. claims three F-15 jets downed over Kuwait in "friendly fire" incident

• March 02, 2026 16:37 Iran Guards say targeted Israel PM Netanyahu's office Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said their missile attacks have targeted the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the headquarters of the Israeli air force commander.Click here to read more on this...

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said their missile attacks have targeted the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the headquarters of the Israeli air force commander.

• March 02, 2026 16:19 Pakistan deploys troops, imposes 3-day curfew after deadly protests over US-Israeli strikes on Iran Pakistani authorities deployed troops and imposed a three-day curfew in the northern cities of Gilgit and Skardu after several people died and tens were injured in violent protests following the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in U.S.-Israeli strikes, officials said.The U.S. Embassy and its consulates in Karachi and Lahore canceled visa appointments and American Citizen Services on Monday, citing security concerns. Pakistani authorities have beefed up security at U.S. diplomatic missions across the country, including around the U.S. consulate building in Peshawar, to avoid any further violence.- AP

Pakistani authorities deployed troops and imposed a three-day curfew in the northern cities of Gilgit and Skardu after several people died and tens were injured in violent protests following the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in U.S.-Israeli strikes, officials said.

The U.S. Embassy and its consulates in Karachi and Lahore canceled visa appointments and American Citizen Services on Monday, citing security concerns. Pakistani authorities have beefed up security at U.S. diplomatic missions across the country, including around the U.S. consulate building in Peshawar, to avoid any further violence.

• March 02, 2026 16:06 Israel Army says no reason for Lebanon ground invasion for now Israel’s Military said there was no reason to launch a ground invasion of Lebanon “imminently” after an overnight attack from Lebanese armed group Hezbollah prompted Israel to retaliate with air strikes.“There is nothing on the ground that constitutes going into ground invasion... imminently,” military spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani told journalists on whether Israel would send troops in Lebanon.“In the short term, immediate time, the answer would be no,” Lieutenant Colonel Shoshani added.- AFP

Israel’s Military said there was no reason to launch a ground invasion of Lebanon “imminently” after an overnight attack from Lebanese armed group Hezbollah prompted Israel to retaliate with air strikes.

“There is nothing on the ground that constitutes going into ground invasion... imminently,” military spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani told journalists on whether Israel would send troops in Lebanon.

“In the short term, immediate time, the answer would be no,” Lieutenant Colonel Shoshani added.

• March 02, 2026 16:06 One person killed as oil tanker hit off Oman coast An oil tanker is attacked in the Gulf of Oman by a bomb-carrying drone boat, sparking a fire and killing 1, Oman says.- Agencies

An oil tanker is attacked in the Gulf of Oman by a bomb-carrying drone boat, sparking a fire and killing 1, Oman says.

• •Agencies

• March 02, 2026 15:54 Series of blasts heard over Jerusalem: AFP journalists A series of new explosions were heard above Jerusalem on Monday (March 2, 2026), AFP journalists reported, after the Israeli military said it had detected fresh missiles launched from Iran.“A short while ago, the IDF identified missiles launched from Iran toward the territory of the State of Israel. Defensive systems are operating to intercept the threat,” the military said in a statement.- AFP

A series of new explosions were heard above Jerusalem on Monday (March 2, 2026), AFP journalists reported, after the Israeli military said it had detected fresh missiles launched from Iran.

“A short while ago, the IDF identified missiles launched from Iran toward the territory of the State of Israel. Defensive systems are operating to intercept the threat,” the military said in a statement.

• March 02, 2026 15:47 Vessel in Bahrain port struck by two projectiles, UKMTO says The United ‌Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations said ⁠it received ‌a report ‌of ‌an incident ⁠in the ⁠port of Bahrain where a ‌vessel was struck by two unknown projectiles, ‌causing a fire.The fire ⁠was extinguished, the vessel ‌remained in the port, and the crew ‌were evacuated and were safe, UKMTO ⁠added. - Reuters

The United ‌Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations said ⁠it received ‌a report ‌of ‌an incident ⁠in the ⁠port of Bahrain where a ‌vessel was struck by two unknown projectiles, ‌causing a fire.

The fire ⁠was extinguished, the vessel ‌remained in the port, and the crew ‌were evacuated and were safe, UKMTO ⁠added.

• •Reuters

• March 02, 2026 15:46 Israel claims to have eliminated senior members of Iran's Ministry of Intelligence.

• March 02, 2026 15:43 India's edible oil, fertiliser imports at risk from U.S.-Iran conflict, warns industryIndia’s imports of edible sunflower oil and key fertiliser inputs face disruption from the escalating U.S.-Iran conflict, while exports of agricultural commodities to West Asia and Europe could also be hit, industry bodies said.Shipping companies have already begun imposing emergency conflict surcharges on cargo moving through West Asia, with French container giant CMA CGM levying between $2,000 and $4,000 per container, raising costs for importers.India imports around 16 million tonnes of edible oil annually, of which sunflower oil accounts for roughly 20%, sourced primarily from Russia, Ukraine and Argentina. Shipments could face delays if vessels are forced to reroute away from the Red Sea.- PTI

India’s imports of edible sunflower oil and key fertiliser inputs face disruption from the escalating U.S.-Iran conflict, while exports of agricultural commodities to West Asia and Europe could also be hit, industry bodies said.

Shipping companies have already begun imposing emergency conflict surcharges on cargo moving through West Asia, with French container giant CMA CGM levying between $2,000 and $4,000 per container, raising costs for importers.

India imports around 16 million tonnes of edible oil annually, of which sunflower oil accounts for roughly 20%, sourced primarily from Russia, Ukraine and Argentina. Shipments could face delays if vessels are forced to reroute away from the Red Sea.

• March 02, 2026 15:32 Strikes kill three Iran Guards members, five army personnel: statements U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran have killed three Revolutionary Guard members and five army personnel, according to separate official statements.“Three members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps were killed” in an attack on a detachment in the western Lorestan province, an official IRGC statement said, according to the ISNA news agency.In a separate attack on the western city of Khorramabad, “five members of the Iranian army were killed”, Tasnim news agency said, quoting an army statement.- AFP

U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran have killed three Revolutionary Guard members and five army personnel, according to separate official statements.

“Three members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps were killed” in an attack on a detachment in the western Lorestan province, an official IRGC statement said, according to the ISNA news agency.

In a separate attack on the western city of Khorramabad, “five members of the Iranian army were killed”, Tasnim news agency said, quoting an army statement.

• March 02, 2026 15:28 U.S.-Israeli airstrikes targeted Natanz enrichment facility: Iran's ambassador to UN nuclear agency Iran’s Ambassador to the UN nuclear agency alleged on Monday (March 2, 2026) that US-Israeli airstrikes have targeted Iran’s Natanz nuclear enrichment site.Israel and the US have not acknowledged strikes at the site, which America bombed back in the 12-day war between Iran and Israel in June.Iran’s Ambassador to the International Atomic Energy Agency, Reza Najafi, told journalists he condemned what he called the “unlawful, criminal and brutal” attacks by the U.S. and Israel against Iran.“Again they attacked Iran’s peaceful safeguarded nuclear facilities yesterday,” he said. “Their justification that Iran wants to develop nuclear weapons is simply a big lie.” When asked which site he was referring to, Najafi responded: “Natanz.”- AP

Iran’s Ambassador to the UN nuclear agency alleged on Monday (March 2, 2026) that US-Israeli airstrikes have targeted Iran’s Natanz nuclear enrichment site.

Israel and the US have not acknowledged strikes at the site, which America bombed back in the 12-day war between Iran and Israel in June.

Iran’s Ambassador to the International Atomic Energy Agency, Reza Najafi, told journalists he condemned what he called the “unlawful, criminal and brutal” attacks by the U.S. and Israel against Iran.

“Again they attacked Iran’s peaceful safeguarded nuclear facilities yesterday,” he said. “Their justification that Iran wants to develop nuclear weapons is simply a big lie.” When asked which site he was referring to, Najafi responded: “Natanz.”

• March 02, 2026 15:10 As war intensifies, Keralite expatriates in Gulf face anxiety over limited shelter facilitiesThe escalation of violence in West Asia and U.S. President Donald Trump’s claim that the conflict with Iran could last for around four weeks have raised concerns among Indians working in West Asian cities, as most cities in different GCC countries have a very limited number of basement shelters or designated bomb shelters in buildings, even as sirens warned of Iranian air strikes in retaliation for the U.S. attack.Click below to read more:Israel-Iran conflict: As war intensifies, Keralite expatriates in Gulf face anxiety over limited shelter facilitiesAs conflict escalates, Keralite expatriates in the Gulf face anxiety over limited shelter facilities amid Iranian airstrike threats.

The escalation of violence in West Asia and U.S. President Donald Trump’s claim that the conflict with Iran could last for around four weeks have raised concerns among Indians working in West Asian cities, as most cities in different GCC countries have a very limited number of basement shelters or designated bomb shelters in buildings, even as sirens warned of Iranian air strikes in retaliation for the U.S. attack.

Click below to read more:

Israel-Iran conflict: As war intensifies, Keralite expatriates in Gulf face anxiety over limited shelter facilities

As conflict escalates, Keralite expatriates in the Gulf face anxiety over limited shelter facilities amid Iranian airstrike threats.

• March 02, 2026 15:04 Israel says will increase strikes on 'key elements of regime' in Iran Israel’s military said it was intensifying its campaign against Iran and would step up strikes on “key elements of the regime”.“We will increasingly strike the key elements of the regime and continue to intensify the damage,” military spokesman Brigadier General Effie Defrin said during a televised briefing.- AFP

Israel’s military said it was intensifying its campaign against Iran and would step up strikes on “key elements of the regime”.

“We will increasingly strike the key elements of the regime and continue to intensify the damage,” military spokesman Brigadier General Effie Defrin said during a televised briefing.

• March 02, 2026 14:38 No sign that Iran's nuclear sites hit, cannot reach Iranian authorities, IAEA says The International Atomic Energy Agency ‌has no indication that ⁠Israeli and U.S. attacks on Iran have ‌hit any nuclear facilities, ‌but it ‌has ⁠not been ⁠able to reach Iran’s nuclear authorities, its chief ‌Rafael Grossi told the agency’s Board of Governors.“We have no indication that any ⁠of the nuclear installations ... have ‌been damaged or hit,” he said in a statement to ‌the 35-nation board, adding: “Efforts to contact the Iranian ⁠nuclear regulatory authorities ... continue, ⁠with no response so ‌far.”- Reuters

The International Atomic Energy Agency ‌has no indication that ⁠Israeli and U.S. attacks on Iran have ‌hit any nuclear facilities, ‌but it ‌has ⁠not been ⁠able to reach Iran’s nuclear authorities, its chief ‌Rafael Grossi told the agency’s Board of Governors.

“We have no indication that any ⁠of the nuclear installations ... have ‌been damaged or hit,” he said in a statement to ‌the 35-nation board, adding: “Efforts to contact the Iranian ⁠nuclear regulatory authorities ... continue, ⁠with no response so ‌far.”

• •Reuters

• March 02, 2026 14:35 Iran says U.S.-Israeli attacks have killed 555 people so far in Iran The Iranian Red Crescent Society said on Monday (March 2, 2026) that the U.S.-Israeli airstrike campaign targeting Iran has killed at least 555 people so far in the Islamic Republic.The society added that 131 cities have come under attack so far in the war. - AP

The Iranian Red Crescent Society said on Monday (March 2, 2026) that the U.S.-Israeli airstrike campaign targeting Iran has killed at least 555 people so far in the Islamic Republic.

The society added that 131 cities have come under attack so far in the war.

• March 02, 2026 14:27 Sensex, Nifty continue to trade with deep cuts as West Asia crisis intensifies Stock market benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty continued to trade with deep cuts during afternoon session on Monday (March 2, 2026) tracking a sharp spike in crude oil prices amid escalating tensions in West Asia.The 30-share BSE Sensex tanked 2,743.46 points or 3.37% to 78,543.73 in early trade. It later traded 1,633.23 points or 2.01% lower at 79,653.96 during afternoon deals.The 50-share NSE Nifty tumbled 533.55 points or 2.11% to 24,645.10 during initial trading. The benchmark later quoted 505.35 points or 2.01% down at 24,674.75.-PTI

Stock market benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty continued to trade with deep cuts during afternoon session on Monday (March 2, 2026) tracking a sharp spike in crude oil prices amid escalating tensions in West Asia.

The 30-share BSE Sensex tanked 2,743.46 points or 3.37% to 78,543.73 in early trade. It later traded 1,633.23 points or 2.01% lower at 79,653.96 during afternoon deals.

The 50-share NSE Nifty tumbled 533.55 points or 2.11% to 24,645.10 during initial trading. The benchmark later quoted 505.35 points or 2.01% down at 24,674.75.

• March 02, 2026 14:27 Iran Army says targeted U.S. Ali Al Salem airbase in Kuwait Iran’s Army said it targeted U.S. Ali Al Salem air base in Kuwait as well as vessels in the Indian ocean after the killing of the Islamic republic’s supreme leader in U.S. and Israeli strikes.“Missile units of the army’s ground and naval forces operating from various locations targeted the US Ali Al Salem air base in Kuwait as well as enemy vessels in the northern Indian Ocean over the past hours,” the Army said in a statement.It added that “15 cruise missiles” were used in the attacks.- AFP

Iran’s Army said it targeted U.S. Ali Al Salem air base in Kuwait as well as vessels in the Indian ocean after the killing of the Islamic republic’s supreme leader in U.S. and Israeli strikes.

“Missile units of the army’s ground and naval forces operating from various locations targeted the US Ali Al Salem air base in Kuwait as well as enemy vessels in the northern Indian Ocean over the past hours,” the Army said in a statement.

It added that “15 cruise missiles” were used in the attacks.

• March 02, 2026 14:13 Saudi Arabia says it has intercepted drones targeting its Ras Tanura oil refinerySaudi Arabia’s Ras Tanura oil refinery came under attack on Monday (March 2, 2026) from drones, the kingdom’s Defence Ministry said, with authorities downing the incoming aircraft.Click below to read more:Ras Tanura refinery temporarily shut down after drone attackSaudi Arabia intercepts drone attack on Ras Tanura oil refinery, with online videos showing smoke rising from the site.

Saudi Arabia’s Ras Tanura oil refinery came under attack on Monday (March 2, 2026) from drones, the kingdom’s Defence Ministry said, with authorities downing the incoming aircraft.

Click below to read more:

Ras Tanura refinery temporarily shut down after drone attack

Saudi Arabia intercepts drone attack on Ras Tanura oil refinery, with online videos showing smoke rising from the site.

• March 02, 2026 14:12 Iran Guards say launched missile attack on Tel Aviv, Haifa and east Jerusalem Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said they had launched missile strikes on an Israeli government complex in Tel Aviv as well as security and military centres in Haifa and an attack on east Jerusalem.“Among the targets of this tenth wave were a targeted strike on the Zionist regime’s government complex in Tel Aviv, attacks on military and security centres in Haifa, and a strike on east Jersualem,” said a Guards statement carried by state TV.It said Kheibar ballistic missiles were used in the attack.- AFP

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said they had launched missile strikes on an Israeli government complex in Tel Aviv as well as security and military centres in Haifa and an attack on east Jerusalem.

“Among the targets of this tenth wave were a targeted strike on the Zionist regime’s government complex in Tel Aviv, attacks on military and security centres in Haifa, and a strike on east Jersualem,” said a Guards statement carried by state TV.

It said Kheibar ballistic missiles were used in the attack.

• March 02, 2026 13:52 UN nuclear agency holds special meeting on Iran Delegates at the United Nations’ nuclear agency began meeting on Monday (March 2, 2026) for an extraordinary session on Iran in the wake of the U.S.-Israeli strikes on the Islamic republic.Russia, a key ally of Tehran, requested the meeting on Saturday at the Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), following the same request by Iran.The extraordinary meeting precedes an already scheduled regular session of the IAEA’s board of governors, which represents 35 countries.- AFP

Delegates at the United Nations’ nuclear agency began meeting on Monday (March 2, 2026) for an extraordinary session on Iran in the wake of the U.S.-Israeli strikes on the Islamic republic.

Russia, a key ally of Tehran, requested the meeting on Saturday at the Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), following the same request by Iran.

The extraordinary meeting precedes an already scheduled regular session of the IAEA’s board of governors, which represents 35 countries.

• March 02, 2026 13:50 New strikes hit Iraq base housing Iran-backed fighters: faction source New strikes have hit a military base in Iraq housing the Iran-backed Kataeb Hezbollah group, while in the Kurdish city of Erbil air defences intercepted drone attacks.“Three strikes hit Jurf al-Nasr,” a Kataeb Hezbollah source told AFP, referring to a military base that serves as one of the main bastions of the powerful armed group, which has been targeted several times since the start of the Israel-U.S. campaign against Iran.Iraq, which has recently regained a sense of stability but has long been a proxy battleground between the US and Iran, said it did not want to be dragged into the war.- AFP

New strikes have hit a military base in Iraq housing the Iran-backed Kataeb Hezbollah group, while in the Kurdish city of Erbil air defences intercepted drone attacks.

“Three strikes hit Jurf al-Nasr,” a Kataeb Hezbollah source told AFP, referring to a military base that serves as one of the main bastions of the powerful armed group, which has been targeted several times since the start of the Israel-U.S. campaign against Iran.

Iraq, which has recently regained a sense of stability but has long been a proxy battleground between the US and Iran, said it did not want to be dragged into the war.

• March 02, 2026 13:38 US, Israeli attacks killed 35 people in Iran's Fars province: media A total of 35 people have been killed in Iran’s southern Fars province in U.S. and Israeli strikes which began two days ago, local media reported.“Thirty-five people have been killed in Fars province in American and Zionist attacks,” Tasnim news agency reported quoting Ebrahim Bayani, head of the province’s state-run martyrs foundation.“Given the continuation of the enemy air strikes this morning, this number may rise,” he added.- AFP

A total of 35 people have been killed in Iran’s southern Fars province in U.S. and Israeli strikes which began two days ago, local media reported.

“Thirty-five people have been killed in Fars province in American and Zionist attacks,” Tasnim news agency reported quoting Ebrahim Bayani, head of the province’s state-run martyrs foundation.

“Given the continuation of the enemy air strikes this morning, this number may rise,” he added.

• March 02, 2026 13:18 EU chief says bloc 'firmly' behind member states after drone attack on U.K. Cyprus base EU chief Ursula von der Leyen on Monday (March 2, 2026) said the bloc was solidly behind member states after an Iranian drone crashed into a British base on Cyprus.“While the Republic of Cyprus was not the target, let me be clear: we stand collectively, firmly and unequivocally with our Member States in the face of any threat,” she said.-AFP

EU chief Ursula von der Leyen on Monday (March 2, 2026) said the bloc was solidly behind member states after an Iranian drone crashed into a British base on Cyprus.

“While the Republic of Cyprus was not the target, let me be clear: we stand collectively, firmly and unequivocally with our Member States in the face of any threat,” she said.

• March 02, 2026 13:07 U.K. sending rapid teams to help citizens leave West Asia British Foreign Minister Yvette Cooper said ‌on Monday (March 2, 2026) that Britain ⁠was setting up support systems to help ‌evacuate its citizens from ‌West Asia ⁠with an estimated 3,00,000 ⁠people having registered their presence in the region.“We ‌are looking at a wide range of options, ‌working, crucially with the travel industry and with ⁠government evacuation if necessary,” Ms. Cooper told ‌ Sky News.The British government wanted airspace to be re-opened and it was ‌sending rapid deployment teams to the region to ⁠work with the travel ⁠industry, she said.- Reuters

British Foreign Minister Yvette Cooper said ‌on Monday (March 2, 2026) that Britain ⁠was setting up support systems to help ‌evacuate its citizens from ‌West Asia ⁠with an estimated 3,00,000 ⁠people having registered their presence in the region.

“We ‌are looking at a wide range of options, ‌working, crucially with the travel industry and with ⁠government evacuation if necessary,” Ms. Cooper told ‌ Sky News.

The British government wanted airspace to be re-opened and it was ‌sending rapid deployment teams to the region to ⁠work with the travel ⁠industry, she said.

• •Reuters

• March 02, 2026 13:04 China urges halt to military actions in Iran conflict China’s Foreign Ministry on Monday (March 2, 2026) ‌urged all parties involved in ⁠the Iran conflict to cease military ‌actions and prevent an ‌escalation of ‌the ⁠conflict.The United ⁠States and Israel’s strikes against Iran violated international law ‌and China is deeply concerned about spillover effects ‌on neighbouring countries, Mao Ning, a spokesperson ⁠for the Ministry, told a ‌regular press briefing.China believes that the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of ‌the Gulf states should be fully respected and ⁠supports countries to ⁠strengthen communication, Ms. Mao said.-Reuters

China’s Foreign Ministry on Monday (March 2, 2026) ‌urged all parties involved in ⁠the Iran conflict to cease military ‌actions and prevent an ‌escalation of ‌the ⁠conflict.

The United ⁠States and Israel’s strikes against Iran violated international law ‌and China is deeply concerned about spillover effects ‌on neighbouring countries, Mao Ning, a spokesperson ⁠for the Ministry, told a ‌regular press briefing.

China believes that the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of ‌the Gulf states should be fully respected and ⁠supports countries to ⁠strengthen communication, Ms. Mao said.

-Reuters

• March 02, 2026 13:03 Keralite expatriates in Gulf face heightened anxiety and fear amid escalating tensions in West AsiaExpatriate Keralites working in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain, and their families back in Kerala have been living in anxiety and fear as tensions escalated in West Asia.With airspace closures and nationwide advisories urging residents to remain indoors, lakhs of expatriates find themselves confined to their homes. The repeated sound of loud explosions at frequent intervals has deepened their anxiety and sense of uncertainty.Click here to read more on this...

Expatriate Keralites working in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain, and their families back in Kerala have been living in anxiety and fear as tensions escalated in West Asia.

With airspace closures and nationwide advisories urging residents to remain indoors, lakhs of expatriates find themselves confined to their homes. The repeated sound of loud explosions at frequent intervals has deepened their anxiety and sense of uncertainty.

• March 02, 2026 12:53 Protests in Kashmir against Khamenei's killing, protesters raise anti-U.S., anti-Israel slogans Several parts of Kashmir witnessed protests against the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei for the second day on Monday (March 2, 2026), with security forces using mild force to disperse protesters in a few places.According to the officials, the protests broke out in Bemina, Gund Hassibhat, and Jehangir Chowk areas of the city here, and in Pulwama town in south Kashmir.Scores of protesters gathered in these areas, which have a large Shia population. They marched through the streets, raising anti-U.S. and anti-Israel slogans.In some areas, the security forces resorted to using mild force to disperse the protesters.- PTI

Several parts of Kashmir witnessed protests against the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei for the second day on Monday (March 2, 2026), with security forces using mild force to disperse protesters in a few places.

According to the officials, the protests broke out in Bemina, Gund Hassibhat, and Jehangir Chowk areas of the city here, and in Pulwama town in south Kashmir.

Scores of protesters gathered in these areas, which have a large Shia population. They marched through the streets, raising anti-U.S. and anti-Israel slogans.

In some areas, the security forces resorted to using mild force to disperse the protesters.

• March 02, 2026 12:41 20 international flights cancelled from Kolkata airport At least 20 international flights were cancelled from Kolkata on Monday (March 2, 2026) due to the escalating conflict in West Asia, airport sources here said.According to officials at the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, multiple flights operated by international carriers were cancelled for the day due to the prevailing war-like situation in West Asia and related operational constraints.The cancelled services included four arrivals and four departures by Emirates, two arrivals and two departures each by Qatar Airways and Etihad Airways, one arrival and one departure of Air Arabia, and one arrival and one departure of Flydubai.-PTI

At least 20 international flights were cancelled from Kolkata on Monday (March 2, 2026) due to the escalating conflict in West Asia, airport sources here said.

According to officials at the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, multiple flights operated by international carriers were cancelled for the day due to the prevailing war-like situation in West Asia and related operational constraints.

The cancelled services included four arrivals and four departures by Emirates, two arrivals and two departures each by Qatar Airways and Etihad Airways, one arrival and one departure of Air Arabia, and one arrival and one departure of Flydubai.

• March 02, 2026 12:37 Israeli, U.S. strikes kill 27 in northwest Iran over two days: official An Iranian official said on Monday (March 2, 2026) that U.S. and Israeli strikes over two days have left at least 27 people dead in Iran’s northwest.“The number of martyrs who have fallen over the past two days in the province as a result of Israeli and American attacks reached 27,” said Majid Farshi, director general of the East Azerbaijan province crisis management department, as quoted by the official IRNA news agency.-AFP

An Iranian official said on Monday (March 2, 2026) that U.S. and Israeli strikes over two days have left at least 27 people dead in Iran’s northwest.

“The number of martyrs who have fallen over the past two days in the province as a result of Israeli and American attacks reached 27,” said Majid Farshi, director general of the East Azerbaijan province crisis management department, as quoted by the official IRNA news agency.

• March 02, 2026 12:24 Israel-Iran conflict: Kerala postpones SSLC, Plus 2 examinations in West Asia region In the wake of the Israel-U.S. and Iran conflict intensifying in West Asia, Kerala has postponed the SSLC (Class 10) examinations to be held on March 5 and the higher secondary (Class 12 or Plus 2) examinations to be held on March 5, 6, and 7 in the West Asia region, State Minister for General Education V. Sivankutty has said.Click here to read more on this...

In the wake of the Israel-U.S. and Iran conflict intensifying in West Asia, Kerala has postponed the SSLC (Class 10) examinations to be held on March 5 and the higher secondary (Class 12 or Plus 2) examinations to be held on March 5, 6, and 7 in the West Asia region, State Minister for General Education V. Sivankutty has said.

• March 02, 2026 12:15 Explosions heard near Iraq's Erbil airport Loud bangs were heard on Monday (March 2, 2026) near Iraq’s Erbil airport, which hosts U.S.-led coalition troops, an AFP journalist said.Earlier Monday, an AFP photographer said that air defence systems downed drones near the airport.Since the start of the U.S.-Israel campaign against Iran, drones have repeatedly been intercepted over Erbil, which is also home to a major U.S. consulate complex.- AFP

Loud bangs were heard on Monday (March 2, 2026) near Iraq’s Erbil airport, which hosts U.S.-led coalition troops, an AFP journalist said.

Earlier Monday, an AFP photographer said that air defence systems downed drones near the airport.

Since the start of the U.S.-Israel campaign against Iran, drones have repeatedly been intercepted over Erbil, which is also home to a major U.S. consulate complex.

• March 02, 2026 12:01 Britain's RAF base in Cyprus targeted by Shahed drone-Cyprus President Britain Cyprus’s RAF Akrotiri base ‌in Cyprus was hit overnight ⁠by an unmanned Shahed drone which caused ‌minor material damage, Cyprus ‌President Nikos Christodoulides ‌said ⁠on Monday (March 2, 2026).“I ⁠want to be clear: Our country does ‌not participate in any way and does not intend ‌to be part of any military operation,” Mr. Christodoulides ⁠said in a statement.- Reuters

Britain Cyprus’s RAF Akrotiri base ‌in Cyprus was hit overnight ⁠by an unmanned Shahed drone which caused ‌minor material damage, Cyprus ‌President Nikos Christodoulides ‌said ⁠on Monday (March 2, 2026).

“I ⁠want to be clear: Our country does ‌not participate in any way and does not intend ‌to be part of any military operation,” Mr. Christodoulides ⁠said in a statement.

• •Reuters

• March 02, 2026 11:58 Witness says smoke seen over Kuwait neighbourhood that's home to U.S. EmbassyA witness said he saw smoke over a Kuwait neighbourhood that is home to the U.S. Embassy as Americans had been urged to stay away.Ayman Moawad, an Egyptian worker living near the U.S. Embassy in Kuwait, told The Associated Press that he saw smoke over the area. However, he didn’t know if it was specifically the Embassy hit in an ongoing Iranian attack targeting the small nation.The U.S. earlier issued an urgent warning to Americans there to take cover and remain indoors. It said: “Do not come to the Embassy,” without elaborating.- AP

A witness said he saw smoke over a Kuwait neighbourhood that is home to the U.S. Embassy as Americans had been urged to stay away.

Ayman Moawad, an Egyptian worker living near the U.S. Embassy in Kuwait, told The Associated Press that he saw smoke over the area. However, he didn’t know if it was specifically the Embassy hit in an ongoing Iranian attack targeting the small nation.

The U.S. earlier issued an urgent warning to Americans there to take cover and remain indoors. It said: “Do not come to the Embassy,” without elaborating.

• March 02, 2026 11:53 U.S. issues fresh security guidance for West Asian countries

• March 02, 2026 11:38 24 flights cancelled at Bengaluru airport In light of the ongoing escalation of tension in the West Asia region, flight service from Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) has been disrupted for the third consecutive day.The Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), which operates the KIA said that 24 flights have been cancelled on March 2, 2026 (Monday).Iran-Israel conflict: 24 flights cancelled at India's Bengaluru airportBengaluru airport cancels 24 flights amid ongoing Iran-Israel conflict, affecting key routes in West Asia.

In light of the ongoing escalation of tension in the West Asia region, flight service from Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) has been disrupted for the third consecutive day.

The Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), which operates the KIA said that 24 flights have been cancelled on March 2, 2026 (Monday).

Iran-Israel conflict: 24 flights cancelled at India's Bengaluru airport

Bengaluru airport cancels 24 flights amid ongoing Iran-Israel conflict, affecting key routes in West Asia.

• March 02, 2026 11:37 Gulf flight operations from Kerala hit for third day amid West Asia conflict Flight operations to Gulf countries from Kerala were affected for the third consecutive day on Monday (March 2, 2026) following the conflict in West Asia, with authorities indicating that the disruption may last a few more days.Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) listed around 45 departing flights from Kochi as cancelled for Monday on its official website.Read more here:Gulf flight operations from Kerala hit for third day amid West Asia conflictFlight operations from Kerala to Gulf countries face ongoing cancellations due to the West Asia conflict, impacting travel for several days.

Flight operations to Gulf countries from Kerala were affected for the third consecutive day on Monday (March 2, 2026) following the conflict in West Asia, with authorities indicating that the disruption may last a few more days.

Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) listed around 45 departing flights from Kochi as cancelled for Monday on its official website.

Read more here:

Gulf flight operations from Kerala hit for third day amid West Asia conflict

Flight operations from Kerala to Gulf countries face ongoing cancellations due to the West Asia conflict, impacting travel for several days.

• March 02, 2026 11:37 ​Imperial war: The Hindu editorial on the war against Iran Donald Trump came to the White House promising to end America’s endless wars. That promise now lies in ashes in West Asia. The far-right Republican, who, along with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, launched an all-out war against Iran on February 28 and killed its Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has proved to be one of the most reckless warmongers ever to occupy the Oval Office. Blood is on the hands of these two men — one a mercurial hard nationalist who is turning America into a rogue superpower, and the other, an expansionist ethnonationalist wanted for war crimes by the International Criminal Court. Read the full editorial here.You can also listen to this editorial here.

Donald Trump came to the White House promising to end America’s endless wars. That promise now lies in ashes in West Asia. The far-right Republican, who, along with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, launched an all-out war against Iran on February 28 and killed its Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has proved to be one of the most reckless warmongers ever to occupy the Oval Office. Blood is on the hands of these two men — one a mercurial hard nationalist who is turning America into a rogue superpower, and the other, an expansionist ethnonationalist wanted for war crimes by the International Criminal Court.

Read the full editorial here.

You can also listen to this editorial here.

• March 02, 2026 11:34 Israeli strikes on Lebanon kill 31, wound 149: health ministry Israeli strikes on Lebanon have killed at least 31 people and wounded 149, the Lebanese health ministry said on Monday, as Israel’s military threatened to intensify its attacks following Hezbollah rocket fire.The ministry said in a statement that “Israeli enemy raids” on Beirut’s southern suburbs and southern Lebanon “have resulted, in an initial count, in the killing of 31 citizens and the wounding of 149 citizens”.-AFP

Israeli strikes on Lebanon have killed at least 31 people and wounded 149, the Lebanese health ministry said on Monday, as Israel’s military threatened to intensify its attacks following Hezbollah rocket fire.

The ministry said in a statement that “Israeli enemy raids” on Beirut’s southern suburbs and southern Lebanon “have resulted, in an initial count, in the killing of 31 citizens and the wounding of 149 citizens”.

• March 02, 2026 11:22 109 from Karnataka stranded in West Asia as airspace closures disrupt flightsAt least 109 people from Karnataka have been stranded in West Asian countries following widespread airspace closures amid the ongoing conflict in parts of the Middle East.According to official data released by the State government, 100 people are stranded in the United Arab Emirates (Dubai), and nine in Bahrain, after several countries declared NOTAM (closure of airspace), severely disrupting international flight operations.District-wise data shows that Ballari accounts for the highest number of stranded passengers in the UAE at 32, followed by Bengaluru (25) and Davanagere (9). Kodagu and Vijayapura have four stranded persons each, while Chikkamagaluru has five. Three persons each are stranded from Dakshina Kannada, Shivamogga and Raichur. Two each are from Chikkaballapura, Chitradurga, Kalaburagi and Udupi, while one person is from Tumakuru.In Bahrain, four persons are from Hassan, three from Udupi, one from Kodagu and one from an unspecified district.-Darshan Devaiah

At least 109 people from Karnataka have been stranded in West Asian countries following widespread airspace closures amid the ongoing conflict in parts of the Middle East.

According to official data released by the State government, 100 people are stranded in the United Arab Emirates (Dubai), and nine in Bahrain, after several countries declared NOTAM (closure of airspace), severely disrupting international flight operations.

District-wise data shows that Ballari accounts for the highest number of stranded passengers in the UAE at 32, followed by Bengaluru (25) and Davanagere (9). Kodagu and Vijayapura have four stranded persons each, while Chikkamagaluru has five. Three persons each are stranded from Dakshina Kannada, Shivamogga and Raichur. Two each are from Chikkaballapura, Chitradurga, Kalaburagi and Udupi, while one person is from Tumakuru.

In Bahrain, four persons are from Hassan, three from Udupi, one from Kodagu and one from an unspecified district.

-Darshan Devaiah

• March 02, 2026 11:13 Shares of aviation firms, tour operators diveShares of airline companies, tour and travel-related services providers tumbled on Monday morning trade amid escalating tensions in West Asia.The stock of InterGlobe Aviation tanked 7.50%, while SpiceJet declined by 7.27% on the BSE.Shares of Yatra Online tumbled 11.14 per cent, Easy Trip Planners slumped 9.39%, TBO TEK dived 8.19% and Thomas Cook dropped 5.40%.-PTI

Shares of airline companies, tour and travel-related services providers tumbled on Monday morning trade amid escalating tensions in West Asia.

The stock of InterGlobe Aviation tanked 7.50%, while SpiceJet declined by 7.27% on the BSE.

Shares of Yatra Online tumbled 11.14 per cent, Easy Trip Planners slumped 9.39%, TBO TEK dived 8.19% and Thomas Cook dropped 5.40%.

• March 02, 2026 11:01 U.S. futures, Asian shares open lower, oil prices soar as U.S. and Israeli attack Iran The U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran rattled world markets on Monday (March 2, 2026), with U.S. futures initially falling more than 1% and oil prices soaring, though both moderated as trading picked up.The futures for the S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average were down about 0.8% by mid-morning in Bangkok.U.S. futures, Asian shares open lower, oil prices soar as U.S. and Israeli attack IranU.S. futures and Asian shares decline as oil prices surge amid escalating tensions from U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran.

The U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran rattled world markets on Monday (March 2, 2026), with U.S. futures initially falling more than 1% and oil prices soaring, though both moderated as trading picked up.

The futures for the S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average were down about 0.8% by mid-morning in Bangkok.

U.S. futures, Asian shares open lower, oil prices soar as U.S. and Israeli attack Iran

U.S. futures and Asian shares decline as oil prices surge amid escalating tensions from U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran.

• March 02, 2026 10:59 List of top Iranian political, spiritual, military leaders and scientists killed by IsraelIsrael-Iran Conflict: Top Iranian leaders and scientists killed by IsraelIsrael's strikes on Iran have resulted in the deaths of key Iranian leaders and scientists, escalating regional military tensions.

Israel-Iran Conflict: Top Iranian leaders and scientists killed by Israel

Israel's strikes on Iran have resulted in the deaths of key Iranian leaders and scientists, escalating regional military tensions.

• March 02, 2026 10:51 Pentagon tells Congress no sign that Iran was going to attack U.S. first, sources say Trump administration officials acknowledged in closed-door briefings with congressional staff on ‌Sunday that there was no intelligence suggesting Iran planned to attack U.S. forces first, two people familiar with the matter said.Read more here:Pentagon tells Congress no sign that Iran was going to attack U.S. first, sources sayPentagon sources reveal no evidence of Iran planning a preemptive attack on U.S. forces, contradicting key war justifications.

Trump administration officials acknowledged in closed-door briefings with congressional staff on ‌Sunday that there was no intelligence suggesting Iran planned to attack U.S. forces first, two people familiar with the matter said.

Read more here:

Pentagon tells Congress no sign that Iran was going to attack U.S. first, sources say

Pentagon sources reveal no evidence of Iran planning a preemptive attack on U.S. forces, contradicting key war justifications.

• March 02, 2026 10:40 Blasts heard in Dubai, DohaReuters has reported that loud explosions were heard in Dubai, UAE, and Doha, Qatar.More details awaited.

Reuters has reported that loud explosions were heard in Dubai, UAE, and Doha, Qatar.

More details awaited.

• March 02, 2026 10:37 Israeli general says to intensify strikes on Lebanon A senior Israeli general said on Monday the military would intensify its attacks on Lebanon, after launching strikes in response to rocket fire claimed by Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah.“Hezbollah chose the Iranian regime over the State of Lebanon and initiated an attack on our civilians... they will pay a heavy price,” said Rafi Milo, head of the Israeli military’s Northern Command.“The strikes continue, their intensity will increase,” he was quoted as saying in a military statement.-AFP

A senior Israeli general said on Monday the military would intensify its attacks on Lebanon, after launching strikes in response to rocket fire claimed by Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah.

“Hezbollah chose the Iranian regime over the State of Lebanon and initiated an attack on our civilians... they will pay a heavy price,” said Rafi Milo, head of the Israeli military’s Northern Command.

“The strikes continue, their intensity will increase,” he was quoted as saying in a military statement.

• March 02, 2026 10:35 Restrictions imposed in Kashmir after protests over killing of Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei Authorities on Monday imposed severe restrictions on the movement of people in parts of Kashmir where massive street protests were witnessed over the killing of Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in a joint strike by the U.S. and Israel.The iconic Ghanta Ghar at Lal Chowk has been sealed with barricades erected all around it, officials said. They said a large number of police and paramilitary CRPF personnel have been deployed across the city to prevent gatherings of protestors.Read more:Iran-Israel Conflict: Restrictions imposed in Kashmir after protests over Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei's killingSevere restrictions imposed in Kashmir amid protests over Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei's killing, impacting movement and schools.

Authorities on Monday imposed severe restrictions on the movement of people in parts of Kashmir where massive street protests were witnessed over the killing of Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in a joint strike by the U.S. and Israel.

The iconic Ghanta Ghar at Lal Chowk has been sealed with barricades erected all around it, officials said. They said a large number of police and paramilitary CRPF personnel have been deployed across the city to prevent gatherings of protestors.

Read more:

Iran-Israel Conflict: Restrictions imposed in Kashmir after protests over Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei's killing

Severe restrictions imposed in Kashmir amid protests over Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei's killing, impacting movement and schools.

• March 02, 2026 10:21 Iran's security chief Larijani says 'will not negotiate' with U.S. Iran “will not negotiate with the United States”, Ali Larijani, the powerful head of Tehran’s Supreme National Security Council said on Monday.In a post on X, Mr. Larijani denied media reports that Iranian officials had sought to initiate talks with the Trump administration following a wave of US-Israeli strikes on Iran over the weekend, which came after Tehran and Washington held nuclear negotiations.-AFP

Iran “will not negotiate with the United States”, Ali Larijani, the powerful head of Tehran’s Supreme National Security Council said on Monday.

In a post on X, Mr. Larijani denied media reports that Iranian officials had sought to initiate talks with the Trump administration following a wave of US-Israeli strikes on Iran over the weekend, which came after Tehran and Washington held nuclear negotiations.

• March 02, 2026 10:18 Kuwait intercepts hostile drones on third day of Iran retaliatory strikesKuwait intercepted hostile ‌drones on Monday, the third consecutive day ⁠of Iranian retaliatory strikes on neighbouring Gulf states in response ‌to U.S. and Israeli attacks on the ‌Islamic Republic.No injuries ‌were ⁠reported after Kuwait ⁠air defenses intercepted the majority of the drones near Rumaithiya and Salwa neighbourhoods, ‌the state news agency cited the director-general of the civil defense as ‌saying.-Reuters

Kuwait intercepted hostile ‌drones on Monday, the third consecutive day ⁠of Iranian retaliatory strikes on neighbouring Gulf states in response ‌to U.S. and Israeli attacks on the ‌Islamic Republic.

No injuries ‌were ⁠reported after Kuwait ⁠air defenses intercepted the majority of the drones near Rumaithiya and Salwa neighbourhoods, ‌the state news agency cited the director-general of the civil defense as ‌saying.

-Reuters

• March 02, 2026 09:50 Restrictions in place in Kashmir amid calls for protest over Khamenei's deathPolicemen in Srinagar's Jehnagir Chowk conduct checks on March 2, 2026. Authorities have imposed restrictions across Kashmir, while internet speed has been slowed down in the wake of a protest call by an amalgam of religious organisations today against the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Photo: Imran Nissar

Policemen in Srinagar's Jehnagir Chowk conduct checks on March 2, 2026. Authorities have imposed restrictions across Kashmir, while internet speed has been slowed down in the wake of a protest call by an amalgam of religious organisations today against the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Photo: Imran Nissar

• March 02, 2026 09:45 Hackers hit Iranian apps, websites after U.S.-Israeli strikes A wave of cyber-enabled operations took place early Saturday ‌morning alongside the joint U.S.-Israeli attack on targets across Iran, according to cybersecurity experts and observers.The operations included the hacking of multiple news websites ⁠to display various messages and the hack of BadeSaba, a religious calendar app with more than 5 million downloads, which displayed messages telling users “It’s time for reckoning” and urging armed forces to give ‌up weapons and join the people.Read more:Iran-Israel conflict: Hackers hit Iranian appsA wave of cyber-enabled operations took place early Saturday ‌morning alongside the joint U.S.-Israeli attack on targets across Iran, according to cybersecurity ​experts and observers.

A wave of cyber-enabled operations took place early Saturday ‌morning alongside the joint U.S.-Israeli attack on targets across Iran, according to cybersecurity experts and observers.

The operations included the hacking of multiple news websites ⁠to display various messages and the hack of BadeSaba, a religious calendar app with more than 5 million downloads, which displayed messages telling users “It’s time for reckoning” and urging armed forces to give ‌up weapons and join the people.

Read more:

Iran-Israel conflict: Hackers hit Iranian apps

A wave of cyber-enabled operations took place early Saturday ‌morning alongside the joint U.S.-Israeli attack on targets across Iran, according to cybersecurity ​experts and observers.

• March 02, 2026 09:43 Stock markets tumble as West Asia war dents risk appetite Shares tumbled on Monday (March 2, 2026) as the West Asia war pushed crude prices ‌higher and triggered a flight to safe havens, weighing on investor ⁠sentiment.The Nifty 50 fell 2.06% to 24,659.25 and the BSE Sensex shed 3.38% to 78,543.73 ‌as of 9:15 a.m. IST.This is the steepest intraday ‌drop for Nifty since February 1 ‌and ⁠the Sensex since April 7, ⁠2025.Read more:Iran Israel Conflict | Indian stock markets tumble as West Asia war dents risk appetiteStock markets plunge as the West Asia conflict escalates, triggering a flight to safety and rising crude oil prices.

Shares tumbled on Monday (March 2, 2026) as the West Asia war pushed crude prices ‌higher and triggered a flight to safe havens, weighing on investor ⁠sentiment.

The Nifty 50 fell 2.06% to 24,659.25 and the BSE Sensex shed 3.38% to 78,543.73 ‌as of 9:15 a.m. IST.

This is the steepest intraday ‌drop for Nifty since February 1 ‌and ⁠the Sensex since April 7, ⁠2025.

Read more:

Iran Israel Conflict | Indian stock markets tumble as West Asia war dents risk appetite

Stock markets plunge as the West Asia conflict escalates, triggering a flight to safety and rising crude oil prices.

• March 02, 2026 09:37 Watch: Restrictions imposed across Srinagar, Ghanta Ghar sealed after protests over Iran leader’s killing

• March 02, 2026 09:36 Rockets on Israel hurt efforts to spare Lebanon from regional conflict: Lebanese president Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said rocket attacks on Israel on Monday hurt his government’s efforts to spare Lebanon from regional war.“The launching of missiles from Lebanese territory this morning targets all the efforts and endeavors made by the Lebanese state to keep Lebanon away from the dangerous military confrontations taking place in the region,” Aoun said in a statement.Iran-backed Hezbollah had earlier claimed rocket and drone attacks on Israel in response to the killing of Iranian supreme leader Ali Khamenei.-AFP

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said rocket attacks on Israel on Monday hurt his government’s efforts to spare Lebanon from regional war.

“The launching of missiles from Lebanese territory this morning targets all the efforts and endeavors made by the Lebanese state to keep Lebanon away from the dangerous military confrontations taking place in the region,” Aoun said in a statement.

Iran-backed Hezbollah had earlier claimed rocket and drone attacks on Israel in response to the killing of Iranian supreme leader Ali Khamenei.

• March 02, 2026 09:23 U.S., Israel pound Iran as Trump signals willingness to talk to new leadership after Khamenei’s deathThe U.S. and Israel pounded targets across Iran on Sunday (March 1, 2026), dropping massive bombs on the country’s ballistic missile sites and wiping out warships as part of an intensifying military campaign following the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.Blasts rattled windows across the country and sent plumes of smoke high into the sky above Tehran. More than 200 people have been killed since the start of the strikes, according to Iranian leaders.U.S., Israel pound Iran as Trump signals willingness to talk after Khamenei’s deathU.S. and Israel intensify strikes on Iran following Khamenei's death, escalating conflict as Trump signals willingness to engage.

The U.S. and Israel pounded targets across Iran on Sunday (March 1, 2026), dropping massive bombs on the country’s ballistic missile sites and wiping out warships as part of an intensifying military campaign following the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Blasts rattled windows across the country and sent plumes of smoke high into the sky above Tehran. More than 200 people have been killed since the start of the strikes, according to Iranian leaders.

U.S., Israel pound Iran as Trump signals willingness to talk after Khamenei’s death

U.S. and Israel intensify strikes on Iran following Khamenei's death, escalating conflict as Trump signals willingness to engage.

• March 02, 2026 09:17 Lebabon President warns against using country in proxy warLebanese President warns of using Lebanon in proxy wars, after Hezbollah launched an attack on Israel, according to an official statement.-Reuters

Lebanese President warns of using Lebanon in proxy wars, after Hezbollah launched an attack on Israel, according to an official statement.

-Reuters

• March 02, 2026 09:05 Iran suggests it's open to U.S. talks, White House official says, Trump is ‘eventually’ willing A senior White House official said Sunday (March 1, 2026) that Iran’s “new potential leadership” has suggested it is open to talks with the United States after American and Israeli forces launched a major attack against Tehran, killing the country’s supreme leader and other high-ranking officials.The White House official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss internal administration deliberations, said President Donald Trump says he is “eventually” willing to talk, but for now the military operation “continues unabated.” The official did not say who the potential new Iranian leaders are or how they made their alleged willingness to talk known.Read more:Iran suggests it's open to U.S. talks, White House official says, Trump is ‘eventually’ willingIran signals openness to U.S. talks as Trump expresses willingness, despite ongoing military operations following a significant attack on Tehran.

A senior White House official said Sunday (March 1, 2026) that Iran’s “new potential leadership” has suggested it is open to talks with the United States after American and Israeli forces launched a major attack against Tehran, killing the country’s supreme leader and other high-ranking officials.

The White House official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss internal administration deliberations, said President Donald Trump says he is “eventually” willing to talk, but for now the military operation “continues unabated.” The official did not say who the potential new Iranian leaders are or how they made their alleged willingness to talk known.

Read more:

Iran suggests it's open to U.S. talks, White House official says, Trump is ‘eventually’ willing

Iran signals openness to U.S. talks as Trump expresses willingness, despite ongoing military operations following a significant attack on Tehran.

• March 02, 2026 09:03 South Lebanon residents flee after Israeli strikesSouth Lebanon residents fled by car after Israel struck the area in response to Hezbollah rocket fire on Monday, an AFP journalist witnessed.Heavy traffic coming from the south filled roads in the Lebanese city of Sidon, with cars packed with families and some with mattresses tied to the roof, according to an AFP journalist.

South Lebanon residents fled by car after Israel struck the area in response to Hezbollah rocket fire on Monday, an AFP journalist witnessed.

Heavy traffic coming from the south filled roads in the Lebanese city of Sidon, with cars packed with families and some with mattresses tied to the roof, according to an AFP journalist.

• March 02, 2026 08:56 Pentagon chief to hold first press conference on Iran Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth will hold a press conference on Monday morning about the joint U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iran, the first by a senior official since strikes began on Saturday.The press conference will be held at 8:00 am local time (6.30 p.m. IST) today, the Pentagon announced on X.-AFP

Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth will hold a press conference on Monday morning about the joint U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iran, the first by a senior official since strikes began on Saturday.

The press conference will be held at 8:00 am local time (6.30 p.m. IST) today, the Pentagon announced on X.

• March 02, 2026 08:27 Iraq | Protesters, police clash near U.S. embassy in Baghdad Angry Iraqi protesters clashed on Sunday (March 1, 2026) evening with security forces near the U.S. embassy in Baghdad during demonstrations againt the U.S.-Israel war on Iran, AFP journalists said.Protesters, police clash near U.S. embassy in BaghdadProtesters clash with police near the U.S. embassy in Baghdad amid escalating tensions over the U.S.-Israel war on Iran.

Angry Iraqi protesters clashed on Sunday (March 1, 2026) evening with security forces near the U.S. embassy in Baghdad during demonstrations againt the U.S.-Israel war on Iran, AFP journalists said.

Protesters, police clash near U.S. embassy in Baghdad

Protesters clash with police near the U.S. embassy in Baghdad amid escalating tensions over the U.S.-Israel war on Iran.

• March 02, 2026 08:25 WATCH: UK PM Keir Starmer says British forces active in West Asia defensive ops amid Iran escalation​​

• March 02, 2026 08:00 PM Modi chairs CCS meeting; West Asia situation, stranded Indians discussed Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (March 1, 2026) night chaired a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security, the highest decision-making body on security and strategic matters of the country, and it is learnt to have discussed the evolving situation arising out of the fresh conflict in West Asia.Read more:Iran Israel Conflict | PM Modi chairs CCS meeting; West Asia situation, stranded Indians discussedPM Modi chairs a CCS meeting to address the West Asia conflict and ensure the safety of stranded Indians.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (March 1, 2026) night chaired a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security, the highest decision-making body on security and strategic matters of the country, and it is learnt to have discussed the evolving situation arising out of the fresh conflict in West Asia.

Read more:

Iran Israel Conflict | PM Modi chairs CCS meeting; West Asia situation, stranded Indians discussed

PM Modi chairs a CCS meeting to address the West Asia conflict and ensure the safety of stranded Indians.

• March 02, 2026 07:52 WATCH: Trump warns of more U.S. casualties as Iran conflict intensifies, 3 soldiers killed in Iran strikes

• March 02, 2026 07:52 Israeli military orders residents of dozens of Lebanese towns to evacuate Israeli ‌military ordered on ⁠Monday residents ‌of ‌at ‌least ⁠50 ⁠Lebanese towns to ‌get 1 km ‌away from the towns, ⁠the military ‌spokesperson said. -Reuters

Israeli ‌military ordered on ⁠Monday residents ‌of ‌at ‌least ⁠50 ⁠Lebanese towns to ‌get 1 km ‌away from the towns, ⁠the military ‌spokesperson said.

-Reuters

• March 02, 2026 07:38 As Rubio drives Trump’s war agenda, Vance and MAGA base confusedU.S. Vice-President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio represent different worldviews within the Make America Great Again (MAGA) universe, though both present their politics in terms of Christian civilisational nationalism. A fundamental principle of MAGA politics has been an opposition to America’s “endless wars” — the phrase Mr. Trump deployed in three consecutive election campaigns.Read more here:As Rubio drives Trump’s war agenda, Vance and MAGA base confusedConfusion arises in the MAGA base as Rubio's war agenda contrasts with Vance's anti-interventionist stance.

U.S. Vice-President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio represent different worldviews within the Make America Great Again (MAGA) universe, though both present their politics in terms of Christian civilisational nationalism. A fundamental principle of MAGA politics has been an opposition to America’s “endless wars” — the phrase Mr. Trump deployed in three consecutive election campaigns.

Read more here:

As Rubio drives Trump’s war agenda, Vance and MAGA base confused

Confusion arises in the MAGA base as Rubio's war agenda contrasts with Vance's anti-interventionist stance.

• March 02, 2026 07:26 Modi condemns attacks on UAE

• March 02, 2026 07:22 Trump says sees three 'good choices' of who could lead Iran U.S. President Donald Trump said that he had a shortlist of three names to lead Iran after he launched a war to topple Tehran’s ruling clerics.Mr. Trump told The New York Times that he had “three very good choices” for who could lead Iran, but he did not name them. “I won’t be revealing them now. Let’s get the job done first,” he said.-AFP

U.S. President Donald Trump said that he had a shortlist of three names to lead Iran after he launched a war to topple Tehran’s ruling clerics.

Mr. Trump told The New York Times that he had “three very good choices” for who could lead Iran, but he did not name them. “I won’t be revealing them now. Let’s get the job done first,” he said.

• March 02, 2026 07:22 UAE closes embassy in Iran after four killed in attacks across the Gulf The UAE said on Sunday it was closing its embassy in Tehran and recalling the Emirati ambassador after Iran’s retaliatory missile and drone campaign in the Gulf killed four people and wounded dozens more.The move marks the strongest condemnation yet by a Gulf state since Tehran began targeting the region with a barrage of strikes.“These hostile attacks against civilian sites, including residential areas, airports, ports, and service facilities, endangered innocent civilians in a serious and irresponsible escalation,” the UAE foreign ministry said in a statement.-AFP

The UAE said on Sunday it was closing its embassy in Tehran and recalling the Emirati ambassador after Iran’s retaliatory missile and drone campaign in the Gulf killed four people and wounded dozens more.

The move marks the strongest condemnation yet by a Gulf state since Tehran began targeting the region with a barrage of strikes.

“These hostile attacks against civilian sites, including residential areas, airports, ports, and service facilities, endangered innocent civilians in a serious and irresponsible escalation,” the UAE foreign ministry said in a statement.

• March 02, 2026 07:07 Oil jumps as Iran conflict escalates, disrupts shippingOil prices jumped 7% to their highest levels in months on Monday ‌as Iran and Israel stepped up attacks in West Asia, damaging tankers and disrupting shipments from the key producing region.Brent crude futures shot ⁠up to $82.37, the highest since January 2025, in the first futures trading after the U.S. and Israel launched strikes on Iran and killed its Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on Saturday. As of 12.54 a.m. GMT (6.24 a.m. IST), Brent futures were at $78.24 a barrel, up $5.37, or 7.37%.-Reuters

Oil prices jumped 7% to their highest levels in months on Monday ‌as Iran and Israel stepped up attacks in West Asia, damaging tankers and disrupting shipments from the key producing region.

Brent crude futures shot ⁠up to $82.37, the highest since January 2025, in the first futures trading after the U.S. and Israel launched strikes on Iran and killed its Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on Saturday. As of 12.54 a.m. GMT (6.24 a.m. IST), Brent futures were at $78.24 a barrel, up $5.37, or 7.37%.

-Reuters

• March 02, 2026 07:05 PM Modi speaks with Netanyahu to discuss current situation in West Asia Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephonic conversation with Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday (March 1, 2026) to discuss the current regional situation in West Asia.PM Modi wrote on his X account, “Conveyed India’s concerns over recent developments and emphasised the safety of civilians as a priority. India reiterates the need for an early cessation of hostilities.”Iran-Israel Conflict | PM Modi speaks with Netanyahu to discuss current regional situation in West AsiaPM Modi discusses regional tensions and civilian safety with Netanyahu, emphasizing the need for an end to hostilities in West Asia.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephonic conversation with Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday (March 1, 2026) to discuss the current regional situation in West Asia.

PM Modi wrote on his X account, “Conveyed India’s concerns over recent developments and emphasised the safety of civilians as a priority. India reiterates the need for an early cessation of hostilities.”

Iran-Israel Conflict | PM Modi speaks with Netanyahu to discuss current regional situation in West Asia

PM Modi discusses regional tensions and civilian safety with Netanyahu, emphasizing the need for an end to hostilities in West Asia.

• March 02, 2026 07:04 Israel launches barrage of strikes on Lebanese capital Israel launched a barrage of strikes on Lebanon’s capital, Beirut, after the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah fired missiles across the border early Monday.It was the first time in more than a year that Hezbollah has claimed a strike against Israel. The Israeli military said it intercepted a projectile that crossed the border and that several others fell in open areas. No injuries or damage were reported.Hezbollah said in a statement that the strikes were carried out in retaliation for the killing of Iran’s supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, and for “repeated Israeli aggressions.” -APRead more here

Israel launched a barrage of strikes on Lebanon’s capital, Beirut, after the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah fired missiles across the border early Monday.

It was the first time in more than a year that Hezbollah has claimed a strike against Israel. The Israeli military said it intercepted a projectile that crossed the border and that several others fell in open areas. No injuries or damage were reported.

Hezbollah said in a statement that the strikes were carried out in retaliation for the killing of Iran’s supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, and for “repeated Israeli aggressions.”

Published - March 02, 2026 06:58 am IST

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