Israel-Iran war updates - March 6: Trump demands unconditional surrender of Iran; Iran's UN envoy rejects U.S. interference in leader succession
Kartavya Desk Staff
#### Key Updates
• Iran's IRGC challenges Trump to have U.S. vessels escort oil tankers in strait of Hormuz: Iranian state media
• White House downplays report on Russia aiding Iran's targeting
• West Asia on fire: Editorial on the Israeli-American war against Iran
• Iran is not stopping Indian ships in Strait of Hormuz: Khatibzadeh
#### India must ask U.S. why it is targeting Iranian ships in Indian Ocean: Iran Minister Khatibzadeh
India must ask U.S. why it is targeting Iranian ships in Indian Ocean: Iran Minister Khatibzadeh
Iran urges India to question the U.S. about targeting Iranian ships, emphasizing diplomacy as the solution to conflict.
#### Iran’s President Pezeshkian confirms mediation efforts; IRGC warns of ‘prolonged war’
Iran’s President Pezeshkian confirms mediation efforts; IRGC warns of ‘prolonged war’
Iran's President Pezeshkian confirms mediation efforts amid escalating conflict, as IRGC warns of a prolonged war ahead.
• March 07, 2026 06:02 Iran's UN envoy rejects U.S. 'interference' in leader successionIran’s ambassador to the United Nations on Friday (March 6, 2026) condemned U.S. interference after President Donald Trump insisted that he should be involved in selecting the successor of slain supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.Amir Saeid Iravani said that Trump’s reported comments “constitute a clear violation of the principles of non-interference in the internal affairs of states and enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations.”“Iran is a sovereign and independent state. It does not accept and will never allow any foreign power to interfere in its internal affairs,” Mr. Iravani told reporters in New York.- AFP
Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations on Friday (March 6, 2026) condemned U.S. interference after President Donald Trump insisted that he should be involved in selecting the successor of slain supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Amir Saeid Iravani said that Trump’s reported comments “constitute a clear violation of the principles of non-interference in the internal affairs of states and enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations.”
“Iran is a sovereign and independent state. It does not accept and will never allow any foreign power to interfere in its internal affairs,” Mr. Iravani told reporters in New York.- AFP
• March 07, 2026 04:52 Iran's IRGC challenges Trump to have U.S. vessels escort oil tankers in strait of Hormuz: Iranian state mediaA spokesman for Iran’s Revolutionary Guards challenged U.S. President Donald Trump to deploy U.S. naval vessels to escort oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, Iranian state media reported on Friday (March 6, 2026).The U.S. Navy could begin escorting oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz if necessary, President Donald Trump said earlier. - Reuters
A spokesman for Iran’s Revolutionary Guards challenged U.S. President Donald Trump to deploy U.S. naval vessels to escort oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, Iranian state media reported on Friday (March 6, 2026).
The U.S. Navy could begin escorting oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz if necessary, President Donald Trump said earlier. - Reuters
• March 07, 2026 04:15 Qatar civil aviation authority announces partial reopening of airspaceQatar’s aviation authority said on Friday (March 6, 2026) that the Gulf state’s airspace would partially reopen after it was closed to all air traffic at the start of an Iranian missile and drone campaign in retaliation for U.S.-Israeli strikes.“Qatar Civil Aviation Authority announces the partial resumption of air navigation in the State of Qatar, through designated navigational contingency routes with limited operational capacity,” the body said.“This phase includes the operation of a limited number of flights designated for passenger evacuation, in addition to the operation of air cargo flights,” it added.- AFP
Qatar’s aviation authority said on Friday (March 6, 2026) that the Gulf state’s airspace would partially reopen after it was closed to all air traffic at the start of an Iranian missile and drone campaign in retaliation for U.S.-Israeli strikes.
“Qatar Civil Aviation Authority announces the partial resumption of air navigation in the State of Qatar, through designated navigational contingency routes with limited operational capacity,” the body said.
“This phase includes the operation of a limited number of flights designated for passenger evacuation, in addition to the operation of air cargo flights,” it added.- AFP
• March 07, 2026 02:45 UN peacekeepers from Ghana wounded in Lebanon from Israeli missile attackTwo UN peacekeepers from Ghana were critically wounded when their base in southern Lebanon was hit on Friday (March 6, 2026), state media and the Ghanaian military reported, with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun accusing Israel of targeting them.Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency said that several Ghanaian members of the UN force were “wounded after their position in the town of Qawzah was targeted”.- AFP
Two UN peacekeepers from Ghana were critically wounded when their base in southern Lebanon was hit on Friday (March 6, 2026), state media and the Ghanaian military reported, with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun accusing Israel of targeting them.
Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency said that several Ghanaian members of the UN force were “wounded after their position in the town of Qawzah was targeted”.- AFP
• March 07, 2026 02:31 Israeli strikes on east Lebanon kill at least nine: Lebanese ministryIsraeli strikes on eastern Lebanon killed at least nine people on Friday (March 6, 2026), Lebanon’s Health Ministry said, on the fifth day of fighting between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah.In a statement, the Ministry said “Israeli enemy air strikes on Nabi Sheet” in the eastern Baalbek district killed at least nine people and wounded 17 in a preliminary toll.“Rescue and debris removal operations are ongoing” to search for missing people, the ministry added.- AFP
Israeli strikes on eastern Lebanon killed at least nine people on Friday (March 6, 2026), Lebanon’s Health Ministry said, on the fifth day of fighting between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah.
In a statement, the Ministry said “Israeli enemy air strikes on Nabi Sheet” in the eastern Baalbek district killed at least nine people and wounded 17 in a preliminary toll.
“Rescue and debris removal operations are ongoing” to search for missing people, the ministry added.- AFP
• March 07, 2026 02:23 Israel army says Iran using cluster munitionsIsrael’s military said on Friday (March 6, 2026) that Iran had launched cluster bombs “multiple times” since the start of the war that began with a U.S.-Israeli attack on the Islamic republic over the weekend.“They (the Iranians) are using cluster munitions,” military spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani said during a news briefing, without providing details on when and where those munitions were launched.“They’ve used it multiple times, which is a war crime when it’s directed towards civilians and we’re tracking that situation,” Mr. Shoshani added.Neither Iran nor Israel are among countries that are party to the 2008 Convention on Cluster Munitions, which prohibits the use, transfer, production and storage of cluster bombs.- AFP
Israel’s military said on Friday (March 6, 2026) that Iran had launched cluster bombs “multiple times” since the start of the war that began with a U.S.-Israeli attack on the Islamic republic over the weekend.
“They (the Iranians) are using cluster munitions,” military spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani said during a news briefing, without providing details on when and where those munitions were launched.
“They’ve used it multiple times, which is a war crime when it’s directed towards civilians and we’re tracking that situation,” Mr. Shoshani added.
Neither Iran nor Israel are among countries that are party to the 2008 Convention on Cluster Munitions, which prohibits the use, transfer, production and storage of cluster bombs.- AFP
• March 07, 2026 01:50 White House downplays report on Russia aiding Iran's targetingThe White House on Friday (March 6, 2026) downplayed a report that Russia is providing Iran with targeting information about U.S. forces in the West Asia.“It clearly is not making a difference with respect to the military operations in Iran because we are completely decimating them,” House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters.“We are achieving the military objectives of this operation and that is going to continue,” Ms. Leavitt said.- AFPRussia has provided Iran with information that can help Iran strike U.S. military, AP sources sayRussia reportedly shared intelligence with Iran to aid potential strikes on U.S. military targets, raising geopolitical tensions.
The White House on Friday (March 6, 2026) downplayed a report that Russia is providing Iran with targeting information about U.S. forces in the West Asia.
“It clearly is not making a difference with respect to the military operations in Iran because we are completely decimating them,” House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters.
“We are achieving the military objectives of this operation and that is going to continue,” Ms. Leavitt said.- AFP
Russia has provided Iran with information that can help Iran strike U.S. military, AP sources say
Russia reportedly shared intelligence with Iran to aid potential strikes on U.S. military targets, raising geopolitical tensions.
• March 07, 2026 00:00 Drone attack targets military base at Baghdad airport: security sourcesA drone attack targeted on Friday (March 6, 2026) evening a military base at Baghdad airport that hosts a U.S. diplomatic facility, security sources told AFP.A security official said that “four drones targeted” the military base, while another official reported that at least two of the drones crashed inside it.Several drone attacks have been intercepted near Baghdad airport since the start of the war in the West Asia.- AFP
A drone attack targeted on Friday (March 6, 2026) evening a military base at Baghdad airport that hosts a U.S. diplomatic facility, security sources told AFP.
A security official said that “four drones targeted” the military base, while another official reported that at least two of the drones crashed inside it.
Several drone attacks have been intercepted near Baghdad airport since the start of the war in the West Asia.- AFP
• March 06, 2026 23:23 The fate of Iran will be determined solely by the Iranian nation, not by Epstein's gang: Mohammad-Bagher GhalibafIran Parliament Speaker Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf’ in response to Donald Trump, said,”Trump still doesn’t realize what calamity he has brought upon himself and the American soldiers by martyring our Imam, and he wants to dictate terms to a nation. The Americans, instead of taking a hard line, had not done so, and now they will come to understand that the fate of dear Iran, which is more precious than life, will be determined solely by the proud Iranian nation, not by Epstein’s gang.”
Iran Parliament Speaker Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf’ in response to Donald Trump, said,”Trump still doesn’t realize what calamity he has brought upon himself and the American soldiers by martyring our Imam, and he wants to dictate terms to a nation. The Americans, instead of taking a hard line, had not done so, and now they will come to understand that the fate of dear Iran, which is more precious than life, will be determined solely by the proud Iranian nation, not by Epstein’s gang.”
• March 06, 2026 23:09 Only nine commercial ships detected crossing the Hormuz Strait since Monday Only nine oil tankers, cargo and container ships, some of which at times concealed their position, have been recorded crossing the Strait of Hormuz since Monday (March 2, 2026), according to data by MarineTraffic analysed by AFP.After three ships were attacked Sunday, at least three tankers and a vessel carrying gas have crossed this chokepoint.Nearly 20% of the world’s crude oil and about 20% of LNG transit through Strait of Hormuz.- AFP
Only nine oil tankers, cargo and container ships, some of which at times concealed their position, have been recorded crossing the Strait of Hormuz since Monday (March 2, 2026), according to data by MarineTraffic analysed by AFP.
After three ships were attacked Sunday, at least three tankers and a vessel carrying gas have crossed this chokepoint.
Nearly 20% of the world’s crude oil and about 20% of LNG transit through Strait of Hormuz.
• March 06, 2026 23:07 Israel backing Iranian Kurdish plans to seize Iran border areas, sources say Israel has been bombing parts of western Iran to support Iranian Kurdish militias who hope to exploit the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran to seize towns near the frontier, according to three sources familiar with Israel’s talks with the factions.The notion of an offensive by Iranian Kurdish forces based in Iraq gained attention on Friday when U.S. President Donald Trump told Reuters it would be “wonderful” if they crossed the border.A Kurdish insurgency could have serious consequences for Iran as it defends itself against the air campaign. The militias have consulted with the U.S. about how and whether to attack Iran’s security forces, Reuters has reported.- Reuters
Israel has been bombing parts of western Iran to support Iranian Kurdish militias who hope to exploit the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran to seize towns near the frontier, according to three sources familiar with Israel’s talks with the factions.
The notion of an offensive by Iranian Kurdish forces based in Iraq gained attention on Friday when U.S. President Donald Trump told Reuters it would be “wonderful” if they crossed the border.
A Kurdish insurgency could have serious consequences for Iran as it defends itself against the air campaign. The militias have consulted with the U.S. about how and whether to attack Iran’s security forces, Reuters has reported.
- Reuters
• March 06, 2026 23:01 Israeli army says hit over 400 targets Friday across Iran Israel’s military said it had hit more than 400 targets in Iran on Friday (March 6, 2026) as it pressed on with its bombing campaign against the Islamic Republic.“Over 400 targets were struck in several areas in Iran, including ballistic missile launchers and Iranian UAVs (drone) storage facilities,” the army said in a statement.The rate is broadly consistent with the level of strikes Israel says it has carried out in recent days, indicating a sustained campaign in the areas it is targeting.- AFP
Israel’s military said it had hit more than 400 targets in Iran on Friday (March 6, 2026) as it pressed on with its bombing campaign against the Islamic Republic.
“Over 400 targets were struck in several areas in Iran, including ballistic missile launchers and Iranian UAVs (drone) storage facilities,” the army said in a statement.
The rate is broadly consistent with the level of strikes Israel says it has carried out in recent days, indicating a sustained campaign in the areas it is targeting.
• March 06, 2026 22:53 In south Lebanon, a few villages defy Israel's evacuation orders In the basement of a church in Alma al-Shaab, a Lebanese village near the border with Israel, dozens of residents gathered amidst the sound of Israeli bombing, defying the Israeli army’s order to flee.“It is our right to preserve and remain in our land,” town mayor Shadi Sayah told AFP over the phone.“We are pacifists... a danger to no one,” he added, as the sound of strikes got closer.Following the start of a new war between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah on Monday (March 2, 2026), the Israeli military warned residents in large swathes of southern Lebanon to flee, causing mass exodus.- AFP
In the basement of a church in Alma al-Shaab, a Lebanese village near the border with Israel, dozens of residents gathered amidst the sound of Israeli bombing, defying the Israeli army’s order to flee.
“It is our right to preserve and remain in our land,” town mayor Shadi Sayah told AFP over the phone.
“We are pacifists... a danger to no one,” he added, as the sound of strikes got closer.
Following the start of a new war between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah on Monday (March 2, 2026), the Israeli military warned residents in large swathes of southern Lebanon to flee, causing mass exodus.
• March 06, 2026 22:46 Heartbreak in Kuwait as Iranian girl, 11, killed in Iran attack Eleven-year-old Elena Abdullah Hussein told her father she loved him and went to sleep in Kuwait, where her Iranian family lives. Moments later, Iranian drone debris slammed into her room, killing her in her sleep.The family had been sheltering in the basement of their building since Iran began their retaliation campaign in the Gulf on Saturday (February 28, 2026), following US-Israeli strikes that decimated its leadership.But on Tuesday (March 3, 2026) night, as the bombing seemed to slow down, the family decided to go back up to their apartment.“Elena called me about two hours before the incident and said: ‘Dad, I had dinner and I’m going to bed... I love you,” said her father, Abdullah Hussein, who was working late that day at his fabrics company.“It was as if she was trying to say goodbye,” he added, holding back tears.- AFP
Eleven-year-old Elena Abdullah Hussein told her father she loved him and went to sleep in Kuwait, where her Iranian family lives. Moments later, Iranian drone debris slammed into her room, killing her in her sleep.
The family had been sheltering in the basement of their building since Iran began their retaliation campaign in the Gulf on Saturday (February 28, 2026), following US-Israeli strikes that decimated its leadership.
But on Tuesday (March 3, 2026) night, as the bombing seemed to slow down, the family decided to go back up to their apartment.
“Elena called me about two hours before the incident and said: ‘Dad, I had dinner and I’m going to bed... I love you,” said her father, Abdullah Hussein, who was working late that day at his fabrics company.
“It was as if she was trying to say goodbye,” he added, holding back tears.
• March 06, 2026 22:41 Indian airlines cancel 278 int'l flights; scheduled to operate 96 services to West AsiaDomestic airlines are scheduled to operate 96 flights to and from the Middle East on Friday while the carriers have cancelled 278 international services for the day, the government said on Friday amid the conflict in the region.In another statement later, the Ministry of Civil Aviation said 51 flights are planned to be operated by domestic airlines, subject to operational feasibility and prevailing conditions.- PTI
Domestic airlines are scheduled to operate 96 flights to and from the Middle East on Friday while the carriers have cancelled 278 international services for the day, the government said on Friday amid the conflict in the region.
In another statement later, the Ministry of Civil Aviation said 51 flights are planned to be operated by domestic airlines, subject to operational feasibility and prevailing conditions.
• March 06, 2026 22:37 Must avoid a global conflict, says Finnish President as he backs U.S. but voices concern on West Asia warMust avoid a global conflict, says Finnish President as he backs U.S. but voices concern on West Asia warFinnish President Stubb urges caution to avoid global conflict, backing the U.S. while criticizing its actions in West Asia.
Must avoid a global conflict, says Finnish President as he backs U.S. but voices concern on West Asia war
Finnish President Stubb urges caution to avoid global conflict, backing the U.S. while criticizing its actions in West Asia.
• March 06, 2026 22:30 Israel says only hitting military targets after Iran alleges homes bombed Israel’s army said on Friday it was only striking “military targets” in Iran, after Tehran said hundreds of homes had been hit in Israeli bombardments.Iranian government spokeswoman Fatemeh Mohajerani said Friday that 390 residential units, 528 commercial centres and 13 medical sites had been struck since the start of the U.S.-Israeli bombing campaign last week, Mehr news agency reported.Iranian media aired videos said to show residential areas in the western city of Ilam and the capital Tehran that had been hit. - AFP
Israel’s army said on Friday it was only striking “military targets” in Iran, after Tehran said hundreds of homes had been hit in Israeli bombardments.
Iranian government spokeswoman Fatemeh Mohajerani said Friday that 390 residential units, 528 commercial centres and 13 medical sites had been struck since the start of the U.S.-Israeli bombing campaign last week, Mehr news agency reported.
Iranian media aired videos said to show residential areas in the western city of Ilam and the capital Tehran that had been hit.
• March 06, 2026 22:28 France deploys helicopter carrier to Mediterranean: military France has sent a helicopter carrier to the Mediterranean in response to the West Asia war, the French military told AFP on Friday (March 6, 2026).“An amphibious helicopter carrier has been deployed in the Mediterranean to reinforce the presence of the French armed forces in the context of the Middle East crisis,” a spokeswoman said, after France decided to deploy its flagship aircraft carrier and a frigate earlier in the week.A similar ship was sent off the shore of Lebanon as a precautionary measure to help with repatriations if needed during the 2024 war between Israel and Lebanese militant group Hezbollah.- AFP
France has sent a helicopter carrier to the Mediterranean in response to the West Asia war, the French military told AFP on Friday (March 6, 2026).
“An amphibious helicopter carrier has been deployed in the Mediterranean to reinforce the presence of the French armed forces in the context of the Middle East crisis,” a spokeswoman said, after France decided to deploy its flagship aircraft carrier and a frigate earlier in the week.
A similar ship was sent off the shore of Lebanon as a precautionary measure to help with repatriations if needed during the 2024 war between Israel and Lebanese militant group Hezbollah.
• March 06, 2026 22:25 Iran fires attack drones at Bahrain residential neighborhood, says U.S. Iranian forces fired seven attack drones at civilian, residential neighborhoods in Bahrain on Thursday night, U.S. Central Command commander Brad Cooper said in a statement. - Reuters
Iranian forces fired seven attack drones at civilian, residential neighborhoods in Bahrain on Thursday night, U.S. Central Command commander Brad Cooper said in a statement.
- Reuters
• March 06, 2026 22:22 Cyprus moves all March EU meetings due to Iran war All EU meetings due to be held in Cyprus in March will be moved online or rescheduled as conflict rages in the Middle East, a Cypriot official said Friday.Cyprus, which holds the European Union’s rotating presidency, has been directly affected by Iranian retaliatory attacks to US-Israeli strikes, with an Iranian-made drone hitting a British base on the island this week.“Given the partial disruptions to flight connections, in order to ensure predictability and avoid inconvenience to delegations, all meetings that are planned to take place in Cyprus in March, will either take place virtually or be rescheduled,” the official said.- AFP
All EU meetings due to be held in Cyprus in March will be moved online or rescheduled as conflict rages in the Middle East, a Cypriot official said Friday.
Cyprus, which holds the European Union’s rotating presidency, has been directly affected by Iranian retaliatory attacks to US-Israeli strikes, with an Iranian-made drone hitting a British base on the island this week.
“Given the partial disruptions to flight connections, in order to ensure predictability and avoid inconvenience to delegations, all meetings that are planned to take place in Cyprus in March, will either take place virtually or be rescheduled,” the official said.
• March 06, 2026 22:16 Kurdish Iranian dissidents in Iraq deny attack plans but say they would join U.S. invasion of Iran Officials with one of the armed Kurdish Iranian dissident groups based in northern Iraq told The Associated Press that they are not planning an imminent cross-border attack on Iran but would join a ground invasion if the U.S. were to launch one.The comments appeared to be aimed at reassuring Iraqi Kurdish officials, who have said they do not want attacks to be launched against Iran from their territory, fearing that they will be further dragged into the war in West Asia sparked by the U.S. and Israel’s strikes on Iran.In the event of a U.S. ground operation, “then we would enter alongside the coalition forces,” said Khalil Nadiri, an official with the Kurdistan Freedom Party PAK, in an interview with the AP on Thursday (March 6, 2026). But he said, “The Kurds must not place themselves as the spearhead of the attack.” He added that his group also has armed members already present inside of Iran and that they would not necessarily require cross-border support if they were to stage an uprising.- AP
Officials with one of the armed Kurdish Iranian dissident groups based in northern Iraq told The Associated Press that they are not planning an imminent cross-border attack on Iran but would join a ground invasion if the U.S. were to launch one.
The comments appeared to be aimed at reassuring Iraqi Kurdish officials, who have said they do not want attacks to be launched against Iran from their territory, fearing that they will be further dragged into the war in West Asia sparked by the U.S. and Israel’s strikes on Iran.
In the event of a U.S. ground operation, “then we would enter alongside the coalition forces,” said Khalil Nadiri, an official with the Kurdistan Freedom Party PAK, in an interview with the AP on Thursday (March 6, 2026). But he said, “The Kurds must not place themselves as the spearhead of the attack.” He added that his group also has armed members already present inside of Iran and that they would not necessarily require cross-border support if they were to stage an uprising.
• March 06, 2026 22:07 Iran Guards say targeted U.S. base in UAE over school strike Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said on Friday (March 6, 2026) they had targeted a U.S. base in the UAE that they alleged had been used as a launchpad for a strike on a school.According to Iranian authorities, a strike had hit a girls’ elementary school on Saturday (March 6, 2026) in Minab county in the south of the country, killing more than 150 people including students.“Al-Dhafra air base, belonging to American terrorists in the region, was targeted using drones and precision missiles,” the Guards said in a statement broadcast on state TV.- AFP
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said on Friday (March 6, 2026) they had targeted a U.S. base in the UAE that they alleged had been used as a launchpad for a strike on a school.
According to Iranian authorities, a strike had hit a girls’ elementary school on Saturday (March 6, 2026) in Minab county in the south of the country, killing more than 150 people including students.
“Al-Dhafra air base, belonging to American terrorists in the region, was targeted using drones and precision missiles,” the Guards said in a statement broadcast on state TV.
• March 06, 2026 22:05 Leading satellite firm to hold back Gulf state images Planet Labs PBC, a leading provider of high resolution images taken from space, said Friday it would hold back for 96 hours images of Gulf states targeted by Iranian drone attacks.The satellite images produced by the California-based company are normally available almost immediately to its clients, who include AFP, as well as other media, companies, researchers -- and potential enemies of the United States.Planet said in a message to clients the “temporary” move was part of its “commitment to responsible data practices and the safety of personnel on the ground” since the eruption of the West Asian war.- AFP
Planet Labs PBC, a leading provider of high resolution images taken from space, said Friday it would hold back for 96 hours images of Gulf states targeted by Iranian drone attacks.
The satellite images produced by the California-based company are normally available almost immediately to its clients, who include AFP, as well as other media, companies, researchers -- and potential enemies of the United States.
Planet said in a message to clients the “temporary” move was part of its “commitment to responsible data practices and the safety of personnel on the ground” since the eruption of the West Asian war.
• March 06, 2026 22:03 Iraq, Kurds say country not a launchpad against neighbours The Iraqi government and the autonomous Kurdistan region said on Friday (March 6, 2026) that Iraq must not be a launchpad for attacks against neighbouring countries, following reports that militants might attempt to cross into Iran.Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani and Kurdistan’s regional president Nechirvan Barzani agreed in a phone call “that Iraqi territory must not be used as a launching point for attacks against neighbouring countries”, the premier’s media office said.Tehran threatened on Friday (March 6, 2026) to target “all the facilities” of Iraq’s autonomous region if exiled Kurdish Iranian militants were allowed to enter Iran.- AFP
The Iraqi government and the autonomous Kurdistan region said on Friday (March 6, 2026) that Iraq must not be a launchpad for attacks against neighbouring countries, following reports that militants might attempt to cross into Iran.
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani and Kurdistan’s regional president Nechirvan Barzani agreed in a phone call “that Iraqi territory must not be used as a launching point for attacks against neighbouring countries”, the premier’s media office said.
Tehran threatened on Friday (March 6, 2026) to target “all the facilities” of Iraq’s autonomous region if exiled Kurdish Iranian militants were allowed to enter Iran.
• March 06, 2026 22:00 Gulf allies complain US didn't notify them of Iran attacks and ignored their warnings, sources say The Trump administration is confronting mounting discontent from allies in the Persian Gulf who have complained they were not given adequate time to prepare for the torrent of Iranian drones and missiles bombarding their countries in retaliation for strikes launched by the U.S. and Israel.Officials from two Gulf countries said their governments were disappointed in the way the U.S. has handled the war, particularly the initial attack on Iran on Feb. 28. They said their countries were not given advance notice of the U.S.-Israeli attack and complained the US had ignored their warnings that the war would have devastating consequences for the entire region.One of the officials said that Gulf countries were frustrated and even angry that the U.S. military had not defended them enough.- AP
The Trump administration is confronting mounting discontent from allies in the Persian Gulf who have complained they were not given adequate time to prepare for the torrent of Iranian drones and missiles bombarding their countries in retaliation for strikes launched by the U.S. and Israel.
Officials from two Gulf countries said their governments were disappointed in the way the U.S. has handled the war, particularly the initial attack on Iran on Feb. 28. They said their countries were not given advance notice of the U.S.-Israeli attack and complained the US had ignored their warnings that the war would have devastating consequences for the entire region.
One of the officials said that Gulf countries were frustrated and even angry that the U.S. military had not defended them enough.
• March 06, 2026 21:59 Sleepless Iranians count cost of war as damage mounts As U.S. and Israeli war planes pummel Iran with daily strikes, witnesses say that civilian deaths, damage to infrastructure and anxiety are mounting while security forces remain an intimidating presence on the streets.Millions of Tehran residents spent another stressful night on Thursday-Friday as huge explosions shook the city and lit up the sky, making it impossible for many to sleep, AFP correspondents said.“I don’t think anyone who hasn’t experienced war would understand it,” a terrified 26-year-old teacher told AFP on condition of anonymity. “When you hear the bombs, you have no idea where they will hit.”- AFP
As U.S. and Israeli war planes pummel Iran with daily strikes, witnesses say that civilian deaths, damage to infrastructure and anxiety are mounting while security forces remain an intimidating presence on the streets.
Millions of Tehran residents spent another stressful night on Thursday-Friday as huge explosions shook the city and lit up the sky, making it impossible for many to sleep, AFP correspondents said.
“I don’t think anyone who hasn’t experienced war would understand it,” a terrified 26-year-old teacher told AFP on condition of anonymity. “When you hear the bombs, you have no idea where they will hit.”
• March 06, 2026 21:56 France deploys helicopter carrier to Mediterranean: military France has sent a helicopter carrier to the Mediterranean in response to the Middle East war, the French military told AFP on Friday (March 6, 2026).“An amphibious helicopter carrier has been deployed in the Mediterranean to reinforce the presence of the French armed forces in the context of the Middle East crisis,” a spokeswoman said, after France decided to deploy its flagship aircraft carrier and a frigate earlier in the week.A similar ship was sent off the shore of Lebanon as a precautionary measure to help with repatriations if needed during the 2024 war between Israel and Lebanese militant group Hezbollah. The current conflict has already drawn in Lebanon.- AFP
France has sent a helicopter carrier to the Mediterranean in response to the Middle East war, the French military told AFP on Friday (March 6, 2026).
“An amphibious helicopter carrier has been deployed in the Mediterranean to reinforce the presence of the French armed forces in the context of the Middle East crisis,” a spokeswoman said, after France decided to deploy its flagship aircraft carrier and a frigate earlier in the week.
A similar ship was sent off the shore of Lebanon as a precautionary measure to help with repatriations if needed during the 2024 war between Israel and Lebanese militant group Hezbollah. The current conflict has already drawn in Lebanon.
• March 06, 2026 21:51 Germany pulls further troops out of West Asia Germany has pulled additional Bundeswehr troops out of West Asia, a military spokesman told Reuters on Friday (March 6, 2026), the seventh day of a U.S.–Israeli war on Iran that has convulsed the region.Soldiers deployed with the UNIFIL mission in Lebanon are being withdrawn due to the security situation, the spokesperson said , after the Bundeswehr already sharply reduced its presence in Erbil in northern Iraq.The RND newspaper network, which first reported the news, said that German troops stationed in Bahrain had already returned home, and preparations for withdrawals from Kuwait were underway. The spokesperson declined to comment on this.- Reuters
Germany has pulled additional Bundeswehr troops out of West Asia, a military spokesman told Reuters on Friday (March 6, 2026), the seventh day of a U.S.–Israeli war on Iran that has convulsed the region.
Soldiers deployed with the UNIFIL mission in Lebanon are being withdrawn due to the security situation, the spokesperson said , after the Bundeswehr already sharply reduced its presence in Erbil in northern Iraq.
The RND newspaper network, which first reported the news, said that German troops stationed in Bahrain had already returned home, and preparations for withdrawals from Kuwait were underway. The spokesperson declined to comment on this.
- Reuters
• March 06, 2026 21:49 Saudi defence ministry says intercepted 'cruise missile' Saudi Arabia’s defence ministry on Friday (March 6, 2026) said it had intercepted and destroyed a cruise missile near the central Al-Kharj area.“A cruise missile was intercepted and destroyed east of Al-Kharj governorate,” the Ministry said in a post on X.- AFP
Saudi Arabia’s defence ministry on Friday (March 6, 2026) said it had intercepted and destroyed a cruise missile near the central Al-Kharj area.
“A cruise missile was intercepted and destroyed east of Al-Kharj governorate,” the Ministry said in a post on X.
• March 06, 2026 21:48 Lebanon death toll from war rises to 217 as Israel presses strikes Israeli air strikes battered Lebanon on Friday (March 6, 2026), sending the death toll since Monday up to at least 217, according to Lebanese authorities, as the premier warned: “a humanitarian disaster is looming”.The Israeli military renewed its strikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs Friday afternoon, Lebanese state media reported, following night raids that left heavy damage in the area after residents fled en masse in response to Israeli evacuation warnings.- AFP
Israeli air strikes battered Lebanon on Friday (March 6, 2026), sending the death toll since Monday up to at least 217, according to Lebanese authorities, as the premier warned: “a humanitarian disaster is looming”.
The Israeli military renewed its strikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs Friday afternoon, Lebanese state media reported, following night raids that left heavy damage in the area after residents fled en masse in response to Israeli evacuation warnings.
• March 06, 2026 21:47 Israel army says Iran using cluster munitions Israel’s military on Friday (March 6, 2026) said that Iran had launched cluster bombs “multiple times” since the start of the war that began with a US-Israeli attack on the Islamic Republic last week.“They (the Iranians) are using cluster munitions”, military spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani said during a press briefing, without providing details on when and where those munitions were launched.“They’ve used it multiple times, which is a war crime when it’s directed towards civilians, and we’re tracking that situation”, Shoshani added.Neither Iran nor Israel is among more than a hundred countries that are party to the 2008 Convention on Cluster Munitions, which prohibits the use, transfer, production and storage of cluster bombs.- AFP
Israel’s military on Friday (March 6, 2026) said that Iran had launched cluster bombs “multiple times” since the start of the war that began with a US-Israeli attack on the Islamic Republic last week.
“They (the Iranians) are using cluster munitions”, military spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani said during a press briefing, without providing details on when and where those munitions were launched.
“They’ve used it multiple times, which is a war crime when it’s directed towards civilians, and we’re tracking that situation”, Shoshani added.
Neither Iran nor Israel is among more than a hundred countries that are party to the 2008 Convention on Cluster Munitions, which prohibits the use, transfer, production and storage of cluster bombs.
• March 06, 2026 21:38 Israel says Iran, Hezbollah coordinated missile launches on Thursday Israel’s military said on Friday (March 6, 2026) it had identified “simultaneous and coordinated” missile launches by Iran and Lebanese militant group Hezbollah aimed at overwhelming Israeli air defences.“We... identified yesterday simultaneous and coordinated attacks between Iran and Hezbollah, simultaneous missile launching from both Iran and Lebanon in an attempt to overwhelm our aerial defence systems,” military spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani told journalists.Mr. Shoshani added that there had been no “significant hits” on Israel in the last 24 hours.- AFP
Israel’s military said on Friday (March 6, 2026) it had identified “simultaneous and coordinated” missile launches by Iran and Lebanese militant group Hezbollah aimed at overwhelming Israeli air defences.
“We... identified yesterday simultaneous and coordinated attacks between Iran and Hezbollah, simultaneous missile launching from both Iran and Lebanon in an attempt to overwhelm our aerial defence systems,” military spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani told journalists.
Mr. Shoshani added that there had been no “significant hits” on Israel in the last 24 hours.
• March 06, 2026 21:35 Russia is providing Iran intelligence to target U.S. forces, Washington Post reports Russia is providing Iran with targeting information that includes locations of U.S. warships and aircraft in West Asia, the Washington Post reported on Friday (March 6, 2026), citing three officials familiar with the intelligence.The extent of Russia’s support to Iran was not entirely clear but the Iranian military’s own ability to locate U.S. forces has been degraded since the U.S. and Israel launched strikes against Tehran last week, the Post reported.The war has since escalated, triggering retaliatory strikes by Iran, and ensnared its neighbors as it seeks to impose a high cost on the U.S., Israel and their allies.- Reuters
Russia is providing Iran with targeting information that includes locations of U.S. warships and aircraft in West Asia, the Washington Post reported on Friday (March 6, 2026), citing three officials familiar with the intelligence.
The extent of Russia’s support to Iran was not entirely clear but the Iranian military’s own ability to locate U.S. forces has been degraded since the U.S. and Israel launched strikes against Tehran last week, the Post reported.
The war has since escalated, triggering retaliatory strikes by Iran, and ensnared its neighbors as it seeks to impose a high cost on the U.S., Israel and their allies.
- Reuters
• March 06, 2026 21:33 Israel says eight soldiers wounded near Lebanese border Israel’s military said a projectile fired at its territory on Friday (March 6, 2026) wounded eight soldiers near the Lebanese border.“Earlier today, five IDF soldiers were severely injured as a result of projectile fire toward Israeli territory near the Lebanese border,” the military said.“Three additional soldiers were lightly injured in the same incident,” it said, adding that all eight soldiers had been evacuated for medical treatment.- AFP
Israel’s military said a projectile fired at its territory on Friday (March 6, 2026) wounded eight soldiers near the Lebanese border.
“Earlier today, five IDF soldiers were severely injured as a result of projectile fire toward Israeli territory near the Lebanese border,” the military said.
“Three additional soldiers were lightly injured in the same incident,” it said, adding that all eight soldiers had been evacuated for medical treatment.
• March 06, 2026 21:08 Iranian ship IRIS Lavan, crew, docked in Kochi days before IRIS Dena incidentDays before the IRIS Dena incident south of Sri Lanka, India was approached by Iran to take in the Iranian Ship IRIS Lavan, which was also in the region for the International Fleet Review, according to government sources. This request was received on 28 February 2026, indicating that a docking at Kochi was urgent as the vessel had developed technical issues. Approval was accorded for the docking on 1 March. IRIS Lavan has since docked at Kochi on 4 March. Its crew of 183 are currently accommodated at naval facilities in Kochi.Read more here- Kallol Bhattacharjee
Days before the IRIS Dena incident south of Sri Lanka, India was approached by Iran to take in the Iranian Ship IRIS Lavan, which was also in the region for the International Fleet Review, according to government sources.
This request was received on 28 February 2026, indicating that a docking at Kochi was urgent as the vessel had developed technical issues. Approval was accorded for the docking on 1 March.
IRIS Lavan has since docked at Kochi on 4 March. Its crew of 183 are currently accommodated at naval facilities in Kochi.
- Kallol Bhattacharjee
• March 06, 2026 20:58 U.S. moving thousands of people out of West Asian countries, Trump says President Donald Trump on Friday (March 6, 2026) said the U.S. is moving thousands of people out of various countries throughout the Middle East amid the military conflict between the U.S., Israel and Iran.“It is being done quietly, but seamlessly,” Mr. Trump said in a social media post without providing further details.
President Donald Trump on Friday (March 6, 2026) said the U.S. is moving thousands of people out of various countries throughout the Middle East amid the military conflict between the U.S., Israel and Iran.
“It is being done quietly, but seamlessly,” Mr. Trump said in a social media post without providing further details.
• March 06, 2026 20:57 Israel army says Hezbollah fired around 70 rockets towards Israel since midnight The Israeli military on Friday (March 6, 2026) said Hezbollah had fired around 70 rockets toward Israel since midnight, many of them from southern Lebanon.“After midnight yesterday, around 70 rockets were launched towards the direction of Israel,” military spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani told journalists, adding that “a lot of these launches were from southern Lebanon”.Mr. Shoshani also said that since Israel began striking in Lebanon this week, it had hit “more than 500 targets across Lebanon and eliminated over 70 Hezbollah terrorists”.- AFP
The Israeli military on Friday (March 6, 2026) said Hezbollah had fired around 70 rockets toward Israel since midnight, many of them from southern Lebanon.
“After midnight yesterday, around 70 rockets were launched towards the direction of Israel,” military spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani told journalists, adding that “a lot of these launches were from southern Lebanon”.
Mr. Shoshani also said that since Israel began striking in Lebanon this week, it had hit “more than 500 targets across Lebanon and eliminated over 70 Hezbollah terrorists”.
• March 06, 2026 20:57 U.S. oil price soars over 10% after Trump demand on Iran The price of the benchmark U.S. oil contract soared more than 10% on Friday on fears of extended disruption to crude supplies after President Donald Trump demanded Iran’s “unconditional surrender”.West Texas Intermediate surged 10.63 percent to $89.62 per barrel, while international benchmark Brent North Sea crude reached $91.89, the highest level in nearly two years.- AFP
The price of the benchmark U.S. oil contract soared more than 10% on Friday on fears of extended disruption to crude supplies after President Donald Trump demanded Iran’s “unconditional surrender”.
West Texas Intermediate surged 10.63 percent to $89.62 per barrel, while international benchmark Brent North Sea crude reached $91.89, the highest level in nearly two years.
• March 06, 2026 20:54 Indian airlines cancel 278 international flights; scheduled to operate 96 services to West Asia on Friday Domestic airlines are scheduled to operate 96 flights to and from West Asia on Friday (March 6, 2026) while the carriers have cancelled 278 international services for the day, the government said on Friday (March 6, 2026) amid the conflict in the region.“A total of 96 flight operations were scheduled today by Indian domestic carriers to and from destinations in the Middle East. As of 6 March, 278 flights scheduled to be operated today by Indian domestic carriers have been cancelled,” the Ministry of Civil Aviation said in a statement.Earlier in the day, officials said more than 140 international flights were cancelled in Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, and Kolkata airports due to the crisis.- PTI
Domestic airlines are scheduled to operate 96 flights to and from West Asia on Friday (March 6, 2026) while the carriers have cancelled 278 international services for the day, the government said on Friday (March 6, 2026) amid the conflict in the region.
“A total of 96 flight operations were scheduled today by Indian domestic carriers to and from destinations in the Middle East. As of 6 March, 278 flights scheduled to be operated today by Indian domestic carriers have been cancelled,” the Ministry of Civil Aviation said in a statement.
Earlier in the day, officials said more than 140 international flights were cancelled in Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, and Kolkata airports due to the crisis.
• March 06, 2026 20:52 Israel strikes Lebanon's ancient city of Tyre: state media Israel struck Lebanon’s ancient city of Tyre on Friday (March 6, 2026), killing at least one person, in an area adjacent to a UNESCO World Heritage site, according to state media and AFP.An AFP photographer at the scene witnessed rescue workers recovering at least one body and collecting what appeared to be scattered human remains on the ground, near the city’s ancient hippodrome.The strike came on the fifth day of fighting between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah.“Enemy warplanes carried out a strike on the ruins district of Tyre city,” near the Bass Palestinian refugee camp, the National News Agency said.Bass is one of a dozen Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon.- AFP
Israel struck Lebanon’s ancient city of Tyre on Friday (March 6, 2026), killing at least one person, in an area adjacent to a UNESCO World Heritage site, according to state media and AFP.
An AFP photographer at the scene witnessed rescue workers recovering at least one body and collecting what appeared to be scattered human remains on the ground, near the city’s ancient hippodrome.
The strike came on the fifth day of fighting between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah.
“Enemy warplanes carried out a strike on the ruins district of Tyre city,” near the Bass Palestinian refugee camp, the National News Agency said.
Bass is one of a dozen Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon.
• March 06, 2026 20:51 Iran targets U.S. forces in UAE: Iranian state media Iran’s Revolutionary Guards target U.S. Forces in UAE’s Al Dhafra Air Base and Ali al Salem Base in Kuwait - Iranian state media
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards target U.S. Forces in UAE’s Al Dhafra Air Base and Ali al Salem Base in Kuwait - Iranian state media
• March 06, 2026 20:45 Israel warns residents of cluster bomb threat from Iran Israeli police warned residents on Friday (March 6, 2026) about the threat of cluster bombs fired by Iran, after saying at least one such munition had hit the country in Tehran’s barrages.Police had said on Wednesday (March 4, 2026) that bomb disposal experts found evidence of cluster munitions after incoming missiles from Iran were detected.In a separate incident AFP footage from Thursday (March 5, 2026) evening showed a swarm of flaming projectiles falling in the darkened sky over central Israel.Police did not comment on the sighting, but a military expert who reviewed the footage for AFP identified them as a part of a cluster bomb.- AFP
Israeli police warned residents on Friday (March 6, 2026) about the threat of cluster bombs fired by Iran, after saying at least one such munition had hit the country in Tehran’s barrages.
Police had said on Wednesday (March 4, 2026) that bomb disposal experts found evidence of cluster munitions after incoming missiles from Iran were detected.
In a separate incident AFP footage from Thursday (March 5, 2026) evening showed a swarm of flaming projectiles falling in the darkened sky over central Israel.
Police did not comment on the sighting, but a military expert who reviewed the footage for AFP identified them as a part of a cluster bomb.
• March 06, 2026 20:38 Prolonged West Asian crisis can impact exchange rate, fuel inflation: Finance Ministry report A Finance Ministry report on Friday (March 6, 2026) cautioned that prolonged crisis in West Asia can have adverse implications on the exchange rate and and may stoke inflationary pressures on account of rising prices of petroleum goods and fertilisers.Besides, subdued capital flows, accentuated by a flight to safety, could put pressure on the currency, the Monthly Economic Review for February released by the Finance Ministry said.The conflict has already driven Brent crude up around 9% to near $80/bbl and LNG prices around 50%, it said.- PTI
A Finance Ministry report on Friday (March 6, 2026) cautioned that prolonged crisis in West Asia can have adverse implications on the exchange rate and and may stoke inflationary pressures on account of rising prices of petroleum goods and fertilisers.
Besides, subdued capital flows, accentuated by a flight to safety, could put pressure on the currency, the Monthly Economic Review for February released by the Finance Ministry said.
The conflict has already driven Brent crude up around 9% to near $80/bbl and LNG prices around 50%, it said.
• March 06, 2026 20:33 Lebanon says 217 killed, 798 wounded in Israeli strikes since March 2 At least 217 people have been killed and 798 wounded in Lebanon since the start of a new conflict between Israel and Hezbollah on March 2, Lebanon’s health ministry announced on Friday (March 6, 2026).The previous toll from the ministry, published on Thursday evening (March 5, 2026), was 123 dead and 683 wounded.Israeli air strikes hit south and east Lebanon as well as Beirut’s southern suburbs earlier in the day.AFP
At least 217 people have been killed and 798 wounded in Lebanon since the start of a new conflict between Israel and Hezbollah on March 2, Lebanon’s health ministry announced on Friday (March 6, 2026).
The previous toll from the ministry, published on Thursday evening (March 5, 2026), was 123 dead and 683 wounded.
Israeli air strikes hit south and east Lebanon as well as Beirut’s southern suburbs earlier in the day.
• March 06, 2026 20:25 U.S. military looking at plan to get ships through Strait of Hormuz: White HouseThe U.S. military is putting together a plan to get ships moving through the Strait of Hormuz, White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett said on Friday (March 6, 2026).However, he declined to give any details on timing. Reuters
The U.S. military is putting together a plan to get ships moving through the Strait of Hormuz, White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett said on Friday (March 6, 2026).
However, he declined to give any details on timing.
• March 06, 2026 20:06 Lincoln carrier not hit by Iran drones; reports not true: U.S. official The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier was not struck by drones, a U.S. defence official said on Friday, after Iranian state TV reported a strike on the massive warship.“The reports are not true,” the defence official said.Iran state TV had said the previous day that drones fired by the Revolutionary Guards, the ideological arm of the Islamic republic’s military, had struck the aircraft carrier.State television did not provide any details on the claim. The Guards had previously alleged to have hit the Lincoln, but the Pentagon said at the time that the “missiles launched didn’t even come close.”- AFP
The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier was not struck by drones, a U.S. defence official said on Friday, after Iranian state TV reported a strike on the massive warship.
“The reports are not true,” the defence official said.
Iran state TV had said the previous day that drones fired by the Revolutionary Guards, the ideological arm of the Islamic republic’s military, had struck the aircraft carrier.
State television did not provide any details on the claim. The Guards had previously alleged to have hit the Lincoln, but the Pentagon said at the time that the “missiles launched didn’t even come close.”
• March 06, 2026 20:02 Iran fires missiles at U.S. base in Kuwait- Iranian state TV
• March 06, 2026 20:01 Spanish PM says 'cooperation' with U.S. should prevail over 'confrontation' Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said on Friday (March 6, 2026) that “loyal cooperation” should prevail over “confrontation” in relations with the United States after tensions over Madrid’s opposition to Washington’s use of its bases against Iran.Relations should take place “with respect, in a spirit of loyal cooperation and on an equal footing”, he added during a joint news conference with Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro in the southern Spanish city of Huelva.Mr. Sanchez again criticised the strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran, calling them an “extraordinary mistake” and “not in accordance with international law”. “Between allied countries, it is good to help when the other is right, but also to tell them when they are wrong or make a mistake, as is the case here,” the Socialist leader added.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said on Friday (March 6, 2026) that “loyal cooperation” should prevail over “confrontation” in relations with the United States after tensions over Madrid’s opposition to Washington’s use of its bases against Iran.
Relations should take place “with respect, in a spirit of loyal cooperation and on an equal footing”, he added during a joint news conference with Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro in the southern Spanish city of Huelva.
Mr. Sanchez again criticised the strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran, calling them an “extraordinary mistake” and “not in accordance with international law”. “Between allied countries, it is good to help when the other is right, but also to tell them when they are wrong or make a mistake, as is the case here,” the Socialist leader added.
• March 06, 2026 19:49 Canada has chartered flight to evacuate 180 people from Dubai Canada has chartered a flight to take 180 Canadians from Dubai to Istanbul, Foreign Minister Anita Anand told reporters on Friday (March 6, 2026), saying around 3,500 citizens had asked for help in leaving West Asia.
Canada has chartered a flight to take 180 Canadians from Dubai to Istanbul, Foreign Minister Anita Anand told reporters on Friday (March 6, 2026), saying around 3,500 citizens had asked for help in leaving West Asia.
• March 06, 2026 19:47 Iran conducts drone strikes on Kurdish armed groups: Iranian state TVIran carries out drone attack against Kurdish armed opposition groups in Iraqi Kurdistan region, according to Iranian state TV.- Reuters
Iran carries out drone attack against Kurdish armed opposition groups in Iraqi Kurdistan region, according to Iranian state TV.
• March 06, 2026 19:45 NATO's defence chiefs briefed on Middle East situation : NATO military chair
• March 06, 2026 19:40 Anti-U.S.-Israel protests take place in Kashmir after Friday prayers Peaceful protests were held at some places in Kashmir against the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei after the Friday prayers, officials said. No untoward incident was reported during the protests, they said.Members of the Shia community held demonstrations in Saida Kadal and Rainawari areas of the city here, as well as in Gounchipora, Shadipora, Inderkoot, and Nowgam Sumbal in Bandipora, and Kalampora in the Baramulla district of north Kashmir.Smaller protests were registered in Budgam district in central Kashmir. A large number of police and paramilitary CRPF forces were deployed in these areas, the officials said.Protestors shouted slogans against the U.S. and Israel and denounced the killing of the global Shia leader.- PTI
Peaceful protests were held at some places in Kashmir against the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei after the Friday prayers, officials said. No untoward incident was reported during the protests, they said.
Members of the Shia community held demonstrations in Saida Kadal and Rainawari areas of the city here, as well as in Gounchipora, Shadipora, Inderkoot, and Nowgam Sumbal in Bandipora, and Kalampora in the Baramulla district of north Kashmir.
Smaller protests were registered in Budgam district in central Kashmir. A large number of police and paramilitary CRPF forces were deployed in these areas, the officials said.
Protestors shouted slogans against the U.S. and Israel and denounced the killing of the global Shia leader.
• March 06, 2026 19:29 U.S. President Trump says there will be no deal with Iran except 'unconditional surrender' U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday (March 6, 2026) there would be no deal struck with Iran except “unconditional surrender,” a week after launching war with Israel against Tehran.“After that, and the selection of a GREAT & ACCEPTABLE Leader(s), we, and many of our wonderful and very brave allies and partners, will work tirelessly to bring Iran back from the brink of destruction,” Mr. Trump said in a social media post, adding that his intention was to “MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN [MIGA!]”Mr. Trump told Reuters on Thursday (March 5, 2026) that he wants to be involved in choosing the next leader of Iran. - Reuters
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday (March 6, 2026) there would be no deal struck with Iran except “unconditional surrender,” a week after launching war with Israel against Tehran.
“After that, and the selection of a GREAT & ACCEPTABLE Leader(s), we, and many of our wonderful and very brave allies and partners, will work tirelessly to bring Iran back from the brink of destruction,” Mr. Trump said in a social media post, adding that his intention was to “MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN [MIGA!]”
Mr. Trump told Reuters on Thursday (March 5, 2026) that he wants to be involved in choosing the next leader of Iran.
- Reuters
• March 06, 2026 19:28 Iran hacking capability still a threat despite war damage: experts Highly capable Iran-linked hacking groups have widened their activities across the region since the U.S. and Israel attacked last weekend, experts argue, although disruption from the war may limit their effectiveness.Spectacular coups against well-protected systems are unlikely, as cyberattackers prefer to target weaker links in the chain or dupe human users into granting them access to important data and networks.Since the outbreak of war, suspected Iranian cyberattacks flagged by cyberintelligence company Unit 42 and Israeli cybersecurity firm Check Point include an alleged mass “phishing” attempt against Israelis.- AFP
Highly capable Iran-linked hacking groups have widened their activities across the region since the U.S. and Israel attacked last weekend, experts argue, although disruption from the war may limit their effectiveness.
Spectacular coups against well-protected systems are unlikely, as cyberattackers prefer to target weaker links in the chain or dupe human users into granting them access to important data and networks.
Since the outbreak of war, suspected Iranian cyberattacks flagged by cyberintelligence company Unit 42 and Israeli cybersecurity firm Check Point include an alleged mass “phishing” attempt against Israelis.
• March 06, 2026 19:20 U.S. says to escort ships in Strait of Hormuz 'soon' Energy Secretary Chris Wright on Friday (March 6, 2026) said the U.S. navy was preparing to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz “as soon as it’s reasonable to do it,” as traffic through the key trade route remains choked due to the U.S.-Israel war on Iran.“As soon as it’s reasonable to do it, we’ll escort ships through the straits and get the energy moving again,” he told U.S. broadcaster Fox News.U.S. President Donald Trump had said on Tuesday (March 3, 2026) that the U.S. Navy would “begin escorting tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, as soon as possible” in a bid to avoid disruption of global oil supplies.- AFP
Energy Secretary Chris Wright on Friday (March 6, 2026) said the U.S. navy was preparing to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz “as soon as it’s reasonable to do it,” as traffic through the key trade route remains choked due to the U.S.-Israel war on Iran.
“As soon as it’s reasonable to do it, we’ll escort ships through the straits and get the energy moving again,” he told U.S. broadcaster Fox News.
U.S. President Donald Trump had said on Tuesday (March 3, 2026) that the U.S. Navy would “begin escorting tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, as soon as possible” in a bid to avoid disruption of global oil supplies.
• March 06, 2026 19:18 Drones hit oil fields, airport in Iraq's Basra: security official to AFP Four drones struck Basra airport and two oil facilities in southern Iraq, a security official told AFP.“One drone crashed into the cargo terminal at Basra airport,” the official said, adding that two others hit a U.S. company in the Burjesia oil complex, and a fourth struck the Rumaila oil field, where energy major BP operates.- AFP
Four drones struck Basra airport and two oil facilities in southern Iraq, a security official told AFP.
“One drone crashed into the cargo terminal at Basra airport,” the official said, adding that two others hit a U.S. company in the Burjesia oil complex, and a fourth struck the Rumaila oil field, where energy major BP operates.
• March 06, 2026 19:17 Iran will not compete at Milano Cortina Winter Games, says IPC Iran will not compete at the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) announced on Friday (March 6, 2026).“We were informed by National Paralympic Committee (of) Iran that safe passage to Milano Cortina 2026 was not possible, and, as a result, they would not be able to come to the Games,” Andrew Parsons, IPC president, said in a statement.- AFP
Iran will not compete at the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) announced on Friday (March 6, 2026).
“We were informed by National Paralympic Committee (of) Iran that safe passage to Milano Cortina 2026 was not possible, and, as a result, they would not be able to come to the Games,” Andrew Parsons, IPC president, said in a statement.
• March 06, 2026 19:13 Sri Lankan President denounces deaths in West Asia conflict
• March 06, 2026 19:10 Post-mortem concluded on Iranian sailor deaths in Sri Lanka The post-mortem conducted on the bodies of Iranian sailors recovered from the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena has been concluded, hospital sources said on Friday (March 6, 2026).Sri Lanka said on Wednesday (March 4, 2026) it had recovered 84 bodies of Iranian sailors after the US submarine attack sank the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena off Galle on the island’s southern coast.The ship had been returning to Iran from Visakhapatnam, India, where it had participated in a naval fleet review exercise.Having concluded the magisterial inquiry following the presentation by the Galle harbour police, the Judicial Medical Officer of the Karapitiya hospital conducted the post-mortem on 84 bodies. Eighty of the 84 bodies have been identified by the survivors.- PTI
The post-mortem conducted on the bodies of Iranian sailors recovered from the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena has been concluded, hospital sources said on Friday (March 6, 2026).
Sri Lanka said on Wednesday (March 4, 2026) it had recovered 84 bodies of Iranian sailors after the US submarine attack sank the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena off Galle on the island’s southern coast.
The ship had been returning to Iran from Visakhapatnam, India, where it had participated in a naval fleet review exercise.
Having concluded the magisterial inquiry following the presentation by the Galle harbour police, the Judicial Medical Officer of the Karapitiya hospital conducted the post-mortem on 84 bodies. Eighty of the 84 bodies have been identified by the survivors.
• March 06, 2026 19:03 Iran spent years fostering proxies in Iraq. Now, many aren’t eager to join the warIran has spent decades and billions of dollars preparing foreign proxy fighters like A.J., a commander in a pro-Iranian paramilitary group in Iraq, for a moment just like this. Since the U.S. and Israel went to war on the Islamic Republic a week ago, A.J. has been awaiting marching orders from Tehran.But they have yet to come. And so as the leadership in Tehran faces a potentially existential threat, many of the fighters and militia groups the Iranians cultivated in Iraq have so far not entered the fight for them. There has been no mass mobilization of Iran’s proxies inside Iraq, one of the last redoubts of the Islamic Republic’s once-formidable system of alliances stretching from Gaza, Lebanon and Syria to Yemen and Iraq.Some pro-Iranian groups in Iraq have claimed attacks in recent days. One group said it had fired drones at “enemy bases in Iraq and the region,” and several explosions rocked the northern city of Erbil, a Kurdish stronghold that hosts a U.S. base. But most missile and drone attacks have come directly from Iran, Kurdish officials say. The more than two-dozen attacks claimed online in the name of the Islamic Resistance of Iraq – a label used by various militants – have caused no significant damage, and in some cases there is no evidence of the attacks.- Reuters
Iran has spent decades and billions of dollars preparing foreign proxy fighters like A.J., a commander in a pro-Iranian paramilitary group in Iraq, for a moment just like this. Since the U.S. and Israel went to war on the Islamic Republic a week ago, A.J. has been awaiting marching orders from Tehran.
But they have yet to come. And so as the leadership in Tehran faces a potentially existential threat, many of the fighters and militia groups the Iranians cultivated in Iraq have so far not entered the fight for them. There has been no mass mobilization of Iran’s proxies inside Iraq, one of the last redoubts of the Islamic Republic’s once-formidable system of alliances stretching from Gaza, Lebanon and Syria to Yemen and Iraq.
Some pro-Iranian groups in Iraq have claimed attacks in recent days. One group said it had fired drones at “enemy bases in Iraq and the region,” and several explosions rocked the northern city of Erbil, a Kurdish stronghold that hosts a U.S. base. But most missile and drone attacks have come directly from Iran, Kurdish officials say. The more than two-dozen attacks claimed online in the name of the Islamic Resistance of Iraq – a label used by various militants – have caused no significant damage, and in some cases there is no evidence of the attacks.
- Reuters
• March 06, 2026 18:56 Strikes hit Iranian Kurdish militants in Iraq, attack ongoing: exiled group Fresh strikes hit Iranian Kurdish opposition group targets in northern Iraq on Friday (March 6, 2026), said an official from the exiled Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan.“Our bases are under attack from the Iranian enemy,” the PDKI official told AFP.“After an attack this morning, our sites were targeted again 20 minutes ago with six drones,” he said, adding that the “attack continues”.- AFP
Fresh strikes hit Iranian Kurdish opposition group targets in northern Iraq on Friday (March 6, 2026), said an official from the exiled Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan.
“Our bases are under attack from the Iranian enemy,” the PDKI official told AFP.
“After an attack this morning, our sites were targeted again 20 minutes ago with six drones,” he said, adding that the “attack continues”.
• March 06, 2026 18:51 Germany's Merz calls for Iran's territorial integrity to be preserved German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called for Iran’s territorial integrity to be preserved as the war against Tehran initiated by Israel and the United States last week threatens to expand across the Middle East.Mr. Merz said that the collapse of Iranian statehood or proxy conflicts fought on Iranian soil were not in anyone’s interest.“Such scenarios could have far-reaching consequences for Europe,” said Mr. Merz at a skilled trades fair in the southern city of Munich, adding that Germany was working with partners to formulate a common stance to end the fighting.“The Iranian state must remain functional, and public order and basic services must be maintained. The Iranian economy must not collapse. Uncontrolled migration from Iran must be prevented,” Mr. Merz said.- Reuters
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called for Iran’s territorial integrity to be preserved as the war against Tehran initiated by Israel and the United States last week threatens to expand across the Middle East.
Mr. Merz said that the collapse of Iranian statehood or proxy conflicts fought on Iranian soil were not in anyone’s interest.
“Such scenarios could have far-reaching consequences for Europe,” said Mr. Merz at a skilled trades fair in the southern city of Munich, adding that Germany was working with partners to formulate a common stance to end the fighting.
“The Iranian state must remain functional, and public order and basic services must be maintained. The Iranian economy must not collapse. Uncontrolled migration from Iran must be prevented,” Mr. Merz said.
- Reuters
• March 06, 2026 18:34 Reza Pahlavi condemns Iran's attack on neighboursThe son of the late Shah on Friday (March 6, 2026) condemned Iran’s attacks on its neighbours and said in the future Tehran would be “true partners” of countries in the region.Reza Pahlavi, who has positioned himself as an alternative if the Islamic Republic falls, said in a post on X that Iran’s missile attacks on Gulf neighbours “are unacceptable and we condemn them.”Mr. Pahlavi is the son of the shah toppled in Iran’s 1979 Islamic revolution. He vowed, “We will be true partners again.”- AFP
The son of the late Shah on Friday (March 6, 2026) condemned Iran’s attacks on its neighbours and said in the future Tehran would be “true partners” of countries in the region.
Reza Pahlavi, who has positioned himself as an alternative if the Islamic Republic falls, said in a post on X that Iran’s missile attacks on Gulf neighbours “are unacceptable and we condemn them.”
Mr. Pahlavi is the son of the shah toppled in Iran’s 1979 Islamic revolution. He vowed, “We will be true partners again.”
• March 06, 2026 18:33 New blasts heard in Kuwait City: AFP journalist Explosions were heard on Friday (March 6, 2026) in the Kuwaiti capital, an AFP journalist said, as authorities said they were confronting missile and drone strikes on the country.“Kuwaiti air defences are currently dealing with missile and drone attacks that penetrated Kuwaiti airspace,” the Defence Ministry said on X, after authorities said 67 soldiers were injured in Iranian strikes over the past week.- AFP
Explosions were heard on Friday (March 6, 2026) in the Kuwaiti capital, an AFP journalist said, as authorities said they were confronting missile and drone strikes on the country.
“Kuwaiti air defences are currently dealing with missile and drone attacks that penetrated Kuwaiti airspace,” the Defence Ministry said on X, after authorities said 67 soldiers were injured in Iranian strikes over the past week.
• March 06, 2026 18:32 Iran police chief says ordered to open fire at looters during wartime Iran’s police chief Ahmad Radan said on Friday (March 6, 2026) that officers had been authorised to shoot at suspected looters amid the war with Israel and the United States.“Because we are in wartime conditions, I have issued orders to shoot at potential thieves,” Mr. Radan told state TV, adding that any thieves would be “swiftly neutralised”.He also said that authorities had taken measures to maintain order online.- AFP
Iran’s police chief Ahmad Radan said on Friday (March 6, 2026) that officers had been authorised to shoot at suspected looters amid the war with Israel and the United States.
“Because we are in wartime conditions, I have issued orders to shoot at potential thieves,” Mr. Radan told state TV, adding that any thieves would be “swiftly neutralised”.
He also said that authorities had taken measures to maintain order online.
• March 06, 2026 18:28 German Foreign Minister tells Iran to stop attacking third countries, sees no imminent threat to NATO German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul on Friday (March 6, 2026) called on Iran to stop launching “irresponsible” attacks on third countries but added that he saw no imminent threat to the NATO alliance.Mr. Wadephul also announced additional humanitarian aid of nearly 100 million euros ($115.64 million) and said countries must ensure that displacements of people in West Asia do not turn into a “a new wave of refugees”.“It is completely unjustified that Iran is attacking uninvolved states that did not participate in the attacks against Iran,” he said.- Reuters
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul on Friday (March 6, 2026) called on Iran to stop launching “irresponsible” attacks on third countries but added that he saw no imminent threat to the NATO alliance.
Mr. Wadephul also announced additional humanitarian aid of nearly 100 million euros ($115.64 million) and said countries must ensure that displacements of people in West Asia do not turn into a “a new wave of refugees”.
“It is completely unjustified that Iran is attacking uninvolved states that did not participate in the attacks against Iran,” he said.
- Reuters
• March 06, 2026 18:20 Iran drone strike on Azerbaijan raises fears of West Asia war spreading to Caucasus Iranian drone strikes on Azerbaijan have raised fears that the West Asia war could spill into the Caucasus, as Baku, an ally of Israel, vows to respond.Azerbaijan announced on Friday (March 6, 2026) it was withdrawing diplomatic staff from Iran, a day after drones launched from Iranian territory targeted an airport and exploded near a school in the country’s Nakhichevan exclave, bordering Iran.Four people were wounded.President Ilham Aliyev accused Tehran of carrying out a “terrorist act” and ordered the armed forces to prepare retaliatory measures, placing them on the highest level of mobilisation.- AFP
Iranian drone strikes on Azerbaijan have raised fears that the West Asia war could spill into the Caucasus, as Baku, an ally of Israel, vows to respond.
Azerbaijan announced on Friday (March 6, 2026) it was withdrawing diplomatic staff from Iran, a day after drones launched from Iranian territory targeted an airport and exploded near a school in the country’s Nakhichevan exclave, bordering Iran.
Four people were wounded.
President Ilham Aliyev accused Tehran of carrying out a “terrorist act” and ordered the armed forces to prepare retaliatory measures, placing them on the highest level of mobilisation.
• March 06, 2026 18:18 Iran media say explosions hit port city on Gulf Iranian media said on Friday (March 6, 2026) that explosions had rocked the key port city of Bandar Abbas on its Gulf coast amid U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran.“Several explosions were heard in the city of Bandar Abbas,” the Etemad online website reported. Other media including Shargh daily carried similar reports.- AFP
Iranian media said on Friday (March 6, 2026) that explosions had rocked the key port city of Bandar Abbas on its Gulf coast amid U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran.
“Several explosions were heard in the city of Bandar Abbas,” the Etemad online website reported. Other media including Shargh daily carried similar reports.
• March 06, 2026 18:17 Around 50,000 Syrians returned from Lebanon in last week: UN Around 50,000 Syrians living in Lebanon have fled back over the border into Syria in the past week, the United Nations’ migration agency said on Friday (March 6, 2026).“Nearly 50,000 Syrians have crossed from Lebanon into Syria over the past week, not including those who may have crossed yesterday following the evacuation orders,” Mathieu Luciano, the Lebanon mission chief for the International Organisation for Migration, said in a statement.- AFP
Around 50,000 Syrians living in Lebanon have fled back over the border into Syria in the past week, the United Nations’ migration agency said on Friday (March 6, 2026).
“Nearly 50,000 Syrians have crossed from Lebanon into Syria over the past week, not including those who may have crossed yesterday following the evacuation orders,” Mathieu Luciano, the Lebanon mission chief for the International Organisation for Migration, said in a statement.
• March 06, 2026 18:16 Italy’s Eni begins foreign staff evacuation from Iraq Zubair Oilfield - sources Italian oil giant Eni has begun evacuating all foreign personnel from Iraq’s Zubair oilfield in Basra, three Iraqi oil sources said on Friday, amid Iranian retaliatory strikes in the region.The evacuation of foreign staff will not affect production operations at the field, the sources added.- Reuters
Italian oil giant Eni has begun evacuating all foreign personnel from Iraq’s Zubair oilfield in Basra, three Iraqi oil sources said on Friday, amid Iranian retaliatory strikes in the region.
The evacuation of foreign staff will not affect production operations at the field, the sources added.
- Reuters
• March 06, 2026 18:15 Drone strike drives calls to end British military presence on CyprusA drone strike this week on a British air base in Cyprus has renewed calls for an end to British military presence on the Mediterranean island, as many fear being dragged into the wider Iran conflict.Cypriot politicians have long beenuneasy with Britain’s two air bases, Akrotiri and Dhekelia, which have been sovereign British territory since Cyprus gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1960.But the issue has come to the surface since an Iranian drone, which security officials believe was fired by Iran’s ally Hezbollah, hit the Akrotiri base on Monday. No one was hurt, but the incident sent the island into high alert and forced nearby civilians to evacuate.So far, there are no concrete signs that Cyprus is going to ask for the bases to close. But growing calls for a review of the bases’ status point to how the Iranian conflict has already complicated international relations across the region.- Reuters
A drone strike this week on a British air base in Cyprus has renewed calls for an end to British military presence on the Mediterranean island, as many fear being dragged into the wider Iran conflict.
Cypriot politicians have long beenuneasy with Britain’s two air bases, Akrotiri and Dhekelia, which have been sovereign British territory since Cyprus gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1960.
But the issue has come to the surface since an Iranian drone, which security officials believe was fired by Iran’s ally Hezbollah, hit the Akrotiri base on Monday. No one was hurt, but the incident sent the island into high alert and forced nearby civilians to evacuate.
So far, there are no concrete signs that Cyprus is going to ask for the bases to close. But growing calls for a review of the bases’ status point to how the Iranian conflict has already complicated international relations across the region.
- Reuters
• March 06, 2026 17:58 Iran military spokesman says forces targeted tanker in Gulf An Iranian military spokesman said on Friday (March 6, 20260 that forces targeted what he described as a US-owned oil tanker in the Gulf and that it was now “burning”.“An oil tanker vessel owned by the United States near the borders of Kuwait has been targeted and is burning,” said Ebrahim Zolfaghari, spokesman for the military’s central headquarters, according to state TV.- AFP
An Iranian military spokesman said on Friday (March 6, 20260 that forces targeted what he described as a US-owned oil tanker in the Gulf and that it was now “burning”.
“An oil tanker vessel owned by the United States near the borders of Kuwait has been targeted and is burning,” said Ebrahim Zolfaghari, spokesman for the military’s central headquarters, according to state TV.
• March 06, 2026 17:57 Israel says destroyed 'bunker' of slain Iran supreme leader The Israeli military on Friday (March 6, 2026) said its fighter jets had “dismantled” an underground bunker that was meant to be used as a command hub by slain leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.“The underground military bunker, which was located beneath the regime’s leadership compound in the centre of Tehran, was intended to be used by the Supreme Leader of the Iranian regime as a secure emergency command centre,” the army said.“Khamenei was eliminated before he could use the bunker during operation ‘Roaring Lion’ but the compound continued to be used by senior Iranian regime officials.”The Israeli military said around 50 combat jets were involved in the strikes on the underground network that spanned “multiple streets in the heart of Tehran”.- AFP
The Israeli military on Friday (March 6, 2026) said its fighter jets had “dismantled” an underground bunker that was meant to be used as a command hub by slain leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
“The underground military bunker, which was located beneath the regime’s leadership compound in the centre of Tehran, was intended to be used by the Supreme Leader of the Iranian regime as a secure emergency command centre,” the army said.
“Khamenei was eliminated before he could use the bunker during operation ‘Roaring Lion’ but the compound continued to be used by senior Iranian regime officials.”
The Israeli military said around 50 combat jets were involved in the strikes on the underground network that spanned “multiple streets in the heart of Tehran”.
• March 06, 2026 17:56 Explosions heard in Bahrain capital: AFP correspondent Several explosions were heard in the Bahraini capital Manama on Friday (March 6, 2026), an AFP correspondent said, with authorities sounding sirens as Iran pressed its retaliation campaign in the Gulf.“The siren has been sounded. Citizens and residents are urged to remain calm and head to the nearest safe place,” the Interior Ministry said in a statement on X.- AFP
Several explosions were heard in the Bahraini capital Manama on Friday (March 6, 2026), an AFP correspondent said, with authorities sounding sirens as Iran pressed its retaliation campaign in the Gulf.
“The siren has been sounded. Citizens and residents are urged to remain calm and head to the nearest safe place,” the Interior Ministry said in a statement on X.
• March 06, 2026 17:50 Iran Guards say targeted U.S. radar in UAE, Jordan, Qatar Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said on Friday (March 6, 2026) their forces had targeted radar systems in the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, and Qatar.“US THAAD radars deployed in the United Arab Emirates and Jordan, as well as the US FPS-132 over-the-horizon radar [’Desert Eye’] stationed in Qatar, have been destroyed by the missile and drone units of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps [IRGC],” said the Guards on their website Sepah News.- AFP
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said on Friday (March 6, 2026) their forces had targeted radar systems in the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, and Qatar.
“US THAAD radars deployed in the United Arab Emirates and Jordan, as well as the US FPS-132 over-the-horizon radar [’Desert Eye’] stationed in Qatar, have been destroyed by the missile and drone units of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps [IRGC],” said the Guards on their website Sepah News.
• March 06, 2026 17:48 UK tells Bahrain its jets can provide extra defensive cover against Iranian strikes British Prime Minister Keir Starmer told the king of Bahrain that four jets the UK is deploying to Qatar could be used to help defend the kingdom from Iranian missile and drone strikes against Gulf states.“The Prime Minister also offered further defensive air cover from these jets for Bahrain to bolster their security,” Starmer told Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa in a call late on Thursday, according to a readout from Mr. Starmer’s office on Friday (March 6, 2026).“His majesty welcomed the confirmation, and they agreed operational teams would work together on plans in the coming days.”- Reuters
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer told the king of Bahrain that four jets the UK is deploying to Qatar could be used to help defend the kingdom from Iranian missile and drone strikes against Gulf states.
“The Prime Minister also offered further defensive air cover from these jets for Bahrain to bolster their security,” Starmer told Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa in a call late on Thursday, according to a readout from Mr. Starmer’s office on Friday (March 6, 2026).
“His majesty welcomed the confirmation, and they agreed operational teams would work together on plans in the coming days.”
- • Reuters
• March 06, 2026 17:47 Pakistani Shiites rally to denounce U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran as US Embassy issues a security alert Hundreds of minority Shiites rallied Friday in Pakistan’s capital and elsewhere in the country to denounce the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in U.S.-Israeli strikes, as the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad issued a security alert warning Americans of possible violence.Amid heavy police presence, about 300 protesters staged a sit-in in Islamabad, holding posters of Khamenei and chanting “Death to America” and “Death to Israel.” Islamabad police had parked shipping containers on roads leading to the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad to prevent any potential escalation.Pakistani authorities said the protesters had agreed not to march toward the embassy in Islamabad, which is about 3 kilometres (1.8 miles) from the sit-in. The protesters planned to end their sit-in later on Friday (March 6, 2026).- AP
Hundreds of minority Shiites rallied Friday in Pakistan’s capital and elsewhere in the country to denounce the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in U.S.-Israeli strikes, as the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad issued a security alert warning Americans of possible violence.
Amid heavy police presence, about 300 protesters staged a sit-in in Islamabad, holding posters of Khamenei and chanting “Death to America” and “Death to Israel.” Islamabad police had parked shipping containers on roads leading to the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad to prevent any potential escalation.
Pakistani authorities said the protesters had agreed not to march toward the embassy in Islamabad, which is about 3 kilometres (1.8 miles) from the sit-in. The protesters planned to end their sit-in later on Friday (March 6, 2026).
• March 06, 2026 17:35 Explosion, smoke near Erbil airport in Iraqi Kurdistan: AFP An explosion sounded on Friday (March 6, 2026) near Erbil airport, which hosts U.S.-led coalition troops in Iraq’s autonomous Kurdistan region, AFP journalists said.An AFP journalist reported seeing grey smoke rising from near the airport area.Since the start of the war in West Asia, drones have repeatedly been intercepted over the city of Erbil, which is also home to a major U.S. consulate complex.- AFP
An explosion sounded on Friday (March 6, 2026) near Erbil airport, which hosts U.S.-led coalition troops in Iraq’s autonomous Kurdistan region, AFP journalists said.
An AFP journalist reported seeing grey smoke rising from near the airport area.
Since the start of the war in West Asia, drones have repeatedly been intercepted over the city of Erbil, which is also home to a major U.S. consulate complex.
• March 06, 2026 17:29 Iran president says some countries 'have begun mediation efforts' to end war Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Friday (March 6, 2026) that some countries had begun mediation efforts to end the war with the United States and Israel, but said any talks should address those who started the war.“Some countries have begun mediation efforts. Let’s be clear: we are committed to lasting peace in the region yet we have no hesitation in defending our nation’s dignity and sovereignty,” said Mr. Pezeshkian in a post on X.“Mediation should address those who underestimated the Iranian people and ignited this conflict.”- AFP
Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Friday (March 6, 2026) that some countries had begun mediation efforts to end the war with the United States and Israel, but said any talks should address those who started the war.
“Some countries have begun mediation efforts. Let’s be clear: we are committed to lasting peace in the region yet we have no hesitation in defending our nation’s dignity and sovereignty,” said Mr. Pezeshkian in a post on X.
“Mediation should address those who underestimated the Iranian people and ignited this conflict.”
• March 06, 2026 17:29 Over 140 flights cancelled at four airports amid West Asia conflict More than 140 international flights were cancelled at Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore and Kolkata airports on Friday (March 6, 2026) as the West Asian crisis continued to impact flight operations.Airlines have partially started operations, and some of them are operating limited services to and from some destinations in West Asia.Officials said at least 142 flights were cancelled at the four airports, with 39 departures and 34 arrivals cancelled at the Mumbai airport.- PTI
More than 140 international flights were cancelled at Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore and Kolkata airports on Friday (March 6, 2026) as the West Asian crisis continued to impact flight operations.
Airlines have partially started operations, and some of them are operating limited services to and from some destinations in West Asia.
Officials said at least 142 flights were cancelled at the four airports, with 39 departures and 34 arrivals cancelled at the Mumbai airport.
• March 06, 2026 17:27 U.S. likely responsible for strike on Iran school: New York Times The United States is most likely responsible for a strike that reportedly killed scores of people at an elementary school in southern Iran, according to a New York Times investigation.The February 28 strike hit an elementary school in the Iranian town of Minab and killed at least 150 people, according to Iranian officials.Neither Israel nor the United States has claimed responsibility for the attack, which was in close proximity to sites controlled by the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC).The U.S. Department of Defense has said it is investigating the incident.- AFP
The United States is most likely responsible for a strike that reportedly killed scores of people at an elementary school in southern Iran, according to a New York Times investigation.
The February 28 strike hit an elementary school in the Iranian town of Minab and killed at least 150 people, according to Iranian officials.
Neither Israel nor the United States has claimed responsibility for the attack, which was in close proximity to sites controlled by the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC).
The U.S. Department of Defense has said it is investigating the incident.
• March 06, 2026 17:26 UN demands swift probe into Israeli strikes on Lebanon The United Nations on Friday (March 6, 2026) demanded swift investigations into fatal Israeli strikes across Lebanon to decide if they followed international law.“The devastating impact of this renewed conflict is already before our eyes, with civilians paying a painfully heavy price,” UN rights office spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani told reporters in Geneva.“We urge the parties to step back from the brink of a major escalation of this conflict in Lebanon.”Her comments came as fresh Israeli strikes battered Lebanon, where Prime Minister Nawaf Salam warned “a humanitarian disaster is looming” due to mass displacement.- AFP
The United Nations on Friday (March 6, 2026) demanded swift investigations into fatal Israeli strikes across Lebanon to decide if they followed international law.
“The devastating impact of this renewed conflict is already before our eyes, with civilians paying a painfully heavy price,” UN rights office spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani told reporters in Geneva.
“We urge the parties to step back from the brink of a major escalation of this conflict in Lebanon.”
Her comments came as fresh Israeli strikes battered Lebanon, where Prime Minister Nawaf Salam warned “a humanitarian disaster is looming” due to mass displacement.
• March 06, 2026 17:03 Nearly 100 ceramic units in Gujarat's Morbi shut due to fuel supply disruption Nearly 100 ceramic manufacturing units have shut down in Gujarat’s Morbi district following a disruption in fuel supplies linked to the U.S.-Israel-Iran war, with industry representatives warning that another 400 factories may close within days if the supply doesn’t normalise.Manoj Arvadiya, president of the Morbi Ceramic Manufacturers Association (Vitrified Tiles Division), said the situation could worsen in the coming days if propane supplies are not restored and suppliers fail to issue clear guidelines.“Due to the prevailing war-like situation, propane gas has not been available for the past two days, and around 100 units dependent on the fuel have already shut down,” Mr. Arvadiya told reporters.- PTI
Nearly 100 ceramic manufacturing units have shut down in Gujarat’s Morbi district following a disruption in fuel supplies linked to the U.S.-Israel-Iran war, with industry representatives warning that another 400 factories may close within days if the supply doesn’t normalise.
Manoj Arvadiya, president of the Morbi Ceramic Manufacturers Association (Vitrified Tiles Division), said the situation could worsen in the coming days if propane supplies are not restored and suppliers fail to issue clear guidelines.
“Due to the prevailing war-like situation, propane gas has not been available for the past two days, and around 100 units dependent on the fuel have already shut down,” Mr. Arvadiya told reporters.
• March 06, 2026 17:00 UN rights chief says U.S. must probe Iran school strike 'very quickly' The United Nations rights chief stressed on Friday (March 6, 2026) the need for “impartial investigations” into a strike on a school in Iran, urging the U.S. to move “very quickly” with its announced probe.Iran has blamed Israel and the United States for the strike on the school in the Iranian city of Minab on the first day of the war last Saturday (February 28, 2026), giving a toll of more than 150 dead.Neither the U.S. nor Israel has said it was behind the strike, although US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Monday (March 6, 2026) that the Pentagon was investigating.- AFP
The United Nations rights chief stressed on Friday (March 6, 2026) the need for “impartial investigations” into a strike on a school in Iran, urging the U.S. to move “very quickly” with its announced probe.
Iran has blamed Israel and the United States for the strike on the school in the Iranian city of Minab on the first day of the war last Saturday (February 28, 2026), giving a toll of more than 150 dead.
Neither the U.S. nor Israel has said it was behind the strike, although US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Monday (March 6, 2026) that the Pentagon was investigating.
• March 06, 2026 16:56 Israel's Hezbollah attacks are likely to continue beyond Iran war, source says Israeli attacks against Lebanon’s Iranian-backed Hezbollah group will likely continue after its joint air war with the U.S. against Iran ends, a source briefed on Israel’s military strategy told Reuters, describing the two fronts as unconnected.The source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to describe Israel’s assessment of fighting with Hezbollah, said Israel would not tolerate residents of northern Israel, who have not evacuated their towns and villages, to be under fire. The source did not refer to the Hezbollah warning.That meant that Israeli operations in Lebanon would likely continue even when the Iran strikes draw to a close, the source said. Israel’s military did not immediately respond to a request for comment.- Reuters
Israeli attacks against Lebanon’s Iranian-backed Hezbollah group will likely continue after its joint air war with the U.S. against Iran ends, a source briefed on Israel’s military strategy told Reuters, describing the two fronts as unconnected.
The source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to describe Israel’s assessment of fighting with Hezbollah, said Israel would not tolerate residents of northern Israel, who have not evacuated their towns and villages, to be under fire. The source did not refer to the Hezbollah warning.
That meant that Israeli operations in Lebanon would likely continue even when the Iran strikes draw to a close, the source said. Israel’s military did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
- Reuters
• March 06, 2026 16:54 Greece to deploy Patriots to Bulgaria as West Asia war spirals Greece’s Defence Minister on Friday (March 6, 6) said a Patriot missile battery and two F-16 jets will be deployed in the country’s north to help defend Bulgaria against attacks from Iran as West Asia war flares.“A Patriot missile battery will be transferred in the coming hours... to the north of Greece to ensure anti-ballistic coverage for a large part of Bulgarian territory,” Nikos Dendias said on television.He said Greece would provide “all possible assistance for Bulgaria’s ballistic missile defence against Iran”, but did not give further details on any threat.- AFP
Greece’s Defence Minister on Friday (March 6, 6) said a Patriot missile battery and two F-16 jets will be deployed in the country’s north to help defend Bulgaria against attacks from Iran as West Asia war flares.
“A Patriot missile battery will be transferred in the coming hours... to the north of Greece to ensure anti-ballistic coverage for a large part of Bulgarian territory,” Nikos Dendias said on television.
He said Greece would provide “all possible assistance for Bulgaria’s ballistic missile defence against Iran”, but did not give further details on any threat.
• March 06, 2026 16:43 Sri Lanka moving 208 rescued Iranian ship crew to naval camp, sources say Sri Lankan authorities said on Friday (March 6, 2026) they were escorting a second Iranian naval vessel to harbour and moving 208 of its crew to a camp, two days after a U.S. submarine sank an Iranian warship in the same area.President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said his island nation had a “humanitarian responsibility” to take in the crew, as the U.S. and Israeli war with Iran raged, wreaking havoc on global markets and disrupting trade and travel.The Sri Lankan Navy identified the second Iranian ship as naval auxiliary vessel IRIS Booshehr.- Reuters
Sri Lankan authorities said on Friday (March 6, 2026) they were escorting a second Iranian naval vessel to harbour and moving 208 of its crew to a camp, two days after a U.S. submarine sank an Iranian warship in the same area.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said his island nation had a “humanitarian responsibility” to take in the crew, as the U.S. and Israeli war with Iran raged, wreaking havoc on global markets and disrupting trade and travel.
The Sri Lankan Navy identified the second Iranian ship as naval auxiliary vessel IRIS Booshehr.
- Reuters
• March 06, 2026 16:41 Fresh Israeli strikes on Lebanon as PM warns of 'looming humanitarian disaster' Fresh Israeli strikes on Friday (March 6, 2026) battered Lebanon, where Prime Minister Nawaf Salam warned “a humanitarian disaster is looming” due to mass displacement.An Israeli strike on an office building in the southern city of Sidon killed five people and wounded seven, the Lebanese Health Ministry said, as Israel presses attacks on Lebanon’s south, east, and in Beirut’s southern suburbs.Speaking to foreign ambassadors, the Lebanese premier said “the consequences of this displacement, at the humanitarian and political level, may well be unprecedented”.More than 95,000 people are displaced to official shelters, per the government’s latest count.“Our country has been drawn into a devastating war that we did not seek and did not choose,” Mr. Salam said.- AFP
Fresh Israeli strikes on Friday (March 6, 2026) battered Lebanon, where Prime Minister Nawaf Salam warned “a humanitarian disaster is looming” due to mass displacement.
An Israeli strike on an office building in the southern city of Sidon killed five people and wounded seven, the Lebanese Health Ministry said, as Israel presses attacks on Lebanon’s south, east, and in Beirut’s southern suburbs.
Speaking to foreign ambassadors, the Lebanese premier said “the consequences of this displacement, at the humanitarian and political level, may well be unprecedented”.
More than 95,000 people are displaced to official shelters, per the government’s latest count.
“Our country has been drawn into a devastating war that we did not seek and did not choose,” Mr. Salam said.
• March 06, 2026 16:36 'Plenty of oil' in market despite Mideast turmoil: IEA chief International Energy Agency (IEA) chief Fatih Birol sought on Friday (March 6, 2026) to tamp down fears of a global oil crisis as conflict rages in West Asia, saying there was “plenty of oil in the market.”Addressing reporters in Brussels, Mr. Birol said “logistical disruption” from the war was “creating challenges for many countries” but that there was more than enough oil in the global market.Asked whether the IEA was mulling the release of emergency stocks, Mr. Birol said “all options are on the table” but that “at this stage” there were no plans for “collective action”.“There is plenty of oil, we have no oil shortage,” he said. “There is a huge surplus in the market.”- AFP
International Energy Agency (IEA) chief Fatih Birol sought on Friday (March 6, 2026) to tamp down fears of a global oil crisis as conflict rages in West Asia, saying there was “plenty of oil in the market.”
Addressing reporters in Brussels, Mr. Birol said “logistical disruption” from the war was “creating challenges for many countries” but that there was more than enough oil in the global market.
Asked whether the IEA was mulling the release of emergency stocks, Mr. Birol said “all options are on the table” but that “at this stage” there were no plans for “collective action”.
“There is plenty of oil, we have no oil shortage,” he said. “There is a huge surplus in the market.”
• March 06, 2026 16:34 100,000 Lebanese in shelters after 'unprecedented' Israeli warnings: UN Official About 100,000 people have fled to shelters in Lebanon and the number of displaced is expected to rapidly increase following “unprecedented” Israeli warnings ordering people out of large parts of the country, a senior U.N. official said on Friday (March 6, 2026).With war raging between Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah, the Israeli military on Thursday ordered residents out of Beirut’s southern suburbs, including areas controlled by the Iran-backed group, as well as parts of the eastern Bekaa Valley, after ordering people out of a swathe of south Lebanon on Wednesday.“What we saw in the last couple of days is, I would say... unprecedented in terms of the scale here in Lebanon of the warnings, the displacement orders, and the reaction, the panic also, that this has all created,” Imran Riza, U.N. Humanitarian Coordinator in Lebanon, told Reuters.- Reuters
About 100,000 people have fled to shelters in Lebanon and the number of displaced is expected to rapidly increase following “unprecedented” Israeli warnings ordering people out of large parts of the country, a senior U.N. official said on Friday (March 6, 2026).
With war raging between Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah, the Israeli military on Thursday ordered residents out of Beirut’s southern suburbs, including areas controlled by the Iran-backed group, as well as parts of the eastern Bekaa Valley, after ordering people out of a swathe of south Lebanon on Wednesday.
“What we saw in the last couple of days is, I would say... unprecedented in terms of the scale here in Lebanon of the warnings, the displacement orders, and the reaction, the panic also, that this has all created,” Imran Riza, U.N. Humanitarian Coordinator in Lebanon, told Reuters.
- Reuters
• March 06, 2026 16:33 White House to press defence firms to boost production as U.S. strikes on Iran draw down stockpiles The Trump administration plans to meet executives from the biggest U.S. defence contractors at the White House on Friday to discuss accelerating weapons production, as the Pentagon works to replenish supplies drawn down by U.S. strikes on Iranand other recent military operations, sources said.The meeting underscores the Trump administration’s drive to shore up weapons stocks after the Iran operation drew on munitions.Companies including Lockheed Martin and Raytheon parent RTX, along with key suppliers, have been invited to attend the meeting, said the sources, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because the plan is private.Pentagon negotiators have not been able to reach terms with large defence contractors as quickly as they would like, a U.S. official told Reuters earlier this week.- Reuters
The Trump administration plans to meet executives from the biggest U.S. defence contractors at the White House on Friday to discuss accelerating weapons production, as the Pentagon works to replenish supplies drawn down by U.S. strikes on Iranand other recent military operations, sources said.
The meeting underscores the Trump administration’s drive to shore up weapons stocks after the Iran operation drew on munitions.
Companies including Lockheed Martin and Raytheon parent RTX, along with key suppliers, have been invited to attend the meeting, said the sources, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because the plan is private.
Pentagon negotiators have not been able to reach terms with large defence contractors as quickly as they would like, a U.S. official told Reuters earlier this week.
- Reuters
• March 06, 2026 16:31 Iraq's Kurdish authorities say 'attack' shuts US-run oil field Iraqi Kurdish authorities said on Friday (March 6, 2026) that oil production at an oil field operated by US firm HKN Energy has been halted following an attack.A security source told AFP the attack was carried out with two drones the previous day.The natural resources ministry in the northern Kurdistan region said in a statement that an “outlaw group in Iraq launched a terrorist attack on the HKN oil field in the Sarsang area” in Dohuk province, damaging the field and “halting production”.- AFP
Iraqi Kurdish authorities said on Friday (March 6, 2026) that oil production at an oil field operated by US firm HKN Energy has been halted following an attack.
A security source told AFP the attack was carried out with two drones the previous day.
The natural resources ministry in the northern Kurdistan region said in a statement that an “outlaw group in Iraq launched a terrorist attack on the HKN oil field in the Sarsang area” in Dohuk province, damaging the field and “halting production”.
• March 06, 2026 16:30 UN rights chief urges West Asia warring parties to 'give peace a chance' The United Nations rights chief on Friday (March 6, 2026) called for cool heads to prevail in West Asia and urged the warring sides to pull back and “give peace a chance”.The crisis sparked in West Asia a week ago by the barrage of U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran “has been spreading like wildfire”, Volker Turk told reporters in Geneva.“The world urgently needs to see steps to contain and extinguish this blaze,” he said, lamenting that “instead, we are only seeing more inflammatory, bellicose rhetoric, more bombings, more destruction, killings, and escalation that fuels it further”.- AFP
The United Nations rights chief on Friday (March 6, 2026) called for cool heads to prevail in West Asia and urged the warring sides to pull back and “give peace a chance”.
The crisis sparked in West Asia a week ago by the barrage of U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran “has been spreading like wildfire”, Volker Turk told reporters in Geneva.
“The world urgently needs to see steps to contain and extinguish this blaze,” he said, lamenting that “instead, we are only seeing more inflammatory, bellicose rhetoric, more bombings, more destruction, killings, and escalation that fuels it further”.
• March 06, 2026 16:28 Iran army says U.S. bases in Kuwait attacked, vows strikes to 'continue' Iran’s army said on Friday (March 6, 2026) it had attacked U.S. bases in Kuwait and vowed that it would press on with further strikes.“Over the past few hours, various types of destructive drones of the Army’s ground forces have targeted American military bases in Kuwait in large numbers,” the army said, according to Iranian state TV.“These attacks will continue in the coming hours.”- AFP
Iran’s army said on Friday (March 6, 2026) it had attacked U.S. bases in Kuwait and vowed that it would press on with further strikes.
“Over the past few hours, various types of destructive drones of the Army’s ground forces have targeted American military bases in Kuwait in large numbers,” the army said, according to Iranian state TV.
“These attacks will continue in the coming hours.”
• March 06, 2026 16:27 Iranians gather for first Friday prayers of war with U.S., Israel Crowds of Iranians gathered in central Tehran and elsewhere for the first Friday prayers since the start of the war with the United States and Israel.Online footage shared by Iranian media showed crowds of men and women dressed in black, some carrying Iranian flags, streaming to an open space outside the Grand Mosque of Imam Khomeini in the capital.This week’s Friday prayers were also the first since the killing of Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in the wave of U.S. and Israeli strikes that triggered the West Asia war.- AFP
Crowds of Iranians gathered in central Tehran and elsewhere for the first Friday prayers since the start of the war with the United States and Israel.
Online footage shared by Iranian media showed crowds of men and women dressed in black, some carrying Iranian flags, streaming to an open space outside the Grand Mosque of Imam Khomeini in the capital.
This week’s Friday prayers were also the first since the killing of Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in the wave of U.S. and Israeli strikes that triggered the West Asia war.
• March 06, 2026 16:26 WHO says Dubai global emergency logistics hub 'resuming operations' The World Health Organization said its global health emergencies logistics hub in Dubai was resuming operations on Friday (March 6, 2026) after a pause caused by the war in the Middle East.“One of our most immediate concerns is the disruption of humanitarian health supply chains,” Hanan Balkhy, the UN health agency’s Eastern Mediterranean regional chief, told a press conference in Geneva.“After a temporary pause, WHO’s Hub for Global Health Emergencies Logistics is today resuming operations,” she said, speaking from Cairo.- AFP
The World Health Organization said its global health emergencies logistics hub in Dubai was resuming operations on Friday (March 6, 2026) after a pause caused by the war in the Middle East.
“One of our most immediate concerns is the disruption of humanitarian health supply chains,” Hanan Balkhy, the UN health agency’s Eastern Mediterranean regional chief, told a press conference in Geneva.
“After a temporary pause, WHO’s Hub for Global Health Emergencies Logistics is today resuming operations,” she said, speaking from Cairo.
• March 06, 2026 16:25 Italy slams 'unjustifiable missile attack' on Turkey Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned on Friday (March 6, 2026) what she called an “unjustifiable missile attack” against NATO ally Turkey, after the interception of a ballistic missile launched from Iran.Ms. Meloni “expressed her solidarity and support... in the face of the unjustifiable missile attack” in a phone call with Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan about the West Asia war, her office said.On Wednesday (March 6, 2026), NATO air defence systems intercepted a ballistic missile launched from Iran and heading towards Turkey.- AFP
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned on Friday (March 6, 2026) what she called an “unjustifiable missile attack” against NATO ally Turkey, after the interception of a ballistic missile launched from Iran.
Ms. Meloni “expressed her solidarity and support... in the face of the unjustifiable missile attack” in a phone call with Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan about the West Asia war, her office said.
On Wednesday (March 6, 2026), NATO air defence systems intercepted a ballistic missile launched from Iran and heading towards Turkey.
• March 06, 2026 16:24 Qatar says its naval forces were in Bahrain buildings targeted by Iran Qatar on Friday (March 6, 2026) said its naval forces were inside buildings targeted by Iran in Bahrain overnight, though they were unharmed, after Manama reported attacks on residential buildings and a hotel.“The State of Qatar strongly condemns the Iranian attack targeting buildings in various parts of the Kingdom of Bahrain, housing members of the Qatari Emiri Naval Forces participating in the Unified Maritime Operations Center of the Gulf Cooperation Council’s Unified Military Command,” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.“The Qatari Emiri Naval Forces personnel present in the targeted buildings are safe and unharmed,” it added.- AFP
Qatar on Friday (March 6, 2026) said its naval forces were inside buildings targeted by Iran in Bahrain overnight, though they were unharmed, after Manama reported attacks on residential buildings and a hotel.
“The State of Qatar strongly condemns the Iranian attack targeting buildings in various parts of the Kingdom of Bahrain, housing members of the Qatari Emiri Naval Forces participating in the Unified Maritime Operations Center of the Gulf Cooperation Council’s Unified Military Command,” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
“The Qatari Emiri Naval Forces personnel present in the targeted buildings are safe and unharmed,” it added.
• March 06, 2026 16:03 West Asia crisis declared ‘major humanitarian emergency’: UNThe United Nations refugee agency said on Friday (March 6, 2026) it had declared the crisis in the West Asia a major humanitarian emergency, stressing the need for an immediate response.“UNHCR has declared the escalating crisis in the Middle East as a major humanitarian emergency requiring an immediate response across the region,” Ayaki Ito, the agency’s emergency chief and its cross-regional refugee coordinator, told reporters in Geneva.- AFPUN refugee agency declares ‘major humanitarian emergency’ in West AsiaUN refugee agency declares a major humanitarian emergency in West Asia as conflict displaces nearly 100,000 people in Lebanon.
The United Nations refugee agency said on Friday (March 6, 2026) it had declared the crisis in the West Asia a major humanitarian emergency, stressing the need for an immediate response.
“UNHCR has declared the escalating crisis in the Middle East as a major humanitarian emergency requiring an immediate response across the region,” Ayaki Ito, the agency’s emergency chief and its cross-regional refugee coordinator, told reporters in Geneva.
UN refugee agency declares ‘major humanitarian emergency’ in West Asia
UN refugee agency declares a major humanitarian emergency in West Asia as conflict displaces nearly 100,000 people in Lebanon.
• March 06, 2026 15:58 Azerbaijan says evacuating diplomats from Iran after drone attack Azerbaijan said on Friday (March 6, 2026) it was withdrawing diplomatic staff from neighbouring Iran, a day after Iranian drones targeted an airport and a school in an Azerbaijani border region.The border incident sparked fears of war in West Asia spilling over into the Caucasus region, with Tehran blaming Israel — Azerbaijan’s ally — of staging a provocation.Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev accused Iran of “terrorism” and threatened retaliation.“Azerbaijan is evacuating its diplomatic personnel from Iran. The process applies to both the embassy in Tehran and the consulate in Tabriz,” Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov said on Friday (March 6, 2026).- AFP
Azerbaijan said on Friday (March 6, 2026) it was withdrawing diplomatic staff from neighbouring Iran, a day after Iranian drones targeted an airport and a school in an Azerbaijani border region.
The border incident sparked fears of war in West Asia spilling over into the Caucasus region, with Tehran blaming Israel — Azerbaijan’s ally — of staging a provocation.
Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev accused Iran of “terrorism” and threatened retaliation.
“Azerbaijan is evacuating its diplomatic personnel from Iran. The process applies to both the embassy in Tehran and the consulate in Tabriz,” Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov said on Friday (March 6, 2026).
• March 06, 2026 15:21 UN rights chief says U.S. probe of Iran school strike must ‘happen very quickly’The United Nations rights chief stressed Friday (March 6, 2026) the need for “transparent and impartial investigations” into an alleged deadly strike on a school in Iran, urging Washington to move “very quickly” with its announced probe.“What we have asked for is obviously prompt, transparent and impartial investigations, which we understand has been announced by the United States of America,” Volker Turk told reporters in Geneva, stressing that “we need this to happen very quickly and we need to also make sure that there is accountability as well as redress for the victims”.- AFP
The United Nations rights chief stressed Friday (March 6, 2026) the need for “transparent and impartial investigations” into an alleged deadly strike on a school in Iran, urging Washington to move “very quickly” with its announced probe.
“What we have asked for is obviously prompt, transparent and impartial investigations, which we understand has been announced by the United States of America,” Volker Turk told reporters in Geneva, stressing that “we need this to happen very quickly and we need to also make sure that there is accountability as well as redress for the victims”.
• March 06, 2026 15:19 Lebanese PM says ‘a humanitarian disaster is looming’ from displacement Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam warned on Friday (March 6, 2026) that “a humanitarian disaster is looming” as a result of Israeli evacuation orders that are causing a massive displacement of the population.“The humanitarian and political consequences of this displacement could be unprecedented,” the premier told foreign ambassadors.Residents of the southern suburbs of Beirut and of the south of the country, both Hezbollah strongholds, have fled in large numbers following unprecedentedly wide evacuation orders from the Israeli military.- AFP
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam warned on Friday (March 6, 2026) that “a humanitarian disaster is looming” as a result of Israeli evacuation orders that are causing a massive displacement of the population.
“The humanitarian and political consequences of this displacement could be unprecedented,” the premier told foreign ambassadors.
Residents of the southern suburbs of Beirut and of the south of the country, both Hezbollah strongholds, have fled in large numbers following unprecedentedly wide evacuation orders from the Israeli military.
• March 06, 2026 15:18 Israeli Army says begun fresh strikes on southern Beirut suburbs The Israeli military on Friday (March 6, 2026) said it had started a new “wave of strikes” against Iran-backed Hezbollah in the southern suburbs of Beirut.“The IDF is now striking Hezbollah infrastructure in the Dahiyeh area in Beirut,” the military said, using the Arabic name for the area.- AFP
The Israeli military on Friday (March 6, 2026) said it had started a new “wave of strikes” against Iran-backed Hezbollah in the southern suburbs of Beirut.
“The IDF is now striking Hezbollah infrastructure in the Dahiyeh area in Beirut,” the military said, using the Arabic name for the area.
• March 06, 2026 15:09 Iranian Embassy in Delhi lowered its flag to half-mast to condole Khamenei’s deathThe Iranian Embassy in New Delhi lowered its flag to half-mast to condole Khamenei’s deathTaking it to X, the embassy said, “A large number of Indian citizens, along with senior officials, ambassadors, and foreign diplomats, attended the memorial book signing ceremony held on the occasion of the martyrdom of Ayatollah Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and expressed their condolences and respect.”- ANI
The Iranian Embassy in New Delhi lowered its flag to half-mast to condole Khamenei’s death
Taking it to X, the embassy said, “A large number of Indian citizens, along with senior officials, ambassadors, and foreign diplomats, attended the memorial book signing ceremony held on the occasion of the martyrdom of Ayatollah Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and expressed their condolences and respect.”
• March 06, 2026 15:02 Iran Embassy in Delhi holds condolence meeting for late Iranian Supreme LeaderA condolence meeting was held at the Embassy of Iran in New Delhi, the national capital, following the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who was killed in strikes by Israel and the United States earlier this month.The prayer meeting was attended by Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal, who expressed his condolences over the assassination of Khamenei and called for conflicts to be resolved through dialogue. He further said that the rules-based global order has been weakening in recent years, adding that such developments are not good for global peace or for any nation.- ANI
A condolence meeting was held at the Embassy of Iran in New Delhi, the national capital, following the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who was killed in strikes by Israel and the United States earlier this month.
The prayer meeting was attended by Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal, who expressed his condolences over the assassination of Khamenei and called for conflicts to be resolved through dialogue. He further said that the rules-based global order has been weakening in recent years, adding that such developments are not good for global peace or for any nation.
• March 06, 2026 14:31 From India | Congress demands discussion on West Asia conflict in Parliament With the second half of the Budget session set to begin next week, the Congress on Friday (March 6, 2026) demanded that a full-fledged short-duration discussion be held on the West Asian situation and asserted that a suo motu statement on behalf of the government would not suffice.Congress leader Jairam Ramesh claimed that the Modi Government today stands “shrunken and diminished”, with India’s global standing never being “as weak as it is now”. He said the government was making India play “second fiddle” not only to the U.S. but also to Israel.Read the full story belowCongress demands short duration discussion on West Asia conflict in ParliamentCongress demands a short duration discussion in Parliament on the escalating West Asia conflict, criticising the Union government's inadequate response to the worsening crisis.
With the second half of the Budget session set to begin next week, the Congress on Friday (March 6, 2026) demanded that a full-fledged short-duration discussion be held on the West Asian situation and asserted that a suo motu statement on behalf of the government would not suffice.
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh claimed that the Modi Government today stands “shrunken and diminished”, with India’s global standing never being “as weak as it is now”. He said the government was making India play “second fiddle” not only to the U.S. but also to Israel.
Read the full story below
Congress demands short duration discussion on West Asia conflict in Parliament
Congress demands a short duration discussion in Parliament on the escalating West Asia conflict, criticising the Union government's inadequate response to the worsening crisis.
• March 06, 2026 14:20 India denies assisting U.S. in targeting Iranian vessel in Sri LankaIndia has denied reports that it assisted the United States in targeting an Iranian vessel in Sri Lankan waters, with a top naval official on Friday (March 6, 2026) describing such reports as “baseless”.The officer stated that India had not provided any assistance to U.S. authorities or the U.S. military in relation to the Iranian warship and clarified that existing India-U.S. communication and logistics agreements do not automatically apply to such situations.- Saurabh Trivedi‘Baseless’: Sources dismiss claim that Indian Navy provided intelligence on Iranian warshipIndia denies claims of aiding the U.S. in sinking an Iranian warship, calling the reports "baseless."
India has denied reports that it assisted the United States in targeting an Iranian vessel in Sri Lankan waters, with a top naval official on Friday (March 6, 2026) describing such reports as “baseless”.
The officer stated that India had not provided any assistance to U.S. authorities or the U.S. military in relation to the Iranian warship and clarified that existing India-U.S. communication and logistics agreements do not automatically apply to such situations.
- Saurabh Trivedi
‘Baseless’: Sources dismiss claim that Indian Navy provided intelligence on Iranian warship
India denies claims of aiding the U.S. in sinking an Iranian warship, calling the reports "baseless."
• March 06, 2026 14:15 Blasts heard over Tel Aviv after missiles from Iran detected: AFPSeveral blasts were heard over Israel’s commercial hub of Tel Aviv on Friday (March 6, 2026), AFP journalists reported, after the military said it had detected new missiles launched from Iran towards the country.“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
Several blasts were heard over Israel’s commercial hub of Tel Aviv on Friday (March 6, 2026), AFP journalists reported, after the military said it had detected new missiles launched from Iran towards the country.
“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.
• March 06, 2026 14:04 Maersk suspends two shipping services due to West Asia crisisMaersk, one of the world’s biggest container shipping groups, said on Friday (March 6, 2026) it has temporarily suspended two services linking the Middle East to Asia and Europe as the Iran conflict continues to disrupt global supply chains.The Danish group said in a statement it would halt its FM1 service connecting the Far East to the Middle East and its ME11 service linking the Middle East to Europe“This decision has been taken as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of our personnel and vessels while minimizing operational disruption across our wider network,” Maersk said in an advisory to customers.-Reuters
Maersk, one of the world’s biggest container shipping groups, said on Friday (March 6, 2026) it has temporarily suspended two services linking the Middle East to Asia and Europe as the Iran conflict continues to disrupt global supply chains.
The Danish group said in a statement it would halt its FM1 service connecting the Far East to the Middle East and its ME11 service linking the Middle East to Europe
“This decision has been taken as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of our personnel and vessels while minimizing operational disruption across our wider network,” Maersk said in an advisory to customers.
-Reuters
• March 06, 2026 14:01 Kerala CM urges PM Modi to intervene in addressing travel woes of Keralite expatriates Kerala has sought the intervention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to alleviate the sufferings of the stranded passengers in West Asian cities in the wake of the Iran war involving the US and Israel. In a letter, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan drew the Prime Minister’s attention to the distress faced by a large number of pravasis (Keralite expatriates) in West Asian countries.“Many pravasis are stranded without a viable and affordable return option. There is a severe shortage of chartered and scheduled flights operating from the GCC countries to India, leaving thousands of Indian nationals, including Keralites, stranded without viable return options. Requesting the Union government to urgently engage with the flight operators/airline companies to resume and increase flight services to priority destinations in India, including tier-2 cities,” said Mr. Vijayan in the letter dated March 5.Read the story hereIsrael-Iran conflict: Kerala CM urges PM Modi to intervene in addressing travel woes of Keralite expatriatesKerala CM urges PM Modi to intervene in addressing travel issues and high ticket prices for stranded Keralite expatriates amid the Iran conflict.
Kerala has sought the intervention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to alleviate the sufferings of the stranded passengers in West Asian cities in the wake of the Iran war involving the US and Israel. In a letter, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan drew the Prime Minister’s attention to the distress faced by a large number of pravasis (Keralite expatriates) in West Asian countries.
“Many pravasis are stranded without a viable and affordable return option. There is a severe shortage of chartered and scheduled flights operating from the GCC countries to India, leaving thousands of Indian nationals, including Keralites, stranded without viable return options. Requesting the Union government to urgently engage with the flight operators/airline companies to resume and increase flight services to priority destinations in India, including tier-2 cities,” said Mr. Vijayan in the letter dated March 5.
Read the story here
Israel-Iran conflict: Kerala CM urges PM Modi to intervene in addressing travel woes of Keralite expatriates
Kerala CM urges PM Modi to intervene in addressing travel issues and high ticket prices for stranded Keralite expatriates amid the Iran conflict.
• March 06, 2026 13:54 Israeli Army says conducted 'broad-scale' strikes in southern BeirutThe Israeli military said on Friday (March 6, 2026) it had hit a Hezbollah command centre and drone depot in a “broad-scale wave of strikes” overnight in Beirut’s southern suburbs.The strikes came after the Israeli Army issued an evacuation warning for the area, home to hundreds of thousands of people and a stronghold of the Iran-backed Hezbollah, sending residents fleeing in panic.“As part of the strikes, an executive council’s command centre and a facility storing UAVs [drones] utilised by Hezbollah for conducting attacks against the State of Israel were struck,” the Israeli military said in a statement.-AFP
The Israeli military said on Friday (March 6, 2026) it had hit a Hezbollah command centre and drone depot in a “broad-scale wave of strikes” overnight in Beirut’s southern suburbs.
The strikes came after the Israeli Army issued an evacuation warning for the area, home to hundreds of thousands of people and a stronghold of the Iran-backed Hezbollah, sending residents fleeing in panic.
“As part of the strikes, an executive council’s command centre and a facility storing UAVs [drones] utilised by Hezbollah for conducting attacks against the State of Israel were struck,” the Israeli military said in a statement.
• March 06, 2026 13:42 Dubai residents get 'potential missile threats' alert on phonesResidents of Dubai received an Emirati Interior Ministry alert on their phones on Friday (March 6, 2026) urging them to shelter from potential missile threats, AFP correspondents reported, as Iran pressed on with its Gulf retaliation campaign.“Due to the current situation, potential missile threats, seek immediate shelter in the closest secure building and steer away from windows, doors and open areas,” the alert read.-AFP
Residents of Dubai received an Emirati Interior Ministry alert on their phones on Friday (March 6, 2026) urging them to shelter from potential missile threats, AFP correspondents reported, as Iran pressed on with its Gulf retaliation campaign.
“Due to the current situation, potential missile threats, seek immediate shelter in the closest secure building and steer away from windows, doors and open areas,” the alert read.
• March 06, 2026 13:25 Sri Lanka denounces war deaths, houses Iranian sailors Sri Lanka on Friday (March 6, 2026) denounced the toll of West Asia fighting, as the nation opened its arms to over 200 Iranian sailors who sought help after a deadly torpedo strike on another of Iran’s ships.“Our approach is that every life is as precious as our own,” Sri Lanka’s President Anura Kumara Dissanayake wrote on X and urged peace after the Israeli-U.S. campaign led to Iranian retaliatory strikes.“All our actions are aimed at saving lives and ensuring that humanity prevails,” Mr. Dissanayake said.- AFP
Sri Lanka on Friday (March 6, 2026) denounced the toll of West Asia fighting, as the nation opened its arms to over 200 Iranian sailors who sought help after a deadly torpedo strike on another of Iran’s ships.
“Our approach is that every life is as precious as our own,” Sri Lanka’s President Anura Kumara Dissanayake wrote on X and urged peace after the Israeli-U.S. campaign led to Iranian retaliatory strikes.
“All our actions are aimed at saving lives and ensuring that humanity prevails,” Mr. Dissanayake said.
• March 06, 2026 13:20 External Affairs Minister Jaishankar meets Iran's Deputy Foreign MinisterTaking it to X, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said he met Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh on the sidelines of Raisina Dialogue 2026 in New Delhi today.
Taking it to X, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said he met Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh on the sidelines of Raisina Dialogue 2026 in New Delhi today.
• March 06, 2026 12:57 SpiceJet to operate 14 special flights from UAE on Friday SpiceJet will operate 14 special flights from the UAE on Friday to bring passengers who have been stranded due to the West Asia conflict.In the last three days, SpiceJet said it has operated 25 special flights from the UAE to Delhi, Mumbai and Kochi.On Friday, the carrier will operate 9 flights from Fujairah to Mumbai, 4 services to Delhi and 1 from Dubai to Pune, according to a statement.-PTI
SpiceJet will operate 14 special flights from the UAE on Friday to bring passengers who have been stranded due to the West Asia conflict.
In the last three days, SpiceJet said it has operated 25 special flights from the UAE to Delhi, Mumbai and Kochi.
On Friday, the carrier will operate 9 flights from Fujairah to Mumbai, 4 services to Delhi and 1 from Dubai to Pune, according to a statement.
• March 06, 2026 12:47 NC’s Ruhullah, PDP’s Parra criticise J&K CM over his Iran stand, arrests in Kashmir J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday (March 6, 2026) faced criticism over his stand on the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei and subsequent crackdown on protesters in Kashmir.Mr. Abdullah, who chaired a meeting of civil society on Wednesday (March 4) and appealed for harmony, was also criticised by the party Member of Parliament (MP) Aga Syed Ruhullah. Read more:NC’s Ruhullah, PDP’s Parra criticise J&K CM over his Iran stand, arrests in KashmirNC's Ruhullah and PDP's Parra criticize J&K CM Abdullah over his response to protests and arrests following Iran's unrest.
J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday (March 6, 2026) faced criticism over his stand on the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei and subsequent crackdown on protesters in Kashmir.
Mr. Abdullah, who chaired a meeting of civil society on Wednesday (March 4) and appealed for harmony, was also criticised by the party Member of Parliament (MP) Aga Syed Ruhullah.
Read more:
NC’s Ruhullah, PDP’s Parra criticise J&K CM over his Iran stand, arrests in Kashmir
NC's Ruhullah and PDP's Parra criticize J&K CM Abdullah over his response to protests and arrests following Iran's unrest.
• March 06, 2026 12:43 Gulf carriers resume limited flights, but missile fire fuels uncertaintyEmirates and Etihad Airways were resuming limited flight schedules to key global cities from their United Arab Emirates hubs on Friday, though the threat of missile fire piled pressure on airlines as they scramble to accommodate travellers.With most airspace in West Asia still closed over missile and drone concerns since the start of the U.S.-Israel war against Iran, authorities have been arranging charter flights and securing seats on limited commercial services to evacuate tens of thousands of people.Abu Dhabi-based Etihad said on Friday it would resume a limited flight schedule through March 19. The flights will operate to and from Abu Dhabi and around 70 destinations, including London, Paris, Frankfurt, Delhi, New York, Toronto and Tel Aviv.As of Thursday, traffic at Dubai airport, normally the world’s busiest, had almost doubled from Wednesday, but remained only about 25% of normal levels, flight-tracking website Flightradar24 said.-Reuters
Emirates and Etihad Airways were resuming limited flight schedules to key global cities from their United Arab Emirates hubs on Friday, though the threat of missile fire piled pressure on airlines as they scramble to accommodate travellers.
With most airspace in West Asia still closed over missile and drone concerns since the start of the U.S.-Israel war against Iran, authorities have been arranging charter flights and securing seats on limited commercial services to evacuate tens of thousands of people.
Abu Dhabi-based Etihad said on Friday it would resume a limited flight schedule through March 19. The flights will operate to and from Abu Dhabi and around 70 destinations, including London, Paris, Frankfurt, Delhi, New York, Toronto and Tel Aviv.
As of Thursday, traffic at Dubai airport, normally the world’s busiest, had almost doubled from Wednesday, but remained only about 25% of normal levels, flight-tracking website Flightradar24 said.
-Reuters
• March 06, 2026 12:39 WATCH: Iran deputy FM Saeed Khatibzadeh speaks at Raisina Dialogue 'Middle East' segment in New Delhi
• March 06, 2026 12:38 Intense Israeli strikes hit Iran, Lebanon as U.S. warns bombardment will 'surge dramatically' Intense Israeli airstrikes pounded the capitals of Iran and Lebanon early Friday (March 6, 2026) as the U.S. apparently struck an Iranian drone carrier at sea in its unrelenting campaign against the Islamic Republic’s fleet of warships.Read more here:Intense Israeli strikes hit Iran, Lebanon as U.S. warns bombardment will 'surge dramatically'Intense Israeli airstrikes target Iran and Lebanon as U.S. warns of escalating conflict and heightened military involvement.
Intense Israeli airstrikes pounded the capitals of Iran and Lebanon early Friday (March 6, 2026) as the U.S. apparently struck an Iranian drone carrier at sea in its unrelenting campaign against the Islamic Republic’s fleet of warships.
Read more here:
Intense Israeli strikes hit Iran, Lebanon as U.S. warns bombardment will 'surge dramatically'
Intense Israeli airstrikes target Iran and Lebanon as U.S. warns of escalating conflict and heightened military involvement.
• March 06, 2026 12:37 Rajnath Singh calls for Indian maritime leadership amid West Asia crisis “In this era of changing geopolitics, oceans have once again come to the centre of the world’s power balance and it is India’s responsibility to provide leadership with confidence and capability,” Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Friday, referring to the escalating conflict in West Asia.The unfolding developments in West Asia are “highly unusual” and the situation in the region could adversely impact the global economy, he said addressing an event in Kolkata.“What is happening in West Asia is highly unusual. It is difficult to make any firm comment at this stage on the direction in which conditions in West Asia might proceed going forward,” he said.-PTI
“In this era of changing geopolitics, oceans have once again come to the centre of the world’s power balance and it is India’s responsibility to provide leadership with confidence and capability,” Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Friday, referring to the escalating conflict in West Asia.
The unfolding developments in West Asia are “highly unusual” and the situation in the region could adversely impact the global economy, he said addressing an event in Kolkata.
“What is happening in West Asia is highly unusual. It is difficult to make any firm comment at this stage on the direction in which conditions in West Asia might proceed going forward,” he said.
• March 06, 2026 12:24 Iran slams U.S. attack on 'unarmed' vessel returning from India Two days after a U.S. submarine torpedoed and sank an Iranian warship off Sri Lanka’s coast, Iran on Friday warned that the attack on an “unarmed ship cannot go with impunity.” Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh, who is visiting India, emphasised that the IRIS Dena was in a non-combat configuration, returning from the Milan naval exercises and the U.S. action against it was a serious violation of international law.“This is a very sad, very unfortunate incident. That vessel was by invitation of our Indian friends, attending an international exercise. It was ceremonial. It was unloaded. It was unarmed,” he said “It is very unfortunate. Many of the young Iranian sailors who were attending these exercises lost their lives. It cannot go with impunity for those who actually did that,” he told reporters on the sidelines of the Raisina Dialogue.-PTI
Two days after a U.S. submarine torpedoed and sank an Iranian warship off Sri Lanka’s coast, Iran on Friday warned that the attack on an “unarmed ship cannot go with impunity.”
Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh, who is visiting India, emphasised that the IRIS Dena was in a non-combat configuration, returning from the Milan naval exercises and the U.S. action against it was a serious violation of international law.
“This is a very sad, very unfortunate incident. That vessel was by invitation of our Indian friends, attending an international exercise. It was ceremonial. It was unloaded. It was unarmed,” he said “It is very unfortunate. Many of the young Iranian sailors who were attending these exercises lost their lives. It cannot go with impunity for those who actually did that,” he told reporters on the sidelines of the Raisina Dialogue.
• March 06, 2026 11:33 Replug: 60,000 tonnes of basmati rice stuck in ports, exporters seek urgent govt. aid As close to 3,000 containers containing 60,000 metric tonnes of basmati rice remain stuck at various Indian ports, rice exporters have demanded immediate government aid to face the “severe shipping and logistics disruption” due to the war in West Asia.Iran-Israel crisis: 60,000 tonnes of basmati rice stuck in ports, exporters seek urgent govt. aidExporters seek urgent government aid as 60,000 tonnes of basmati rice remain stuck in ports due to logistics disruptions.
As close to 3,000 containers containing 60,000 metric tonnes of basmati rice remain stuck at various Indian ports, rice exporters have demanded immediate government aid to face the “severe shipping and logistics disruption” due to the war in West Asia.
Iran-Israel crisis: 60,000 tonnes of basmati rice stuck in ports, exporters seek urgent govt. aid
Exporters seek urgent government aid as 60,000 tonnes of basmati rice remain stuck in ports due to logistics disruptions.
• March 06, 2026 11:33 AAP attacks Modi over ‘silence’ on U.S. sinking Iran warship The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Thursday (March 5, 2026) attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his alleged silence over the ongoing war and sinking of an Iranian warship by the United States.“A ship from Iran that came to India on our invitation was struck by the United States, 100 people were also killed, yet the PM remains silent. World will remember Narendra Modi as leader who delivers grand speeches on global platforms but bows before the U.S. in times of crisis,” said senior AAP leader Manish Sisodia. Read more here:AAP attacks Modi over ‘silence’ on U.S. sinking Iran warshipAAP criticizes Modi for his silence on the U.S. attack on an Iranian warship amidst a controversial trade deal.
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Thursday (March 5, 2026) attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his alleged silence over the ongoing war and sinking of an Iranian warship by the United States.
“A ship from Iran that came to India on our invitation was struck by the United States, 100 people were also killed, yet the PM remains silent. World will remember Narendra Modi as leader who delivers grand speeches on global platforms but bows before the U.S. in times of crisis,” said senior AAP leader Manish Sisodia.
Read more here:
AAP attacks Modi over ‘silence’ on U.S. sinking Iran warship
AAP criticizes Modi for his silence on the U.S. attack on an Iranian warship amidst a controversial trade deal.
• March 06, 2026 11:17 Saudi Arabia says intercepted three drones east of Riyadh Saudi Arabia said it destroyed three drones east of Riyadh on Friday (March 6, 2026), as Iran presses on with attacks across the Gulf.“Three drones were intercepted and destroyed east of the Riyadh region,” the Saudi Defence Ministry posted on X, quoting a spokesperson.- AFP
Saudi Arabia said it destroyed three drones east of Riyadh on Friday (March 6, 2026), as Iran presses on with attacks across the Gulf.
“Three drones were intercepted and destroyed east of the Riyadh region,” the Saudi Defence Ministry posted on X, quoting a spokesperson.
• March 06, 2026 10:50 West Asia on fire: Editorial on the Israeli-American war against Iran “Neither side has shown any willingness to step back. U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said on Wednesday that the conflict could last up to eight weeks. Ali Larijani, Iran’s security chief, has ruled out talks with the U.S. and American media have reported that Washington is considering arming ethnic Kurdish militias in Iran’s northwest to provoke internal unrest. This is a dangerous game. It appears that Mr. Trump launched the war without an exit strategy.”Read today’s editorial here.
“Neither side has shown any willingness to step back. U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said on Wednesday that the conflict could last up to eight weeks. Ali Larijani, Iran’s security chief, has ruled out talks with the U.S. and American media have reported that Washington is considering arming ethnic Kurdish militias in Iran’s northwest to provoke internal unrest. This is a dangerous game. It appears that Mr. Trump launched the war without an exit strategy.”
Read today’s editorial here.
• March 06, 2026 10:48 Trump urges Iranian Kurds to attack Iran as war widens U.S. President Donald Trump encouraged Iranian Kurdish forces in Iraq to launch attacks against Iran as conflict in West Asia widened, with Azerbaijan warning it would retaliate for being targeted by Iranian missiles.Read more here:Trump urges Iranian Kurds to attack Iran as war widensTrump encourages Iranian Kurds to attack Iran as regional conflict escalates, amid rising tensions and international military actions.
U.S. President Donald Trump encouraged Iranian Kurdish forces in Iraq to launch attacks against Iran as conflict in West Asia widened, with Azerbaijan warning it would retaliate for being targeted by Iranian missiles.
Read more here:
Trump urges Iranian Kurds to attack Iran as war widens
Trump encourages Iranian Kurds to attack Iran as regional conflict escalates, amid rising tensions and international military actions.
• March 06, 2026 10:45 Trump says not currently mulling U.S. troops in Iran U.S. President Donald Trump said it would be a “waste of time” currently to consider sending U.S. ground troops into Iran, NBC News reported, dismissing the Iranian foreign minister’s warning that such a move would spell disaster for invaders.“It’s a waste of time. They’ve lost everything. They’ve lost their navy. They’ve lost everything they can lose,” he told NBC by telephone, adding that Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi’s earlier remark that Iran was ready for a U.S. or Israeli ground invasion was a “wasted comment.”-AFP
U.S. President Donald Trump said it would be a “waste of time” currently to consider sending U.S. ground troops into Iran, NBC News reported, dismissing the Iranian foreign minister’s warning that such a move would spell disaster for invaders.
“It’s a waste of time. They’ve lost everything. They’ve lost their navy. They’ve lost everything they can lose,” he told NBC by telephone, adding that Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi’s earlier remark that Iran was ready for a U.S. or Israeli ground invasion was a “wasted comment.”
• March 06, 2026 10:28 Stock markets tumble in early trade on West Asia conflict, foreign fund outflows Stock market benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty tumbled in early trade on Friday (March 6, 2026) after a day’s breather amid persistent geopolitical conflict in West Asia and relentless foreign fund outflows.Read more here:Stock markets tumble in early trade on West Asia conflict, foreign fund outflowsStock markets decline as geopolitical tensions in West Asia and foreign fund outflows dampen investor sentiment and U.S. equity weakness.
Stock market benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty tumbled in early trade on Friday (March 6, 2026) after a day’s breather amid persistent geopolitical conflict in West Asia and relentless foreign fund outflows.
Read more here:
Stock markets tumble in early trade on West Asia conflict, foreign fund outflows
Stock markets decline as geopolitical tensions in West Asia and foreign fund outflows dampen investor sentiment and U.S. equity weakness.
• March 06, 2026 10:14 Iran is not stopping Indian ships in Strait of Hormuz: Khatibzadeh Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh told The Hindu, “Iran is not stopping Indian ships in the Strait of Hormuz, but India must ask the U.S. why it is targetting Iranian ships in the Indian Ocean. They are the threat; they should be asked.”-Suhasini Haidar
Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh told The Hindu, “Iran is not stopping Indian ships in the Strait of Hormuz, but India must ask the U.S. why it is targetting Iranian ships in the Indian Ocean. They are the threat; they should be asked.”
-Suhasini Haidar
• March 06, 2026 10:04 Iran has not announced closure of Strait of Hormuz: Iran Dy Foreign MinisterIran Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh at the Raisina Dialogue said: “Iran is [an] anchor of stability in the Strait of Hormuz. We will announce if we close the Strait of Hormuz. We have not closed it. We are a responsible power.”“India and Iran share a chess mentality as opposed to an American football mentality. Diplomacy down the road is the only option,” he said.-Kallol Bhattacharjee
Iran Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh at the Raisina Dialogue said: “Iran is [an] anchor of stability in the Strait of Hormuz. We will announce if we close the Strait of Hormuz. We have not closed it. We are a responsible power.”
“India and Iran share a chess mentality as opposed to an American football mentality. Diplomacy down the road is the only option,” he said.
-Kallol Bhattacharjee
• March 06, 2026 09:33 Protests against killing of Khamenei: Strict curbs in place in Kashmir valley Restrictions on movement of people in Kashmir valley were intensified on Friday as authorities apprehended protests against the killing of Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei after congregational prayers this afternoon.Normal life in the valley has been disrupted for the sixth consecutive day due to protests over the killing of Khamenei in U.S.-Israel joint strikes.The restrictions were imposed on Monday after spontaneous protests broke out across Kashmir a day earlier against the killing.-PTI
Restrictions on movement of people in Kashmir valley were intensified on Friday as authorities apprehended protests against the killing of Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei after congregational prayers this afternoon.
Normal life in the valley has been disrupted for the sixth consecutive day due to protests over the killing of Khamenei in U.S.-Israel joint strikes.
The restrictions were imposed on Monday after spontaneous protests broke out across Kashmir a day earlier against the killing.
• March 06, 2026 09:08 Hezbollah claims responsibility for strikes on Israeli army Lebanese militant group Hezbollah claimed responsibility on Friday for a wave of strikes targeting Israeli forces, in retaliation for Israeli strikes on Lebanon the day before.The Iran-backed group said in three separate statements on Telegram that its fighters had launched rockets and artillery shells at border positions early Friday, hours after firing rockets at Israeli barracks in the occupied Golan Heights and at a navy base in the Haifa port.There were no reports of casualties.-AFP
Lebanese militant group Hezbollah claimed responsibility on Friday for a wave of strikes targeting Israeli forces, in retaliation for Israeli strikes on Lebanon the day before.
The Iran-backed group said in three separate statements on Telegram that its fighters had launched rockets and artillery shells at border positions early Friday, hours after firing rockets at Israeli barracks in the occupied Golan Heights and at a navy base in the Haifa port.
There were no reports of casualties.
• March 06, 2026 08:40 Oil falls as U.S. may intervene in futures market, issues waiver for Russian purchases Oil fell for the first time in six days as the U.S. government is considering potentially intervening in the futures market to blunt rising prices and has given waivers to Indian refiners to buy Russian crude to ease supply constraints from the West Asian war.Brent crude futures were down $1.14, or 1.33%, to $84.27 per barrel and West Texas Intermediate down $1.46, or 1.8%, to $79.55 as of 0251 GMT.The U.S. has taken the steps to ease the surge in prices after it, along with ally Israel, started a military conflict with Iran on February 28 that has halted tankers from moving through the Strait of Hormuz, which typically carries roughly one-fifth of the world’s daily oil supply, shut refineries and oil output and shuttered liquefied natural gas plants in the key West Asian energy-producing region.-Reuters
Oil fell for the first time in six days as the U.S. government is considering potentially intervening in the futures market to blunt rising prices and has given waivers to Indian refiners to buy Russian crude to ease supply constraints from the West Asian war.
Brent crude futures were down $1.14, or 1.33%, to $84.27 per barrel and West Texas Intermediate down $1.46, or 1.8%, to $79.55 as of 0251 GMT.
The U.S. has taken the steps to ease the surge in prices after it, along with ally Israel, started a military conflict with Iran on February 28 that has halted tankers from moving through the Strait of Hormuz, which typically carries roughly one-fifth of the world’s daily oil supply, shut refineries and oil output and shuttered liquefied natural gas plants in the key West Asian energy-producing region.
-Reuters
• March 06, 2026 08:22 Hezbollah warns Israeli residents to evacuate towns near borderLebanon’s Hezbollah warned Israeli residents to evacuate towns within 5 km of the border between the countries in a message posted on its Telegram channel in Hebrew early on Friday.Hezbollah’s message came less than a day after Israel warned residents to leave Beirut’s southern suburbs, prompting an exodus from a swathe of the capital known as Dahiyeh.-Reuters
Lebanon’s Hezbollah warned Israeli residents to evacuate towns within 5 km of the border between the countries in a message posted on its Telegram channel in Hebrew early on Friday.
Hezbollah’s message came less than a day after Israel warned residents to leave Beirut’s southern suburbs, prompting an exodus from a swathe of the capital known as Dahiyeh.
-Reuters
• March 06, 2026 08:21 Qatar says intercepted drone attack targeting U.S. military base The Qatari defence ministry said air defences thwarted a drone attack targeting the US air base at Al-Udeid, Washington’s largest military facility in West Asia.“Qatar Emiri Air Defense Forces successfully intercepted a drone attack targeting Al-Udeid Air Base,” the ministry said.-AFP
The Qatari defence ministry said air defences thwarted a drone attack targeting the US air base at Al-Udeid, Washington’s largest military facility in West Asia.
“Qatar Emiri Air Defense Forces successfully intercepted a drone attack targeting Al-Udeid Air Base,” the ministry said.
• March 06, 2026 08:02 Iran’s political system | Explained Iran’s unique political system — which has been designed in such a way that the Shia clergy has ultimate authority in all critical matters related to the state, even as elections are held in regular intervals — is a child of the 1979 revolution.Read this piece by Stanly Johny here:Iran’s political system | ExplainedExplore Iran's political system, its unique structure of power, and the historical context shaping its current challenges.
Iran’s unique political system — which has been designed in such a way that the Shia clergy has ultimate authority in all critical matters related to the state, even as elections are held in regular intervals — is a child of the 1979 revolution.
Read this piece by Stanly Johny here:
Iran’s political system | Explained
Explore Iran's political system, its unique structure of power, and the historical context shaping its current challenges.
• March 06, 2026 07:45 U.S. issues 30-day waiver to allow India to purchase Russian oil amid West Asian supply woes The U.S. Treasury Department is issuing a “ temporary 30-day waiver to allow Indian refiners to purchase Russian oil”, according to U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.Iran Israel War | U.S. issues 30-day waiver to allow India to purchase Russian oil amid West Asian supply woesU.S. grants India a 30-day waiver to purchase Russian oil to stabilize global supply amid West Asian conflicts.
The U.S. Treasury Department is issuing a “ temporary 30-day waiver to allow Indian refiners to purchase Russian oil”, according to U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
Iran Israel War | U.S. issues 30-day waiver to allow India to purchase Russian oil amid West Asian supply woes
U.S. grants India a 30-day waiver to purchase Russian oil to stabilize global supply amid West Asian conflicts.
• March 06, 2026 07:44 U.S. War Secretary Pete Hegseth says strikes cripple Iran navy in Tampa
• March 06, 2026 07:36 U.S. says it has sunk more than 30 Iranian ships The United States has sunk more than 30 Iranian ships during the ongoing war, while ballistic missile and drone attacks by Tehran’s forces are down substantially, a top U.S. military officer said Thursday.“We’re now up over 30 ships (sunk), and in just the last few hours, we hit an Iranian drone carrier ship, roughly the size of a World War II aircraft carrier. And as we speak, it’s on fire,” Admiral Brad Cooper told a news conference.-AFP
The United States has sunk more than 30 Iranian ships during the ongoing war, while ballistic missile and drone attacks by Tehran’s forces are down substantially, a top U.S. military officer said Thursday.
“We’re now up over 30 ships (sunk), and in just the last few hours, we hit an Iranian drone carrier ship, roughly the size of a World War II aircraft carrier. And as we speak, it’s on fire,” Admiral Brad Cooper told a news conference.
• March 06, 2026 07:34 UAE explores freezing Iranian assets to punish Tehran for attacks: reportsThe United Arab Emirates is weighing freezing billions of dollars of Iranian assets held in the Gulf state, a move that could curb Tehran’s access to foreign currency and global trade amid the U.S.-Israeli military conflict, the Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday.UAE authorities are weighing measures ranging from freezing the assets of UAE-based shadow companies used to mask trade to a sweeping financial crackdown on local currency exchanges, which are used to move money outside of formal banking channels, the report said, citing officials familiar with discussions.If the UAE decides to move on Iran’s shadow-financing empire, a key target would be accounts affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the report added.-Reuters
The United Arab Emirates is weighing freezing billions of dollars of Iranian assets held in the Gulf state, a move that could curb Tehran’s access to foreign currency and global trade amid the U.S.-Israeli military conflict, the Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday.
UAE authorities are weighing measures ranging from freezing the assets of UAE-based shadow companies used to mask trade to a sweeping financial crackdown on local currency exchanges, which are used to move money outside of formal banking channels, the report said, citing officials familiar with discussions.
If the UAE decides to move on Iran’s shadow-financing empire, a key target would be accounts affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the report added.
-Reuters
• March 06, 2026 07:32 Australian troops on board U.S. submarine that sank Iranian ship: PM Anthony Albanese Three Australian military personnel were on board an American submarine that sank an Iranian navy ship off Sri Lanka this week, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Friday (March 6, 2026).The personnel were on the submarine as part of training arrangements under AUKUS, a multi-decade defence pact with Britain and the United States, Mr. Albanese told Sky News. “They did not take part in the attack,” he stressed.Read the full story belowAustralian troops on board U.S. submarine that sank Iranian ship: PM Anthony AlbaneseAustralian troops were aboard a U.S. submarine that sank an Iranian ship; PM Albanese clarifies their role was non-combat.
Three Australian military personnel were on board an American submarine that sank an Iranian navy ship off Sri Lanka this week, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Friday (March 6, 2026).
The personnel were on the submarine as part of training arrangements under AUKUS, a multi-decade defence pact with Britain and the United States, Mr. Albanese told Sky News. “They did not take part in the attack,” he stressed.
Read the full story below
Australian troops on board U.S. submarine that sank Iranian ship: PM Anthony Albanese
Australian troops were aboard a U.S. submarine that sank an Iranian ship; PM Albanese clarifies their role was non-combat.
• March 06, 2026 07:31 Iran missile barrage sparks explosions over Tel Aviv The latest Iranian missile barrage sparked a wave of explosions across Tel Aviv as firefighters worked to contain a blaze at a residential building near Israel’s commercial hub on Friday.The blasts came after Israel expanded its campaign against Hezbollah, vowing retribution against the Tehran-backed militant group for joining the conflict following the killing on Saturday of Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.Iran’s state broadcaster said Tehran had fired missiles “against targets in the heart of Tel Aviv,” after Israel’s military said it was working to intercept incoming Iranian fire late Thursday.-AFP
The latest Iranian missile barrage sparked a wave of explosions across Tel Aviv as firefighters worked to contain a blaze at a residential building near Israel’s commercial hub on Friday.
The blasts came after Israel expanded its campaign against Hezbollah, vowing retribution against the Tehran-backed militant group for joining the conflict following the killing on Saturday of Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Iran’s state broadcaster said Tehran had fired missiles “against targets in the heart of Tel Aviv,” after Israel’s military said it was working to intercept incoming Iranian fire late Thursday.
Published - March 06, 2026 07:27 am IST
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