The surge in hostilities amid the ongoing US-Israel-Iran war has led to a significant increase in aerial threats across the Gulf. Within the past 24 hours, the United Arab Emirates reported intercepting more than 125 drones and six ballistic missiles.

On Saturday morning, a security incident was reported in Dubai linked to heightened regional tensions. Officials said the incident occurred after debris fell following the successful interception of an aerial threat. Authorities added that the interception was contained and no injuries were reported.

Also, according to a witness cited by AFP, an explosion was heard near Dubai International Airport. It was followed by a cloud of smoke in the sky. Data from flight tracking service Flightradar24 also indicated that several aircraft were circling above the airport in what appeared to be a holding pattern. However, Dubai authorities stated that the situation remains fully under control.

Airport issues passenger advisory

The intensity of the regional conflict has grown extensively over the past week, after the United States and Israel carried out coordinated airstrikes across several cities in Iran. The strikes targeted military command centres, missile launch facilities, air defence systems, and other strategic infrastructure. The attacks resulted in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. In retaliation, Iran launched waves of ballistic missiles and drones targeting US and Israeli assets across the region, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Jordan, widening the conflict and raising concerns for civilians and expatriates throughout the Middle East.

According to reports citing the Saudi Ministry of Defence, air defence systems in Saudi Arabia recently neutralised a new wave of attacks targeting the strategic Shaybah Oil Field. Defence ministry spokesperson Turki Al-Maliki said 16 drones launched in four separate waves were intercepted and destroyed over the Rub’ al-Khali, also known as the Empty Quarter. The drones were reportedly heading toward the key energy facility before being shot down.

Al-Maliki also confirmed the interception and destruction of a ballistic missile and a cruise missile aimed at Prince Sultan Air Base in Al-Kharj. Another drone was reportedly downed east of Riyadh, marking the third consecutive day of attempted strikes on the industrial hub located about 80 kilometres from the Saudi capital.

On Friday alone, Saudi air defences said they intercepted five missiles headed toward Prince Sultan Air Base, along with several drones targeting Riyadh and Al-Kharj.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday raised concerns about the safety of Indian sailors working on merchant ships, saying attacks on commercial vessels frequently put Indian lives at risk.

Speaking at the Raisina Dialogue 2026, Jaishankar said Indians form a large part of the global merchant marine workforce and stressed that the country must recognise the risks they face as conflicts spill into key shipping routes.

His remarks came as tensions in the Indian Ocean region remain high following the sinking of the Iranian naval vessel IRIS Dena in international waters. The ship had earlier been in the region after participating in naval engagements connected with India.

India allowed Iranian vessel to dock in Kochi

Addressing the situation, Jaishankar said India had permitted another Iranian ship, IRIS Lavan, to enter the port of Kochi after it reported technical difficulties.

The vessel had earlier taken part in the International Fleet Review and the MILAN 2026 exercise, held between February 15 and February 25. Iran approached India seeking assistance days before the IRIS Dena incident.

India approved docking on March 1, and the vessel later reached Kochi. The ship has 183 crew members, many of them cadets, who have since disembarked and are staying at naval facilities nearby.

“You had these ships, and we got a message from the Iranian side that one of the ships, which presumably was closest to us–to our waters at that point of time, wanted to come into our port. They were reporting that they were having problems. And so, my recollection is this was on the 28th, and on the 1st, we said, ‘Okay, you can come in.’ And it took them a few days to sail in, and then they docked in Kochi. And the ship is there.”

“And obviously, the people on the ship, a lot of them were young cadets–that is my understanding. They have disembarked; they are, you know, in a nearby facility… When they set out and came here, the situation was totally different. They were coming in for a fleet review, and then they got, in a way, caught on the wrong side of events. So for us, when this ship wanted to come in, and that too in difficulties, I think it was the humane thing to do. And I think we were guided by that principle. And in a sense, of the other ships, one obviously had a similar situation in Sri Lanka, and they took the decision which they did and one of them unfortunately didn’t make it… So I think where really approached it from the point of view of, in a sense, of humanity, of other than, you know, whatever the legal issues were. And I think we did the right thing,” the Minister said.

Following a distress call connected with IRIS Dena, the Indian Navy launched search and rescue operations to support efforts led by Sri Lanka. A long-range maritime patrol aircraft was deployed to assist the search.

‘Every attack on a cargo ship could involve Indians’

Jaishankar also said India’s approach to regional crises takes into account the safety of millions of Indians working abroad and those serving on merchant vessels.

“Indians are a large segment of people who man merchant ships. Every time there is an attack on a vessel carrying goods, it is very likely that a part of the vessel is manned by Indians… We should give a lot of weight to this because we have had fatalities in the last few days… There has got to be adequate recognition in the country about the interest of our people, the merchant mariners and what we could be doing to safeguard them.”

“Our approach to the crisis is driven by the fact that we have 9-10 million people living in the Gulf. Their well-being is a factor just as much as that of merchant shipping has to be… Countries have their own interests, their economic or energy concerns, and, naturally, our policies will take all of that into account. I felt the merchant marine part has not got the prominence,” he said.

The minister also responded to debates circulating online about geopolitical developments in the region.

“There are a lot of social media debates going on over this…. Please understand the reality of the Indian Ocean. Diego Garcia has been in the Indian Ocean for the last five decades…The fact that there are foreign forces based in Djibouti happened in the early first decade of this century. Hambantota came up during this period,” he said.

Jaishankar also emphasised the importance of strengthening cooperation across the Indian Ocean region and said India has invested considerable diplomatic effort in building partnerships over the past decade.

“Indian Ocean Region is an ecosystem…Indian Ocean, much more than other parts of the world, is in the process of recovery and rebuilding. Individual states are doing that, but the whole region as a whole, restoration of trade patterns, connectivity…This whole rebuilding process of the Indian Ocean needs to be recognised… A lot of this requires hard work. In the last decade, Indian diplomacy has invested a lot in this process,” he said.

“If we have to build a kind of an Indian Ocean sentiment or identity, it has to be backed up with resources, work, commitments, practical projects… There are different dimensions of how you build the Indian Ocean… On why the Indian Ocean is the only ocean named after a country – we are right in the middle of it… With our growth, other countries of the Indian Ocean stand to benefit. Those who work with us will get more benefits… The rise of India will be determined by India… It will be determined by our strength, not by the mistakes of others,” he added.

What was meant to be a time of celebration at Squadron Leader Anuj Vashisht’s home in Gurugram quickly turned into grief on Friday afternoon when his family received devastating news. An Indian Air Force official called to inform them that the young officer had died after a Su-30 MKI fighter jet crashed in Assam’s Karbi Anglong district.

The crash, which occurred during a training sortie, claimed the lives of two IAF pilots. Vashisht and Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar were on board the aircraft that had taken off from Jorhat airbase before disappearing from radar. The Indian Air Force confirmed their deaths on Friday, a day after the aircraft went missing.

Soon after the family received the call, some relatives left for Assam, said Chandra Prakash, a relative.

Back at the family’s house in Sector 22B, Gurugram, neighbours, friends and relatives began arriving as news of the tragedy spread.

For now, the pilot’s mother has not been told the full extent of the loss. According to relatives, she has only been informed that her son was injured in the crash.

A young officer whose wedding was being planned

Vashisht belonged to the Bhiwani district of Haryana. He is survived by his father, Subedar (retd) Anand Prakash, his mother Anita Devi, and a younger brother.

According to a family friend, Vashisht studied at Kendriya Vidyalaya in Sector 14, Gurugram, before joining the Indian Air Force. His family had recently begun making arrangements for his wedding, and his fiancée is also a pilot.

Leaders express condolences

Union minister Rao Inderjit Singh and Haryana’s Military and Paramilitary Welfare Minister Rao Narbir Singh expressed condolences over the deaths of the two pilots.

In their messages, they said the country would always remember the courage and sacrifice of its servicemen.

They described Vashisht’s service as an example of dedication and patriotism, adding that his sacrifice would continue to inspire the nation.

Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya had a close shave on Saturday after the helicopter in which he was travelling developed a technical glitch, and made an emergency landing at Lucknow Airport.

Deputy Chief Minister Maurya was travelling by the helicopter from La Martiniere Ground in Lucknow to Kaushambi when the issue occurred.

According to sources, a sudden technical malfunction forced the pilot to carry out an emergency landing at Lucknow Airport as a precautionary measure.

Sources said that smoke was reportedly noticed inside the helicopter during the flight, which prompted the immediate landing to ensure the safety of everyone on board, including that of Maurya and the crew members.

Following the emergency landing, arrangements are being made for Maurya to continue his journey to Kaushambi by road.

Meanwhile, the helicopter has been taken for a detailed technical inspection to determine the cause of the malfunction and to ensure safety before it is cleared for further use.

Maurya is scheduled to attend a public programme in Kaushambi later in the day. He will interact with around 10,000 women associated with self-help groups during the two-day Saras Mahotsav, an event organised to promote rural livelihoods and women’s empowerment.

During the programme, Maurya is scheduled to learn about the work, experiences, and achievements of women from various self-help groups and encourage them to move towards greater financial independence and self-reliance.

The Deputy Chief Minister is also set to inaugurate the two-day Saras Mahotsav being organised at the Babu Singh Degree College Ground in Sayara. The event is expected to witness the participation of nearly 10,000 women from self-help groups across the district.

Officials said the programme aims to showcase the work of women entrepreneurs from rural areas and highlight their contribution to local economic development.

The incident comes amid heightened concerns over aviation safety following a recent tragic aircraft accident in Maharashtra. On January 28, a Learjet 45XR aircraft crashed while attempting to land at Baramati in Pune district.

The aircraft, bearing registration VT-SSK and operated by VSR Ventures Pvt Ltd, was carrying five people, including Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister and NCP leader Ajit Pawar, his personal security officer Vidip Jadhav, flight attendant Pinky Mali, Pilot-in-Command Sumit Kapur, and Second-in-Command Shambhavi Pathak.

According to reports, the aircraft departed from Mumbai and was operating a non-scheduled VIP charter flight. It reportedly crashed while attempting to land on Runway 11 at Baramati.

The Tamil Nadu government’s decision to designate the proposed Parandur Greenfield Airport in Kancheepuram district as a ‘Special Project’ under the Tamil Nadu Land Consolidation (for Special Projects) Act, 2023 has triggered renewed concerns among environmental groups and residents who have been opposing the project for several years.

The legislation enabling the move was introduced in the State Assembly by Revenue Minister Sattur Ramachandran on April 21, 2023, and was passed on the same day through a voice vote without discussion.

The detailed rules for implementing the Act were subsequently notified on October 18, 2024. The Act was framed to address difficulties in land acquisition for large-scale infrastructure projects when water bodies such as lakes, ponds, canals, and streams fall within the proposed project area.

It allows the government to consolidate contiguous land parcels of at least 100 hectares that contain such water bodies and allocate them for commercial, industrial, or infrastructure ventures classified as ‘Special Projects’.

Once a project receives this designation, the government appoints a five-member expert committee consisting of four government officials and one government-nominated environmental expert.

The committee conducts public consultations and prepares a draft land consolidation plan. This plan is then reviewed by the government before final approval is issued through a notification in the government gazette.

However, environmentalists and activists argue that the framework is skewed towards facilitating project approvals and fails to adequately safeguard ecological systems.

The proposed Parandur Airport project spans more than 2,172 hectares across 13 villages and includes wetlands, agricultural fields, and water bodies.

Environmental assessments cited by activists indicate that about 64 per cent of the land comprises wet and dry agricultural areas, while nearly 27 per cent consists of lakes, ponds, and pools.

The site reportedly contains around 40 water sources with a combined storage capacity of approximately nine million cubic feet, of which 34 lie within or close to the proposed airport boundary.

Experts warn that large-scale construction in the region could severely disrupt natural drainage networks, groundwater recharge systems, and flood mitigation mechanisms.

The area also includes a natural drainage channel linking the Kesavaram dam with the Cooum River, as well as a section of the 42-kilometre-long Kamban Canal that carries water from the Palar dam to Sriperumbudur Lake.

Environmental organisation Poovulagin Nanbargal has urged the State government to reconsider the project, citing climate change risks and potential damage to water ecosystems.

It has also demanded that the Land Consolidation Act be repealed. Residents of Parandur and neighbouring Ekanapuram have continued protests against the project, warning that it could displace villages and destroy fertile farmland.

“This region acts as a flood buffer for Chennai. We will continue to oppose any move that destroys our land and water bodies,” a resident of Ekanapuram said.

The ongoing conflict in the Gulf — involving Israel, Iran, and US assets in the region — could have far-reaching economic consequences, including global recessionary pressures, rising inflation and financial market turbulence, a report by SBI Research said on Saturday.

However, domestic financial markets have been supported by RBI interventions such as smoothing of G-sec yields and management of rupee volatility.

It, however, warned that prolonged conflict could still pressure India’s macroeconomic indicators.

“Much to the chagrin of select opinion makers, RBI’s intervention in the spot market, curbing the excess volatility, while bringing the rupee to below the 92 level marks a bold move given the lingering uncertainty on the exchange front,” according to the report.

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, through which nearly 20 per cent of the world’s crude oil passes, has already pushed Brent crude prices higher.

At the last count, crude oil price jumped to $91.84 per barrel and WTI to $89.62.

“Our regression results indicate that for every $10 per barrel increase in crude oil prices, the CAD may widen by 36 bps in FY27,” the report stated.

In a worst-case scenario, GDP growth could fall to 6 per cent if oil reaches $130 per barrel, according to SBI Research.

From a historical perspective, SBI Research noted that the current conflict coincides with the later stages of a Kondratieff Wave, theorised long-term economic cycles, suggesting the war could have lasting structural impacts on global economies.

The report also pointed to potential winners and losers.

The United States could benefit from higher oil and gas prices and a shift away from Russian energy supplies to Europe, while most other regions may experience economic drag.

According to SBI Research, central banks are reportedly increasing gold holdings as a safe-haven asset amid market volatility, with India holding 17.6 per cent of reserves in gold.

For India specifically, the conflict could impact remittances from the Gulf, crude imports, and trade with West Asian countries, though short-term measures like forward contracts and ongoing purchases of Russian crude may partially mitigate supply risks.

Banks and the private sector also face exposure to affected regions.

The report concluded that heightened uncertainty from the Gulf conflict is likely to continue influencing global oil prices, inflation expectations, and investor sentiment in the near term, and policymakers and investors should monitor developments closely.

Saudi Arabia’s Defence Minister Khalid bin Salman Al Saud met Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Asim Munir, and held talks over the escalating regional tensions following a surge in missile and drone attacks across the Gulf.

Khalid bin Salman Al Saud and Munir discussed Iranian attacks on the Kingdom and the measures needed to counter them under the Joint Strategic Defence Agreement. Both sides stressed that such actions undermine regional security and stability and expressed hope that the Iranian side will exercise wisdom and avoid miscalculation.

التقيت معالي قائد قوات الدفاع قائد الجيش الباكستاني المشير عاصم منير.
بحثنا الاعتداءات الإيرانية على المملكة في إطار اتفاقية الدفاع الإستراتيجي المشترك بين بلدينا الشقيقين، وسبل وقف هذه الاعتداءات التي لا تصب في مصلحة أمن واستقرار المنطقة، متمنيّن أن يُغلب الجانب الإيراني الحكمة… pic.twitter.com/ex5Qf32lMj

— Khalid bin Salman خالد بن سلمان (@kbsalsaud) March 7, 2026

Escalating Gulf attacks

The meeting comes amid a sharp escalation in hostilities in West Asia. Iran has launched retaliatory missile and drone strikes toward Israel and positions linked to the United States, while also firing hundreds of ballistic missiles and thousands of drones toward Arab states across the Gulf.

Several of the attacks have targeted energy infrastructure, civilian sites, and US military bases across the region.

Saudi Arabia said its air defence systems successfully intercepted incoming attacks targeting a military facility southeast of the capital, Riyadh. “A ballistic missile launched toward Prince Sultan Air Base was intercepted and destroyed,” the Saudi Defence Ministry said in a post on X.

Saudi Arabia calls for restraint

Following his meeting with Munir, Khalid bin Salman reiterated Saudi Arabia’s warning to Tehran. He cautioned the Iranian leadership to act with “wisdom and reason” and avoid “misguided calculations” as tensions across the West Asia region continue to intensify amid an expanding conflict.

After the discussions, the minister expressed hope that Iran would refrain from taking steps that could further inflame the already volatile situation.

The Odisha Vigilance on Saturday carried out simultaneous searches at seven locations linked to Pramod Ray, Assistant Executive Engineer (AEE) of the Derabish Irrigation Sub-Division under the Kendrapara Irrigation Division, officials said on Saturday.

The raids came following allegations that he possessed assets disproportionate to his known sources of income.

Officials said the search operations were launched on the basis of warrants issued by the Special Judge, Vigilance, Cuttack, as part of an investigation into suspected disproportionate assets.

A large team from Odisha Vigilance has been deployed for the operation. According to officials, the team includes two Additional Superintendents of Police (Addl. SPs), nine Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs), nine Inspectors, four Assistant Sub-Inspectors (ASIs) and other supporting personnel.

The coordinated raids are being conducted across several districts, including Kendrapara, Cuttack, Dhenkanal, Bhadrak and Bhubaneswar.

Vigilance authorities said searches are underway at seven locations connected to the engineer.

These include a four-storeyed building located at Johala in the Balianta area of Bhubaneswar and a double-storeyed building situated at Jajabhairab in Chaudwar of Cuttack district.

The teams are also examining his parental residence at Ragadi in the Banki area of Cuttack district. In addition, searches are being conducted at the residence of a relative at Budanga in Bhadrak district.

Another location under scrutiny is his office chamber-cum-temporary residence at the Derabish Irrigation Office in Kendrapara district, which is linked to his official posting.

Vigilance officials further said that the houses of relatives at Sanasathiebatia in Dhenkanal district and Patia in Bhubaneswar are also being searched as part of the ongoing operation.

According to the Vigilance department, the coordinated raids are aimed at gathering evidence related to the allegations that the engineer accumulated wealth beyond his declared income sources.

Search operations were still underway at the time of reporting, and officials said that additional details would emerge once the raids are completed and the findings are assessed.

The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Saturday acquitted self-styled godman and Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh for the murder of journalist Ram Chander Chhatrapati in 2002.

Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh is serving a 20-year jail sentence for raping two of his disciples and a life term for the murder of journalist Chhatrapati.

His acquittal comes seven years after a special CBI court had convicted him and sentenced him to life imprisonment. However, he would remain behind bars for his conviction in the rape case.

The verdict was delivered by a Division Bench of Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Vikram Aggarwal while hearing appeals challenging the 2019 conviction in the case.

However, the Bench dismissed the appeals filed by two other accused.

The self-styled godman’s acquittal comes weeks after the Bench scrutinised the evidence following controversy over the bullets allegedly used in the crime.

A special CBI court in Haryana’s Panchkula town in 2019 convicted Rahim Singh for the murder of Sirsa-based journalist Chhatrapati. Three others, Krishan Lal, Kuldeep Singh and Nirmal Singh, who were close aides of the sect chief, were also convicted by the court.

Chhatrapati was shot at in October 2002 and died later. The CBI had registered the case on the orders on November 10, 2003, of the High Court and took over the investigation of the case which was earlier registered at the police station in Sirsa.

It was alleged that Chhatrapati, a journalist from Sirsa who was running a newspaper called ‘Poora Sach’, was shot at on October 24, 2002, in the evening by Kuldeep Singh and Nirmal Singh, both carpenters in Dera Sacha Sauda in Sirsa, at his residence in Sirsa. He died on November 21, 2002.

The state police arrested Kuldeep Singh and Nirmal Singh and a walkie-talkie belonging to the Dera and a revolver belonging to accused Krishan Lal was recovered.

A chargesheet was filed against Kuldeep Singh, Nirmal Singh and Krishan Lal by the police in the Court of Chief Judicial Magistrate in Sirsa on December 5, 2002.

The son of the victim moved the High Court, alleging involvement of the self-styled godman in the murder of his father and prayed for transfer of the investigation to the CBI.

After a thorough investigation, the CBI found the role of Rahim Singh and other accused – Kuldeep Singh, Nirmal Singh, Krishan Lal – and filed a chargesheet against them.

In January 2019, the special CBI court held Ram Rahim and the co-accused guilty of conspiring to murder the journalist and sentenced them to life imprisonment.

A Pakistani national accused of conspiring with Iranian operatives to assassinate US President Donald Trump has been found guilty by a federal jury in New York.

The verdict against 47-year-old Asif Merchant came from a federal court in Brooklyn on Friday. Prosecutors said he tried to hire contract killers to murder Trump and possibly other American political leaders as part of a plan linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC).

The trial concluded at a time when tensions between Washington and Tehran have escalated sharply, with the United States and Israel currently engaged in military strikes against Iran.

FBI informant helped foil alleged assassination plan

According to investigators, the plan dates back to 2024 during the US presidential campaign. Authorities say it failed because a man Merchant approached for help was secretly cooperating with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

FBI director Kash Patel said the agency and its partners intervened before the plan could move forward. “The FBI and our partners stopped that deadly plot,” Patel said after the verdict. He added that attempts linked to Iran targeting people in the US had been thwarted before.

Merchant was arrested in July 2024 while preparing to leave the United States and was formally charged the following month. A federal jury later convicted him of attempting to arrange a contract killing and terrorism-related offences.

During proceedings, Merchant admitted he had taken part in the scheme but said he acted under pressure. He told jurors that Iranian operatives had threatened his family, leaving him with what he described as “no other options”.

Court documents showed that Merchant had allegedly received training from the IRGC and had been tasked with identifying potential targets. Apart from Trump, he told the court that two other names had been mentioned – Joe Biden and former Republican presidential contender Nikki Haley.

Prosecutors said Merchant travelled to the United States to recruit people for the operation. To conceal the activity, he reportedly used a clothing business as a cover.

Investigators said he contacted a New York acquaintance, identified in court as Nadeem Ali, to assist him. Ali alerted the FBI, which then deployed undercover agents posing as hired assassins.

According to the prosecution, Merchant handed over a USD 5,000 advance payment to the agents and outlined the plan on a napkin inside a New York hotel room. In one recorded meeting presented in court, he allegedly told them: “Maybe you can, say, kill someone… maybe it’s some political person.”

Prosecutors also told the jury that Merchant searched online for locations where Trump was holding campaign rallies.

In an unrelated incident shortly after Merchant’s arrest in July 2024, another man attempted to shoot Trump during a rally in Pennsylvania. The bullet narrowly missed him and grazed his ear.

Judge Eric Komitee, who presided over the trial, noted the unusual timing of the proceedings given the ongoing conflict involving Iran. “This trial is happening in interesting times,” he told the court.

Trial unfolds amid rising tensions with Iran

Separately, US officials have said that an Iranian figure believed to have masterminded the plot was killed in a recent American military operation, although the individual was not publicly identified.

The court proceedings themselves had been scheduled months earlier, long before the current conflict between the United States and Iran escalated.

Merchant, a former banker, had personal ties to both Pakistan and Iran, prosecutors said. He reportedly had a wife in Pakistan and another in Iran, where he travelled frequently and where investigators say he was recruited by the IRGC.

The jury’s verdict comes at a time when the war in West Asia has entered its seventh day, with both sides continuing military strikes and showing little sign of stepping back.

Marking a major escalation in its military campaign against Iran, the US Central Command today claimed over 3,000 targets have been struck across the country within the first week of the ongoing Operation Epic Fury.

CENTCOM released a statement on X stating that it is not slowing down the military action against Iran. “US forces have struck over 3,000 targets in the first week of Operation Epic Fury, and we are not slowing down,” the statement highlighted the scale of the ongoing operation.

U.S. forces have struck over 3,000 targets in the first week of Operation Epic Fury, and we are not slowing down. pic.twitter.com/Nqn30feTQA

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 7, 2026

The strikes have reportedly targeted a wide range of Iranian military infrastructure, including command centres, missile launch sites, air-defence systems, and naval assets linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The US officials say the operation aims to significantly degrade Iran’s ability to launch missiles and drones across the region.

Also read: Massive explosions rock Mehrabad Airport in Tehran following US-Israeli airstrikes

Trump demands ‘unconditional surrender’

Amid the intensifying military campaign, Donald Trump, the President of the United States, declared that Washington would accept no negotiated settlement with Tehran unless it agrees to “unconditional surrender.”

In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump said the United States would only consider an agreement once Iran’s leadership capitulates and a new leadership structure is established.

He also suggested that the United States would support rebuilding Iran after such a transition, using the phrase “Make Iran Great Again (MIGA)”, echoing his well-known political slogan.

The latest increase in LPG cylinder prices has triggered sharp political reactions and concern among households, with opposition leaders warning that the move will add to the financial pressure on families already dealing with rising living costs.

State-owned oil marketing companies on Saturday raised the price of domestic LPG cylinders by Rs 60 and commercial cylinders by Rs 114.5, citing global energy pressures linked to tensions in the Middle East.

The revision has quickly turned into a political flashpoint, with leaders from the ruling party and the opposition offering sharply different views on the price rise.

BJP calls hike ‘nominal’, opposition flags inflation burden

BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal defended the increase, saying it should be seen in the context of rising global energy prices.

“The increase in the price is very nominal according to the price inflation index… The prices of energy are increasing in the entire world… It is the opposition’s job to create noise,” he said.

Opposition leaders, however, criticised the move, arguing that it will deepen the burden on households.

Congress leader Akhilesh Prasad Singh said the government must take note of the impact on ordinary citizens.

“This is definitely a matter of concern. There is already a lot of inflation and if the prices have increased now, the burden on the public will increase further. The government should be concerned and look into this.”

Another Congress leader, Udit Raj, also questioned the development.

“Till yesterday, there was news that there is no LPG crisis here. Then how did the prices increase?… People have become blind followers…”

Households say expenses becoming harder to manage

Many consumers said the latest hike would make managing household budgets more difficult.

A housewife in Guwahati said middle-class families will feel the impact immediately.

“I am a housewife from a middle-class family… Suddenly, we got to know that the price of LPG has increased by Rs 60 for domestic and Rs 115 for commercial… My husband is the only working person in our family… This will be very difficult for middle-class families.”

A resident in Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, also expressed concern about rising costs.

“I went to get the cylinder. Rs 60 have increased… The expenses will be more than the income if there is inflation.”

In Delhi, a resident named Anita said the increase will add to everyday struggles.

“How will we continue to live in Delhi if the price is increased?… Our cylinder does not last for a month… We have to face a lot of problems…”

US President Donald Trump has privately explored the possibility of sending a limited number of American ground troops into Iran, according to a media report that cited people familiar with internal discussions.

The idea being discussed, according to the report, involves deploying a small group of soldiers for narrowly defined missions rather than launching a full-scale military invasion. Officials quoted in the report said the conversations have taken place with advisers and Republican figures outside the White House, though no final decision has been made.

The discussions come as fighting between Iran and a US-Israel alliance has sharply intensified since late February, with thousands of American strikes reported across Iranian territory and retaliatory missile and drone attacks by Tehran targeting Israeli and US assets in the region.

White House dismisses report, says Trump keeps ‘all options open’

The White House has pushed back against the report, saying it relies on speculation from unnamed sources who are not involved in national security deliberations.

Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the claims were based on assumptions by individuals who are not part of the President’s national security team.

“This story is based on assumptions from anonymous sources who are not part of the President’s national security team and are clearly not read into these discussions,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said.

“President Trump always wisely keeps all options open, but anyone trying to insinuate he is in favour of one option or another proves they have no real seat at the table,” Leavitt said in a statement.

Earlier this week, Trump also addressed the possibility of deploying troops during remarks to The New York Post. While noting that previous presidents had ruled out boots on the ground, he said such a step might still be considered if circumstances demanded it.

Trump claims Iran’s military has been ‘devastated’

Speaking at the White House during a roundtable discussion on college athletics, Trump said recent US military operations had severely damaged Iran’s military structure.

“Iran, we’re doing very well,” Trump said when asked about developments in the conflict. When pressed to rate the situation, he replied: “Somebody said how would you score it from 0 to 10? I said I’d give it a 12 to a 15.”

Trump claimed the Iranian armed forces had suffered major losses, including damage to naval assets and communications systems.

“Their army is gone… their navy is gone, their communications are gone, their leaders are gone,” he said, adding that multiple levels of leadership within the Iranian military had been eliminated.

He also said Iran’s naval fleet had been destroyed during the ongoing campaign, claiming that all 32 of its ships had been sunk.

“Our military is doing phenomenally,” Trump added. “People are very impressed with our military.”

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi told NBC News earlier this week that Tehran was not seeking a ceasefire and saw no reason to begin negotiations with Washington.

Powerful explosions were reported at Mehrabad International Airport, one of the main commercial airports in Tehran, as tensions rise across West Asia. Airstrikes struck the Iranian capital in the early hours of Saturday, according to state media reports, marking a sharp escalation in the ongoing conflict following joint strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran.

Footage circulating on social media showed a huge fire at the airport in Tehran following the strikes. The video captured thick plumes of smoke and flames rising from the airport, one of the capital’s key aviation hubs. According to eyewitnesses cited by media outlets, a plane was seen burning on the airport’s tarmac after the explosions.

Videos circulating on social media appeared to show multiple blasts and fires across different parts of the Iranian capital. The footage suggests that several areas of Tehran may have been targeted. Further details on the extent of the damage or possible casualties were not immediately available.

The explosions come after Israel announced earlier that it was launching a new wave of strikes against Iran. Also, US President Donald Trump said only Iran’s unconditional surrender would bring an end to the escalating Middle East war.

Also read: ‘Army gone, navy gone’: Trump weighs US ‘boots on the ground’ in Iran, says report

Rising aerial threats in UAE

Regional tensions have led to a surge in aerial threats across the Gulf. According to Arab News, the United Arab Emirates intercepted more than 125 drones and six ballistic missiles within the past 24 hours. On Friday alone, Saudi air defences reportedly thwarted five missiles aimed at Prince Sultan Air Base along with several drones targeting Riyadh and Al-Kharj.

The escalating hostilities have drawn widespread condemnation from international organisations, including the Arab League and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. During an extraordinary ministerial meeting held in Riyadh on March 1, the Gulf Cooperation Council reaffirmed the right of its member states to defend their territories against what it described as Iranian aggression.

Former chief minister and Shiv Sena UBT chief Uddhav Thackeray on Friday described the Maharashtra budget as a “mirage of development,” claiming it involves “setting off firecrackers on borrowed money” while the state’s financial condition remains dire.

Uddhav Thackeray remarked that the budget focuses on schemes benefiting contractors, while offering common citizens an “elevated highway of lies.”

He dismissed the farm loan waiver as a “false invitation,” stating that while the CM claims to have cleared farmers’ debts, the reality on the ground is different.

“If they truly want to help farmers, they should stop playing word games with terms like ‘terms and conditions’ or ‘eligible-ineligible.’ With the mention of 2047 in the budget, is the government planning to waive loans in 2047?” he questioned.

Former minister and Shiv Sena UBT leader Aaditya Thackeray alleged that the budget seemed more like a budget for contractors than for Maharashtra. Essentially, every minute of the long speech was spent on policies and announcements for contractors. The bigger issue is, even with this kind of expenditure and proposed spending on contractors, the quality of the work is horrible- look at the recent road constructions… and oh! The Mira Bhayandar flyover by the MMRDA.

“More so, it is an ‘Alice in Wonderland’ budget where the CM is blissfully unaware of the ground reality and what is being shown to him by people around him. The entire speech was peppered with policy decisions taken in the past, and everything for 2047… for everything, you must wait till 2047! The farm loan waiver is an eyewash. No clarity on eligibility of farmers, no clarity on the process and the timeline… unlike the one given by the CM Uddhav Thackeray leading MVA in 2020- that was time-bound and simple,” he remarked.

Aaditya Thackeray further said, “The speech had a few good jokes- the government intends to plant 300 crore trees. I personally thought this was a really nice joke, looking at the way the BJP government wants to hack trees everywhere. Once again, Alice in Wonderland budget! For anything to happen, if it is the same government, wait till 2047!”

The state Congress President Harshvardhan Sapkal criticised the government for creating a mountain of debt, warning that a budget with a deficit of Rs 40,000 crore is leading Maharashtra towards bankruptcy.

Sapkal noted that while projects like the Bullet Train, Metro, and underground tunnels are being hyped, the rural poor, tribals, labourers, women, and the unemployed find no place in this budget. He argued that the budget caters only to a few cities and select individuals.

He further highlighted that the state spends approximately Rs 65,000 crore annually just on loan interest repayments. Despite large allocations, funds aren’t actually spent, and he warned that the promise of 75,000 jobs might turn out to be as deceptive as previous “mega-recruitment” drives.

The state NCP SP president, Shashikant Shinde, said that it is a deceptive budget that shows dreams of 2047 while ignoring current issues.

“By including provisions for dreams 20 years away in a one-year budget, the government is misleading the public. We don’t oppose the naming of deities or the restoration of forts, but the vision to provide justice to farmers and the common man, following the ideals of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, is missing. Where is the actual financial provision for the Bullet Train and Metro? This budget merely boosts the toll-collection system,” he commented.

The price of domestic LPG cylinders has been increased with effect from Saturday, March 7, with the cost of a 14.2-kg household cooking gas cylinder rising by Rs 60 across the country, according to sources.

Similarly, the price of a 19 kg commercial LPG cylinder has also been increased by Rs 115 from the same date, impacting businesses such as hotels, restaurants and small commercial establishments.

As per the source, the price of a 14.2 kg domestic LPG cylinder in Delhi has increased from Rs 853 to Rs 913. In Mumbai, the new rate of a domestic LPG cylinder now stands at Rs 912.50, up from Rs 852.50 earlier. In Kolkata, the price has risen from Rs 879 to Rs 030, while in Chennai it has increased from Rs 868.50 to Rs 928.50. The revised rates will come into effect immediately from today.

The hike also applies to commercial LPG cylinders used by businesses. In Delhi, the price of a 19-kg commercial cylinder has increased from Rs 1768.50 to Rs 1883. In Mumbai, the price has risen from Rs 1720.50 to Rs 1835. Similarly, in Kolkata, the price has gone up from Rs 1875.50 to Rs 1990, while in Chennai it has increased from Rs 1929 to Rs 2043.50.
Earlier, the price of a domestic LPG cylinder had remained unchanged since April 2025, when the non-subsidised rate in Delhi stood at Rs 853. The latest revision marks a significant increase for household consumers as well as commercial users who rely on LPG for daily operations.

The increase comes amid discussions around India’s energy supply and fuel availability. Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri earlier assured that there is no shortage of energy in the country and that consumers need not worry about supply disruptions.

“Our priority is to ensure the availability of affordable and sustainable fuel for our citizens, and we are doing it comfortably. There is no shortage of energy in India, and there is no cause of worry for our energy consumers,” the minister said in a post on X.
Meanwhile, Indian Oil Corporation also dismissed reports circulating on social media suggesting a shortage of petrol and diesel in the country, terming them baseless.
“India has sufficient fuel stocks, and supply and distribution networks are functioning normally. IndianOil is committed to maintaining uninterrupted fuel supply across the country. Citizens are requested not to panic or crowd fuel stations and to rely only on official sources for accurate information,” the company said in a statement on X.

Earlier on Friday, government sources said India is in a “very comfortable position” regarding crude oil, petroleum products and LPG supplies despite concerns over disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz.

According to the sources, the country currently has access to more energy supplies from diversified sources than the volume that could potentially be impacted through the Strait of Hormuz. India’s existing stock of crude oil and petroleum products is also adequate to meet domestic demand.
Sources said the government is closely monitoring the situation and plans to ramp up supplies from alternative geographies to offset any potential supply constraints linked to the Strait of Hormuz. They highlighted that India has significantly diversified its crude import basket over the past few years.

Since 2022, India has been importing crude oil from Russia. While Russia accounted for only 0.2 per cent of India’s total crude imports in 2022, the share has risen substantially in the following years. “In February, India imported about 20 per cent of its total crude oil imports from Russia, amounting to around 1.04 million barrels per day,” government sources said.

On the LPG front, the government has directed all LPG refineries to increase production to ensure adequate availability across the country. Officials said India currently remains in a comfortable position regarding LPG stocks.
LPG from the US has started coming to India since January, the sources said. Indian PSU Oil companies in November 2025 has signed a one-year contract to import around 2.2 MTPA of LPG from the US Gulf Coast for the contract year 2026.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation is closely monitoring the evolving situation in West Asia that is affecting air travel between India and the region, according to an official statement.

The ministry said airlines are making necessary operational adjustments in view of prevailing conditions to ensure passenger safety and the orderly conduct of flight operations.
As per the official statement, passenger movement data for March 5 shows that a total of 40 inbound flights operated by Indian carriers arrived in India from the West Asia region, carrying 7,205 passengers. With this, the cumulative number of passenger arrivals from the region has reached 14,992.

The ministry further said that for March 6, 2026, a total of 51 flights are planned to be operated by Indian carriers, subject to operational feasibility and prevailing conditions in the region.
According to the statement, the Ministry of Civil Aviation is in continuous contact with airlines and is also closely monitoring airfares to ensure that there is no undue surge in ticket prices during this period.

“The Ministry continues to maintain close coordination with airlines and relevant stakeholders and is monitoring the situation to facilitate passenger movement and minimise disruption. Passengers are advised to remain in contact with their respective airlines for the latest updates regarding flight schedules,” the ministry said, adding that further updates will be issued as necessary.

Earlier, the ministry had confirmed that a total of 281 flights scheduled to operate on Thursday by Indian domestic carriers were cancelled amid the evolving situation in West Asia. The Ministry of Civil Aviation said it continues to closely monitor the developments and take necessary steps to manage the impact on air travel.

In a post on X, the ministry said, “The Ministry of Civil Aviation continues to closely monitor the evolving situation in West Asia. As of March 5, a total of 281 flights scheduled to operate today by Indian domestic carriers have been cancelled.”
The ministry also said that a dedicated Passenger Assistance Control Room (PACR) is functioning round the clock to provide real-time support to travellers. A total of 1,461 grievances have been addressed during this period through the AirSewa portal, social media platforms and helpline calls in coordination with airlines and other stakeholders.
This comes amid escalating tensions in West Asia after a joint US-Israel military strike on February 28 on Iranian territory resulted in the death of its Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other senior figures, prompting a fierce response from Tehran.

In retaliation, Iran launched waves of drone and missile attacks across multiple Arab countries as the conflict now entered its seventh day.
Tehran responded with counter-strikes targeting American military bases and other Israeli assets across the region.