Fighting between the United States, Israel and Iran, which began with strikes on February 28, continues to reshape the geopolitical landscape across West Asia. Military operations targeting Iranian nuclear and missile infrastructure remain underway, even as political messaging from Washington hints at possible diplomatic openings.
On March 4, fresh statements from the Trump administration highlighted both the military objectives of the campaign and its possible political aftermath. Oil markets have reacted sharply to fears of disruption around the Strait of Hormuz, while US officials continue to defend the strikes as necessary to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
87 Bodies recovered after Iranian Warship sinks in Indian Ocean
At least 87 bodies have been recovered from the Iranian warship that was sunk in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Sri Lanka, the Sri Lankan Navy said on Wednesday, according to the Associated Press. A total of 32 crew members have been rescued so far.
The vessel was hit by a torpedo fired from a US submarine and went down in international waters.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth described the ship as the Islamic Republic’s “prize ship", highlighting its operational significance.
In a separate statement posted on X, Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of United States Central Command (CENTCOM), said US forces have destroyed 17 Iranian warships as part of ongoing operations, including a submarine.
“In simple terms, we’re focused on shooting all the things that can shoot at us,” Cooper said, describing what he called “uncontested surgical strikes” carried out by B-2 and B-1 bombers. “We are also sinking the Iranian navy — the entire navy. Thus far, we’ve destroyed 17 Iranian ships, including the most operational Iranian submarine that now has a hole in its side.”
Cooper described the campaign as ongoing, with US forces continuing targeted strikes in the region.
https://twitter.com/DeptofWar/status/2029193757162139762?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E2029193757162139762%7Ctwgr%5Ebdec4f64180d4525dab90f176ed45823b09572c1%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Findianexpress.com%2Farticle%2Fworld%2Fus-news%2Firan-war-live-updates-israel-attack-operation-epic-fury-khamenei-death-10562122%2F
On Wednesday, the United States Department of Defence released footage showing an American submarine sinking an Iranian warship in the Indian Ocean, off the coast of Sri Lanka.
According to US officials, the vessel was struck by a torpedo in what is being described as the first sinking of an enemy ship by torpedo since World War II.
Speaking at a Pentagon briefing, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said:
“An American submarine sunk an Iranian warship that thought it was safe in international waters,” Hegseth said. “Instead, it was sunk by a torpedo. Quiet death. The first sinking of an enemy ship by a torpedo since World War Two. We are fighting to win."
80 Killed in US Submarine Attack on Iranian Warship, Sri Lanka Confirms
At least 80 people were killed in a US submarine strike on an Iranian naval vessel in the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka’s Deputy Foreign Minister confirmed during a televised address on Wednesday.
Architect of Alleged Trump Assassination Plot Killed, Says Pentagon
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced on Wednesday that the individual responsible for orchestrating a plot to assassinate former President Donald Trump has been eliminated. The revelation came during a high-level press briefing at the Pentagon, where Hegseth addressed the nation amid escalating hostilities with Iran.
NATO Missile Intercepted Over Mediterranean, Turkey Confirms
In a significant escalation of the ongoing West Asia conflict, Turkey's Defence Ministry announced on Wednesday that a ballistic missile launched from Iran was successfully intercepted and destroyed by NATO's air and missile defense systems stationed in the eastern Mediterranean. The missile, which had passed through Iraqi and Syrian airspace, was reportedly heading toward Turkish territory when it was neutralized.
NATO Missile Intercepted Over Mediterranean, Turkey Confirms
In a significant escalation of the ongoing West Asia conflict, Turkey's Defence Ministry announced on Wednesday that a ballistic missile launched from Iran was successfully intercepted and destroyed by NATO's air and missile defense systems stationed in the eastern Mediterranean. The missile, which had passed through Iraqi and Syrian airspace, was reportedly heading toward Turkish territory when it was neutralized.
According to the Indian Express, Death toll from US-Israeli attacks in Iran rises to 1,045
Sensex slumps to 10-month low, Nifty slides over 6-month low amid Middle East tensions
Indian stock markets fell for the third straight session on Wednesday as investors remained cautious over rising tensions in the Middle East, particularly the growing conflict between the United States and Iran. The uncertainty kept traders on edge and triggered selling across sectors. The Nifty ended the day 1.6 per cent lower, slipping 385.2 points to close at 24,480.5. The Sensex also witnessed heavy selling and dropped 1,122.66 points, or 1.40 per cent, to settle at 79,116.19.
Gold, silver surge over 1 per cent
Gold and silver prices climbed over 1 per cent on Wednesday amid escalating conflict between the US‑Israeli combine and Iran, driving safe haven demand. MCX gold April futures gained 1.04 per cent to Rs 1,62,790 per 10 grams around 11.30 am on an intraday basis. Meanwhile MCX silver May futures gained 1.84 per cent to Rs 2,70,200 per kg.
Saudi Aramco's Ras Tanura struck again
Saudi Aramco’s Ras Tanura, the largest oil refinery in the country, was struck again on Wednesday by an unknown projectile, Reuters reported.
The facility was shut on Monday following an Israeli drone attack.
"The Supreme Leader will be identified in the closest opportunity, we are close to a conclusion, however the situation in the country is a war situation," Ayatollah Ahmad Khatami, a member of Iran's Assembly of Experts, said.
Iran Supreme Leader's son survives US-Israeli strikes that killed his father; likely to be named successor
Mojtaba Khamanei, the son of Iran's late Supreme Leader, has survived the assault on the country by U.S. and Israeli air strikes that killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several military and other influential figures, two Iranian sources told Reuters on Wednesday. He is seen by the establishment as a possible successor to his father, the sources said.
'Any leader appointed by Iran regime a target for elimination': Israel
Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz on Wednesday warned that any leader appointed by the Iranian regime to replace Ali Khamenei will be a "target for elimination," reported the Times of Israel.
"Any leader appointed by the Iranian terror regime to continue leading the plan to destroy Israel, threaten the US and the free world and the countries of the region, and oppress the Iranian people, will be an unequivocal target for elimination. "It does not matter what his name is or where he hides," Katz said in a statement.
"We will continue to act with full force, together with our American partners, to dismantle the regime's capabilities and create the conditions for the Iranian people to overthrow and replace it," Katz added.
On March 3, Ecuadorian and U.S. military forces launched operations against Designated Terrorist Organizations in Ecuador.
As per the U.S. Southern Command, the operations are a powerful example of the commitment of partners in Latin America and the Caribbean to combat the scourge of narco-terrorism. It posted on X: Together, we are taking decisive action to confront narco-terrorists who have long inflicted terror, violence, and corruption on citizens throughout the hemisphere.
“We commend the men and women of the Ecuadorian armed forces for their unwavering commitment to this fight, demonstrating courage and resolve through continued actions against narco-terrorists in their country,” said SOUTHCOM Commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan.
On March 3, Ecuadorian and U.S. military forces launched operations against Designated Terrorist Organizations in Ecuador. The operations are a powerful example of the commitment of partners in Latin America and the Caribbean to combat the scourge of narco-terrorism.
— U.S. Southern Command (@Southcom) March 4, 2026
Together,… pic.twitter.com/MrkKZcrDbs
On March 3, Ecuadorian and U.S. military forces launched operations against Designated Terrorist Organizations in Ecuador.
As per the U.S. Southern Command, the operations are a powerful example of the commitment of partners in Latin America and the Caribbean to combat the scourge of narco-terrorism. It posted on X: Together, we are taking decisive action to confront narco-terrorists who have long inflicted terror, violence, and corruption on citizens throughout the hemisphere.
“We commend the men and women of the Ecuadorian armed forces for their unwavering commitment to this fight, demonstrating courage and resolve through continued actions against narco-terrorists in their country,” said SOUTHCOM Commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan.
On March 3, Ecuadorian and U.S. military forces launched operations against Designated Terrorist Organizations in Ecuador. The operations are a powerful example of the commitment of partners in Latin America and the Caribbean to combat the scourge of narco-terrorism.
— U.S. Southern Command (@Southcom) March 4, 2026
Together,… pic.twitter.com/MrkKZcrDbs
India to operate 58 flights from Gulf cities as Middle East airspace remains closed
Indian carriers have taken initiatives to operate 58 flights on Wednesday to repatriate passengers stranded in the Middle East, even as most regional airspace remained closed or restricted amid escalating conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.
Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Akasa Air will run multiple special flights from Gulf cities, including Dubai and Fujairah, multiple reports said. The flights are scheduled to land at airports including New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kochi, Ahmedabad, and Thiruvananthapuram.
The Israeli Air Force identified that a short time ago, missiles were launched from Iran toward the territory of the State of Israel.
The IDF said in a statement that its defense systems are operating to intercept the threat. In the last few minutes, the Home Front Command issued a preliminary directive directly to mobile phones in the relevant areas.
The statement further added that upon receiving the alert, one must enter protected spaces and remain in them until a new announcement is issued. Leaving the protected space will be permitted only after receiving an explicit directive; continue to act in accordance with the Home Front Command's instructions.
India sets up a Special Control Room in the Ministry of External Affairs in view of the current situation in West Asia and the Gulf region.
The Control Room can be contacted from 9 am to 9 pm at: 1800118797 (Toll Free)
+91 11 2301 2113 +91 11 2301 4104, +91 11 2301 7905
Emergency contact numbers of Indian Embassies in the region are:
Bahrain: +973 39418071
Iran: +98 9128109115 / +98 9128109102 / +98 9128109109/ +98 9932179359
Iraq: +964 771 651 1185 / +964 770444 4899
Israel: +972 54 7520711 / +972 54 2428378
Jordan: +962 770 422 276
Kuwait: +965 65501946
Lebanon: +961 76860128
Oman: +968 98282270 (Whatsapp) / 80071234 (Toll free) Qatar: +974 55647502
Ramallah, Palestine: +970 592916418
Saudi Arabia (Riyadh): +966 11 4884697 / 800 247 1234 (Toll free)
Saudi Arabia (Jeddah): +966 126648660 / +966 12 2614093 United Arab Emirates: +971 543090571 (Whatsapp) /
A Special Control Room has been set up in the Ministry of External Affairs in view of the current situation in West Asia and the Gulf region: MEA
The Control Room can be contacted from 9 am to 9 pm at: 1800118797 (Toll Free)
+91 11 2301 2113 +91 11 2301 4104, +91 11 2301 7905
Emergency contact numbers of Indian Embassies in the region are:
Bahrain: +973 39418071
Iran: +98 9128109115 / +98 9128109102 / +98 9128109109/ +98 9932179359
Iraq: +964 771 651 1185 / +964 770444 4899
Israel: +972 54 7520711 / +972 54 2428378
Jordan: +962 770 422 276
Kuwait: +965 65501946
Lebanon: +961 76860128
Oman: +968 98282270 (Whatsapp) / 80071234 (Toll free) Qatar: +974 55647502
Ramallah, Palestine: +970 592916418
Saudi Arabia (Riyadh): +966 11 4884697 / 800 247 1234 (Toll free)
Saudi Arabia (Jeddah): +966 126648660 / +966 12 2614093 United Arab Emirates: +971 543090571 (Whatsapp) /
Flight operations remain temporarily suspended at Hamad International Airport due to the closure of Qatari airspace, mandated by the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority.
This is to ensure the highest level of safety for our passengers and employees. We remind passengers not to proceed to the airport until further notice. To guide our passengers who are currently in Doha, during this challenging period, we have compiled key information to support your enquiries. Our teams remain available and are responding to enquiries as quickly as possible: Hamad International Airport Sources
Flight operations remain temporarily suspended at Hamad International Airport due to the closure of Qatari airspace, mandated by the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority.
This is to ensure the highest level of safety for our passengers and employees. We remind passengers not to proceed to the airport until further notice. To guide our passengers who are currently in Doha, during this challenging period, we have compiled key information to support your enquiries. Our teams remain available and are responding to enquiries as quickly as possible: Hamad International Airport Sources
India sets up a Special Control Room in the Ministry of External Affairs in view of the current situation in West Asia and the Gulf region.
The Control Room can be contacted from 9 am to 9 pm at: 1800118797 (Toll Free)
+91 11 2301 2113 +91 11 2301 4104, +91 11 2301 7905
Emergency contact numbers of Indian Embassies in the region are:
Bahrain: +973 39418071
Iran: +98 9128109115 / +98 9128109102 / +98 9128109109/ +98 9932179359
Iraq: +964 771 651 1185 / +964 770444 4899
Israel: +972 54 7520711 / +972 54 2428378
Jordan: +962 770 422 276
Kuwait: +965 65501946
Lebanon: +961 76860128
Oman: +968 98282270 (Whatsapp) / 80071234 (Toll free) Qatar: +974 55647502
Ramallah, Palestine: +970 592916418
Saudi Arabia (Riyadh): +966 11 4884697 / 800 247 1234 (Toll free)
Saudi Arabia (Jeddah): +966 126648660 / +966 12 2614093 United Arab Emirates: +971 543090571 (Whatsapp) /
US strikes nearly 2,000 targets in Iran as Operation Epic Fury intensifies
The United States has dramatically expanded its military campaign against Iran under Operation Epic Fury, with nearly 2,000 targets struck in less than 100 hours. US Central Command chief Admiral Brad Cooper said the strikes have severely weakened Iran’s air defence systems and destroyed hundreds of ballistic missiles, launchers, and drones.
According to Cooper, US and Israeli air forces are now dominating Iranian airspace, allowing American bombers to conduct “uncontested surgical strikes” deep inside the country. The commander said the campaign is now focused on eliminating Iran’s remaining mobile missile launchers.
US says Iran’s ability to retaliate is ‘declining rapidly’
Despite Iran launching over 500 ballistic missiles and more than 2,000 drones, Washington claims Tehran’s offensive capability is weakening. Admiral Cooper said Iran’s ability to strike US forces and allied assets was steadily declining as American combat power in the region continues to increase.
He added that every branch of the US military is now involved in the operation and that the campaign is running “ahead of the original plan.” Cooper said US and Israeli forces would continue targeting missile launchers, naval assets, and command centres across Iran.
US says Iranian navy crippled, key warships destroyed
The United States also claimed major success against Iran’s naval forces. Admiral Cooper said US operations have destroyed 17 Iranian ships, including a key operational submarine that was heavily damaged.
According to the US military, Iranian naval presence has effectively disappeared from the Arabian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, and Gulf of Oman. Washington said the move was intended to secure international shipping lanes that Iran has historically threatened.
CIA facility inside US Embassy compound in Riyadh hit by drone attack
Even as US strikes intensify, Iran has continued retaliatory operations. According to Fox News, a CIA station located within the US Embassy compound in Riyadh was hit by two drones, causing structural damage and smoke inside the facility.
Officials said there were no immediate reports of injuries. The attack is one of several drone incidents targeting US-linked sites across the Gulf since the conflict began.
Suspected Iranian drone strike sparks fire near US Consulate in Dubai
Authorities in Dubai confirmed that a fire near the US Consulate General was caused by a suspected drone strike. Emergency services quickly contained the blaze and confirmed that no injuries were reported.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio later said the drone struck a parking area adjacent to the consulate building. All American personnel were accounted for following the incident.
UAE says it intercepted hundreds of Iranian drones
The United Arab Emirates said its air defence systems intercepted the vast majority of Iranian drones launched toward its territory. According to the UAE Ministry of Defence, 812 Iranian drones were detected, with 755 successfully intercepted.
Officials said a small number fell within the country but caused limited damage. The UAE emphasised it is not a party to the conflict and has not allowed its territory to be used for attacks on Iran.
Mossad message warns Iran’s next leader may face same fate
Following the strike in Qom, Israel’s intelligence agency Mossad posted a message in Persian warning that any successor to Khamenei would face the same consequences. The message said the future of Iran’s leadership would ultimately be decided by the Iranian people.
The post included a graphic showing dominoes featuring images of clerics believed to be possible candidates for Iran’s next supreme leader.
Israel strikes Qom building where clerics were meeting to choose Khamenei successor
Israel reportedly struck a building in the Iranian city of Qom where senior clerics had gathered to discuss a successor to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Israeli officials said the meeting involved members of the Assembly of Experts, the body responsible for selecting Iran’s supreme leader.
Iranian state media disputed the claim, saying the building was an unused structure and not a meeting venue. The Assembly of Experts has not convened since 1989, when it appointed Khamenei as Iran’s leader.
Airlines suspend flights as Middle East airspace disruptions spread
Major airlines have begun adjusting operations as the conflict disrupts airspace across the Middle East. Air India said it has extended the suspension of most flights to and from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Israel and Qatar until March 4.
The airline said flights to Europe, North America and the UK will continue via alternative routes. Passengers have been offered refunds, rescheduling options and assistance through customer support.
Airlines are also introducing additional services to accommodate stranded travellers. Air Canada announced increased frequencies on the Toronto-Delhi route and larger aircraft on select Toronto-London-Mumbai flights.
Meanwhile, SpiceJet said it will operate eight special flights from Fujairah in the UAE to India to help passengers affected by the disruption.
Airlines suspend flights as Middle East airspace disruptions spread
Major airlines have begun adjusting operations as the conflict disrupts airspace across the Middle East. Air India said it has extended the suspension of most flights to and from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Israel and Qatar until March 4.
The airline said flights to Europe, North America and the UK will continue via alternative routes. Passengers have been offered refunds, rescheduling options and assistance through customer support.
Airlines are also introducing additional services to accommodate stranded travellers. Air Canada announced increased frequencies on the Toronto-Delhi route and larger aircraft on select Toronto-London-Mumbai flights.
Meanwhile, SpiceJet said it will operate eight special flights from Fujairah in the UAE to India to help passengers affected by the disruption.
Global leaders call for restraint as conflict escalates
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney spoke with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and expressed solidarity with the Gulf nation amid Iranian drone and missile attacks. Canada condemned the targeting of civilians and called for immediate de-escalation.
The UAE reiterated that it is not participating in the conflict and has not allowed its territory or airspace to be used for attacks on Iran.
US open to deal with ‘new govt’ in Iran: White House
Washington signalled that it could move quickly toward a diplomatic agreement with Iran if a new government takes power in Tehran and abandons nuclear weapons ambitions. Senior Trump administration officials said sanctions relief and economic engagement could follow if Iran integrates into the regional security framework and complies with strict nuclear restrictions.
“The door will be wide open if a new government comes in and says we’re ready to get along with everyone in the region,” a senior administration official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. Officials added that any deal would require Iran to halt support for proxy groups, stop missile threats against neighbours, and keep its nuclear programme strictly civilian.
Trump warns Iran could replace one hardliner with another
US President Donald Trump said the worst possible outcome of the conflict would be replacing Iran’s current leadership with another equally hardline government. Speaking alongside German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the White House, Trump said Washington hopes any leadership change benefits ordinary Iranians.
Asked about exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, Trump said he could be “an option,” though he suggested a figure emerging from inside Iran might ultimately be more appropriate. Trump also indicated that recent strikes had significantly disrupted Iran’s leadership structure.
Rubio says strikes meant to end Iran’s missile threat
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington launched military strikes because Iran could not be allowed to shield its nuclear ambitions behind ballistic missiles and drones. Speaking at the US Capitol after briefing lawmakers, Rubio said the campaign aims to dismantle key elements of Iran’s offensive capabilities.
“We are going to destroy their missiles and their missile launchers,” Rubio said. He added that US Central Command is carrying out what he described as a systematic destruction of Iran’s missile infrastructure.
US says Iran had uranium for ‘11 bombs worth’ of material
The White House said intelligence gathered during recent negotiations indicated Iran possessed enough highly enriched uranium for “11 bombs worth of nuclear material". According to a senior administration official, Tehran, at present, holds nearly 10,000 kilograms of enriched uranium across multiple facilities.
Officials said about 460 kilograms had already been enriched to 60 per cent purity, which is close to weapons-grade levels. They argued that the findings convinced Washington that Tehran was preserving the building blocks needed to produce nuclear weapons.
Oil prices surge amid fears over Strait of Hormuz
Oil and natural gas prices jumped as markets reacted to the escalating conflict and the risk of disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, which is one of the world’s most important energy shipping routes.
US President Donald Trump announced that Washington would provide political risk insurance and guarantees for maritime trade moving through the Gulf. He also warned that the US Navy could escort tankers if necessary to ensure the free flow of energy supplies.