The Middle East conflict, which began on February 28, has moved into a new and more confusing phase, with military action now running alongside a fierce battle over what is real and what is not. On the latest day of escalation, US President Donald Trump accused Iran of using artificial intelligence to spread fake visuals of battlefield damage, even as fresh claims and counterclaims emerged from across the region.
Israel said it had hit more than 200 targets inside Iran over the past day, while Iran’s Revolutionary Guard claimed coordinated missile and drone strikes on four US airbases. At the same time, India said its ships and seafarers in the region remained safe, Air India outlined West Asia operations, and French President Emmanuel Macron called for an immediate end to attacks and the restoration of freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
Latest updates on US-Israel-Iran tensions
Trump claims everything destroyed on Iran's Kharg Island except oil pipes
US President Donald Trump on Monday claimed that the American strikes on Iran's Kharg Island "literally destroyed everything" except the oil pipes.
"We attacked Kharg Island and literally destroyed everything on the island except the area where the oil is. We left the pipes. We didn't want to do that, but we could do that on 5 minutes notice. But for purposes of someday rebuilding Iran, we did the right thing," Trump said.
https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2033579828075454602
Trump claims everything destroyed on Iran's Kharg Island except oil pipes
US President Donald Trump on Monday claimed that the American strikes on Iran's Kharg Island "literally destroyed everything" except the oil pipes.
"We attacked Kharg Island and literally destroyed everything on the island except the area where the oil is. We left the pipes. We didn't want to do that, but we could do that on 5 minutes notice. But for purposes of someday rebuilding Iran, we did the right thing," Trump said.
https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2033579828075454602
Netanyahu shares another video amid death rumours
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday released yet another video of himself interacting with people amid death rumours circulating on social media.
"Sticking to the guidelines and winning together >>" Netanyahu captioned the video.
This follows a previous video of Netanyahu sipping coffee and showing his five fingers.
However, Grok, the AI chatbot of X Corps, had labelled the video as "deepfake".
https://twitter.com/netanyahu/status/2033515975379911114
LPG tanker Shivalik, which crossed the Strait of Hormuz, arrives at the Mundra Port
https://twitter.com/airnewsalerts/status/2033509245468152216
"Very much alive": Israel's Envoy to India refutes Netanyahu death rumours, confirms cafe video is not AI
Dismissing viral claims regarding the health and status of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel's Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, has confirmed the leader is "very much alive" and clarified that recent footage of him is authentic.
The Ambassador addressed the viral social media rumours, asserting that a recent video of the Prime Minister at a cafe is genuine and was not created using artificial intelligence.
"Prime Minister Netanyahu is alive. I saw him personally when I was in Israel more than once. This video at the cafe is not AI-fabricated. There is a lot of disinformation," he said.
Iran-Israel tensions create logistical challenges for India's trade: Commerce Secretary
As the West Asia conflict entered its third week, Rajesh Agrawal, Commerce Secretary on Monday flagged the logistical challenges for trade for India.
Speaking about the situation, the Commerce Secretary said, "There are logistical challenges that are being faced. Air cargo is also facing certain challenges because of some destruction in flights."
He added that the disruptions could affect trade flows between India and the region."It will have some impact. Their imports from India will also suffer because they are also dependent on India for multiple categories," Agrawal said.
However, he emphasised that both sides are working to address the issues and keep trade channels functional.
"Both sides are very engaged in finding solutions which can address some of these challenges. It may have some impact, but it will not be completely wiped out," he said.
Crude oil available in sufficient quantity, petrol pumps operating normally: Petroleum Ministry
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas on Monday assured that there is no shortage of crude oil in the country and that fuel supply remains stable across India.
Speaking on the issue, Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary (Marketing & Oil Refinery) in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, said that crude oil is available in sufficient quantity and all refineries are operating at their highest capacity.
"Crude is available in sufficient quantity. All refineries are operating at the highest capacity. Our petrol pumps are operating normally. No dry out has been reported anywhere," Sharma said.
Over 2 lakh Gulf passengers returned to India: MEA official says Indians in Iran crossed into Armenia, Azerbaijan
Forty-five flights from various countries in the Gulf region, includng the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman and the Qatar are expected to land at various airports in India on Monday, an Indian government official said adding that around 2,20,000 Indians have returned to the country since February 28, when the war first began.
Flights are operating from Qatar, as its airspace has partially reopened, with three flights expected today and tomorrow to different destinations in India, according to Aseem Mahajan, Joint Secretary (Gulf) at the Ministry of External Affairs.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that 550 Indian nationals have crossed into Armenia through the land border. At the same time, 90 Indians have travelled into Azerbaijan from Iran via the land border.
UPDATE from Dubai: Traffic resumes, but the Airport road is closed
Dubai Police says, "Traffic has resumed following the earlier closures, while Airport Road remains closed for vehicles coming from Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, Al Khawaneej, and the Marrakech Street intersection in the direction of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road."
UK says no to joining the 'wider war' in Iran
Amid US President Donald Trump's pressure on his NATO allies to join his war against Iran, UK Prime Minister Keir Starment on Monday said that his country will defend itself and allies but won't be "drawn into the wider war".
“While taking the necessary action to defend ourselves and our allies, we will not be drawn into the wider war…we will keep working towards a swift resolution towards a swift resolution that brings security and stability back to the region and stops the Iranian threat to its neighbour,” Starmer said.
Japan begins releasing oil reserves as Hormuz crisis deepens
Japan has started releasing fuel from private-sector reserves to stabilise supply as shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains disrupted. The fuel being released is equivalent to about 15 days of consumption. Authorities said additional reserves may be released later if the crisis continues.
Morgan Stanley warns Hormuz tensions could strain India’s oil supply
Morgan Stanley said disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz could create short-term stress for India’s crude supply chain. The brokerage noted that nearly half of India’s oil imports come from the Middle East. However, existing reserves and alternative sourcing routes could cushion the immediate impact.
Jaishankar thanks Armenia for evacuating Indian nationals
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar thanked Armenia for helping evacuate more than 550 Indian nationals from Iran. Many of the evacuees were students who travelled by road to Armenia before boarding flights home. Indian missions coordinated the operation with authorities in Tehran and Yerevan.
Israel claims strike destroyed aircraft linked to Iranian leadership
The Israeli Air Force said it destroyed an aircraft used by Iran’s leadership at Mehrabad Airport in Tehran.
According to Israeli officials, the plane had been used for diplomatic and logistical missions involving senior Iranian figures. The strike was described as part of the broader aerial campaign.
Israel envoy dismisses viral rumours about Netanyahu
Responding to online speculation, Israel’s ambassador to India confirmed that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is “very much alive”.
He said a recent video showing Netanyahu at a cafe is authentic and not AI-generated. The envoy described the rumours circulating online as disinformation.
Israel says war aims against Iran remain unchanged
Israel’s Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, said the objectives of the joint US-Israel campaign remain fixed. He said the goal is to neutralise Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile threats while weakening forces that support the current regime.
According to the envoy, there has been “no shifting of the goalposts”.
India warns trade flows facing logistics disruptions
India’s Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal said the West Asia conflict is creating logistical challenges for trade, particularly in air cargo.
He noted that disruptions to flights and shipping routes could affect exports and imports between India and the region. An inter-ministerial group is reviewing the situation daily.
Iran rejects ceasefire talks, vows to keep fighting
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has dismissed suggestions that Tehran is seeking a ceasefire or negotiations with Washington.
In an interview with CBS, he said Iran would continue its military response for as long as necessary. He described the conflict as a “war of choice” by the United States.
US energy chief says Iran war could end within weeks
US Energy Secretary Chris Wright said Washington expects the conflict with Iran could conclude within weeks if current military operations continue.
Speaking on ABC’s This Week, he said there are no guarantees in war but the campaign appears to be progressing quickly.
Explosions reported near Iran’s Chabahar free trade zone
US fighter jets have reportedly targeted Iranian military positions near the Chabahar Free Trade Zone in Sistan and Baluchestan province, according to media reports cited by IANS.
Explosions were heard in the area behind the zone. The strike comes as the conflict enters its third week.
Over 4,300 Indian flights cancelled amid West Asia crisis
Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu told the Lok Sabha that more than 4,335 flights by Indian airlines and 1,187 by foreign carriers have been cancelled due to the West Asia conflict.
He said safety remains the top priority as several airspaces in the region remain closed. Despite the disruption, over 2.19 lakh passengers have still travelled during the tense period.
India says dialogue with Tehran key to energy security
The Indian government has emphasised continued diplomatic engagement with Iran to protect energy supplies. Jaishankar said India prefers coordination and negotiation with Tehran rather than disengagement while tensions in the Gulf remain high.
Indian LPG carriers pass through Hormuz amid tensions
Jaishankar cited the safe transit of two Indian-flagged LPG carriers - Shivalik and Nanda Devi - as an example of ongoing coordination with Iran. The vessels are carrying around 92,700 metric tonnes of LPG and are currently headed to Indian ports. However, he said passage for ships is still being handled on a case-by-case basis.
India pushes diplomatic route to reopen Hormuz
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said India is engaging directly with Tehran to help restore maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. In an interview with the Financial Times, he said dialogue with Iran was already producing some results and remained the most practical way to stabilise shipping flows.
South Korea reviewing US request on Hormuz security
South Korea said it is discussing Washington’s proposal to secure shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz. The presidential office in Seoul said any possible deployment would follow a careful review of the evolving security situation. No decision has yet been announced.
Japan says no decision yet on escort ships for Hormuz
Japan has not made any decision about sending naval escort ships to the Middle East, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi told Parliament. According to Reuters, Tokyo is still reviewing what actions it can take within its legal framework.
Australia rules out sending naval ship to Strait of Hormuz
Australia has said it will not deploy a navy ship to protect oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz. Cabinet minister Catherine King said Canberra had not received a formal request and currently had no plans for military involvement. The government also warned Australians against travelling through several Middle East transit hubs due to the escalating conflict.
Allies cautious after Trump seeks warship coalition for Hormuz
Several US allies have taken a cautious stance after President Donald Trump urged about seven nations to deploy warships to safeguard shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Despite the strategic importance of the route, no country has yet committed naval assets. Governments are instead reviewing options as tensions in the region continue to disrupt global energy trade.
US defence chief says Iran’s leadership under pressure
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said Iran’s newly installed Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei had been wounded and forced into hiding amid the ongoing strikes.
Speaking at a Pentagon briefing, he said Iran’s leadership structure was under severe pressure as the military campaign intensified.
Iran’s supreme leader vows retaliation and compensation from ‘enemy’
Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei said Tehran would seek compensation from its “enemy” for damage caused during the conflict. In a message shared on Telegram, he warned that if compensation was refused, Iran could seize or destroy equivalent assets. He also reiterated that closing the Strait of Hormuz remains a strategic tool.
Oil prices surge past $100 amid Hormuz disruption
Tensions around the Strait of Hormuz have sent oil markets sharply higher, with crude prices crossing $100 per barrel since the conflict escalated. In the United States, petrol prices have also jumped significantly in recent weeks. The waterway carries nearly 20 per cent of global oil shipments.
Iran says several countries seeking passage guarantees for ships
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said multiple countries have approached Tehran to ensure safe passage for their vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.
He said decisions on allowing ships through the waterway rest with Iran’s military authorities. Some vessels from different countries have already been permitted to pass, he added.
Trump seeks international warship coalition to keep Hormuz open
US President Donald Trump said he has asked around seven countries to send warships to help safeguard shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, he said nations heavily dependent on Middle Eastern oil should help police the vital route. Nearly a fifth of the world’s oil exports pass through the strait.
Flights halted at Dubai International Airport after drone-linked incident
Flights were temporarily suspended at Dubai International Airport after authorities responded to a fire triggered by what officials described as a “drone-related incident” near a fuel tank.
Airport authorities said the suspension was a precaution to ensure the safety of passengers and staff. Travellers have been advised to contact airlines for updates on their flights.
UK says ending war is the ‘best way’ to reopen Strait of Hormuz
British Energy Secretary Ed Miliband warned that the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz is driving a sharp rise in global oil and gas prices.
Speaking to British media, he said bringing the conflict to an end remained the most effective way to restore shipping through the strategic chokepoint. The strait carries roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supplies.
Starmer raises Hormuz shipping crisis in call with Trump
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke with US President Donald Trump on Sunday about the escalating Middle East conflict and the disruption to global shipping caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
According to a statement from Downing Street cited by Xinhua, Starmer stressed the urgent need to reopen the vital waterway to restore trade flows and stabilise rising energy costs. Both leaders agreed to remain in close contact as the situation evolves.
Trump says Kharg Island can be hit again if needed
The US President said Washington had already struck Kharg Island and could hit the remaining oil-linked infrastructure at very short notice if it chose to. He also claimed Iran now wanted talks badly, though he added that Tehran was not yet ready to do what was required.
Also Read: Iran’s ‘forbidden island’: Kharg Island explained – the oil ‘crown jewel’ at the centre of US-Iran escalation
Trump says Iran is ‘decimated’, but stops short of declaring war over
Speaking to reporters on Air Force One, Trump said Iran had been so badly hit that rebuilding would take “10 years and more” if the fighting stopped now. He said he was not formally declaring the conflict over, but claimed Iran had been “essentially defeated” militarily.
Trump rejects reports of damage to US military assets
Trump also denied reports that five US refuelling aircraft had been badly hit, saying all but one were fully operational and that the remaining one would be back soon.
He further dismissed claims that the USS Abraham Lincoln had been attacked, saying the carrier was neither burning nor even targeted.
Trump accuses Iran of using AI to push ‘fake war’ visuals
US President Donald Trump has accused Iran of using artificial intelligence as a “disinformation weapon” to spread false visuals about the war, according to ANI. In a Truth Social post, he said clips showing attacks on ships and images of US assets burning were fake and were being amplified by what he called “Fake News Media”.
Iran says it struck four US airbases in coordinated attack
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it and its naval forces launched missile and drone attacks on four US airbases at dawn on Sunday, ANI reported, citing Al Jazeera.
The IRGC claimed command centres, air traffic control towers and air defence facilities were among the targets, and said satellite images showed extensive damage.
Iran says nuclear material is buried under rubble after strikes
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the country’s nuclear material was now buried under rubble after recent attacks on nuclear facilities, according to CBS News as cited by ANI.
He said the material could possibly be retrieved in the future under the supervision of the international agency, but added that Iran had no current plan to recover it.
Israel says it hit more than 200 targets inside Iran in the past day
The Israeli Air Force said it struck over 200 targets across western and central Iran over the past 24 hours, including headquarters, defence systems, and sites linked to weapons production and storage. In a separate post, it also shared footage of F-35I Adir fighter jets heading out for the mission.
Macron urges Iran to halt attacks and reopen Hormuz passage
French President Emmanuel Macron said he spoke to Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian and urged an immediate end to attacks carried out directly or through allied groups in the region.
He also said freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz must be restored as soon as possible and warned that continued escalation could push the wider region deeper into chaos.
India says seafarers safe after Fujairah terminal attack
India said the Indian-flagged vessel Jag Laadki sailed safely after the Fujairah oil terminal was attacked while it was loading crude, and that all Indian seafarers on board were safe.
The government also said two Indian-flag LPG carriers - Shivalik and Nanda Devi - had crossed the Strait of Hormuz and were on their way to India.
Air India, Air India Express to run 48 West Asia-linked flights
Air India said the group would operate 48 scheduled and non-scheduled flights to and from the West Asia region, including services to Jeddah, Muscat, the UAE and Saudi Arabia, subject to conditions.
The airline said passengers affected on temporarily suspended routes could rebook without extra charge or opt for a full refund.