Nine days after the US and Israel carried out strikes on Iranian territory, the conflict in West Asia continues to widen, drawing in political upheaval, missile exchanges, and economic tremors far beyond the battlefield. The crisis has already left thousands dead or displaced and triggered fresh fears of a broader regional war.
On Monday, Iran announced a major leadership change. Ayatollah Sayyed Mojtaba Khamenei, the second son of the late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, has been chosen as the country’s new Supreme Leader by the Assembly of Experts. The announcement was followed by celebrations in parts of Iran even as fresh missile strikes were reported.
US-Iran War Top updates
Behind US attack on Iran, a plan to split the Islamic Republic, capture its oil resources: Tehran
Iran on Monday accused the United States of seeking to partition the Islamic Republic and seize control of its oil resources as part of its plans amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia.
Speaking at a press conference in Tehran, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei alleged that Washington's actions are aimed at gaining illegal control over Iran's vast energy reserves, adding that the objective of the United States and Israel is to violate Iran's sovereignty and weaken the country.
Baghaei claimed that Iran had been engaged in diplomatic efforts and several rounds of negotiations before the escalation of hostilities and stated that the statements made against Iran by the US and Israel were attempting to justify their military actions.
"They aim at partitioning our country to take illegal possession of our oil riches. Even before the US and Zionist entities' belligerent acts started, we were fully engaged in diplomatic efforts and many rounds of talks. They are doing all they can in order to provide justification for their crimes. Their main objective is to violate our sovereignty, defeat our people and undermine our humanity. All these facts are quite clear, and we do not have to elaborate," the spokesperson said.
The Iranian spokesperson further alleged that Washington's broader strategy involves gaining control of global energy resources, including those of Iran and Venezuela.
Behind US attack on Iran, a plan to split the Islamic Republic, capture its oil resources: Tehran
Iran on Monday accused the United States of seeking to partition the Islamic Republic and seize control of its oil resources as part of its plans amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia.
Speaking at a press conference in Tehran, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei alleged that Washington's actions are aimed at gaining illegal control over Iran's vast energy reserves, adding that the objective of the United States and Israel is to violate Iran's sovereignty and weaken the country.
Baghaei claimed that Iran had been engaged in diplomatic efforts and several rounds of negotiations before the escalation of hostilities and stated that the statements made against Iran by the US and Israel were attempting to justify their military actions.
"They aim at partitioning our country to take illegal possession of our oil riches. Even before the US and Zionist entities' belligerent acts started, we were fully engaged in diplomatic efforts and many rounds of talks. They are doing all they can in order to provide justification for their crimes. Their main objective is to violate our sovereignty, defeat our people and undermine our humanity. All these facts are quite clear, and we do not have to elaborate," the spokesperson said.
The Iranian spokesperson further alleged that Washington's broader strategy involves gaining control of global energy resources, including those of Iran and Venezuela.
Watch: Moment Iranian 'cluster' bomb hit Israel, killing one
https://twitter.com/kann_news/status/2030965166406254857
Trump 'not happy' after Iran picks Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's son as new Supreme Leader
US President Donald Trump on Monday said that he was “not happy” after Iran picked Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's son Mojtaba Khamenei as its new Supreme Leader.
Trump had earlier suggested that the new Supreme Leader would need his approval.
Trump 'not happy' after Iran picks Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's son as new Supreme Leader
US President Donald Trump on Monday said that he was “not happy” after Iran picked Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's son Mojtaba Khamenei as its new Supreme Leader.
Trump had earlier suggested that the new Supreme Leader would need his approval.
Trump says Australia making 'terrible humanitarian mistake' by allowing Iran's women's soccer team to be forced back to their country
"Australia is making a terrible humanitarian mistake by allowing the Iran National Woman’s Soccer team to be forced back to Iran, where they will most likely be killed. Don’t do it, Mr. Prime Minister, give ASYLUM. The U.S. will take them if you won’t. Thank you for your attention to this matter. President DONALD J. TRUMP," the US President posted on X.
Iran minister calls US attack 'Operation Epic Mistake', flags skyrocketing crude oil prices
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Monday said that oil prices have doubled in the nine days of what he called "Operation Epic Mistake".
"9 days into Operation Epic Mistake, oil prices have doubled while all commodities are skyrocketing. We know the U.S. is plotting against our oil and nuclear sites in hopes of containing huge inflationary shock. Iran is fully prepared," Araghchi said, adding, "And we, too, have many surprises in store."
India advises its nationals in Iran not to approach land border without prior coordination with Embassy
The Indian Embassy in Tehran on Monday advised its nationals in Iran not to approach any of the land borders for travelling outside the country without prior coordination with the Embassy.
The Embassy said that it will not be able to help Indian nationals after they have travelled out of Iran and are not able to enter any other nation.
In the advisory issued on X, the Indian Embassy in Iran stated, "Indian nationals are hereby advised not to approach any of the land borders of Iran for travel outside the country without prior coordination with the Embassy. Any movement towards land border points should be undertaken only after obtaining explicit guidance from the Embassy."
"It may please be noted that the Embassy will not be in a position to extend assistance once individuals have exited Iranian territory and are unable to enter the third country concerned," it added.
The Embassy said that Indian nationals can contact them through emergency contact helplines or through email.
Iran launches 31st wave of missile strikes against US-Israeli targets
IRGC on Monday said that Iran has launched the 31st wave of the "True Promise 4" operation against US-Israeli targets using ultra-heavy missiles, dedicated to the Commander-in-Chief of theArmed Forces, Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei, under the code word "Labbaik Ya Khamenei".
https://twitter.com/Irantimes72/status/2031006477301993637
Iran launches 31st wave of missile strikes against US-Israeli targets
IRGC on Monday said that Iran has launched the 31st wave of the "True Promise 4" operation against US-Israeli targets using ultra-heavy missiles, dedicated to the Commander-in-Chief of theArmed Forces, Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei, under the code word "Labbaik Ya Khamenei".
https://twitter.com/Irantimes72/status/2031006477301993637
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Monday said that the US and Israel are well on their way to achieving their objective in Iran - to destroy their ability to launch missiles and drones.
"This is a terroristic regime and we are seeing them conduct terrorism using nation-state elements, using weapons like missiles and one-way attack drones, and the objective of this mission is to destroy their ability to continue to do that — and we are well on our way to achieving that objective," Rubio said.
https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2031002198969114926
Bodies of American soldiers killed in Iranian strikes brought to the US
"Freedom is never free. America will never forget their service and sacrifice," says White House.
https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/2030999216277884997
Two UAE Armed Forces soldiers killed in helicopter crash
The UAE Ministry of Defence on Monday said that two members of the Armed Forces were killed following a helicopter crash due to a technical malfunction on March 9, 2026.
"The Ministry of Defence extends its deepest condolences and sincere sympathies to the families of the two martyrs, praying that Almighty God grants them His vast mercy and gives their families patience and solace," the UAE MoD said.
15 ballistic missiles detected today, 12 destroyed by the UAE
The UAE Ministry of Defence on Monday said the Middle Eastern country intercepted 12 out of 15 ballistic missiles it detected today. Three missiles fell into the sea.
“A total of 18 UAVs were also detected, with 17 intercepted, while 1 fell within the country’s territory. Since the start of the Iranian attacks, 253 ballistic missiles have been detected. Of these, 233 were destroyed, 18 fell into the sea, and 2 landed within the country."
LPG booking period increased from 21 to 25 days; refineries asked to boost LPG output: Govt Sources
To prevent hoarding and black marketing, the booking period for LPG gas cylinders has been increased from 21 to 25 days, as per government sources.
"There were instances that people who were earlier booking LPG cylinders in 55 Days have started booking cylinders in 15 days," they said on Monday.
The government has ordered refineries to boost LPG output and also ordered to prioritise domestic LPG over commercial connections.
"Domestic consumers will always be a priority," the sources reaffirmed, as India scouts for more LPG partners. Countries like Algeria, Australia, Canada, Norway have approached to sell LPG to India, they added.
Turkey says Iranian missile destroyed by nato air defences after it entered Turkish airspace
The Turkish Defence Ministry on Monday said that an Iranian missile entered its airspace and was subsequently destroyed by the NATO air and missile defence assets.
In a statement, the ministry further added that the debris of the intercepted Iranian missile fell onto an empty piece of land in Gaziantep. There were no injuries or casualties due to the strike.
Amid global disruption in energy supply, Iran continues to send large amounts of crude oil via the Strait of Hormuz
Amid the global disruption in the supply of energy products due to the Middle East conflict, Iran continues to send large amounts of crude oil via the Strait of Hormuz shipping chokepoint, according to a report by Bloomberg.
The report, citing TankerTrackers.com, claimed that Tehran has managed to send at least 11 million to 12 million barrels of crude oil through the waterway since February 28, when the war broke out.
One killed, 2 seriously injured in Iranian strikes in Israel
At least one person was killed and two others were seriously injured in an Iranian missile strike at central Israel on Monday. Israel Defence Forces (IDF) claimed that the missile carried a cluster bomb warhead and hit at least six sites across central Israel, including in Yehud, Or Yehuda, Holon and Bat Yam.
According to the Times of Israel, one man was killed, and another was critically wounded at a construction site in Yehud, and a third man was seriously wounded in Or Yehuda.
This takes Israel's death toll in Iranian strikes since February 28 to 11.
UK PM pushes back on Trump's criticism, warns of economic impact of Iran war as crude crosses USD 100 per barrel
Pushing back on US President Donald Trump’s criticism of him over the UK’s response to its attacks on Iran, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Monday asserted that the decisions about what is in Britain’s best interest are decisions for the Prime Minister of Britain.
“And that’s how I’ve approached all of the questions and all of the decisions I have had to make,” he added.
Starmer said that he spoke to Trump over the phone on Sunday, adding that the two countries are continuing to work together.
He also expressed concerns over the likely impact of the Iran war on the UK’s economy. “The longer this goes on, the more likely the potential for an impact on our economy, impact on the lives and households of everybody and every business,” he said.
Jaishankar warns Rajya Sabha of possible supply chain disruptions
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar told the Rajya Sabha that the West Asia conflict could trigger serious supply chain disruptions affecting global trade and shipping routes.
He said the government is closely monitoring developments due to their potential economic impact.
Jaishankar said the government’s “overriding priority” is protecting Indian consumers as the crisis affects global energy markets.
New Delhi, he added, continues to assess the implications for fuel supplies and trade flows.
Strait of Hormuz disruption could hit global supply chains
According to Fitch, extended disruption around the Strait of Hormuz could affect shipping routes and supply chains worldwide.
The agency said countries with strong trade ties to Gulf states could face production delays and higher costs.
Fitch warns Iran conflict may strain India and other emerging markets
Ratings agency Fitch said the escalating Iran conflict could create economic challenges for emerging markets, including India, particularly through higher energy costs and supply disruptions.
The agency flagged risks to energy imports, remittances, exchange rates, and fiscal subsidies.
Fitch warned that sustained high oil prices could strain government budgets in countries that subsidise fuel or energy.
The agency also cautioned that a longer disruption to Gulf energy supplies could hurt investor sentiment and global financial markets.
Bahrain energy company declares force majeure
State energy firm Bapco Energies has declared force majeure on parts of its operations, Bahrain’s state news agency reported.
The move comes amid the escalating regional conflict and security disruptions following the drone strike.
Bahrain activates nationwide sirens after drone strike near Manama
Bahrain’s Interior Ministry activated emergency sirens across the country, urging residents to move to the nearest safe place.
Authorities issued the alert after a drone attack in the Sitra area, south of the capital Manama, according to reports cited by Al Jazeera.
Bahrain’s Interior Ministry said civilian infrastructure was hit during the drone attack, including a water desalination facility.
Officials accused Iran of targeting civilian sites, saying the strike caused material damage to the plant.
UAE reports hundreds of missiles and drones intercepted since war began
Since the conflict escalated, the UAE said it has detected 238 ballistic missiles, intercepting 221 of them, with others falling into the sea or landing in the country.
Authorities also tracked 1,422 Iranian drones, destroying the majority before impact.
Officials said the attacks have resulted in four deaths, involving foreign nationals from Nepal, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.
A total of 112 people have been injured, including residents from several countries such as Sudan, India, Egypt, and the Philippines.
UAE confirms air defences responding to missile threat
The UAE Ministry of Defence said its air defence systems are currently responding to incoming missile threats as tensions in the region intensify.
Residents were advised to remain indoors and follow official updates as intercept operations continued.
Authorities said the loud sounds heard across parts of the UAE were the result of air defence systems intercepting ballistic missiles, while fighter jets engaged drones and loitering munitions.
The military has been placed on high alert to counter further aerial threats.
Trump avoids timeline for war despite White House estimate
While the White House has suggested the conflict could last four to six weeks, Trump declined to commit to a fixed timeline.
Trump says decision to end Iran war will be taken with Netanyahu
US President Donald Trump said the decision on when to end the ongoing war with Iran will be taken in consultation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, according to The Times of Israel.
“We’ve been talking. I’ll make a decision at the right time, but everything will be taken into account,” Trump said in a phone interview.
In the same interview, Trump claimed the US-Israel intervention prevented Iran from attacking Israel and destabilising the region.
“Iran was going to destroy Israel and everything else around it,” he said, adding that joint operations had significantly weakened Tehran.
Doha expresses solidarity with Saudi Arabia after civilian deaths
Qatar said it stands in full solidarity with Saudi Arabia following the strike and supports measures taken by the kingdom to safeguard its security.
The Foreign Ministry urged all parties to respect international law and avoid steps that could widen the circle of conflict in West Asia.
Qatar condemns Iranian strike on residential site in Saudi Arabia
Qatar has strongly criticised an Iranian attack that hit a residential facility in Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia, killing two civilians and injuring several others.
In a statement posted on X, Qatar’s Foreign Ministry called the strike “a flagrant violation of international law” and warned that such actions risk deepening instability across the region.
Asian markets tumble as oil prices surge on West Asia tensions
Asian markets opened sharply lower on Monday as crude oil prices jumped amid the escalating conflict in West Asia.
Japan’s Nikkei and South Korea’s KOSPI both dropped about 7%, while markets in Hong Kong, Taiwan and Singapore also slipped as investors reacted to the surge in oil prices.
Oil spikes above $115 amid supply disruption fears
Crude oil prices surged more than 25%, touching around $115 per barrel during early trading.
The spike has heightened concerns over inflation and supply disruptions as the conflict threatens key energy routes across the region.
Trump reacts cautiously to Iran’s leadership change
US President Donald Trump offered only a brief reaction after Iran appointed a new Supreme Leader.
Asked for his assessment, Trump simply said: “We’ll see what happens.”
Israel warns Iran’s new leadership could be targeted
Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz warned that any new Iranian leader could become a potential military target.
The Israeli military also cautioned that it would pursue any successor or officials involved in appointing one.
Iran says leadership choice is an internal matter
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the country would not accept outside interference in its leadership decisions.
He told NBC that the appointment of a new leader was a purely domestic issue and independent of foreign approval.
Senior Iranian officials have publicly backed the country’s new leadership following the appointment.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) declared it was ready to show complete obedience and support to the new Supreme Leader.
Iranian Foreign Minister backs new leader publicly
Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi congratulated the newly appointed leader in a post on X.
He said Iran’s diplomatic and security institutions would remain committed to defending national interests and security under the new leadership.
Iranian Parliament speaker urges unity after leadership transition
Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf described the leadership transition as a stabilising moment for the country.
He called on citizens to remain united and support the new leadership during a period of national mourning and conflict.
No Indian fatalities in Saudi projectile strike, embassy says
The Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia confirmed that no Indian national was killed after a military projectile struck a residential building in Al Kharj.
One Indian citizen was injured and is currently receiving treatment at a government hospital.
Saudi authorities confirmed that two Bangladeshi nationals were killed.
Textile exporters fear delays and order cancellations
Exporters warn that prolonged shipping disruptions could delay deliveries to global buyers, particularly in Gulf markets.
India exports garments worth nearly $2 billion annually to the UAE, while other Gulf countries import about $1 billion each year.
Shipping disruption forcing vessels to take longer routes
Several cargo ships are now avoiding the Strait of Hormuz, forcing them to travel around Africa via the Cape of Good Hope.
Industry leaders say the diversion is likely to delay shipments by 20–25 days and significantly increase freight costs.
Polyester fibre prices rise sharply in India
The West Asia conflict has begun to affect India’s textile sector, with polyester fibre prices rising by Rs 12 per kilogram over the past week, industry sources said.
Manufacturers say the disruption is linked to shipping delays caused by instability in the Strait of Hormuz.
Passenger traffic from Gulf remains high despite tensions
Data shared by the government showed 51 inbound flights arrived in India on March 7, carrying 8,175 passengers from the region.
A total of 49 inbound flights were scheduled on March 8, as airlines continued to assess airport operations in the conflict zone.
Aviation Ministry monitoring airfares and flight operations
The Ministry of Civil Aviation said it is closely monitoring the evolving situation affecting air travel between India and the West Asia region.
Authorities said airlines are making operational adjustments to ensure passenger safety while keeping ticket prices from surging excessively.
Indian carriers plan 50 inbound flights from West Asia today
Indian airlines have scheduled 50 inbound flights from West Asia to India on Monday, the government said.
Flights are expected from Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Muscat, and Jeddah, operated by Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, Air India Express, and Akasa.
Explosions reported across Gulf states
Explosions were reported in several Gulf countries early Monday as the conflict widened.
Iranian state broadcaster IRIB said blasts were heard in Bahrain and Kuwait, while AFP journalists reported multiple explosions in Doha. Qatar’s Defence Ministry said its forces intercepted a missile attack.
Drone attack in Bahrain injures 32, including children
State-run Bahrain News Agency cited the Health Ministry as saying that an Iranian drone attack near Manama injured at least 32 people.
All those hurt were Bahraini citizens, including a 17-year-old girl with severe head and eye injuries. Officials said four cases were serious, and several children required surgery.
Seventh US soldier dies as Iran conflict widens
Another American service member has died from injuries sustained in an earlier attack linked to the conflict, raising the US troop death toll to seven, US Central Command said.
The soldier had been seriously wounded during an Iranian strike on a Saudi military base on March 1.
US vows to secure Strait of Hormuz amid escalating war
The United States said it will ensure the security of the Strait of Hormuz and maintain the flow of global energy supplies.
US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said American forces were already degrading Iran’s naval capabilities in the region.
Hegseth said US military operations were still in their early stages and could intensify.
“We have just now begun to fight, just now begun to surge,” he said, indicating further military pressure may follow.
UAE President warns country is now ‘in a period of war’
UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan addressed the nation on Abu Dhabi TV amid the escalating regional conflict.
“The country is in a period of war,” he said, adding that the UAE would emerge stronger.
UAE downs most missiles and drones approaching its territory
The UAE Defence Ministry said 16 ballistic missiles were detected, with air defences intercepting 15 while one fell into the sea.
Authorities also tracked 121 drones, destroying 119 before they could reach targets inside the country.
UAE intercepts Iranian missiles; debris hits Dubai Marina tower
UAE air defence systems intercepted incoming Iranian missiles and drones, authorities said. Debris from one intercepted projectile struck the facade of a Dubai Marina tower, briefly sending smoke from the building.
Officials confirmed the situation was contained quickly and no injuries were reported.
Conflict toll rises as fighting continues
The conflict has already taken a severe humanitarian toll inside Iran. Al Jazeera reported that more than 1,300 people have been killed since the strikes began on February 28.
Large-scale displacement is also being reported, with around 100,000 residents forced to flee their homes.
Iran launches missile waves toward Israel
Iran fired two waves of missiles toward Israel, Press TV reported.
According to The Jerusalem Post, missile fragments landed in central Israel, leaving one person injured.
Khamenei account confirms appointment on X
An official post on X from Mojtaba Khamenei’s account confirmed the appointment.
“The representatives of the Assembly of Experts appointed and introduced Ayatollah Sayyid Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei… as the Third Leader of the Sacred Islamic Republic of Iran under Article 108 of the Constitution,” the post said.
Officials call appointment a ‘soothing balm’
Iran’s Parliament Speaker described Mojtaba Khamenei’s appointment as a “soothing balm”, Press TV reported.
Supreme National Security Council Secretary Ali Larijani also urged Iranians to unite behind the new leader and expressed hope for the country’s progress under his leadership.
Military leadership pledges support to new Iranian leader
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the country’s General Staff of the Armed Forces have pledged support to Mojtaba Khamenei, according to Press TV.
Senior officials also called for national unity as the country transitions to a new leadership amid the ongoing conflict.
Iran appoints Mojtaba Khamenei as new Supreme Leader
Crowds gathered in several parts of Iran after the Assembly of Experts named Ayatollah Sayyed Mojtaba Khamenei as the country’s new Supreme Leader, Press TV reported Monday.
Many people were seen taking to the streets following the announcement, celebrating the appointment of the son of the late leader Ali Khamenei.
Iran launches missile waves toward Israel
Iran fired two waves of missiles toward Israel, Press TV reported.
According to The Jerusalem Post, missile fragments landed in central Israel, leaving one person injured.
Conflict toll rises as fighting continues
The conflict has already taken a severe humanitarian toll inside Iran. Al Jazeera reported that more than 1,300 people have been killed since the strikes began on February 28.
Large-scale displacement is also being reported, with around 100,000 residents forced to flee their homes.
Iran warns of retaliation if energy facilities targeted again
Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters warned that Tehran could respond if further attacks target its energy infrastructure.
Spokesperson Ebrahim Zolfaghari said Iran would retaliate if fuel facilities are struck again, warning the conflict could push oil prices beyond $200 per barrel.
IRGC claims strike on Haifa refinery
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it attacked an oil refinery in Israel’s Haifa in retaliation for earlier strikes on Iranian energy facilities.
The IRGC said Kheibarshekan missiles were used in the operation.
Video analysis links school strike to US missile
A newly surfaced video appears to show a US airstrike hitting an IRGC naval base in Minab, near an elementary school where Iranian media said more than 160 children were killed on February 28.
Weapons experts cited by CNN said the missile seen in the footage resembles a Tomahawk cruise missile, which Israel does not operate.
US senator calls Iran war ‘illegal and profoundly unwise’
US Senator Tim Kaine criticised the military campaign, calling it “illegal and profoundly unwise.”
Speaking to CBS News, he warned that the conflict risks repeating mistakes from decades of US wars in the Middle East.
According to Senator Kaine, thousands of US citizens remain stranded across the Middle East due to disrupted travel.
His office has been assisting constituents trying to return home amid the escalating tensions.
Trump defends oil price spike
US President Donald Trump defended the surge in oil prices, saying the short-term spike is worth the cost if Iran’s nuclear threat is eliminated.
“Short term oil prices… is a very small price to pay for U.S.A., and World, Safety and Peace. ONLY FOOLS WOULD THINK DIFFERENTLY!” he wrote on Truth Social.
Oil prices surge past $100 amid war fears
Global oil prices have climbed sharply as the conflict intensifies. US oil futures jumped to around $108 per barrel, their highest level since July 2022, according to CNN Business.
Brent crude also surged close to the same level.
Air India plans extra flights to help stranded passengers
Air India said flights to Jeddah and Muscat will continue as airspace over Saudi Arabia and Oman remains open.
The airline and Air India Express will also operate 32 additional non-scheduled flights to the UAE to bring stranded travellers back to India.
India monitoring situation closely
India’s Ministry of External Affairs said more than 52,000 Indians travelled safely from the Gulf region to India between March 1 and March 7.
The government has also set up a special control room to assist Indian nationals affected by the crisis.