US-Iran War News Updates: Trump Demands Unconditional Surrender'; Fresh Blasts Heard In Tehran

Spanish Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez, has called the United States of America's war on Iran an "extraordinary mistake", reiterating his "no to war" stance, while maintaining that the relations with the US should be guided by "loyal cooperation" rather than confrontation.

Sanchez was speaking at a joint news conference with his Portuguese counterpart, Luis Montenegro, in the Southern city of Huelva. He said that the ties between allies should be maintained "with respect, in the spirit of loyal cooperation and on an equal footing."

ALSO READ: Donald Trump's War On Iran An 'Extraordinary' Mistake: Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez

Energy Secretary Chris Wright on Friday said the US navy was preparing to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz "as soon as it's reasonable to do it," as traffic through the key trade route remains choked due to the US-Israel war on Iran.

"As soon as it's reasonable to do it, we'll escort ships through the straits and get the energy moving again," he told US broadcaster Fox News's "Fox and Friends" show. 

Two loud explosions were heard in eastern Tehran on Friday, AFP journalists said, in an area of the Iranian capital frequently struck by the United States and Israel in its campaign.

A journalist heard two blasts at about 6:00 pm local time (1430 GMT) and saw two large clouds of black smoke rising from the sky in the city's east, while a third, smaller plume could be seen on the horizon.

Saudi Arabia's defence ministry on Friday said it had intercepted and destroyed a cruise missile near the central Al-Kharj area.

"A cruise missile was intercepted and destroyed east of Al-Kharj governorate," the ministry said in a post on X.

An Israeli airstrike on a house in southern Lebanon’s town of Majdal Selm today has killed nine members of the same family, reported Lebanon’s National News Agency.

Israel’s military says Hezbollah has fired about 70 rockets towards Israel since midnight, reported AL Jazeera. Military spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani told journalists that many of the launches came from southern Lebanon.

US President Donald Trump has claimed that the Department of State is “moving thousands of people out of various Countries throughout the Middle East” he said in a post on Truth Social.

Iran has delayed naming new leader out of security concerns.

Source: NYT

Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia, held a telephone conversation with Seyed Abbas Araghchi, Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic Iran, to discuss regional developments following the military aggression by the United States and the Israeli regime against Iran.

According to the Lebanon’s Health Ministry, a total of 217 people and wounded 798 since Monday due to Israeli attacks in the country.

Kuwait on Friday cut oil production at some oil fields.

Source: WSJ

According to IDF, on Friday eight soldiers were injured due to projectile near Lebanon.

A drone has targeted the Energy City logistics camp in Iraq’s Basra province reported AL Jazeera quoting Iraqi security source.

Senior commander of Iranaia Regime was killed on Friday claimed Israeli army, reported AL Jazeera. 

It has not named the individual yet.

US President on Friday has demanded 'unconditional surrender' from Iran. He said," There will be no deal with Iran except UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER! After that, and the selection of a GREAT & ACCEPTABLE Leader(s), we, and many of our wonderful and very brave allies and partners, will work tirelessly to bring Iran back from the brink of destruction, making it economically bigger, better, and stronger than ever before. IRAN WILL HAVE A GREAT FUTURE. “MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN (MIGA!).” Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP," in a post on Truth Social.

India's exchange rate and current account balance could face pressure if geopolitical tensions in the Middle East persist, the Finance Ministry has cautioned in its Monthly Economic Review, even as it highlighted the country's strong macroeconomic fundamentals to absorb potential shocks.

UAE has intercepted nine ballistic missiles and 109 drones on Friday, said the Defence Ministry. In addition, it pointed that three other drones fell within Emirati territory.

In total UAE during the conflict has intercepted 190 ballistic missiles and 1,110 drones. UAE also added that it destroyed eight cruise missiles from Iran.

Over15 Israeli air strikes hit Beirut’s southern suburbs in the latest wave of strikes, reported the Lebanese media on Friday.

In addition to these attacks, the military has also continued to attack southern Lebanon today.

Britain’s PM Starmer in a call on Thursda told Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the king of Bahrain that ⁠four jets the UK is deploying to ⁠Qatar could be used to help defend the kingdom from Iranian missile and ‌drone strikes against Gulf states.

“The Prime Minister also offered further defensive air cover from these jets for Bahrain to ⁠bolster their security,” ⁠Starmer said, according to a ⁠readout from his office on Friday.

Kuwait residents reported hearing blasts on Friday. The army said it is working on intercepting missiles and drones.

After reports of multiple blasts in Tehran, Iran’s Noor News is reporting that residential buildings in the capital have just been hit.

- Govt today called for high-level meeting to review fertiliser stock
- Govt says India has adequate stock of urea, DAP and NPK fertilisers
- Stock at 177 lakh metric tonnes, up 36.5% year-on-year
- DAP stocks at 25.13 LMT and NPKs reserves at 55.87 LMT, urea at 59.30 LMT
- Govt says nation is "exceptionally well-stocked and fully insulated against global supply chain shocks" as peak Kharif sowing season nears
- Govt has already imported 98 LMT of finished fertiliser up to Feb 2026, over 17 LMT also lined up for the next three months
- Govt actively maneuvering to optimize resources amid LNG supply strain
- In meeting today, govt assured fertilizer cos that gas supply to their sector remains a top national priority
- Fertilizers Dept in close coordination with Petroleum Ministry to ensure early discharge of imports

Govt. sources

As the situation in Iran escalated Turkish Air, Pegasus have halted flights to five countries until March 9.

Explosion and smore were seen near Erbil airport in Kurdistan, Iran.

Source: AFP

Mehr reports that some explosions were heard in some areas of Tehran, Iran on Friday.

IDF destroys Ali Khamenei's underground bunker built beneath the regime's leadership compound, says Israel. 50 Air Force fighter jets struck it with precise guidance from Military Intel and in coordination with Mossad.

Five people were killed and seven were injured in the Israeli attacks on the southern city of Sidon, said Lebanon’s Health Ministry, reported Al Jazeera.

According to the Kremlin the ongoing war in Iran had fuelled demand for Russian energy products, a day after the ⁠US Treasury issued a 30-day waiver allowing India to buy Russian oil currently stuck at sea.

The Middle East conflict has left the Strait ‌of Hormuz an important passage with countries around the world, cut off from a fifth of global oil and LNG supplies.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov further added that Russia has been and remained a reliable supplier of oil ⁠and gas. “We are seeing a significant increase in demand for Russian energy resources in connection with the war in Iran,” he said.

Iran is committed to peace but is ready to defend itself, said Irania President in a post on X. He further added that some countries have started mediation efforts.

SkyNews Arabia on Friday reported that blasts were reported in Bahrain sky on Friday as the tensions in Middle East escalate.

Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh, who is visiting India, said, "This is a very sad, very unfortunate incident. That vessel was by invitation of our Indian friends, attending an international exercise. It was ceremonial. It was unloaded. It was unarmed."

"It is very unfortunate. Many of the young Iranian sailors who were attending these exercises lost their lives. It cannot go with impunity for those who actually did that," he told reporters on the sidelines of the Raisina Dialogue.

Washington is believed to be footing an estimated $900 million a day, since the beginning of the the war on Iran, cumulating to a total cost of $3.7 billion in the first 100 hours, a new research has suggested. 

The spending is largely driven by the huge expenditure on munitions, according to research by the Washington-based think tank, the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), Al Jazeera reported today. 

Read full story here.

Seven international flights from Kolkata to Gulf countries were cancelled due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

The cancelled services include flights operated by Air Arabia, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways and Emirates, all of which connect Kolkata with the three major transit hubs in the Gulf region.

• MRPL is well stocked
• India is now getting more energy from other parts of the world of than from Strait of Hormuz 
• India continues to be remain in a comfortable position 
• Things are comfortable at LNG front as well
• Only 30% of LNG comes from Strait Of Hormuz 
• Diversifying LNG from other sources 
• 10% of LNG comes from US 
• Today's order on LPG is to ensure comfort for household usage 
• India and enormous capacity for LPG refining

Source: Top Govt Sources to NDTV Profit 

Strait Of Hormuz Update As On March 6

91% of vessels are active today

Combined cargo handled: 3.5 lk metric tons across all 44 ships

Total fleet capacity at 15.2 lk dead weight tonnes

(Source: Bloomberg, IMO Live AIS Fleet Tracking,1-day signal window. Qatar-to-Hormuz corridor)

Concentration of ships at Strait of Hormuz:

• 44 vessels getting tracked in Qatar-to-Hormuz corridor
• Out of total 44 vessels, 28 vessels underway and moving right now
• 6 vessels are anchored, stationary in open water
• 7 vessels are docked at nearby ports

(Source: Bloomberg, IMO Live AIS Fleet Tracking,1-day signal window. Qatar-to-Hormuz corridor)

Shia Muslim community in Jor Bagh area, New Delhi holds protest over the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Dubai residents have received an Emirati interior ministry alert on their phones, urging them to shelter from potential missile threats.

Dramatic iron dome interceptions and explosions caught on NDTV camera. Watch video here:

"We have not yet closed the Strait of Hormuz. If we are going to close it, we are going to announce it...It has not been closed by us. We have no intention to do it until further notice," says Dr Saeed Khatibzadeh, Iran's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs.

The Saudi Defence Ministry said it destroyed three drones in the eastern areas of Riyadh.

The ministry said earlier on Friday that it intercepted a cruise missile over the city of Kharj.

War will be decided by who runs out of ammunition first, says Vali Nasr, Professor, John Hopkins-SAIS & global expert on Iran tells NDTV.

Etihad Airways said it is restarting a “limited flight schedule” from its hub in the United Arab Emirates capital Abu Dhabi starting Friday.

The government-backed carrier has operated some flights in recent days, but its latest announcement suggests it is moving toward more regular operations.

Etihad said that previously booked passengers as well as new customers will be able to travel on the flights, assuming “all safety criteria are met.”

It listed more than 70 destinations it planned to fly to between Friday and March 19.

Israeli airstrikes pounded the capitals of Iran and Lebanon as the US apparently struck an Iranian drone carrier at sea, intensifying its campaign targeting the Islamic Republic's fleet of warships. Iran launched new retaliatory attacks early on Friday against neighbouring countries that host US forces. There were no immediate reports of casualties.

On US-Israel vs Iran conflict, Dr Saeed Khatibzadeh, Iran's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, says, "We are trying to avoid a spill over to other areas. I am sure you are hearing about false-flag operations by Mossad and by Israelis to attack refineries or even Cyprus. The UK PM said that it was not originating from Iran. Tucker Carlson also said that two or multiple Mossad groups were captured in Saudi Arabia and Qatar while trying to do false-flag operations in those countries. While, we have no such intention, and we are trying to avoid the conflict spilling over to other areas. While, I do understand why our friends in the region are so upset about that, this is an existential war, and it is a war for everyone. When they assassinate the head of another state....Should a head of state be targeted when there are problems between countries? This is unprecedented. If this is the new norm, then it is very dangerous..."

As the situation in Middle East remains volatile, IndiGo has extended free waivers on cancellations up till March 31, 2026.

• Waivers: Full waiver on cancellations are being extended for travel to and from the Middle East, and Istanbul, until 31 March 2026.
• Flight Status: Customers are requested to stay updated on their flight status by checking on IndiGo’s website and social media channels
• Communication: For additional support or clarification, customers can contact IndiGo’s Customer Contact Centre at 91 124 6173838.

The Israeli Air Force struck in Beirut headquarters and ten high-rise buildings containing military infrastructure of Hezbollah. As part of the strikes, the headquarters of the Executive Council was struck, and a warehouse where unmanned aerial vehicles were stored.

SpiceJet to operate 14 Special Flights from UAE on March 6 to Bring Stranded Indians Home. 

Nine flights from Fujairah to Mumbai, four to Delhi, one from Dubai to Pune

In the last three days SpiceJet has operated 25 special flights from the UAE, connecting stranded passengers to Delhi, Mumbai and Kochi
 

Addressing the Maritime Conclave "Sagar Sankalp", Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that war will have repercussions everywhere and the only way to avoid disruption is self-reliance.

Addressing the Maritime Conclave "Sagar Sankalp", Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh says, "The different flashpoints and conflicts visible around the world may appear superficially connected to each other. Every geographical and regional situation has its own distinct background and its own story. Yet, if we observe carefully, a common thread emerges. Today, on the global level, something new is constantly happening. A transformation is underway. Old ideas, the old global order, old beliefs are changing rapidly. And these are the uncertainties that we must understand..."

On the impact of US-Israel vs Iran conflict, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh says, "Strait of Hormuz or the entire Persian Gulf region is a crucial area for global energy security. When there is a disruption or interruption in this region, it directly impacts the supply of oil and gas... These uncertainties directly impact the economy and global trade. The current situation has become quite complex, and it seems it will become even more dynamic in the future. The way different countries are competing with each other on land, in the air, at sea, and now even in space is truly a matter of concern for all of us... What worries me even more is that this abnormality is becoming the new normal...."

The Indian Navy ship INS Tarangini (54m) arrived in Colombo after joining the search and rescue operations for the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena, which sank on Wednesday after being struck by a US submarine torpedo. India has also deployed INS Ikshak and maritime patrol aircraft to assist the mission.

At Raisina Dialogue 2026 in Delhi, Dr Saeed Khatibzadeh, Iran's Dy Minister of Foreign Affairs, says,"... America has decided to put an end to the existence of Iran. The Israelis have been promising this for many decades due to their delusion about Greater Israel...We have no option but to put an end to the existence of American presence in the Persian Gulf area..."

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said 370 people from the state are stranded in the Gulf amid the escalating conflict in the region, and his government is actively coordinating with the Centre to ensure their safe return. According to officials, the Punjab government has deployed two senior officers to coordinate and monitor the process of ensuring the safe and hassle-free return of Punjabis stranded in the strife-torn West Asia. A round-the-clock helpline has also established.

On the sinking of the Iranian warship, Dr Saeed Khatibzadeh, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran, says, "This is a very sad, very unfortunate incident. That vessel was by invitation of our Indian friends, attending an international exercise. It was ceremonial. It was unloaded. It was unarmed... It is very unfortunate. Many of the young Iranian sailors who were attending these exercises lost their lives. It cannot go with impunity for those who actually did that..."

Iran media claims Israeli Embassy targeted in Bahrain.

Video shows the aftermath of an Iranian missile striking near Kuwait's Ali al-Salem Air Base, which hosts US forces.

The US Embassy in Kuwait shut down after retaliatory Iranian strikes on the country, becoming the second American diplomatic mission to fully halt work as the war in Iran escalates. Kuwait is also where six American soldiers were killed by an Iranian drone on Sunday.

In a post on X, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, President of Sri Lanka wrote, "No civilian should die in wars. Our approach is that every life is as precious as our own. We jealously guard our non-aligned policy while ensuring that humanitarian values and the saving of lives remain our top priority."

He reiterated that the world needs today is peace. "We call upon all parties to demonstrate a firm commitment to peace. As a state, Sri Lanka stands ready to support every step toward ending hostilities. All our actions are aimed at saving lives and ensuring that humanity prevails," concluded the post.

US military investigators believe it is likely that US forces were responsible for an apparent strike on an Iranian girls' school that killed scores of children on Saturday but have not yet reached a final conclusion or completed their investigation, two US officials told Reuters.

The Kurdish groups have dismissed reports of joining the fight against Iran. "Not entering and fighting in Iran", Anti-Iran militia Kurds released a statement amid buzz over extending support to the US.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Thursday denied reports that Tehran has been in contact with the US to push for a ceasefire.

“We don't see any reason why we should negotiate with the US,” Araghchi told NBC News. “When we negotiated with them twice, and every time they attacked us in the middle of negotiations.”

In the Axios interview, Trump derided the 56-year-old Mojtaba Khamenei, who has never been elected or appointed to a government position, as “a lightweight.”

"We want someone that will bring harmony and peace to Iran," Trump said.

"I have to be involved in the appointment, like with Delcy in Venezuela," said Trump, referring to the acting president in the South American country. Delcy Rodríguez took power in January after a US military operation captured Nicolás Maduro and whisked him to the US to face federal drug conspiracy charges.

US President Donald Trump he should be involved in choosing Iran's next supreme leader as the US and Israel hammered the country for a sixth day. Trump ruled out Mojtaba Khamenei, a front-runner to replace his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in the opening strikes of the war.

Trump's comments to the American news website Axios were likely to renew questions about whether the US and Israel seek the overthrow of the Islamic Republic or just a change in its policies, as the conflict has appeared increasingly open-ended.

Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, has stated that Tehran is fully prepared for the possibility of a U.S. ground offensive and has no plans to pursue a ceasefire or enter negotiations with Washington as the conflict with the United States and Israel escalates.

Speaking in a firm tone during an interview with NBC News, Araghchi said Iran’s armed forces are ready for any development and warned that any American ground operation would carry severe consequences for U.S. troops.

Canada’s defence chief has delivered a significant message, signalling that while Canada may contribute to efforts to help protect the Persian Gulf, the country will not take part in any U.S.-led military attacks on Iran. 

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that Ukraine will assist the United States and its allies in countering Iran’s Shahed drones, following a request from Washington. He explained that he had received a formal appeal from the US for support in defending against drone attacks in the Middle East, and had authorised the transfer of equipment along with Ukrainian specialists, though he did not disclose specific details, as per reports from Guardian.

Russia has deployed tens of thousands of Shahed drones against Ukraine over the course of the war, at one point unleashing more than 800 drones and decoys in a single large‑scale overnight assault. Iran, in turn, has used the same drone model in retaliation to joint US‑Israeli strikes, launching them at targets across the Middle East.

The United States has announced that its forces struck an Iranian drone carrier, leaving the vessel ablaze, as the US‑Israeli offensive against Iran continues into its seventh day. In a statement posted on X, US Central Command said that American forces “are not holding back” in their campaign to dismantle Iran’s naval capabilities.

The command described the targeted drone carrier as being comparable in size to a World War II–era aircraft carrier. The statement did not specify the location of the strike.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has confirmed that three Australian nationals were aboard a US nuclear‑powered submarine that collided with — and ultimately sank — an Iranian military vessel in the Indian Ocean near Sri Lanka.

Speaking to Sky News, Albanese said Australia would not usually comment on such matters but did so due to National Security Committee deliberations and heightened public interest. He emphasized that while the Australians were on board, none of them took part in any offensive action against Iran.

US President Donald Trump says, "I'm once again calling on all members of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, the military, and the police to lay down their arms. They are only going to be killed. And now is the time to stand up for the Iranian people and help take back your country... Accept immunity; we will give you immunity... or you will face absolutely guaranteed death... "

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defence has confirmed that its air defence systems successfully intercepted a coordinated ballistic‑missile attack targeting Prince Sultan Air Base. According to an official statement released on X, Saudi Air Defence Forces detected, intercepted, and destroyed three ballistic missiles launched toward the strategic facility, preventing any reported damage or casualties.

Donald Trump has said he had rejected what he claimed was an attempt by Tehran to restart negotiations on Tuesday.