Iran War News: Iran Denies Claims Of Peace Talks; Had No Choice But To Attack Gulf Nations, Says Iranian President

The movement of oil tankers through the vital Strait of Hormuz, amidst the raging war in the Middle East, has been reportedly curtailed by a mammoth 92%, which is seen as the sharpest disruption to energy flows in modern history.

The recent data has been shared by the energy intelligence firm Kpler, which tracks the movements through the strategic Strait of Hormuz waterway. The firm says that the traffic through the waterway has dropped in a dramatic manner since the beginning of the US-Iran hostilities.  

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Fertilizer manufacturers in India are beginning to cut output after Qatari supplies of liquefied natural gas, a key feedstock, were suspended due to hostilities in the Middle East.

Some manufacturers, like Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Ltd., have started reductions at certain urea plants, according to people familiar with the matter, who asked not to be identified. Any prolonged disruption may compel companies to shut facilities, the people added, without providing details.

Read full story: India Urea Producers Trim Output As Iran War Disrupts LNG Flows

Hezbollah says its fighters detonated an explosive device and clashed with Israeli troops near the southern Lebanese town of Khiam.

In a statement, the group said the attack took place at 6:30 p.m. local time (10 p.m. IST) after its fighters monitored what it described as an Israeli force attempting to advance towards the area.

Hezbollah said the blast was followed by direct fighting and claimed casualties among Israeli troops, adding gun battles are ongoing.

(Source: Al Jazeera)

Attack near US Embassy in Baghdad. Sirens go off.

United States logistics support center situated in the vicinity of Baghdad airport sustained an impact, resulting in damage. More details are awaited.

(Source: NDTV)

"President General Joseph Aoun received today at Baabda Palace the US Ambassador to Lebanon, Michel Issa, and discussed with him the current situation in Lebanon and the region, in light of the recent security developments. He requested from him the intervention of the United States of America to stop the Israeli aggressions on Lebanon," the Lebanese Presidency said in an official statement. 

President Masoud Pezeshkian addressed Iran’s neighbouring countries, saying that Tehran sought to avert war through diplomacy but that US-Israel attacks left it “with no choice” but to attack.

“We respect your sovereignty,” the president said in two separate posts in Arabic and Persian on X. Iran believes that security in the region must be achieved through a regional collective effort, he added.

His comments came after Qatar’s prime minister and foreign minister spoke over the phone with Iran’s foreign minister where he rejected claims that Tehran had targeted only US interests in the country.

In an official statement, the airline said: 

"Air India is closely monitoring the evolving situation in the Middle East and has started operating a few flights to and from Dubai and Jeddah to bring back stranded passengers giving highest priority to their safety and wellbeing. 

While most of our operations to the Middle East will remain suspended till 2359 Hrs IST of 5 March 2026 after careful assessment of the current situation, Air India plans to commence its scheduled operations to and from Jeddah from 5 March:

•AI2255/2256 - Delhi-Jeddah-Delhi
•AI2251/2252 - Mumbai-Jeddah-Mumbai
•AI2245/2246 - Mumbai-Jeddah-Mumbai

Air India has also planned to operate an additional service AI909D/996D early on 5 March on the Mumbai-Dubai-Delhi route with a B777 aircraft with larger capacity to fly back stranded passengers."

Click here to check full statement.

Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council: The martyrdom of Imam Khamenei will come at a heavy price for you; the matter continues.

(Source: X)

A source at Intelligence Ministry categorically denied claims published by the New York Times that “Iran’s Intelligence Ministry forces have signaled readiness to engage in dialogue with the CIA to end the war.

Qatar has rejected the claims that Iran attacks only target US interests. In fact, the administration added that the attacks show no real intent of de-escalation of the conflict. 

US Senator Lindsey Graham made a post on 'X' detaling his call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjaming Netanyahu. Graham stated that Netanyahu conveyed his gratitude  to US President  Donald Trump, the US military, and the American people for joining the fight against Iran.

Netanyahu also discussed a path to peace with Graham which was conditional to Iran's regime being done away with.

"The Prime Minister is fully committed to trying to build on the Abraham Accords taking the region to a new level of prosperity and security," Graham wrote.

I just had a very good call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He expressed his gratitude to President Trump, our brave men and women in the military, and the American people for joining the fight against modern day religious Nazis in Iran.

Israel is a small…

— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) March 4, 2026

Iran's Armed Forces spokesperson Brigadier General Abolfazl Shekarchi warned that the country would target Israeli embassies across the globe if Israel launches an attack against the Iran embassy in Lebanon according to Tasnim News.

Hezbollah, a Shia Islamist Paramilitary group based in Lebanon reported that it has targeted an Israeli miltary site in Tel Aviv.

The process for electing Iran's new leader is underway according to reports with a vote to be held in the next few days. 

Iran may permit some army veterans to fight in the conflict between it and the US and Israel according to the local Fars News Agency.

Saudia Airlines extends flight cancellation to 11:59 p.m. on March 6, one minute before March 7 with cancellation being applicable to Amman, Kuwait, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Doha, Bahrain, Moscow, and Peshawar in light of the Iran-Israel conflict.

The Israeli Air Force reported that it has stuck Iran with more than 5,000 munitions since the begining of the operation.

Upto 80 bodies have been recovered from the sunken Iranian Vessel near Sri Lanka that was hit by a US strike according to reports.

Oman has rescured 24 people from a cargo ship with the Malta Flag after is came under fire from two missiles, according to reports.

The Lebanese government is now arresting Hezbollah fighters who are approaching the border areas to clash with Israeli forces according to local reports.

Iran denied that its intelligence ministry reached out to the U.S.'s Central Intelligence Agency for talks. The country's semi-official publication Tasnim cited a ministry source on the New York Times report.

Israel's military reported that a fresh volley of missiles was fired by Iran on to Israel and said that defence systems are in operation to intercept them.

Oman received a report of one of its cargo ships flagged by Malta as enduring fire from two missiles. The ship is located near the Strait of Hormuz according to reports.

The Israeli Defence Forces reported that two IDF soldiers from the 401st Brigade were moderately wounded earlier in the day due to anti-tank fire directed at Israeli forces operating in southern Lebanon, according to the IDF's official 'X' handle.
 

Iraq's National Security Advisor reported receiving a phone call from Ali Bagheri, Deputy Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council,during which he reiterated that Tehran had informed the Gulf countries that it has not and will not target embassies, oil fields, or any civilian sites as part of its military operations, stating that the strikes were limited to U.S. bases.

The Israeli army has claimed that two of its soldiers were injured by anti-tank fire in southern Lebanon on Wednesday. 

In a statement, the army said the soldiers were injured during fighting and evacuated to a hospital for treatment.

“Earlier today two soldiers were moderately injured as a result of an anti-tank fire toward troops operating in southern Lebanon,” it said.

(Source: Al Jazeera)

Iran has accused the US and Israel of committing a “blatant war crime” after a missile strike damaged part of a historic complex in Tehran.

Esmaeil Baqaei, the Foreign Ministry’s spokesperson, says a missile caused damage to Golestan Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site in the Iranian capital.

Baqaei added in a post on X it “represents a heinous crime aimed at erasing the cultural heritage of Iran”.

The missile attack on the historic Arg Square precinct in #Tehran, which caused damage to the Golestan Palace—one of the most enduring symbols of Iran's capital and a @UNESCO World Heritage Site—represents a heinous crime aimed at erasing the cultural heritage of Iran, the cradle… pic.twitter.com/7tRrG2WlZv

— Esmaeil Baqaei (@IRIMFA_SPOX) March 4, 2026

The US defence secretary Pete Hegseth said that the leader behind an alleged plot to assassinate Trump has been killed.

“CENTCOM is now shifting, on day four already, from large deliberate strike packages using stand-off munitions at range outside an enemy’s ability to shoot at us, now into stand-in precision strikes overhead Iran,” said Caine.

“This will allow the joint force to deliver significantly increased precision effects on the target. This will allow us to maintain consistent pressure on the adversary over the coming days, disrupt their timelines.”

In two separate official statements, US secretary of war Pete Hegseth and Secretary of Treasury Scott Bessent claimed to have "complete control over Iranian skies." 

Hegseth warned of incoming larger waves and an acceleration of the war, claiming that US can sustain the fight "easily". 

Hezbollah claims it has carried out an attack on an Israeli tank in the southern Lebanese town of Houla near the border.

Israel’s Channel 12 is reporting that Israel came under simultaneous attack from Hezbollah and Iran. Israeli defences intercepted a munition fired from Iran, causing shrapnel to fall in central Israel, according to local media.

(Source: Al Jazeera)

In a statement, the ministry said the downed missile fell over Turkiye’s Dortyol district near the Mediterranean, causing no casualties.

It stressed that Turkiye is “capable of ensuring the security of its territory and citizens, regardless of who or where the threat comes from”.

“We remind you that we reserve the right to respond to any hostile act towards our country,” it added, urging all parties to refrain from “actions that would further spread the conflict in the region”.

(Source: Al Jazeera)

NATO has condemned Iran’s targeting of Turkey after reports that a missile launched from Iran and heading towards Turkish airspace was shot down by Nato air defence systems.

Nato spokesperson Allison Hart said:

"We condemn Iran’s targeting of Turkey. Nato stands firmly with all allies, including Turkey, as Iran continues its indiscriminate attacks across the region. Our deterrence and defence posture remains strong across all domains, including when it comes to air and missile defence."

A short while ago, the IDF identified missiles launched from Iran toward the territory of the State of Israel. 

Turkey says NATO defenses intercepted a ballistic missile launched from Iran before it entered Turkish airspace.

(Source: AP)

A ceremony commemorating Iran’s late leader Khamenei in Tehran, originally scheduled to start at 10 p.m. on Wednesday, has been postponed, according to Iran’s Tasnim news agency.

It quoted an official citing logistical issues for the delay, including requests from people in different provinces to attend the ceremony.

(Source: Al Jazeera)

Over the past day, the IDF conducted a wave of strikes in Beirut targeting Hezbollah infrastructure. 

Targets included an underground weapon storage facility and additional command centers. 

The IDF also targeted a site used by Hezbollah for terrorist attacks, intelligence gathering, and for propaganda. 

The infrastructures struck were intended to be used by Hezbollah to execute terrorist attacks against IDF troops and Israeli residents. 

Prior to the strikes, measures were taken to mitigate the risk of harm to civilians, including advance warnings, the use of precision munitions, and aerial surveillance.

The IDF is operating with determination and force against Hezbollah as a result of the terrorist organization’s decision to deliberately attack Israel in defense of the Iranian terrorist regime. The IDF will not tolerate any harm to be caused to the residents of the State of Israel.

(Source: IDF)

More than 65,000 displaced in Lebanon by Israeli attacks, says Minister. 

 India’s Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd. has told customers it will suspend oil product exports, as a widening conflict in the Middle East disrupts crude shipments from the Persian Gulf.

The state-owned refiner, which operates a 300,000-barrel-a-day plant in the southern Indian state of Karnataka, relies on imported crude to refine into fuels for sale. It informed clients on Wednesday that it may not be able to receive crude deliveries, which in turn means it may not honor its own commitments, people familiar with the matter said.

(Source: Bloomberg)

Iran has announced that it will allow only China to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, as an expression of gratitude for Beijing’s supportive stance toward Tehran during the war.

The strait has been closed to all other ships without exception, with a clear warning that any unauthorized crossing will be directly targeted by Iranian forces. 

Israel said it had launched a “broad wave of strikes” against government targets in Tehran, including the presidential office. A loud blast was reported in the north-east of Tehran this morning, as explosions rocked Iranian cities for a fourth night.

(Source: The Guardian)

The United States announced on Wednesday the withdrawal of non-emergency staff from its consulates in the Pakistani cities of Karachi and Lahore due to security concerns.

The decision came just days after protestors tried to storm US consulates and the embassy after the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in US-Israeli joint air strikes.

"The Department of State ordered non-emergency US government employees and the family members of US government personnel from US Consulates Lahore and Karachi to leave Pakistan due to safety risks," the US Mission in Pakistan said in a statement.

(Source: PTI)

An Indian seafarer was killed after a missile struck a vessel in Oman, amid the ongoing Iran-Israel hostilities, NDTV reported. The deceased was identified as Dalip from Khinvtana village, located in Rajasthan's Nagaur.

The ship, managed by S.K.S. Krishi Marine Services Pvt. was hit at a port in Oman on Sunday at around 7:00 a.m. Another crew member, Pilot Ashish Kumar, has been reported missing following the strike.

Palestinian Ambassador to India Abdullah M Abu Shawesh strongly criticised the growing reliance on military might in international disputes, terming it "jungle law" that benefits only those possessing superior weaponry while stripping defenceless nations of any viable future.

In an exclusive interview with PTI, Abu Shawesh expressed deep concern over statements from major powers indicating that the window for negotiations has closed.

He criticised the reliance on military might, describing it as "jungle law" that favours those with superior weaponry and leaves defenceless nations, particularly in the global south, without a future.

The ambassador pointed out that Israel had opportunities early in the Gaza conflict to secure the release of hostages without widespread destruction but opted for prolonged military action.

He described the Israeli military operation in Gaza, now well beyond 880 days since its intensification, as a "devastating genocidal war" that continues unabated, with reduced international scrutiny.

Explosions sounded in Tehran Wednesday as Iran's war with the US and Israel entered a fifth day following earlier strikes on an Iranian nuclear site and retaliatory strikes by the Islamic Republic across the Gulf region.

The explosions around Tehran came at dawn, according to Iran's state television, while Israel's military said its air defences had been activated to intercept incoming Iranian missiles, and explosions were heard around Jerusalem.

Explosions heard in Tehran, Jerusalem
Photo Credit: (Photo: AP/PTI)

Canada's Prime Minister, Mark Carney, stated that the recent US-Israeli attacks on Iran seem, at first glance, to violate international law. He said that although he initially backed the strikes on Saturday, he did so 'with regret.'

During a media briefing in Sydney, where he is on an official visit, Carney said that neither Canada was informed beforehand nor asked to take part. Based on the information available, he said, the operations appear to conflict with international legal standards.

Carney affirmed that Canada remains committed to stopping Iran from developing nuclear weapons and from further destabilising global peace and security. He added that Canada must engage with the world as it is, rather than simply wishing for a different one. However, he said he regretted taking this position, calling the situation yet another example of the international system failing to prevent conflict.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said that an IAF F-35I 'Adir' fighter jet was shot down an Iranian Air Force YAK-130 fighter jet adding that it is the first shootdown in history of a manned fighter aircraft by an F-35 'Adir' fighter jet.

🛩️IRANIAN JET SHOT DOWN: An IAF F-35I “Adir” fighter jet shot down an Iranian Air Force YAK-130 fighter jet.

This is the first shootdown in history of a manned fighter aircraft by an F-35 “Adir” fighter jet.

— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) March 4, 2026

Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi criticised the US approach to nuclear negotiations and referred to Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA) saying, "When complex nuclear negotiations are treated like a real estate transaction, and when big lies cloud realities, unrealistic expectations can never be met. The outcome? Bombing the negotiation table out of spite. Mr. Trump betrayed diplomacy and Americans who elected him."
 

When complex nuclear negotiations are treated like a real estate transaction, and when big lies cloud realities, unrealistic expectations can never be met.

The outcome? Bombing the negotiation table out of spite.

Mr. Trump betrayed diplomacy and Americans who elected him.

— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) March 4, 2026

Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sergey Lavrov calls on Israel, Iran, and the US to immediately end the war

🇷🇺 Russian FM Sergey Lavrov calls on Israel, Iran, and the US to immediately end the war pic.twitter.com/CtpDbF5qU8

— BRICS News (@BRICSinfo) March 4, 2026

Akasa Air on Wednesday said that it will operate a flight from Abu Dhabi on March 4, 2026. The flight will support the safe return of passengers and our crew impacted by the situation, said the airline. The QP 585 to take off from Abu Dhabi – to  Mumbai at 4:30 p.m. local time.

March 4, 2026

• QP 561 Mumbai – Jeddah I ETD - 19:20
• QP 562 Jeddah – Mumbai I ETD - 23:55
• QP 563 Ahmedabad – Jeddah I ETD - 17:45
• QP 564 Jeddah – Ahmedabad I ETD - 21:50

March 5, 2026

• QP 561 Mumbai – Jeddah I ETD - 19:20
• QP 562 Jeddah – Mumbai I ETD - 23:55
• QP 550 Bengaluru – Jeddah I ETD – 18:25
• QP 551 Jeddah – Bengaluru I ETD – 23:30

Akasa Air on Wednesday said that it will operate a flight from Abu Dhabi on March 4, 2026. The flight will support the safe return of passengers and our crew impacted by the situation, said the airline. The QP 585 to take off from Abu Dhabi – to  Mumbai at 4:30 p.m. local time.

March 4, 2026

• QP 561 Mumbai – Jeddah I ETD - 19:20
• QP 562 Jeddah – Mumbai I ETD - 23:55
• QP 563 Ahmedabad – Jeddah I ETD - 17:45
• QP 564 Jeddah – Ahmedabad I ETD - 21:50

March 5, 2026

• QP 561 Mumbai – Jeddah I ETD - 19:20
• QP 562 Jeddah – Mumbai I ETD - 23:55
• QP 550 Bengaluru – Jeddah I ETD – 18:25
• QP 551 Jeddah – Bengaluru I ETD – 23:30

Iran claims to have 'complete control' of Strait of Hormuz as escalating tensions in Middle East continue. 

(Source: NDTV)

While the initial US-Israeli strikes killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and Trump urged Iranians to overthrow their government, senior administration officials have since said regime change was not the goal.

Trump seemed to downplay the chances of the war ending Iran's theocratic rule, saying that “someone from within” the Iranian regime might be the best choice to take power once the US-Israel campaign is finished.

An Indian citizen, Dalip, a resident of Khinvtana in Degana, Nagaur, has died in the Iran–Israel conflict after a missile struck the ship he was aboard. The vessel was managed by S.K.S. Krishi Marine Services (OPC) Private Limited (RPSL-MUM-162345). The incident occurred at a port in Oman on March 1 at 7:00 a.m., involving an oil tanker operated by Skylight Company that sustained severe damage in the attack. Pilot Ashish Kumar has also been reported missing.

(Source: NDTV)

Sri Lanka has rescued at least 30 Iranian sailors from a distressed Iranian frigate in the southern waters of the island nation early Wednesday, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath said. In response to a question raised in parliament, Herath said, "At 5.08 this morning, a message was received by the Sri Lanka Navy and the coastal guard on the sinking ship named ‘Iris Dena’ 40 nautical miles off the southern port district of Galle."

Herath added the Sri Lankan Navy and the Air Force carried out a joint operation but the reason for the sinking had not yet been established. The rescued sailors were admitted to the Karapitiya hospital on Galle after they were brought to the Navy’s southern command headquarters, the foreign minister added.

(Source: PTI)

Israel is reopening its airspace overnight between March 4 and March 5 and resuming limited flights from Ben Gurion Airport after closure during the conflict with Iran.

(Source: Reuters)

The US has asked non-emergency staff and their families to leave Karachi and Lahore due to safety concerns. This decision affects the US consulates in these cities, but the embassy in Islamabad remains open. The move is likely a precautionary measure amid heightened tensions between the US and Iran, following recent strikes and retaliations.

#BREAKING: United States tells non-emergency staff in Karachi, Lahore to leave. US State Department says it has ordered non-emergency personnel assigned to consulates in Pakistan’s Karachi and Lahore to leave the country with their families. The US said there is no change to the…

— Aditya Raj Kaul (@AdityaRajKaul) March 4, 2026

Qatar Airways flight operations remain temporarily suspended due to the closure of Qatari airspace. Qatar Airways will resume operations once the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority announces the safe reopening of Qatari airspace. A further update will be provided on 06 March by 09:00 Doha time (06:00 UTC).

Israel's defence minister on Wednesday threatened whoever Iran picks to be the country's next supreme leader, saying he will be “a target for elimination.”

Israel Katz made the statement on X. "Every leader appointed by the Iranian terror regime to continue and lead the plan to destroy Israel, to threaten the United States and the free world and the countries of the region, and to suppress the Iranian people — will be a target for elimination," he wrote.

Under Secretary of State Sarah B. Rogers has heaped praise on social media platform X on Wednesday for its new policy that penalises the undisclosed sharing of AI-generated war videos. 

“You don't need a Ministry of Truth to incentivise truth online,” Rogers wrote in a post on X.

This is a great complement to @X’s community notes system, which results in less “reach” (thus monetization) for content annotated as inaccurate.

You don’t need a Ministry of Truth to incentivize truth online. https://t.co/AEJV1JGZ3B

— Under Secretary of State Sarah B. Rogers (@UnderSecPD) March 3, 2026

Democratic lawmakers have raised sharp concerns about the Trump administration’s decision to initiate military action against Iran, arguing that the United States faced no “imminent threat” that justified such a move. President Donald Trump and senior officials have defended the operation, saying it was intended to prevent potential Iranian attacks on American military installations.

After attending the second day of classified briefings at the Capitol, Senator Elizabeth Warren cautioned that the situation was far more troubling than the public had been led to believe. “I just left a classified briefing on Iran, and here’s what I can say: it is so much worse than you thought. You are right to be worried,” she said.

In a video statement posted on X, Warren added that the administration lacked a coherent strategy for Iran, calling the conflict “an illegal war built on lies” and insisting it was launched without any evidence of an immediate threat to the United States. She also criticized President Trump for failing to offer a clear justification for the escalation or any plan for how the conflict might be resolved.

I just left a classified briefing with the Trump Administration about the war in Iran.

I was worried before, but I’m more worried now. pic.twitter.com/HoSWLVWrR8

— Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) March 3, 2026

The IDF has begun striking Hezbollah infrastructure in Beirut.

Source: IDF

Iran's elite paramilitary body IRGC has launched its 17th wave of strikes against American and Israeli targets in the region.

Source: NDTV

An Iranian navy vessel is reportedly sinking off the coast of Sri Lanka, according to AFP, which cited the country’s foreign ministry.

Major Indian hospital chains may face revenue pressure as the Iran war disrupts patient inflows from the Middle East, a region that forms a significant share of their international business.

Analysts estimate that 8–9% of the total revenue for leading hospital networks—such as Apollo Hospitals, Fortis Healthcare and Max Healthcare—comes from international patients, with the Middle East alone contributing 30–50% of this foreign‑patient income. In comparison, smaller hospitals are far less exposed, earning only 1–2% of their revenue from patients arriving from the region. 

The ASEAN has called on all countries to respect international law, including the Charter of the United Nations (UN Charter).

"We emphasise the importance of an immediate cessation of hostilities and call on all parties concerned to exercise utmost self-restraint," an ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Statement read.

The ASEAN said that they are following the US-Iran war closely and have serious concern over the escalation of conflict in the Middle East following the attacks initiated by Israel and the United States against the Islamic Republic of Iran on Feb 28, 2026. 

They said they are also monitoring the subsequent retaliatory attacks by Iran against several countries in the region, including Bahrain, Jordan, State of Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, and the United Arab Emirates.

US President Donald Trump threatened to end trade with Spain, citing a lack of support over the US and Israeli attacks on Iran and the European nation's resistance to increase its NATO spending. "We're going to cut off all trade with Spain," Trump told reporters during an Oval Office meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. "We don't want anything to do with Spain."

The US president's comments came a day after Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares said his country would not allow the US to use the bases in southern Spain in any strikes not covered by the United Nations' charter. Albares noted that military bases it jointly operates with the US were not used in the weekend attack on Iran. 

A total of 164 tourists from Maharashtra stranded in the United Arab Emirates due to the US-Israel-Iran conflict have returned home in two flights, a Shiv Sena functionary said. Two aircraft carrying 76 and 88 tourists landed in Mumbai on Tuesday night.

These included 84 students from the Pune-based Indira School of Business Studies and residents from Thane, Ahilyanagar and Pune.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has justified the attack on Iran saying that Iran is 'run by lunatics, religious fanatics lunatics' and says world will be safe if Iran's clerics 'no long have access to weapons.'

"It was the right decision and the world will be a safer place when these radical clerics no longer have access to these weapons. You see how they're using them now. Imagine how they would use them a year from now if they had more of these," he said.

Ministry of Civil Aviation is continuously monitoring the evolving airspace situation in parts of West Asia and its impact on international flight operations. 

Till date, 1,221 flights by Indian carriers and 388 flights by foreign carriers have been cancelled due to the ongoing situation.

Indian carriers have undertaken calibrated adjustments to their schedules, with long-haul and ultra long-haul operations being progressively resumed through alternative routings that avoid restricted airspace.

Special arrangements are being made to facilitate the movement of stranded passengers, with airlines deploying additional capacity where required and coordinating closely with foreign aviation authorities and Indian missions abroad to ensure safe and orderly passenger movement. A total of 24 flights are being operated by Indian carriers today. In addition, Emirates and Etihad have operated 9 flights from the Gulf in the last 24 hours.

Just In: Iran says that they have complete control of Strait of Hormuz.

In a development highlighting polarisation in the UN Security Council, the monthly programme of work for the US Presidency of the powerful UN organ could not be adopted after Russia and China raised objections concerning Iran.

The United States, a veto-wielding permanent member, assumed the Presidency of the 15-nation UN Security Council for the month of March.

However, the US-drafted programme of work for its monthly presidency of the Council could not be adopted after the other veto-wielding permanent members Russia and China raised objections pertaining to the 1737 Sanctions Committee concerning Iran.

"Russia & China objected to the adoption of the US-drafted UNSC PoW (Programme of Work) for March," Russia’s Permanent Mission to the UN said.
 

(Source: PTI)

Randhir Jaiswal, official Spokesperson, Ministry of External Affairs, said that 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. The control room can be contacted from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Photo: MEA Control Room

French President Emmanuel Macron ordered France's nuclear-powered aircraft carrier to move from the Baltic Sea to the Mediterranean to help protect allied assets during the ongoing war in the Middle East.

Macron said the Charles de Gaulle will be escorted by its air wing and its escorting frigates. In a pre-recorded speech aired on French TV, Macron added that Rafale fighter jets, air-defence systems, and airborne radar systems have been deployed over the past few hours in the Middle East.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani spoke on Iran and the Middle East situation, criticising the Iranian government’s repression while warning against the consequences of regime-change wars in the region.

He said, "The Iranian government has engaged in systematic repression of its own people, even killing thousands of Iranians who were seeking to express the most basic forms of dissent earlier this year. It is a brutal government. I have also said that while I may be a young mayor, I am old enough to remember the devastating consequences of our country pursuing a war with the intent of regime change in that very same region not that many years ago."

VIDEO | New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani speaks on Iran and the Middle East situation, criticising the Iranian government’s repression while warning against the consequences of regime-change wars in the region.

He says, "The Iranian government has engaged in systematic… pic.twitter.com/V0aTIjRU8P

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) March 4, 2026

In a post on X, the official spokesperson for Saudi Arabia said that two cruise missiles in Al-Khurj were intercepted and destroyed.

Sonal Varma of Nomura told NDTV Profit that the escalating geopolitical situation is likely to disrupt supply chains through FY26, adding pressure to India’s external balances, with the current account deficit expected to hover around 1% of GDP. She cautioned that Brent crude rising above $85 per barrel would significantly strain oil marketing companies (OMCs) and amplify macro‑vulnerabilities.

While India still retains some fiscal buffers, Varma noted that shocks of this nature tend to be stagflationary, simultaneously hurting growth and pushing up inflation. She also highlighted India’s heavy dependence on energy imports routed through the Strait of Hormuz, making the economy particularly sensitive to any prolonged disruption in the region.

Nifty Falls 3% To 24,141 In Pre-Market; Sensex Down 1,700 Points

• Nifty fell 3% to 24,141 in pre-market indications.
• Sensex slipped about 1,700 points to 78,511 ahead of the open.
   

Asian shares fell further on Wednesday after the global sell-off for stocks hit Wall Street, with South Korea's benchmark plunging 8%, while oil prices climbed even higher.

Worries over the widening war with Iran have hammered most world markets. Higher oil prices and how much they might worsen inflation are among the central fears for investors. More spikes for oil prices may grind down the global economy and sap corporate profits.

The Kuwait Army issued a statement on behalf of the official spokesperson of the Ministry of Defense.

The official spokesperson of the Ministry of Defense, Brigadier General Saud Abdulaziz Al-Otaibi, stated that at dawn today (Wednesday), several hostile aerial targets were detected and intercepted within the airspace of the State of Kuwait, where they were engaged and destroyed. As a result, debris fell from the interception operation onto one of the residential homes in the country, leading to human and material injuries.

Confirming the continued performance of the armed forces in carrying out their duties, and taking all necessary measures to protect its lands, people, and residents, in a manner that ensures the preservation of its sovereignty, security, and stability.

The US Army condoled the death of four U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers on Wednesday in a post on X. "It is with heavy hearts that we announce the deaths of four U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers supporting Operation Epic Fury on March 1. "We honor our fallen Heroes, who served fearlessly and selflessly in defense of our nation." said Lt. Gen. Robert Harter, Chief of Army Reserve.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the deaths of four U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers supporting Operation Epic Fury on March 1st.

“We honor our fallen Heroes, who served fearlessly and selflessly in defense of our nation.” said Lt. Gen. Robert Harter, Chief of Army Reserve. pic.twitter.com/r4zBm3hfyt

— U.S. Army Reserve (@USArmyReserve) March 4, 2026

In a tent camp in Gaza's southern area of Khan Younis, Palestinians have been closely following news about the widening war and growing increasingly worried about its potential impact on their lives. Palestinians in the camp were preparing simple meals to break their fast during the second week of the holy month of Ramadan. Haunted by memories of scarcity last year during months of Israel's blockade, many fear that border crossings could again close.

Donald Trump said the US Navy will begin escorting oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, after Iran moved to block the chokepoint from where 20% of global oil supplies pass through.

He has also ordered the United States Development Finance Corporation (DFC) to provide, at a very reasonable price, political risk insurance and guarantees for the financial security of all maritime trade, especially energy, traveling through the Gulf. This will be available to all Shipping Lines.

US President Donald Trump warned on Tuesday that the US is initiating a "third wave" of military strikes against Iran. This follows the elimination of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, during the initial phases of Operation Epic Fury. 

Ahead of a bilateral meeting in the Oval Office with the German chancellor Friedrich Merz, Trump said that "everything's been knocked out" in Iran.

"As you know, 49 people were taken out in the first hit. And I guess there was another hit today on the new leadership, and it looks like that was pretty substantial also. So they're getting hit very hard, and we'll see what happens," he said.