British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the UK will not join US-Israeli strikes on Iran. He told Parliament that Britain will act only under international law and in its national interest. Starmer said the UK will protect its citizens and allies from Iranian missile and drone attacks. He allowed limited US use of British bases for defence. US President Donald Trump criticised the delay. Starmer said the Iraq war shaped his decision. He warned that bombing alone cannot bring regime change. An Iranian drone hit RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus. Hundreds have died since the fighting began.

European gas prices rose over 50% after Qatar halted production at its Ras Laffan LNG plant. The shutdown followed an Iranian drone attack, reports said. QatarEnergy confirmed the suspension. Ras Laffan exports about one-fifth of the world’s LNG.   Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has slowed due to security risks. Tankers face delays and higher insurance costs. Traders fear supply shortages.   The crisis comes after US and Israeli strikes on Iran. Tehran has responded with attacks across the region. Experts warn that a long conflict could threaten global energy security and raise gas prices worldwide. (PC: Reuters)

French President Emmanuel Macron said France will increase its nuclear warheads and allow nuclear aircraft to be deployed in eight European countries. Speaking at the Ile Longue base, he called the plan “advanced deterrence.” He said it will support allies but remain separate from NATO.   Germany, Britain, Poland and others will host French aircraft. Macron said the world is becoming more dangerous. He warned about Russia, China and tensions in the Middle East. He also said France will no longer share details about its nuclear arsenal. France has about 290 warheads. Only Britain in Europe also has nuclear weapons. (PC: AFP)

3 Indian nationals were killed in Iranian attacks on merchant ships near Oman, officials said. One Indian died after drone boats hit the vessel MKD Vyom, causing a fire in the engine room. Two more Indians were killed when the oil tanker Skylight was targeted near the Musandam peninsula. Three crew members were injured on the tanker. (PC: Reuters)   Another Indian was critically hurt in an attack on a separate vessel. Around 20 Indians were injured in strikes across West Asia, including 13 in the UAE. Most suffered minor injuries. The attacks followed US-Israel strikes that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader.

US President Donald Trump said he acted on the “last best chance” to strike Iran. The joint US-Israel attack on February 28 killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and members of his family. Iran then launched missile and drone attacks on US bases and Gulf countries, including the UAE and Oman.   US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said America did not start the war but will finish it. The UAE condemned the strikes and closed its embassy in Tehran. Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and expressed solidarity with the country. Tensions remain high across West Asia.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeared in public hours after Iran claimed it struck his office in Tel Aviv. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said government and military sites were “severely hit.” Iranian state media claimed Netanyahu’s fate was “uncertain.” Israel has not confirmed any strike on his office.   Netanyahu visited Beit Shemesh, where an Iranian missile killed nine people. He offered condolences and said Israel targets militants, not civilians. Iran has launched waves of missile and drone attacks after US-Israeli strikes killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Fighting has spread to Lebanon, where Hezbollah and Israeli forces exchanged heavy fire.

Qatar's Defence Ministry announced its forces successfully shot down two Iranian fighter jets, while also intercepting seven ballistic missiles and five drones amid intensifying regional escalation. The announcement came as the US Central Command shared video footage on X confirming destruction of Iranian jets under Operation Epic Fury, stating "US forces are taking bold action to eliminate imminent threats posed by the Iranian regime." Earlier, US and Israeli forces conducted fresh strikes across Iran, targeting ballistic missile sites and destroying fighter jets and warships as part of the continuing campaign launched following Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei's killing. Smoke was visibly rising over Doha as Iranian retaliatory strikes continued targeting Gulf nations.

US President Donald Trump stated there is no clear succession plan in Iran following the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, killed in coordinated US-Israeli strikes. Now in its third day, the conflict has intensified dramatically with Iran launching hundreds of missile and drone attacks across the Middle East, targeting American and Israeli interests throughout the Gulf. Trump warned Iran that further attacks would invite consequences of "unprecedented" levels. The US confirmed three American service members killed in the wider campaign. Israel launched fresh waves of strikes on Iran, while explosions were reported for a second consecutive day near Dubai and over Doha as regional instability deepens dangerously. (PC: India Today)

An Iranian-made Shahed drone struck Britain's Royal Air Force base at Akrotiri, Cyprus overnight, causing limited damage and no casualties, confirmed Cypriot and British officials. The attack marked a significant escalation, effectively drawing an EU member state into the Iran conflict. Two additional unmanned aerial vehicles targeting the base were subsequently intercepted on Monday, with sirens sounding and aircraft scrambling shortly after midday local time. Cyprus firmly stated it has no involvement in any military operations. The European Union reaffirmed solidarity with its members against any threats. Local residents fled the area overnight amid the strikes. Reuters witnesses reported aircraft taking off from the base following the alerts.

US President Donald Trump declared the "big wave" in the war against Iran is yet to come, telling CNN "we're knocking the crap out of them" as Tehran launched fresh missile barrages at American Gulf bases. Meanwhile, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer clarified before Parliament that Britain was not involved in initial strikes on Iran and that British bases would only serve "defensive purposes," refusing to join the US-Israeli offensive. Starmer called for a negotiated settlement and urged Iran to renounce nuclear weapons ambitions as the best path forward. The UK government simultaneously activated measures to repatriate British citizens stranded across the conflict-affected region. (PC: X)