US President Donald Trump has said the historic relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom “is not like it used to be”, criticising British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer over his cautious stance on the war with Iran. Trump told The Sun that the UK’s initial refusal to allow US forces to use British military bases strained ties and that Washington now has “very strong relationships with other countries in Europe,” including France and Germany. Starmer later allowed limited use of UK bases for defensive purposes but defended his decisions as based on legal and national interest considerations. (PC: X)

A suspected Iranian drone attack late March 3, 2026, caused a fire near the United States Consulate in Dubai as regional tensions escalate following ongoing hostilities between Iran, Israel and the United States. Dubai authorities said the blaze, which broke out in a parking area adjacent to the consulate, was quickly extinguished by emergency responders and no injuries were reported. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed all personnel were safe and highlighted the incident amid broader Iranian drone and missile strikes across Gulf diplomatic missions.

Amid escalating military conflict in West Asia, 37 Indian-flagged vessels with 1,109 sailors are stranded in the Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman and adjoining waters after the key Strait of Hormuz shipping route effectively shut down due to clashes involving the United States, Israel and Iran. Some ships were heading to India with crude oil and LNG, while others were en route to pick up petroleum products. The Directorate General of Shipping is continuously monitoring the situation and coordinating with maritime authorities and shipping firms. A quick response team has been formed to support seafarers and families, and operators are urged to exercise heightened caution and risk assessment. (PC: PTI)

Iran’s powerful Assembly of Experts has reportedly chosen Mojtaba Khamenei as the country’s new Supreme Leader following the death of his father, Ali Khamenei, in recent US-Israeli military strikes. Mojtaba, a mid-ranking cleric, is believed to have strong backing from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which reportedly influenced the succession process. The move marks an unprecedented father-to-son transition in Iran’s political system, sparking debate over dynastic leadership and the future direction of the Islamic Republic amid rising regional tensions. (PC: Reuters)

A shooting at a crowded bar on Sixth Street in Austin, Texas, left three people dead, including 21-year-old Indian-American student Savitha Shan. The suspect, 53-year-old Ndiaga Diagne, was wearing clothing featuring an Iranian flag design and the words “Property of Allah,” according to AP citing a law enforcement official. The other victims were 19-year-old Ryder Harrington and 30-year-old Jorge Pederson. Police fatally shot the gunman after he opened fire with a rifle near Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden. Authorities, including the FBI, said the motive remains unclear. Savitha, a University of Texas student, was described as a “superstar” set to graduate in May. (PC: X/@rfinney)

Caleb Friesen, a Canadian who has lived in Bengaluru for over eight years, went viral after explaining why he chose to settle in India long-term. He said many people assume he has an ulterior motive, as they understand tourism or short-term work assignments, but struggle to accept someone simply living here “like a normal person.” Friesen noted that some Indians carry a subliminal disdain for their own country, a perspective he does not share. He believes every nation, including Canada, the US, the UK and Singapore, has good and bad aspects. Emphasising optimism, he said comparison is the thief of joy and he chooses positivity.

The Ministry of External Affairs on Wednesday established a special control room in New Delhi in view of the evolving situation in West Asia and the Gulf region, India Today TV reported. The facility will operate daily from 9 am to 9 pm to assist Indian nationals and address related queries. People can contact the control room at 1800118797, +91 11 2301 2113, +91 11 2301 4104 and +91 11 2301 7905. The MEA also released emergency contact numbers for Indian embassies in Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Ramallah (Palestine), Saudi Arabia (Riyadh and Jeddah) and the United Arab Emirates. (PC: India Today)

Israeli Military spokesperson Brigadier General Effie Defrin said the Northern Command has moved forward inside Lebanon, taken control of dominating terrain and is creating a buffer zone to shield Israeli residents from threats. Defence Minister Israel Katz stated that he and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu authorised the Israel Defense Forces to seize additional strategic positions to prevent attacks on border communities. Meanwhile, the Lebanese army said it redeployed soldiers from several recently established border posts due to Israeli “escalation.” A Lebanese military source told AFP that eight to nine soldiers stationed at each point were withdrawn to bases owing to safety risks. (PC: X)

The Iran women’s national football team remained silent during their national anthem before their AFC Women’s Asia Cup 2026 opener against South Korea in Gold Coast, Australia, amid heightened tensions following US strikes that killed former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khomeini. While no official statement was issued, the gesture was widely viewed as a possible protest against the Islamic regime. Reports said some fans waved pre-Islamic regime flags in the stands. Head coach Marziyeh Jafari also declined to comment and stood silent during the anthem. On the field, Iran suffered a 0-3 defeat to South Korea, with goals from Choe Yu-ri, Kim Hye-ri and Ko Yoo-jin.

The United States Central Command said it has struck nearly 2,000 targets and destroyed 17 Iranian naval ships, including a submarine, within 100 hours of launching Operation Epic Fury. Admiral Brad Cooper stated more than 2,000 munitions were used, severely degrading Iran’s air defences and destroying hundreds of ballistic missiles, launchers and drones. He described the campaign as involving “uncontested surgical strikes” by B-2 and B-1 bombers. Over 50,000 US troops and 200 fighter aircraft are engaged in ongoing 24/7 operations. In retaliation, Iran has launched over 500 ballistic missiles and 2,000 drones, though US officials claim Tehran’s strike capability is steadily declining.