The conflict between the US, Israel and Iran widened on Tuesday. The US shut its embassy in Kuwait indefinitely. Non-emergency staff were asked to leave Iraq. Consular services in Saudi Arabia were cancelled.   Iran targeted US military bases in Iraq, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia with drones. Amazon said two data centres in the UAE were struck, disrupting services. A nearby facility in Bahrain was also damaged.   Israel launched fresh strikes in Beirut after Hezbollah attacks. Oil and gas prices rose as supply fears grew. Several countries closed embassies and issued travel warnings as tensions increased across West Asia.

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has postponed Class 10 and Class 12 board exams scheduled on March 5 and 6 in several Middle East countries. The exams were to be held in CBSE-affiliated schools in Bahrain, Iran, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The board cited the current security situation in the region.   New exam dates will be announced later. CBSE said it will review the situation on March 5 before deciding on exams from March 7 onwards. Students have been advised to stay in touch with their schools and follow official updates.

Israel hacked Tehran’s traffic camera network to track Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to a Financial Times report. Sources said Israeli intelligence accessed the system years ago. The cameras helped monitor Khamenei’s bodyguards, their cars, and daily routines.   The report claimed Israel used AI tools to study large amounts of data. This helped track Khamenei to a meeting where he was killed during missile strikes by the US and Israel. Cellular service in the area was also disrupted. The CIA reportedly had a human source who shared key intelligence. Iran has not officially responded to the claims. (PC: AFP)

Nearly 700 tankers are stuck near the Strait of Hormuz as fighting in West Asia disrupts oil movement. Data shows crude traffic has dropped sharply in recent days. Oil prices have risen, with Brent touching around $80 per barrel.   India, which depends heavily on Gulf oil and LPG, is reviewing the situation. Reports say the government may limit fuel exports and consider LPG rationing if delays continue. The oil ministry said supplies are being monitored closely. India has reserves that can cover several weeks of demand. However, a long crisis could strain fuel supply and raise prices further.

The conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran entered its fourth day on Tuesday. US President Donald Trump said America has a “virtually unlimited” supply of weapons and can fight for a long time. He did not rule out sending ground troops.   The US and Israel launched airstrikes on Iran under “Operation Epic Fury.” Iran responded with missile and drone attacks on US bases in the Gulf and cities in Israel. Iran also closed the Strait of Hormuz. Casualties have been reported on all sides. Oil supplies and global markets remain under pressure.

A strong earthquake measuring 6.1 magnitude struck near Indonesia’s Sumatra island on Tuesday, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) said. The tremor occurred in waters close to the island. Sumatra lies along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” a region known for frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity.   There were no immediate reports of deaths or major damage. Authorities are checking the affected areas and monitoring the situation. Indonesia often experiences earthquakes because several tectonic plates meet in this region. Further details are awaited as officials continue their assessment.

PV Sindhu confirmed she is back home safely to Bangalore after being stranded in Dubai amid escalating Middle East tensions. She expressed gratitude to the ground teams, Dubai authorities, airport staff, immigration, Emirates, and the Indian High Commission in Dubai for their tireless efforts and care. Sindhu described the ordeal as intense and uncertain, emphasizing the importance of a united, calm team. She thanked her coaches and supporters nearby, noted the need to rest and reset, and shared appreciation for the safety coordination that helped her reach a secure location. 

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman acknowledged that OpenAI acted opportunistically and rushed a Pentagon deal, following the termination of Anthropic’s contract. He said the move was intended to prevent further escalation between the US Defense Department and the AI industry and admitted the approach was “opportunistic and sloppy.” OpenAI has since updated its Pentagon contract to clarify its “principles,” and Altman insisted future decisions will be more cautious. The development followed a surge in ChatGPT uninstalls, with Claude downloads rising as users shifted to competitors. Altman emphasized safeguarding civil liberties, stating the agreement prohibits mass domestic surveillance and NSA use without a contract modification. (PC: X)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, thanking them for safeguarding the Indian community and urging the earliest restoration of regional peace and stability. Modi condemned recent attacks on Saudi Arabia and Bahrain as violations of sovereignty and territorial integrity, underscoring India’s call for de-escalation amid the Gulf’s ongoing conflict. The conversation occurred against a backdrop of heightened Gulf tensions and broader regional hostilities, with an aim to protect Indian nationals abroad.

The United States urges Americans to depart immediately from 13 Middle Eastern nations due to serious safety risks. The list includes Iran, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Israel, Gaza, West Bank, and the United Arab Emirates. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the advisory, encouraging departures via commercial transport. Mora Namdar, Assistant Secretary at the State Department, echoed Rubio on X, adding 24/7 assistance numbers and urging enrollment in STEP for security updates from nearby embassies or consulates. The guidance comes amid heightened regional hostilities following Iranian strikes in response to ongoing tensions with Israel and US involvement, reflecting ongoing US immigration and foreign policy coverage.