Nearly 10 million Indians living across the Gulf are facing fear as the US-Iran conflict spreads. Families in India are glued to their phones, waiting for calls. “I started praying when I heard about the attacks,” said Asiya from Karnataka, whose sons live in Abu Dhabi and Bahrain. In Dubai, S P Singh Oberoi said, “One can see drones and missiles in the sky.” Airports in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha have shut after missile strikes. Flights were cancelled and many Indians are stranded. Authorities have asked residents to stay indoors as debris from intercepted missiles falls in some areas. (PC: The Indian Express)

China has said that US and Israeli strikes on Iran go against international law and risk widening the conflict. The Chinese Foreign Ministry said it is “highly concerned” about the situation. It urged all sides to stop military action at once. Beijing said the security and territorial integrity of countries in the region must be respected. It added that the use of force in international relations should be opposed. China called for dialogue instead of war. The ministry said over 3,000 Chinese nationals have been evacuated from Iran. One Chinese citizen was killed in Tehran during the fighting. (PC: India Today)

Several American military aircraft crashed in Kuwait on Monday amid rising tensions in the Iran-US conflict. Kuwait’s Defence Ministry said all crew members were safely rescued and taken to hospital, and their condition is stable. The number and type of aircraft were not officially confirmed, though Iranian media claimed a US F-15E fighter jet went down. Videos circulating online show pilots ejecting and landing by parachute in desert areas. The incidents come as Iran continues missile and drone attacks in retaliation for recent US-Israeli strikes on Iranian military targets. Emergency services also responded to smoke reported near the US Embassy in Kuwait City. 

Iranian Americans gathered in several US cities after the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. In Los Angeles, many celebrated and waved flags. One banner read, “THANK U TRUMP.” Fatemeh Shams, who left Iran in 2009, said, “We all have very mixed feelings.” She added she felt relief but also sadness over the violence. Others hoped the moment would bring change in Iran. “We’re hoping this leads to regime change,” said Donya Cheshmaghil. However, protests were also held against US strikes. Actress Jane Fonda said, “You may wage this war in our name, but not with our consent.” (PC: BBC)

After the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, attention has returned to a small village in Uttar Pradesh linked to the founders of Iran’s ruling system. Kintoor village in Barabanki district is the ancestral home of Ruhollah Khomeini. His grandfather, Syed Ahmed Musavi, was born there in the early 19th century before moving to Najaf and later settling in Iran. He kept the title “Hindi”, showing his Indian origin. Khomeini led the 1979 Islamic Revolution and became Iran’s first Supreme Leader. After his death in 1989, Khamenei took over. With Khamenei now killed, this Indian link has drawn fresh attention aslo raised questions about Iran’s future leadership. (PC: X)

Fire and thick smoke were seen rising from inside the US Embassy compound in Kuwait on Monday after an Iranian strike, as the widening US-Iran conflict spreads across West Asia. Video showed smoke billowing with alarms wailing, while firefighters and ambulances rushed to the area. The US had earlier warned of a continuing drone and missile threat, urging Americans to shelter indoors and avoid the embassy. Air raid sirens also sounded in Bahrain. The escalation follows Iran’s retaliatory strikes across the Gulf, raising fears of a broader regional war involving Lebanon and Israel. (PC: India Today)

India’s state-run refiners, led by Indian Oil, met government officials to plan for supply risks after fighting near the Strait of Hormuz slowed oil flows. The route carries nearly half of India’s daily crude imports. Officials said India has stocks that may last about two weeks, including reserves. One option is to buy more Russian crude. About 9.5 million barrels of Russian oil are in Asian waters, sources said. India had cut such imports under US pressure. Refiners are also seeking more supplies from Saudi Arabia and may adjust output to boost LPG for homes. (PC: HT)

A US Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jet has reportedly crashed in Kuwait, with unverified social media videos showing a pilot ejecting moments before impact. Regional sources suggest the American pilot survived, with footage appearing to show him receiving assistance on the ground before being transported to an undisclosed location. Preliminary reports hint at a possible friendly fire incident, though no official confirmation exists. The US Air Force has not yet released any statement. The incident occurs amid heightened regional military activity following US-Israeli strikes on Iran under Operation Epic Fury, with Iran warning of further retaliatory escalation across the Gulf.

Iranian state media on Monday shared a video it said shows a US F-15 fighter jet crashing in Kuwait. The footage aired by Press TV appears to show the jet falling before impact. It also shows pilots ejecting and landing by parachute in desert areas. Social media posts showed at least one pilot on the ground. There was no official statement from US or Kuwaiti authorities on the cause of the crash or the crew’s condition. The incident comes as Iran and the US exchange strikes across the Gulf. Smoke was also seen near the US Embassy in Kuwait City. (PC: HT)

The UAE has ordered both its major stock exchanges the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange and Dubai Financial Market shut for two consecutive days, Monday March 2 and Tuesday March 3, following Iran's retaliatory missile and drone strikes on the country. The UAE Capital Markets Authority cited its supervisory and regulatory responsibilities in announcing the closure, signalling the severe economic disruption sweeping across the Gulf region. The authority stated it would continue monitoring regional developments and assess the situation on an ongoing basis, reserving the right to take further measures as necessary. The closure marks one of the most significant financial disruptions in the UAE's recent history. (PC: X)