At least 555 people have been killed in Iran since the start of US and Israeli strikes, Iranian state media reported on Monday. The report cited the Iranian Red Crescent Society. Earlier official figures had put the death toll at just over 200. The conflict has entered its third day. The strikes began after joint US-Israeli attacks targeted key Iranian leaders and military sites. Iran has responded with missile and drone attacks across the region. The United States has confirmed the deaths of three American service members. Fighting has also raised tensions in Gulf countries, with fresh strikes reported in the region. (PC: X)

The United Kingdom has allowed the United States to use British bases for what it called a “specific and limited defensive purpose” against Iran. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the move aims to stop Iran from firing missiles across the region. He said the UK was not part of the earlier US-Israel strikes on Iran and “will not join offensive action now.” Starmer said Iran’s attacks have hit airports and hotels where British citizens were staying. He said the decision is based on “collective self-defence” and follows international law. British jets have already intercepted some Iranian missiles in the region. 

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.