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)

Global oil prices rose after at least three ships were attacked near the Strait of Hormuz. The area carries about 20% of the world’s oil and gas. The UK Maritime Trade Operations Centre said two vessels were hit by unknown projectiles. A third reported an explosion “in very close proximity.” Crews were safe. Iran has warned ships not to pass through the strait. Many tankers have dropped anchor outside the area. Brent crude rose over 4% to $76.16 a barrel. “The market isn’t panicking,” said Saul Kavonic of MST Marquee. He said prices may ease if traffic returns. (PC: BBC)

At least 31 people were killed and over 140 injured in Israeli airstrikes targeting southern Lebanon and Beirut, according to Lebanon's Ministry of Public Health. Around 20 deaths were reported in Beirut's southern suburbs, with 11 more fatalities in southern Lebanon. The Israel Defense Forces confirmed strikes on senior Hezbollah commanders in Beirut and southern Lebanon, hitting Dahiyeh, Hezbollah's stronghold. The escalation followed Hezbollah's vow to retaliate after Supreme Leader Khamenei's killing, with the group subsequently launching missiles and drones at an Israeli army base south of Haifa in revenge. Lebanese state media reported mass evacuations across densely populated southern Beirut districts.

Indian stock markets suffered a brutal selloff Monday morning as escalating West Asia tensions rattled investor confidence. The Sensex crashed over 2,700 points at open, while Nifty 50 plunged 500-plus points, wiping out over ₹8 lakh crore in investor wealth within minutes. Five key factors drove the crash: US-Iran war fears following Khamenei's killing, crude oil surging over 8% to multi-month highs, the rupee breaching Rs 91 per dollar, aggressive FII selling marking their eighth consecutive month of net equity offloading, and broader geopolitical uncertainty. Analysts warn prolonged conflict could widen India's current account deficit, accelerate inflation, and trigger further foreign capital flight. (PC: Mint)