One person was killed and 11 others were injured at airports in Abu Dhabi and Dubai after Iran launched attacks across the region. Authorities in Abu Dhabi said a drone aimed at Zayed International Airport was intercepted. They said “falling debris” killed one person and injured seven. In Dubai, officials said Dubai International Airport was damaged in an “incident”. Four airport staff were hurt. Thousands of flights were grounded across the Gulf. Iran said the strikes were in response to ongoing attacks by the US and Israel. (PC: BBC)

Senior cleric Ayatollah Arafi has been appointed to lead Iran on an interim basis after the death of Ali Khamenei. Iranian news agency ISNA reported that Arafi will serve as the jurist member of a temporary leadership council. The council will carry out the Supreme Leader’s duties for now. (PC: X)   Khamenei was killed in strikes carried out by Israel and the United States in Tehran. US President Donald Trump confirmed a “major combat operation”. Iran has promised a strong response.

Large explosions were heard in Tehran on Sunday as Israel said it was targeting key sites in the city. The strikes came a day after joint US–Israel attacks that killed Ali Khamenei.   The Israel Defense Forces said, “The IDF is striking targets that belong to the Iranian terror regime in the heart of Tehran.” It added that the Israeli Air Force carried out large-scale strikes to establish “aerial superiority” and “pave the path to Tehran.”   The fresh attack followed Iran’s vow to avenge Khamenei’s death. Iran had earlier launched strikes across several Gulf regions. There was no immediate response from Iranian authorities on the latest blasts. (PC: X)

Hundreds of protesters stormed the US Consulate in Karachi hours after Iran confirmed the death of Ali Khamenei. Windows were smashed and clashes broke out with police.   Police official Mohammad Jawad said security forces used batons and tear gas to disperse the crowd. Muhammad Amin of the Edhi Foundation told AFP, “We have moved at least eight dead bodies… while 20 others were injured.” He said most victims had bullet wounds.   Protests were also reported in Baghdad, Srinagar and Lucknow. In Iraq, security forces blocked crowds near the US embassy. Iran has declared 40 days of mourning after Khamenei’s death.

Masoud Pezeshkian has declared Ali Khamenei a “martyr” after he was killed in US–Israel strikes. He said the attack “will not go unanswered.”   Pezeshkian said Khamenei “led the Islamic Revolution with wisdom and courage.” He added that those behind the strike would regret their actions. The martyr declaration allows 40 days of national mourning to begin.   He said the killing would open “a new chapter” in the Islamic world. He warned that Iran, with support from its people, would ensure those responsible face consequences. The US and Israel have not commented on his latest remarks. (PC: The Indian Express)

Fresh explosions were reported over Dubai and Doha for a second day as Iran expanded its retaliation across the Gulf. Witnesses said loud blasts were heard in both cities. Air defence systems were believed to be active.   Iran had warned it would target US military sites after joint US–Israel strikes killed Ali Khamenei. Iranian media claimed US-linked facilities were among the targets. There was no immediate confirmation from US or Gulf officials.   At least four people were reported injured near Dubai International Airport. Air traffic in parts of the region faced disruption as security alerts remained high. 

Donald Trump on Sunday warned Iran against any retaliation and said the US would respond with force “that has never been seen before.”   In a social media post, Trump said reports of Iran planning to respond “very hard” were being closely watched. “They better not do that, however, because if they do, we will hit them with a force that has never been seen before!” he wrote.   The warning comes after joint US–Israel strikes on Iranian targets under Operation Epic Fury. The strikes led to the death of Ali Khamenei. Trump said US action was needed to defend Americans. (PC: HT)

Iran said it attacked a US base in Kuwait and claimed many American forces were killed or injured. The statement came from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps during what it called the fifth wave of “Operation True Promise”.   The group said four missiles and 12 drones hit the Abdullah Mubarak area in Kuwait. It also claimed a US support ship was struck. The US has not confirmed the claims.   Explosions were reported in Dubai and Doha. Authorities shut operations at Dubai International Airport after hostilities began. Iran said the strikes were in response to the killing of Ali Khamenei. (PC: X)

Air India has cancelled several international flights as conflict between Iran and the US disrupted air routes across the Middle East. Many countries shut their airspace after Iran targeted US facilities in Gulf nations.   The airline said, “Close monitoring and careful assessment of the evolving situation… have necessitated further curtailment of our scheduled operations.” It added that passenger and crew safety remains its top priority.   Flights to London, Birmingham, Amsterdam, Zurich, Milan, Vienna, Copenhagen and Frankfurt were among those cancelled. Services from Kerala to Gulf cities were also affected. Operations at Dubai International Airport remain suspended after reported drone damage. (PC: X)

India trained with clear focus on bowling length ahead of their Super 8 clash against West Indies cricket team at Eden Gardens in the T20 World Cup.   Head coach Gautam Gambhir measured specific areas on the pitch during nets. Markers were placed for Varun Chakravarthy to target. He bowled at those spots again and again. Axar Patel also worked on hitting the top of off stump.   The team expects a batting-friendly pitch. A big total is likely. Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate said, “Our condolences go out to Rinku and his family… we need to get around him.” (PC: BCCI)