Fairmont The Palm was struck during Iran’s missile and drone attacks across the Gulf late Saturday. Verified video showed flames and thick smoke rising from the hotel on Palm Jumeirah.   Dubai officials said four people were injured in a fire at a building in the area. The Dubai Media Office later reported four wounded in an “incident” at Dubai International Airport, adding there was minor damage.   Iran said the strikes were part of operation “Truthful Promise 4”. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it was targeting US bases after attacks by the US and Israel. The UAE defence ministry called the action a “blatant violation of national sovereignty and international law”. (PC: BBC)

A powerful explosion rocked Tehran, prompting emergency responses and sirens as tensions soared following a pre-emptive strike by Israel and the United States against Iran, officials reported. The blast occurred near key government and military sites in the capital, with Iranian state media confirming the incident. Sirens also sounded in Tel Aviv as Israel prepared for possible missile retaliation amid an escalating conflict rooted in disputes over Iran’s nuclear program and regional security threats. Iran shut its airspace and warned of strong countermeasures, raising fears of a wider regional confrontation. (PC: X)

Dubai International Airport (DXB) sustained minor damage in an overnight Iranian missile attack amid escalating Middle East tensions, the emirate’s media office said. A concourse at the world’s busiest international aviation hub was struck, and four airport staff were injured, with emergency teams responding swiftly. Authorities said the incident was quickly contained and most terminals were cleared of passengers before damage occurred. The strikes are part of broader Iranian attacks across the Gulf in retaliation for recent US-Israel actions, also impacting landmarks like the Burj Al Arab hotel. Flight operations in the region were disrupted as airspace closures followed the assault. 

A joint US-Israel airstrike on Iran reportedly killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter, Iranian media said, alongside senior military figures including Iran’s defence minister and Revolutionary Guard commanders. U.S. President Donald Trump claimed Khamenei himself was killed in the operation and vowed continued pressure; Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu said the leader’s compound was destroyed. Some Iranian outlets initially said Khamenei remained in command, but state TV later confirmed his death and announced mourning. The strikes have triggered regional tensions and possible retaliation from Iran. (PC: X)

India’s Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said the country’s strategic petroleum reserve — including underground caverns, refinery and floating stocks — can sustain demand for up to 74 days in case of a major global supply disruption, as per his reply in the Rajya Sabha. The International Energy Agency recommends a 90-day buffer, but Puri stated that 74 days is reasonably secure for now, with possible future expansion. He highlighted India’s status as one of the world’s largest crude oil consumers and refiners, and said expanding reserves is vital for national energy security. (PC: PTI)

Iran’s state media confirmed on 1 March 2026 that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has died following a major joint U.S. and Israeli military attack on Iran, marking a historic escalation in regional conflict. The 86-year-old leader, who had governed since 1989, was reportedly killed in strikes on Tehran targeting senior leadership and strategic sites. Tehran declared 40 days of national mourning. The coordinated offensive triggered Iranian missile and drone retaliation against Israel and U.S. bases across the Middle East, raising concerns of wider instability. (PC: Reuters)

Indian badminton star P. V. Sindhu, a two-time Olympic medallist, was left stranded at Dubai International Airport as flight operations were suspended due to escalating tensions after US-Israel strikes on Iran. Sindhu, en route to the prestigious All England Open in Birmingham, shared on social media that all flights were halted “until further notice” and described the situation as chaotic and frightening. She later reassured fans that she and her team are safe but stuck as thousands of travellers await updates amid the regional airspace shutdown and travel uncertainties. (PC: X)

Dubai’s main international airport (DXB) sustained minor damage in a retaliatory Iranian missile attack after joint US–Israeli strikes on Iran, officials said. A concourse at the world’s busiest airport was impacted, and four airport staff were injured as emergency teams responded and terminals had been cleared beforehand. The incident triggered panic and forced evacuation procedures, with regional airspace closures leading to mass flight cancellations and suspensions. The attacks are part of broader Iranian strikes across Gulf states, affecting infrastructure including other airports and prompting heightened security and disruption in the aviation hub.

India has expressed deep concern over the recent joint military strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran and the resulting escalation in the Middle East. New Delhi’s Ministry of External Affairs urged all parties to exercise restraint, avoid further escalation, and prioritise the safety of civilians, while emphasising that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states must be respected. India highlighted the importance of dialogue and diplomacy as the only means to de-escalate tensions and address underlying issues. Indian missions across the Gulf region have issued advisories to nationals to remain vigilant and stay in contact with embassies amid uncertainty. (PC: X)

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has pledged a “most ferocious offensive operation” against U.S. military bases and Israel after Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in coordinated U.S.–Israeli airstrikes on Tehran and other Iranian cities. The strikes, part of a campaign dubbed Operation Epic Fury / Lion’s Roar, targeted military and nuclear sites, killing Khamenei and senior commanders, and damaging key infrastructure. Iran has responded with missile and drone attacks on regional U.S. bases and Israeli targets, prompting high alert and civilian casualties. Tehran declared 40 days of mourning and vowed relentless retaliation as global tensions spike. (PC: Reuters)