Iran’s powerful Assembly of Experts has reportedly chosen Mojtaba Khamenei as the country’s new Supreme Leader following the death of his father, Ali Khamenei, in recent US-Israeli military strikes. Mojtaba, a mid-ranking cleric, is believed to have strong backing from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which reportedly influenced the succession process. The move marks an unprecedented father-to-son transition in Iran’s political system, sparking debate over dynastic leadership and the future direction of the Islamic Republic amid rising regional tensions. (PC: Reuters)

Israeli Military spokesperson Brigadier General Effie Defrin said the Northern Command has moved forward inside Lebanon, taken control of dominating terrain and is creating a buffer zone to shield Israeli residents from threats. Defence Minister Israel Katz stated that he and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu authorised the Israel Defense Forces to seize additional strategic positions to prevent attacks on border communities. Meanwhile, the Lebanese army said it redeployed soldiers from several recently established border posts due to Israeli “escalation.” A Lebanese military source told AFP that eight to nine soldiers stationed at each point were withdrawn to bases owing to safety risks. (PC: X)

The United States Central Command said it has struck nearly 2,000 targets and destroyed 17 Iranian naval ships, including a submarine, within 100 hours of launching Operation Epic Fury. Admiral Brad Cooper stated more than 2,000 munitions were used, severely degrading Iran’s air defences and destroying hundreds of ballistic missiles, launchers and drones. He described the campaign as involving “uncontested surgical strikes” by B-2 and B-1 bombers. Over 50,000 US troops and 200 fighter aircraft are engaged in ongoing 24/7 operations. In retaliation, Iran has launched over 500 ballistic missiles and 2,000 drones, though US officials claim Tehran’s strike capability is steadily declining.

Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei has been elected Iran’s new Supreme Leader by the Assembly of Experts, Israeli media reported. He succeeds his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in joint US-Israeli strikes on February 28 while at his compound. His daughter, son-in-law, granddaughter, and wife Mansoureh Khojasteh Bagherzadeh also died following the attack. Khamenei, who ruled for 36 years, will be buried in Mashhad, with a large farewell ceremony planned in Tehran; the date remains undisclosed. An interim Leadership Council comprising Ayatollah Alireza Arafi, President Masoud Pezeshkian, and Chief Justice Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei had overseen duties. The strikes, named Operation Epic Fury, have intensified regional tensions significantly. (PC: NDTV)

A drone struck an area near the US Consulate in Dubai early Tuesday, causing a fire, city officials said. Dubai’s government media office confirmed that emergency teams reached the site quickly. The fire was brought under control. No injuries were reported. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the drone hit a parking lot next to the consulate’s chancery building. “All personnel are accounted for,” Rubio said. He added that the US had reduced staff at some diplomatic sites earlier. The consulate is in a busy area of Dubai, close to the British embassy and the Saudi consulate.

France has ordered its aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle to sail to the Mediterranean as tensions rise in the Middle East. President Emmanuel Macron said the carrier, along with its air wing and escort ships, will help protect allied assets in the region. At the same time, Israel said it struck a “covert underground” nuclear site in Iran. The Israeli military claimed the compound was linked to developing capabilities for nuclear weapons. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard said it launched a new wave of missile and drone attacks against Israel. The conflict has expanded days after joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran. (PC: HT)

The Pentagon has warned that key US missile stocks could run low if the Iran conflict continues for 10 more days, according to a report by Al Jazeera. Officials reportedly told President Donald Trump that a longer war may strain interceptor and precision weapon supplies. Analysts said systems such as THAAD and other interceptors could be hit hardest. Reports say the US has already used a large share of such missiles in past clashes. However, Trump said on social media that US munitions stockpiles have “never been higher” and claimed wars could be fought “forever” with current supplies. The conflict has already raised concerns about rising costs. (PC: X)

Oil and gas prices rose sharply as global stock markets fell on fears the Middle East conflict could grow. UK gas prices hit a three-year high before easing. Brent crude moved above $85 a barrel and is about 17% higher than last week. Major share indexes in London, Germany and France closed lower. US markets also fell in early trade. Investors are worried about energy supplies and shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. “As long as this war continues… it can be an issue for the price of oil,” said Philip Palumbo. Higher energy costs could raise inflation and delay interest rate cuts. (PC: BBC)

The UN nuclear watchdog said it has found no proof that Iran is running a weapons programme, despite US and Israeli claims. IAEA chief Rafael Grossi said inspectors saw no evidence of “a systematic and structured program to manufacture nuclear weapons.” He confirmed Iran has enriched uranium to 60 per cent purity. He said this level is high but added, “Do they have them? No.” US envoy Steve Witkoff said Iranian officials told US negotiators they had 460 kilograms of 60 per cent enriched uranium. He claimed it could make “11 nuclear bombs.” Iran has denied seeking nuclear weapons. (PC: India Today)

Flights began to resume in parts of West Asia on Day 4 of the conflict, but major hubs remain affected. Jordan reopened its airspace after a brief closure. Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports are operating at limited capacity. Emirates and Etihad said they will run limited services until at least March 4. Passengers were told not to go to airports unless informed. Air India is using larger aircraft on Dubai and Jeddah routes. IndiGo will operate 10 relief flights from Jeddah. Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait remain closed due to missile and drone threats. Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport plans a gradual reopening. (PC: HT)