Fresh explosions were reported in central areas of Dubai, sending thick black smoke rising above buildings and alarming residents amid the escalating Iran-US-Israel conflict. Witnesses reported loud blasts and shaking buildings in downtown districts, with visuals showing dark plumes over the skyline. Authorities are still assessing the cause, but the incident comes as Iranian missile and drone strikes expand across Gulf countries. UAE air-defence systems have reportedly intercepted several projectiles, though debris and explosions have been seen in parts of the city. The attack highlights the growing spillover of the Middle East war into major regional hubs. 

The United States has issued a temporary 30-day waiver allowing several countries, including India, to purchase Russian oil shipments that are currently stranded at sea. The decision by the US Treasury aims to ease pressure on global energy supplies as the ongoing Iran conflict disrupts oil transport routes and pushes prices higher. Officials clarified that the waiver only applies to cargo already loaded onto ships before March 5 and does not permit new Russian exports. Washington said the measure is designed to stabilise fuel markets and control rising oil prices while ensuring the move does not significantly increase Russia’s revenue during the crisis. (PC: X)

A US Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker refuelling aircraft crashed in western Iraq while supporting military operations linked to the ongoing Iran conflict. The aircraft went down during Operation Epic Fury, prompting an immediate search-and-rescue mission by US forces. Officials confirmed the incident occurred in “friendly airspace” and was not caused by hostile or friendly fire, though the exact cause remains under investigation. Two aircraft were reportedly involved in the mission, with the second landing safely. The number and condition of crew members were not immediately confirmed. The crash comes amid escalating regional tensions and intensive aerial operations as the US continues strikes and missions related to the war with Iran. (PC: AP)

Ali Larijani, a senior security official in Iran, warned that Iranian forces could “hunt down” American troops if the United States targets Iran’s electricity infrastructure. His remarks came after US President Donald Trump said Washington could destroy Iran’s electric capacity within an hour if the conflict escalates. Posting on X, Larijani said any such strike would plunge the region into darkness within 30 minutes and create opportunities to attack US servicemen. He also warned that Iran could retaliate by targeting regional power grids. The exchange marks another escalation in tensions between Washington and Tehran amid the ongoing war involving Iran, the US and Israel.

Donald Trump said Iran’s national football team would be welcome to compete at the 2026 FIFA World Cup but questioned whether it would be “appropriate” for them to attend amid the ongoing conflict. Posting on Truth Social, Trump said the team could participate but raised concerns about their safety. However, Iran’s Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali said the country would not send its team under any circumstances, citing the killing of former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in US strikes. Gianni Infantino, president of FIFA, confirmed that Iran remains officially eligible to compete. The tournament will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Mojtaba Khamenei, the newly appointed Supreme Leader of Iran, has issued his first public remarks since taking power, adopting a hardline stance amid the ongoing conflict with the United States and Israel. In a statement broadcast on Iranian state television, Khamenei said the strategic Strait of Hormuz should remain closed and used as leverage in the conflict. He also warned that American military bases across the region could be attacked if they remain operational. The remarks come after the death of former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in joint US–Israeli strikes on February 28. The new leader vowed to seek reparations for war damages and retaliate for civilian casualties, including victims of a missile strike on a girls’ school in Minab. Khamenei also thanked allied groups in the region and said Iran would continue its resistance against its adversaries while maintaining friendly relations with neighbouring countries. (PC: India Today)

Iran’s newly appointed Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, delivered his first public message since assuming power amid the ongoing conflict with the United States and Israel. In a strongly worded statement broadcast on state television, he vowed to avenge Iranian casualties and continue resistance against both countries. Khamenei warned that Iran would keep pressure on its enemies, including threatening to keep the strategic Strait of Hormuz closed and targeting US military bases in the region. His remarks signal a hardline stance and suggest the war could continue, further escalating tensions and deepening the regional crisis affecting global oil supplies. (PC: Reuters)

Iran has outlined three key conditions for ending its ongoing conflict with the United States and Israel as tensions continue to escalate across the Middle East. Iranian leaders said the war could end if the US stops military operations, economic sanctions on Iran are lifted, and Iran’s security interests and regional influence are recognised. Tehran said it seeks guarantees that such attacks will not happen again. The announcement comes as intense fighting, missile strikes, and disruptions to global oil shipments continue across the region. The conflict, which began after joint US-Israel strikes on Iran, has already shaken energy markets and raised fears of a wider regional war. (PC: X)

  Iran warned that global oil prices could surge as attacks on ships disrupt energy routes in the Gulf. An Iranian military spokesperson said the world should “get ready for oil to be $200 a barrel.” Three vessels were reported hit in Gulf waters on Wednesday. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said they fired on ships that ignored their orders. Since the war began, at least 14 merchant ships have been damaged in the region. The conflict started nearly two weeks ago after US and Israeli strikes on Iran. Oil prices have already risen sharply, briefly nearing $120 a barrel earlier this week. The International Energy Agency has suggested releasing strategic reserves to calm markets. (PC: NDTV)

India’s retail inflation rose to 3.21% in February from 2.75% in January, according to data released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation. The increase was mainly driven by food prices. Food inflation stood at 3.75% in February. Prices changed across vegetables, cereals and pulses. Food items have a large weight in the Consumer Price Index. Urban inflation was recorded at 3.32%. Rural inflation stood at 3.07%. Despite the rise, inflation remains within the Reserve Bank of India’s target band of 2–6%. The central bank aims to keep inflation near 4%. Economists say global oil prices and supply disruptions could affect inflation trends in the coming months. (PC: India Today)