Explosions were reported in Tehran after US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the day would see the “most intense” US strikes on Iran so far. Residents in the Iranian capital reported loud blasts overnight as air strikes continued. Videos shared online showed damage and people rushing away from strike areas. Hegseth said the United States was increasing pressure on Iran as the conflict continues. The White House said the war would not end until Iran’s “complete and unconditional surrender” and when President Donald Trump says US goals are met. Iran issued a warning in response. A senior Iranian security official wrote online, “Be careful, so that you won’t get eliminated.” (PC: BBC)

The White House said India was called a “good actor” because it had earlier stopped buying sanctioned Russian oil when asked by the US. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Washington temporarily allowed India to receive some Russian oil shipments as they were already on the way. “Our allies in India have been good actors and had previously stopped buying sanctioned Russian oil,” she said. Leavitt added the cargo was “already at sea” and would not give Russia significant financial benefit. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the step would help fill a short-term supply gap caused by tensions in West Asia and disruptions linked to Iran. India has said it will prioritise energy needs for its population. (PC: HT)

US Energy Secretary Chris Wright briefly claimed that the US Navy escorted an oil tanker through the Strait of Hormuz during rising tensions with Iran. The statement was later deleted from social media. In the post, Wright said the Navy helped ensure oil supplies continued during military operations against Iran. “The US Navy successfully escorted an oil tanker through the Strait of Hormuz,” he wrote. The White House later rejected the claim. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the US had not escorted any ships through the waterway. Iran also denied the statement. A Revolutionary Guards spokesperson called the claim “a complete lie.” (PC: India Today)

During the ongoing Iran–Israel conflict, a Chinese intelligence analysis firm, MizarVision, has been monitoring U.S. military deployments in the Middle East using satellite imagery and artificial intelligence. The firm published detailed images showing U.S. fighter jets, surveillance aircraft, and military infrastructure at bases in countries such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, and Israel. It also tracked American aircraft carriers like the USS Gerald R. Ford and USS Abraham Lincoln from space. The data combines commercial satellite images with aircraft and ship tracking systems, allowing near real-time monitoring of military assets. Although there is no proof Iran used the information for attacks, several locations previously highlighted were later targeted during strikes. (PC: NDTV)

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the United States is “winning” the war against Iran as Washington prepared for what he called the most intense day of strikes yet in the conflict. The Pentagon said the campaign aims to destroy Iran’s missile, drone and naval capabilities, with more than 5,000 targets already hit since operations began. Meanwhile, the war has disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil route. Iraq is now exploring alternative export routes after tanker movement was affected by the conflict. The escalation has heightened global concerns about energy supply, regional stability and the risk of a wider Middle East war. (PC: AFP)

A growing shortage of commercial LPG cylinders is affecting hotels and restaurants in major Indian cities such as Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai. The crisis is linked to disruptions in energy shipments caused by the ongoing Iran conflict, which has affected supply routes through the Strait of Hormuz—a key corridor for LPG imports to India. As a result, deliveries of 19-kg commercial cylinders used by eateries have slowed or stopped in several areas. Many restaurants are struggling to cook meals and some have temporarily shut down operations. Authorities have prioritised domestic LPG supply for households, while industry bodies have urged the government to intervene to prevent large-scale closures. (PC: Reuters)

Tensions in the ongoing Iran–US conflict sharply escalated after a senior Iranian security official warned former US President Donald Trump to “be careful not to get eliminated,” responding to his threats of massive retaliation. Trump had warned Iran of “death, fire and fury” if it disrupts oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the day could see the most intense wave of American airstrikes yet, targeting Iranian weapons facilities and military infrastructure. The war, which has already hit thousands of targets and disrupted global oil shipments, continues to widen across the Middle East with both sides exchanging threats and attacks. (PC: X)

Iran has stated that any international mediation to end the conflict must include firm guarantees that attacks will permanently stop. Government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani said a simple ceasefire is not enough and insisted on a “complete halt to attacks” along with assurances that such strikes will not happen again. Speaking to the semi-official Tasnim News Agency, she said the demand reflects public concerns amid the ongoing war with the United States. Mohajerani stressed that Iran did not start the war but warned the country is prepared to continue fighting until the conflict ends with firm security guarantees. (PC: X)

A newly released video reveals fresh details about the deadly strike on the Shajareh Tayyebeh girls’ school in Minab, southern Iran. Analysts studying the footage say the missile seen appears to be a US Tomahawk cruise missile, possibly aimed at a nearby Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) naval base. The strike occurred on 28 February amid rising tensions between the United States and Iran. Iranian officials claim 165 people, including many schoolchildren, were killed when the school building was hit during class hours. However, Donald Trump has previously denied that US forces were responsible, while investigations into the incident continue.

Australian navy personnel on a US submarine were sent to their sleeping quarters before the vessel attacked an Iranian warship in the Indian Ocean, reports said. The submarine later torpedoed and sank IRIS Dena.   Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had earlier confirmed that three Australian navy members were on board the US submarine during the operation. Officials said the Australians were not involved in the strike.   They were asked to remain in their quarters before the attack began. The move was meant to ensure they did not take part in the combat action.   The incident happened during the ongoing US-Iran conflict at sea. (PC: India Today)