Iranian Americans gathered in several US cities after the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. In Los Angeles, many celebrated and waved flags. One banner read, “THANK U TRUMP.” Fatemeh Shams, who left Iran in 2009, said, “We all have very mixed feelings.” She added she felt relief but also sadness over the violence. Others hoped the moment would bring change in Iran. “We’re hoping this leads to regime change,” said Donya Cheshmaghil. However, protests were also held against US strikes. Actress Jane Fonda said, “You may wage this war in our name, but not with our consent.” (PC: BBC)

Fire and thick smoke were seen rising from inside the US Embassy compound in Kuwait on Monday after an Iranian strike, as the widening US-Iran conflict spreads across West Asia. Video showed smoke billowing with alarms wailing, while firefighters and ambulances rushed to the area. The US had earlier warned of a continuing drone and missile threat, urging Americans to shelter indoors and avoid the embassy. Air raid sirens also sounded in Bahrain. The escalation follows Iran’s retaliatory strikes across the Gulf, raising fears of a broader regional war involving Lebanon and Israel. (PC: India Today)

A US Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jet has reportedly crashed in Kuwait, with unverified social media videos showing a pilot ejecting moments before impact. Regional sources suggest the American pilot survived, with footage appearing to show him receiving assistance on the ground before being transported to an undisclosed location. Preliminary reports hint at a possible friendly fire incident, though no official confirmation exists. The US Air Force has not yet released any statement. The incident occurs amid heightened regional military activity following US-Israeli strikes on Iran under Operation Epic Fury, with Iran warning of further retaliatory escalation across the Gulf.

Iranian state media on Monday shared a video it said shows a US F-15 fighter jet crashing in Kuwait. The footage aired by Press TV appears to show the jet falling before impact. It also shows pilots ejecting and landing by parachute in desert areas. Social media posts showed at least one pilot on the ground. There was no official statement from US or Kuwaiti authorities on the cause of the crash or the crew’s condition. The incident comes as Iran and the US exchange strikes across the Gulf. Smoke was also seen near the US Embassy in Kuwait City. (PC: HT)

The UAE has ordered both its major stock exchanges the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange and Dubai Financial Market shut for two consecutive days, Monday March 2 and Tuesday March 3, following Iran's retaliatory missile and drone strikes on the country. The UAE Capital Markets Authority cited its supervisory and regulatory responsibilities in announcing the closure, signalling the severe economic disruption sweeping across the Gulf region. The authority stated it would continue monitoring regional developments and assess the situation on an ongoing basis, reserving the right to take further measures as necessary. The closure marks one of the most significant financial disruptions in the UAE's recent history. (PC: X)

Global oil prices rose after at least three ships were attacked near the Strait of Hormuz. The area carries about 20% of the world’s oil and gas. The UK Maritime Trade Operations Centre said two vessels were hit by unknown projectiles. A third reported an explosion “in very close proximity.” Crews were safe. Iran has warned ships not to pass through the strait. Many tankers have dropped anchor outside the area. Brent crude rose over 4% to $76.16 a barrel. “The market isn’t panicking,” said Saul Kavonic of MST Marquee. He said prices may ease if traffic returns. (PC: BBC)

At least 31 people were killed and over 140 injured in Israeli airstrikes targeting southern Lebanon and Beirut, according to Lebanon's Ministry of Public Health. Around 20 deaths were reported in Beirut's southern suburbs, with 11 more fatalities in southern Lebanon. The Israel Defense Forces confirmed strikes on senior Hezbollah commanders in Beirut and southern Lebanon, hitting Dahiyeh, Hezbollah's stronghold. The escalation followed Hezbollah's vow to retaliate after Supreme Leader Khamenei's killing, with the group subsequently launching missiles and drones at an Israeli army base south of Haifa in revenge. Lebanese state media reported mass evacuations across densely populated southern Beirut districts.

Afghanistan's defence ministry announced its air force executed "precise and coordinated" strikes on multiple Pakistani military installations, including the strategically significant Nur Khan Airbase in Rawalpindi, the same base previously targeted during India's Operation Sindoor. Kabul stated the strikes were a direct retaliation for recent Pakistani air incursions into Afghan territory, specifically over Kabul and Bagram. The development marks a dramatic escalation in Afghanistan-Pakistan tensions, opening a fresh front of regional conflict. Pakistan has yet to issue any official response or confirmation regarding the strikes, leaving key details about damage and casualties unverified as the situation continues to rapidly evolve.

France, Germany, and the United Kingdom issued a joint statement on Sunday declaring readiness to take "defensive action" against Iran to protect their interests and those of regional allies. The three European powers warned they would pursue steps potentially including destroying Iran's missile and drone launch capabilities at their source if deemed necessary and proportionate. The statement marks a significant escalation in Europe's position as the US-Israeli military campaign against Iran widens, signalling that Western nations beyond Washington and Tel Aviv are prepared to intervene militarily should the regional conflict continue to intensify. (PC: X)

US President Donald Trump has indicated the Iran conflict could last approximately four weeks, describing it as a planned, complex operation against a large adversary. Speaking to the Daily Mail, Trump said diplomatic channels remain open but stressed Tehran "should have talked last week." Over 200 people have died since coordinated US-Israeli strikes killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei and nearly 48 senior Iranian figures. Iran has retaliated with missile and drone strikes across the Middle East. Trump confirmed three American service members were killed, one the first US combat casualties of his second term while calling the offensive "one of the most complex military operations the world has ever seen."