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)

US intelligence agencies say Iran’s leadership is not at risk of collapse despite nearly two weeks of US and Israeli strikes. Officials said several intelligence reports show the government still controls the country. “A multitude of intelligence reports provide consistent analysis that the regime is not in danger and retains control of the Iranian public,” one source said. The strikes began on February 28 and targeted air defences, nuclear sites and senior leaders. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed on the first day. Still, officials say security forces and interim leaders remain in control. Sources added the situation on the ground is fluid and could change. (PC: NDTV)

Explosions were heard in downtown Dubai on Thursday as Iran continued attacks across the Gulf region. An AFP correspondent reported hearing one very loud blast. Small clouds of smoke were seen rising above a residential area. Earlier, a container ship near Dubai was hit by a projectile in the Persian Gulf. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations centre said the strike caused a small fire but the crew were safe. In Bahrain, an Iranian attack triggered a major fire on Muharraq Island near the international airport. Kuwait said an Iranian drone hit a residential building and wounded two people. Saudi Arabia also said it shot down drones targeting Riyadh and an oil facility in the kingdom’s east. (PC: NDTV)

Iran has allowed India-flagged oil tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz after talks between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, sources said. At least two Indian tankers — Pushpak and Parimal — are now sailing through the key waterway. Ships linked to the US, Europe and Israel still face restrictions. Earlier, a Liberia-flagged tanker carrying Saudi crude and captained by an Indian also crossed the strait and reached Mumbai safely. Iran had warned ships to seek its approval before entering the route. The Strait of Hormuz carries a large share of global oil shipments and has seen traffic drop during the war. (PC: NDTV)