Israel’s military said it killed a senior Hezbollah leader in a strike in Beirut. The Israel Defense Forces said the target was Hussein Makled, head of Hezbollah’s intelligence unit.   “The IDF now confirms that in a precise strike in Beirut last night, the terrorist Hussein Makled has been eliminated,” the statement said.   The strike risks raising tensions between Israel and Hezbollah. The two sides ended a year-long war 15 months ago under a ceasefire deal.   Hezbollah recently launched rocket and drone attacks. Israel responded with strikes. Both sides have fought several wars in the past, including in 2006 and 2023-24. (PC: X)

India’s state-run refiners, led by Indian Oil Corp., met government officials to review supply plans after the Iran war disrupted the Strait of Hormuz. The waterway carries nearly half of India’s daily oil imports.   Officials are considering buying more Russian crude. Tankers are waiting near Asian waters. India had reduced Russian purchases after pressure from the United States and a recent trade deal.   India imported just over 1 million barrels a day from Russia in February. That is about half of earlier peak levels.   Officials said India has stocks that could last up to two weeks. Options include using reserves and raising LPG output. (PC: HT)

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said, “We didn’t start the war, but under President Trump, we are finishing it.” He said President Donald Trump has drawn the line after “47 years of Iranian belligerence.”   Hegseth warned that anyone who kills or threatens Americans will be hunted down “without apology and without hesitation.”   He said it is common sense that Iran must not have nuclear weapons. He added that Trump has the “guts” to enforce this.   Hegseth also criticised former President Barack Obama’s nuclear deal. He called it a “terrible deal” and said it almost allowed Iran to build a bomb. (PC: BBC)

Iranian strikes were reported on energy sites in Qatar and Saudi Arabia as the conflict spread across the region. Saudi officials said a refinery fire was “under control.” A major gas plant in Qatar was also hit.   Oil prices rose sharply in global markets. At one point, prices were up 42%.   In Kuwait, several US fighter jets crashed. The US military called it “an apparent friendly fire incident.” One aircraft was seen falling to the ground in video clips.   The US and Israel had launched strikes on Iran earlier. Fighting has also continued in Lebanon and around Tehran. (PC: BBC)

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps is now acting independently after recent events in the country. He said a strike on an Oman port “was not our choice.”   In an interview with Al Jazeera, Araghchi said, “Our military units are now in fact independent and somehow isolated.” He added that they are acting on “general instructions” given earlier.   The IRGC reports directly to Iran’s Supreme Leader. Following recent developments, the force is operating without direct leadership. The Guards have vowed revenge and said they will continue their path and deliver “lesson-giving punishment” to those they call aggressors. (PC: NDTV)

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it targeted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office as fighting with Israel and the United States grew.   In a statement carried by Fars news agency, the Guards said, “The office of the criminal prime minister of the Zionist regime and the headquarters of the regime's air force commander were targeted.” It said Kheibar missiles were used.   The report said Netanyahu’s status remains unclear.   Israel and the US have carried out strikes across Iran since Saturday. The conflict has spread across the region. Explosions were reported in several Gulf cities. Flights were cancelled and oil facilities were hit as tensions rose further. (PC: HT)

France, Germany and the United Kingdom said they are ready to work with the United States and regional allies as tensions in West Asia rise.   In a joint statement on March 1, the three leaders condemned Iran’s recent missile and drone strikes. They said they were “appalled by the indiscriminate and disproportionate missile attacks” and warned Tehran to “stop these reckless attacks immediately.”   The leaders said they may support “necessary and proportionate defensive action” to destroy Iran’s launch sites. They added that they have agreed to coordinate with the US and allies in the region.   The warning comes after US-Israel strikes on Iran under Operation Epic Fury. (PC: X)

Iran’s envoy to the International Atomic Energy Agency said the US and Israel attacked Iran’s nuclear facilities on Sunday. Ambassador Reza Najafi claimed the Natanz enrichment facility was targeted. He called the strikes “unlawful, criminal and brutal.”   The US and Israel have not confirmed strikes on Natanz.   IAEA chief Rafael Grossi said there is “no indication” that nuclear sites were damaged. He added that no rise in radiation levels has been detected so far.   Grossi said the situation is “very concerning” and called for a return to diplomacy.   The conflict in the region has widened in recent days. (PC: India Today)

The United States shared video showing strikes on Iranian fighter jets and drones parked at a facility. US Central Command said its forces are taking “bold action” to remove imminent threats from Iran.   The strikes are part of a joint US and Israeli operation. Key cities, including Tehran and Isfahan, have been hit. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed in earlier attacks, according to reports.   Iran has responded with strikes on US allies in the Gulf. Several airports and airspaces in the region have been closed.   India said it is closely monitoring the situation and preparing support for its citizens.

Iran launched fresh missile and drone strikes on Israel and Gulf states on Monday, widening the regional conflict. Media outlets reported a drone strike on Saudi Aramco’s Ras Tanura Refinery, one of the world’s largest oil export hubs.   The Jerusalem Post said a “small and isolated fire” broke out at the site and was later controlled. Reuters reported the facility was temporarily closed.   Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said the “tenth wave opened massive gates of fire upon the occupied territories.”   Iranian media also reported a strike on Salman Port, claiming it was used for US logistics.   Saudi Arabia strongly condemned the attacks. (PC: HT)