Iran’s state media confirmed on 1 March 2026 that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has died following a major joint U.S. and Israeli military attack on Iran, marking a historic escalation in regional conflict. The 86-year-old leader, who had governed since 1989, was reportedly killed in strikes on Tehran targeting senior leadership and strategic sites. Tehran declared 40 days of national mourning. The coordinated offensive triggered Iranian missile and drone retaliation against Israel and U.S. bases across the Middle East, raising concerns of wider instability. (PC: Reuters)

Indian badminton star P. V. Sindhu, a two-time Olympic medallist, was left stranded at Dubai International Airport as flight operations were suspended due to escalating tensions after US-Israel strikes on Iran. Sindhu, en route to the prestigious All England Open in Birmingham, shared on social media that all flights were halted “until further notice” and described the situation as chaotic and frightening. She later reassured fans that she and her team are safe but stuck as thousands of travellers await updates amid the regional airspace shutdown and travel uncertainties. (PC: X)

Dubai’s main international airport (DXB) sustained minor damage in a retaliatory Iranian missile attack after joint US–Israeli strikes on Iran, officials said. A concourse at the world’s busiest airport was impacted, and four airport staff were injured as emergency teams responded and terminals had been cleared beforehand. The incident triggered panic and forced evacuation procedures, with regional airspace closures leading to mass flight cancellations and suspensions. The attacks are part of broader Iranian strikes across Gulf states, affecting infrastructure including other airports and prompting heightened security and disruption in the aviation hub.

India has expressed deep concern over the recent joint military strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran and the resulting escalation in the Middle East. New Delhi’s Ministry of External Affairs urged all parties to exercise restraint, avoid further escalation, and prioritise the safety of civilians, while emphasising that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states must be respected. India highlighted the importance of dialogue and diplomacy as the only means to de-escalate tensions and address underlying issues. Indian missions across the Gulf region have issued advisories to nationals to remain vigilant and stay in contact with embassies amid uncertainty. (PC: X)

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has pledged a “most ferocious offensive operation” against U.S. military bases and Israel after Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in coordinated U.S.–Israeli airstrikes on Tehran and other Iranian cities. The strikes, part of a campaign dubbed Operation Epic Fury / Lion’s Roar, targeted military and nuclear sites, killing Khamenei and senior commanders, and damaging key infrastructure. Iran has responded with missile and drone attacks on regional U.S. bases and Israeli targets, prompting high alert and civilian casualties. Tehran declared 40 days of mourning and vowed relentless retaliation as global tensions spike. (PC: Reuters)

India issued an advisory for passengers stranded at airports in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The move came after airspace closures due to rising tensions in the Middle East. The Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi said it is in touch with UAE authorities and airlines. It assured support for Indian travellers. Many flights were suspended after Iranian strikes in the region. Several passengers were left stranded at major transit hubs. One Indian traveller said alarms sounded at the airport amid reports of missile attacks. Authorities said the situation is precautionary. The embassy urged citizens to stay calm and follow official updates. (PC: AFP)

The son-in-law and daughter-in-law of Iran’s Supreme Leader were killed in US-Israel strikes, a Tehran council member said. The attacks hit several sites in and around Tehran overnight. Iranian media reported multiple explosions in the capital. Emergency teams were sent to the affected areas. US and Israeli officials have not confirmed the deaths. They said the strikes targeted military infrastructure. Iran has vowed to respond strongly. State television showed mourners gathering in Tehran. Global leaders urged restraint to avoid wider conflict. Oil prices rose as fears grew of disruption in the Gulf region. More details are awaited.

The United States and Israel launched major strikes on Iran on Saturday. Iranian media said 201 people were killed and over 700 injured across 24 provinces. Iran called the attacks illegal and vowed retaliation. Tehran fired missiles at US and Israeli targets in the region. Explosions were reported in Dubai and Kuwait. Several Gulf countries shut their airspace. The United Nations Security Council will hold an emergency meeting. India said it is in touch with its citizens in Israel. Flights to the Middle East were cancelled by Indian airlines. Regional tensions continue to rise sharply.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is visiting India to repair ties and boost trade. Relations had worsened after Canada accused India of involvement in a Sikh leader’s killing in 2023. India denied the charge. Now, both sides want to move forward. Carney aims to reduce Canada’s trade dependence on the United States. Talks will focus on energy, technology and defence. A possible uranium supply deal is also expected. For Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the visit strengthens India’s global position. With US tariffs affecting both nations, Canada and India see new economic opportunities in rebuilding their partnership. (PC: AFP Via Getty Images)

The United States and Israel launched joint strikes on Iran on Saturday. Loud explosions were heard in Tehran. Israel called it a preemptive attack. US President Donald Trump confirmed major combat operations. Iran fired missiles at US bases and Israel in response. Tehran told the United Nations it will keep striking until the attacks stop. At least 15 people were killed in a strike in southern Iran. Air India cancelled several international flights. The US urged commercial ships to avoid the Gulf. India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar spoke to Israeli and Iranian leaders and called for dialogue and de-escalation.