India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said diplomatic talks with Iran are yielding results in enabling Indian vessels to cross the crucial Strait of Hormuz amid the ongoing regional conflict. Speaking to the Financial Times, Jaishankar said two India-flagged LPG carriers have already been allowed safe passage, though many more ships remain stranded near the Gulf. He emphasised that there is no blanket agreement with Tehran, with each vessel being cleared individually. The discussions followed recent conversations between Narendra Modi and Masoud Pezeshkian, as well as talks between Jaishankar and Abbas Araghchi. The strait remains a critical oil route, carrying nearly one-fifth of the world’s crude supply. (PC: X)

A fire broke out near Dubai International Airport after a drone strike hit a fuel tank, prompting emergency response and temporary suspension of flights. Authorities in the United Arab Emirates said Dubai Civil Defence teams quickly contained the blaze, with no injuries reported. Following the incident, the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority halted flights as a precaution and diverted several aircraft to Al Maktoum International Airport. The attack comes amid the ongoing conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel, with officials saying Iran has launched more than 1,800 missiles and drones toward the UAE since the war began.

The India women's national cricket team has earned a historic nomination for the Laureus World Team of the Year Award, becoming the first women’s cricket team to receive the honour. The nomination follows India’s landmark victory in the 2025 ICC Women's Cricket World Cup, where the team, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, defeated South Africa women's national cricket team by 52 runs in the final at DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai. India’s campaign also featured a record-breaking semifinal win against Australia women's national cricket team, chasing 339 the highest successful run chase in women’s ODI history. The nomination marks a major milestone for women’s cricket and Indian sport.

Authorities in the United Arab Emirates have arrested 35 people, including 19 Indian nationals, for allegedly spreading misleading and fabricated social media content related to the ongoing West Asia conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel. According to the official news agency WAM, those detained were accused of sharing manipulated videos, AI-generated clips, and misleading commentary that could incite panic and threaten national security. Investigations found the suspects operated in three groups, some circulating real footage with altered context, others posting fabricated AI visuals of missile strikes, and another promoting hostile narratives. Officials said the accused have been referred for expedited trial. Under UAE law, the offences could result in at least one year in prison and fines of AED 100,000. (PC: X)

The United States is preparing to announce a multinational naval coalition to escort commercial vessels through the conflict-hit Strait of Hormuz, according to a report by the The Wall Street Journal. The move follows rising tensions after strikes involving Iran, Israel, and the US disrupted shipping in the strategic waterway, through which about 20% of global oil passes. Donald Trump has urged several countries including China, France, Japan, South Korea, and the United Kingdom to deploy warships for the mission. However, many nations have been cautious about committing forces, highlighting the challenges in forming the coalition as regional hostilities continue. (PC: AP)

Iran has launched the Sejjil-2 ballistic missile for the first time since the war with Israel began on February 28. Iranian outlet PressTV said the missile was fired during attacks on Israeli and US targets. The Sejjil-2 is a two-stage, solid-fuel medium-range missile with a range of about 2,000 kilometres. It can carry a payload of around 700 kilograms. The missile is sometimes called the “dancing missile”. The name refers to its ability to manoeuvre at high altitude and evade air defence systems. Development of the missile began in the early 1990s. Its first test launch took place in 2008, followed by several additional tests. (PC: NDTV)

An Indian-flagged oil tanker escaped damage during a drone attack at Fujairah port in the United Arab Emirates. The government said the vessel, Jag Laadki, was loading crude oil when the port’s oil terminal was targeted. “The vessel sailed safely from Fujairah at 1030 hrs IST carrying about 80,800 MT of Murban crude oil and is bound for India,” the statement said. All Indian seafarers onboard were safe. The attack briefly disrupted oil-loading operations at the port. Iran has warned it may target key energy facilities in the region. Two Indian LPG carriers also crossed the Strait of Hormuz and are heading to Indian ports. (PC: HT)

The UK is examining “all options” to help secure shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said.   Speaking to the BBC, Miliband said reopening the key oil route was “a priority for the world”. He said Britain was working with allies, including the US, on possible steps.   Miliband did not confirm whether the UK would send ships or drones to the region. He said the government was looking at ways to help reopen the passage.   Iran has effectively blocked the strait during its conflict with the US and Israel. Several ships have reportedly been attacked near the narrow waterway. Around 20% of global oil normally passes through the route. (PC: BBC)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released a video dismissing rumours that he had been killed in an Iranian strike. In the clip posted on X, Netanyahu is seen ordering coffee at a cafe and joking about the viral claims. Referring to the rumours, he said, “I am dead for coffee,” using a Hebrew phrase meaning he loves something very much. He also addressed online claims that a recent press conference video was created using artificial intelligence. Some posts alleged he appeared with six fingers. In response, Netanyahu briefly raised both hands toward the camera to show he had ten fingers. Earlier, his office said the viral reports about his death were “fake news” and confirmed he was safe. (PC: India Today)

The International Energy Agency (IEA) has announced the release of emergency oil reserves to stabilise global markets amid the ongoing US-Iran war. Governments have agreed to make about 116.6 million barrels of oil available from industry stocks. The move aims to ease supply concerns as tensions rise in the Middle East. At the same time, Israel denied reports that it is running low on missile interceptors used in its air defence systems. Meanwhile, the conflict continues across the region with missile and drone attacks reported in several areas. Security concerns have also affected global events, including the cancellation of the Argentina-Spain Finalissima match in Qatar.