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.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused some European Union allies of “blackmail” over a Russian oil pipeline dispute. The EU wants Ukraine to repair the Soviet-era Druzhba pipeline, which carries Russian oil to Hungary and Slovakia. Ukraine says the pipeline was damaged by Russian air strikes in January. Zelensky argued that reopening the pipeline would weaken sanctions on Russia during the war. Hungary has blocked new EU sanctions on Moscow and a €90 billion loan for Ukraine until the pipeline is restored. Zelensky said Ukraine should not allow Russian oil transit while sanctions remain in place. The dispute highlights growing tensions within the EU. (PC: Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Iran’s security chief Ali Larijani has claimed that members linked to Jeffrey Epstein’s network may be planning a 9/11-style attack to blame Iran. In a post on X, Larijani said he had heard of a conspiracy to stage a major terrorist incident and falsely accuse Tehran. His statement comes as tensions rise during the ongoing conflict between Iran, the United States, and Israel. Larijani said Iran strongly opposes terrorism and has no conflict with the American public. The September 11 attacks in 2001 killed nearly 3,000 people in the United States. The claim has not been independently verified and comes amid growing war tensions.

Iran on Sunday launched the Sejjil-2 missile during the ongoing war with Israel and the United States. It is the first time the missile has been used since the conflict began on February 28. The Sejjil-2 is a solid-fuel ballistic missile with a range of about 2,000 kilometres. It can carry a payload of around 700 kilograms. The missile is nicknamed the “dancing missile” because it can move at high altitude and avoid defence systems. The war has now entered its 16th day. Reports say more than 2,000 people have died, most of them in Iran. Fighting continues as both sides launch strikes and increase military presence.