An Indian crew member was killed after Iran struck two oil tankers off Iraq’s coast overnight, escalating tensions during the ongoing US-Israel-Iran war. The vessels — the Maltese-flagged Zefyros and the Marshall Islands-flagged Safesea Vishnu — were hit near the Khor Al Zubair port. Officials said an Iranian “suicide” boat targeted the Safesea Vishnu, which is owned by a US company. The identity of the Indian national has not been released. The remaining 27 crew members were rescued and taken to Basra. Iran earlier warned that “not a litre of oil” would pass through the Strait of Hormuz if attacks on it continued. The waterway handles about 20% of global oil trade. (PC: India Today)

Iran has outlined three key conditions for ending the ongoing war with the United States and Israel. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Tehran would consider ending the conflict if its “legitimate rights” are recognised, reparations are paid for war damage, and firm international guarantees are provided to prevent future attacks. The statement came as the war, which began on February 28, continues to escalate with strikes on infrastructure, attacks on shipping near the Strait of Hormuz, and rising civilian casualties. Iran claims thousands of civilian sites have been bombed and more than 1,300 people killed. Meanwhile, Donald Trump has indicated the conflict could end whenever Washington decides, highlighting growing tensions and uncertainty around a diplomatic resolution.

In a major diplomatic development, Iran has allowed India-flagged oil tankers to pass through the strategic Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing regional conflict. The move reportedly followed discussions between India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Two Indian tankers Pushpak and Parimal are currently transiting the strait safely, while ships linked to the United States, Europe and Israel continue to face restrictions. Earlier, a Liberia-flagged tanker carrying Saudi crude to India also crossed the passage safely and docked in Mumbai. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most crucial energy corridors, carrying about 20 million barrels of oil per day, nearly one-fifth of global oil consumption. Any disruption in this route can significantly impact global energy markets and supply chains. (PC: Reuters)

An Indian national has been killed after Iran reportedly targeted a US-owned oil tanker, Safesea Vishnu, near the waters of Iraq using a “suicide boat”. The attack is part of escalating maritime strikes during the ongoing conflict involving United States, Israel and Iran. According to reports, at least three Indian nationals have died and more than 20 others have been injured in Iranian strikes on merchant vessels in recent days. Earlier attacks also targeted ships such as MV MKD Vyom and MV Skylight near Oman. India has issued advisories for citizens across Gulf nations, where millions of Indians live and work, as tensions continue to rise.

India has welcomed the decision by the International Energy Agency (IEA) to release emergency oil reserves to stabilise global markets amid supply disruptions linked to the escalating Middle East conflict. The government said it is closely monitoring developments in global energy markets and remains prepared to take necessary measures if required. As an associate member of the IEA, India emphasised its commitment to global energy cooperation and supporting efforts to maintain stability in international oil supplies. (PC: X)

Two oil tankers carrying crude from Iraq caught fire after being targeted in an attack linked to Iran near key shipping routes in the Middle East. The vessels Zefyros and Safesea Vishnu were anchored close to each other when the strike caused a massive explosion and blaze, killing one person. Videos circulating online show flames spreading across the water, suggesting oil leakage from the damaged tankers. The incident comes amid escalating conflict involving United States, Israel and Iran, with multiple ships recently targeted in the strategic Strait of Hormuz shipping corridor. 

Iran has announced it will not participate in the FIFA World Cup 2026 following the killing of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei during strikes carried out by the United States and Israel. Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali said the national team cannot compete in a tournament hosted partly in the United States under the current circumstances. The decision comes as tensions escalate in the Middle East, with Iran launching retaliatory missile and drone attacks across the region. The United States, Canada and Mexico are scheduled to co-host the 2026 tournament. (PC: AP)  

Eight seafarers from India who survived a missile attack on the oil tanker Sky Light near Oman’s Khasab port are stranded abroad after a fire destroyed their passports, phones and personal belongings. The attack on March 1 occurred amid escalating tensions in the Middle East near the strategic Strait of Hormuz. The vessel’s captain, Ashish Kumar from Bihar, was killed, while another crew member, Dalip Singh from Rajasthan, remains missing. The surviving sailors are currently staying at Khasab Airport and waiting for emergency travel documents from authorities so they can return home. (PC: The Indian Express)

A complaint has been filed against Indian cricketer Hardik Pandya at a police station in Pune over allegations of insulting the national flag during celebrations after India won the ICC Men's T20 World Cup final against New Zealand in Ahmedabad. Advocate Wajid Khan requested that police register an FIR, claiming Pandya wrapped the Indian tricolour around his body and behaved inappropriately during the celebrations. Police confirmed receiving the complaint but have not yet provided further details. Pandya, who played a key role in India’s title win, finished the tournament with strong performances with both bat and ball. (PC: X)

Several state governments in India have launched crackdowns on hoarding and black-marketing of LPG cylinders after fears of shortages triggered panic buying. Long queues and clashes were reported outside gas agencies in states such as Uttar Pradesh, where authorities conducted raids and sealed agencies accused of irregularities. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath ordered strict action against hoarders. The concerns come amid the ongoing conflict involving Iran and the United States, which has disrupted energy supply routes and raised fears of shortages. Some states have allowed restaurants, schools and caterers to temporarily switch to traditional cooking methods such as wood or charcoal to cope with limited commercial LPG supplies. (PC: ANI)