UN human rights experts condemned what they called unlawful and unprovoked military attacks by the United States and Israel against Iran, carried out without UN Security Council authorisation and amid ongoing diplomatic negotiations. They said the strikes violate core principles of the UN Charter, including the prohibition on the use of force, sovereign equality, territorial integrity, peaceful dispute resolution under Article 2, and the right to life. The experts also voiced serious concern over Iran’s retaliatory strikes across the Gulf and wider West Asia, stressing that any claim of self-defence must strictly meet the international law requirements of necessity and proportionality. (PC: The Hindu)

A tanker reported a “large explosion” off Kuwait’s Mubarak Al-Kabeer area on March 4 at 22:40 UTC, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). The vessel’s master said he heard and witnessed the blast on the port side and saw a small craft leaving the vicinity. Oil was seen leaking from a cargo tank into the water, posing possible environmental impact. No fire was reported and all crew members are safe. UKMTO advised vessels to transit cautiously and report suspicious activity. Kuwait’s interior ministry later confirmed the incident occurred at least 60 km outside territorial waters. Authorities are investigating the cause.

A US submarine sank the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena in the Indian Ocean, about 40 km south of Galle, within Sri Lanka’s search and rescue zone. Sri Lankan naval teams rescued 32 Iranian sailors, while up to 148 remain missing as search efforts continue. Sri Lankan MP Namal Rajapaksa told NDTV the strike raises serious concerns for Sri Lanka, India and the wider South Asian region, questioning whether Colombo had prior knowledge. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed the vessel was destroyed by a torpedo, calling it a demonstration of American reach. US officials said over 20 Iranian naval vessels have been destroyed in the ongoing US-Israeli campaign against Iran.

Qatar is evacuating residents living near the U.S. Embassy in Doha as a temporary precautionary measure amid the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran, the country’s Ministry of Interior announced. Authorities said the move aims to maintain public safety and that suitable accommodation has been provided for those temporarily displaced. The evacuation comes as regional tensions escalate, with recent retaliatory strikes and heightened security concerns across the Gulf. The Interior Ministry encouraged the public to rely on official sources for information. Qatar has also urged residents to stay indoors and has been managing disruptions linked to broader hostilities affecting diplomatic missions and military facilities in the region.

Nepal voted in crucial general elections months after violent Gen Z-led protests toppled the coalition government of KP Sharma Oli. More than 18.9 million eligible voters are electing the 275-member House of Representatives in a contest seen as a referendum between the entrenched political old guard and a rising youth movement. Polling began at 7 am across 10,967 booths and 23,112 centres, with over 300,000 security personnel deployed. Of 275 seats, 165 are decided by first-past-the-post and 110 by proportional representation, with 65 parties contesting. The September uprising left over 75 dead, leading President Ramchandra Paudel to dissolve Parliament and appoint Sushila Karki caretaker Prime Minister.

A US submarine sank an Iranian naval frigate near Sri Lanka, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Wednesday. He said the vessel was hit by a torpedo in international waters. Hegseth said it was the first US submarine strike on an enemy warship since World War II. “An American submarine sunk an Iranian warship that thought it was safe in international waters,” he said. The ship was identified as IRIS Dena. Sri Lankan officials said about 180 sailors were on board. At least 87 people were killed, while 32 sailors were rescued by the Sri Lankan navy and taken to hospital in Galle. The warship was returning from a naval event in India. (PC: The Indian Express)

Spain has agreed to cooperate with US military operations related to Iran, the White House said on Wednesday. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Madrid responded after President Donald Trump warned of possible trade action. “They heard the president’s message loud and clear,” she said. Leavitt added that the US military is now coordinating with Spanish counterparts. She also said Trump is considering what role the United States may play in Iran after the current conflict ends. “It’s something the president is actively considering and discussing with his advisers and his national security team,” she said. The comments came as US and Israeli operations against Iran continue. (PC: HT)

Iran and Hezbollah launched coordinated attacks on Israel for the first time in the current conflict, according to Israeli authorities. The Israeli military said a missile was fired from Iran while several projectiles and drones were launched by Hezbollah from Lebanon at about the same time. The attacks triggered red alert sirens in cities including Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. Civilians rushed to shelters as the alerts sounded. The Israel Defense Forces said more missiles were launched shortly after the first barrage. Hezbollah is an Iran-backed group based in Lebanon and a long-time rival of Israel. The Israeli military also said its troops have entered parts of southern Lebanon as fighting continues along the border. (PC: X)

Iran and Hezbollah launched coordinated attacks on Israel for the first time in the current conflict, according to Israeli authorities. The Israeli military said a missile was fired from Iran while several projectiles and drones were launched by Hezbollah from Lebanon at about the same time. The attacks triggered red alert sirens in cities including Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. Civilians rushed to shelters as the alerts sounded. The Israel Defense Forces said more missiles were launched shortly after the first barrage. Hezbollah is an Iran-backed group based in Lebanon and a long-time rival of Israel. The Israeli military also said its troops have entered parts of southern Lebanon as fighting continues along the border. (PC: X)

Israeli military officials say Iran has fired ballistic missiles carrying cluster munitions toward Israel. They say this is the first reported use of such weapons in the current conflict. Cluster warheads release many small explosives over a wide area. Israeli officials said one missile opened mid-air and scattered about 20 bomblets across central Israel. One struck a house in Azor near Tel Aviv, causing damage but no deaths. At least 12 people were injured in the wider attack. Israeli military spokesperson Brigadier General Effie Defrin said Iran used weapons designed to harm civilians. Experts are now questioning whether Iran received outside help, possibly from Russia or China. (PC: NDTV)