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.

Loud blasts were reported in parts of Dubai after fresh Iranian missile and drone strikes during the ongoing Middle East conflict. Sounds were heard in the Marina and Al Sufouh areas, officials said. Iranian attacks also hit Kuwait’s international airport with drones, though authorities reported no injuries. Operations at the UAE’s Fujairah oil terminal stopped after a strike, with thick black smoke seen rising from the site. One Jordanian national was reported injured. Dubai’s media office said several threats were intercepted by air defence systems. Iran has launched more than 1,800 missiles and drones at the UAE since the war began on February 28. (PC: NDTV)

Iran has launched missile and drone attacks targeting Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia, a key military facility that hosts U.S. warplanes and personnel, amid the escalating US-Israel-Iran conflict. Reports indicate that several U.S. aerial refuelling aircraft were damaged in the strike, though no fatalities were reported. Tehran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps also warned residents across Gulf countries to stay away from oil ports and strategic facilities. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi cautioned that U.S. companies in the Middle East could be targeted if Iran’s energy infrastructure is attacked. The attacks mark a major escalation, raising fears of a wider regional war and threatening global oil supplies. (PC: X)

Amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, Iran is reportedly considering allowing a limited number of oil tankers to pass through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, but only if the oil transactions are conducted in Chinese yuan instead of U.S. dollars. According to reports citing a senior Iranian official, the move would be part of a controlled reopening of the waterway after disruptions caused by ongoing conflict and attacks on ships. The condition aims to reduce reliance on the U.S. dollar and strengthen economic ties with China. Analysts say such a policy could challenge the dominance of the petrodollar system and reshape global oil trade dynamics. (PC: X)

A senior Iranian security official has claimed that members of Jeffrey Epstein’s network are planning a major attack and may try to blame Iran for it. Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, made the allegation in a post on X. “I’ve heard that the remaining members of Epstein’s network have devised a conspiracy to create an incident similar to 9/11 and blame Iran for it,” Larijani wrote. He did not provide evidence to support the claim. Larijani also said Iran opposes terrorism and does not see the American public as its enemy. The statement comes as tensions remain high during the ongoing Middle East conflict. (PC: India Today)

Iran has vowed to “pursue and kill” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as the war between Iran, Israel and the United States entered its 16th day. In a statement, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said, “If this child-killing criminal is alive, we will continue to pursue and kill him with full force.” The remarks came as social media posts questioned Netanyahu’s whereabouts. Some users claimed a recent video of him appeared edited using artificial intelligence. Netanyahu’s office denied rumours of his death. “These are fake news; the Prime Minister is fine,” his office said. The conflict began after US and Israeli strikes on Iran last month triggered a wider regional war. (PC: NDTV)

Israeli forces shot dead a Palestinian couple and two of their children in the occupied West Bank, Palestinian officials said. The family was travelling in a car in the town of Tammoun when troops opened fire. The victims were identified as parents Ali and Waad Bani Odeh and their sons Mohammed, five, and Othman, seven. The Palestinian health ministry said they arrived at hospital with gunshot wounds to the head and face. Two other children in the car, aged eight and 11, survived with minor shrapnel injuries. Israeli authorities said troops fired after the vehicle “accelerated towards Israeli forces”. The military said the incident is under investigation. (PC: India Today)

The Indian Embassy in the UAE has issued a travel advisory as airlines revise and reduce flight schedules after instructions from the UAE Civil Aviation Authorities. The embassy said limited flights will operate between airports in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah and Fujairah and several destinations in India. It asked travellers to check details directly with their airlines before planning journeys. The advisory comes amid disruptions in aviation activity across the UAE due to the regional security situation. Airlines have already scaled back operations and some flights remain suspended. Authorities and airlines are adjusting schedules as conditions evolve and airspace restrictions continue. (PC: HT)

Indian Railways is preparing to launch a new ticket reservation system that will replace its 40-year-old Passenger Reservation System.   Officials say the upgraded platform will be faster and more secure. It will handle up to 125,000 ticket bookings per minute, compared with about 25,000 now.   The system is being developed by the Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS). A senior official said the project is in the testing stage. “It is in an advanced stage… We are currently testing it,” the official said. The rollout is expected between April and June.   The new system will also aim to reduce booking failures and bot activity. Indian Railways carries about 23 million passengers daily. (PC: India Today)

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran would welcome any initiative that leads to a “complete end to the war”. “Tehran welcomes any initiative that leads to a complete end to the war,” Araghchi said, according to Iranian state media. His remarks came as the conflict in West Asia entered its third week. Iran has also warned it could intensify its response against the United States and Israel. Earlier, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards threatened Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The group said it would “pursue and kill him with full force”. Tensions have risen across the Gulf region. Several countries reported missile and drone interceptions. Iran has also accused the United States of launching attacks from the United Arab Emirates. (PC: News18)