Table of Contents
Bahrain extends partial remote work system
The General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers in Bahrain has confirmed that up to 70% of employees in each entity may continue working remotely, with priority given to mothers and persons with disabilities, while maintaining all work requirements.
The remaining 30% of employees are required to work from their offices starting Monday, March 9, 2026, until further notice.
Bahrain says water supplies unaffected by desalination strike
Bahraini authorities have confirmed that water supplies remain uninterrupted following an Iranian strike that damaged a desalination plant on Sunday, CNN reported.
“The Iranian attack on a water desalination facility has had no impact on water supplies or water network capacity,” the Electricity and Water Authority told CNN, reassuring residents that operations continue normally.
Kuwait’s Jazeera Airways to operate new Saudi Arabia route
Kuwait’s Jazeera Airways announced it will soon begin operating flights from Qaisumah Hafar Al Batin International Airport in Saudi Arabia, following approvals from both Kuwaiti and Saudi authorities.
Passengers arriving at Qaisumah Airport, around two and a half hours from Kuwait, can continue by road, while departing travellers may reach the airport by land to board flights across Jazeera Airways’ network. The airline is also exploring bus partnerships to expand land transport options.
CEO Barathan Pasupathi said the airline has activated emergency response plans and is preparing crews and aircraft to reconnect travellers with their homes safely. Jazeera Airways continues to coordinate closely with authorities to support passengers and restore connectivity responsibly.
Qatar intercepts 6 ballistic missiles, 2 cruise missiles
Ministry of Defence confirms successful defence as residents urged to remain calm
The Ministry of Defence announced that Qatar was targeted on Saturday by 10 ballistic missiles and two cruise missiles launched from Iran.
Qatari armed forces successfully intercepted six ballistic missiles. Two others fell in Qatar’s territorial waters, and two landed in uninhabited areas without causing any casualties. The two cruise missiles were also intercepted.
The ministry stressed that the Qatari Armed Forces have the full capabilities and resources to protect the state’s sovereignty and territory, and to confront any external threat.
Citizens, residents, and visitors were urged to remain calm, follow instructions from security authorities, avoid rumours, and rely only on official statements.
Nearly 2,000 people in Israel evacuated to hospitals
The Israeli Ministry of Health says at least 1,929 people have been evacuated to hospitals since the start of Iran’s retaliatory strikes triggered by joint U.S.–Israel military action against Tehran. Of those, 157 were admitted in the past 24 hours, according to the ministry.
The ministry reported that nine people are in serious condition, 42 are in moderate condition, and 70 have minor injuries. Medical teams continue to treat patients as emergency services respond to the fallout from ongoing attacks in the region.
Iran’s president threatens more attacks on US targets
Iran’s president has threatened to step up attacks on American targets throughout the Middle East as the US and Israel press ahead with their air campaign.
“When we are attacked, we have no choice but to respond. The more pressure they impose on us, the stronger our response will naturally be,” President Masoud Pezeshkian said in video comments Sunday. “Our Iran, our country, will not bow easily in the face of bullying, oppression or aggression — and it never has.”
Israel military vows to target Khamenei’s successor
Israel’s military has warned that it will target the successor of slain Iranian ruler Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as well as those involved in selecting the new leader.
Iranian state media, quoted by CNN, reported that Tehran is nearing a decision on its next supreme leader.
IDF warning
“After the elimination of the tyrant Khamenei, the Iranian terrorist regime is attempting to regroup and choose a new Supreme Leader,” the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said. “The long arm of the State of Israel will continue to pursue the successor and anyone who tries to appoint him.”
Direct caution to selectors
The IDF warned those participating in the selection process: “We will not hesitate to target you as well. Consider yourselves warned.”
Israel military vows to target Khamenei’s successor
Fuel distribution in Tehran ‘temporarily’ halted
Fuel distribution in the Iranian capital has been “temporarily interrupted” after US and Israeli strikes on oil depots in and near the city, an official said on Sunday.
“Due to damage to the fuel supply network, distribution has been temporarily interrupted,” said Tehran’s governor Mohammad Sadegh Motamedian, as quoted by the official IRNA news agency.
“The problem is being resolved,” he added.
Iran says 200 children and 200 women among the war dead
U.S. and Israeli strikes in Iran have killed 200 children and around 200 women, the Iranian Health Ministry said Sunday.
They are among more than 1,200 people killed in the war, spokesman Hossein Kermanpour said in a social media post.
He said more than 1,000 others, including about 400 women, have been injured since Feb. 28.
Oman Air cancels flights amid regional airspace closures
Oman Air has announced the cancellation of several flights amid ongoing airspace closures. Affected routes include flights to and from Amman (AMM), Dubai (DXB), Bahrain (BAH), Doha (DOH), Dammam (DMM), Kuwait (KWI), Copenhagen (CPH), Baghdad (BGW), and Khasab (KHS). These cancellations will be in effect from Monday, 9 March through Sunday, 15 March 2026, and travelers are advised to review their itineraries and plan accordingly.
Additional flights have been scheduled to accommodate affected passengers. Travelers are advised to check Oman Air flight updates for the latest schedule information.
Passengers can manage their bookings and rebook via Oman Air’s website and mobile app.
Passenger advisory
The airline apologises for any inconvenience and appreciates passengers’ understanding and cooperation during this period.
Pakistan embassy steps in after driver’s death in Dubai
The Pakistan Embassy in the UAE has confirmed that a Pakistani national was killed in Dubai’s Al Barsha area after debris from an aerial interception struck his vehicle.
The Consulate General of Pakistan in Dubai is coordinating with local authorities to assist the family and facilitate repatriation.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Explosions hit Iran’s central Yazd province
Explosions hit Iran’s central Yazd province on Sunday, state media reported, as war raged with the United States and Israel.
It was not immediately clear what was hit in the strikes but the official IRNA news agency said the blasts occurred on the periphery of Yazd city.
Earlier explosions were reported in other parts of the country including the Iranian capital Tehran and the central Isfahan province.
UAE residents get emergency alert over missile threat
The Ministry of Interior has issued an emergency alert advising residents to take immediate action due to a potential missile threat. Citizens and residents are instructed to move to the nearest secure building, stay away from windows, doors, and open areas, and await further official instructions.
Authorities emphasise following safety guidance closely and monitoring official channels for updates.
Israeli strikes hit Iran’s fighter jets
Strikes by Israel’s Air Force hit an unspecified number of Iran’s F-14 fighter jets at Isfahan Airport on Saturday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed.
According to CNN, the Israeli Air Force also targeted Iran’s detection and air defense systems, the IDF added.
The Israeli military stated it will “continue to target all systems of the Iranian terror regime across Iran and will expand its aerial superiority.”
This latest round of strikes follows Saturday’s attack on 16 aircraft belonging to the Quds Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps at Mehrabad Airport in Tehran, according to the IDF.
DIFC open, services and outlets operating normally
The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is fully operational as employees, clients, and visitors return following recent regional developments.
All Authority services, retailers, and food and beverage outlets are open, while activities across the district continue to resume.
DIFC urges its community to follow company business continuity plans, regulatory updates via the DFSA portal, and government guidance. Safety and wellbeing remain the highest priority, with the DIFC Security Hotline available for any security concerns.
The centre thanked the community for their continued cooperation and professionalism during this period.
US, Israel hit five oil sites in and near Tehran
The United States and Israel hit five oil facilities in overnight strikes in and near the Iranian capital, an official told state TV.
“Last night, four oil depots and a petroleum products transport centre in Tehran and the Alborz were attacked by enemy aircraft,” the CEO of the National Iranian Oil Products Distribution Company Keramat Veyskarami told state TV.
He added that the five facilities “were damaged” but the “fire was brought under control”.
Bahrain says drone attack damages water desalination plant
An Iranian drone attack caused material damage to a water desalination plant in Bahrain, the Ministry of Interior confirmed.
The incident comes a day after Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi claimed the US had attacked a desalination plant on Qeshm Island in southern Iran, calling it a “precedent.”
There was no immediate comment from Iran regarding Bahrain’s statement. Gulf countries rely heavily on desalinated water for domestic consumption, making such attacks particularly critical.
Missile debris falls on Bahrain university, 3 injured
Bahrain’s Ministry of Interior reported that three people were injured and a university building in Muharraq sustained damage following an Iranian attack.
The casualties were caused by falling missile debris, the ministry said in a post on X. Muharraq is Bahrain’s third-largest city.
Sri Lanka provides refuge to Iranian sailors after warship sinking
Sri Lanka is playing a crucial humanitarian role after the recent sinking of the Iranian warship IRIS Dena by a US submarine near its waters. Officials confirmed that 22 sailors rescued from life rafts have been discharged from Karapitiya Hospital in the southern port city of Galle, where they received urgent medical care.
An additional 10 sailors remain under treatment, while the bodies of 84 crew members recovered from the Indian Ocean are being handled at the hospital. The discharged survivors have been moved to a local beach resort for further monitoring and support.
Sri Lankan authorities emphasised that all measures are being taken in accordance with international humanitarian law, and the International Committee of the Red Cross has been contacted to assist in the ongoing efforts.
The island nation is also providing safe haven to 219 Iranian sailors from a second ship, IRIS Bushehr, which arrived a day after the Dena was sunk.
Over 52,000 Indians safely return from Gulf nations
The Ministry of External Affairs says it is closely monitoring developments in West Asia and the Gulf to safeguard Indian nationals stranded during transit or short visits.
Key updates:
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Citizens are urged to follow local authority guidelines and embassy advisories. Helplines are operational 24×7 for assistance.
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A Special Control Room has been set up to address queries from affected individuals and families. Details: MEA Helplines
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Following partial reopening of regional airspace, over 52,000 Indians have returned safely between March 1–7, 2026, with 32,107 travelling on Indian carriers. More flights are planned.
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Nationals in countries without commercial flights are advised to contact their local embassy or consulate for guidance.
The government emphasises the safety and welfare of Indians abroad remains a top priority.
Israelis head to shelters after Iran fires missiles
Air raid sirens sounded across Israel early on Sunday, warning of incoming missiles from Iran, with no reports of damage or casualties.
Israeli military statements said air defences were responding to at least four waves of “missiles launched from Iran toward the territory of the State of Israel” within about five hours.
Alerts were activated across much of northern, southern and central Israel including in major cities like Tel Aviv, Haifa and Beersheba, according to the army’s Home Front Command, which ordered residents to go into shelters or safe rooms.
The alerts were later lifted, with the military saying, “it is now permitted to leave protected spaces in all areas of the country.”
Israeli media reported that several missiles were launched and most had been intercepted.
Oman continues safe return of citizens
In coordination with relevant authorities, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Sultanate of Oman has facilitated the safe return of Omani citizens abroad.
Today, another group arrived home after being transferred from Iran, with the process coordinated through Omani embassies in Tehran and Ankara, and with support from Azerbaijani authorities. The return included organised land and air transfers to ensure safety and smooth movement.
Additional citizens arriving from Gulf Cooperation Council countries have safely reached Oman via land borders.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to continue facilitating the sequential return of citizens, prioritising their security and well-being.
Iran ‘will be forced to respond’ if attacked by neighbours
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said his country “will be forced to respond” to any attack or invasion attempt from a neighbouring country, in remarks aired by state TV on Sunday.
If Iran’s enemies “try to use any country to attack or invade our land, we will be forced to respond to that attack. Responding does not mean we have disputes with that country or wish to harm its people – we would be responding out of necessity,” said Pezeshkian.
On Saturday the president apologised to neighbouring countries hosting US military bases for attacks on their territory.
Sirens sound across Bahrain
Authorities in Bahrain urge residents to head to nearest safe location
Sirens are sounding in Bahrain Sunday morning and authorities say residents should head to the nearest safe location.
3 killed, 4 injured in Israeli strike on Tyre
Three people were killed and four others injured in an Israeli airstrike in southern Lebanon.
The Emergency Operations Center of Lebanon’s Ministry of Public Health said in a statement that the strike targeted the town of Jebal Al Botm in the Tyre district, resulting in the killing of three citizens and the injury of four others in a preliminary toll.
Earlier, the Israeli military carried out an airstrike on an apartment inside a hotel in the heart of the Lebanese capital, Beirut, killing four people and injuring ten others.
IndiGo updates: Middle East and Europe operations
IndiGo is resuming flights across Europe and continuing operations to eight Middle East destinations amid evolving regional circumstances.
Passengers are advised that flight schedules may change at short notice and should check their status online before heading to the airport: http://bit.ly/31paVKQ
IndiGo will continue sharing updates via its website and social media channels to keep passengers informed.
Israel military says striking military targets ‘across Iran’
The Israeli military said it launched a wave of strikes “across Iran” on Sunday, targeting military sites.
A military statement said it had “initiated a wave of strikes targeting the Iranian terror regime military infrastructure across Iran”.
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Air India adds extra flights from UAE and Gulf nations
Air India and Air India Express are operating additional flights from the UAE and Gulf cities to bring stranded passengers back to India amid ongoing flight cancellations in West Asia. Scheduled flights to Jeddah and Muscat continue as normal, while services to other Gulf destinations remain affected.
Passengers with existing bookings are eligible for free rebooking or full refunds. Airlines recommend checking flight status online before travelling and staying updated via registered mobile numbers.
Additional flights cover Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ras Al-Khaimah, and Sharjah, prioritising passengers with active bookings. Air India’s services to Europe and North America are operating through safe alternative routes, with technical stops at Rome or Vienna as needed.
UAE air defenses respond to missile threat
Air defense systems are currently responding to a missile threat. Residents and travellers are advised to stay in a safe location and follow official channels for real-time warnings and updates.
Indian Embassy warns its nationals in UAE
The Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi has issued an urgent advisory to Indian nationals in the UAE, warning them to refrain from filming or sharing images of incident sites on social media amid the ongoing regional crisis.
The advisory, comes after UAE authorities cautioned that strict legal action would be taken against anyone found filming restricted areas, incident sites, or airport premises without authorisation.
The Embassy urged Indian nationals to move immediately to a safe location upon hearing any warning alert and remain there until the all-clear is issued and to resist the urge to go outside to photograph or record videos during alerts.
It also warned against sharing or posting images of damage caused by projectiles or shrapnel on any digital or social media platform, and reminded residents not to film inside airports during arrival or departure.
In the event of shrapnel or suspicious objects being found nearby, the advisory instructed nationals to report the discovery immediately to UAE authorities, keep their distance, and not touch or approach any debris.
Kuwait military responds to new wave of attacks
Kuwait’s military said air defence systems were intercepting missile and drone attacks on Sunday, as Iran continues its strikes across the region.
“Kuwaiti air defences are currently engaging hostile missile and drone attacks,” the military said in a post on X, adding that explosion sounds were the result of interceptions by air defence systems.
Israelis head to shelters after Iran fires missiles
Air raid sirens sounded across Israel early on Sunday, warning of incoming missiles from Iran, with no reports of damage or casualties.
Israeli military statements said air defences were responding to at least two waves of “missiles launched from Iran toward the territory of the State of Israel”.
Alerts were activated across much of northern Israel including the port city of Haifa, according to the army’s Home Front Command, which ordered residents to go into shelters or safe rooms.
Iran Guards say can fight ‘intense war’ for six months
Iran can fight an intense war against the United States and Israel for at least six months, the Revolutionary Guards said in a statement carried by the Fars news agency on Sunday.
“The Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran are capable of continuing at least a 6-month intense war at the current pace of operations,” said Guards spokesperson Ali Mohammad Naini, according to Fars.
The Guards, Iran’s elite force, also said they had targeted “more than 200” locations related to American and Israeli bases and facilities across the region.
Israeli strikes hit Beirut’s southern suburbs
The Israeli military has struck multiple areas in Beirut’s southern suburbs after it said it was launching a series of strikes on Hezbollah infrastructure.
No injuries were immediately reported in the strikes early Sunday. Tens of thousands of people had already fled the area following Israel’s evacuation notice for all of the city’s southern suburbs.
Two Kuwaiti security personnel killed in line of duty
Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior has announced the death of two security personnel who were killed while performing their national duty in the early hours of today.
In an official statement, the ministry expressed its deep sorrow and grief over the loss, paying tribute to the two officers for their dedication and service.
Qatar intercepts six ballistic and two cruise missiles
The Ministry of Defense announced that Qatar was targeted on Saturday by 10 ballistic missiles and two cruise missiles launched from Iran.
According to the ministry, Qatari armed forces successfully intercepted six ballistic missiles. Two missiles fell in Qatar’s territorial waters, and two others landed in uninhabited areas, causing no casualties. The two cruise missiles were also intercepted.
The ministry emphasised that the Qatari Armed Forces are fully capable of protecting the country’s sovereignty and territory and confronting any external threats. Citizens, residents, and visitors were urged to remain calm, follow official instructions, and rely on verified sources for information.
Saudi Arabia thwarts new drone attacks in Riyadh
The Saudi Ministry of Defence reported that attempted attacks with three drones were thwarted after being shot down in Riyadh, and another drone was intercepted and destroyed east of the city, the Saudi Press Agency said.
Bahrain responds to Iranian attack near Mina Salman
The Bahrain Ministry of Interior reported that a facility near Mina Salman was targeted in an attack attributed to Iranian forces. Civil Defence teams are actively controlling the fire. Interior Minister General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa inspected homes in the Juffair area damaged by Iranian attacks on residential and civilian areas. He conveyed the greetings and concern for citizens’ safety from His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa. The minister praised the professional efforts of police and Civil Defence personnel in responding to the attacks and warned that anyone assisting the aggressors—such as sharing images of vital sites on social media—will be treated as an accomplice and punished under the law.
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Multiple drones intercepted over Riyadh and oil facilities
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defense reported intercepting multiple drones targeting key areas across the kingdom on Sunday. A drone heading toward the Shaybah oil field was intercepted and destroyed in the Empty Quarter. Three drones were downed east of Riyadh, and six more were intercepted further east of the city. In the city of Riyadh, attempted attacks with three drones were thwarted following their shootdown. An attempted drone attack targeting the Diplomatic Quarter in Riyadh was also stopped, with no material damage or civilian casualties reported. Authorities continue to monitor the situation to protect strategic sites and civilians.
Drones breach Kuwait airspace
Brigadier General Saud Al Otaibi, the official spokesman for Kuwait’s Ministry of Defense, confirmed that Kuwaiti air defense systems are currently intercepting hostile missile and drone attacks targeting the country.
In an official statement, Al-Otaibi said that any explosion sounds heard in certain areas are the result of air defense systems successfully intercepting incoming threats.
He urged citizens and residents to remain calm and strictly follow the security and safety instructions issued by the competent authorities, emphasizing the importance of relying on official updates during the ongoing developments.
Explosion near US embassy in Oslo
Norwegian police reported on Sunday an explosion near the US embassy in the capital Oslo, but said there were no casualties.
The explosion occurred around 1 am local time (0000 GMT), the Oslo police department said in a statement, adding they had no information about the blast’s cause or who was behind it.
The police said it was in contact with the embassy about the incident and that a large number of resources were on site.
US embassies have been placed on high alert in the Middle East over American military operations in Iran and several have faced attacks as Tehran hits back at industrial and diplomatic targets.
But police gave no indication the incident near the embassy in Oslo was connected to the conflict.
Drone attack intercepted on Riyadh’s diplomatic quarter
The Saudi defence ministry said Sunday it had intercepted a drone attack targeting the diplomatic quarter in the capital Riyadh, reporting no casualties or damage.
“An attempt to target the diplomatic quarter in Riyadh with a drone was thwarted; no material damage or civilian injuries resulted from shooting down the drone,” the ministry said in a statement posted on X.
Kuwait’s PIFSS HQ comes under attack
The Public Institution for Social Security (PIFSS) announce that its headquarters had been targeted, which results in material damage to the building.
Lebanon says Israeli strike on Beirut hotel kills four
An Israeli strike on a hotel in central Beirut killed at least four people Sunday, Lebanese officials sayhttps://t.co/8giSFaO7Mx pic.twitter.com/dm1UrZ4wbk
— AFP News Agency (@AFP) March 8, 2026
Lebanon’s health ministry said Sunday that an Israeli strike on a hotel in central Beirut killed at least four people and wounded 10 others.
An AFP photographer at the bombarded seafront hotel saw one room with shattered windows, while security forces cordoned off the area.
The Israeli military earlier announced it had “begun an additional wave of strikes in Beirut”, but said it was targeting the Lebanese capital’s southern suburbs, a stronghold of Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah.
US CentCom nixes Iran claims
The United States Central Command (CentCom) said their forces are operating alongside regional allies to counter threats from Iran, warning that Tehran’s actions are destabilising the Middle East.
In a statement posted on X, CentCom said American troops are “standing shoulder to shoulder with regional partners” to defend against what it described as deliberate and indiscriminate threats linked to the Iranian regime.
The command said the operations are aimed at protecting US personnel, allied forces, and key infrastructure across the region. CentCom’s statement, posted on X, belied claims by the Iranian regime recently stated (through their verified U.N. X account) that it has only tried to target military sites, and that Iran’s missiles and drones were thrown off course by US “Jedi mind tricks”.
US officials have repeatedly said the mission focuses on defending American forces, supporting allies, and deterring further attacks that could threaten regional stability.
CentCom, which oversees US military activities across the Middle East, including critical sea lanes used for global trade and energy shipments, said operations will continue as directed by US leadership.
Kuwait says international airport targeted in drone attack
Kuwait’s defence ministry said on Sunday that fuel tanks at the Gulf nation’s international airport were targeted in a drone attack, as Iran continued its strikes across the region.
“The fuel tanks of Kuwait International Airport were attacked by drones in a direct targeting of vital infrastructure,” an official defence ministry spokesman said, according to a post by the Kuwaiti military on X.
The spokesman added the country’s forces were “responding to a wave of hostile drones” that penetrated the country’s airspace.
Explosions in Kuwait caused by mid-air interceptions
The Kuwaiti army said the explosions heard recently were the result of air defense systems intercepting hostile targets, urging the public to follow safety and security instructions issued by the relevant authorities.
US troops could be sent to secure Iran’s uranium
US President Donald Trump evoked Saturday the idea of sending ground troops into Iran to secure the country’s stockpiles of enriched uranium, as part of efforts to dismantle Tehran’s nuclear program.
“At some point maybe we will. That would be a great thing,” he told reporters during a briefing aboard Air Force One.
“We haven’t gone after it but it’s something we could do later,” he said.
Some critics of the US-Israeli war on Iran, launched last Saturday, have said air strikes alone are unlikely to achieve the stated goals of destroying Iran’s military capacity and preventing it from developing a nuclear bomb.
Asked about the use of ground troops in general, Trump did not rule it out, saying: “Could there be? Possibly, for a very good reason – it’d have to be a very good reason.”
“And I would say if we ever did that, they would be so decimated that they wouldn’t be able to fight at the ground level,” he said.
Saudi defence ministry says intercepted 14 drones
Saudi Arabia’s defence ministry said Sunday it had intercepted and destroyed 14 drones that entered the kingdom’s airspace, as Iran presses on with attacks across the Gulf.
Eight drones were intercepted in the country’s airspace and a further six were intercepted and destroyed “east of Riyadh”, the ministry said in separate posts on its official X account.
Qatar says targeted by 12 Iranian missiles on Saturday
Qatar’s defence ministry said on Sunday that Iran had fired a dozen missiles at the country a day earlier, as Tehran continued its strikes across the Gulf.
“Qatar’s Ministry of Defense announced that the State of Qatar was subjected yesterday, Saturday, to an attack involving 10 ballistic missiles and 2 cruise missiles launched from the Islamic Republic of Iran,” the ministry posted in a statement on X.
It said the Gulf nation’s military intercepted six ballistic missiles, while two fell in the country’s territorial waters, and two landed in an “uninhabited area”, adding that it intercepted two cruise missiles.
Israeli strikes on south Lebanon kill eight
Israeli airstrikes on several targets in southern Lebanon Saturday killed eight people, according to a toll released by the health ministry.
Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency reported that a series of Israeli airstrikes had targeted more than 20 towns and villages in southern Lebanon.
“Six people were killed by an Israeli airstrike on the town of Kherbet Selm,” the health ministry reported. A second strike killed at least two people in Kfar Rumman near the city of Nabatiyeh, it added.
Trump says deadly school strike ‘done by Iran’
US President Donald Trump on Saturday blamed Iran for a deadly strike on an elementary school in the southern Iranian town of Minab.
“We think it was done by Iran. Because they are very inaccurate, as you know, with their munitions. They have no accuracy whatsoever,” Trump told reporters following a New York Times investigation that found the US military was most likely responsible.
Neither Israel nor the United States has claimed responsibility for the attack, which Iranian officials say killed at least 150 people. AFP has been unable to reach the location to independently verify the toll or the circumstances of the attack.
‘US, Israel seeking disintegration of Iran’
Iran’s security chief Ali Larijani said on Saturday that the United States and Israel were seeking to break the Islamic republic apart.
“Their issue was… the fundamental disintegration of Iran,” said Larijani in a pre-recorded interview broadcast on state TV.
He said the US was seeking to replicate in Iran a scenario similar to Venezuela, where interim president Delcy Rodriguez has cooperated with him under threat of violence after Washington ousted her boss, Nicolas Maduro.
“I think the most important problem the Americans have is that they do not understand the context of West Asia, especially Iran,” said Larijani.
“Their perception was that it would be like Venezuela – they would strike, take control, and it would be over – but now they are trapped.”
Israel will carry on Iran war ‘with all our force’: Netanyahu
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Saturday that Israel would continue its war with Iran “with all our force”, and alongside the United States had gained near-total control of the skies over Tehran after a week of strikes.
“We have a systematic plan to eradicate the Iranian regime and achieve many other objectives,” Netanyahu said in a televised address.
“Citizens, you are telling me, the government and our heroic soldiers to continue until victory, and I thank you. I can assure you that we will continue with all our force,” Netanyahu said.
The Israeli leader said that thanks to the bombing campaign by Israeli and American pilots “we have gained almost complete control of the airspace” over Iran’s capital.
Speaking to the Iranian people, he said the “moment of truth” was coming as Israel was seeking to help liberate them from the “yoke of tyranny”.
He said that Israel had managed to “transform the Middle East” and shift the balance of power in the region.
Israel’s military said earlier that it had carried out around 3,400 strikes on Iran during the first week of the war, dropping roughly 7,500 munitions.
US, Israel strikes hit oil depot in Tehran
US and Israeli strikes hit an oil depot in Tehran on Saturday, Iranian state media said, marking the first reported attack on the Islamic republic’s oil infrastructure.
“An oil depot in southern Tehran was targeted by the US and Zionist regime,” the official IRNA news agency said.
The depot was in an area close to a key oil refinery but the ILNA news agency reported that the refinery’s facilities “were not damaged in the military attacks”.
Strikes hit another oil depot in northwestern Tehran, according to an AFP journalist who saw flames and smoke rising from the site.
On February 28, the US and Israel launched strikes on Iran that killed its supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and triggered a war in the Middle East.
Iran responded with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel as well as US interests across the region.
Dubai Airports: Passengers advised to check flight status
Dubai Airports has partially resumed operations from 7 March, with limited flights operating from Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC). Travellers are advised not to go to the airport unless contacted by their airline with confirmed flight details, as schedules may continue to change.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, prioritising safety, security, and wellbeing of passengers and staff, and thank travellers for their patience and understanding.
US‑Israel war on Iran as it happened: What we know so far
Day 8: US forces hit Iran hard, Trump touts battlefield gains
Day 7: Thousands being evacuated from Middle East: Trump
Day 6: Spring break for schools, universities moved up; some exams cancelled
Day 5: UAE waives overstay fines caused by airspace closure
Day 4: Dubai contains fire near US Consulate
Day 3: Trump lists ‘clear’ Iran war objectives
Day 2: UAE airlines extend flight cancellations
Day 1: UAE intercepts missiles; regional airspaces closed
