US-Iran Conflict News Live Updates: Back to back Blasts in Dubai, Doha, Bahrain Followed by Over 6,000 Flights Cancelled Worldwide

Russian President Vladimir Putin held talks on the evolving situation in the Middle East with Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, according to Russia’s state news agency TASS on Monday.

"Mission remains in constant touch with Omani authorities who are carrying out search operations for missing crew members following the incident involving MV Skylight. We are also coordinating with officials in Oman for the repatriation of the crew members who have been rescued from MV Skylight and will continue to render all possible assistance in the matter," the Indian Embassy In Muscat on missile attack on oil tanker near Oman coast.

An Indian national was killed in an attack on an oil tanker off the Coast of Oman. As per Oman's Maritime Security Centre, the oil tanker was targeted northwest of Sultan Qaboos Port. An operation to evacuate crew members was launched. Iran has been threatening vessels approaching the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf, and is believed to have launched multiple attacks as the war in the Mideast continues after Israel and the United States started a major airstrike campaign targeting the Islamic Republic.

Several US warplanes crashed Monday in Kuwait, the country’s Defense Ministry said, with all the pilots safely bailing out. The ministry did not elaborate on what caused the crashes but it came during an intense period of Iranian fire targeting the country. The Kuwaiti Defense Ministry said the pilots had been taken to a hospital for checkups and their condition was stable. The U.S. military’s Central Command did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The Centre is fully prepared to bring back Indians stranded in the Gulf region and is in touch with Indian missions abroad to ensure their safety, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi said on Monday. In a statement, Joshi said “Whenever Kannadigas and other Indians face distress anywhere in the world, the Central Government has ensured their safe return. Earlier, we brought back those stranded in Ukraine. Wherever Indians are, their safety remains our first priority,” he said. Joshi said information has been received about Kannadigas facing hardship due to the severity of the Iran–Israel conflict, and urgent consultations have been held with senior ministers to take necessary measures for their protection. Reassuring anxious families, the Minister said there was no need to panic and that the government is committed to bringing back all Indians safely. He noted that air travel in war-affected regions is currently risky and expert advice is being sought before taking further steps. Joshi said efforts are also underway to assist those stranded in Dubai, where flight operations have been affected. “No one should be anxious. Serious efforts are being made to bring them back safely,” he added.

Dubai’s famous Global Village announced that it will be closed on Monday (Mar 2) as a precautionary safety measure for the visitors. In a statement, Global Village said the closure is a precautionary safety measure taken in line with official guidance. Visitors have been advised to check the attraction’s official website and social media channels for updates on reopening. Ain Dubai and Dubai Parks & Resorts confirmed they will remain closed, urging guests to stay updated through their official platforms before planning a visit.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “India’s position on the many ongoing tensions in the world is clear. We have always called for maintaining peace and stability, and when two democracies stand together, the voice for peace becomes even stronger. The current situation in West Asia is a matter of deep concern for us. India supports the resolution of all disputes through dialogue and diplomacy. We will continue to work closely with all countries to ensure the safety of all Indian citizens in the region.”

Saudi Aramco has shut its Ras Tanura refinery following a reported drone strike, an industry source said on Monday, as Tehran’s regional retaliation adds pressure to Gulf energy infrastructure. The Ras Tanura complex on Saudi Arabia’s Gulf coast houses one of the Middle East’s largest refineries, with a processing capacity of approximately 550,000 barrels per day. It also serves as a key export terminal for Saudi crude. The source said the facility was closed as a precautionary measure and that the situation is under control. Aramco did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has strongly condemned Iranian missile strikes on both the UAE and the “sisterly” Sultanate of Oman, calling the attacks a “dangerous escalation”. The UAE also announced the closure of its embassy in Tehran and the withdrawal of the ambassador and diplomatic staff. The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, “These hostile attacks against civilian sites, including residential areas, airports, ports, and service facilities, endangered innocent civilians in a serious and irresponsible escalation and constitute a flagrant violation of national sovereignty, as well as a clear breach of international law and the Charter of the United Nations.”

As the Middle East remains mired in conflict after Israel and US jointly attacked Iran, air travel across the globe is severely hit. It has left hundreds of thousands of travellers starnded at the airports and hotels. Several airlines have suspended their flight operations for indefinte periods. According to flight tracking website FlightAware, Middle Eastern carriers Emirates, Etihad Airways, Fly Dubai and Qatar Airways are among the hardest-affected airlines that have thrown the global aviation industry into chaos. Out of a total of over 6,000 flights cancelled today, Emirates recorded most number of cancellations at 485 while Etihad Airways, FlyDubai and Qatar have respectively 190, 181 and 106 of their flights cancelled today.