UAE confirms 1 dead in Bahrain attack; Iran says 'non-hostile' ships can transit Hormuz Strait

What has happened so far?

The war started with US-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28. In what it says are retaliatory strikes, Iran has been targeting the GCC and other countries in the region with missiles and drones.

Here is how the conflict has unfolded so far, day by day:

• Day 1

• Day 2

• Day 3

• Day 4

• Day 5

• Day 6

• Day 7

• Day 8

• Day 9

• Day 10

• Day 11

• Day 12

• Day 13

• Day 14

• Day 15

• Day 16

• Day 17

• Day 18

• Day 19

• Day 20

• Day 21

• Day 22

• Day 23

• Day 24

7 power transmissions down in Kuwait

Kuwait reported partial power outages after seven overhead transmission lines were taken out of service due to falling debris linked to air defence interceptions, the Ministry of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy (MEW) said late Monday.

According to the ministry, the damage affected multiple areas, with technical teams deployed to assess and restore services as quickly as possible. Repair work will begin once sites are secured in coordination with security authorities.

Officials in Kuwait confirmed that emergency crews remain on high alert to manage any further disruptions and maintain grid stability. Residents have been advised to stay cautious and rely on official updates as restoration efforts continue.

The official spokesperson of the Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy, Engineer Fatima Abbas Jawhar Hayat, affirmed that emergency teams are operating around the clock to respond to any incidents affecting the electrical grid and to ensure continuity of service.

Eng Hayat also urged citizens and residents to verify information and rely only on official sources, confirming that the ministry will continue to provide updates as developments unfold.

Safety protocols in Qatar

As Qatar resumes in-person classes across schools, authorities have emphasised strict compliance with safety and emergency protocols to ensure the protection of students, teachers, and staff.

Students and school personnel are required to follow established emergency procedures, including evacuation or shelter-in-place protocols depending on the situation, and adhere to instructions issued by designated safety officers on campus.

The Ministry has also highlighted the importance of ensuring that emergency exits, evacuation routes, and assembly points are fully operational, alongside continued awareness of safety procedures as part of the reopening process.

Officials have urged all stakeholders to refer to the official safety guidelines manual via QR code and comply with all instructions to maintain a secure learning environment.

IRGC announces new wave of attacks

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has announced the 78th wave of its retaliatory campaign, "Operation True Promise 4", targeting Israeli sites and several US military bases in the region, according to Press TV.

In a statement on Tuesday, the IRGC said the latest phase of the operation involved missile and drone strikes against " highly sensitive" Israeli targets, such as Dimona, Tel Aviv, and Eilat, as well as several US military bases across the region.

Airlines cancel more flights

Global air travel remains severely disrupted after the war in Iran forced the closure of major Middle Eastern hubs, including Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi, stranding tens of thousands of passengers.

EMIRATES

The UAE airline said it was operating a reduced flight schedule following a partial reopening of regional airspace.

ETIHAD AIRWAYS

The UAE carrier said it was operating a limited commercial flight schedule between Abu Dhabi and select destinations.

QATAR AIRWAYS

The carrier said it would operate a revised limited number of flights until March 28.

INDIGO

The Indian airline has suspended operations to Doha, Kuwait, Bahrain, Dammam, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah and Sharjah until March 28.

AEGEAN AIRLINES

Greece's largest carrier has cancelled flights to Tel Aviv, Beirut and Amman until April 22, and to Erbil and Baghdad until May 24. Flights to Dubai have been cancelled until April 19 and to Riyadh until April 18.

AIRBALTIC

Latvia's airBaltic said all flights to Tel Aviv had been cancelled until April 29. All flights to Dubai stand cancelled until October 24.

AIR CANADA

The Canadian carrier has cancelled all flights to Tel Aviv until May 2 and to Dubai until March 28.

AIR EUROPA

The Spanish airline has cancelled all flights to Tel Aviv until April 10.

AIR FRANCE KLM

Air France has cancelled Tel Aviv and Beirut flights until March 28 and Dubai and Riyadh flights until March 24, including the March 25 departure from Dubai. KLM suspended flights to Riyadh, Dammam and Dubai until May 17 and to Tel Aviv until April 11.

CATHAY PACIFIC

The Hong Kong airline has cancelled all passenger and cargo flights to Dubai and Riyadh until April 30. It has, however, added extra flights to London between March 21 and March 28 due to increased demand.

DELTA

The U.S. carrier has cancelled its New York-Tel Aviv flights until May 31 and Tel Aviv-New York flights until June 1. The restart of its Atlanta-Tel Aviv route has been delayed, with flights to Tel Aviv paused until August 4 and from Tel Aviv until August 5.

EL AL ISRAEL AIRLINES

The Israeli carrier saidoperational constraints are preventing regular flights from Israel, except in rare, exceptional cases, and that it is continuing efforts to bring passengers home. The airline has also urged authorities to open Ramon Airport near Eilat.

FINNAIR

The Finnish carrier has cancelled its Dubai flights until March 29 and Doha flights until July 2, while continuing to avoid the airspace of Iraq, Iran, Syria and Israel.

FLYNAS

Saudi budget airline Flynas has extended its suspension of flights to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Doha, Bahrain, Kuwait, Iraq and Syria until March 31.

IAG

IAG-owned British Airways has extended cancellations of flights to Amman, Bahrain, Dubai and Tel Aviv until May 31 and to Doha until April 30, while adding flights to Bangkok and Singapore. Flights to Abu Dhabi remain suspended until later this year.

JAPAN AIRLINES

Japan Airlines has suspended scheduled Tokyo-Doha flights until March 31 and Doha-Tokyo flights until April 1.

LUFTHANSA GROUP

The German airline group, which includes Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, Swiss, Brussels Airlines and ITA Airways, has suspended flights to Tel Aviv through April 9, and to Beirut, Dubai, Amman, Erbil and Abu Dhabi until March 28. Flights to Tehran are suspended through April 30 and to Riyadh until April 5.

LOT

The Polish airline said all its flights to Dubai stand cancelled until March 28 and to Tel Aviv until May 31. It has also cancelled flights to Riyadh until April 30 and to Beirut from March 31 to April 30.

MALAYSIA AIRLINES

The Malaysian carrier has suspended all flights to Doha until March 28.

NORWEGIAN AIR

The low-cost airline has pushed back planned launches of its Tel Aviv and Beirut services to June 15, from April 1 and April 4, respectively. It has cancelled all Dubai flights through April 8.

SINGAPORE AIRLINES

Singapore Airlines said it will extend the suspension of its Singapore-Dubai flights until April 30, and add services between Singapore and London Gatwick from March 31 to October 24, and on the Singapore-Melbourne route from March 29 to October 24 to meet higher demand.

TURKISH AIRLINES

Turkish Airlines has cancelled most Middle East flights until the end of March. SunExpress, its joint venture with Lufthansa, has cancelled flights to Dubai and Bahrain until March 23.

VIETNAM AIRLINES

Vietnam's flag carrier has planned to cancel 23 flights per week across several domestic routes from April.

WIZZ AIR

The low-cost airline has suspended flights to Israel until March 29, and to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Amman and Jeddah from mainland European destinations until mid-September.

PEGASUS

Turkey's Pegasus Airlines has cancelled its Iran, Iraq, Amman, Beirut, Kuwait, Bahrain, Doha, Dammam, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah flights until April 13. Flights to Riyadh have been cancelled until March 24.

Iraqi commander, fighters killed

A strike in western Iraq killed a commander and several fighters from the former paramilitary coalition Hashed al-Shaabi, the group said.

The bombing on Tuesday targeted a base in Anbar province during a commanders' meeting, a source from the group told AFP on condition of anonymity, blaming the United States for the attack.

Seven Hashed al-Shaabi fighters were "killed and 13 wounded in a US strike", the source added.

Hashed al-Shaabi, also known as the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF), is part of Iraq's regular armed forces but also includes some brigades belonging to Iran-backed groups.

EU chief urges immediate end to hostilities

European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen called on Tuesday for an immediate end to hostilities in the Middle East, describing a "critical" situation for energy supply chains globally.

Claims and counter claims on March 23

The US and Iran have offered contradictory accounts on whether talks to ease Middle East tensions are underway.

President Donald Trump said Iran had a deadline to open the Strait of Hormuz or face US action. However, on March 23, he announced a pause on his decision to attack Iran’s power plants. He claimed that discussions on a “complete and total resolution of hostilities” had taken place with Iran.

Iran’s parliamentary speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, denied any negotiations, calling reports “fake news” and accusing them of market manipulation.

However, a senior Iranian official told CBS News that messages from the US had been received via intermediaries and were under review, describing it as a possible precursor to talks rather than formal negotiations.

The White House said the situation remains “fluid” and warned against assuming any meetings are confirmed until officially announced.

Asian stocks rise on Trump U-turn

Asian stocks rose Tuesday after Donald Trump delayed strikes on Iranian energy sites and hailed "very good" talks with Tehran but oil prices edged back up as optimism over a possible de-escalation of the Middle East war remained shaky.

Asian markets enjoyed a positive start, with Tokyo, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Sydney, Seoul, Taipei and Manila all up, though the gains were pared as the morning wore on. Singapore and Wellington both fell.

Crude bounced, with both main contracts up more than three percent as investors remain sceptical about the chances of a breakthrough in talks.

And the dollar climbed against the euro, pound and yen after sinking on Monday.

Brent crude back above $100 a barrel

Brent crude oil jumped back above $100 a barrel on Tuesday, a day after plunging more than 10 percent in reaction to Donald Trump's decision to delay fresh strikes on Iran as he hailed "very good" talks with Tehran.

Brent rose 2.9 percent to $102.84, while West Texas Intermediate jumped 3.5 percent to $91.20.

Iran's power plants

More than three weeks into the Middle East war, key infrastructure across the region, from gas and oil facilities to nuclear sites, has come under fire.

The conflict could spill over to power plants. For now, after Trump postpones plans to hit Iran's energy infrastructure, there is a collective sigh of relief.

Iran has more than 90 power plants, some of them on the Gulf coast at the heart of the hostilities that began on February 28 with US-Israeli strikes on Tehran. Here's a look at Iran's power plants.

2 India tankers pass through Hormuz

Two tankers bound for India sailed through the Strait of Hormuz on Monday. The two India-flagged tankers were carrying liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) used mostly for cooking in India. They loaded at anchorages in Kuwait and the UAE, LSEG ship-tracking data showed.

The Pine Gas, which loaded in UAE waters, sailed through the strait followed by the Jag Vasant carrying LPG from Kuwait, ship-tracking data on the MarineTraffic platform showed.

Hundreds of vessels have dropped anchor in and outside of the Gulf, cutting off food and other vital imports and energy exports, mostly to Asia and Europe.

Pakistan trying to broker Trump-Iran talks?

Pakistan is positioning itself as the lead mediator trying to broker an end to the US’s and Israel’s war against Iran, the Financial Times reported.

Pakistani army chief Asim Munir spoke with US President Donald Trump on Sunday, the newspaper reported, citing two people briefed on the call.

Iran's president and Pakistan's prime minister also exchange views on regional developments and consequences of US-Israeli war with Iran on regional, global security, according to Iranian media.

No contact between Tehran and Washington

Iranian MP Esmail Kowsari denies all contact between Tehran and Washington.

“This is not the first time they lie about talks," the national security committee member said Tuesday. "Trump, Netanyahu and the like are inherently liars and their nature is to create divisions.”

Israel strikes hit 7 areas of south Beirut overnight

Israel targeted seven areas of Beirut's southern suburbs overnight, Lebanese state media reported on Tuesday.

"Enemy warplanes launched seven raids overnight on the southern suburbs, targeting the areas of: Bir al-Abed, Al-Ruwais -- outskirts of Al-Manshiyya, Haret Hreik, Sayyed Hadi Nasrallah Highway, Saint Therese, Burj al-Barajneh and Al-Kafaat," Lebanon's state-run National News Agency reported.

The Israeli military has repeatedly bombarded south Beirut in recent weeks, while also carrying out deadly strikes elsewhere in the capital and across Lebanon.

Iran sends waves of missiles into Israel

Iran launched multiple waves of missiles at Israel, the Israeli military said.

The missiles triggered air raid sirens in parts of Israel, including Tel Aviv where blasts from interceptions were heard. In one attack, homes in northern Israel were damaged by falling debris following an interception. No deaths were reported.

Syrian base targeted

Syria's army said Monday that one of its bases in the northeast was targeted by a missile strike from neighbouring Iraq, while an Iraqi official said a local armed group was behind the attack.

The Iraqi official, requesting anonymity, told AFP that "an Iraqi faction fired seven Arash-4 rockets, an improved version of the Grad rocket, towards a base in the Hassakeh region".

Israel deploys rescue teams

Following earlier rounds of fire on Tuesday, the Israeli military says search and rescue forces are on their way to several sites in southern Israel where reports of impacts have been received.

Iranian state media announced a fresh salvo of missiles was headed towards Israel on Tuesday morning, after an earlier barrage hit a building in the north.

Fact check: CENTCOM denies jet shot down

US Central Command (CENTCOM) has denied rumours that a US F-15 was shot down over Kuwait.

FALSE: Rumours are again circulating about a US F-15 being shot down over Kuwait. They are NOT TRUE.

TRUE: The disinformation campaign from the Iranian regime is rampant. Lies about U.S. aircraft being shot down by Iran have been circulated multiple times on different platforms using fake or misleading imagery. To be clear: No US fighter aircraft have been shot down by Iran.

Saudi intercepts drones

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defence announced that 11 drones launched from Iran were intercepted and destroyed over the Eastern Region in the early hours of March 24.

Amazon Web Services in Bahrain disrupted

Amazon confirmed its Amazon Web Services region in Bahrain has "been disrupted" amid the current conflict in the Middle East.

The disruption is due to a drone activity in the area, an Amazon spokesperson said, following a Reuters inquiry. Amazon said it is helping to migrate customers to alternate AWS regions while it recovers.

US to continue Iran strikes

The US will continue its strikes on Iran, with the pause applying only to attacks on Tehran's energy sites, Semafor reported on Monday, citing a US official.

"The stop on attacks for five days is only on their energy sites," a US official told Semafor. "It is not on the military sites and the navy, and the ballistic missiles, and the defence industrial base. The initial initiatives of (Operation) Epic Fury will continue," he told the news agency.

Reuters could not immediately verify the report. The White House, the U.S. State Department and the Pentagon and the did not immediately respond to a request for comment outside regular hours.

Gold prices slip

Gold prices fell more than 1 per cent on Tuesday, extending their slide to a tenth straight session, pressured by a firm U.S. dollar and fading hopes for near-term Federal Reserve interest rate cuts. Spot gold declined 1.5 per cent to $4,340.63 per ounce, as of 0418 GMT, losing about 22 per cent in 10 sessions.

In the previous session, the metal fell to $4,097.99 per ounce, its lowest level since November 24, before paring some losses.

Indian rupee falls

The Indian rupee fell 20 paise to 93.73 against the US dollar (Dh25.5) in early trade on Tuesday, as the greenback strengthened and global crude oil prices kept rising even after US President Donald Trump signalled that negotiations with Iran were underway.

The dollar strengthened on Tuesday, making greenback-priced bullion more expensive for holders of other currencies.

Araghchi: Iran's response is 'legitimate'

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held a phone call with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty on Tuesday to discuss the latest regional and international developments linked to the ongoing Iran conflict, according to Iran’s foreign ministry.

During the call, Araghchi outlined Tehran’s position on the US-Israeli strikes, describing Iran’s response as “firm and legitimate self-defence.”

Full control over Hormuz: Iran's military

Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters has said the country maintains full control over the Strait of Hormuz and rejected any external interference in the strategic waterway.

Iran’s military stated that there is “no need to lay mines,” claiming it exercises “full and decisive control” over the Gulf and manages the Strait of Hormuz “with great intelligence and authority.”

The remarks come following earlier threats that Iran could deploy "naval mines" in the Gulf in response to potential US or Israeli attacks on its coastal areas or islands.

How have oil prices changed since February 28? 

Take a look at this infographic chart showing the performance of oil against aluminium and selected indices, up to March 23 and 24:

Philippine grounding planes

The Philippines said grounding planes due to a shortage of jet fuel brought on by the US-Israeli war with Iran is a "distinct possibility", Bloomberg News reported on Tuesday, citing an interview with the South East Asian country's president.

Several countries have informed Philippine airlines they cannot refuel aircraft, forcing Philippine operators to carry fuel for both outbound and return journeys, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr told Bloomberg.

Other Asian countries, including Vietnam, have said airlines are preparing to ​implement fuel surcharges on international routes from early April.

Shorter showers, car curbs - South Korea's energy-saving plan

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on Tuesday called for a nationwide energy-saving campaign over risks to oil and gas supplies from the Iran war, saying public institutions would cut back on their use of passenger cars.

The government is calling on people to adopt 12 energy-saving practices like shorter showers, charging phones and electric vehicles during the day and using washing machines and vacuums over the weekend.

Energy Minister Kim Sung-whan told a Cabinet meeting private-sector vehicle curbs were voluntary for now, but could be reviewed if the energy alert level increased.

Bahrain urges UN-approved force to protect shipping in Hormuz

Bahrain has put forward a draft United Nations Security Council resolution that would authorise countries to use "all necessary means" - diplomatic language for force - to protect commercial shipping in and around the Strait of Hormuz, according to a text seen by Reuters on Monday.

The move underscores mounting concern in the region that Iran could continue to threaten the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic chokepoint that carries about a fifth of global oil supplies and underpins Gulf economies.

Bahrain reports fire after Iranian strike

Bahrain's Civil Defence has managed to extinguish a fire that broke out at a facility belonging to one of the companies as a result of the “sinful Iranian aggression.”

Officials said that the relevant authorities have begun cooling procedures at the site. However, it wasn't clear if the fire was due to falling debris from intercepted aerial threat or a direct attack by Iran.

Aftermath of Iranian strikes on Tel Aviv

Following an Iranian missile attack on a residential area in central Israel, emergency services were deployed to assess multiple impact sites.

Israel's Magen David Adom teams conducted searches across affected locations and provided on-site medical treatment to several individuals classified as walking wounded. Authorities confirmed that none of the injured required hospitalisation.

Earlier, the Iranian missiles triggered air raid sirens in parts of Israel, including Tel Aviv where blasts from interceptions were heard. In one attack, homes in northern Israel were damaged by falling debris following an interception. No deaths were reported.

Kuwait denies power outage rumours

Kuwait's Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy has denied reports circulating on social media claiming that certain areas are scheduled for planned electricity cuts in the coming hours.

The Ministry confirmed that the list being shared is outdated and dates back to 2024, and has no relation to the current situation.

This comes after seven power transmission lines were taken out of service due to falling debris linked to air defence interceptions.

6 people hurt as Tel Aviv: Magen David Adom

Impacts have been reported in central Tel Aviv following a recent Iranian missile attack. According to emergency services Magen David Adom, six people sustained light injuries across four locations in the city. Multiple buildings and vehicles were also reported damaged.

According to Israeli media, a munition carrying some 100kg of explosives impacted in central Tel Aviv, leading to widespread damage to buildings and vehicles.

• Watch the video below posted by Magen David Adom:

Cathay extends flight suspensions to Dubai, Riyadh

Cathay extends flight suspensions to Dubai, Riyadh until May 31.

Earlier, the Hong Kong airline had cancelled all passenger and cargo flights to Dubai and Riyadh until April 30. It has, however, added extra flights to London between March 21 and March 28 due to increased demand.

Iran media says energy infrastructure attacked

Iranian media reported that Israeli-US strikes targeted two gas facilities and a pipeline. "As part of the ongoing attacks carried out by the Zionist and American enemy, the gas administration building and the gas pressure regulation station on Kaveh Street in Isfahan were targeted," said the Fars news agency.

The facilities in central Iran were "partially damaged", added Fars, which was Iran's only news outlet to report the incident. 

It said an attack also targeted the gas pipeline of the Khorramshahr power plant, in the country's southwest. "A projectile hit the area outside the Khorramshahr gas pipeline processing station," Fars reported, quoting the governor of the city bordering Iraq.

Iranian official mocks 'TACO Trump'

Iranian official Saeed Jalili has taken a sharp swipe at US President Donald Trump after he postponed the bombing of the Islamic Republic's power plants and other energy infrastructure.

Jalili described Trump's move as a US “retreat” on the Strait of Hormuz and suggested that the reported postponement reflected shifting US decision making.

His comment on X platform included the hashtag #TACOTrump, a slang term that suggests “Trump always chickens out,” implying perceived softening of political stances by Trump and his administration.

Iranians cut off from the world

Iran's ongoing internet blackout has now entered its 25th day, marking more than 576 hours of restricted global connectivity, according to monitoring group NetBlocks.

Most Iranians remain cut off from the rest of the world. NetBlocks said authorities are reportedly maintaining a limited “whitelist” system that allows select access to certain global services, while the majority of users continue to experience near-total isolation.

Tel Aviv mayor says building damaged in 'direct' hit

The mayor of Tel Aviv said a "direct strike" damaged a building on Tuesday after an Iranian missile attack warning, as Israeli first responders said they had treated four people for light injuries.

The strike in an upscale neighbourhood in the north of the Israeli coastal city tore open the facade of an old three-storey building and scattered debris across the street, according to an AFP journalist at the scene.

According to several Israeli media outlets, including military radio, police believe the damage was caused by a cluster munition missile equipped with three to four warheads, each carrying around 100 kilograms of explosives.

'Offlimits' Music Festival gets postponed

One of Abu Dhabi's biggest musical nights of the year, the OFFLIMITS Music Festival, has been postponed to November. The rescheduled will retain its original pack of powerhouse performers, including Shakira, Jonas Brothers, Ne-Yo and Bayou.

The events platform Platinumlist sounded a note of reassurance to ticketholders on Tuesday, stating that the tickets remain valid. The showpiece music event will now take place on November 21.

UAE's 'people come first' approach amid Iran attacks

The UAE has allowed residents to return from abroad, even if their visas have expired during the ongoing regional conflict. Those who want to leave have also been exempted, allowing them to travel despite having violated residency laws.

Khaleej Times' Ruqayya Al Qaydi reports that these sweeping directives reflect the UAE’s commitment to treating citizens and residents with equal care and dignity during the current situation.

Addressing the public amid ongoing global travel disruptions, Lt Gen Al Marri reassured travellers that operations across the nation’s air, land, and sea ports remain fully functional. “Our preparations have been in full swing. Our situation has not changed; employees are present at their posts,” he confirmed, noting that while passenger volumes have shifted, the seamless movement of travellers continues uninterrupted.

How the UAE defies crises

Talking to Khaleej Times' Sahim Salim, a senior diplomat said betting against the UAE is a losing wager, citing the country’s consistent ability to defy scepticism and deliver on its ambitions over the past two decades.

Dr Al Dhaheri said the country’s response to current developments reflects a pattern shaped by previous crises, noting that resilience in the UAE has been tested more than once. He attributed the UAE’s resilience to a model built on long-term planning, diversification and institutional strength.

Trump says Hegseth 'first' to advocate strike against Iran

US President Donald Trump has suggested that Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth may have been the first to advocate for military strike against Iran. Speaking to reporters on Monday at a Memphis Safe Task Force roundtable, Trump said Hegseth was the first person on his team to propose launching strikes on Tehran, adding that he had raised the option of military operations.

Gas shortages push India's poor back to wood

Soaring black-market prices of cooking gas in India's capital are pushing poorer families back to wood and coal, raising health risks and worsening air quality in the highly polluted megacity.

India is the world's second-largest buyer of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), which is used for cooking and predominantly sourced from the Middle East.

Asian countries are ramping up use of polluting coal to tackle energy shortages and price spikes linked to the Iran war, but the crisis could have an environmental silver lining.

While leaning on the fossil fuel will raise emissions in the near term, the energy crisis is demonstrating the risks of energy import dependence, and could push policymakers to embrace renewables faster, analysts told AFP.

In-person classes in UAE soon?

UAE education group Taaleem has applied to reopen its schools for in-person learning starting Monday, March 30, as it prepares for the new academic term, Khaleej Times' Nandini Sircar reports.

If approved, thousands of students across Dubai and Abu Dhabi could return to classrooms, marking a return to on-campus learning after authorities decided to implement distance learning for students' safety.

The proposal still needs approval from the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (Adek), and the Ministry of Education.

UAE engages 5 ballistic missiles, 17 drones

The UAE forces engaged with 5 ballistic missiles and 17 drones originating from Iran on March 24.

Since the start of Iran's brazen attacks, the UAE have engaged 357 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles, and 1,806 drones. These attacks resulted in the martyrdom of 2 members of the armed forces while performing their national duty, the killing of 6 civilians of Pakistani, Nepalese, Bangladeshi, and Palestinian nationalities. The number of injured individuals stands at 161.

Iran appoints new security chief

Iran appoints Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr as the new secretary of the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC), replacing the late Ali Larijani, who was killed in a recent Israeli strike.

The decision was made with the approval of Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei and issued by President Masoud Pezeshkian, according to Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB).

Iran International says new attacks in Iran

A new wave of attacks struck several cities across Iran on Tuesday, with explosions and plumes of smoke reported from midday onwards, according to eyewitness accounts shared with Iran International.

In central Iran, multiple locations in Isfahan province were affected, including Shahin Shahr and Najafabad. Witnesses reported that the Jowzdan industrial zone in Najafabad was targeted, while smoke was also seen near Iran Electronics Industries in Isfahan city. Additional explosions were reported in areas around Chamran Bridge and Kaveh.

Lebanon declares Iranian envoy persona non grata

The Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants has summoned the Iranian Chargé d’Affaires in Beirut, Tawfiq Samadi Khoshkho, informing him of a decision to withdraw approval for the Iranian ambassador-designate, Mohammad Reza Sheibani.

Lebanon has declared Sheibani persona non grata and requested that he leave Lebanese territory no later than Sunday, March 29.

According to official statements, the move reflects what Beirut described as violations of diplomatic norms and established practices in relations with Tehran.

Kuwait delays eviction for rented homes

Kuwait's Public Authority for Housing Welfare has announced a delay in the eviction procedures for rented housing units that were set to start in early April.

In an official statement, the authority confirmed the timeline has been pushed back but did not share any new details about when the process will resume.

Drone intercepted in Saudi

The Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Defence announced the interception and destruction of a drone in the eastern region. Authorities confirmed the unmanned aerial vehicle was successfully neutralised, with no further details released on origin or impact.

Pound loses footing amidst Iran war

The British pound fell against the dollar on Tuesday, reversing some of its rise from the day before, as the Middle East war continues to hold sway over markets and as signs emerged that the conflict was starting to affect Britain's economy.

The pound was last down 0.4 per cent against the dollar at $1.3405, after jumping 0.9 per cent the day before when President Donald Trump said the US had held "productive" talks with Iranian officials over the conflict.

Iran arrests 466 people over online activity

Iranian authorities announced on Tuesday the arrest of 466 people accused of seeking to destabilise the country through their online activity, state media reported, as the war with the US and Israel ground on.

"These individuals sought to sow confusion in public opinion, create fear and anxiety in society, promote insecurity and spread propaganda in favour of the enemy" online, state news agency IRNA said, citing Iranian police.

Iranian authorities have completely cut off the internet since war erupted on February 28 with US-Israeli strikes on the country which killed the supreme leader.

Bahrain interceptions to date

Bahrain has intercepted 301 UAV drones and 153 missiles in Iranian attacks since the US-Israel-Iran war began on February 28, the Defence Force announced on Tuesday.

Full refund for cancelled tickets in Kuwait

Kuwait's Civil Aviation Authority has ordered airlines and travel agencies to fully refund the value of cancelled travel tickets and reservations due to the ongoing war.

The refund must be done within a period not exceeding 15 working days, the authority stated in a circular.

The traveller has the right to a full refund of the ticket value if it is not used, and if part of it is used, the value of the unused portion shall be fully refunded, it further added.

Philippine president declares energy emergency

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr declared a state of national energy emergency in response to the Middle East conflict and what he called a "resulting imminent danger" posed to the country's energy supply.

Marcos in an executive order shared with media said a committee has been formed to ensure the orderly movement, supply, distribution and availability of fuel, food, medicines, agricultural products and essential goods.

Israeli airstrikes hit parts of Iran

Israel's military said it had conducted a large number of airstrikes in several areas of Iran, including the central city of Isfahan. 

"The IDF has completed a large wave of strikes in Isfahan," the military said in a statement, adding that it had launched a "wide-scale wave of strikes.. in several areas in Iran".

UN Human Rights Council to meet tomorrow

The UN Human Rights Council said it will hold an urgent debate on Wednesday on Iran's strikes on countries across the Gulf region and their impact on civilians.

The session was called following an official request submitted by Bahrain on behalf of the six Gulf Cooperation Council countries and Jordan.

Human Rights Council spokesman Pascal Sim told a press conference on Tuesday that the countries will present a draft resolution to UN's top rights body.

The council will "discuss the recent military aggression launched by Iran against Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates... targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure, which has resulted in the loss of innocent lives", according to the request.

Israel says will take 'control' of South Lebanon up to Litani River

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said on Tuesday that the military would take control of south Lebanon all the way to the Litani River.

"All five bridges over the Litani that were used by Hezbollah for the passage of terrorists and weapons have been blown up, and the IDF (Israeli military) will control the rest of the bridges and the security zone up to the Litani," Katz said during a visit to a military command centre in Israel.

The military said it had destroyed a bridge across the Litani river overnight, which it says was used by Iran-backed Lebanese militant group Hezbollah "for transferring weapons, rockets and launchers".

Katz added that the hundreds of thousands of south Lebanon residents who were displaced by the Middle East war this month "will not return south of the Litani River until security is guaranteed for the residents of the north" of Israel.

He said that Israel's military was "following the model of Rafah and Beit Hanoun", two cities that were largely destroyed during more than two years of war in Gaza, and which remain under Israeli military control.

Kuwait Airways offers transit visa to Saudi Arabia

Kuwait Airways announced the availability of transit visa issuance services to Saudi Arabia amid the ongoing war.

The service can be accessed through the airline's sales offices and the customer service contact centre.

AWS service disrupted in Bahrain

Amazon's cloud arm told AFP on Tuesday that its service in Bahrain had been disrupted, confirming an earlier report from Reuters, after drone attacks hit the region.

An Amazon Web Services (AWS) spokesperson said the disruption was ongoing, without specifying the exact location affected or any potential damage done.

"The AWS Bahrain Region has been disrupted as a result of the ongoing conflict," the spokesperson said, adding that the company was helping affected customers migrate to AWS servers elsewhere in the world.

"We are working closely with local authorities and prioritising the safety of our personnel."

Iran seeks debate over fatal school strike

Iran has requested an urgent debate at the UN Human Rights Council on the fatal air strike on a primary school on the first day of the US-Israeli attacks on Iran, a letter showed on Tuesday.

"A strike on a functioning school during class hours represents a grave assault on children, on education, and on the future of the entire community," Iran's ambassador to the UN in Geneva, Ali Bahreini, said in a letter to the council president dated March 23.

The attack on the Shajareh ​Tayyebeh School consisted of two missile strikes ​in quick succession that killed 168 children, mostly ⁠girls, Iranian officials say.

Reuters ​reported on March 5 that US military investigators believe it ​is likely that US forces were responsible but have not yet reached a final conclusion or completed their investigation. The Pentagon ​has since elevated the probe.

Qatar is not directly mediating between US and Iran: Ministry

There is no direct Qatari mediation between the United States and Iran, but Doha supports all formal and informal diplomatic channels to end the war, Qatar's foreign ministry spokesperson said on Tuesday.

President Donald Trump ​told reporters on Monday the US ‌had held talks with Iran and that the two sides had "major ​points of agreement". Tehran said no ​negotiations had ​taken place.

Qatar has remained in close contact with Washington, seeking a diplomatic resolution to the crisis, foreign ministry spokesperson Majed Al Ansari told a media briefing in Doha.

Indigo travel advisory

Indigo issued a travel advisory on Tuesday for flights set to operate on Wednesday, March 25, amid the evolving situation in the Middle East.

Travellers have been advised to check their latest flight status to stay updated in the light of any changes. The airline is also sharing timely updates on passengers' registered contact details.

Qatar says war caused 'breakdown' in Gulf security system

Qatar Tuesday said the Middle East war had stretched the Gulf states' security system beyond breaking point as Iran presses its aerial campaign against neighbouring countries.

"The most important outcome of this war is the breakdown of the security system in the Gulf region," Qatar's foreign ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari said.

"The Gulf states — which have been working closely and in parallel to ensure their security — are in need of a post-war re-evaluation of what a shared regional security framework truly entails," he added. 

Pakistan PM agrees to host talks between US, Iran

Pakistan's Prime Minister said on Tuesday that he was ready to host talks between the US and Iran to settle the ongoing conflict.

German president calls US-Israeli war on Iran 'breach of international law'

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier spoke on Tuesday of a "deep rift" with traditional ally the United States and said the US-Israeli war on Iran was a "breach of international law".

In unusually strong comments, the German head of state said that just as there was no going back from Russia's 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine, "there will be no going back to before January 20, 2025", when US President Donald Trump entered the White House for a second time.

"The rift is too deep and the trust in American power politics has been lost, not only among our allies but... worldwide," he said at an event to mark the 75th anniversary of the German foreign ministry.

Although Steinmeier's role is largely ceremonial, his words carry weight in Germany, which has not officially condemned the war against Iran.

Steinmeier, a former foreign minister, said: "Our foreign policy does not become any more convincing simply because we do not call a breach of international law a breach of international law."

He stressed that the US-Israel war on Iran was, "in my view, in breach of international law".

"There is little doubt that, in any case, the justification of an imminent attack on the US does not hold water," he added.

Iranian gas flow to Turkey reportedly stopped

Iranian gas flow to Turkey has reportedly stopped after the strike on Iran's South Pars, Bloomberg News reported.

Hezbollah lawmaker responds to Israel's South Lebanon takeover claims

Hezbollah lawmaker Hassan Fadlallah while speaking to Reuters said the group would "fight to prevent Israeli army from establishing a buffer zone".

"Israel's occupation of South Lebanon is an existential threat to Lebanon as a state."

Deadly Iraq strikes blamed on US and Iran

An air strike in Iraq killed 15 members of a former paramilitary coalition, the deadliest attack on the group since the Middle East war began, as missile fire elsewhere killed six Kurdish security personnel.

Iraq has been pulled into the war sparked by US and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, and which has since engulfed much of the region.

The Hashed al-Shaabi coalition, part of Iraq's regular armed forces but which also includes brigades belonging to Iran-backed groups, blamed the strike that killed a commander and 14 other fighters on the United States.

In Iraq's autonomous Kurdistan region, a ballistic missile attack killed six peshmerga fighters, with the region accusing Iran of conducting the first such deadly attack on Kurdish security forces since the war began.

Neither the United States nor Iran commented on the accusations.

Oil trading spiked before Trump's Iran remarks

Thousands of oil contracts — a higher volume than normal — traded 15 minutes before US President Donald Trump pledged to halt strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure, sending prices tumbling, financial media reported Tuesday.

Between 1049 and 1050 GMT on Monday, oil trading volumes surged to around $580 million, according to the Financial Times. Bloomberg put the value at $650 million.

During those two minutes, at least six million barrels of Brent crude and West Texas Intermediate changed hands, far above the roughly 700,000-barrel average recorded at a similar time over the previous five days, Bloomberg reported.

About 15 minutes later, Trump stepped back on his threat to attack energy sites citing "very good" talks to end the war, which sent crude prices plunging more than 14 per cent.

The traders who bet on prices dropping ahead of the announcement would likely have profited from Trump's sudden reversal, prompting some analysts to question whether some market participants had acted on prior information.

Flight cancellations by Middle East airlines drop to 14%

The aviation sector in the UAE and the Middle East continues to recover from the regional military conflict as airlines increase their frequency, a Khaleej Times article by Waheed Abbas shows.

According to data shared by aviation analytics company Cirium, the number of departing flight cancellations has come down from its peak of 65 per cent on March 3 to 14 per cent on March 23.

Of the 2,452 flights operated on March 23, only 333, or 13.48 per cent, were cancelled or did not fly. This compares with more than 2,000 flight cancellations during the first week of March.

Data revealed that of the 55,000 flights scheduled to operate since February, nearly 26,800 were cancelled or did not fly.

Airstrike hits Lebanon coastal area

An airstrike hit Lebanon's coastal area of Aalma in Keserwan, the country's state agency reported on Tuesday.

Lebanon president says 'war could have been avoided'

Lebanon's President said the ongoing war could have been avoided if "Israel withdrew from occupied areas in southern Lebanon and honoured the 2024 ceasefire deal".

UAE confirms death of Armed Forces contractor

The UAE's Ministry of Defence announced the death of a Moroccan civilian contractor in the UAE Armed Forces, who was killed during a routine mission in Bahrain after an Iranian missile attack.

The authority said the "brazen Iranian attack" resulted in injuries to five members of the UAE Ministry of Defence.

The ministry extended its deepest condolences and sympathies to the family of the martyr, praying to Almighty God to envelop him in His vast mercy.

It also expressed its wishes for a speedy recovery to the injured.

France urges Israel 'to refrain' from seizing south Lebanon zone

Israel should "refrain" from sending in forces to take control of a zone in south Lebanon, France's foreign minister told AFP on Tuesday, saying such a move would have "major humanitarian consequences".

"We urge the Israeli authorities to refrain from such ground operations, which would have major humanitarian consequences and would exacerbate the country's already dire situation," Jean-Noel Barrot said.

Israel said earlier its military would take control of south Lebanon up to the Litani River, around 30 kilometres (20 miles) from the border.

Modi, Trump discuss importance of keeping Hormuz Strait open

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump spoke by phone on Tuesday and discussed the situation in the Middle East, including the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open, US envoy to India Sergio Gor and Modi said in separate posts on X.

This was the first call between the two leaders since the US and Israel launched co-ordinated attacks against Iran on February 28.

"India supports de-escalation and restoration of peace at the earliest. Ensuring that the Strait of Hormuz remains open, secure and accessible is essential for the whole world," Modi said in his post.

3 injured in Israel

Israeli first responders said three people were injured during Iranian missile fire targeting the south of the country on Tuesday, including an infant.

The Magen David Adom (MDA) emergency services said medical teams were evacuating to hospital a man of about 40 who was in moderate condition with limb injuries. 

It said teams were also evacuating a 26-year-old woman and a roughly two-month-old infant in mild condition.

Israel's Kan 11 public broadcaster and Channel 12 both reported that the injured were members of the Bedouin community. 

Kuwait monitors 17 ballistic missiles in past 24 hours

Kuwait's Armed Forces announced it had monitored a total of 17 ballistic missiles in the past 24 hours, from which it destroyed 13 missiles.

During the interception operations, debris fell in several areas, leading to limited material damage that affected some homes in scattered residential areas, in addition to some overhead power transmission lines being taken out of service.

No human casualties were recorded, the authority clarified, while adding that four missiles fell outside of the threat zones.

Meanwhile, during this time, 13 drones were detected, of which 10 were destroyed. Three drones fell outside the threat zone, posing no danger, the army stated.

Iran toughens negotiating stance amid mediation efforts

Iran's negotiating posture has hardened sharply since the war began, with the Revolutionary Guards exerting growing influence over decision-making, and it will demand significant concessions from the United States if mediation efforts lead to serious negotiations, three senior sources in Tehran said.

In any talks with the US, Iran would not only demand an end to the war but concessions that are likely red lines for US President Donald Trump — guarantees against future military action, compensation for wartime losses and formal control of the Strait of Hormuz, the sources said.

Iran would also refuse to negotiate any limitations to its ballistic missile programme, they said, an issue that had been a red line for Tehran during the talks that were taking place when the US and Israel launched their attack last month.

Israel urges Lebanon to take 'practical measures' against Hezbollah

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar welcomed on Tuesday Lebanon's decision to expel the Iranian ambassador as a "justified and necessary step" and urged the government to take steps against Iran-backed Hezbollah.

"We call on the Lebanese government to take practical and meaningful measures against Hezbollah, whose representatives still serve as ministers within it," Saar said in a post on X.

Lebanon's health minister, Rakan Nassereddine, and labour minister, Mohammad Haidar, are Hezbollah-affiliated.

Bangladesh hikes jet fuel by 79%

Bangladesh hiked jet fuel prices by 79 per cent on Tuesday as costs surge in the wake of the US-Israel war on Iran.

The Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) order, the second this month, means aviation fuel prices have leapt by 111 per cent since the start of the war, with the price now set at $1.32 per litre.

"We had to adjust the jet fuel price for the second time this month, considering the international fuel price rate which has shot up," BERC Chairman Jalal Ahmed said in a statement.

Millions of Bangladeshis work abroad — many in Middle East nations — and the price rise sparked worries of another cost to their aeroplane ticket.

"Migrant workers are already suffering due to an insufficient number of flights to Middle Eastern countries — ...because of the flight shortage and high demand for tickets, they are already paying hefty amounts for travel," said Shamim Ahmed Chowdhury Nomal, former general secretary of the Bangladesh Association of International Recruiting Agencies (BAIRA).

"The rise in jet fuel prices will be another blow to an already affected sector."

IDF says it 'eliminated' Quds Force member

The IDF announced it had "eliminated" Muhammad Ali Kourani, a Quds Force member, accusing him of "advancing terror attacks directed by Iranian intelligence officials from within Lebanon".

"As long as Iranian intelligence elements continue to operate and advance terror attacks from within Lebanese territory, the IDF will continue to thwart Iranian terrorist activity in Lebanon," it said in a statement on X.

Qatar offers condolences to UAE

Qatar offered its condolences and sympathies to the UAE over the death of the civilian contractors in UAE's armed forces, during a routine mission in Bahrain, following an Iranian missile attack.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirmed Qatar's full solidarity with the UAE and Bahrain, and its support for all measures they take to preserve their sovereignty and security.

The authority extended Qatar's sincere condolences to the family of the martyr, and expresses its wishes for a speedy recovery to the injured from the members of the UAE Ministry of Defense and the Bahrain Defense Force.

China FM tells Iran counterpart 'talks better than fighting'

Explosions heard north of Beirut

Explosions rocked several areas north of Beirut that have so far been spared in the ongoing Israel-Hezbollah war, according to residents and local media, with a military official saying the blasts likely came from an intercepted Iranian missile.

Footage broadcast by the local LBCI channel in the coastal town of Sahel Alma showed a building with shattered windows and shrapnel piercing one of its walls, and a crack in a small wall beside it.

A Lebanese military official told AFP they suspected the culprit was "likely interceptor missiles" targeting "an Iranian cluster missile, and the projectiles have spread to several areas".

He did not specify the missile's target or who intercepted it, but neighbouring Israel routinely shoots down incoming fire from Iran.

Iranian missiles intercepted over Lebanon for first time, say sources

An Iranian missile was intercepted over Lebanese airspace for first time, two security sources said on Tuesday.

Ireland cuts fuel levies to stem war inflation

Ireland slashed excise duty on petrol and diesel Tuesday in a bid to stem surging prices at filling stations following the outbreak of the US-Israeli war with Iran.

Excise duty on diesel will fall by 20 euro cents a litre and by 15 cents a litre on petrol from Tuesday midnight until the end of May, said Irish prime minister Micheal Martin.

The move — part of a 250 million euros ($290 million) package of measures — aims at "cushioning" households and business from "the worst impacts of the price shocks" caused by conflict in the Middle East, said Martin.

Since the start of March, retail prices for petrol have climbed by over 25 cents a litre while diesel prices have risen by 55 cents.

Air India to operate flights

Air India and Air India Express have announced they will together operate a combined total of 26 scheduled and non-scheduled flights, to and from the Middle East region on March 25.

Drone intercepted in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia intercepted a drone in the eastern region of the Kingdom, the Ministry of Defence announced.

Hezbollah condemns expelling of Iran ambassador

Hezbollah called Lebanon's decision to expel the Iranian ambassador a 'sin' as the group condemned the move.

It also called upon Lebanon to "immediately reverse" the Iran ambassador's expulsion.

'Threats from Iran would undermine lives of 10 million Indians': Israeli envoy

The Ambassador of Israel to India, Reuven Azar, underscored on Tuesday that both nations are maintaining high-level communication regarding the current regional operations.

Azar noted that Israel remains committed to ensuring India is fully briefed on the security dynamics shifting across the Middle East.

The ambassador pointed out that the neutralisation of specific regional threats is a prerequisite for safeguarding the millions of Indian expatriates contributing to the Gulf economy.

"But the bottom line from our perspective is that once we have achieved the removal of these terrible threats that were looming over West Asia from Iran, a country that was pursuing a nuclear arsenal and also building thousands of ballistic missiles and hundreds of thousands of drones, that plan would undermine the stability of the region and would undermine the lives of 10 million Indians that are living in the Gulf region," Azar remarked.

KHDA to review Dubai private school on-site learning

As uncertainty continues around when students will return to classrooms, Dubai’s education regulator has offered schools a conditional pathway back to in-person learning — while keeping distance education in place for now.

In a statement to Khaleej Times on Tuesday, the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) confirmed that remote learning will remain the norm in the immediate term.

A KHDA spokesperson said, “In line with the announcement by the Education, Human Development and Community Council, KHDA confirms that all private educational institutions in Dubai will continue distance learning until Friday, April 3, 2026.”

UAE condemns Iranian attack in Bahrain

The UAE has condemned in the strongest terms Iran’s unprovoked terrorist attack that targeted Bahrain, which resulted in the martyrdom of a Moroccan civilian contractor with the UAE Armed Forces while performing routine duties.

The incident also led to the injuries of five members of the UAE Ministry of Defense and a number of Bahraini soldiers.

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) reaffirmed that this aggression constitutes a violation of the sovereignty of Bahrain and a threat to its security and stability, and further represents a dangerous escalation that threatens the security of GCC states and the wider region.

The UAE expressed its full solidarity with Bahrain, stressing its support for all measures aimed at safeguarding its security and stability.

It also expressed its sincere condolences and sympathy to the family of the martyr, and to Morocco and its people following this heinous attack, as well as its wishes for a speedy recovery for all those injured.

Ancient site threatened by Israeli bombs in Lebanon's Tyre

At an archaeological site in southern Lebanon's Tyre, small signs bearing a blue and white emblem provide a symbolic shield, meant to protect the ancient ruins from bombardment.

One of the oldest cities on the Mediterranean coast, Tyre is located around 20 kilometres from the Israeli border, and has been the target of several strikes since Lebanon was drawn into the Middle East war by Hezbollah's March 2 rocket attack on Israel.

The Al-Bass site is centred on a necropolis that dates back three millennia to Tyre's time as a major Phoenician city and was still in use until the Arab conquests of the 7th Century.

An organisation linked to UNESCO, the United Nations' cultural heritage agency, launched the signs initiative near the site, part of a push that covers more than 30 locations across the country. 

It is a reminder that the 1954 Hague Convention obliges warring parties to protect cultural property.

On March 6, an Israeli strike hit just a few metres away, killing eight people according to Lebanon's health ministry.

The target, a family home, is now a pile of rubble.

The team from the ministry that came to inspect possible damage to the monuments found human remains — "a hand and pieces of flesh" — on the roof of the site's museum, which is still under construction.

The museum suffered damage, its windows were blown out, but the explosion did not reach the necropolis nor the Roman-era triumphal arch, aqueducts and hippodrome that are also part of the site.

In antiquity, the city of Tyre was at various times Phoenician, Persian, Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine. 

Oil prices jump as Trump's Iran claims raise doubts

Oil prices jumped on Tuesday as traders turned cautious over the prospect of a negotiated agreement between the United States and Iran to end the Middle East war.

Meanwhile European and US stocks held largely steady, having rallied Monday after US President Donald Trump delayed strikes on Iranian energy sites and hailed "very good" talks with Iran.

Asian equities caught up with the strong gains Tuesday but the rally fizzled in the European and US sessions.

Oil prices, which had tumbled on Monday, rebounded strongly with Brent popping back above $100 a barrel.

Erdogan says Turkey working to establish peace

President Tayyip Erdogan said on Tuesday that Turkey will continue working with all its resources to establish peace in the Iran war, which he said has hit the Turkish economy and the whole world.

Erdogan said the government is considering various measures to protect the economy from the US-Israeli war on Iran, which has engulfed the region and sent energy prices soaring.

Deaths from across the region so far

Since the United States and Israel unleashed strikes on Iran on February 28, war has spread across the Middle East, with casualties reported in countries across the region.

Iran

Iran's government has not released an updated overall casualty toll in recent days.

However, the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) said on March 23 that at least 3,268 people had been killed, including 1,443 civilians — among them at least 217 children — as well as 1,167 military personnel and 658 people whose status had not been classified.

Lebanon

Lebanon's health ministry said on March 24 that 1,072 people had been killed and 2,966 injured since the start of fighting on March 2, including 121 children.

The ministry said the toll also included 42 healthcare workers.

Israel

Israeli emergency services and authorities say attacks have killed 16 civilians on the Israeli side since the start of the war.

The Israeli military has separately announced the deaths of two personnel in combat in southern Lebanon.

West Bank

The Palestinian health ministry in Ramallah said four women were killed by Iranian missile fire in the occupied West Bank.

Iraq

Armed groups and officials have said at least 89 people have been killed in Iraq since the start of the war, according to an AFP tally based on their announcements.

The Gulf

Authorities in Gulf states and the US Central Command (CENTCOM) have reported 36 people killed — including 17 civilians and one civilian military contractor — since the start of the Iranian attacks.

The rest of those killed were military or security personnel, including seven US service members.

Kuwait's military and health ministry have reported six deaths: two soldiers, two border guards and two civilians, one of them an 11-year-old girl.

The United Arab Emirates' defence ministry has reported eight deaths: six civilians and two military personnel who died as a result of a helicopter crash blamed on a technical malfunction.

Saudi Arabia's civil defence agency has reported two civilian deaths.

Bahrain's interior ministry has logged two civilian deaths and the UAE defence ministry has said a contractor for the Emirati military, a Moroccan, was killed following an Iranian attack in Bahrain.  

Oman's maritime security centre reported the death of a mariner at sea and two other people in a drone attack on an industrial area.

Qatar's defence ministry said four Qatari servicemen and three Turkish nationals — including one serviceman and two civilians — were killed in a helicopter crash in Qatar's territorial waters.

CENTCOM has confirmed six US service personnel killed in Kuwait and one killed in Saudi Arabia.

Kuwait completes maintenance of 4 power lines

Kuwait's electricity ministry announced it had completed maintenance of four power transmission lines that were out of service due to damage caused by falling debris from interceptions.

Pentagon to send thousands of troops to Middle East: Report

The Pentagon is expected to send thousands of troops from the elite 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East, two people familiar with the matter told Reuters on Tuesday, adding to the massive military buildup even as the Trump administration seeks talks with Iran.

The officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity, did not specify where in the Middle East the troops would be sent to and when they would arrive in the region.

The US military referred to the White House, which did not immediately respond to a request for comment. 

Israeli military attacks Iranian manufacturing plant

The Israeli military said it had attacked an explosives manufacturing plant in Iran as part of its wave of attacks on Isfahan.

Drones intercepted in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia said its defence ministry has intercepted three drones in the eastern region of the country.

Possibility of high level peace talks with Iran: Report

A report by Axios revealed that US and a group of regional mediators are discussing the possibility of holding high level peace talks with Iran.

Israel military says Iranian missile falls in Beirut

The Israeli military said a ballistic missile launched from Iran fell in the Lebanese capital Beirut on Tuesday, as the Middle East war dragged into its fourth week.

"Following an assessment and based on the data available to the IDF, alongside the launches carried out toward the State of Israel earlier today, a ballistic missile fired by the Iranian terror regime fell in Beirut," a military statement said.

Sirens sounded in Bahrain

Sirens have been sounded in Bahrain, with the Ministry of Interior urging residents to remain calm and head to the nearest safe place.

British FM 'concerned' Iran war taking focus away from Gaza

British Foreign Minister Yvette Cooper on Tuesday said she was "deeply concerned" that the conflict in the Middle East had shifted focus away from the Gaza peace plan and violence in the West Bank.

"I am particularly concerned at the moment about what is happening in the West Bank. I am also deeply concerned about the Gaza 20-point plan process being kept on track exactly because of the wider conflict in the Middle East," Cooper told a parliamentary committee.

"I think there is a real deep concern at the moment about what is happening in the West Bank and the scale of settler violence," she added.

Iraq grants ex-paramilitaries right of 'retaliation, self defence': state media

Iraq to summon US charge d'affaires, Iran ambassador

Iraq's Prime Minister's office said it will summon the US charge d'affaires and Iran's ambassador to protest strikes on the headquarters of Iraq's shi'ite popular mobilisation forces and Kurdistan's Peshmerga.

Iran says 'non-hostile' ships can transit Hormuz Strait: Report

Iran has told International Maritime Organization member states that "non-hostile vessels" may transit the Strait of Hormuz if they coordinate with Iranian authorities, the Financial Times reported on Tuesday, citing a letter.

Israel army says plans in Iran, Lebanon unchanged regardless of talks

The Israeli military said on Tuesday that it was operating "according to an unchanged plan" in Iran and Lebanon, regardless of any talks aimed at reaching an agreement to end the hostilities.

"Regarding this or that agreement, we are currently operating according to an unchanged plan," military spokesman Brigadier General Effie Defrin said during a televised briefing when asked about efforts to launch a diplomatic process that could put an end to the war.

"We are acting, and will continue to act... to deepen the damage and remove existential threats," Defrin added. "We are striking both in Iran and in Lebanon".

Trump says Iran gave US 'very big present' related to oil and gas

President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that Iran had made a major energy-related concession to the United States, describing it as a positive development, although he did not give details.

Trump suggested the gift was related to the Strait of Hormuz, the oil transit waterway that the United States has struggled to keep open.

"They gave us a present and the present arrived today, and it was a very big present, worth a tremendous amount of money," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office.

"It wasn't nuclear, it was oil-and gas-related, and it was a very nice thing they did."

Trump said the United States was talking to "the right people" in Iran in order to reach a deal to end hostilities, adding the Iranians wanted to reach a deal very badly. "We're in negotiations right now" over Iran, he said, but would not provide details, particularly on whether U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner planned talks this week. He said Witkoff, Kushner, Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio were involved in negotiations.

Stay tuned for latest updates

Across the Gulf, Kuwait and Bahrain bore the brunt as the Israel-US-Iran war entered its 25th day, with power outages in Kuwait due to interceptions and the death of one UAE Armed Forces contractor along with multiple injuries reported in Bahrain.

Meanwhile in Lebanon, Israeli attacks continued, with the Israel army announcing plans for taking 'control' of South Lebanon up to Litani River.

As hopes for peace continue day by day, Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif agreed to host talks between the US and Iran. Meanwhile, the UN Human Rights Council is set to meet tomorrow and hold an "urgent debate" regarding the ongoing regional escalation.

Stay tuned to Khaleej Times as we be bring you the latest updates from the developing situation across the region.

Attacks on vicinity of Iran's Bushehr nuclear facility: state agency

Iran's state media reported that US-Israeli attacks targeted the vicinity of Bushehr nuclear facility on Tuesday.

Based on initial reports, the attack caused no technical damage or human casualties, as per the IRNA.

Kuwait shoots down drones

A Kuwaiti task force has shot down one unmanned aerial vehicle and five drones within the areas under its protection.

This action comes as part of ongoing efforts to enhance security, safeguard vital sites, and counter any potential threats.

Kuwait air defences respond to aerial threats

Kuwait’s air defense systems are actively confronting hostile missile and drone attacks, according to the General Staff of the Army.

Authorities said that explosion sounds reported in various areas are the result of interception operations carried out by air defense systems targeting incoming threats.

The military urged the public to remain calm and strictly follow security and safety instructions issued by the relevant authorities as operations continue.

Multiple droneinterceptions reported in Saudi Arabia

The official spokesperson for the Ministry of Defence has reported a series of successful drone interceptions in the eastern region over a short period.

According to the statements, air defense systems intercepted and destroyed 4 drones, followed by 5 drones, and then 3 drones in successive operations. In a further update issued about an hour earlier, an additional 3 drones were also neutralised in the same region.

Authorities have not disclosed further details regarding the origin of the drones, but confirmed that all aerial threats were successfully intercepted.