LIVE UPDATES | Iran attacks Saudi Aramcos oil refinery; Israel, Qatar and Bahrain also targeted; several US fighter jets crash in Kuwait

Mar 2, 2026 02:09 PM

Know about Saudi Aramco

Saudi Aramco is one of the largest oil and gas companies in the world. It is owned by the government of Saudi Arabia. The company was founded in 1933 under an agreement with American companies.

In 1980, it came fully under the control of the Saudi government. Its headquarters is located in Dhahran. Aramco holds one of the largest oil reserves in the world and produces millions of barrels of crude oil daily, making it a major supplier in the global energy market.

Saudi Arabia’s economy relies heavily on the revenue generated by this company. Aramco is not only involved in crude oil production but is also active in refining, petrochemicals and natural gas.

It controls the world’s largest conventional oil field, Ghawar. In 2019, the company launched its IPO on the stock market, which was considered the largest IPO in history. In recent years, Aramco has been increasing its investments in renewable energy, hydrogen and carbon capture technologies.

Mar 2, 2026 01:46 PM

Several US fighter jets crash in Kuwait; all crew members safe

• Kuwait’s Ministry of Defence has confirmed that several US fighter jets crashed within the country’s territory.
• In a brief statement, the ministry said a number of American warplanes “fell” on Kuwaiti soil but stressed that all pilots and crew members on board survived.
• Authorities added that there were no casualties reported among personnel.
• No immediate details were released regarding the cause of the crashes or the extent of damage sustained by the aircraft.

Mar 2, 2026 01:44 PM

Chinese national killed in Tehran: Foreign Ministry in Beijing

Mar 2, 2026 01:43 PM

Israel and US launch missile strike in Baghdad, target Iran-backed militant sites

• Israel and the United States have reportedly carried out a missile strike in Iraq, targeting locations in the capital, Baghdad.
• According to media reports, the attack focused on positions linked to Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah in the Jurf al-Sakhar area.
• The strike caused significant damage to several buildings, vehicles and warehouses, triggering fires across the targeted zone.
• As of now, there have been no confirmed reports of casualties or injuries.

Mar 2, 2026 01:42 PM

UK prepares to evacuate 3,00,000 citizens from Middle East

The United Kingdom is preparing contingency plans to evacuate its citizens from the Middle East as regional tensions escalate. British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said that approximately 3,00,000 British nationals have registered their presence in the region.

The government is working on multiple evacuation options and has indicated it is ready to directly assist citizens in leaving safely if the situation deteriorates.

Authorities are coordinating with travel companies and airlines, urging the reopening of air routes at the earliest to facilitate the safe return of British nationals.

Mar 2, 2026 01:40 PM

Watch: Saudi Aramco’s Ras Tanura refinery attacked

Mar 2, 2026 01:39 PM

Tehran strikes Saudi Aramco’s Ras Tanura refinery, expands attacks across Gulf

The conflict between Israel, United States and Iran has entered its third day, with hostilities intensifying across the region.

Iran has reportedly targeted the Ras Tanura oil refinery in Saudi Arabia. The facility is owned by state oil giant Saudi Aramco. According to reports, operations at the refinery were suspended following the strike.

The Ras Tanura refinery is estimated to have a production capacity of approximately 550,000 to 600,000 barrels per day.

The Ras Tanura oil export terminal is considered one of the world’s largest offshore oil loading terminals, handling crude shipments to the United States, Asia and Europe via large oil tankers.

Meanwhile, Iran’s top national security official Ali Larijani stated on Monday that Tehran will not engage in any negotiations with the United States. His remarks came in response to reports suggesting that Iran had sought to reopen dialogue with Washington.

Iran has also resumed attacks targeting Israel as well as Gulf nations, including Qatar, Bahrain and United Arab Emirates.

The conflict has further widened with the involvement of Lebanon-based militant group Hezbollah, which has launched multiple strikes inside Israel.

Hezbollah, which receives backing from Iran, has claimed it is acting in retaliation for the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei.

Mar 2, 2026 01:19 PM

Turkey suspends short-term border crossings by Iranians amid migration concerns

Turkey on Monday said it has temporarily suspended short-term border crossings by Iranian nationals, amid growing public concern that escalating regional tensions could spark fresh migration flows.

In a statement, the Trade Ministry said the decision was taken in mutual agreement with Tehran. Under the arrangement, Turkish citizens and third-country nationals are still permitted to enter Turkey from Iran, but Iranians seeking to make brief visits have been temporarily barred.

The ministry added that commercial freight traffic between the two countries remains operational and is continuing “in a controlled manner.”

Mar 2, 2026 01:04 PM

Air travel across world severely impacted

The Iran–Israel conflict has triggered widespread disruption to global air travel, with nearly 3,000 flights cancelled amid escalating military tensions.

Air travel across the world has been severely impacted following military strikes carried out by the United States and Israel on Iran. Hundreds of additional flights were cancelled on Monday, leaving hundreds of thousands of passengers stranded across multiple countries.

According to reports, airline stocks have also declined amid growing uncertainty. US President Donald Trump has indicated that American military operations could continue for four to five weeks, further intensifying concerns within the aviation sector and among international travellers.

Several major airports across the Middle East have been forced to shut down. Notably, Dubai International Airport, widely regarded as the world’s busiest international airport, remained closed for a third consecutive day. Industry observers describe the situation as the most significant aviation disruption since the COVID-19 pandemic.

The closure of Middle Eastern airspace has led to the cancellation of thousands of services. Many international airlines have temporarily suspended operations in the region due to security concerns.

By Monday morning, 1,239 flights had already been cancelled. Major regional carriers, including Emirates of Dubai, Etihad Airways of Abu Dhabi, and Qatar Airways of Doha, collectively scrapped hundreds of flights.

According to flight tracking platform FlightAware, approximately 2,800 flights were cancelled on Saturday, followed by 3,156 cancellations on Sunday.

Mar 2, 2026 12:34 PM

See picture of Israeli attack on Lebanon

Mar 2, 2026 12:32 PM

Iran intensifies attacks in Middle East

Iran has escalated its attacks across the Middle East. Following warnings of missile strikes, explosions were heard over Jerusalem.

According to news agency reports, blasts were also heard in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, Doha in Qatar, and Manama in Bahrain.

Mar 2, 2026 12:31 PM

Iran launches drone and missile attacks on Israel and four other countries

Iran has launched drone and missile attacks on Israel and four other countries in the Middle East in retaliation.

Earlier, Iran had also targeted American bases located in Qatar, Kuwait, Jordan, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. In the UAE, drone strikes were reported near the Palm Hotel and Resort and close to Burj Khalifa in Dubai, the country’s most populous city.

Mar 2, 2026 12:29 PM

Qatar Airways flights to remain suspended

Mar 2, 2026 12:10 PM

At least two persons have been killed in an attack on Iran’s Sanandaj city, according to Iran’s Fars News Agency.

The report said the city was targeted by enemy missiles, which destroyed several residential buildings located next to a police station.

Tasnim News Agency reported that US and Israeli forces launched six missiles at various parts of the city, including densely populated areas. Footage shared online shows one of the strikes, with massive clouds of fire and smoke rising into the sky.

Mar 2, 2026 12:06 PM

UAE closes stock exchanges

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced the closure of its main stock exchanges at the start of the trading week as regional conflict intensifies.

The country’s Capital Market Authority said the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) and the Dubai Financial Market (DFM) will remain closed on Monday and Tuesday.

Authorities stated they will continue to monitor the regional situation closely and take further steps if necessary.

Nasdaq Dubai has also suspended trading for both days.

Dubai is the Gulf region’s primary business hub, while Abu Dhabi serves as a key financial centre and is home to some of the world’s largest sovereign wealth funds.

Meanwhile, the benchmark index of the Saudi Exchange, the region’s largest stock market, declined by 2.2 percent on Sunday.

Mar 2, 2026 12:05 PM

US Embassy in Kuwait issues advisory

• The US Embassy in Kuwait has warned of a continuing threat of missile and UAV (drone) attacks over the country.
• In an official statement, the embassy urged US citizens in Kuwait to shelter in place.
• It advised them to review their security plans in case of an attack.
• Citizens were also asked to remain alert for any additional future attacks.
• The embassy confirmed that its personnel are currently sheltering in place.

Mar 2, 2026 12:01 PM

Israeli attacks continue on Lebanon, 31 dead and 149 injured

Israeli strikes on Lebanon have claimed the lives of 31 persons so far. In the southern suburbs of Beirut, the capital city, 20 persons were killed and 91 others were injured.

In southern Lebanon, 11 persons lost their lives and 58 were reported injured. The attacks occurred after Hezbollah claimed responsibility for firing rockets toward northern Israel.

Mar 2, 2026 11:45 AM

US F-15 crashes over Kuwait as regional tensions escalate; pilot reportedly safe

Mar 2, 2026 11:35 AM

US fighter jet crashes in Kuwait; explosions rock Dubai and Abu Dhabi 16 Hours later as Hezbollah joins war against Israel

Mar 2, 2026 11:29 AM

Two workers injured by falling debris at Kuwait refinery

Two workers sustained minor injuries after debris fell inside the Mina Al Ahmadi refinery near Kuwait City, according to a report by the official Kuwait News Agency.

The incident occurred as tensions escalated across the Gulf following fresh Iranian strikes targeting US-linked assets in the region. Air raid sirens were reported in Kuwait and Bahrain, while loud explosions were heard over Doha in Qatar and Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates.

Authorities have not indicated any major damage to the refinery and further details about the source of the debris were not immediately available. The developments come amid heightened security alerts across several Gulf nations.

Mar 2, 2026 11:28 AM

Israeli air strikes kill 31 in Lebanon: Ministry

Mar 2, 2026 11:26 AM

US Embassy in Kuwait urges Americans to shelter indoors amid missile threat

The United States Embassy in Kuwait has issued an urgent security advisory instructing American citizens in the country to remain indoors as concerns grow over possible missile and drone activity in the region.

In the alert, the embassy urged US nationals to shelter in place and avoid any non-essential movement outside their homes. Officials also advised citizens not to travel to the embassy premises, stating that diplomatic staff are themselves following shelter-in-place protocols as a precautionary measure.

Guidance shared through the US State Department’s TravelGov platform directed Americans to stay on the lowest level of their buildings, keep away from windows and immediately take cover if air raid sirens sound or explosions are heard. The advisory further warned residents to avoid areas with debris following any strike, highlighting the risk posed by falling fragments from intercepted missiles or drones.

The warning comes amid heightened regional tensions and ongoing security concerns across the Gulf.

Mar 2, 2026 11:17 AM

THE TIMELINE

February 28

Multiple explosions were reported in several areas of Tehran, Iran’s capital.

Targets included IRGC command centres, nuclear facilities in Isfahan, Qom and Karaj, as well as the residence of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appealed to the Iranian public for regime change.

Iran launched hundreds of missiles and drones in retaliatory strikes against Israel.

American military bases in Bahrain, Qatar, the UAE, Kuwait, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Iraq were targeted. Internet blackouts were reported in Tehran, along with explosions in multiple cities.

March 1

Confirmation of the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Israel launched fresh strikes on Tehran.

In Iran, 207 persons were reported killed, including casualties in a school strike; 747 were injured.

In Israel, 10 persons were killed and 78 injured. Three American soldiers were also reported dead.

In an interview with NBC, Trump claimed that 48 Iranian leaders had been killed.

Mar 2, 2026 11:15 AM

Iran launches fresh missile and drone attacks

Air raid sirens in Tel Aviv: Sirens wailed across Tel Aviv after the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) warned of a new wave of Iranian missile attacks.

Blasts heard across Gulf capitals: Explosions were reported in Dubai, Doha and Manama shortly after the renewed strikes began.

Third day of escalation: The developments come as the US-Israel military campaign against Iran entered its third day.

Leadership loss in Iran: The initial strikes reportedly killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei along with several senior officials, causing extensive destruction.

Iran targets Gulf neighbours: In retaliation for US-Israeli air raids, Tehran expanded its strikes to include Gulf nations hosting American military bases.

Missiles intercepted over Israel: Several Iranian missiles were intercepted over Tel Aviv and Jerusalem by Israeli air defence systems.

Drones downed near Erbil: Air defence systems intercepted at least two drones near Iraq’s Erbil airport, which hosts US-led coalition forces and a major American consulate complex.

Strategic Gulf presence: Oil-rich Gulf countries, including Qatar, Bahrain and the UAE, host key US military installations.

Rising casualties in Iran: Iranian officials claim more than 200 persons have been killed since the conflict began.

Wider regional strikes: Iran has launched missiles and drones targeting Israel, US military sites in the Gulf, the Saudi capital Riyadh, and Dubai.

Interim leadership council formed: Iran has appointed a 66-year-old cleric to join a three-member leadership council that will govern the country until a new supreme leader is selected.

Mar 2, 2026 11:12 AM

US Embassy in Pak suspends visa services

Mar 2, 2026 11:11 AM

Blasts in Dubai, Jerusalem, UK Navy base hit as Iran launches fresh drone attack

Mar 2, 2026 11:09 AM

Iran rules out talks with US

Iran has firmly rejected the possibility of engaging in talks with the United States. Senior national security official Ali Larijani said Tehran would not enter into any negotiations with Washington. He made the statement on social media platform X, responding to reports suggesting that Iran was attempting to reopen diplomatic channels with the US.

Larijani also criticised Donald Trump, accusing him of destabilising the region through what he described as “false promises.” He said Trump is now concerned about the deaths of American soldiers after contributing to heightened tensions.

In a sharp remark, Larijani added that Trump had shifted his slogan from “America First” to what he called “Israel First,” alleging that American troops were being sacrificed to strengthen Israel’s position in the conflict.

Mar 2, 2026 11:08 AM

Trump says war with Iran could last up to 5 weeks

US President Donald Trump has said that the ongoing conflict with Iran could continue for as long as five weeks. Earlier, he had indicated that the war might last around four weeks, but he has now revised his estimate, saying it could extend to “four or even five weeks.”

Trump also claimed that the United States had targeted individuals who were seen as potential successors to Iran’s current leadership. According to him, all of those individuals were killed within the first two days of “Operation Epic Fury.”