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U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth says the United States is not concerned by reports that Russia may be sharing intelligence with Iran during the ongoing conflict. Hegseth said U.S. commanders are fully aware of developments and that the Pentagon is “tracking everything.” He added that the United States has “the best intelligence in the world” and knows “who’s talking to who.”

Amid rising geopolitical tensions and fears of supply disruptions, countries are relying on their strategic oil reserves to secure energy supplies. Oil stockpile cover refers to the number of days a country can meet its oil demand using stored reserves if imports are disrupted. Here are the top five countries by oil stockpile cover: Japan: 200–254 days South Korea: 208 days United States: 120–125 days China: 90–130 days India: 25–45 days The data highlights the varying levels of energy security among major economies as global oil markets remain sensitive to disruptions in key regions.

Global oil markets are on edge as traders warn that crude prices could soon hit $100 a barrel if the war involving Iran continues to escalate. Brent crude has already surged above $90 per barrel amid fears of prolonged supply disruptions. The conflict has severely disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route that carries around 20% of the world’s oil supply. Tanker traffic through the strait has plunged, raising concerns about a tightening global energy market. Energy analysts say continued attacks on oil infrastructure and shipping lanes could push prices even higher, fuelling inflation and economic uncertainty worldwide.

U.S. Central Command says American forces have struck more than 3,000 targets in Iran during the first week of the military campaign known as Operation Epic Fury. The strikes targeted Iranian military infrastructure including command centres, air defence systems, missile facilities and naval assets. U.S. President Donald Trump has said the conflict will only end if Iran agrees to “unconditional surrender.” The demand comes as the United States and Israel continue large-scale operations aimed at degrading Iran’s military capabilities.

Iran’s security chief Ali Larijani claimed several US soldiers were captured, accusing Washington of hiding the truth. CENTCOM rejected the allegation as false. With casualties mounting and tensions escalating, the ongoing US–Iran conflict continues to intensify across the region.

The United Arab Emirates says its air defence systems intercepted incoming missiles and drones targeting the country amid rising tensions across the Gulf. Authorities confirmed that multiple aerial threats were neutralised before they could hit their intended targets. UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan said the country will not be an “easy prey” for any aggressor, warning that the UAE is prepared to defend its territory and protect national security. The interceptions come as the wider Middle East conflict continues to escalate, with several Gulf states activating air defence systems in response to missile and drone threats across the region.

Trump said he sees no signs of Russia aiding Iran, while the Kremlin confirmed Tehran has not sought military help. However, reports claim Moscow may have shared intelligence on US positions. Washington downplayed Russia and China’s role as tensions around the conflict continue.

Energy disruptions are intensifying across West Asia as Kuwait Petroleum Corporation has declared force majeure, signalling potential interruptions in oil supply and exports. The declaration comes amid rising regional instability linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Force majeure allows companies to suspend contractual obligations when extraordinary circumstances disrupt operations. The move has raised concerns in global energy markets as traders monitor the potential impact of supply disruptions from the Gulf region.

India has allowed the Iranian vessel IRIS Lavan to dock at Kochi after granting permission for the request. According to reports, the vessel first reached out to Indian authorities on February 28 seeking permission to dock. Indian authorities approved the request on March 1, allowing the Iranian ship to enter the port at Kochi. The development comes amid heightened tensions in the region linked to the ongoing conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel.

Saudi Arabia says its air defence systems intercepted 14 incoming drones, including six drones shot down east of the capital Riyadh. Authorities said the interceptions were carried out as the kingdom responded to aerial threats amid rising tensions across the Gulf region. Air defence units were activated to neutralise the drones before they could reach their intended targets. The incident comes as security concerns grow across the Middle East, with several countries on high alert following missile and drone attacks linked to the wider regional conflict.

In Nepal’s 2026 elections, independent politician Balen Shah has defeated former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, marking a significant political shift in the country. Shah, who first rose to prominence after winning the Kathmandu mayoral election, secured a major victory against Oli, one of Nepal’s most influential political figures and a former prime minister. The result signals changing political dynamics in Nepal, with voters backing a candidate seen by supporters as representing a new generation of leadership.

Iran has accused the United States of bombing a freshwater desalination plant on Qeshm Island during the ongoing conflict. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described the strike as a “blatant and desperate crime,” warning that it sets a dangerous precedent by targeting civilian water infrastructure. According to Iranian officials, the attack disrupted the water supply to around 30 villages, raising concerns about humanitarian impacts in the region.

The United Arab Emirates has airlifted thousands of fresh food supplies from India as aviation disruptions impact regional logistics. Authorities confirmed that around 12,000 packages of fruits and vegetables were flown from India to the UAE to help maintain food supplies. The emergency airlift comes as flight disruptions linked to the ongoing regional crisis affect cargo movement across key Middle East aviation hubs. Officials said the shipments were arranged to ensure the continued availability of fresh produce in the UAE. The move highlights how escalating tensions in the region are beginning to affect supply chains, including the transport of perishable food items.

Iran’s Security Council chief Ali Larijani has claimed that American soldiers have been taken prisoner during the ongoing conflict with the United States. Posting on the social media platform X, Larijani said some U.S. troops were captured during fighting. He also accused Washington of spreading a “misleading narrative” about casualties in the conflict. According to Larijani, U.S. officials are falsely claiming that only five or six American soldiers were killed. The Iranian official alleged that Washington could increase its reported casualty figures over time. The claims come amid intensifying confrontation between Iran and the United States, with both sides issuing competing narratives about developments on the battlefield.

U.S. President Donald Trump has reportedly made a U-turn on a potential Kurdish offensive, saying he does not want Kurdish forces entering the ongoing conflict. According to the remarks, Trump indicated that Kurdish involvement could widen the war and complicate the already volatile situation in the region. The shift suggests Washington may be seeking to prevent the conflict from expanding further. The comments come as tensions continue to escalate across the Middle East, with multiple actors monitoring whether new forces could be drawn into the war.

Trump: Strike on girls school was 'done by Iran'; calls fallen troops’ return a 'very sad day', says US 'winning the war by a lot'

U.S. Central Command says American forces have struck more than 3,000 targets in Iran during the first week of the military campaign known as Operation Epic Fury. The strikes targeted Iranian military infrastructure including command centres, air defence systems, missile facilities and naval assets. U.S. President Donald Trump has said the conflict will only end if Iran agrees to “unconditional surrender.” The demand comes as the United States and Israel continue large-scale operations aimed at degrading Iran’s military capabilities.

The United Arab Emirates says its air defence systems intercepted incoming missiles and drones targeting the country amid rising tensions across the Gulf. Authorities confirmed that multiple aerial threats were neutralised before they could hit their intended targets. UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan said the country will not be an “easy prey” for any aggressor, warning that the UAE is prepared to defend its territory and protect national security. The interceptions come as the wider Middle East conflict continues to escalate, with several Gulf states activating air defence systems in response to missile and drone threats across the region.

Former CIA Director and ex-CENTCOM commander David Petraeus says the United States appears to have achieved “air supremacy” over Iran amid the ongoing conflict. Petraeus said recent operations by U.S. and allied forces suggest Iranian air defences have been significantly weakened. According to Petraeus, the level of control in the skies may go beyond basic air superiority, indicating that U.S. forces can operate with limited resistance from Iranian air defences at certain altitudes. The remarks come as U.S. and Israeli strikes continue targeting Iranian military infrastructure in a widening regional confrontation.