**Summary:** Iran intensified its missile campaign against major Gulf cities including Doha, Dubai, and Manama, as well as Jerusalem, following the killing of its Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei by US-Israeli air raids. The resulting unrest in Pakistan led to dozens of deaths and prompted the US to suspend visa services.

**Key points:**
- Explosions were heard in Doha, Dubai, Manama, and Jerusalem; air raid sirens sounded in Tel Aviv.
- Iran’s Revolutionary Guards announced a “large-scale” attack, marking the third consecutive day of strikes.
- In Bahrain, one person was killed in the latest Iranian strikes.
- The UAE defense ministry reported three deaths (Pakistani, Nepalese, Bangladeshi nationals) and 58 injuries since the start of Iran’s strikes.
- Pakistan imposed nationwide security restrictions, including curfews and bans on protests, after violent protests left at least 44 dead.
- US Marine guards reportedly killed 11 people in Karachi after protesters stormed the US Consulate, leading the US to suspend visa services in Pakistan.

**Why it matters:** The strikes on Gulf capitals challenge their image of stability and force them into a difficult position regarding retaliation, while the fallout in Pakistan highlights regional instability following the death of Iran's Supreme Leader.

Al Jazeera - After Iran’s salvo hit their skylines, will Gulf states enter the war?

News18.com - Iran Fallout: Marine Guards Open Fire, US Cancels Visa Services In Pakistan As Protests Rage

News18.com - Explosions In Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Doha, Jerusalem, Sirens In Tel Aviv As Iran Intensifies Strikes

Iran Intensifies Strikes on Gulf Cities, Israel; Protests Rage in Pakistan

**Summary:** Oil prices surged significantly due to the ongoing US-Israeli war against Iran, which has led to the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil chokepoint. Brent crude rallied up to 13% to above $82 a barrel, the highest since January 2025.

**Key points:**
- Tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, which handles a fifth of the world's oil, has largely halted due to a self-imposed pause by shipowners and traders.
- Iranian authorities claimed the waterway remained open while also stating they attacked three oil tankers.
- President Donald Trump stated US forces destroyed and sank nine Iranian naval ships, vowing combat operations would continue.
- OPEC+ agreed to increase supply quotas next month by 206,000 barrels a day in reaction to the conflict.

**Why it matters:** The conflict marks a dangerous new phase for the global oil market, causing the most significant surge in oil prices in four years.

axios.com - Iran conflict spurs early oil price surge

inquirer.net - Oil price surges on Middle East conflict

financialpost.com - Oil Spikes as Widening Iran Crisis Disrupts Flows Through Hormuz

Oil Prices Surge Amid US-Israeli War Against Iran and Strait of Hormuz Disruption

**Summary:** US President Donald Trump stated in an interview with The Atlantic that Iran's new leadership wants to talk and he has agreed to the discussions, noting that some people involved in previous talks are deceased following recent military actions. This follows Israeli and US airstrikes that reportedly killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Seyyed Ali Khamenei and his family, and subsequent Iranian claims of sinking US naval ships.

**Key points:**
- Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is part of a temporary leadership council assuming duties after Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's death.
- Trump claimed the US destroyed Iran's Naval Headquarters in a separate attack and sunk nine Iranian naval ships.
- The escalation followed the third round of nuclear talks in Geneva on February 26, which ended without progress.
- Iran’s state-affiliated broadcaster Press TV reported that US-Israeli forces targeted the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) headquarters in Tehran.

**Why it matters:** The reported willingness of the US and Iran to engage in dialogue contrasts sharply with the recent military escalation, including strikes that killed Iran's Supreme Leader, suggesting a potential shift in high-stakes international relations.

trend.az - Trump claims U.S. sank 9 Iranian naval ships

tribune.com.pk - Iranian leaders want to talk, Trump tells The Atlantic

news18.com - Iranian State Broadcaster’s Headquarter Attacked In US-Israeli Strike | Video

Trump Agrees to Talk with Iran's New Leadership Amid Escalating US-Israel Military Actions

**Summary:** US President Donald Trump announced via Truth Social that the US destroyed and sank nine Iranian military vessels, some large and important, and significantly damaged the Iranian Navy headquarters in a separate attack. This follows prior Israeli and US military operations against Iran, which included Iranian missile retaliation against US bases.

**Key points:**
- Trump stated the US is pursuing the remaining Iranian vessels, threatening they will soon be at the bottom of the sea.
- The actions are part of a joint military operation between the US and Israel against Iran that began on February 28th.
- Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei reportedly died as a result of the strikes, leading to plans for a Provisional Governing Council.
- 123 people, including citizens from Azerbaijan, Saudi Arabia, and China, were evacuated from Iran to Azerbaijan between February 28th and March 1st.
- Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that the loss of some commanders did not weaken Iran's military power and confirmed the process of selecting a new Supreme Leader.

**Why it matters:** The direct military claims by the US President regarding significant damage to Iran's naval assets escalate the ongoing conflict between the US/Israel and Iran, while Iran's internal leadership transition adds further instability.

Трамп сообщил об уничтожении штаба ВМС Ирана и девяти кораблей - Day.Az

Свыше 120 человек эвакуированы из Ирана в Азербайджан - Day.Az

ترامب: أغرقنا 9 سفن إيرانية وتم تدمير مقر البحرية - jordanzad.com

ЦАХАЛ заявил о ликвидации всего высшего руководства Ирана: Политика: Мир: Lenta.ru

Трамп сообщил об уничтожении иранских кораблей и штаб-квартиры ВМС Ирана: Конфликты: Мир: Lenta.ru

Trump Claims Destruction of 9 Iranian Naval Ships and Navy HQ

**Summary:** The Foreign Ministers of Azerbaijan, Jeyhun Bayramov, and Canada, Anita Anand, held a phone conversation to express deep concern over the military escalation and rising security risks in the region. They also discussed potential future use of the Azerbaijani border for evacuating Canadian citizens from Iran if necessary.

**Key points:**
- Canada's Minister Anand thanked Azerbaijan for facilitating the transit of Canadian citizens through its territory during the military escalation in Iran in June of the previous year.
- Both sides stressed the importance of preventing further escalation, strengthening diplomatic efforts, and adhering to international law.
- The ministers exchanged views on possible prospects for using the Azerbaijani border for evacuating Canadian citizens from Iran, should the need arise.

**Why it matters:** The high-level discussion highlights Azerbaijan's role as a transit corridor and humanitarian partner for Western nations amidst heightened regional tensions following recent military actions involving Israel and the US against Iran.

Глава МИД Канады выразила благодарность Азербайджану - day.az

Azərbaycan və Kanada XİN başçıları İranda vəziyyətə dair müzakirə aparıb - day.az

Azerbaijan, Canada discuss situation in Iran - trend.az

Russian embassy thanks Azerbaijan - trend.az

Azerbaijan and Canada Discuss Regional Security and Iran Evacuation

**Summary:** The Arab League, through Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit, strongly condemned Iranian missile attacks targeting Duqm Port and an oil tanker off the coast of Oman, denouncing the violation of sovereignty. Saudi Arabia also condemned the aggression and affirmed solidarity with Oman, which has been engaged in mediation efforts.

**Key points:**
- The Arab League condemned attacks on civilian facilities in Gulf Arab states, calling it a violation of sovereignty and international law.
- Tunisia condemned the aggression against Jordan and other Arab nations, expressing solidarity with Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, UAE, and Iraq.
- Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi spoke with Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, strongly condemning the targeting of Duqm Port and commending Oman's mediation role between the US and Iran.
- Al-Sisi also spoke with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani regarding attacks targeting Iraq, reaffirming support for Iraq's sovereignty.
- The attacks occurred following US and Israeli strikes on Iran, further heightening regional tensions.

**Why it matters:** The coordinated condemnation by major Arab bodies and nations highlights widespread rejection of Iranian military actions against sovereign Arab states, raising concerns about wider regional conflict and instability.

Saudi Arabia condemns Iranian aggression against Oman

الجامعة العربية تدين الاعتداءات الإيرانية على ميناء الدقم بسلطنة عُمان

تونس تدين الاعتداء على الأردن وباقي الدول العربية

Al-Sisi denounces attack on Oman’s Duqm port, reaffirms support for Arab sovereignty

Arab League and Saudi Arabia Condemn Iranian Aggression Against Oman

**Summary:** Iran launched fresh strikes across the Gulf on Sunday, vowing revenge for the assassination of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei by the US and Israel, defying threats from US President Donald Trump. Former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was also reported killed in the preceding Israeli and US airstrikes, along with three bodyguards.

**Key points:**
- Blasts were heard in Riyadh, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, and Manama, as well as Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.
- Israel claimed its joint operation eliminated 40 senior commanders, including Khamenei, in one minute.
- The UAE intercepted 165 ballistic missiles, two cruise missiles, and 541 Iranian drones; three fatalities (Pakistani, Nepali, Bangladeshi nationals) and 58 minor injuries were reported in the UAE.
- Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian called Khamenei's killing a "declaration of war against Muslims."
- Protests following Khamenei's death in Pakistan resulted in at least nine people killed by gunshot wounds in Karachi during a storming attempt at the US consulate.

**Why it matters:** The event marks a severe escalation in Middle East tensions following the assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader, leading to direct retaliatory strikes by Iran against Gulf states and US bases, and causing civilian casualties abroad.

trend.az - Former president of Iran killed in Israeli and U.S. airstrikes

dailypost.ng - One killed, several injured as Iranian missile debris hits UAE airports

citizen.co.za - Iran launches fresh strikes across Gulf after vowing revenge for slain leader

news18.com - Pakistani, Nepali & Bangladeshi Citizens Killed, Over 58 Injured In UAE Amid Iran's Drone Attack

Iran Launches Strikes After Leader's Assassination; Former President Killed

**Summary:** Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed to have attacked the US aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln with four ballistic missiles, though official statements did not confirm damage. This follows escalating military actions between the US, Israel, and Iran, including prior Israeli strikes on Iran and Iranian missile launches toward Israel.

**Key points:**
- Nearly 200 tankers, including oil and LNG carriers, have accumulated near the Strait of Hormuz, which handles about 20% of global oil supplies.
- Iran's newly formed Provisional Leadership Council began its activities, announced by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, following the reported death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
- The UAE's Department of Culture and Tourism and Ras Al Khaimah authorities assumed responsibility for accommodating tourists stranded due to flight restrictions in the Gulf states.
- The IRGC also claimed to have shot down an American heavy drone previously.

**Why it matters:** The reported military escalation, including an Iranian missile attack on a US carrier and the formation of a new Iranian governing body, signals a severe deepening of the conflict in the Middle East.

У Ормузского пролива скопились почти две сотни танкеров

В Иране приступил к работе Временный руководящий совет - Пезешкиан

​​КСИР сообщил об атаке на авианосец USS Abraham Lincoln

Власти ОАЭ оплатят номера туристам в Абу-Даби, у которых отменили рейсы

Иран атаковал американский авианосец

Названы последствия объявления шиитским богословом джихада против США и Израиля

Iran's IRGC Claims Attack on US Aircraft Carrier Amid Regional Tensions