US, Israel war with Iran: UAE stays alert as select flights resume

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Saudi Arabia's defence ministry said Tuesday that it had intercepted more than half a dozen drones near capital Riyadh and the city of Al-Kharj.

"Eight drones were intercepted and destroyed near the cities of Riyadh and Al-Kharj," said defence ministry spokesman Major General Turki al-Malki on X.

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in an interview Monday that the Middle East conflict triggered by US and Israeli strikes on Iran won't be "an endless war" but could "take some time."

He told Fox News the campaign would be "a quick and decisive action," later adding: "It may take some time, but it's not going to take years."

The US Department of State has urged American citizens in several Middle Eastern countries to depart immediately using commercial flights, citing “serious safety risks” as tensions escalate across the region.

In a security update issued on March 2, the department advised Americans in Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, the West Bank and Gaza, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, the UAE and Yemen to leave “now via commercial means”.

US President Donald Trump said "you will find soon what the retaliation will be for the attack on the US embassy in Riyadh and for the US service members killed".

The US Embassy in Riyadh has been targeted by two Iranian drones, resulting in a limited fire and minor material damage to the building, the official spokesperson for the Saudi Ministry of Defence said on Tuesday.

The US Embassy in the Saudi capital asked American citizens to shelter-in-place.

The Saudi Ministry of Defence's spokesperson confirmed the drone attack on the US embassy and asked Saudi citizens to immediately take shelter wherever they are.

The United States Central Command (CentCom) has released dramatic footage capturing the exact moment a missile slammed into an Iranian naval vessel in the Gulf of Oman, a fiery flash tearing through the darkness and sending shockwaves across already volatile waters.

The US military noted that 11 ships of the Iranian regime were hit in the Gulf of Oman. The hits on Islamic Republic's naval assets were framed as part of the drive to curb harassment and attacks on international shipping especially in the Gulf of Oman.

"Those days are over," the CentCom stated.

The package also includes US B-1 bombers that struck deep inside Iran to degrade Iranian ballistic missile capabilities.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) announced that the UAE’s air defence systems had intercepted a barrage of Iranian ballistic missiles early on Tuesday.

In a statement posted on its official account on X, the ministry said: “The UAE’s air defences are currently dealing with a barrage of ballistic missiles coming from Iran.”

The ministry affirmed its full operational readiness to respond to all threats, stressing that the measures taken are aimed at safeguarding the nation’s territory and ensuring the safety of citizens and resident

Iran has launched a new wave of ballistic missiles against Israel.

Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the hardest-hits are yet to come from the US military, warning the next phase will be "even more punishing" on Iran.

Explosions were heard in Cyprus, which hosts a British military base. Local residents in nearby villages, such as Akrotiri and Episkopi, reported hearing "strange noises" leading up to the blast, with some fleeing their homes temporarily.

Air raid sirens sounded across parts of the island, including in Paphos, prompting widespread alerts. The US Embassy in Cyprus issued a missile threat caution on March 2, advising Americans to seek cover if explosions or sirens are heard and to avoid the embassy unless in an emergency.

Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides confirmed the incident, stating the drone targeted the British base specifically, not Cyprus itself, and reassured the public that the island's government was coordinating with UK forces.

This attack marks an escalation, bringing the US-Iran conflict — sparked by "Operation Epic Fury" — to European soil for the first time, Reuters reported.

It follows Iran's reported retaliation against US and Israeli strikes, including drone and missile launches toward other targets in the region.

Hezbollah's involvement has been speculated in some reports, with simultaneous explosions noted elsewhere, though unconfirmed for Cyprus.

The RAF Akrotiri base, a key hub for UK operations in the Middle East, has been used for missions supporting the anti-Iran campaign, as confirmed by British PM Kier Starmer.

As of March 3, 2026, at 2:51 AM Gulf standard time, the situation remains fluid, with no further explosions reported overnight, but heightened security persists.

Investigations into the drone's origin continue, as per The Express.

The Israeli military issued evacuation warnings for dozens of villages in southern Lebanon on Monday night, saying they would operate against Hezbollah activities in the area.

"Hezbollah's activities are compelling the (Israeli military) to operate against it. The (Israeli military) does not seek to harm you. For your safety, you must evacuate your homes immediately and move north, beyond the line of villages marked on the map and their surrounding areas," the military's Arabic-language spokesman, Avichay Adraee, wrote in an X post which listed more than two dozen villages.

A total of six US military personnel have been killed since the start of the Iran war, US Central Command (CENTCOM) said Monday, raising the death toll from four.

"US forces recently recovered the remains of two previously unaccounted for service members from a facility that was struck during Iran's initial attacks in the region," CENTCOM said in a post on X.

The United States attacked Iran "pre-emptively" on Saturday after learning that ally Israel was going to strike, which would have meant retaliation against US forces, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said.

"We knew that if we didn't preemptively go after them before they launched those attacks, we would suffer higher casualties," Rubio told reporters on Monday.

The United States hit more than 1,250 targets in the first 48 hours of the war against Iran, the US military said Monday - up from more than 1,000 during the first day of the conflict.

Targets struck included command-and-control centers, ballistic missile sites, Iranian navy ships and submarines, and anti-ship missile sites, according to a fact sheet released by the US Central Command, which is responsible for American forces in the region.

The US Embassy in Jordan has been temporarily evacuated as a precautionary measure amid heightened regional tensions, according to a security alert issued by the US State Department’s Smart Traveller Enrollment Programme (STEP).

Registered users of the programme received an email notification outlining the latest developments in Jordan. 

The official alert said all embassy personnel had temporarily left the embassy compound as part of precautionary arrangements, though no details about the security situation were disclosed.

The Israeli military said on Monday that it struck multiple Iranian intelligence offices and other command centres as it pressed ahead with attacks on the Islamic republic.

"The (Israeli military) struck over 10 headquarters belonging to the Iranian Ministry of Intelligence - the regime's main intelligence body - as well as numerous Quds Force headquarters," the military said in a statement, referring to the branch of Iran's Revolutionary Guards which oversees its foreign operations.

Kuwait’s General Staff of the Armed Forces on Monday announced the death of Staff Sergeant Waleed Majeed Suleiman, a member of the Kuwaiti Army’s naval force, who was killed in the line of duty while carrying out national military tasks.

In a statement, the General Staff said the soldier had died on Monday evening while performing his official responsibilities as part of the armed forces’ operational and national missions. 

It did not immediately disclose further details about the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Israel's military spokesman, Brigadier General Effie Defrin, on Monday said "all options are on the table" when asked by a journalist whether Israel was going to expand its strikes on Lebanon into a ground offensive.

"We are operating in Lebanon as well in order to remove a significant threat... Bottom line, all options are on the table. We will act to disarm Hezbollah," Defrin said in response to the question during a televised briefing.

Earlier on Monday, the military's international spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani said there was no reason to launch a ground invasion of Lebanon "imminently" after an overnight attack from Lebanese armed group Hezbollah prompted Israel to retaliate with strikes.

Iran accused Israel and the United States on Monday of having attacked its nuclear facility at Natanz, one of the main targets of the previous conflict between the three countries last June.

"The criminal regimes of the United States and Israel, pursuing their aggression, again targeted the Natanz nuclear site on Sunday afternoon in two brutal attacks," Iran's atomic energy chief Mohammad Eslami said in a letter to the UN's nuclear watchdog quoted by the IRNA news agency.

The UN agency's head had said on Monday that there was "no indication" any nuclear installations had been hit.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards warned on Monday that the United States "will no longer be safe", on the third day of joint US-Israeli attacks against the Islamic republic.

"The enemy should know that their happy days are over and they will no longer be safe anywhere in the world, not even in their own homes," the Guards' Quds force, which oversees its foreign operations, said in a statement carried by state TV.

President Donald Trump on Monday sought to counter criticism that his war on Iran lacked clear purpose, listing four explicit goals including ensuring the country never obtained a nuclear weapon.

He said the strikes were the "last, best chance" to hit Iran, an arch foe of the United States for decades.

Trump has previously justified the war saying that Iran was attempting to rebuild its nuclear program and could soon have missiles able to strike the United States.

But he had not previously listed four reasons, including preventing Iran from supporting regional militant groups such Hezbollah and Hamas.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Monday said his country "will not remain silent" after what he described as US-Israeli strikes on a school and a Tehran hospital.

"Attacks on hospitals strike at life itself. Attacks on schools target a nation's future... The world must condemn it," he wrote on X.

"Iran will not remain silent or yield to these crimes," he added. Iran has claimed 168 were killed at the school in the south on Saturday but neither the United States nor Israel have confirmed the strike, while the incident at Tehran's Gandhi hospital took place on Sunday.

Manama said its air defence systems intercepted a large wave of ballistic missiles and drones targeting the Kingdom, according to the National Communication Centre.

In a statement, the centre said Bahrain’s Defence Force successfully and efficiently neutralised 70 missiles and 59 unmanned aerial vehicles launched in hostile attacks directed at the country.

Smoke billowed over a power station in northern Kuwait, three witnesses told AFP on Monday, as Iran carried out a third day of retaliatory strikes in the Gulf.

Kuwait was hit hard on Monday with black smoke rising from the US embassy, an AFP correspondent saw, while US warplanes crashed in the country, without causing casualties.

Abu Dhabi said authorities responded on Tuesday to a fire at a fuel tank terminal in the Musaffah area after it was targeted by a drone.

In a statement carried by the Abu Dhabi Media Office, authorities said the situation was quickly contained, with emergency teams deployed immediately to secure the site and prevent the spread of the fire.

No injuries were reported and operations were not affected, the statement added.

Israeli strikes on Lebanon killed at least 52 people and wounded 154 on Monday, the Lebanese government said in an updated toll.

A previous toll shared by the health ministry said 31 people were killed and 149 wounded.

The bombings of southern and eastern Lebanon and Beirut's southern suburbs also displaced more than 28,500 people, according to the government's disaster and management unit.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards said on Monday that they had attacked an allegedly US-linked oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz as part of a wave of strikes retaliating against a US-Israeli assault.

"The ATHE NOVA tanker, one of the American allies in the Strait of Hormuz, is still on fire after being hit by two drones," the Guards said in a statement. On Saturday, the Guards said they had closed the waterway, which is vital for oil and gas shipments, after the start of US and Israeli attacks.

Sharjah has announced a limited resumption of flights at Sharjah International Airport starting today, according to the airport authority.

 In a statement carried by Sharjah Media Bureau, the authority said the move will be carried out under a defined operational schedule and in coordination with airlines and the relevant entities.

Passengers were urged to contact their airlines to confirm departure times before heading to the airport.

The Israeli military said on Monday it hit more than 70 Hezbollah targets including missile launchers in a wave of strikes against the Iran-backed armed group in southern Lebanon.

"A short while ago, the (Israeli military) completed a broad wave of strikes on Hezbollah terrorist organisation targets in southern Lebanon. As part of the strikes, more than 70 weapons storage facilities, launch sites, and missile launchers belonging to the Hezbollah terrorist organisation were struck in a number of locations," a military statement said.

The United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, and the United States strongly condemn Iran’s indiscriminate and reckless missile and drone attacks against sovereign territories across the region, including the UAE, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

These unjustified strikes targeted sovereign territory, endangered civilian populations, and damaged civilian infrastructure.

Doha has announced that its air defences and armed forces successfully intercepted multiple aerial threats targeting the country, according to the Qatar News Agency.

In a statement, the Ministry of Defence said the Qatari Emiri Air Force shot down two (SU24) aircraft coming from the Islamic Republic of Iran, attributing the success to high readiness, security vigilance and joint coordination among the relevant authorities.

Abu Dhabi Airports confirmed on Monday that operations have partially resumed at Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) as of March 2, in coordination with relevant authorities and airline partners.

The airport operator said passengers are advised to check directly with their airlines for the latest updates on flight schedules before travelling to the airport. 

flydubai said it will operate a limited number of flights on the evening of March 2, as part of a gradual and carefully managed return to operations.

The airline said the safety of passengers and crew remains its top priority, adding that it is working closely with the relevant authorities to ensure a gradual and effective resumption of services. It said it continues to monitor the evolving situation and will adjust its flight schedule accordingly.

“Air India Express will resume flight operations to and from Muscat starting tomorrow, March 3, with scheduled services to Delhi, Kochi, Kozhikode, Mangaluru, Mumbai and Tiruchirappally.

The first Air India Express flight from Muscat will operate to Tiruchirappally, departing at 10:25 hours local time.

Air India Express is the first Indian airline to operate from / to the Gulf region in the current scenario.

The UAE Ministry of Defence said on Monday that the country’s air defence systems had successfully intercepted and destroyed nine ballistic missiles, six cruise missiles and 148 drones during attacks launched by Iran.

In a detailed update, the ministry said that since the beginning of the assault, a total of 174 ballistic missiles had been detected heading towards the country. 

Of these, 161 were intercepted and destroyed, while 13 fell into the sea. It added that 689 Iranian drones had also been tracked, with 645 intercepted and 44 falling within the UAE.

The ministry said eight cruise missiles were also detected and destroyed, noting that some caused limited collateral damage. The attacks resulted in three deaths and 68 minor injuries.

Unidentified projectiles hit an oil tanker at a Bahrain port on Monday, causing a fire that was extinguished, local authorities said, with the ship's owner reporting that one crew member was killed.

"US-flagged tanker Stena Imperative was struck by two unknown projectiles in the Port of Bahrain at 02:57 UTC (0257 GMT)," private maritime security company Vanguard Tech said in a statement.

It added that "all crew members are safe and have evacuated the vessel."

The vessel's Swedish owner, Stena Bulk, also told AFP that "mariners have reported no injuries and a damage assessment is being conducted."

"One shipyard worker was reported deceased, and authorities report two shipyard workers were injured," Lena Alvling, General Manager of Marketing & Corporate Events, told AFP.

Alvling said the company was still investigating the source of the impacts, but confirmed that the ship "suffered damage due to aerial impacts while berthed," in the Arabian Gulf.

The Stena Imperative is a 183-metre-long tanker, owned by Stena but operated by US shipping company Crowley Maritime.

Saudia has confirmed that flights to and from Amman, Kuwait, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Bahrain, Moscow and Peshawar will remain cancelled amid ongoing regional developments. The airline said the suspension has been extended until 4 March at 23:59 GMT.

In a statement, Saudia said affected passengers are being notified directly and advised to check their flight status before heading to the airport.

A British military base on Cyprus came under attack by an unmanned drone Monday amid the US-Israeli war with Iran, as authorities issued evacuation orders for the surrounding area.

An Iranian drone hit the runway of the UK's Akrotiri air force base just hours after UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Britain would not join the offensive against Iran.

The area around the Mediterranean island base, on the southern coast, was evacuated, the Cypriot interior ministry said.

Paphos airport in western Cyprus was also evacuated but later got the all clear and was operating as normal, an airport official said.

More than 60 flights had been cancelled at Larnaca and Paphos airports, the official added. Larnaca, on the southeastern coast, was also now operating as usual.

New strikes hit a military base in Iraq housing the Iran-backed Kataeb Hezbollah group on Monday, while air defences in the Kurdish city of Erbil intercepted drone attacks.

"One fighter was martyred and another wounded in fresh bombing on the Jurf al-Nasr base," a Kataeb Hezbollah source told AFP, after several strikes hit the facility earlier in the day.

The base serves as one of the main bastions of the powerful armed group, and has been targeted several times since the start of the Israel-US campaign against Iran.

The US defense secretary on Monday declined to rule out putting troops on the ground in Iran and indicated the war launched over the weekend could go on for as long as six weeks.

US forces began carrying out sweeping strikes on Iran Saturday in concert with military action by Israel, and have struck hundreds of targets across the country since then, including the Islamic republic's missiles, navy and command-and-control sites.

When asked if the United States already had boots on the ground, Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth told a news conference: "No, but we're not going to go into the exercise of what we will or will not do."

"We'll go as far as we need to go," he said.

"I think it's one of those fallacies for a long time that this department or presidents or others should tell the American people and our enemies by the way, 'Here's exactly what we'll do, here's exactly how long we'll go,'" he said.

As for how long the war will last, Hegseth said: "Four weeks, two weeks, six weeks, it could move up. It could move back."

He sought to differentiate the Iran operation from past long-running US wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, saying the war is not an effort to build democracy in Iran.

"No stupid rules of engagement, no nation building quagmire, no democracy-building exercise. No politically correct wars. We fight to win and we don't waste time or lives," the Pentagon chief said.

"This is not Iraq. This is not endless," Hegseth said. "Our generation knows better and so does this president. He called the last 20 years of nation building wars 'dumb' and he's right."

"With every passing day, our capabilities get stronger and Iran's get weaker. We set the terms of this war from start to finish. Our ambitions are not utopian, they are realistic scoped to our interests and the defense of our people and our allies," he added.

General Dan Caine, the top US military officer, spoke alongside Hegseth, saying that air superiority had been achieved over Iran.

Strikes by American forces "resulted in the establishment of local air superiority. This air superiority will not only enhance the protection of our forces, but also allow them to continue the work over Iran," Caine said.

The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has announced the commencement of exceptional flight operations at UAE airports, enabling stranded passengers affected by recent regional developments to depart, in line with the schedules to be announced by airlines to affected passengers and the relevant destinations.

Emirates will begin operating a limited number of flights commencing on the evening of 2 March. The airline is accommodating customers with earlier bookings as a priority, and those who have been rebooked to travel on these limited flights will be contacted directly by Emirates.

Passengers are advised not go to the airport unless they have been notified.

Dubai Airports confirms that a limited resumption of operations will begin today evening, 2 March, with a small number of flights permitted to operate from Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC). Travellers are advised not to proceed to DXB or DWC unless they have been contacted directly by their airline with a confirmed departure time.

China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi told his Iranian counterpart on a call Monday that Beijing supports Tehran defending itself against US-Israeli strikes, as war spread across the Middle East.

Wang told Abbas Araghchi that Beijing "cherishes the traditional friendship between China and Iran, supports Iran in defending its sovereignty, security, territorial integrity, and national dignity, and supports Iran in protecting its legitimate rights and interests", state broadcaster CCTV reported.

China had "urged the US and Israel to immediately cease military operations, avoid further escalation of tensions and prevent the conflict from spreading to the entire Middle East region", Wang said according to CCTV.

US forces have achieved air superiority over Iran, top US military officer General Dan Caine said on Monday.

Strikes by American forces "resulted in the establishment of local air superiority. This air superiority will not only enhance the protection of our forces, but also allow them to continue the work over Iran," Caine told a news conference.

Iran's security chief on Monday said the Islamic republic would defend itself no matter the costs, on the third day of war with the United States and Israel.

"We will fiercely defend ourselves and our six thousand years old civilization regardless of the costs and will make the enemies sorry for their miscalculation," Ali Larijani, the powerful head of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, wrote in English in an X post.

Saudi Arabia's military has raised its readiness levels following multiple attacks by Iran targeting its territory, a source close to the army told AFP on Monday.

"The Saudi army has raised its readiness to full alert," the source told AFP.

Etihad has resumed some limited flight operations from Abu Dhabi, even as all scheduled commercial services remain cancelled.

In a new statement, the airline confirmed that all regular commercial flights to and from Abu Dhabi are still cancelled.

However, it said: “Some repositioning, cargo and repatriation flights may operate in coordination with UAE authorities and subject to strict operational and safety approvals.”

The airline stressed that these flights are being operated only under specific approvals.

Etihad added: “Safety remains our absolute priority, and services will operate only once all safety criteria are met.”

The UAE National Media Authority has emphasised the importance of full compliance with laws and official instructions regarding media content and information circulation amid current regional developments. Authorities say media awareness helps safeguard the community.

Key instructions include:

• Do not film, record, post, repost, or circulate any visual or audio material, information, media content, or rumours from unofficial sources.

• Use social media and digital channels only to share verified information from official UAE authorities and institutions. Avoid content that incites, abuses, spreads unverified information, or may harm public interest or privacy.

• Legal action will be taken against anyone found in breach of these instructions, in accordance with UAE law.

• Security concerns can be reported through the State Security Department by calling the official hotline.

Iran fired a new salvo of missiles at Israel on Monday, state television said, in response to US-Israeli strikes that killed supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

"The 11th wave of Operation Honest Promise 4 is underway with missile and drone strikes on targets in Beersheva," Iranian state TV said at about 3:30 pm local time (1200 GMT), citing a statement from the Revolutionary Guards.

The EU said Monday it had "no immediate" energy supply concerns linked to the widening Iran war, with the bloc's underground gas storage at "adequate levels" of around 30 percent of capacity.

"Our analysis is that there is no immediate security of supply concern for the European Union," European Commission spokeswoman Anna-Kaisa Itkonen told journalists, adding Brussels had asked member states to share their national assessments by the end of the day.

"So, we're not taking any emergency measures or anything like this. There is no shortage. There is no emergency. Our gas imports are well diversified," she added.

The Qatar Ministry of Interior has emphasised that in emergency situations, calmness within families is crucial, especially when managing children. Maintaining composure helps children handle tense situations more effectively.

Authorities also urged individuals to follow preventive guidelines and remain in safe areas inside their homes to ensure the protection of children.

Qatar's state-run energy firm QatarEnergy  said on Monday it had halted liquefied natural gas production following Iranian attacks on facilities at two of its main gas processing bases.

"Due to military attacks on QatarEnergy's operating facilities in Ras Laffan Industrial City and Mesaieed Industrial City in the State of Qatar, QatarEnergy has ceased production of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and associated products," the company said in a statement.

Earlier, Qatar's defence ministry said one Iranian drone "targeted an energy facility in Ras Laffan Industrial City, belonging to QatarEnergy", referring to the firm's onshore gas processing base 80 kilometres (50 miles) north of Doha.

Another "targeted a water tank belonging to a power plant in Mesaieed", the statement said, referring to an area 40 kilometres south of the Qatari capital, which is also a key site for Qatar's natural gas production.

There were no reports of casualties, the defence ministry added

Iran's president appointed on Monday Revolutionary Guards general Majid Ebnelreza as acting defence minister after his predecessor was killed in Israeli-US strikes.

"By order of President Masoud Pezeshkian, Revolutionary Guards general Majid Ebnelreza has been appointed as acting defence minister," said deputy for presidential communications Mehdi Tabatabaei in a post on X.

India's BLS International, which operates passport and visa processing services in multiple countries including the UAE, has issued an advisory to applicants in the Middle East, warning of possible disruptions to appointment schedules and processing timelines due to the current regional situation.

The announcement shared on social media signals that the ongoing situation affecting parts of the Middle East could impact the day-to-day functioning of Visa Application Centre (VAC) in the region.

“Before traveling to your appointment, please ensure that you allow for potential delays or rescheduling due to unforeseen circumstances and avoid travel to affected areas unless necessary,” BLS said among other instructions for applicants.

Three US F-15 Strike Eagle jets were accidentally downed by Kuwaiti air defenses, US Central Command announced, CNN reports

The incident occurred during active combat operations against Iranian aircraft, ballistic missiles, and drones, CENTCOM said. All six aircrew ejected safely, have been recovered, and are in stable condition.

“Kuwait has acknowledged the incident, and we are grateful for the efforts of the Kuwaiti defense forces and their support in this ongoing operation,” the statement added.

The cause of the friendly fire is under investigation. The jets were part of the US military operation against Iran, known as Operation Epic Fury.

Earlier, Kuwait’s Minister of Defense reported that “several” US fighter jets had crashed.

Iraq’s Civil Aviation Authority announced that all arriving, departing, and transit flights will remain suspended until 12:00 p.m. local time (0900 GMT) next Wednesday. The decision follows a review of the security situation and recent regional developments. Authorities said the measure will be reassessed if conditions change.

The Saudi Ministry of Defense confirmed the interception and destruction of five hostile drones near Prince Sultan Air Base, the official spokesman said. The operation was confirmed by the Saudi Press Agency.

Qatar’s Ministry of Defence confirmed that two missile attacks struck energy-related sites in the country, with no injuries or fatalities reported.

“One targeted a water storage tank at Mesaieed Energy, and the other hit an energy facility in Ras Laffan’s industrial city affiliated with QatarEnergy,” the ministry said.

“All damages and losses will be assessed by the relevant authorities, and official statements will follow,” it added.

Iran’s nuclear facility at Natanz was reportedly struck during U.S. and Israeli operations, the country’s ambassador to the UN nuclear watchdog told reporters. Reza Najafi described the attacks as targeting Iran’s “peaceful, safeguarded nuclear facilities.”

The Ministry of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy of the State of Kuwait stated that during the interception of a drone, a fragment struck a fuel tank at the Doha West power and water station, causing a limited fire.

The station’s safety and security team responded immediately according to approved procedures and emergency plans, successfully containing the fire while technical inspections are ongoing to ensure the safety of all units and equipment, according to the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA).

The Ministry confirmed that no human injuries occurred and the incident resulted only in minor material damage, with specialised teams continuing to monitor the situation and implement precautionary measures as necessary.

The Ministry reassured citizens and residents that electricity and water services are operating normally, full readiness is maintained for any emergency, urging everyone to obtain information only from official sources.

An oil tanker flying the flag of the Republic of the Marshall Islands was attacked by an unmanned boat about 52 nautical miles off the coast of Muscat, leaving one crew member dead, the Omani Maritime Security Centre said.

The tanker, MKD VYOM, was carrying around 59,463 metric tonnes of cargo when the attack caused an explosion and fire in the main engine room. The incident resulted in the death of one Indian crew member.

In coordination with the Maritime Security Centre, the vessel’s 21 crew members were evacuated by the commercial ship MV SAND, which flies the flag of the Republic of Panama. 

The crew included 16 Indian nationals, four Bangladeshi nationals and one Ukrainian.

The Royal Navy of Oman dispatched one of its fleet vessels to monitor the condition of the damaged tanker and oversee the situation.

Maritime authorities also issued warnings to ships passing through the same waters to ensure safe navigation and avoid the site of the incident.

The incident comes as the region is already facing an active and widening confrontation involving Iran, the United States and Israel, with GCC countries also directly affected. 

Authorities in Ras Al Khaimah said they responded on Tuesday morning to an incident in the Al Hamra Village area after debris fell following the successful interception of a drone by air defence systems.

No injuries were reported, according to Ras Al Khaimah Government Media Office. 

The public is urged to obtain information from official state sources and to avoid circulating rumors or unverified information.

The incident comes as the UAE continues to monitor ongoing regional developments and maintain a high level of preparedness, with air defence systems operating to safeguard the country’s territory and ensure the safety of residents. 

US and Israeli strikes on Iran have killed three Revolutionary Guard members and five army personnel, according to separate official statements on Monday.

"Three members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps were killed" in an attack on a detachment in the western Lorestan province, an official IRGC statement said, according to the ISNA news agency.

In a separate attack on the western city of Khorramabad, "five members of the Iranian army were killed", Tasnim news agency said, quoting an army statement.

The Qatar Ministry of Interior has urged residents and visitors not to approach, touch, or move any unidentified objects or debris. Anyone spotting such items should report immediately by calling 999.

Etihad Airways has temporarily suspended all flights to and from Abu Dhabi until 14:00 UAE time on Tuesday, 3 March, citing ongoing regional airspace restrictions.

The airline said the situation remains dynamic, with continuous monitoring in coordination with relevant authorities. Passengers are urged to check flight status at etihad.com and ensure their contact information is up to date to receive real-time updates.

Affected travellers holding tickets issued on or before 28 February 2026, with original travel dates up to 7 March, may rebook free of charge onto Etihad-operated flights until 18 March. Refunds are also available for all flights scheduled until 7 March, either online via the refund form

or through travel agents. Passengers booked via agents are advised to contact them directly for assistance.

Etihad noted that it is currently experiencing a high volume of calls and encouraged passengers seeking refunds to use the online form for faster processing. The airline reaffirmed that safety remains the highest priority, and flights will resume only once all safety standards are fully met.

Passengers are advised to plan accordingly, monitor official channels, and allow extra time for any future travel arrangements.

The head of the UN's nuclear watchdog said on Monday the situation in the Middle East was "very concerning", urging "utmost restraint" after Israeli-US strikes on Iran and its retaliatory missile attacks.

IAEA chief Rafael Grossi also said up to now his agency had "no indication" that any of the nuclear installations have been damaged or hit in Iran.

"I reiterate my call on all parties to exercise maximum restraint to avoid further escalation," Grossi said in his statement, released by the IAEA, as he opened the closed-door session.

"Iran and many other countries in the region that have been subjected to military attacks have operational nuclear power plants and nuclear research reactors, as well as associated fuel storage sites, increasing the threat to nuclear safety," he added.

"Let me underline that the situation today is very concerning. We cannot rule out a possible radiological release with serious consequences, including the necessity to evacuate areas as large or larger than major cities," he said.

The agency was trying to contact the Iranian nuclear regulatory authorities "with no response so far", he said.

"We hope this indispensable channel of communication can be reestablished as soon as possible," he said.

He called for diplomatic negotiations to resume "as quickly as possible".

Abu Dhabi authorities have responded to reports of debris falling on a warehouse in ICAD and a commercial facility in the Mussafah area, following the successful interception of drones by air defence systems. The incident caused no injuries and only minor building damage, the Abu Dhabi Media Office confirmed.

Public urged to follow official sources

Authorities reminded the public to rely solely on information from official channels and to avoid spreading rumours or unverified reports.

National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA) has reaffirmed that monitoring efforts remain ongoing as part of nationwide precautionary measures aimed at protecting the community and ensuring the highest levels of preparedness.

The authority confirmed that all response systems remain fully operational, with continuous assessment of developments to support public safety and stability.

Public urged to follow official instructions

NCEMA stressed that adherence to instructions issued by relevant authorities is essential. Residents are advised to exercise caution and follow general safety guidance issued through official channels.

Officials reiterated that safeguarding the public remains the top priority, with all measures aligned to maintain readiness and respond swiftly to any emerging situation.

The Embassy of Pakistan is gathering information on Pakistani nationals currently in transit in the UAE due to flight disruptions and airport closures.

Affected citizens are urged to complete the dedicated online form [Google Form link] carefully and fully. The information will assist the Embassy in coordinating with local authorities and airlines to provide necessary support.

The Embassy clarified that the survey is only for Pakistanis stranded in transit. UAE residents or others not in transit should use the previously launched general survey.

Dubai’s Dubai Parks and Resorts will remain closed on Monday, 2 March 2026, following official safety guidance.

Visitors are advised to check the official website for the latest updates on reopening and guidance regarding existing bookings before planning their visit.

A total of 555 people have been killed across Iran in US and Israeli strikes that began two days ago, the Iranian Red Crescent said Monday.

"Following the Zionist-American terrorist attacks carried out in various regions of our country, 131 cities have been affected to date and, regrettably, 555 of our compatriots have been killed," the humanitarian group said in a post on Telegram.

Air Arabia has temporarily suspended all flights to and from the UAE until 15:00 UAE time on Monday, 3 March, due to ongoing regional airspace restrictions. Flights to Lebanon, Jordan, Syria and Iraq remain suspended until 4 March.

Passengers with flights in the next 24 hours will be notified directly via email and SMS regarding alternative arrangements. Those who booked through travel agents are advised to contact their agents directly.

The airline urged travellers to check flight status online and ensure contact details are up to date via the Manage Booking page to receive timely updates.

Air Arabia said it is actively monitoring the situation, and that the safety of passengers and crew remains its top priority. Customers are asked to be patient as call volumes are currently high.

flydubai has temporarily suspended all flights to and from Dubai until 3:00 PM UAE time on 3 March due to the ongoing UAE airspace closure. The airline is coordinating with authorities and monitoring the situation closely.

Passengers are advised to rebook within 20 days, update contact details, check flight status, or contact flydubai for assistance, refunds, or alternative arrangements. Safety of passengers and crew remains the top priority.

Dubai’s Global Village will remain closed on Monday, March 2, following official safety guidance.

Visitors are advised to check the official website and social media channels for updates on reopening schedules and other information.

The Saudi Ministry of Defence reported that two drones attempting to strike the Ras Tanura refinery were intercepted and destroyed on Monday morning.

A Ministry spokesperson said the operation caused a limited fire from falling shrapnel, but there were no civilian casualties. Some debris fell near civilian areas and property during the interception, authorities added.

The Ministry affirmed that security measures remain in place to protect both critical infrastructure and nearby communities.

IndiGo has temporarily suspended select flights operating through parts of Middle Eastern airspace due to evolving regional developments. Some other international services may also be affected. Passengers are advised to check their flight status on IndiGo’s website or app.

Affected travelers will receive notifications and assistance. The airline is offering flexibility and waivers for impacted bookings until March 7, 2026 for tickets issued on or before February 28, 2026, including free rescheduling or full refunds.

The US Embassy Bahrain has warned that terrorist groups and individuals inspired by them may target US citizens in Bahrain.

In a statement, the embassy advised Americans to avoid hotels in Manama, noting that such locations could be potential targets.

“Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Bahrain. Attacks may occur with little or no warning,” the statement added. US citizens are urged to remain vigilant and follow official guidance while in the country.

Hamad International Airport’s flight operations remain suspended, Qatar News Agency (QNA) reported.

Flights will resume once the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority confirms the safe reopening of Qatari airspace. Passengers are advised not to proceed to the airport and to check with their airlines for the latest flight information until further notice.

The Kuwait Ministry of Defence confirmed that several US warplanes crashed Monday morning, with all crews reported safe.

Colonel Saud Al Atwan, the Ministry’s official spokesman, said search and rescue operations were immediately launched, and the crews were evacuated and taken to hospital for medical checkups. He noted that their condition is stable.

Al Atwan added that Kuwaiti authorities are coordinating directly with US forces to determine the circumstances of the incident and carry out joint technical procedures. Investigations are ongoing, and the public is urged to rely on official sources for information.

Cyprus's President Nikos Christodoulides said an Iranian drone had crashed into a British base on the Mediterranean island on Monday, as the Israeli-American war with Iran spread across the region.

Minutes after midnight (2200 GMT), "a Shahed unmanned aerial vehicle crashed into the military facilities of the British Bases in Akrotiri, causing minor material damage", he said.

"We are in a region of particular geopolitical instability with many challenges and problems, which is going through an unprecedented crisis. Our homeland does not participate in any way and does not intend to be part of any military operation."

Turkey and Iran have mutually suspended day-trip crossings at three border gates, the Turkish trade minister announced on Monday.

"Same-day passenger crossings at all three customs gates have been mutually suspended," Trade Minister Omer Bolat wrote on X, adding however that there was "no extraordinary situation" at the gates.

"Iran is allowing its own citizens to enter their country via Turkey... we are also allowing our own citizens and third-country nationals to enter our country from Iran," he said.

The General Directorate of Civil Defense Kuwait activated its operations room following the recent Iranian aggression, uniting state institutions to manage the crisis.

The room, staffed with civilian and military representatives 24/7, monitors roads and vital sites, coordinates agencies, and responds to reports and inquiries. Civil Defense personnel safeguard lives and property using three-tone warning sirens signalling imminent danger, ongoing danger, or all-clear.

Officials said the operations room exemplifies vigilance and preparedness, ensuring public safety across Kuwait at all times.

Emirates has temporarily suspended all flights to and from Dubai until 15:00 UAE time on Tuesday, March 3, due to multiple regional airspace closures.

The airline said the situation is dynamic and continuously monitored, urging passengers to check emirates.com

Options for affected passengers

Rebook flights: Passengers can rebook to the same destination on or before 20 March. Those who booked via travel agents should contact them directly; direct bookings can be managed at Emirates Support

Request a refund: Refunds for direct bookings can be requested via Emirates Refund Form

Travel agent bookings should be handled through the agent.

Passengers are advised to ensure contact details are updated via Manage Booking to receive real-time notifications.

All city check-in points across Dubai are temporarily closed until further notice.

Emirates said it is actively monitoring the situation and coordinating with relevant authorities. The airline apologised for the inconvenience and reaffirmed that the safety and security of passengers and crew remain its top priority.

An Iranian official said Monday that US and Israeli strikes over two days have left at least 27 people dead in Iran's northwest.

"The number of martyrs who have fallen over the past two days in the province as a result of Israeli and American attacks reached 27," said Majid Farshi, director general of the East Azerbaijan province crisis management department, as quoted by the official IRNA news agency.

The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), the independent banking, financial services, and markets regulator of Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) has announced the temporary closure of Nasdaq Dubai, effective Monday, March 2 and Tuesday, March 3, 2026.

Nasdaq Dubai is the international financial exchange based in the DIFC, providing a platform for regional and global investors to trade equities, derivatives, sukuk, and conventional bonds.

The DFSA continues to closely monitor developments in the region, and remains in regular contact with local authorities and relevant advisories.

The US Embassy Kuwait has warned American citizens to shelter in place amid ongoing threats of missile and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) attacks in the region.

"There is a continuing threat of missile and UAV attacks over Kuwait. Do not come to the Embassy. Take cover in your residence on the lowest available floor and away from windows. Do not go outside," the embassy said in a statement.

Embassy personnel are also sheltering in place as a precaution.

Embassy personnel are also sheltering in place, and access to key military and logistics facilities—including Camp Arifjan, Camp Buehring, Ali Al Salem Air Base, Camp Patriot, and Cargo City—is restricted to essential personnel only.

Guidance for US citizens

Stay in a secure location and keep essential supplies ready.

• Monitor local and international media for updates.

• Follow instructions from local authorities and maintain communication with family and friends.

• Contact airlines directly for flight changes.

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for routine updates.

The Embassy stressed that vigilance and adherence to safety protocols remain crucial until further notice.

The Embassy of Pakistan in Abu Dhabi has launched an online registration form for the Pakistani community residing in the UAE to facilitate outreach and support.

All community members are encouraged to register via the link: https://forms.gle/5NRTaB42rmxv53868

The embassy has urged the public to share the link within their networks to ensure wide participation.

Qatar Airways announced that flights will remain temporarily suspended as Qatari airspace remains closed.

Flight operations will resume once the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority confirms the safe reopening of the airspace, the airline said.

The Ministry of Interior of Bahrain announced that one person was killed and two others were injured as a result of falling debris from a missile that had been intercepted.

The ministry said in a statement carried by the Bahrain News Agency (BNA) that a fire broke out aboard a foreign vessel undergoing maintenance in Salman Industrial City after debris from an intercepted missile fell on it, resulting in the death of an Asian worker and serious injuries to two others.

It added that the fire was brought under control and extinguished.

Debris fell at the Al Ahmadi refinery early Monday, causing minor injuries to two workers, confirmed Ghanem Al Otaibi, spokesperson for the Kuwait National Petroleum Company and Kuwait Integrated Petroleum Industries Company.

The injured employees were immediately taken to Al Adan Hospital and are now in stable condition under medical observation.

Al Otaibi stressed that refinery operations and production were not affected. Emergency teams promptly activated the rapid response plan, taking all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of staff and facilities. No material damage was reported, and the Mina Al Ahmadi refinery continues to operate at full capacity, with worker safety as the top priority.

The Department of Health Abu Dhabi has activated a 24/7 Mental Health Support Hotline in collaboration with SAKINA Call to support residents during the ongoing regional developments.

Authorities emphasised that no concern is too small to discuss and encouraged individuals to reach out for assistance.

The hotline, 800-SAKINA (800-725462), offers a safe, confidential, and compassionate space for those in need, providing psychological first aid and direct access to qualified mental health professionals.

The DoH reiterated that residents’ wellbeing is a priority and urged anyone feeling anxious or distressed to use the service without hesitation.

Iran has launched a new barrage of missiles toward Israel, the Israeli military said. Air‑defence systems were activated to intercept incoming projectiles, and alerts were sent to mobile phones in affected areas, CNN reported.

Missile sirens sounded across multiple regions as defence systems tracked and countered the threat, the report added.

Kuwaiti Air Defense forces successfully intercepted the majority of hostile drones approaching the country via maritime routes near the Rumaithiya and Salwa areas in Hawalli Governorate, the Director General of Civil Defense, Brigadier General Mohammad Al-Mansouri, confirmed on Monday.

In a press statement, Brigadier General Al-Mansouri said no injuries were reported. He noted that the air defense personnel neutralized several aerial targets at dawn with high efficiency and precision.

“The situation in the country remains stable,” he assured, emphasizing that authorities continue to monitor regional developments around the clock through a comprehensive operational framework. Addressing reports of audible explosions in residential areas, he explained these were the result of successful interception maneuvers.

Air Defense units maintain constant vigilance, tracking potential threats before they enter national airspace. The Ministry of Interior’s Cybercrime Department is also monitoring online platforms to curb rumors or misleading information aimed at causing panic, with strict legal action to be taken against violators.

Brigadier General Al-Mansouri highlighted the high-level coordination within the Emergency and Crisis Room of the Supreme Committee for Civil Defense, chaired by the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, involving 22 government entities to ensure a rapid and integrated response to security developments.

The Qatar Ministry of Interior has urged the public not to gather at incident sites, film, or share information on social media. Officials warned that such actions may lead to legal liability.

Authorities emphasised that obstructing operations can slow down competent authorities and compromise the safety of everyone on site. Residents are advised to follow official instructions and avoid sharing unverified updates.

Some Dubai residents received fresh emergency alert shortly after 9am on Monday, detailing measures to take during the current situation with potential missile threats.

The Ministry of Interior (MoI) issued the alert asking residents to seek immediate shelter in the closest secure building, and to steer away from windows, doors, and open areas.

New strikes hit an Iraqi military base housing Kataeb Hezbollah, a source from the pro-Iran armed group said on Monday.

"Three strikes hit Jurf al-Nasr," a Kataeb Hezbollah source told AFP, referring to a military base that serves as one of the main bastions of the powerful armed group that has been repeatedly targeted since the start of the Israel-US campaign on Iran.

Schools and universities in the UAE began distance learning on Monday morning as per the instructions of the government due to the prevailing situations in the country.

The Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research had announced that studies at schools and higher education institutions in the country will shift to distance learning from March 2 to 4. “The situation will be continuously assessed during the week, and the period may be extended if required depending on developments," the government said.

Schools began online classes as per their Ramadan timing.

Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth will hold a press conference on Monday morning about the joint US-Israeli military campaign against Iran, the first by a senior official since strikes began Saturday.

The press conference will be held at 8:00 am local time Monday (1300 GMT), the Pentagon announced Sunday on X.

Dan Caine, the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, will also take part, the Pentagon said.

Pete Hegseth will also visit Congress on Tuesday with Secretary of State Marco Rubio to brief lawmakers on the progress of the military operation, the White House announced Sunday.

Democrats in opposition have complained that they were not consulted before the operation began.

The US and Israeli militaries struck Iran on Saturday, and Iranian state media confirmed Sunday that a strike on Tehran killed Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

South Lebanon residents fled by car after Israel struck the area in response to Hezbollah rocket fire on Monday, an AFP journalist witnessed.

Heavy traffic coming from the south filled roads in the Lebanese city of Sidon, with cars packed with families and some with mattresses tied to the roof, according to an AFP journalist.

The Israeli military told residents of about 50 towns and villages in Lebanon to evacuate on Monday, warning of imminent attacks against Hezbollah militants, following rocket fire at Israel.

"For your safety, evacuate your homes immediately and move at least 1,000 metres (0.6 miles) away from your village to open areas," an army spokeswoman said in a statement on X, listing localities in the country's south and east.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) summoned Reza Ameri, Ambassador of Iran to the UAE, and delivered a strongly worded note of protest, conveying the UAE’s condemnation in the strongest terms of Iran’s terrorist attacks and assaults.

The Ministry stressed that the targeting of the UAE’s territory constitutes a blatant violation of its sovereignty, a threat to its national security, and a clear breach of all international conventions, resolutions, and established norms.

British forces are responding to a suspected drone strike at its military base in Cyprus, the defence ministry said Monday, with no casualties reported.

The strike hit the RAF Akrotiri base at midnight, said the ministry, adding that its forces were handling a "live situation".

"Our force protection in the region is at the highest level and the base has responded to defend our people," a Ministry of Defence spokesperson said in a statement.

The incident came as Britain agreed on Sunday to allow the United States to use British military bases to fire "defensive" strikes aimed at destroying Iranian missiles and their launchers.

US President Donald Trump said Sunday that he had a shortlist of three names to lead Iran after he launched a war to topple Tehran's ruling clerics.

Trump told The New York Times that he had "three very good choices" for who could lead Iran, but he did not name them.

"I won’t be revealing them now. Let’s get the job done first," he said.

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam condemned rocket fire launched at Israel on Monday, as the Israeli military launched a series of strikes across Lebanon in response.

"Regardless of who is behind it, the rocket fire from southern Lebanon is an irresponsible and suspicious act that endangers Lebanon's security and safety and gives Israel pretexts to continue its attacks on it," Salam said on X.

Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah claimed responsiblity, saying it had launched rockets and drones overnight at Israel in retaliation for the killing of the Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Israeli strikes were launched at Beirut's southern suburbs on Monday, Lebanese state media reported, as Hezbollah said it fired rockets and drones at Israel in response to the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

"Beirut's southern suburbs were targeted by a series of Israeli strikes," the state-run National News Agency reported.

An AFP journalist heard several loud explosions in Beirut.

Britain has agreed to a US request to allow the use of its military bases and airspace for targeted operations against Iranian missile sites, in the context of a rapidly escalating conflict following recent US and Israeli strikes on Iran.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the decision in an X post, framing it as a limited defensive measure aimed at intercepting Iranian missiles at their source and protecting British lives and regional stability.

This move comes amid widespread regional unrest since the operation that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei over the weekend.

Starmer clarified that the UK did not participate in the initial US-Israel airstrikes on Iran’s territory but will permit American forces to operate from British bases for specific defensive strikes against Iranian missile depots and launchers, emphasising that the action aligns with collective self-defense and international law.

British jets were already engaged in regional air defense operations, including intercepting Iranian drones and missiles threatening allied bases and civilians.

The Ministerial Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) expressed its rejection and condemnation in the strongest terms of the heinous Iranian attacks targeting GCC countries, in addition to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

The Council affirmed that "these attacks constitute a serious violation of the sovereignty of these countries, the principles of good neighbourliness, and a clear breach of international law and the Charter of the United Nations, regardless of any justifications or pretexts".

It further stressed that targeting civilians and civilian objects constitutes a grave violation of the rules of international humanitarian law.

The Council also expressed full solidarity among the GCC countries and their unified stance in confronting these attacks, stressing that the security of GCC member states is indivisible, and that any attack against any member state constitutes a direct attack against all GCC countries, in accordance with the GCC Charter and the Joint Defence Agreement.

The statement was made during the 50th extraordinary meeting via videoconference on Sunday chaired by Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain and current President of the Ministerial Council of the GCC, with the participation of:

• Khalifa Shaheen Almarar, Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates

• Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

• Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Sultanate of Oman

• Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar

• Shaikh Jarrah Jaber Al Ahmad Al Sabah, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Kuwait

• Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the GCC.

The Council also discussed the necessary measures and steps to coordinate efforts aimed at restoring security and stability and achieving peace in the region.

Eight countries that are part of the OPEC+ announced they will boost production of crude as US and Israeli forces launched a major attack on Iran and the country responded with retaliatory strikes against Israel and US military installations around the Gulf, disrupting oil shipments from the region.

The Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), in a Sunday meeting planned before the war began, said it would increase production by 206,000 barrels per day in April, which was more than analysts had been expecting.

Abu Dhabi: UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Monday received a phone call from His Excellency Donald Trump, President of the United States of America.

During the call, they discussed the blatant Iranian attacks on the territory of the United Arab Emirates and a number of brotherly countries in the region.

The two leaders also reviewed the developments taking place in the region and their implications for regional and international security and peace, and exchanged views on them.

Dubai authorities confirm that the sounds heard in various areas of the emirate are the result of successful interception operations by air defenses. The relevant teams continue to monitor the situation and take necessary measures to ensure everyone's safety, and they urge the public to obtain information from its official sources.

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