US–Israel war on Iran, day 7: Trump demands Iran’s ‘unconditional surrender’, promises rebuild

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The White House on Friday downplayed a report that Russia is providing Iran with targeting information about US forces in the Middle East.

"It clearly is not making a difference with respect to the military operations in Iran because we are completely decimating them," House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters.

"We are achieving the military objectives of this operation and that is going to continue," Leavitt said.

The Washington Post, citing officials familiar with the intelligence, said Russia has provided Iran with the locations of US military assets, including ships and aircraft.

Six US service members were killed in a drone attack on a US base in Kuwait on Sunday and the CIA station in Riyadh has also been hit.

US President Donald Trump is to attend the dignified transfer on Saturday of six soldiers killed in an Iranian attack on Kuwait, the White House said Friday, as the escalating war with Tehran brings home its first American dead.

The troops were killed Sunday when a drone struck a key US command center in Kuwait's southern industrial hub of Port Shuaiba, a day after the United States and Israel launched a sweeping military campaign against Iran.

The ritual takes place at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware, where the remains of US troops killed overseas are returned to American soil.

The fallen soldiers - five men and one woman aged 20 to 54 - were assigned to the 103rd Sustainment Command, a unit responsible for supplying troops with food, fuel, equipment and ammunition.

A dignified transfer is one of the most solemn duties undertaken by a US president.

Azerbaijan said on Friday it had prevented a series of Iranian "terrorist" attacks on its territory, a day after Baku accused Iran of firing drones at an airport and school in an Azerbaijani border region.

Azerbaijan's state security service said it had "prevented terrorist acts and intelligence operations in Azerbaijan organised by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)," adding that seven Azerbaijani nationals were arrested.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned "unlawful attacks" across the Middle East and warned that the situation could spiral out of control as the conflict spreads to multiple countries.

"All the unlawful attacks in the Middle East and beyond are causing tremendous suffering and harm to civilians throughout the region - and pose a grave risk to the global economy, particularly to the most vulnerable people," Guterres said.

"The situation could spiral beyond anyone's control. It is time to stop the fighting and get to serious diplomatic negotiations."

Satellite images, expert analysis and information released by the US and Israeli militaries suggest an explosion that killed scores of Iranian students at a school was likely caused by US airstrikes that also hit an adjacent compound associated with the regime's Revolutionary Guard.

The February 28 strike, which had the highest reported civilian death toll since the war began, has come under staunch criticism from the United Nations and human rights monitors. More than 165 people were killed, most of them of children, in the blast during school hours at Shajareh Tayyebeh Elementary School, according to Iranian state media.

Satellite images taken Wednesday and reviewed by the The Associated Press show most of the school in the city of Minab, some 1,100 kilometers southeast of Tehran, reduced to rubble, a crescent shape punched into its roof. Experts say the tight pattern of the damage visible on the satellite photos is consistent with a targeted airstrike.

Iran has blamed Israel and the United States for the blast. Neither country has accepted responsibility.

Several factors point to a US strike. One is the launching of an assessment of the incident by the US military. According to the Pentagon's instructions on processes for mitigating civilian harm, an assessment is launched after a group of investigators make an initial determination that the US military may bear culpability.

The Indian Embassy in Doha on Friday opened a registration link for those stranded in transit who are unable to obtain a Saudi visa, currently the only exit route via the Salwa border, said Indian Ambassador to Qatar Vipul.

In a video message on X, Vipul confirmed that around 600 Indians stranded at the airport have been accommodated in hotels by Qatar Airways.

He urged the Indian expat community to stay calm, follow local guidelines, and reach out to the embassy or registered associations for any assistance.

Iran said Friday it had fired a new salvo of drones and missiles at Israel, on the seventh day of the Middle East war that began with US-Israeli strikes on the Islamic republic.

The Revolutionary Guards, the ideological arm of the Iranian military, had started firing drones and missiles "against targets in the occupied territories (Israel) and US bases in the region", a presenter for state television said.

Israel's military said it had hit more than 400 targets in Iran Friday as it pressed on with its bombing campaign against the Islamic Republic.

"Over 400 targets were struck in several areas in Iran, including ballistic missile launchers and Iranian UAVs (drone) storage facilities," the army said in a statement.

The rate is broadly consistent with the level of strikes Israel says it has carried out in recent days, indicating a sustained campaign in the areas it is targeting.

Israel's army said Friday it was only striking "military targets" in Iran, after Tehran said hundreds of homes had been hit in Israeli bombardments.

Iranian government spokeswoman Fatemeh Mohajerani said Friday that 390 residential units, 528 commercial centres and 13 medical sites had been struck since the start of the US-Israeli bombing campaign last week, Mehr news agency reported.

Israeli military spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani insisted the army was "only targeting military targets, according to international law".

US President Donald Trump said on his Truth Social account that thousands of people are being evacuated from multiple countries across the Middle East. “It is being done quietly, but seamlessly. The State Department, under Secretary Marco Rubio, is doing a great job!” he added.

The price of the benchmark US oil contract soared more than 10 percent Friday on fears of extended disruption to crude supplies after President Donald Trump demanded Iran's "unconditional surrender".

West Texas Intermediate surged 10.63 per cent to $89.62 per barrel, while international benchmark Brent North Sea crude reached $91.89, the highest level in nearly two years.

Drones hit an airport and oil facilities in southern Iraq on Friday, while in the north strikes and explosions mainly targeted Iranian militants.

In Iraq's southern Basra province, "a drone crashed into the cargo terminal at Basra airport," a security official official told AFP.

Two others hit a US company in the Burjesia oil complex, and a fourth struck the Rumaila oil field, where energy major BP operates, the official added, without being able to identify the perpetrators.

Israel struck Lebanon's ancient city of Tyre on Friday, killing at least one person, in an area adjacent to a UNESCO World Heritage site, according to state media and AFP.

An AFP photographer at the scene witnessed rescue workers recovering at least one body and collecting what appeared to be scattered human remains on the ground, near the city's ancient hippodrome.

The strike came on the fifth day of fighting between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah.

"Enemy warplanes carried out a strike on the ruins district of Tyre city," near the Bass Palestinian refugee camp, the National News Agency said.

Israeli police warned residents Friday about the threat of cluster bombs fired by Iran, after saying at least one such munition had hit the country in Tehran's barrages.

Police had said Wednesday that bomb disposal experts found evidence of cluster munitions after incoming missiles from Iran were detected.

Dubai’s consumer protection authority has stepped up monitoring of supermarket prices after shoppers reported higher fruit and vegetable costs in recent days. Ahmed Ahli, Director of Consumer Protection, said inspection teams are conducting daily field visits and reviewing price data submitted by retailers to ensure any increases are justified. Authorities said action will be taken if unjustified price hikes are detected and urged consumers to report suspicious price changes through official channels.

US President Donald Trump on Friday demanded Iran's "unconditional surrender" as the only acceptable outcome to end hostilities, while promising to help rebuild the country's economy if Tehran complied and installed new leadership.

"There will be no deal with Iran except UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER," Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.

The post came as Israel bombarded regime targets in Tehran and Hezbollah positions in Beirut, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said US strikes against Iran were "about to surge dramatically."

Trump said that following any capitulation by the Islamic Republic, the United States and its allies would work to bring Iran "back from the brink of destruction, making it economically bigger, better, and stronger than ever before."

This would be contingent on the installation of what he called "a GREAT & ACCEPTABLE Leader(s)."

He closed with a new slogan - "MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN (MIGA!)" - a riff on his "Make America Great Again" political brand.

Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah on Friday warned Israeli residents to evacuate areas within five kilometres of the border with Lebanon, a day after Israel told residents of Beirut's southern suburbs to flee.

In a message in Hebrew in the group's Telegram channels, Hezbollah told Israelis to evacuate all localities "located within 5 kilometres of the border".

"This is due to the (Israeli) army's deployment of military vehicles and armoured personnel carriers in open areas, using these areas as military deployment points," it added.

Energy Secretary Chris Wright on Friday said the US navy was preparing to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz "as soon as it's reasonable to do it," as traffic through the key trade route remains choked due to the US-Israel war on Iran.

"As soon as it's reasonable to do it, we'll escort ships through the straits and get the energy moving again," he told US broadcaster Fox News's "Fox and Friends" show.

US President Donald Trump had said on Tuesday that the US Navy would "begin escorting tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, as soon as possible" in a bid to avoid disruption of global oil supplies.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Friday the Middle East war must not lead to the collapse of the Iranian state, warning of the impact this would have on migration to Europe.

"An endless war is not in our interest. The same applies to a collapse of Iranian statehood or proxy conflicts fought on Iranian soil," he said in a statement.

"Such scenarios could have far-reaching consequences for Europe, including for security, energy supply and migration."

He added that "we share the goals of the United States and Israel regarding the Iranian nuclear and missile programme, Tehran's threats against Israel, its support for terrorism and proxies.

"The Iranian people have the right to freely decide their own destiny."

But Merz said a total collapse of the Iranian state would spread chaos, a point he also stressed speaking at a trade fair in Munich.

Germany and its European allies were "pushing hard for Iran's sovereignty to be preserved", he said there.

"We do not want to see a Syrian scenario here."

"We want this state to be able to function on its own," he added of Iran.

Israeli warplanes pounded Beirut and Tehran on Friday as Iran launched another wave of retaliatory strikes against Israel and Gulf countries. There was no sign of the war letting up on its seventh day, as Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth warned the US air campaign against Iran would "surge dramatically."

The strikes in Lebanon were the heaviest since a 2024 ceasefire ended the last war between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah, who fired rockets at Israel in the opening days of the latest conflict. Tens of thousands have fled Beirut's suburbs and southern Lebanon after sweeping Israeli evacuation warnings.

The US and Israel have battered Iran with strikes, targeting their military capabilities, leadership and nuclear program. The stated goals and timelines for the war have repeatedly shifted, as the US has at times suggested it seeks to topple Iran's government or elevate new leadership from within.

The Trump administration is confronting mounting discontent from allies in the Gulf who have complained they were not given adequate time to prepare for the torrent of Iranian drones and missiles bombarding their countries in retaliation for strikes launched by the US and Israel.

Officials from two Gulf countries said their governments were disappointed in the way the US has handled the war, particularly the initial attack on Iran on February 28. They said their countries were not given advance notice of the US-Israeli attack and complained the US had ignored their warnings that the war would have devastating consequences for the entire region.

One of the officials said that Gulf countries were frustrated and even angry that the US military has not defended them enough. He said there is belief in the region that the operation has focused on defending Israel and American troops, while leaving Gulf countries to protect themselves, and said that his country's stock of interceptors was "rapidly depleting."

Like others in this story, the Gulf officials spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were discussing a confidential diplomatic matter.

The UAE’s air defence systems intercepted nine ballistic missiles and 109 drones on Friday, the Ministry of Defence said.

According to the ministry, air defences detected nine ballistic missiles on 6 March 2026 and destroyed all of them.  

Authorities also detected 112 drones, of which 109 were intercepted, while three fell within the country’s territory.

Since the start of Iran’s attacks, the UAE has detected 205 ballistic missiles, destroying 190 of them, while 13 fell into the sea and two landed inside the country. 

The ministry said it had also detected 1,184 Iranian drones, intercepting 1,110, while 74 drones fell within the UAE’s territory. In addition, eight cruise missiles were detected and destroyed.

 The attacks resulted in three deaths, involving individuals of Pakistani, Nepali and Bangladeshi nationalities, and 112 minor injuries among people of various nationalities, including Emirati, Egyptian, Ethiopian, Filipino, Pakistani, Iranian, Indian, Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan, Azerbaijani, Yemeni, Ugandan, Eritrean, Lebanese, Afghan, Bahraini, Comorian and Turkish nationals. 

The Ministry of Defence said the armed forces are fully prepared to deal with any threats, stressing their readiness to confront any attempt to undermine the country’s security and to safeguard its sovereignty, stability and national interests.

Dubai Police have urged motorists to remain calm and continue driving safely if they hear a warning alert while on the road.

In a post on social media, the authority advised drivers not to stop on the road or get distracted by filming, stressing that safety should remain the priority.

Motorists were instructed to continue driving carefully until they reach their destination, and then take shelter in the nearest safe place until an official all-clear announcement is issued.

Dubai Police also called on the public to follow official instructions to ensure their safety and the safety of others

Air Arabia has begun operating a limited number of flights to and from the UAE, urging passengers to check its travel update page for the latest schedule.

The airline said customers whose flights were previously cancelled may rebook, provided they have not already used their modification or refund option. Available flights can be booked through the Air Arabia website, mobile app, or authorised travel agents.

Passengers whose flights remain cancelled will receive direct notifications via email and SMS, along with alternative options. The airline advised travellers not to go to the airport unless they have a confirmed booking or have been notified directly.

What passengers should do

Check flight status regularly on the airline’s website.

• Customers who booked directly should use the website to choose alternative options.

•   Those who booked via travel agents should contact their agents.

• Ensure contact details are updated in the Manage Booking section to receive notifications.

Air Arabia said it is currently experiencing a high volume of enquiries and asked passengers for patience.

Flights remain subject to operational and regulatory approvals, with schedules expected to change as the situation evolves. The airline added that passenger and crew safety remains its top priority.

Emirates said it expects to restore 100 per cent of its global network within the coming days, as regional airspace gradually reopens.

“The airline anticipates a return to 100 per cent of its network within the coming days, subject to airspace availability and the fulfilment of all operational requirements. Safety, as ever, remains paramount as is our duty of care,” an Emirates spokesperson said. By March 7, Emirates expects to operate 106 return daily flights to 83 destinations, representing almost 60 per cent of its global route network.

Emirates flies to 140 destinations worldwide.

The Dubai-based airline said it is currently operating a reduced flight schedule while progressively restoring services, on account of the US-Israel war on Iran and the ensuing backlash.

On Thursday, the carrier transported around 30,000 passengers out of Dubai, as airlines worked to clear travel backlogs following recent disruptions.

Iran’s president says that there are “mediation efforts” ongoing about the war in the Middle East. Masoud Pezeshkian says “some countries” had started mediating, without naming them.

“Let’s be clear: we are committed to lasting peace in the region yet we have no hesitation in defending our nation’s dignity & sovereignty,” the president wrote on X. “Mediation should address those who underestimated the Iranian people and ignited this conflict.”

Hundreds of thousands of people in Lebanon have been displaced so far in the dayslong conflict between Israel and the Hezbollah group, the International Committee of the Red Cross says.

“Across Lebanon, hundreds of thousands of people have had to flee their homes,” said Hachem Osseiran, ICRC spokesperson for the Middle East.

“The intensification of hostilities, coupled with evacuation orders covering entire districts in Beirut, southern Lebanon, and the Bekaa Valley, has sown panic and confusion. Many people have fled, some on foot, with nothing but the clothes on their backs and no clear sense of where to go.”

Azerbaijan Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov says the country will evacuate its diplomats from Iran after the Iranian drone attacks.

Bayramov said the staff of Azerbaijan’s Embassy in Tehran and its Consulate General in Tabriz will return home on orders from Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev.

Azerbaijan said Thursday that Iranian drones attacked its exclave of Nakhchivan, wounding four civilians and damaging an airport building in what Aliyev denounced as a “groundless act of terror and aggression.”

The Pakistani community in the UAE is informed that the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced exemptions from financial fines for certain individuals affected by airspace closures since February 28, 2026.

Eligible individuals include:

• Those holding departure permits who have overstayed.

• Those whose residence permits were cancelled and could not leave.

• Those on visit or tourist visas whose stay has expired.

All affected individuals are advised to contact UAE immigration authorities to regularise their status.

Israel's military chief says the joint US-Israeli campaign against Iran is entering its “next phase”, with operations aimed at further dismantling the Islamic republic's military capabilities.

"We have additional surprises ahead which I do not intend to disclose," Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir said in a televised statement.

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth also announced "firepower over Iran and over Tehran is about to surge dramatically".

President Donald Trump said it would be a "waste of time" currently to send ground troops into Iran, but has insisted he would "have to be involved" in choosing Iran's next leader.

Lebanon’s Prime Minister Nawaf Salam is calling on the international community to help Lebanon amid the ongoing Israel-Hezbollah war.

“A humanitarian disaster is looming” because of huge displacements of people, Salam said.

Salam criticised both Israel and Hezbollah over the current crisis saying that the Lebanese state and people “did not choose this war.”

Speaking to heads of diplomatic missions in Beirut, Salam appealed to the friends of Lebanon to support “us in this endeavor” and called on the international community to help stop Israel’s attacks and spare the country’s infrastructure.

Qatar on Friday said its naval forces were inside buildings targeted by Iran in Bahrain overnight, though they were unharmed, after Manama reported attacks on residential buildings and a hotel.

"The State of Qatar strongly condemns the Iranian attack targeting buildings in various parts of the Kingdom of Bahrain, housing members of the Qatari Emiri Naval Forces participating in the Unified Maritime Operations Center of the Gulf Cooperation Council's Unified Military Command," the foreign ministry said in a statement.

"The Qatari Emiri Naval Forces personnel present in the targeted buildings are safe and unharmed," it added.

Earlier on Friday, Bahrain said Iran had struck a hotel and two residential buildings in the capital Manama, correcting a previous announcement that two hotels and one residential building were hit.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah, visited the Fujairah Oil Industry Zone on Friday to assess emergency efforts following a fire at an oil tank. He praised the heroic work of Civil Defence and emergency teams, highlighting their swift response in securing the facility and surrounding area.

Sheikh Mohammed expressed gratitude to officers and responders for their dedication, reaffirming that resident safety and industrial security remain top priorities. He also noted the effective coordination between agencies, reflecting the UAE’s preparedness in managing industrial incidents.

Friday sermons delivered across mosques in the UAE condemned the “cowardly terrorist attack” on the country and called for unity, resilience and trust in the nation’s leadership.

In the sermon, worshippers were reminded of the Quranic prayer from Surah Ibrahim, “My Lord, make this land secure”, highlighting the importance of safety and stability following what the sermon described as a treacherous attack on the UAE.

The sermon said the country had recently been targeted by “a blatant and cowardly terrorist attack carried out by treacherous individuals who targeted peaceful worshippers,” questioning how any faith or moral code could justify violence against innocent people.

“What religion permits aggression? What faith allows the violation of the innocent? What morality justifies attacks on the peaceful?” the sermon asked, emphasising that Islam forbids harming others and promotes peace and protection of life.

Addressing citizens and residents, the sermon reassured worshippers that the UAE is “a nation of strength, dignity and resilience,” adding that crises only reinforce the country’s unity and determination.

Mosques across the UAE filled with worshippers on Friday as residents turned out in large numbers for the first Jumuah prayer since Iran began blatant aggression on the country on February 28. The congregations reflected a community united in faith, seeking solace and strength amid an unprecedented moment in the nation's history.

Since 28 February, Kuwait’s air defense systems have detected and engaged 212 ballistic missiles and 394 drones during the ongoing regional military escalation.

The attacks, targeting civilian infrastructure, vital installations, and residential areas, have killed three people (two military personnel and one child) and injured 67 others.

The Ministry of Defence outlined a four-phase defensive operation, highlighting successful interceptions and stable condition of most injured personnel.

Colonel Saud Al Atwan emphasised the coordinated efforts of the armed forces and state institutions, affirming that Kuwait remains at the highest state of combat readiness to protect its sovereignty and security.

The Israeli military on Friday said it had started a new "wave of strikes" against Iran-backed Hezbollah in the southern suburbs of Beirut.

"The IDF is now striking Hezbollah infrastructure in the Dahiyeh area in Beirut," the military said, using the Arabic name for the area.

Dubai’s property market remains resilient despite global tensions, according to Emaar founder Mohamed Alabbar, who said investor confidence in the UAE continues to strengthen. Speaking to CNBC, he pointed to strong real estate growth over the past three years and said global investors recognise the country’s stability, infrastructure and long-term policies. Alabbar added that new supply expected in 2026 and 2027 could help stabilise prices and ease pressure on housing costs while supporting sustainable growth in the market.

Over the past 84 hours, more than 1,140 flights have been facilitated at Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) to help travellers return home.

From March 2 to 5, more than 500 flights have departed DXB and DWC, providing 105,000 outbound seats to more than 80 countries and the number continue to increase dramatically every day.

Dubai Airports are adding more and more flights to our schedule every day. Please continue to check the status of your flight with your airline.

London police say four men have been arrested on suspicion of aiding Iran by spying on the Jewish community.

In a statement Friday, the Metropolitan Police said the suspects, one Iranian and three dual British-Iranian nationals, were taken into custody on suspicion of assisting a foreign intelligence service.

The force said the men, aged 22, 40, 52 and 55, were arrested at addresses in and around north London shortly after 1 a.m.

The men are suspected on spying on locations and individuals.

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defence spokesman, Maj. Gen. Turki Al-Maliki, announced that three ballistic missiles launched towards Prince Sultan Air Base, southeast of Al Kharj, had been intercepted and destroyed. A cruise missile was also intercepted and destroyed east of Al Kharj governorate.

According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) on Friday, the spokesman said that a drone was intercepted and destroyed northeast of Riyadh. Three additional drones were also intercepted and destroyed east of the Riyadh region, while another drone was intercepted and destroyed in the Eastern Province.

The Israeli military said on Friday it had hit a Hezbollah command centre and drone depot in a "broad-scale wave of strikes" overnight in Beirut's southern suburbs.

The strikes came after the Israeli army issued an evacuation warning for the area, home to hundreds of thousands of people and a stronghold of the Iran-backed Hezbollah, sending residents fleeing in panic.

"As part of the strikes, an executive council's command centre and a facility storing UAVs (drones) utilised by Hezbollah for conducting attacks against the State of Israel were struck," the Israeli military said in a statement.

Lebanon was dragged into the war on Monday, when militant group Hezbollah attacked Israel to avenge the killing of Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in the US-Israeli strikes that launched the war.

Overall, the Israeli army said it had carried out 26 waves of strikes in the suburbs, known as Dahiyeh, since the start of its campaign in the country this week.

Lebanon's health ministry said on Thursday that 123 people had been killed and 683 wounded in the Israeli strikes across the country.

Several residents in Dubai received security alerts on their mobile phones around noon on Friday.

The alert warned of potential missile threats, and urged residents to shelter in secure areas, away from windows.

Abu Dhabi: Etihad Airways said Friday morning it has resumed a limited flight schedule from Abu Dhabi, with services now operating to 70 destinations worldwide, according to its latest operational update.

The Abu Dhabi-based carrier said the flights will run between March 6 and March 19, as operations gradually stabilise following recent regional airspace disruptions.

UAE Attorney-General warns against photographing or publishing images of incident sites, including damage from projectiles or shrapnel, via digital platforms. He stresses that sharing these visuals or disseminating false information can cause unnecessary public alarm, presenting an incorrect picture of the situation in the country. "The creation or distribution of fabricated videos or deceptive AI content constitutes a criminal act subject to legal prosecution, " he futher clarifies.

Sri Lanka on Friday denounced the toll of the Mideast fighting, as the nation opened its arms to over 200 Iranian sailors who sought help after a deadly torpedo strike on another of Iran's ships.

The crew were brought ashore Thursday and were being accommodated at a military camp near the capital Colombo and their ship, IRIS Bushehr, was under Sri Lankan control.

The vessel reported engine trouble and sought port entry after another Iranian vessel, IRIS Dena, was hit by a US torpedo off Sri Lanka's southern coast on Wednesday.

Indonesia began evacuating dozens of its citizens from Iran on Friday, a foreign ministry official said, as war rages in the Middle East.

Attacks by the United States and Israel on the Islamic Republic and Iran's retaliatory strikes in the region have stranded tens of thousands of foreigners, with flights cancelled and airspace shuttered.

They include 329 Indonesians in Iran, most of them students in the city of Qom.

A first batch of 32 Indonesians was expected to arrive in Jakarta on Monday or Tuesday, she said.

Hamidah would not confirm reports that the evacuation would take place overland.

Sri Lanka began transferring more than 200 sailors from an Iranian vessel to shore Friday after the ship sought assistance while anchored outside the country's waters, as tensions mounted in the Indian Ocean following the sinking of an Iranian warship by a U.S. submarine.

Sri Lanka navy spokesman Cmdr. Buddhika Sampath said the sailors of the IRIS Bushehr were being brought first to the port of Colombo and the ship will later be moved to an eastern port on the island.

"The disembarkation is in progress," he said, adding the sailors would be taken to the naval base at Welisara, about 20 kilometers (12 miles) north of Colombo, after medical exams and immigration procedures.

The move by the Sri Lankan government to take over the vessel came after the U.S. sank the Iranian warship IRIS Dena off Sri Lanka's coast Wednesday.

IndiGo has announced that it is extending full waivers on flight cancellations for travel to and from the Middle East and Istanbul until 31 March 2026, amid ongoing regional volatility.

Passengers are advised to stay updated on their flight status.

For additional support or clarification, IndiGo’s Customer Contact Centre can be reached at +91 124 6173838.

The airline said its teams remain actively engaged to support travellers while prioritising the safety and wellbeing of customers and crew.

The UAE’s Ministry of Economy and Tourism has reassured visitors that the country’s tourism sector continues to operate normally while maintaining strict safety and quality standards.

In a statement issued amid ongoing regional developments, the ministry said hotels, resorts, cultural and tourist attractions, and shopping malls across the UAE remain open and continue to welcome guests.

Authorities said tourism establishments are operating within approved regulatory frameworks while closely monitoring developments. Operational conditions and occupancy levels are being reviewed daily to ensure services continue smoothly and any challenges are addressed promptly.

Visitors are also advised to contact accommodation providers or tourism service operators directly to obtain the latest updates on bookings or travel programmes.

The ministry emphasised that the safety and comfort of visitors remain a top priority, adding that it is working closely with tourism partners across the sector to ensure stability and continuity of the UAE’s tourism experience.

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defence has announced the interception and destruction of a drone in the northeast of Riyadh, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

In a statement carried by SPA, the official spokesman for the Ministry of Defence confirmed that the drone was successfully intercepted and neutralised.

No further details were immediately provided about the origin of the drone or whether any damage or casualties were reported.

German aviation giant Lufthansa warned Friday it faces heightened "uncertainty" due to the unfolding conflict in the Middle East, which has closed airspace across the region and roiled energy markets.

The war in the Middle East has caused the biggest disruption to global air traffic since the Covid pandemic.

"Developments in the Middle East and the associated geopolitical consequences for the global economy increase the medium- and long-term forecast uncertainty," the group said as it outlined its 2026 outlook.

"Disruptions to supply chains in the Strait of Hormuz are leading to increased volatility in the oil markets."

But the group - which operates Eurowings, Austrian, Swiss and Brussels Airlines and has acquired a stake in Italy's ITA - also said it had also seen a "sharp rise in demand for long-haul flights" since the conflict started, particularly on routes to and from Asia and Africa.

The aviation giant reported its 2025 annual results on Friday, with net income dropping about three percent to 1.34 billion euros ($1.55 billion) during a year when the group pushed through a turnaround programme.

Visits to several supermarkets across the UAE show shoppers continuing their usual grocery purchases while retailers report strong stock levels. Residents told Gulf News they are largely sticking to routine weekly shopping, with only minor increases in some staples. Retailers and authorities also reassured consumers that supplies remain stable, with stores well stocked and imports continuing normally across the country.

Qatar Airways has announced the continuation of the temporary suspension of its flights as the closure of Qatari airspace remains in place, according to a report by Qatar News Agency (QNA).

The airline said operations will stay suspended until authorities confirm that the country’s airspace has safely reopened.

Qatar Airways added that it is closely monitoring developments and will resume services once approval is granted by the relevant authorities.

Passengers are advised to check the airline’s official channels for the latest updates on flight schedules and travel advisories.

Iranian state television reported Friday that a leadership council in the country met and discussed how to hold a meeting of the country’s Assembly of Experts, which will select the nation’s new supreme leader.

The leadership council includes President Masoud Pezeshkian, judiciary chief Gholam Hossein Mohseni Ejehi and cleric Ayatollah Ali Reza Arafi.

The statement provided no timeline on the selection of the supreme leader, nor information on whether the Assembly of Experts would meet in person or remotely for the vote.

Gold prices in Dubai rose slightly on Friday morning after several days of sharp swings, although the metal remains below the record levels seen earlier this month. At 9.15am, 24-karat gold was priced at Dh618 per gram, up from Dh611.50 the previous day, while 22-karat gold climbed to Dh572.25 from Dh566.25. The modest rebound comes amid volatile global trading, with bullion pressured by a stronger US dollar and rising bond yields even as geopolitical tensions continue to support safe-haven demand.

The Official Spokesman for the Saudi Ministry of Defense confirmed the interception and destruction of three drones east of the Riyadh region, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported. The operation was carried out as part of the kingdom’s ongoing measures to protect its airspace and ensure the safety of citizens and residents.

Domestic airlines including IndiGo, Air India and SpiceJet on Friday began gradually restoring limited flight operations to and from the Middle East, while thousands of services remain cancelled amid continuing airspace restrictions tied to the US-Israel and Iran war.

IndiGo said it will operate 17 departures (34 sectors) on Friday to eight Middle East destinations and is working with government authorities to resume services safely.

Air India and Air India Express announced resuming flights to and from Jeddah and Muscat after authorities confirmed that Saudi's and Oman's airspaces were open, according to multiple reports.

SpiceJet said it will operate special flights from the UAE to India on March 6 and 7, with additional services on March 8 to ease passenger movement amid the conflict.

IndiGo said passengers booked on its flights will be contacted directly, only after which they should go to airports.

Air India also announced ad‑hoc repatriation flights from hubs including Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah on March 6 subject to regulatory approvals.

It said scheduled services to other West Asia destinations remain suspended until March 10, and passengers with tickets issued until March 4 for travel between February 28 and March 8 can rebook within one month without extra charges or fare differences.

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi has confirmed that all hotels, attractions and tourism experiences across the emirate are operating normally and continue to welcome visitors. 

In statements to the media, the department said tourism services across Abu Dhabi remain fully operational. It added that it is working closely with relevant government entities to support visitors currently in the UAE, as well as tourism partners, employees and residents. 

President Donald Trump said Thursday it would be a "waste of time" currently to consider sending US ground troops into Iran, NBC News reported, dismissing the Iranian foreign minister's warning that such a move would spell disaster for invaders.

"It's a waste of time. They've lost everything. They've lost their navy. They've lost everything they can lose," he told NBC by telephone, adding that Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi's earlier remark that Iran was ready for a US or Israeli ground invasion was a "wasted comment."

The Oman Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that a group of Omani citizens has safely returned to the homeland following coordinated transfer arrangements from Iran. The operation was conducted in collaboration with the Omani embassies in Tehran and Istanbul, as well as relevant authorities in the Republic of Azerbaijan, using organised land and air routes to ensure their safety and smooth movement, the Oman News Agency reported.

The Ministry added that additional groups of citizens arriving from Gulf Cooperation Council countries and other Arab states have also reached Oman safely via land crossings. These efforts reflect the Ministry’s ongoing, round-the-clock coordination with local authorities and Omani embassies abroad to facilitate the successive return of citizens while prioritising their security and well-being.

The US Treasury Department has temporarily eased sanctions to allow India to buy Russian oil that is currently stranded at sea.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the 30-day waiver aims to keep oil flowing in the global market and “alleviate pressure caused by Iran’s attempt to take global energy hostage.”

Bessent added that the move is a deliberate short-term measure and “will not provide significant financial benefit to the Russian government,” as it applies only to oil already stranded at sea.

Emirates NBD has waived ATM withdrawal fees across the UAE and GCC and removed charges on debit card replacements and deliveries, allowing customers to access cash and banking services more easily during ongoing regional developments. The bank informed customers through an email that the temporary measure, which runs until March 31, 2026, is designed to provide greater convenience and flexibility when withdrawing cash from any ATM network or requesting a new debit card. The move ensures customers can continue managing their money and accessing essential banking services without additional costs.

A second Japanese national has been detained in Iran, Japan’s Foreign Ministry said Friday, and Tokyo has requested the early release of both people.

The ministry confirmed the second person had been detained before the Feb. 28 military strikes on Iran by the United States and Israel.

The ministry said the detainee is safe and in good health but gave no other details such as the timing of the detention, or whether it is related to the detention of a Japanese journalist that was disclosed last month.

The General Secretariat of the Arab Interior Ministers Council has strongly condemned the recent Iranian attacks targeting the sovereignty of several Arab nations, calling them a blatant violation of international law and the Charters of the United Nations.

In a statement issued from its headquarters in Tunis, the Secretariat expressed deep concern over reports of Iranian aggression against the Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, and the Jordan.

The Council firmly rejected these unjustifiable actions, highlighting that they undermine regional security and stability and jeopardise ongoing efforts towards de-escalation and peace. It reaffirmed full support and solidarity with the affected Arab states in all measures taken to protect their security and sovereignty.

The statement also praised the courageous and professional response of defence and security forces in the targeted countries, commending their vigilance in safeguarding critical facilities, ensuring the safety of citizens and residents, and demonstrating a high level of efficiency and professionalism in confronting the attacks.

AFP Infographic with a Sentinel-2 satellite image (January 11, 2026) of Tehran in Iran, with close-ups of several strategic sites bombed between February 28 and March 3, using Vantor satellite images

Lebanese state media said Friday that Israel had launched air strikes on several towns in southern Lebanon.

"Enemy warplanes launched nighttime strikes on the towns of Srifa, Aita al-Shaab, Touline, Sawana and Majdal Selm," the official National News Agency (NNA) reported.

Another strike targeted the eastern Lebanese town of Dours at dawn, the NNA said.

The Embassy of the State of Kuwait in Lebanon issued an urgent advisory on Thursday, urging all Kuwaiti citizens in the country to exercise extreme caution and depart Lebanese territory as soon as possible due to the evolving regional situation.

The Embassy stressed the importance of following safety guidelines and directives from local authorities. Citizens are encouraged to maintain communication with the Embassy and report emergencies via the designated hotlines: Embassy emergency line (+96171171441) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs lines (+965 159) and (+965 22225504).

Lebanese militant group Hezbollah claimed responsibility on Friday for a wave of strikes targeting Israeli forces, in retaliation for Israeli strikes on Lebanon the day before.

The Iran-backed group said in three separate statements on Telegram that its fighters had launched rockets and artillery shells at border positions early Friday, hours after firing rockets at Israeli barracks in the occupied Golan Heights and at a navy base in the Haifa port.

There were no reports of casualties.

Kuwait Airways announced it will operate flight KU104D from London to Dammam Airport in Saudi Arabia on Friday, departing at 10:45am London time and arriving at 8:00 pm, the national carrier said on its official X account.

Nationals wishing to return to Kuwait are advised to book through the airline’s customer service call center, as seats are limited, KUNA reported.

Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards announced a wave of missile launches on the Israeli commercial hub of Tel Aviv on Friday, according to Iran's state news agency IRNA.

"Missiles headed toward Tel Aviv," IRNA said, reporting a Guards statement on "a combined missile and drone attack... targeting locations in the heart of Tel Aviv".

The official spokesman for the Ministry of Defense, Brigadier General Saud Al-Otaibi, confirmed that Kuwaiti air defenses are actively responding to hostile missile attacks and drones that have breached the country’s airspace, state news agency KUNA reported.

The Qatari defence ministry said air defences thwarted a drone attack targeting the US air base at Al-Udeid, Washington's largest military facility in the Middle East.

"Qatar Emiri Air Defense Forces successfully intercepted a drone attack targeting Al-Udeid Air Base," the ministry said.

Israel said it launched a wave of strikes on Tehran early Friday, targeting "regime infrastructure" in the Iranian capital.

Israeli forces launched a large-scale "wave of strikes against Iranian terror regime infrastructure in Tehran", a military statement said.

Iranian state TV reported explosions in several parts of the city.

As part of the on-going US military campaign in the Middle East, the Central Command chief has reported that 30 Iran Republican Guard Corps ships had been sunk, including a drone carrier ship.

"We're now up over 30 ships, and in just the last few hours, we hit an Iranian drone carrier ship, roughly the size of a World War II aircraft carrier," said US Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of the US Central Command in charge of the military campaign in the Middle East.

"As we speak, it's on fire," Admiral Cooper added.

The Qatar Ministry of Interior (MOI) confirmed that working hours in its departments and service centres will continue as previously announced during the holy month of Ramadan, QNA reported.

The ministry highlighted that many transactions can be completed via the Metrash app and its electronic platforms, allowing the public to save time and effort.

Key department hours during Ramadan 1447 AH:

• Passports, Nationality & Travel Documents, Criminal Evidence & Information: 8:00 am – 1:00 pm

• Driver Licensing Department (Driving Schools): 6:00 am – 11:00 am

• Technical Inspection Departments, Madinat Khalifa main building, Al Maamoura external services: 8:00 am – 4:30 pm

• Car Plate Manufacturing Workshop (Ain Khaled): 8:00 am – 4:30 pm; Saturdays 8:00 am – 12:00 pm

• Workshops in Al Aqda, Al Wakrah, Al Mazroua, and other external services: 8:00 am – 1:00 pm

Security and traffic investigation departments will operate 24/7 to ensure uninterrupted public services.

Bahrain said Friday that Iran had struck a hotel and two residential buildings in the capital Manama, correcting a previous announcement that two hotels and one residential building were hit.

The attack came a day after an Iranian missile strike sparked a blaze at Bahrain's main state-owned oil refinery, as Tehran pressed attacks across the Gulf.

"Iranian aggression targeted a hotel & 2 residential buildings in Manama," Bahrain's interior ministry posted on X, reporting "no loss of life".

It said the attack sparked a fire in one of the residential buildings, which had been extinguished.

The Kuwait Ministry of Defense reported that since the start of operations targeting Kuwaiti airspace, 212 ballistic missiles and 394 drones have been detected and intercepted by the armed forces.

Colonel Saud Al Atwan, spokesperson for the ministry, said the attacks involved missiles and armed drones aimed at civilian facilities, infrastructure, vital installations, and residential areas.

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The Saudi Ministry of Defence confirmed that a drone was intercepted and destroyed in the country’s eastern region, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.

Ballistic missiles neutralised

The ministry spokesperson added that three ballistic missiles launched toward Prince Sultan Air Base were intercepted and destroyed, ensuring no damage to the facility.

Etihad Airways will resume a limited commercial flight schedule from March 6, 2026, operating between Abu Dhabi and a number of key international destinations.

The airline said passengers with previous bookings will be accommodated on the new flights as soon as possible, while tickets are also available for sale on its website.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionaries threatened to sink the USS Abraham Lincoln strike group with its letal drones and missiles.

Now, IRGC's entire naval fleet is no more (20 Iran ships sunk), and the regime's air force has been obliterated.

Iran In less than a week:

• Iran launched 2,500+ weapons
• Most were intercepted
• Launch capability fell over 80%
• Military infrastructure is being dismantled.

The numbers show overwhelming military superiority in action.

Air defence operations

The UAE Ministry of Defence reported intercepting six ballistic missiles and 125 drones, with minor debris causing injuries in Abu Dhabi. Since the start of Iranian aggression, 196 missiles and 1,072 drones have been detected, of which 181 missiles and 1,001 drones were intercepted. Eight cruise missiles were also destroyed.

Casualties include three deaths (Pakistani, Nepali, Bangladeshi nationals) and 94 minor injuries among multiple nationalities. Authorities confirmed full readiness to counter threats and safeguard national security.

Alerts and public safety

On Thursday, residents across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Fujairah received alerts urging them to:

• Stay safe and avoid windows

• Follow official guidance

• Rely only on verified sources

Flights and travel

• Emirates, Etihad, flydubai, and Air Arabia have resumed limited operations; passengers advised not to travel without confirmed bookings

• Dubai Airports reports most flights remain suspended; access restricted to confirmed passengers

• Education updates

• Early spring breaks for schools and universities; some exams cancelled

• Sharjah schools postponed start of academic year; distance learning continues for Indian and other schools in Dubai

• CBSE exams cancelled or postponed in affected countries

• Public services and infrastructure

• Healthcare: Operations running normally; hospitals and emergency services fully functional

• Utilities: Etihad Water and Electricity confirms uninterrupted services across Abu Dhabi and Northern Emirates

• Finance: Banking sector remains stable, fully operational with strong liquidity and capital

• Public safety: Residents urged to avoid sharing sensitive photos or videos that could compromise security

• Leisure and entertainment closures

• •Dubai Parks and Resorts, Ain Dubai, and Global Village remain closed until 6 March as a precaution

Despite regional tensions, the UAE continues to operate efficiently, with air defences active, public services running normally, limited flights resuming, and residents advised to follow official guidance

Day 6: Spring break for schools, universities moved up; some exams cancelled

Day 5: UAE waives overstay fines caused by airspace closure

Day 4: Dubai contains fire near US Consulate

Day 3: Trump lists 'clear' Iran war objectives

Day 2: UAE airlines extend flight cancellations

Day 1: UAE intercepts missiles; regional airspaces closed