05 March,2026 10:07 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
A plume of smoke rises over buildings in Doha on Thursday. PIC/AFP
The US-Israel military operations against Iran, which began on February 28, entered their sixth day with continued exchanges of fire and widening regional impact. Here's are the developments that took place on Thursday, March 5
Lebanon's Health Ministry stated that Israeli strikes since Monday have killed 102 people and wounded 638. Officials noted the toll is expected to increase as more injured reach hospitals. This escalation follows Hezbollah's involvement in the broader conflict triggered by Iran's retaliatory actions.
United Kingdom (UK) Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the dispatch of four additional Typhoon fighter jets to Qatar to strengthen defensive operations in the Gulf and wider region. Defence Secretary John Healey visited Cyprus after an Iranian-made drone hit RAF Akrotiri earlier this week (two other drones were downed by British forces). Starmer confirmed two Wildcat helicopters with Martlet anti-drone missiles will arrive in Cyprus on Friday, and HMS Dragon (Type 45 destroyer) will deploy next week. The UK also temporarily withdrew some embassy staff and families from Bahrain due to the serious ongoing security situation.
Loud explosions were heard in Abu Dhabi as the United Arab Emirates (UAE) air defence systems intercepted a missile threat. The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority confirmed active response measures amid Iran's retaliation campaign in the Gulf.
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, in a call with Azerbaijan's counterpart, denied any Iranian role in a drone attack on Nakhchivan exclave that wounded four people. He accused Israel of staging the incident to damage Iran's relations with neighbours. Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev called it a "terrorist act" from the Iranian side, placed forces on high mobilisation alert, and vowed retaliation.
A NATO Spokesperson stated that a ballistic missile from Iran was aimed at Turkey before being intercepted by alliance defences. This contradicted an earlier Turkish suggestion that it veered toward Cyprus. NATO condemned the targeting of Türkiye.
Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi spoke with French President Emmanuel Macron, discussing shared concerns over the West Asia situation and the urgent need to return to dialogue and diplomacy. Both leaders agreed to coordinate closely for early restoration of peace. Meanwhile, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, in comments to Indian media, criticised actions by Iran and the Israel-US side as outside international law, calling Iran's attacks on Gulf states a "strategic mistake" that could unite Gulf nations against Tehran.
The Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi reiterated its advisory urging nationals to stay vigilant, follow UAE safety guidelines, and use 24X7 helplines (toll-free 800-46342, WhatsApp +971 543090571, emails pbsk.dubai@mea.gov.in and ca.abudhabi@mea.gov.in). Limited non-scheduled repatriation flights to India continue, consular services function normally, and UAE ICP has waived overstay fines for visitors stranded after February 28 due to exceptional circumstances.
The Indian Navy continues SAR operations off Sri Lanka for the distressed Iranian frigate IRIS Dena (sunk March 4), with INS Ikshak still searching for missing crew as a humanitarian gesture, in close coordination with Sri Lankan authorities.
(With PTI and AFP inputs)
