Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei said Thursday that the leverage of closing the Strait of Hormuz should be used and that Iran’s attacks on Gulf Arab neighbours will continue. His first statement since his appointment was read on state television by a news anchor. Khamenei did not appear on camera, and an Israeli assessment indicates he was wounded in the war’s opening salvo. He vowed to avenge those killed in the war, including in a strike on a school. He said Iran would “obtain compensation” from its enemy, referring to the United States. If it refuses, Iran will “take from its assets” or destroy them to the same extent, he said. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
13 March,2026 08:52 AM IST | Dubai | AgenciesHouse lawmakers were digging into Jeffrey Epstein’s sprawling financial portfolio Wednesday as a committee deposed his former accountant and tried to understand his connections to some of the world’s wealthiest men. Richard Kahn, who worked closely with Epstein for years and now serves as an executor of his estate, appeared for the closed-door deposition on Capitol Hill. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
13 March,2026 08:49 AM IST | Washington | AgenciesAs the Iran-Israel-US war entered day 13, Tehran outlined three conditions for ending the conflict, signalling that a ceasefire would hinge on political recognition, financial compensation and security guarantees. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said the war, triggered by the February 28 US-Israel strikes that killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and senior commanders, could end only if Iran’s “legitimate rights” were recognised, reparations were paid for damages, and binding international guarantees prevented future aggression. The conflict has since expanded across West Asia with missile exchanges, attacks on oil tankers and strikes on US military installations. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. Pic/Getty Images Iran’s ceasefire terms 1Recognition of Iran’s “legitimate rights” 2Payment of reparations 3International guarantees against future attacks Human toll (Iran’s estimate) Civilian deaths1348 Injured17,000+ Iran’s UN envoy Amir-Saeid Iravani presented the figures to the United Nations Security Council. UN response UNSC vote 13-0Abstentions China, RussiaCo-sponsors 130+ countries including India Military escalation Operation waves 40Missiles used Ghadr, Emad, Kheybar Shekan, Fattah US facilities reportedly hit 17According to The New York Times, Iranian strikes damaged US bases across Bahrain, Jordan, Qatar, Kuwait, the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Maritime flashpoint Tankers hit: 14 claimed by IRGC Recent attack2 tankers off IraqCrew evacuated 38Deaths 1 This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
13 March,2026 08:45 AM IST | Dubai | AgenciesChina’s Parliament on Thursday ended approved a host of laws, including the new five-year plan to halt the slowdown of the country’s economy, an enhanced defence budget and the controversial ethnic law making Mandarin compulsory for all ethnic minorities. The two sessions evoked international attention as they were held in the midst of turmoil over the US-Iran war. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
13 March,2026 08:39 AM IST | Beijing | AgenciesThe US Treasury Department announced Thursday it was taking steps to further ease sanctions on Russian oil as crude prices surge during the Iran war. The agency said that it was granting a license that authorises the delivery and sale of some sanctioned Russia crude oil and petroleum products for the next month. Trump signalled earlier this week that he would take further action to ease restrictions on sanctioned oil to help make for the loss of oil flowing on the market because of the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The move follows the Trump administration granting temporary permission for India to buy Russian oil. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
13 March,2026 08:32 AM IST | Dubai | APThree U.S. F-15E Strike Eagles flying in support of Operation Epic Fury were shot down over Kuwait in what American military officials described as an apparent friendly fire incident, with all six aircrew safely recovered. The incident occurred at 11:03 p.m. ET on March 1, according to a statement issued by CENTCO. “At 11:03 p.m. ET, March 1, three U.S. F-15E Strike Eagles flying in support of Operation Epic Fury went down over Kuwait due to an apparent friendly fire incident,” the release said. The aircraft were operating during active combat conditions. During active combat involving attacks from Iranian aircraft, ballistic missiles, and drones, the U.S. Air Force jets were mistakenly shot down by Kuwaiti air defences. The U.S. military confirmed that all crew members survived the incident. All six aircrew were safely recovered and are in stable condition, according to the release. It added that “Kuwait has acknowledged this incident, and we are grateful for the efforts of the Kuwaiti defence forces and their support in this ongoing operation.” The cause of the incident remains under review. The cause is under investigation. More details will be released when available. No further operational details were immediately disclosed, including the precise location of the shootdown over Kuwaiti territory or whether the aircraft were returning from or engaging in strikes at the time. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
12 March,2026 08:20 PM IST | Washington | IANSDubai reported drone attacks at two locations on Thursday, leaving debris on buildings, while Kuwait’s international airport sustained damage in a separate strike, amid Iran’s Gulf campaign in the ongoing West Asia conflict, news agency AFP reported. Iran has targeted US assets and civilian infrastructure across the Gulf in retaliation for US-Israeli strikes that triggered the wider regional conflict. In a post on social media platform X, the Dubai Government Media Office wrote: “A minor incident caused by debris from a successful interception that fell onto the facade of a building on Sheikh Zayed Road.” Earlier, it reported “a minor drone incident in the Al Bada’a area.” No casualties were reported in either of the incidents. According to AFP, one of its correspondents in downtown Dubai heard explosions and saw smoke rising above the residential neighbourhood of Al Bada’a, which dissipated shortly afterwards. Further north in Kuwait, drone strikes damaged the international airport, civil aviation authorities said, reporting no casualties. The facility has been attacked multiple times since Iran began its bombing campaign. Since the war began on February 28, the Gulf has borne the brunt of Iran’s strikes, leaving 24 people dead, including seven US service members and 11 civilians. Container ship near UAE struck, small fire reported: UK maritime agency A container ship near the United Arab Emirates was hit by a projectile on Thursday, causing a small fire onboard, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said. “The container ship was struck by (an) unknown projectile causing a small fire onboard,” UKMTO said, adding that the crew had been reported safe. The incident comes as Iran continues a military campaign aimed at disrupting global trade in the Gulf. Oil prices spike as Iran threatens US, Israeli economic targets Amid the mounting cost of the war, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have threatened to strike “economic centres and banks” linked to United States (US) and Israeli interests, prompting more international firms to evacuate staff from Dubai. Ali Fadavi, an adviser to the Guards’ commander-in-chief, told state television on Wednesday: “The United States and Israel must consider the possibility that they will be engaged in a long-term war of attrition that will destroy the entire American economy and the world economy.” Oil prices have surged past USD 100 a barrel, despite Wednesday’s announcement that leading consumer countries would authorise a record release of their strategic crude reserves in a coordinated move by the International Energy Agency (IEA). The release was insufficient to ease fears of a prolonged conflict. Stephen Innes of SPI Asset Management said: “In trading desk language, the IEA release is the equivalent of pointing a garden hose at a refinery blaze.” The war has also intensified in Lebanon, with Israel conducting strikes and ground operations against Iran-backed Hezbollah, further destabilising the region. (With AFP inputs)
12 March,2026 06:33 PM IST | Dubai | mid-day online correspondentAt least 169 people have been killed and buried in a mass grave in South Sudan, two local officials told AFP Monday, the latest incident as the country sees a dramatic increase in violence. The desperately poor country has seen a surge in violence throughout the nation, as forces loosely allied to either the opposition or government troops under President Salva Kiir clash. Thousands have been displaced as a result. "A total of 169 bodies have been laid to rest in a mass grave," Elizabeth Achol, the minister of health in northern Ruweng Administrative Area, told AFP by telephone. The local information minister, James Monyluak, gave the same toll following the early Sunday morning attack but also warned "the figure may increase further if more bodies are discovered". He told AFP by phone that the dead included women, children and elderly people. Around 50 others were wounded and transferred to medical facilities in Abyei and Warrap State for treatment, Monyluak said. A diplomatic source told AFP the initial information over the Abiemnom incident indicated the attack was conducted by a Nuer group, potentially in revenge for the killing of some traders. No group has claimed responsibility for the incident. Monyluak said many residents had fled to nearby villages, while others had sought protection at the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) compound in the county. "The security situation has since stabilised, with government security forces deployed and now in control of the area," he added. A UNMISS spokesperson said following the violence, peacekeepers were "temporarily sheltering some 1,000 civilians within our base in the area and providing emergency medical care to the injured". This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
12 March,2026 05:00 PM IST | Nairobi, Kenya | AFPExplosions were heard in downtown Dubai as the West Asia war continues to intensify. As reported by news agency AFP, one very loud explosion was heard in Dubai on Thursday. As Iran continued its campaign against the Gulf in response to US-Israeli attacks, the situation now looks even more concerning. Furthermore, the correspondent saw small clouds of smoke rise above a residential neighbourhood, reported AFP. Blasts heard over Jerusalem and in Dubai Apart from explosions in Dubai, blasts were also heard over Jerusalem on Thursday. As per AFP, the explosion sounds were heard after the Israeli military reported missiles fired from Iran. Italian base attacked in Iraqi Kurdistan In another development amid the ongoing West Asia War, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said that there had been an "attack" on an Italian base in the Iraqi Kurdish city of Erbil, but there were no injuries, as per AFP. Italy has deployed soldiers in Erbil to train the Kurdistan security forces as part of an international force. Reportedly, drones were shot down on Wednesday over Erbil by US-led international forces based at Erbil airport, a Kurdish security source said. US-Israeli strike hits industrial area near Tehran In another instance, a US-Israeli attack struck an industrial area in Rabat Karim, located roughly 27km (17 miles) southwest of Tehran, Al Jazeera reported, citing Mehr News Agency. As per ANI inputs, the strike targeted the industrial outskirts of the capital during the early hours of Thursday. Local officials have been monitoring the situation closely as reports of the engagement surfaced through state-linked media. Regarding the specific impact of the raid, "The city's deputy governor said an abandoned warehouse was one of the targets struck." No further details on additional sites were immediately provided. Taking it to social media handle X, Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian reaffirmed his country's commitment to peace following discussions with the leaders of Russia and Pakistan. He stated that the only way to terminate the war, which he claimed has been "ignited by the Zionist regime and the US", is through the recognition of Iran's legitimate rights, the payment of reparations, and firm international guarantees against future aggression. The current conflagration was ignited on February 28, when the US and Israel launched joint strikes on Iran. Those operations resulted in the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, along with the country's top military commanders and numerous civilians. This latest strike occurs as the broader conflict between Iran, Israel, and the US enters its thirteenth day. In response to the ongoing violence, Iran on Thursday spelt out three specific conditions to end the war. (With inputs from AFP and ANI)
12 March,2026 02:12 PM IST | Dubai | mid-day online correspondentAn Indian sailor was killed after a US-owned crude oil tanker came under attack near Basra in Iraq on Wednesday, amid escalating tensions in the Persian Gulf region. The remaining 15 Indian crew members on board the vessel were safely evacuated and moved to a secure location, according to the Indian Embassy in Baghdad, reported news agency IANS. The tanker, Safesea Vishnu, sailing under the Marshall Islands flag, was reportedly targeted during an attack that involved underwater drones. Iranian authorities have claimed responsibility for the strike, which also damaged another oil tanker operating in the region, reported IANS. Indian Embassy confirms death of crew member In a statement posted on X, the Indian Embassy in Baghdad confirmed the death of one Indian sailor in the attack and said the remaining crew members had been safely rescued. “On March 11, 2026, a US-owned crude oil tanker Safesea Vishnu, sailing under the Marshall Islands flag, was attacked near Basra, Iraq, in which one Indian crew member unfortunately lost his life. The remaining 15 Indian crew have since been evacuated to a safe place,” the embassy said. Officials said the mission is in constant contact with Iraqi authorities and the rescued sailors to ensure their safety and provide assistance. The embassy also expressed condolences to the family of the deceased crew member, stating that it was extending all possible support to those affected by the incident. Two oil tankers targeted in Persian Gulf attack According to Iranian state broadcaster IRIB, the attack involved underwater drones that struck two oil tankers operating in the Persian Gulf, reported IANS. The vessels reportedly targeted were the Maltese-flagged tanker Zefyros and the Marshall Islands-flagged Safesea Vishnu. While the Safesea Vishnu is owned by the US-based company Safesea Transport Inc., the tanker Zefyros is owned by a Greek shipping firm. Reports indicated that one of the tankers caught fire after being struck in Iraqi territorial waters, raising concerns about maritime safety in the already volatile region. Rising threats to maritime traffic in Strait of Hormuz The attack comes at a time when security concerns have intensified across the Persian Gulf and surrounding waters. Iran had earlier warned that ships attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz could be targeted if they ignored Iranian directives. The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the most critical maritime chokepoints in the world, with nearly 20 per cent of global oil supply passing through the narrow waterway. Any disruption to traffic in the region has immediate implications for global energy markets and shipping routes. Despite the warnings, limited maritime traffic has continued through the route, though overall movement has declined sharply due to security risks and rising geopolitical tensions. Escalating conflict impacts global energy markets The latest incident comes amid the ongoing US-Israeli military campaign against Iran, which has entered its 12th day. The conflict has significantly heightened tensions across West Asia and increased risks for commercial shipping. In response to potential threats in the Strait of Hormuz, the administration of US President Donald Trump said American forces have taken steps to counter possible attacks and ensure maritime security in the region. The continuing conflict has already disrupted shipping routes and triggered sharp increases in global oil prices, as markets react to fears of supply disruptions from one of the world’s most important energy transit corridors. (With inputs from IANS)
12 March,2026 12:46 PM IST | New Delhi/Baghdad | mid-day online correspondentBahrain's Ministry of Interior has issued an urgent advisory to the public following a significant blaze in the Muharraq Governorate. Citizens and residents across Hidd, Arad, Qalali, and Samaheej have been instructed to "remain in their homes, close windows and ventilation openings" as emergency services manage the situation. According to the ministry, these directives serve as a "precaution against potential effects of smoke" resulting from the inferno. This local emergency follows an earlier report by Al Jazeera, which stated that Bahrain was responding to an Iranian attack on fuel storage tanks within the Muharraq Governorate. The regional volatility has already turned fatal, as a separate Iranian strike on Bahrain resulted in the death of one individual. As reported by Al Jazeera, this occurred amidst a broader wave of missile and drone interceptions across Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. The Bahraini Ministry of Interior confirmed on Tuesday that a 29-year-old woman was killed and eight others sustained injuries following a strike on a residential building in the capital city, Manama. This follows a previous drone attack on the island of Sitra, which left two people, including children, wounded. In response to the barrage, Bahraini authorities stated that their air defences have successfully neutralised 105 missiles and 176 drones launched by Tehran. The General Command of the Bahrain Defence Force asserted that its systems remain active in responding to these "heinous" Iranian attacks. Across the region, the conflict has intensified significantly. In the UAE, sirens were activated in Dubai, while officials in Abu Dhabi managed a fire at the Ruwais industrial complex caused by a drone strike. Simultaneously, Saudi forces downed two drones over the kingdom's eastern region, and Kuwaiti National Guard units intercepted six drones. Al Jazeera noted that Qatar's armed forces also successfully blocked a missile attack aimed at the country during this widespread escalation. Majed al-Ansari, spokesperson for Qatar's Foreign Ministry, stated that while Doha remains committed to diplomacy, any aggression would be "dealt with appropriately." This escalating violence coincides with comments from US President Donald Trump, who suggested the conflict might be a "short excursion". However, the US President later warned on social media that Washington would drastically ramp up its military response if Tehran attempted to obstruct the Strait of Hormuz. According to Al Jazeera, the persistent targeting of energy infrastructure has already caused a sharp spike in global oil prices. In Qatar, the inability to transport oil and gas through the Strait of Hormuz has forced a partial halt in production, with 17 ballistic missiles and seven drones intercepted on Tuesday alone. Energy giants are feeling the strain, with Bahrain's Bapco declaring force majeure after sustained strikes on its installations. Al Jazeera reported that Saudi Arabia's Shaybah oilfield, which yields one million barrels daily, has also faced relentless pressure, raising serious concerns regarding Gulf energy security. Consequently, Brent crude prices reached nearly USD 120 on Monday before settling around USD 90, marking a 24% increase since hostilities began on 28 February. Despite Iran halting tanker traffic through the strategic waterway, President Trump maintained a hardline stance. He vowed that any interference with the flow of oil would result in the US hitting Iran "TWENTY TIMES HARDER" than previous strikes. In a defiant retort published via Iranian state media, Ali Mohammad Naini, a spokesperson for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, countered the American position. He asserted that "Iran will determine when the war ends." This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
12 March,2026 12:45 PM IST | Manama | ANIADVERTISEMENT
-1773304310229_d.png "Explosion heard in Dubai downtown amid West Asia War. (Pic/AFP)")
