The US–Israel war on Iran entered its eighth day on Saturday, March 7, and continues to intensify, with huge overnight explosions reported across several locations in Iran, including the capital Tehran. The Israeli military said it carried out “large-scale” strikes on Tehran, while also targeting the southern suburbs of Beirut.
US President Donald Trump reiterated that Washington would only accept Iran’s “unconditional surrender”, warning there would be no deal to end the war without it.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard continued intensive missile attacks on Israel, coinciding with rocket fire from Lebanon’s Hezbollah. Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia were also targeted by fresh Iranian missile and drone attacks, most of which were intercepted with no casualties reported.
The Iranian Red Crescent said at least 1,332 people have been killed in Iran since the US-Israeli attacks began. Trump also announced an agreement with arms companies to increase the production of precision-guided munitions as the conflict continues to escalate.
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Trump considers deploying US ground forces to Iran: Report
8:41 am IST: US President Donald Trump has privately expressed interest in deploying US ground forces to Iran, according to a report by NBC News citing several sources.
The report said Trump discussed the idea with White House aides and Republican officials while outlining his vision for Iran after the war, including possible cooperation with Washington on oil production. However, the discussions reportedly focused on a small contingent of US troops for specific strategic missions rather than a large-scale ground invasion, and no decision has been made so far.
Bahrain activates sirens, urges residents to seek shelter
8:30 am IST: Bahrain’s Ministry of Interior said warning sirens were activated and urged citizens and residents to remain calm and head to the nearest safe place.
Iran launches fresh wave of missiles towards Israel
8:16 am IST: Iran has launched a new wave of missiles towards Israel, according to the Iranian Fars news agency. The latest barrage comes amid continuing escalation in the conflict following ongoing US and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets.
Iran urges UN chief to remain neutral amid ‘Israeli-American aggression’
8:08 am IST: Iran’s Foreign Ministry called on UN Secretary-General António Guterres to remain neutral, saying the country is facing “unjustified aggression from two nuclear states”.
The ministry criticised Guterres for focusing on the global economic impact of the conflict while, it said, hundreds of people have been killed in Iran in what it described as “Israeli-American crimes”. It added that the United Nations must fulfil its legal and moral responsibilities regarding what it called an “illegal war” against Iran.
India issues advisory for stranded tourists in Qatar
8 am IST: The Embassy of India in Doha has issued an advisory for Indian nationals stranded in Qatar due to flight cancellations between February 28 and March 7, 2026.
The embassy urged tourists and short-term visitors holding Hayya A1 visas to submit their details through an online form to help authorities determine the number of stranded Indian nationals who are not residents of Qatar.
Indian embassies issue safety alert for citizens in Qatar, Kuwait
7:50 am IST: The Indian Embassy in Doha said it has activated additional 24/7 helpline numbers to assist Indian nationals as the security situation in West Asia continues to deteriorate.
In a post on X, the embassy shared the following contact numbers: +974 55647502, +974 55362508, +974 55384683, and an email helpline. It also said the Indian Cultural Centre (ICC) and the Indian Community Benevolent Forum (ICBF) have set up helpdesks operating from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm to support the community.
Meanwhile, the Indian Embassy in Kuwait urged citizens to remain indoors and strictly follow instructions from the General Staff of the Armed Forces, especially if missiles or unidentified falling objects are observed.
US says it struck over 3,000 targets in first week of Iran war
7:35 am IST: The United States struck more than 3,000 targets during the first week of the war with Iran, the US military said.
US Central Command said the targets included command-and-control centres, air defence systems, missile sites, as well as Iranian navy ships and submarines.
US likely to approve USD 151.8M ammunition sale to Israel
7:22 am IST: The US State Department said it is likely to approve the sale of ammunition to Israel worth about USD 151.8 million.
It said Secretary of State Marco Rubio determined that the sale was in the interest of US national security and therefore waived the requirement for congressional review, citing an emergency situation requiring the immediate transfer of munitions.
Qatar Airways announces special repatriation flights from Doha
7: 15 am IST: Qatar Airways said it will operate a series of special repatriation flights on March 7 after the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority authorised a temporary safe operating corridor.
The flights will depart from Hamad International Airport in Doha to London, Paris, Madrid, Rome and Frankfurt. The airline said priority will be given to stranded passengers travelling with families, elderly travellers, and those with urgent medical or compassionate needs.
UK ready to support Saudi Arabia’s defence, Starmer says
7:06 am IST: UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Britain is ready to support the defence of Saudi Arabia after speaking with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman about the Israel–US war on Iran and its wider regional spillover.
Starmer added that additional British fighter jets, helicopters and a destroyer are being sent to the Middle East, while the two leaders also discussed expanding intelligence sharing.
Iran’s sole athlete to miss Winter Paralympics
6:55 am IST: The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) said Iran’s only athlete at the Winter Paralympics will not take part after being unable to travel due to the ongoing conflict.
Cross-country skier Aboulfazl Khatibi Mianaei, 23, was due to compete at the Games in Verona, Italy, but will miss the event after failing to reach the country. He had previously participated in the last two Winter Olympics and was scheduled to compete on Tuesday.
Saudi Arabia intercepts four drones heading towards Shaybah oil field
6:48 am IST: The official spokesman for the Saudi Ministry of Defence said air defences intercepted and destroyed four drones in the Empty Quarter that were heading towards the Shaybah oil field in the southeast of the Kingdom.
Sirens activated in Bahrain amid regional tensions
6:40 am IST: Bahrain’s Ministry of Interior confirmed that warning sirens were activated in parts of the country as a precaution amid the ongoing regional escalation.
Saudi Arabia intercepts ballistic missile targeting Prince Sultan Air Base
6:30 am IST: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defence confirmed that its air defences intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile launched towards Prince Sultan Air Base, located southeast of Al-Kharj city, with no casualties reported.
Israel launches ‘broad-scale’ strikes on Tehran
6:05 am IST: Israel’s military said it has begun a “broad-scale wave of strikes” targeting sites in the Iranian capital, Tehran. The announcement came as Iran’s state broadcaster reported an explosion in the western part of the city.
