Qatar was targeted by three cruise missiles launched from Iran, the country’s defence ministry said on Wednesday, April 1, adding that two were intercepted while the third struck an oil tanker leased to QatarEnergy.
In a post on X, QatarEnergy said the Aqua 1 crude oil tanker was struck early on Wednesday in Qatar’s northern territorial waters, adding that there were no injuries among the crew and no environmental impact. Authorities said all 21 crew members were safely evacuated.
This comes as the US–Israel war on Iran intensifies across the region on Wednesday, with fresh strikes, casualties and mounting diplomatic tensions reported on multiple fronts.
Mortal remains of Indians brought back from Kuwait
The mortal remains of 20 Indian nationals who died in Kuwait were brought back to India early on Wednesday, with a special Kuwait Airways flight landing at Cochin International Airport.
Grieving families and officials gathered to receive the bodies in an emotional homecoming.
Iran rules out talks with US
Iran said there are no negotiations with Washington despite ongoing indirect contacts.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said messages are being exchanged through intermediaries but do not amount to formal talks.
Iran internet blackout deepens
Monitoring group NetBlocks said Iran’s internet blackout has entered day 33, with connectivity at around 1 percent of normal levels.
The group said authorities have intensified restrictions, including a crackdown on satellite terminals, further limiting communication with the outside world.
Pope urges US to find ‘off-ramp’
Pope Leo XIV called on US President Donald Trump to identify an “off-ramp” to end the war, in a rare direct appeal to halt the widening conflict.
Speaking near Rome, the American-born pontiff said he understood that Trump had expressed a desire to end the war.
Report alleges IRGC used civilian areas for missile operations
A leaked internal directive from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) missile command reportedly shows that the use of civilian locations to conceal and support missile launch operations is embedded in operational planning, according to Iran International.
Israeli strike kills IRGC Quds Force figure
The Israeli military said it killed Mahdi Vafa’i, a senior engineering figure in Iran’s IRGC Quds Force, in a strike on Mahallat.
The Israel Defense Forces said he oversaw underground military projects in Lebanon and Syria, including infrastructure for Hezbollah and weapons storage over two decades.
Mosque attack in Zanjan leaves casualties
Iranian media reported that an attack on the Grand Hosseinieh of Zanjan killed three people and injured several others, with footage showing heavy damage and smoke at the site.
Strikes reported in Bushehr province
Iran’s Tasnim news agency reported multiple US and Israeli strikes in Bushehr province.
Targets included a meteorological facility, a poultry farm in Dashtestan and a site in Deylam county. Two Afghan workers were injured in one of the attacks.
Fresh explosions reported in Tehran
Explosions were heard in Tehran, according to Al Jazeera, as US strikes targeted underground facilities.
Iranian media also reported damage to a pharmaceutical site.
14 injured in Israel after missile attack
Israel’s emergency medical services said 14 people, including an 11-year-old girl, were injured in a missile attack attributed by the military to Iran.
The Israeli military said it had identified missiles launched from Iran towards Israeli territory for the first time in about 20 hours.
“EMTs and paramedics are providing medical treatment and evacuating to hospitals 14 casualties,” the Magen David Adom emergency service said in a statement.
Casualties rise across Israel
The total number of injured people in Israel has risen to 6,286, Al Jazeera reported, citing the country’s Health Ministry.
Nearly 104 people were injured and hospitalised in the past 24 hours following Iranian attacks.
Civilian casualties across region
In Lebanon, Israeli strikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs killed at least seven people and wounded several others.
In the UAE, a Bangladeshi national was killed after debris from an intercepted drone fell on a farm, raising the country’s death toll linked to the conflict.
Attacks spread across multiple fronts
Iran-backed groups expanded their involvement, with Yemen’s Houthis claiming a joint missile attack on Israel alongside Hezbollah.
Sirens were reported in northern Israel following drone infiltration, while Israeli forces said they struck Hezbollah operatives in Beirut.
Bahrain intercepts hundreds of drones, missiles
Bahrain’s Defence Force said its air defence systems have intercepted and destroyed 419 drones and 186 missiles since the start of Iranian attacks on February 28.
Saudi Arabia intercepts drones overnight
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defence said it intercepted and destroyed two drones in recent hours, bringing the total number downed overnight to four.
Kuwait and Gulf states affected
A drone strike hit a fuel tank at Kuwait International Airport, sparking a large fire, though no injuries were reported.
Kuwait has introduced alternative travel routes as its airspace remains closed.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has barred Iranian nationals from entering or transiting through the country, airlines said.
Kuwait’s NBK shuts headquarters temporarily
The National Bank of Kuwait said its headquarters will remain closed on Wednesday, April 1, and Thursday, April 2, in response to current developments.
The bank said services will continue through branches, ATMs and digital platforms to ensure uninterrupted access for customers.
Qatar Airways expands flights gradually
Qatar Airways said it is gradually expanding its flight schedule, increasing routes to over 120 destinations by mid-May.
The airline advised passengers to rely on official updates, noting schedules may change due to operational conditions and offering flexible rebooking or refunds.
Dubai warns of misinformation online
Dubai’s Government Media Office warned that misleading posts about the emirate are being circulated by accounts based outside the UAE.
Authorities urged residents to rely only on official sources, adding that most of the misinformation originates from other continents.
American journalist kidnapped in Baghdad
Iraq’s Interior Ministry said authorities are searching for US freelance journalist Shelly Kittleson, who was abducted outside a hotel in Baghdad.
A suspect has been arrested with links to the Iran-aligned Kataib Hezbollah militia, according to the US State Department.
Economic impact felt in India
Rising global energy prices are impacting India.
Fuel retailers raised aviation turbine fuel prices by 8.6 percent and commercial LPG by 10.4 percent in New Delhi, according to Indian Oil Corporation data, as the country faces a severe gas shortage.
Modi to chair high-level meeting on Iran war
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair a high-level meeting at 7 pm on Wednesday to review the Iran war situation and assess its impact on India.
