Live! New supreme leader in ‘one or two days’, says Araghchi as missile attacks continue

Oil tanker with 15 Indian crew struck off Oman coast as Hormuz tensions escalate

An oil tanker named Skylight, flagged to Palau, was struck approximately five nautical miles off the port of Khasab in northern Oman on Sunday, the first attack on a commercial vessel in the Strait of Hormuz since US-Israeli strikes on Iran. All 20 crew members were evacuated, with four injured. Of those aboard, 15 were Indian nationals and five were Iranian nationals.

In a separate incident, Oman's port of Duqm was targeted by two drones, one striking a mobile housing unit and injuring one worker, the other landing near fuel storage tanks without causing damage. The UK Maritime Trade Operations confirmed it was also investigating suspicious activity north of Oman.

The attacks signal a dangerous spillover into commercial shipping lanes. For India, which imports roughly half its crude oil through the Strait and has millions of nationals working in the Gulf, an attack on a vessel crewed predominantly by Indians brings the crisis uncomfortably close to home.

European Union's VP Kallas calls Khamenei death a 'defining moment', sees path to a different Iran

European Union's Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President Kaja Kallas on Sunday called the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei "a defining moment in Iran's history," saying it has opened a path the Iranian people may now have greater freedom to shape. "What comes next is uncertain. But there is now an open path to a different Iran, one that its people may have greater freedom to shape," she posted on X.

Kallas said she is in active contact with partners in the region, particularly those bearing the brunt of Iran's military actions, to find practical steps for de-escalation. Her post was accompanied by a graphic showing she had been in contact with foreign policy chiefs from Israel, at least six Arab nations, Turkey, and the G7 bloc.

The statement reflects the EU's careful balance — acknowledging the seismic nature of Khamenei's killing while pushing for restraint and diplomacy as Iran and the US-Israel axis exchange retaliatory strikes across the region.

Akhilesh Yadav urges India to take a stand on Iran war, demands government clarify its position

Samajwadi Party president and Kannauj MP Akhilesh Yadav on Sunday called on the Indian government to clearly state its position on the escalating conflict in Iran, asking whether it stands with war or with peace. "In these circumstances of deadly attacks and war targeting everyone from the most prominent figures to ordinary citizens of any country, our country's government should clarify its stance on this international issue," he said, adding that as a neutral country, India must spell out what diplomatic efforts it is making to stop the war and restore peace.

The former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister also raised concern over the reliability of information emerging from the conflict zone, urging the government to verify war-related news at every possible level and place the truth before the public. "Wartime news is often part of strategy, which is why their verification is necessary," he said.

Akhilesh also issued a broader appeal for global responsibility, saying the killing of innocent civilians alongside prominent figures was "extremely regrettable." "The killing of humanity along with human beings is extremely regrettable. Every country should behave responsibly," he said.

Putin calls Khamenei killing a 'cynical murder'

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday condemned the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as a "cynical murder," sending a letter of condolence to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian published by the Kremlin. "Please accept my deep condolences in connection with the murder of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Seyed Ali Khamenei, and members of his family, committed in cynical violation of all norms of human morality and international law," Putin wrote.

Putin said Khamenei would be remembered in Russia as "an outstanding statesman who made a tremendous personal contribution to the development of friendly Russian-Iranian relations," bringing them to the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership. He asked Pezeshkian to convey his "most sincere sympathy and support" to Khamenei's family and the Iranian people. The Kremlin said Putin also spoke directly with Pezeshkian as part of his continued efforts to de-escalate regional tensions.

The condolences underscore where Moscow stands in the deepening conflict. Russia had on Saturday already condemned the US-Israeli strikes as "a preplanned and unprovoked act of armed aggression against a sovereign and independent UN member state," demanding an immediate halt to the military campaign and a return to diplomacy. The Kremlin's ties with Tehran have deepened significantly since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, with Iran accused of supplying Moscow with drones used in the conflict.

Israel Katz says IAF aircraft now flying 'stand-in' over Tehran in major escalation

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz announced on Sunday that Israeli Air Force aircraft are for the first time operating in "stand-in" mode over the skies of Tehran — meaning aircraft are flying directly over their targets rather than launching weapons from a distance. 

"From now on, a non-stop air train will operate for a powerful attack on targets in Tehran," Katz posted on X, signalling that continuous strikes on regime and suppression targets in the heart of the Iranian capital are now underway as part of Operation Roaring Lion, approved by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Reports from Tehran described explosions in multiple areas of the city, with large clouds of dense smoke rising from several parts, including around the landmark Azadi Tower in western Tehran. Iranian state media reported multiple explosions in the north and west of the city, and the Iranian Red Crescent confirmed airstrikes near its headquarters and several hospitals.

IEA monitoring Middle East crisis for impact on global oil and gas markets

International Energy Agency Executive Director Fatih Birol said on Sunday that the IEA is actively monitoring developments in the Middle East and their potential implications for global oil and gas markets and trade flows.

"Markets have been well supplied to date," he said in a post on X, offering a measure of reassurance amid rising tensions following the US-Israeli strikes on Iran. Birol added that he is in direct contact with ministers from major producers in the region as well as IEA member governments to assess the evolving situation.

Mirwaiz condemns Khamenei killing, backs shutdown call in Kashmir

Kashmir's chief cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Sunday expressed deep sorrow and outrage over the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Syed Ali Khamenei, holding the US and Israel directly responsible. "Deeply saddened and outraged at the brutal killing of Iran's Supreme Leader by the US and Israel that has shaken the Muslim world," he said, adding that the people of Jammu and Kashmir collectively condemn the aggression against Iran and the "massacre of innocent girl students in Minab."

Mirwaiz called on the Muslim world to unite in solidarity. "This is a moment for the Ummah to rise above divisions and stand united and register our protest and solidarity against this killing and the continued aggression in the region," he said. "In this hour of immense sorrow, our hearts beat with the resilient people of Iran. May Allah grant strength to the oppressed, elevate the martyrs, and bring swift justice to those responsible."

The Mutahida Majlis-e-Ulama, which Mirwaiz heads, has called for a complete strike on Monday. He urged the people to observe it "with unity, dignity, and complete peacefulness."

Iran forms temporary Leadership Council to fill void left by Khamenei's death

Iran has established a temporary Leadership Council to carry out the Supreme Leader's functions until the Assembly of Experts elects a permanent successor following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Cleric and Guardian Council member Alireza Arafi has been appointed as the body's jurist member, joining President Masoud Pezeshkian and Supreme Court Chief Justice Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei on the three-member council. The interim arrangement signals Tehran's efforts to maintain institutional continuity amid the crisis triggered by the US-Israeli strikes.

CPI(M) condemns Khamenei killing, urges India to rally Global South against US-Israel

CPI(M) General Secretary M A Baby on Sunday condemned the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as "utterly reprehensible," saying the US and Israel had violated Iran's national sovereignty and international law. While acknowledging differences with certain measures of the Iranian government, Baby said the assassination was an act of imperialist aggression. "This is the same kind of tactic that the US has time and again used in Latin America and elsewhere," he said, drawing comparisons with Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya, and Syria.

Baby charged that the American military-industrial complex was "the biggest threat to world peace," pointing to the exposed lies about weapons of mass destruction in Iraq and the devastation wrought on multiple nations by US intervention. He said the US-Israel axis had pushed Iran into taking countermeasures by committing excesses that the world could not ignore.

He called on the Government of India to take a leading role in mobilising the Global South. "India should play a lead role in rallying all democratic voices together so that there is a cessation of violent attacks and countermeasures," he said, urging New Delhi to voice the "highest condemnation" of the ongoing strikes.

Sanjay Singh calls Khamenei 'true friend' of India, asks Modi to speak out

AAP Rajya Sabha MP and national spokesperson Sanjay Singh on Sunday paid tribute to slain Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, calling his death "the end of an era" and describing him as "a true friend" of India. He said Iran had consistently stood by India — voting in its favour on the Kashmir issue, providing energy security, and supplying affordable oil — and called on the government to clarify its stance as Iran faces crisis.

ख़ामेनेई का जाना एक युग का अंत है।
भारत ने अपना एक सच्चा दोस्त खो दिया है।
खामेनेई जी को विनम्र श्रद्धांजलि।
ईरान भारत का परम्परागत मित्र है, उसने पाकिस्तान के ख़िलाफ़ हमेशा हमारा साथ दिया,
कश्मीर के मुद्दे पर भारत के पक्ष वोट किया, ऊर्जा क्षेत्र में भारत को सुरक्षा प्रदान की,… pic.twitter.com/HBGDbBKvNg

— Sanjay Singh AAP (@SanjayAzadSln) March 1, 2026

Singh also launched a sharp attack on what he called American aggression. "The global tyrant America must be stopped — after Venezuela, who is next, Iran?" he said, warning of the broader implications of unchecked US and Israeli military action.

Turning his fire on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Singh demanded a public response. "Say something about the tyranny of America and Israel, Modi ji — you are not Vishwaguru, you are Guru Ghantali," he said, questioning the PM's silence on the strikes.