At least one Chinese national was killed in an attack in Tehran, the capital of Iran, according to China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning confirmed the death and stated that Beijing has called for a ceasefire and diplomatic dialogue to resolve the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Mao Ning emphasized that the most urgent task is to stop military operations and prevent the spread of the conflict. She added that the crisis can only be resolved through dialogue and negotiation. The statement reflects China’s position on de-escalating tensions in the region amid continuing violence.

The incident underscores Beijing’s concern over the safety of its citizens abroad and its broader call for restraint and peace efforts across the Middle East.

U.S. President Donald Trump stated that he killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei before Khamenei could attack him, according to a report by ABC News journalist Jonathan Karl. Trump made the remarks enthusiastically during a phone conversation with the journalist on Sunday evening. Khamenei was reportedly killed on Saturday morning in a joint U.S. and Israeli strike in Tehran.

Jonathan Karl wrote on X that Trump told him Khamenei had tried twice to kill him, but Trump acted first. The conversation was part of ABC News’ coverage following the Iranian leader’s death. The report highlighted Trump’s claim that he preempted Khamenei’s alleged attempts.

The incident follows escalating tensions between the United States and Iran. Other reports mentioned that Iranian leaders remained defiant after Khamenei’s death, while NATO’s secretary-general said the alliance would not get involved in the conflict, and Spain refused to allow its bases to be used for attacks on Iran.

Emirates Airlines announced it will resume a limited number of flights starting Monday evening, following widespread flight suspensions across the Gulf region. The disruptions occurred after joint US and Israeli strikes on Iran entered their third day, prompting Iran to respond. The airline said passengers with prior bookings will be given priority on these limited flights, and those newly accommodated will be contacted directly by Emirates.

In its statement, Emirates urged passengers not to go to the airport until they receive official notification. The airline also confirmed that all other flights will remain suspended until further notice. The decision marks a cautious step toward restoring air travel in a region affected by escalating military tensions.

The partial resumption indicates that Emirates is monitoring the evolving situation closely while prioritizing passenger safety and operational stability amid ongoing regional conflict.

China has expressed firm support for Iran’s sovereignty and security as conflict spreads across the Middle East. According to state broadcaster CCTV, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi conveyed Beijing’s stance in a phone call with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi, emphasizing the historic friendship between the two nations. Wang said China fully supports Iran’s sovereignty, security, territorial integrity, and national dignity, and will stand by Tehran to protect its legitimate rights and interests.

Wang Yi urged the United States and Israel to immediately halt their military operations, warning against further escalation and regional spillover. In a separate call with Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi, Wang accused Washington and Tel Aviv of violating the UN Charter and deliberately provoking conflict against Iran. He added that China is ready to play a constructive role through the UN Security Council to promote justice and end the war.

During another conversation with France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, Wang voiced concern over global instability, warning that the world risks returning to a “law of the jungle.” He stressed that Iran’s nuclear issue must be resolved politically and diplomatically, not through military means.

Internet observatory NetBlocks reported that Iran has experienced an almost complete internet shutdown lasting over 48 hours. The disruption followed attacks on the United States and Israel, leaving communication systems across the country severely affected. According to NetBlocks, connectivity remains far below normal levels, with nearly the entire nation experiencing restricted access.

Analysts noted that internet shutdowns are a common government measure during times of national security concerns or political unrest to control information flow. Iran has previously imposed prolonged internet restrictions during major protests and periods of political tension.

Observers warned that the ongoing blackout is severely impacting citizens’ ability to communicate and share information. International monitors have expressed concern about the long-term negative effects on human rights and freedom of communication.

UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper has condemned the attack on a British military base in Cyprus, describing Iran’s recent assaults on Gulf and other nations as reckless and unjustified. In an interview with the BBC, she stated that those countries targeted by Iran were not involved in any attacks against it. Cooper also clarified that the United Kingdom itself was not involved in any strikes on Iran.

Although British aircraft did not participate in the attacks, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the UK would allow the United States to use British bases for defensive strikes against Iranian missile sites. When asked about the source of the attack on the Akrotiri base, Cooper said she did not yet have full information but that the ministry would release further details as soon as possible.

The incident follows reports that two drones heading toward the UK base in Cyprus were shot down, amid rising regional tensions involving Iran, Hezbollah, and other actors.

Iran’s Red Crescent Society reported that the death toll from United States and Israeli attacks across the country has risen to 555. In Tehran’s Niloufar Square, at least 20 people were killed in an Israeli strike that also damaged Gandhi Hospital and a police building. Explosions were also reported in eastern and western Iran, with fears that both military and civilian areas were targeted.

According to Iran’s Fars news agency, two people were killed in the central city of Sanandaj, where several residential buildings near a police station were destroyed. In the southern city of Minab, a joint US-Israeli strike on a primary girls’ school killed about 180 people. Al Jazeera reported that the attack occurred on Saturday, with updated casualty figures released Monday morning.

The widespread nature of the attacks and the high civilian toll have raised concerns about escalating violence across Iran, though official responses or international reactions were not detailed in the reports.

The United Kingdom is preparing to evacuate its citizens from the Middle East, according to Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper. She stated that around 300,000 British nationals have registered their presence in the region. Cooper told Sky News that the government is considering a wide range of options, including working with the travel industry and, if necessary, organizing official evacuation operations.

Cooper added that the British government hopes to see airspace reopen soon. In coordination with the travel sector, rapid deployment teams will be sent to ensure the safe removal of citizens. The statement comes as the UK monitors developments in the region and seeks to maintain readiness for potential emergency responses.

The move reflects growing concern over safety conditions in the Middle East, where recent incidents have heightened security risks for foreign nationals, prompting London to prepare contingency measures for its citizens.

Israeli army chief Herzi Halevi indicated that the ongoing conflict with Hezbollah in Lebanon could continue for several more days. He made the remarks in a video statement released on Monday, which was later shared on social media by the Israeli military. His comments followed a series of rocket attacks by Hezbollah on Israel and subsequent Israeli airstrikes on Lebanese territory.

According to Lebanon’s Ministry of Health, at least 31 people were killed and 149 others injured in the Israeli airstrikes. The ministry reported that many of the wounded were civilians and that hospitals across the country were treating the injured. Officials warned that the death toll could rise as several victims remained in critical condition.

The Israeli military described its operations as an offensive campaign against Hezbollah, signaling that the confrontation may persist as both sides continue cross-border attacks.

Several US military aircraft crashed in Kuwait on Monday, according to the country’s Ministry of Defense. The ministry confirmed that all crew members survived the incidents. Videos circulating on Monday showed one of the warplanes on fire as it descended.

CNN reported receiving footage showing a warplane crashing, with one pilot managing to eject safely. The crashes occurred within about 10 kilometers of the US Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait. However, it remains unclear how the aircraft went down or which branch of the US military they belonged to.

The US military has not yet issued any official comment regarding the crashes, and investigations into the cause have not been confirmed.

US President Donald Trump told The New York Times on Sunday that he has a short list of three names he considers suitable to lead Iran. He described them as 'very good choices' but declined to reveal their identities, saying he would not disclose the names until the process was complete.

The statement followed a joint US-Israel military operation launched on Saturday morning that reportedly led to the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several senior Iranian officials. Trump claimed that the attack killed 48 top Iranian leaders. The developments mark a major escalation in tensions between the United States, Israel, and Iran.

Further details about the potential leadership transition in Iran or the next steps in US policy were not disclosed in the report.

The Government of Bangladesh has assured full support for the crew of the national flag carrier vessel ‘Banglar Joyjatra’, currently stationed at Jebel Ali Port in the United Arab Emirates. In a video message on Monday, March 2, 2026, Minister of Shipping, Road Transport and Bridges, and Railways Sheikh Robiul Alam praised the sailors’ courage and professionalism amid a tense situation, calling their conduct a source of national pride.

The minister expressed hope that the ongoing crisis would soon be resolved, allowing the 31-member crew to continue their duties safely. He confirmed that the sailors’ families have been contacted and that Prime Minister Tarek Rahman is personally monitoring the situation through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Bangladesh Shipping Corporation (BSC) has established a special control cell at its Chattogram headquarters to support the crew and their families, maintaining regular virtual communication with the vessel.

The minister added that the Bangladesh Embassy in Dubai is overseeing the matter continuously, while local agents and expatriate entrepreneurs are on standby to assist if needed. Ensuring the sailors’ safety and morale remains the government’s top priority.

An Iranian Shahed-136 drone struck Saudi Arabia’s Aramco oil refinery in Ras Tanura, causing a temporary shutdown of operations. The attack led to a limited fire that was quickly brought under control, and no casualties have been reported so far.

The incident comes amid rising tensions in the Middle East, where Iran has recently launched missile and drone attacks targeting Gulf countries and Israel. The Ras Tanura refinery, located in eastern Saudi Arabia and operated by Aramco, is one of the world’s largest and most important oil export centers, processing over 550,000 barrels of crude oil daily. It includes extensive refining units, storage tanks, pipelines, and a major port for international oil shipments.

Given Ras Tanura’s central role in global energy supply, any disruption there could affect international crude oil prices and contribute to instability in the global energy market.

U.S. First Lady Melania Trump is set to preside over a United Nations Security Council meeting on Monday, marking the first time a First Lady will chair such a session. Her office stated that she will emphasize the role of education in promoting tolerance and advancing global peace. The announcement came shortly before the United States began military action against Iran.

UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric confirmed that this will be the first instance of a First Lady leading a Security Council meeting. The United States holds the rotating presidency of the Council for March. Melania Trump has previously engaged in diplomatic efforts, including advocating for the release of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia.

The development comes amid growing political and financial tensions between Washington and the United Nations. Analysts suggest President Donald Trump may be seeking to bypass the Council through his “Peace Abroad” initiative, which recently convened in Washington to discuss Gaza reconstruction funding.

Mansoureh Khojasteh, the wife of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has died after being injured in attacks carried out by the United States and Israel. The report was published by Al Jazeera on Monday, citing Iranian state media confirmation of her death. The attacks have been ongoing since Saturday, according to the source.

Earlier, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei himself was reported killed in the same series of US-Israel strikes on Iran. Iranian state media announced Khojasteh’s death on Monday, following days of continued assaults targeting the country.

The situation marks an escalation in hostilities between Iran and the United States-Israel alliance, with reports indicating sustained military action since the weekend.