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Diesel shipping at risk if urea supplies are disrupted: Automotive industry

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NEW DELHI: The automobile industry has warned the government that diesel vehicle operations and supply chain may be disrupted due to uncertainty in the supply of technical grade urea (TGU). Technical grade urea (TGU) is a key raw material for the production of diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) resulting from the conflict in West Asia.In a letter to the government, the Association of Indian Automobile Manufacturers warned that disruption in TGU imports due to transport issues in West Asia could affect the supply of DEF, which is mandatory under Bharat Phase VI to reduce emissions from diesel vehicles. The industry body said that “the TGU supply situation remains unclear beyond early April 2026” as route and port operations in the region face disruptions.

The report says that unless crude oil prices exceed $130 per barrel, gasoline and diesel prices are unlikely to rise

The letter pointed out that 50-60% of India’s TGU demand is currently imported through hubs such as Dubai and Egypt, and any disruption in DEF supply may have a wider impact on India’s transportation ecosystem.“All BS-VI commercial vehicles and large diesel buses are equipped with a mandatory engine interlocking mechanism which renders the vehicle inoperable if the DEF level is depleted,” it said.It asked the government to direct Gujarat Narmada Valley Fertilizers & Chemicals, the country’s only domestic TGU producer, to maximize production and prioritize DEF-made supplies until imports normalize. GNFC currently produces 15,000-20,000 tons of TGU per month, which only meets about 50% of the country’s needs, with the rest met through imports.In addition to the TGU, SIAM and the Automotive Components Manufacturers Association are seeking to ensure continued supplies of liquefied petroleum gas, piped natural gas and propane used in multiple vehicle manufacturing processes, warning that any restrictions could disrupt production and affect the wider automotive supply chain.The ACMA said exporters faced rising logistics costs and shipment delays, with export delivery times increasing by 2-4 weeks due to ship diversions, container shortages and rising insurance premiums.SIAM Director General Rajesh Menon said the geopolitical situation remains a concern for the automotive industry. “While March was festive in many parts of the country, recent conflicts in West Asia remain concerning from a supply chain perspective, which could impact manufacturing processes and exports,” he said.Industry executives also told TOI about emerging shipping disruptions. Ishwar Kumhar, co-founder and CEO of original equipment manufacturing startup Brandworks Technologies, said global shipping routes have changed due to the crisis, leading to occasional delays and freight rate fluctuations.

Amid Iran-US-Israel war, Air India and Indian Express add 62 flights to UAE and Saudi Arabia, bringing huge relief to travelers stranded in the Gulf

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Amid Iran-US-Israel war, Air India and Indian Express add 62 flights to UAE and Saudi Arabia, bringing huge relief to travelers stranded in the Gulf
Flight chaos eased: Air India, Air India Express add 62 flights to UAE and Saudi Arabia

As air travel grows significantly between India and Gulf air india Group consisting of Air India and Air India Express announces 62 additional flights connecting India and United Arab Emirates Saudi Arabia. The move comes as regional tensions in West Asia disrupt air timetables, leaving thousands of passengers scrambling to find alternative travel options.The additional flights are intended to restore connectivity and help stranded travelers return home or reach destinations in the Gulf region. The Gulf region is home to millions of Indian expatriates and remains one of the busiest international corridors for Indian airlines.

Why airlines are adding extra flights Iran VS US-Israel War

The decision to provide additional services comes amid escalating geopolitical tensions in the region during the Iran-US-Israel war, which resulted in widespread interference in Middle Eastern airspace. Flight cancellations, diversions and flight schedule restrictions have affected several airlines operating in South Asia and the Gulf region. For Indian airlines, the situation is particularly complex.Many airlines are already dealing with longer routes and higher costs due to the continued ban on the use of Pakistani airspace, and the latest crisis has added another layer of operational challenges. Against this backdrop, Air India Group has decided to increase services aimed at maintaining travel connectivity between India and key destinations in the Gulf while providing assistance to passengers affected by flight cancellations or delays.

62 additional flights, 80 total: What we know about Iran and the US-Israel war

According to the airline announcement, 62 additional non-scheduled flights will be added between India and key destinations in the Gulf region. The flights are in addition to existing scheduled services and are subject to slot availability and regulatory approvals from authorities in both countries.

Air India adds 62 flights to UAE, Saudi Arabia due to regional airspace disruption

Air India adds 62 flights to UAE, Saudi Arabia due to regional airspace disruption

Together with scheduled flights, the airline group plans to operate around 80 daily flights to West Asia, connecting major Indian cities and Gulf hubs. These routes primarily connect Indian cities to airports in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, the two most important travel markets for Indian airlines.In a major push to stabilize travel between India and the Gulf region, the Air India Group, which includes Air India Express, has increased its operations to about 80 flights in a single day, connecting India to key destinations in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. The service surge includes the addition of dozens of non-scheduled flights, aimed at serving passengers affected by recent regional disruptions and flight schedule fluctuations in West Asia.By significantly increasing capacity on key routes connecting cities such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Jeddah and Riyadh to Indian hubs such as Delhi and Mumbai, the airline group has effectively created an aviation lifeline for travelers caught in the uncertainty. The enhanced flights will not only help clear the backlog of stranded passengers but also underline the strategic importance of the India-Gulf air corridor, one of the busiest and most economically dynamic international travel networks for Indian airlines.

Serving major Gulf destinations during Iran-U.S.-Israel war

The expanded schedule focuses on some of the busiest routes between India and the Gulf, including:

  • Dubai
  • abu dhabi
  • Sharjah
  • Ras al Khaimah
  • Jeddah
  • Riyadh

These services are operated from major hubs in India such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kochi and Kozhikode. Some additional return flights include flights to Riyadh from Mumbai and Kozhikode, also reflecting travel demand between India and Saudi Arabia. In the UAE, the additional capacity covers multiple emirates, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah, ensuring travelers across the country have the option to return to India or continue their journey.The main goal of these additional flights is to assist passengers whose travel plans have been disrupted by flight cancellations and airspace restrictions. Thousands of travelers were stranded in the Gulf due to sudden changes in flight operations in early March. The airline has since been coordinating with aviation authorities to gradually restore connectivity and accommodate affected passengers.Air India is also proactively reaching out to passengers and offering free rebooking or refund options to those affected by flight disruptions. Passengers are advised to check flight status updates regularly as schedules may continue to change based on the evolving geopolitical situation.The increase in flights highlights the strategic importance of the India-Gulf air corridor, one of the busiest in the world. Millions of Indian expatriates live and work in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, creating continued demand for passenger flights throughout the year. Even minor disruptions can have knock-on effects throughout the travel industry because:

  • The Gulf region is an important transit hub for international flights.
  • A large migrant workforce regularly travels between India and the region.
  • Religious travel to Saudi Arabia, including Umrah pilgrims, significantly increases seasonal demand.

When tensions escalate in the region, airlines must quickly adjust flight schedules, reroute aircraft and coordinate with multiple airspace authorities to ensure safe operations. Air India’s move is part of a wider effort across the aviation industry to restore connectivity after weeks of disruption. Several airlines operating in the Gulf, including Emirates, Etihad Airways, flydubai and Air Arabia, have also begun gradually resuming or expanding services, although many are still operating at reduced frequencies.

Can Air India add 62 flights to ease travel chaos amid Middle East tensions?

Can Air India add 62 flights to ease travel chaos amid Middle East tensions?

Meanwhile, other Indian airlines have taken a different approach. For example, some airlines have canceled flights due to safety advisories or aircraft restrictions related to regional airspace conditions. The patchwork schedule reflects the region’s unstable aviation environment.

Rising costs amid war between Iran and US-Israel add to challenges for airlines

Airlines are not only facing operational challenges but also rising costs. Soaring fuel prices due to geopolitical tensions in the Gulf have prompted Air India to increase fuel surcharges on domestic and international flights in a phased manner starting March 2026. Airspace closures lead to longer routes, which also increase fuel consumption and flight times, further increasing airline expenses.For passengers planning to fly between India and the Gulf in the coming days, aviation experts advise:

  • Check flight status before heading to the airport.
  • Allow extra travel time as schedules may change suddenly.
  • Update your contact details with your airline to receive real-time notifications.
  • Consider flexible booking options whenever possible.

Authorities and airlines are continuing to monitor the situation closely and have said they will adjust operations if the situation changes. The addition of 62 flights highlights the importance of the India-Gulf air corridor, even in times of geopolitical uncertainty. By rapidly expanding capacity, the Air India Group is trying to stabilize travel routes and ensure passengers can continue to move between the two regions.For thousands of travelers, including migrant workers, tourists and business travelers, longer flight times could mean the difference between being stranded abroad and eventually returning home. As the situation in West Asia evolves, airlines are expected to continue to adjust their operations to balance safety, demand and connectivity in one of the world’s most dynamic aviation markets.

Highland Trampoline Park: What’s going on in Round Rock? Reports of shooting spark panic

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A shooting occurred at a high-altitude trampoline park in Round Rock on Saturday. Texastriggering fear. this Gym Located at 2800 S I-35 Frontage Rd #200.

Reports of a shooting at an elevation trampoline park in Round Rock have sparked fears. Images used for representational purposes. (no splash)
Reports of a shooting at an elevation trampoline park in Round Rock have sparked fears. Images used for representational purposes. (no splash)

The Round Rock Police Department released a statement regarding the incident. They wrote on the statement additional.

Scanner reports shared on X earlier indicated shooting It has happened, and multiple agencies are responding.

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“Working to get more details, but it appears MCI is present at Altitude Trampoline Park in Round Rock, Texas. Multiple agencies responded to reports of shots fired. There was also a 912 call from the Home Depot on the other side of I35,” one person wrote, sharing a screenshot of the scanner report.

People also expressed concerns about children’s safety on Facebook.

“Praying for all the babies, praying for all the kids who were shot at the Round Rock Heights trampoline park, I’m crying why no place is safe,” one person said. wrote.

other additional “Please keep families in your prayers. There was a shooting today at a children’s facility in Round Rock. My heart goes out to those kids and families. I can only imagine how scared they are. It’s heartbreaking to feel like we can no longer go anywhere without fear for safety. I’m truly grateful that my kids aren’t there, but my thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected.”

another person explain “Praying for all the children involved in the Jumping Heights shooting in Round Rock, Texas. My daughter and grandson spent the most horrific time of their lives there,” further stating “Thank God, no one was hurt.”

Meanwhile, videos from the scene were shared, showing a heavy police presence.

The account also claimed that a suspect appeared to be in custody.

Reaction to Highland Trampoline Park Incident

Several people were reacting to reports of a shooting at Highland Trampoline Park.

“My son was planning to go today…but the plan fell through. Then he told his mom that it was a good thing I didn’t go, and now I am more vigilant and let him go anywhere!!! He likes riding the Capital Metro with friends…I told him I heard there was a stabbing on the bus recently. Ughhh people just act like decent people!!!” one person wrote.

Another added: “There was no shooting and my niece was there and both were kids with poppers but they said the guns were confiscated.”

Another said: “I’m literally going to pick up my son’s friends and take them there.”

70 Iranian students returned home via Armenia and Dubai today

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DEHRADUN: Over 70 Indian students, mostly from J&K, who were stranded in Iran during the war, are scheduled to arrive at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport on Sunday after traveling through Armenia and Dubai, the Jammu and Kashmir Students’ Association said on Saturday. According to reports by Kajan Das, they are returning to business ties.“Indian students and pilgrims are traveling on a FlyDubai flight from Zvartnots International Airport in Yerevan, Armenia,” Nasir Khuehami, national convener of JKSA, said. He added that most of the people on board were students from Kashmir studying in different universities in Iran and said the first leg was expected to arrive in Dubai at 5 pm (local time). The passengers were scheduled to board another FlyDubai flight from Dubai to Delhi.

‘Explosion near hotel’: Indians recount horrific experiences of stranded passengers returning to India

‘8-0’: Pak selector Aaqib revives Shadab’s dig at legend during T20 WC

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'8-0': Pakistan selector Aaqib Javed revisits Shadab Khan's dig at legend during T20 World Cup
India vs Pakistan (AP Photo)

New Delhi: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officials on Saturday held a press conference to discuss the team’s performance in the T20 World Cup, among which indian national cricket team Keep winning championships. At a press conference, Pakistani electors Aqib Javed Talking about the team’s results, the long record against India in the ODI World Cup was also mentioned.Speak with former Pakistan players Misbah HaqSarfaraz Ahmed and Asad Shafiq Javed said Pakistan should not continue to use India’s record as an excuse.

IPL 2026 should be the audition for the next India T20I captain

“Failure to beat India in the World Cup is no excuse, the result was 8-0, even the best captain in the world has played from 1975 to 2026, so put that aside. In the Super 8 stage, a match was called off due to rain, we lost a match and nothing else happened,” he said.“Against Sri Lanka, it’s impossible to win by such a margin. We only lost one game. We were just outplayed in net run rate. It’s too much to make it such a big issue. It’s a big issue, but not so big that our cricket is destroyed or that we can’t compete anywhere in the world.”The discussion also brought back the earlier controversy involving Pakistan all-rounder Shadab Khan. During the match, Shadab responded strongly to criticism from former players after Pakistan lost to India in Colombo. When asked about the remarks made by former cricketers e.g. Shahid Afridi and Mohammad Yusuf, who pointed out that their team has never beaten India in a World Cup, unlike Pakistan’s victory over India in the 2021 T20 World Cup. Shadab is a member of the 2021 team.“Ex-cricketers have their own point of view. They (former players) are legends but even they couldn’t achieve what we have. We beat India in the World Cup,” he added.The message showed nothing but a lack of respect for past players, including Shadab’s father-in-law. Saklan Mushtaq.Sachlan himself expressed dismay at the remarks. “These are unpopular comments and most of the players I have played with have played with me. In fact, I am also one of those who have not won an ICC event but we have won several important matches, Tests and ODIs for Pakistan,” Sakran said on Pakistan Show.

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Iran renews threat of retaliation after US attacks on island military infrastructure

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Iran renews threat of retaliation after US attacks on island military infrastructure

Iran has warned that it will target oil and energy facilities in the Middle East linked to the United States if its own infrastructure is attacked, reiterating its threats after the United States bombed military targets at the key outpost on Khag Island. The semi-official Fars news agency quoted the central military command as saying that if Iran’s energy and economic assets were hit, “all oil, economic and energy facilities in the region belonging to oil companies partly owned by the United States or working with the United States will be immediately destroyed and reduced to ashes.” Following the attack on military assets, US President Donald Trump threatened further attacks on Iranian oil facilities on the island if Tehran continued to interfere with ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz. Khag Island is located off the coast of mainland Iran, deep in the Persian Gulf. The oil pipeline that terminates here is responsible for the vast majority of Iran’s energy exports, which are vital to the country’s economy. 15 explosions reported Fars separately reported that more than 15 explosions rocked the island, sending thick smoke into the sky. The agency said the attacks targeted the island’s air defense system, a naval base, an airport control tower and a helicopter hangar, but there were no immediate reports of any casualties or the extent of the damage. Ehsan Jahanyan, deputy governor of Iran’s southern Bushehr province, said “the daily lives and daily activities of residents have also been fully maintained” after the attack. He added that the attack did not cause any casualties among military personnel, company employees or residents of Kharg Island. The U.S. threat to strike one of the most critical pillars of the Islamic Republic’s economy marks yet another escalation in Tehran’s war with Israel and the United States. Trump said on Friday that the United States would continue to campaign for as long as necessary, while insisting that the campaign was “way ahead of schedule.” The president also said the U.S. Navy would begin escorting ships through the Strait of Hormuz “soon.” An unnamed U.S. official told The Associated Press that the U.S. military has sent 2,500 Marines to the Middle East with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit and the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli. Marine Expeditionary Forces are capable of conducting amphibious landings, but they also specialize in strengthening embassy security, evacuating civilians and providing disaster relief. ‘Haq raids from UAE’ Iran on Saturday issued evacuation warnings for three major ports in the United Arab Emirates, including the Middle East’s busiest, its first public threat to its neighbor’s non-U.S. assets as its war with the United States and Israel enters its third week. Iran said the United States used “ports, terminals and hideouts” in the United Arab Emirates to launch attacks on Iran’s Khargah Island, but did not provide evidence. It urged people to evacuate areas where U.S. troops were said to be sheltering. Hours after the threat was issued, there was no sign of an attack on the Middle East’s busiest port of Jebel Ali in Dubai or Khalifa Port in Abu Dhabi. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told MS NOW that the United States struck low-range artillery on the islands of al-Kharg and Abu Musa from two locations in the UAE, Ras Al Khaimah and “very close to Dubai,” calling them dangerous and saying Iran “will try to be careful not to attack any populated areas there.”

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Hager oil exports ‘normal’ Oil export operations were operating normally on the Gulf’s Khag Island on Saturday, a regional official said, after a U.S. attack on the crude export hub caused no casualties. Two oil tankers were anchored in Al-Kharg just hours after the U.S. attack, according to Tankertrackers.com, a company that specializes in satellite imagery to track ship movements. Both incidents took place on Saturday morning local time. Neither ship was there on Friday, its co-founder Samir Madani said. AP, Bloomberg, AFP

‘Heard Mojtaba Khamenei died’: Trump shares chilling claims about Iran’s supreme leader amid war

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president Donald Trump Provides insight into Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khameneistatus. There are reports that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s son and successor was injured in a US-Israeli attack. minister of defense Peter Heggs Claims Mojtaba was “injured” and “disfigured”. Iranian officials reported that he suffered injuries to his legs.

President Donald Trump shares insights into Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. (X/@AZ_Intel_)
President Donald Trump shares insights into Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. (X/@AZ_Intel_)

trump is Speaking He spoke to NBC News when asked about Iran’s new supreme leader. The Republican president gave an important update: “I don’t know if he’s still alive. So far, no one has been able to show him his condition.”

While Trump called the news of his death a “rumor,” the US president continued, “I heard he was dead and if he were alive, he should do something very smart for his country, which is surrender.”

ALSO READ | Iranian Revolutionary Guard official: The United States offers a reward of $10 million for information on Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

Mojtaba was elected supreme leader after a joint U.S.-Israeli airstrike killed his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Hegseth on Mojtaba Khamenei

Trump’s comments came after Hegseth had already lashed out at Khamenei, saying “Iran has a lot of cameras and tape recorders. Why a written statement? I think you know why. His father: dead; he’s scared, he’s injured, he’s on the run, and he lacks legitimacy.”

Mojtaba was supposed to issue a statement, but only a written statement was communicated. Additionally, a BBC Verify reporter noted that photos on his new social media accounts were edited with artificial intelligence, all of which fueled speculation about Mojtaba’s whereabouts. There are reports that he is still in Iran.

Donald Trump on Iran war

Meanwhile, Trump has shared more of his thoughts on the war with Iran. He said that while Iran was ready to make a deal, he was holding out because the terms were not yet complete.

“Iran wants to make a deal, but I don’t want to make a deal because the terms are not good enough,” Trump told the publication. Referring to the damage U.S. forces have inflicted on Iran’s war infrastructure, the president commented, “The only power they have, and it’s a power that can be turned off relatively quickly, is the power to drop mines or launch relatively short-range missiles. But when we finish building the coastline, they won’t have that power anymore either.”

He added: “We have destroyed most of their missiles. We have destroyed most of their drones. We have destroyed their missile and drone manufacturing to a great extent. Within two days, they will be completely destroyed.”

Trump also claimed that many countries are committed to helping the United States secure the Strait of Hormuz, but declined to name specific countries.

Wrong IT notification causes confusion, department says ignored

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New Delhi/Ahmedabad: income tax department Taxpayers across the country were urged on Saturday to ignore emails that incorrectly marked “significant transactions” in their advance tax e-campaign for Assessment Year (AY) 27, 2026. The advisory comes after several individuals, including thousands in Gujarat, reported receiving notices that were inconsistent with their financial status. In a post on X, the department acknowledged the error and said it was working with the service provider handling the communications system to resolve the issue. Officials said the emails, which were intended to remind taxpayers to review compliance portal information, contained incorrect or duplicate data for some recipients. “It has been reported that some taxpayers have received emails containing inaccurate details about ‘significant transactions’ they made as part of the ongoing tax advance e-campaign for the 2026-27 financial year,” the department said. The department apologized for the inconvenience and advised taxpayers to “please ignore” the email until the issue is resolved. The messages were originally sent after mapping PAN with advance tax, but an error resulted in “bulk messaging”, an official said. The fourth installment of advance tax is due by Sunday. In Gujarat, many taxpayers received erroneous notifications a day before the last deadline for advance tax payment, sparking confusion. The emails contained mismatched or impossible financial details, such as GST turnover for people who were not registered for GST, as well as identical transaction values ​​appearing for different people. CA Karim Lakhani said several taxpayers who did not have any prepayment tax liability were listed under the “significant transactions” category. “Taxpayers who do not have a GST number will receive notifications showing their GST turnover. In many cases, the value of transactions for different people is the same. The government has now clarified the error and asked people to ignore such emails,” he said.

Rawalpindi traffic police prank Pakistan batsman Aga after controversial dismissal

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Rawalpindi traffic police pranks Pakistan batsman Salman Ali Agha after controversial match against Bangladesh
Image source: Bangladesh Cricket Board

New Delhi: A dramatic moment in the second ODI between Pakistan and Bangladesh national cricket teams sparked huge controversy online after Salman Ali Agha was caught in a controversial knockout. The incident soon went viral and even the Rawalpindi traffic police joined the conversation and was inspired to issue a safety message.In Pakistan’s match, the dramatic exit happened when Agha batted for 64. Mohammad Rizwan bowled one to bowler Mehidy Hasan Miraz. The ball deflected off Aga and both batsmen tried to run. Miraz, however, reacted quickly and hit the ball off the stumps, catching him near Aga’s crease.The decision sparked a backlash on social media, with many fans debating whether the dismissal was fair or against the spirit of the game. The situation became even more dramatic when Agha showed clear frustration as he left the pitch. He threw away his helmet and gloves and gestured angrily at the Bangladesh bowlers, a moment that quickly went viral on the internet.Soon after, Rawalpindi traffic police used the viral incident to convey a message about safety and personal responsibility. They shared pictures from the competition and reminded people that awareness and quick thinking are important in sports and in daily life.“Whether on the road or on the playing field, safety starts with personal responsibility. Believe in yourself, stay vigilant, and make smart decisions to keep yourself and others safe,” it reads on the X.Police also added that being completely dependent on others can sometimes be risky. They stressed that making careful decisions, such as following traffic rules and being aware of your surroundings, can help protect everyone.

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Israel says Iran war enters ‘decisive phase’

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Israel says Iran war enters 'decisive phase'

Israel said its war against Iran was entering a “decisive phase” on Saturday, with explosions in cities across the Middle East and attacks on the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad and key energy facilities in the United Arab Emirates. Security sources said Washington’s embassy in Iraq was hit by a drone attack, the second time it has been targeted since February 28, when the United States and Israel attacked Iran, plunging the Gulf region into a conflict that has sent shockwaves through the global economy. Black smoke rose over Fujairah on Saturday, home to the UAE’s main oil storage and export terminal, shortly after the Iranian military warned Emirati civilians to avoid the port area. The Israeli military on Saturday warned of possible attacks on ambulances and medical facilities used illegally by Hezbollah in Lebanon, but provided no evidence to support the claim. “Ambulances are widely used by Hezbollah for military purposes as part of its terrorist activities,” Avichai Adraee, the Israeli military’s Arabic spokesman, told Channel X. Israeli attack 826 people have died in Lebanon since March 2 Israeli airstrikes have killed 826 people, including 65 women and 106 children, since the start of the war with Hezbollah, the Lebanese Health Ministry said on Saturday, adding that another 2,009 people were injured. A statement from the health ministry said 31 nursing staff had died, and authorities said the bodies of more health workers were found following a night strike at a medical center in the south of the country, adding to the earlier death toll.