Page 16 – THE LOCAL REPORT ARTICLES

UAE flights resume but not fully: 5 airlines start limited services amid Iran, US, Israel conflicts

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March 5, 2026

UAE flights resume but not fully: 5 airlines start limited services amid Iran, US, Israel conflicts

Stuck in the UAE? Conflicts between Iran, the United States, and Israel have led to continued chaos in the airspace, with five airlines operating “limited flights”

As conflicts between Iran, the United States, and Israel escalate, airspace restrictions spread around the world middle EastMajor UAE airlines including Emirates, Etihad Airways, flydubai and Air Arabia have been forced to operate only limited flights, while most scheduled flights remain suspended. The move is part of wider safety and operational precautions amid regional instability affecting aviation hubs in the Gulf region.

what happened United Arab Emirates Flight operations in the Iran-U.S.-Israel conflict

Scheduled commercial flights across the UAE were suspended as military tensions triggered regional airspace closures, including airspace managed or influenced by Iran, Iraq, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. In response, authorities and airlines have begun a gradual, controlled resumption of flights using emergency air corridors, aiming to maintain safety while providing some relief to stranded passengers.The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) reports that flights are currently flying through carefully designated emergency corridors at a rate of about 48 movements per hour. If the security situation develops positively, this capability may be expanded further. Limited coverage flights have reportedly transported more than 17,000 passengers, including repatriation and essential departure flights, across UAE airports since March 2026.The next phase of operations targets around 80 flights per hour, with the potential to carry around 27,000 passengers per day once arrangements are fully expanded. Despite these efforts, most regular commercial services remain suspended. For example, Emirates has extended the suspension of all scheduled flights until mid-March as part of its ongoing assessment of safety and airspace conditions.

Why only limited flights operate in UAE during Iran, US, Israel conflict

The limited flights are part of emergency aviation measures taken in coordination with civilian and military authorities to balance two key priorities:

Keep passengers safe – Following an escalation in violence involving Iran, the United States and Israel, some Gulf states have implemented partial or total airspace closures, disrupting normal flight routes and posing risks to civilian aircraft. Operating a full schedule under these circumstances could compromise safety, especially when airspace restrictions change rapidly.
Managing humanitarian and evacuation needs – Limited flights prioritize the repatriation of stranded residents, citizens and foreigners, as well as emergency travel needs. Charter, cargo and repositioning flights have been approved, along with a core range of scheduled services to meet safety standards and confirmed passenger demand.

Airlines are only allowing passengers with confirmed reservations to enter the terminal, and airport authorities are urging travelers not to travel to the airport unless specifically informed by the airline. This helps prevent overcrowding and unnecessary potential risks.

Which Emirates airlines have limited service during Iran, US, Israel conflicts

Emirates Airlines: Flights with a small number of affected passengers will be prioritized and most scheduled flights suspended. Due to the continued closure of regional airspace, all Emirates scheduled flights to and from Dubai will be suspended until 11:59 am (UAE time) on March 7. The airline is currently operating with limited hours and is prioritizing passengers with confirmed bookings. Transit passengers will only be accepted if connecting flights are available. Passengers are strongly advised not to travel to the airport unless they hold a confirmed booking or receive direct notification from Emirates. You can get real-time updates at emirates.com or by signing up for email alerts. Emirates reiterated that the safety of its passengers and crew remains its top priority. City check-in facilities are temporarily closed until further notice.
Etihad Airways: Repatriation, resettlement and some limited services are being coordinated with authorities; scheduled air services to many destinations remain suspended. All scheduled commercial services to and from abu dhabi Suspended until March 5, 2026 at 2:00 pm. Subject to strict regulatory and safety approvals, some repositioning, cargo and repatriation flights can operate. Passengers should verify their flight status on etihad.com and ensure their contact details are updated. Tickets issued on or before February 28, 2026 for travel before March 10 can be rebooked for free until March 31, 2026. Refunds can be processed online or through a travel agency.
flydubai: Dubai International Airport’s main terminal has partially resumed operations, but regular capacity is still limited. Operations have resumed with limited flights at Dubai International Airport (DXB) Terminals 2 and 3 as of March 3, 2026. Passengers affected by recent flight disruptions will be prioritized for rebooking. Only passengers with confirmed reservations can proceed to the airport. Customers are advised to update their contact details via ‘Manage Your Booking’ and monitor communications from flydubai or its travel agents. The rebooking policy includes free rebooking to the same destination within 20 days of the original travel date, as well as assistance through the flydubai contact center (+971 600 54 44 45), travel shops or agents
Air Arabia: Flights to and from Sharjah and other UAE airports are temporarily suspended, but special and emergency services may operate in coordination with authorities. Air Arabia flights to and from the UAE remain suspended until Monday, March 9, 2026 at 3:00 pm (UAE time). A limited number of flights are operating subject to safety and regulatory approvals. We will contact affected passengers directly. Others are advised not to travel to the airport unless notified. Rebooking and refund options include one free date change within 15 days, a full credit voucher, and a full refund to the original method of payment. Passengers should monitor flight status updates regularly and ensure their contact information is up to date.
air india express: Operations resume: Flights to and from Muscat resumed on March 5, with additional flights between Muscat, Delhi and Mumbai. The airline also operates special flights from the following cities: Ras Al Khaimah Flights will connect Delhi, Kochi and Mumbai until March 7. Passengers are advised to check their flight status and ensure their contact details are updated in their PNR. To rebook or cancel, travelers can visit airindiaexpress.com/manage-booking or use the airline’s chat and WhatsApp support services.

Meanwhile, several international airlines have also begun restricting departure or repatriation flights in and out of the UAE, including regional airlines and some long-haul flights, but these remain the exception rather than the rule. The disruption is not limited to the UAE. Across the Gulf, airspace closures and flight cancellations have affected thousands of services. Tens of thousands of flights have been canceled around the world, with major hubs such as Dubai International Airport, Abu Dhabi Zayed International Airport and Doha Hamad International Airport severely affected.Airspace restrictions are affecting flights from Europe, Asia and the United States, redirecting long-distance travel and causing cascading delays around the world. Travel advisories from countries including the United States and India urge citizens to find alternative routes home or arrange special flights to leave if possible. This situation is constantly evolving and airlines are adjusting operations in real time based on the safety outlook and regulatory guidance from aviation authorities.

What passengers stranded in UAE amid Iran, US, Israel conflict should know

Only confirmed travelers are allowed to go to the airport, otherwise travelers may be turned away due to access restrictions.
Since flight schedules can change quickly, always check flight status via the airline’s official app or website.
Airlines are offering rebooking and refund options to affected passengers and offering flexible policies to help manage the disruption.
Safety remains a top priority and airlines will only expand operations if authorities deem it safe.

The UAE aviation industry is in a cautious phase of limited recovery, balancing the urgent need to move stranded passengers with the imperatives of safety amid wider regional airspace disruption caused by the Iran-U.S.-Israel conflict.

CNN reporter’s on-set ‘gaffe’ while covering Iran war in Israel goes viral; ‘Did she admit to censorship?’ | Watch

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CNN reporter’s on-set ‘gaffe’ while covering Iran war in Israel goes viral; ‘Did she admit to censorship?’ | Watch

With the exchange between missiles Iran Confrontation with Israel has intensified, and the CNN reporter’s remarks during the live broadcast triggered strong reactions online. The moment came during coverage iranian missiles The attack and the launch of Israeli interceptors, when journalists said some locations could not be shown due to restrictions, sparked debate over media restrictions and heightened tensions in the conflict.

CNN accepts Israeli media restrictions during missile coverage: 'We're not allowed' (AP) — CNN accepts Israeli media restrictions during missile coverage: ‘We’re not allowed’ (AP)

CNN reporter mentions Israeli media restrictions on broadcasts

Reporting live from Tel Aviv, CNN reporters spoke about restrictions on media coverage during the missile attack. The reporter allegedly said on the radio: Israel The government does not allow journalists to show certain locations, particularly where interceptor missiles were launched.

The remarks quickly attracted attention because they appeared to publicly hint at restrictions on Israeli media coverage during wartime.

CNN reporter said: “We’re not going to show you… because Israel The government doesn’t allow us or doesn’t want us to show where this information might come from…”

Another user urged reporters not to hesitate, saying: “@CNN Report the truth. Don’t hesitate! It’s your responsibility as journalists.”

However, some observers said the restrictions showed there was a simpler reason behind where the missile hit.

“This is actually much simpler, for operational security reasons the Israeli government does not want to see video of where the missile hit. It would allow Iran to verify if the missile/drone hit the target. This would be advantageous,” one user wrote.

Iran launches new round of missiles after ‘all clear’

Minutes after Israel issued the all-clear, Iran launched a new round of ballistic missiles, triggering alerts in Tel Aviv and Beersheba. As casualties continue to mount in Beit Shemesh, doubts are growing whether the IDF and Iron Dome are overwhelmed.

Iran allegedly attacks prime minister’s office Benjamin NetanyahuIsraeli President Isaac Herzog warned Tehran and its proxies not to expand the war as the Israel Defense Forces launched new “broad” strikes against regime targets.

‘America first or Israel first’: Iranian President Ali Larijani accuses Trump of dragging US into ‘unfair war’

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March 5, 2026

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‘America first or Israel first’: Iranian President Ali Larijani accuses Trump of dragging US into ‘unfair war’

Iran’s top security official Ali Larijani accused US President Donald Trump of dragging Americans into what he called an “unfair war” with Iran and declared that Tehran would not negotiate with Washington amid an escalation in the conflict.Larijani, chairman of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, made the remarks after the United States and Israel launched violent attacks on Iranian targets over the weekend. The confrontation sharply escalated tensions in the region. In the same post, Larijani warned that Iran would retaliate following reports of the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and vowed that there would be a “heavy price” for his death.“Mr. Trump, with Netanyahu’s antics, has dragged the American people into an unfair war with Iran. Now let him do the math: with over 500 US troops killed[in the past few days]is this still ‘America first’ or ‘Israel first’? The saga continues. The martyrdom of Imam Khamenei will cost you dearly. God willing,” he said in a post on X. The latest exchanges come after a wave of attacks by U.S. and Israeli forces on Iranian facilities, escalating hostilities as nuclear talks between Tehran and Washington stalled. Larijani accused Trump of destabilizing West Asia, saying the U.S. president’s actions had plunged the region into chaos and put U.S. troops at risk. Since then, the conflict has expanded. Iran launched new strikes against Israeli and US military bases in the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan and Saudi Arabia. Tehran also blocked the strategic Strait of Hormuz, sending global oil prices soaring. The U.S. military has confirmed that six U.S. personnel have been killed so far. Iran’s Red Crescent said at least 787 people were killed in U.S. and Israeli attacks, while Israel reported a death toll of 11.

Israel attacks less as war with Iran intensifies, but so does aid to Gaza

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Israel attacks less as war with Iran intensifies, but so does aid to Gaza

In a makeshift tent in Gaza City, displaced Palestinian Jamal Abu Mohsen said bombs are falling less frequently these days.

Since Israel launched a military campaign against Iran and expanded into Lebanon, the 33-year-old Palestinian has noticed a calm in the ravaged Palestinian territory.

“Air strikes have decreased,” Abu Mohsen told AFP from his tent in northern Gaza.

But quiet is relative.

Abu Mohsen said that despite the ceasefire brokered by the United States since October 10, explosions are still occurring in the Gaza Strip.

Explosions of house demolition and shelling echoed throughout the territory, accompanied by the constant drone of warplanes and reconnaissance drones overhead.

Israeli forces killed a woman and wounded another in the Al-Mawasi area on Saturday, and injured “several others” in live fire in the center of the Al-Bureij refugee camp, according to Gaza’s civil defense agency.

But for Abu Mohsen and other Gazans, daily life has become more difficult since the war with Iran began and borders have tightened again.

On Saturday, Israel closed all entry points into the Palestinian territories for several days as the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran.

Gaza’s main gateway to Rafah on the Egyptian border remains closed, although the Kerem Shalom crossing reopened on Tuesday.

“Israel is taking advantage of the world’s attention on Iran’s war and increasing restrictions on Gaza,” Abu Mohsen said.

-“Want to live like a human being”-

In the southern coastal district of Al-Mawasi, 59-year-old Abdullah al-Astal said new shortages of daily necessities masked the impact of fewer strikes.

“Israeli bombing has indeed decreased a lot, but Israel is preventing food aid and fuel from coming in,” Astal told AFP.

For him, geopolitics is less important than his ability to live with dignity.

“Personally, I don’t care” about slain Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei or anyone else, he said. “I do not support Iran, whether it supports Gaza or not.”

“We want to live like humans.”

Gaza relies almost entirely on aid trucks to deliver food, medicine and fuel. When border crossings close, even briefly, local markets react immediately.

A source at Gaza’s crossing authority confirmed to AFP that a “small number of trucks” were able to enter Gaza through Kerem Shalom on Wednesday, but his agency had not received formal notification of the crossing’s opening.

The source added that Israeli authorities informed them that Rafah would remain closed until further notice.

The Office of the United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process (UNSCO) reported that 500,000 liters of fuel entered Gaza through Kerem Shalom on Tuesday.

Even so, the damage has been done.

“What we saw was an immediate increase in prices,” UNICEF spokesman Jonathan Krikes told AFP.

“The prices of the most basic necessities, like food, soap, etc., have increased by 200 or 300 percent,” he said, adding that “it really shows Gaza’s extreme vulnerability and extreme dependence on external aid.”

– rush sale –

Felipe Ribeiro, head of mission for the medical charity Medecins Sans Frontières in the Palestinian territories, said Gazans were stocking up on essentials after Kerem Shalom reopened on Tuesday.

He said there was “hyperinflation in prices within days” in part because of Gaza’s low storage capacity, and disruptions to the flow of goods could quickly create shortages.

In a displacement camp in Gaza City, retired teacher Safiya Hammouda described panic buying at the start of Iran’s war.

“From the first day of the war in Iran, people were scared and started buying anything in the market. Basic goods were available but they were starting to run out,” she told AFP.

Although the shelling has eased in recent days, she said, “Gaza has been completely ignored.”

“They want to destroy Iran and turn it into a devastated country like Gaza, unable to provide food and life,” she said, referring to the utter devastation in the area, where the United Nations said in October 2025 that 81 percent of buildings had been damaged.

Mohammad Hiru said in a tent set up in the school compound that the prices of some goods had doubled or more in a matter of days.

“I think the world will forget about Gaza and no one will pay attention to our suffering,” he said.

az-lba-jd/smw

This article was generated from automated news agency feeds without modifications to the text.

‘I saw missiles’: Indian woman on first evacuation flight recounts tense days in Dubai

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‘I saw missiles’: Indian woman on first evacuation flight recounts tense days in Dubai

NEW DELHI: An Indian national returning to India from Dubai on one of the first flights to resume air travel has described tense nights, emergency alerts and uncertainty as conflicts in the Middle East disrupt travel in the Gulf. Saumya Khandelwal, who traveled to Dubai on business, said she experienced missile sirens and saw debris during the escalation of hostilities between Iran, the United States and Israel. “I saw the missiles, and we saw the debris. And then we also saw, in the middle of the night, the government that sent us there also got an alarm, the alarm went off, telling us to go to shelters or to the basements of hotels,” she said. “It was 12:13 at night and suddenly our phones went off with a huge alarm and we had to rush to the basement.”

“I saw missiles…” | Indians breathed a sigh of relief after arriving in India

Khandelwal arrived in Dubai on Wednesday and was due to return to India on Saturday, but her plans were disrupted due to airspace restrictions imposed due to rising tensions in the region. “I went on Wednesday and was supposed to come back on Saturday. In the afternoon we learned that the space was closed,” she said. As the situation develops, authorities are asking travelers to stay indoors. “The authorities asked us to stay in the hotel and not roam the streets. We are in the hotel. The situation there is very scary. We are very nervous.” Despite the uncertainty, she said local authorities and residents had offered support to stranded travelers. “The government is very cooperative and the people there are very welcoming. Everyone around was fully cooperative. They opened their homes to the people there. “ The Indian Embassy in the UAE has also remained in touch with citizens during the crisis. “We’ve had a lot of calls, if you need any help, if we need any help, any type of help, they’re here to help,” she said. “I received about two or three calls from the Indian embassy.” Sirens and missile sirens created an atmosphere of fear, she said. “I’m so scared I don’t think I’ll be able to move out of the UAE for at least the next two to three weeks.” Her family in India is also feeling anxious as events unfold. “It was just a four-day work trip and no one expected something like this to happen in the UAE.” Khandelwal said daily life in Dubai was largely panic-free, although tensions remained high. “On Monday, the city was functioning normally. People were on the road, doing their daily chores. The grocery store is open. “ “There was no panic at all, that’s the best part. The taxis ran smoothly, the hotel ran smoothly.” She also said hotels and airlines have avoided raising prices during the crisis. “You’ll be happy to know there’s no surge pricing. Our prices have remained the same for the past four days.” “Emirates didn’t even raise a penny. I came back at a very nominal price.” Residents and businesses have also stepped up to help stranded travelers, especially during Ramadan. “People were handing out food there because it was Ramadan. They didn’t want to ruin the festive atmosphere of the place.” “Some companies open houses for free. Anyone who wants to come can stay and stay peacefully until flights resume.” When flights finally resumed, Khandelwal managed to find a seat on the Emirates flight and rushed to the airport. “As soon as Emirates takes off, I have 15 minutes. I have to be at the airport by 6:30.” Passengers remained anxious until the plane finally took off. “Our flight was stuck on the runway for about 45 minutes and I was just waiting for God willing, the flight had to take off.” After taking off, the cabin suddenly breathed a sigh of relief. “Everyone on the plane was yelling and calling their families when they landed. It was a very happy atmosphere. I almost cried that time. “ Khandelwal also dismissed reports of a large-scale attack in downtown Dubai. “I myself am in downtown Dubai. I am in Business Bay, which is one of the most crowded areas.” “There were no explosions around. The explosions mainly occurred on the airport side and also on the coast side.” Looking back on the experience, she said calmness and faith helped her get through tense situations. “My main takeaway is please have faith in God because that keeps me going.” She also expressed confidence that authorities would continue to assist Indians in the Gulf region. “The government has been very, very cooperative. If you have any questions, you can talk to the people around you and they’re all calm.” “I am sure that our relationship with the UAE government is very good and they will rescue Indians who are in trouble.” Despite her ordeal, Khandelwal said she plans to return to the UAE once the situation stabilizes. “As soon as the matter is resolved, I will return to work in the UAE.”

Who is Mohsin Ali? Why does the Green Party leader clash with Keir Starmer? |World News

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Who is Mohsin Ali? Why does the Green Party leader clash with Keir Starmer? |World News

Who is Mohsin Ali? Why does the Green Party leader clash with Keir Starmer?

Mohsin Ali has become one of the most controversial figures in British politics after a series of public clashes with Keir Starmer and criticism from opponents for his comments about Israel, Gaza and international conflict. Ali is a Leeds city councilor and a well-known figure within the Green Party of England and Wales. He has risen rapidly in national politics after becoming the party’s co-deputy leader in 2025. Yet his outspoken activism on Palestine and foreign policy has repeatedly drawn scrutiny from political opponents, Jewish groups and online critics. The row with Starmer escalated in 2026 when parliament fell out over Ali’s involvement in protests against US-Israeli military action in the Middle East and his past comments about Israel.

from Leeds City Councilor green party leadership

Ali serves as MP for the Leeds constituency of Gipton and Halhills, an area with a large and diverse population and a significant South Asian community. Born and raised in Leeds, he comes from a British Bangladeshi Muslim family whose roots can be traced back to Bangladesh. His parents were part of a community of immigrants who settled in northern England at the end of the twentieth century.Before entering mainstream politics, Ali built an online following through political commentary and activism on social media platforms. He had previously been associated with the Labor Party but became disillusioned with it under Keir Starmer, particularly over disagreements over its political direction and its stance on issues such as foreign policy and the Israel-Gaza conflict.Ali later joined the Green Party of England and Wales and rose through the ranks. In September 2025, he was elected joint deputy leader of the Green Party together with fellow party figure Rachel Millward. The position puts him into the party’s senior leadership, where he is responsible for helping shape the party’s political strategy and public messaging. His election is also seen as part of the party’s efforts to broaden its appeal to younger voters and communities dissatisfied with Britain’s two main political parties.

October 7 tweet controversy

One of the biggest controversies surrounding Ali relates to a post he made on October 7, 2023, the day Hamas militants launched an attack in Israel that killed more than 1,000 people. “White supremacist European settler colonialism must end,” Ali tweeted.Critics said the statement appeared to contextualize or justify the violence of the attack. Some political opponents and commentators believed the release of the information was inappropriate given the scale of civilian casualties. The remarks have since been cited repeatedly by critics who question Ali’s stance on the conflict between Israel and Gaza.

Comments on rabbis serving in the Israel Defense Forces

In October 2025, Ali provoked further criticism when he referred to a Leeds rabbi who had served in the Israel Defense Forces as an “animal”. The comments prompted calls from some politicians and commentators for the Greens to take disciplinary action.The Green party leadership did not remove him from office, and supporters believed the comments came against a backdrop of anger over the conflict in Gaza. However, the remarks intensified critics’ accusations that Ali’s comments crossed a line.

Clash with Keir Starmer

In early 2026, a dispute between Ali and Prime Minister Keir Starmer intensified during a debate in the British Parliament. A Conservative MP claimed Ali took part in a protest seen as supporting Iran’s leadership following the killing of Iran’s supreme leader amid rising tensions in the Middle East.Responding to the accusation, Starmer said he was “shocked but not surprised” by Ali’s attendance at the rally, saying it reflected disturbing trends within the Green Party. The comments quickly escalated a political row between Labor and the Greens.Ali has denied the accusations, saying he participated in demonstrations to oppose the war and escalation, not to support the Iranian regime.

Peter Hegseth confirmed that an Iranian warship sank in the Indian Ocean; did the US pass any information to China and Russia?

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March 4, 2026

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Peter Hegseth confirmed that an Iranian warship sank in the Indian Ocean; did the US pass any information to China and Russia?

U.S. Defense Secretary delivers another major blow to Iran Peter Heggs Confirming that a US submarine sank an Iranian warship in the Indian Ocean, it said the Iranian navy “slumbers at the bottom of the Persian Gulf” and is “ineffective, battered, destroyed… pick your adjective, it no longer exists.”

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth speaks during a news conference at the Pentagon in Washington, Wednesday, March 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Constantin Tolopin) (AP)

At a news conference on Tuesday, he said a U.S. submarine sank an Iranian warship in the Indian Ocean that it thought was safe in international waters.

“Instead, she was torpedoed and scuttled to a quiet death – the first time an enemy ship had ever been torpedoed world war 2. Just like that war, when we were the War Department, we were fighting to win. “

Also read: What is YAK-130? Israeli Air Force F-35I Adil shoots down Russian-made Iranian aircraft in historic air-to-air battle

Sri Lanka Navy confirms distress call from Iris Dena

Although Hegseth did not reveal the identity of the ship, Sri Lanka The Navy previously stated that the Iranian ship “Iris Dena” sank off the coast of Galle, leaving about 140 people missing.

Sri Lankan officials reported that 32 people had been rescued and several bodies had been recovered from the sea. The injured were being treated at a government hospital in the southern port city of Galle.

“We hope to be able to rescue more people and will continue operations until this is confirmed,” Sri Lankan Navy spokesperson Commander Buddhika Sampath said, according to Reuters.

“Details of the death toll are not available at this time,” he added.

The “IRIS Dena”, classified as a frigate, participated in the Milan International Ship Review held in the Bay of Bengal from February 18 to 25 and received a warm welcome from the Indian Navy. The ship was on its way back from Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh.

Also read: CNN’s Erin Burnett forced to take refuge as sirens sound in Tel Aviv amid US, Israel, Iran war: Watch

Hegseth said the United States “can sustain this fight as long as we need to”

Possessing U.S. military strength, minister of defense He continued to say that the United States can continue to take military action against Iran as long as necessary.

“The enemy can no longer fire as many missiles as he once did – not even close. We can easily sustain this fight for as long as we need to.”

The death toll in Iran has risen to 1,045, the Guardian reported, citing Iranian authorities.

The Iranian Martyrs and Veterans Affairs Foundation said the figure reflected the number of bodies that had been claimed and prepared for burial, state media reported.

Did Peter Hegseth send any message to China and Russia?

Russia and China condemned the U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran, with Moscow saying it had found no evidence Tehran was developing nuclear weapons and Beijing calling for an immediate end to coordinated attacks.

Hegseth called Russia and China “non-factors” in the Iran war. “I have no message for them. They are not the real factors here. Our problem is not with them.”

The defense secretary said the United States’ primary goal is to achieve what he called “Iran’s nuclear ambitions.”

Indian-American Pooja Sethi stands up for her Indian heritage and wins Democratic primary for Texas House District 47

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March 4, 2026

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Indian-American Pooja Sethi stands up for her Indian heritage and wins Democratic primary for Texas House District 47

As the results of the Texas Senate primary come in, a big moment for the Indian American community is Pooja Sethi’s victory in Texas House District 47. Sisi has made waves recently for vehemently resisting racist comments about her race, instead viewing it as an honor, saying her heritage is not an insult but her story. Commenting on a hateful post about a poll poster mocking her because of her last name, she wrote: “My heritage is not an insult. It is my story. Like millions of Americans, it is rooted in hard work, faith in this country, and service to our communities. If this bothers you, you are bigger than me.”Asian Democrats in Texas condemned the attack and said it was not a political debate. “Comments like ‘No India is my Texas’ are not political criticism or policy disagreement. They are rooted in fear and exclusion, and they send the message that some Texans do not belong here. We unequivocally reject that message,” the caucus said. Pooja Sethi’s victory over 20-year U.S. Army veteran Joseph Kopser was decisive as Sethi received 76% of the vote to Kopser’s 24%. Seti will now be the party’s candidate in the November election. She will run against Republican Jennifer Mushtaler. If she wins the election, she will become the state representative for District 47 in the Texas House of Representatives. Sethi served as chief of staff to Texas Rep. Vikki Goodwin for four years. Before that, she worked as an immigration attorney at Catholic Charities, where she represented families through the immigration system and fought for dignity and due process, her resume said. “I’m running for Texas House District 47 because I’m a mother and I can’t continue to raise my children in a state that doesn’t care about them. Every meeting, we’re told we’re fighting for our kids. But every meeting, I see brutality win. At the last meeting, I stood next to a father who lost a child in the Uvalde shooting. He showed the chairman of the Department of Homeland Security his child’s school notebook, which had a bullet hole in it. This is what he left them. We are demanding a hearing on the Raise the Age bill, which would raise the minimum age to purchase certain high-performance firearms from 18 to 21 in an effort to reduce gun violence and keep our communities safe,” Sethi said, the reasoning behind her campaign.

28 seats and one Rajya Sabha seat: Congress, DMK sign agreement for Tamil Nadu polls

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March 4, 2026

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28 seats and one Rajya Sabha seat: Congress, DMK sign agreement for Tamil Nadu polls

DMK, Congress leaders after Seat0sharing deal finalized

CHENNAI: An end to speculation, DMK and tamil nadu congress Committee (TNCC) on Wednesday finalized the seat allocation arrangements for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, according to which the Congress party will contest in 28 constituencies and get one Lok Sabha seat.The decision was taken at a meeting between Chief Minister and DMK president MK Stalin and TNCC president K Selvaperunthagai in Chennai, according to a joint statement issued by both parties.In the 2021 parliamentary elections, the Congress party contested 25 seats as part of the Secular Progressive Alliance and won 18 seats. Party leaders have said in recent weeks they are seeking more constituencies this time around.TNCC president K Selvaperunthagai told reporters after the signing that he was “relieved” after the agreement was signed. When asked about the candidate for the federal house, Selva Peruntagai said the All India Congress Committee will announce the name of the candidate.

Florida joins Texas in suspending new H-1B visa hiring at public universities, here’s who is affected

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March 4, 2026

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Florida joins Texas in suspending new H-1B visa hiring at public universities, here’s who is affected

After Texas, public universities Florida There is also a moratorium on hiring new employees through the H-1B visa program. Months ago, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis called on public schools to crack down on what he called “visa abuse” in higher education.

Florida freezes new H-1B visa applications over 'visa abuse' concerns (Representative Image/Pexels) — Florida freezes new H-1B visa applications over ‘visa abuse’ concerns (Representative Image/Pexels)

University of Florida suspends new H-1B hiring: Who will be affected?

Florida’s Public universities will temporarily stop recruiting new foreign teachers H-1B Visa Program. The suspension only applies to new hires at the 12 schools within the Florida State University system.

The Florida Board of Governors, which governs the state’s public universities, has voted to keep the temporary ban in place until Jan. 5.

Florida State University System President Ray Rodrigues said last month that the pause on H1-B visa hiring would last until Jan. 5, 2027, if approved. The pause will allow for a review of the cost of the program and “how our universities use it.”

The suspension will not affect current employees hired by Florida agencies under the H1-B program, but will affect potential new employees.

Data from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website shows that more than 600 people from these 12 universities in Florida received H-1B visas last year.

However, in October, Gov. Ron DeSantis said, “Universities across the country are bringing in foreign workers on H-1B visas instead of hiring Americans who are qualified and can do the job. We will not tolerate H-1B abuse at Florida institutions. That’s why I’m directing the Florida Board of Governors to end this practice.”

He also claimed that American universities “are bringing in foreign workers through H-1B visas instead of hiring Americans who are qualified and capable to do the work.”

Also read:LPA in India is Rs 35 Cr vs USD 125,000 in US: H-1B holders ask if now is the right time to stay in India”> $India 35 LPA vs US $125K: H-1B holders ask if now is the right time to stay in India

What does the H-1B visa program allow?

this H-1B visa This program allows employers to hire highly skilled professionals in specialized occupations (primarily science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) to work in the United States.

The program provides 65,000 visas annually and an additional 20,000 visas for workers with advanced degrees. These visas are approved for a period of three to six years.

Also read: Indian woman claims H-1B visa ‘canceled’ during pre-clearance in Abu Dhabi: ‘Overstaying in India’

Texas orders investigation, freeze

late January, Texas Governor Greg Abbott ordered an investigation into the H-1B visa program within the state. He also directed state agencies and universities to suspend new visa applications.

“In light of recent reports of abuses in the federal H-1B visa program and the federal government’s ongoing review of the program to ensure American jobs flow to American workers, I direct all state agencies to immediately freeze new H-1B visa applications,” Abbott said in a letter to state agencies.