Nepal: 15 people missing after jeep plunges into Karnali river

In his first address to the Iranian people. Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei called for the continued blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a move that will raise tensions.

"The countries of the region must clarify their stance regarding the aggressors against our dear homeland and the killers of our people. I recommend that they shut down those bases as soon as possible; for they must surely have realized by now that America's claim of establishing security and peace has been nothing but a lie," he said.

"There have been maritime incidents involving Indian crew on foreign-flagged vessels. Of these vessels, there were 78 Indian seafarers. Of these, 70 are unhurt and escaped. Four sustained injuries over the last few days, but are stable. Unfortunately, there have been three casualties, and one seafarer is missing," he said.

India on Thursday welcomed Nepal's successful elections, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulating Rabi Lamichhane and Balendra Shah on their victory, signalling a fresh chapter in the bilateral relationship between the two neighbouring nations.

Speaking to ANI, Nasheed said the conflict could disrupt the country's fragile economic stability. "Tourist arrivals have come down. So that is going to have a very big impact on our economy and the prosperity of the people. So, yes, it is very, very difficult," he added.

The vote counting for the March 5 election in Nepal's House of Representatives has concluded late Wednesday, with Nepal's Election Commission (EC) making final preparations for the official announcement of results.

The Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Randhir Jasiwal, on Wednesday confirmed that the two Indian nationals have lost their lives and one still remains missing amid the ongoing West Asian conflict.

A Thai-flagged cargo vessel was struck by missiles near the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, leaving three crew members unaccounted for, while 20 others were rescued by the Royal Navy of Oman, the Bangkok Post reported, citing the Royal Thai Navy.

Two drones struck the area surrounding Dubai International airport causing no casualties but injuring a few people.

In the statement addressed to "fellow compatriots," Pahlavi warned that the situation had reached a highly sensitive point and urged people to prioritise their safety while maintaining unity through peaceful means of resistance.