Five killed in fire at Spanish retirement home

Two oil tankers caught fire near Iraq after being struck by an "unknown projectile," with UKMTO reporting all crew are "evacuated and safe." This follows a surge in maritime attacks amid regional conflict, drawing a sharp response from India and warnings from President Trump regarding the Strait of Hormuz.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday reiterated his stance on cutting trade with Spain over the NATO ally's refusal to allow the use of its military bases for operations linked to the war with Iran.

Australian Minister for Home Affairs Tony Burke wrote in a post on X, "Later in the evening, they were reunited with their five teammates who had made the same decision the night before. They will be safe here. They will be at home here. They are welcome here in Australia."

The players - Fatemeh Pasandideh, Zahra Ghanbari, Zahra Sarbali, Atefeh Ramezanizadeh and Mona Hamoudi - reportedly escaped from team handlers at a hotel on Australia's Gold Coast following their participation in the 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup. The dramatic operation unfolded overnight, with the players assisted by Australian authorities before being moved to a secure location.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar told Parliament that the Indian consumer's interest is the "overriding priority" amid the West Asia crisis. He warned of supply chain disruptions, confirmed 67,000 Indians have returned home, and defended the humanitarian decision to allow an Iranian warship to dock in Kochi for repairs.

Amid the developing security situation in West Asia and the Gulf, Air India issued a travel advisory on Sunday, noting that Air India and Air India Express would continue with their scheduled services to and from Jeddah and Muscat. It further noted that in addition to the scheduled services, Air India and Air India Express would operate a total of 32 ad-hoc non-scheduled flights to the United Arab Emirates on Monday to assist in bringing stranded travellers home to India.

Travel service provider EaseMyTrip on Sunday announced the operation of charter flights from Qatar's Doha and Bahrain to Delhi and Mumbai to assist Indian travellers in returning home amid escalating tensions in West Asia.

The earthquake occurred at a depth of 130km.

Middle East tensions have escalated as airstrikes hit Tehran, leaving Mehrabad Airport on fire. In retaliation, Iran targeted Tel Aviv, while Saudi Arabia intercepted 16 drones and missiles aimed at vital oil fields and air bases. Riyadh and the GCC condemned the "treacherous Iranian aggression," asserting their right to respond.

The UN body said that from late evening on February 26 to March 5, it verified and recorded 185 civilian casualties in Afghanistan due to indirect fire and aerial attacks linked to cross-border armed clashes with Pakistan.