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The war between the United States, Israel and Iran is about to enter its third week and tensions show no signs of easing as missile attacks, drone strikes and airstrikes continue across the Middle East.US President Donald Trump claimed in a virtual meeting that Iran “is about to surrender”, news agency Reuters reported, quoting Axios. He further told the leaders of the Group of Seven that the conflict is moving in Washington’s favor. Despite his comments, the war has escalated on multiple fronts, with casualties rising and global markets reacting to increased volatility.Nearly two weeks after the conflict began, oil prices have soared, shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has been disrupted and regional powers have joined the fighting. Missile exchanges between Israel and Iran continue, while allied groups and regional states are increasingly becoming part of the conflict.

Week 1: War begins with assassination of Iran’s supreme leader

The war began on 28 February when the United States and Israel launched coordinated attacks inside Iran under ‘Operation Epic Fury’, targeting military infrastructure and missile systems.The initial attack killed several senior commanders, including Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei, prompting immediate retaliation from Tehran.

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Iranian forces launched missiles and drones toward Israel and US military facilities across the region, marking the beginning of a rapidly escalating conflict.

Day 2: Iran launches major retaliation

On the second day of the conflict, Iran responded with a large number of ballistic missiles and drones targeting Israeli cities and military infrastructure. At the same time, the US military expanded its air campaign against Iranian missile launch sites and Revolutionary Guard facilities. Iran also began directing attacks on US bases and allied states in the Middle East, indicating that the conflict would not be limited to Iranian and Israeli territory.

Day 3: Hezbollah opens northern front

Lebanese militant group Hezbollah joins the conflict by firing rockets into northern Israel. Israel retaliated by attacking Hezbollah targets in the southern suburbs of Beirut and other parts of Lebanon.Among the deadliest attacks were overnight airstrikes on the eastern city of Nabi Chit, where at least 16 people were killed and 35 wounded, according to Lebanon’s Public Health Ministry. Officials warned that the death toll could rise as rescue efforts continued.

Day 4: bay stress increases

Missiles and drones began appearing over Gulf countries that host US military bases, including Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. The attacks near the Strait of Hormuz disrupted maritime traffic and raised fears of a global energy crisis. Oil markets reacted sharply as traders worried the conflict could significantly impact global supply.

Day 5: Gulf countries increasingly joining in

Iranian drones and missiles targeted several countries in the region. Air defense in the United Arab Emirates intercepted projectiles near Dubai’s international airport and coastal areas.In Bahrain, a missile struck a government oil refinery, causing a fire, officials later said. Saudi Arabia also prevented drones near key energy infrastructure.

Day 6: Mass strike campaign intensifies

The United States and Israel expanded their attacks inside Iran, attacking hundreds of targets over several days. Officials said the strikes destroyed large parts of Iran’s air defense network and missile systems. Israeli officials claim to have destroyed about 80 percent of Iran’s air-defense systems. Iranian officials said the death toll from the attacks across the country has risen to more than 1,300. Many cities reported heavy damage to buildings and infrastructure, including government facilities, hospitals, and residential areas.

Day 7: War spreads across the region

The clashes spread across multiple fronts, including Lebanon, Iraq and the Gulf. Explosions were reported in Dubai and Bahrain as air defense systems intercepted incoming projectiles. Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz slowed, affecting global trade routes.Trump ruled out immediate talks and demanded Iran’s “unconditional surrender”, signaling that the war could continue to expand across the region.

Week 2: Conflict escalates across the Middle East

Day 8: Heavy bombing and regional attacks

A week after the war, there were intense airstrikes on Tehran, while Iranian missiles targeted Israel and the Gulf countries. Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE reported intercepting drones and missiles.As casualties increased rapidly, Western countries began to consolidate military assets in the region. At least 1,332 people are reported killed in US-Israeli strikes as a new wave of deadly bombings hits Tehran, according to Al-Jazeera.

Day 9: Attacks spread to the Gulf and Iraq

Missile and drone attacks were reported in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait and Iraq. A missile fell inside the US Embassy compound in Baghdad, although no casualties were reported. Israel also attacked fuel storage facilities in Tehran, causing major fires.Trump said that despite the ongoing hostilities with Iran, Washington has no interest in negotiating with it. “We’re not looking to compromise,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One. “They would like to compromise. We don’t want to compromise.”Trump claimed that the United States and Israel have severely weakened Iran’s military capabilities, including its navy, air force, and missile infrastructure.

Day 10: Iran announces new supreme leader

Iran appointed Mojtaba Khamenei as the country’s new supreme leader following the death of his father. The cleric, known to have close ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, took over leadership as Iran continued missile and drone attacks across the region.Saudi Arabia said it intercepted a drone targeting the Shaybah oil field and warned Iran it would suffer “the greatest harm” if attacks continued. The United States also began withdrawing non-essential diplomatic staff and families from Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries due to increasing security threats.

Day 11: Intensified bombings and protests

Heavy airstrikes continued across Iran, with explosions reported in Tehran and other cities.Thousands of Iranians rallied in support of Mojtaba Khamenei as the government vowed to continue the fight. Iranian forces also launched drone strikes targeting Israeli infrastructure, including energy facilities in Haifa.Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran would continue fighting as long as necessary, casting doubt on Trump’s insistence that the conflict would end “soon.”

Day 12: The largest wave of US attacks

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the attacks were the largest the US military has carried out since the war began. Tehran reported heavy bombing across the capital, while thousands of civilians fled major cities.The United States also destroyed several Iranian naval vessels near the Strait of Hormuz amid fears that Tehran might attempt to block the shipping route.

Day 13: War disrupts global energy markets

The conflict rapidly strained global energy supplies. The International Energy Agency announced the release of 400 million barrels from emergency reserves to stabilize markets, as tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz came to a near halt.Missile attacks and drone strikes continued across the Gulf while Israel expanded its campaign against Hezbollah targets in Lebanon.Casualties have increased across the region. Iranian officials say more than 1,200 people have been killed in Iran, while hundreds have been killed in Lebanon and dozens in Israel and other countries.The United Nations estimates that hundreds of thousands of people have been displaced, particularly in Lebanon, where persistent bombing has forced residents to flee their homes.Children have been worst affected, with humanitarian agencies warning that thousands have been injured or killed since the war began.

Day 14: Explosion in Tehran as war nears third week; Tension increased due to American plane crash

Heavy explosions were reported across Tehran as the war entered its 14th day, according to Iranian state media. The blasts were heard near a major pro-government demonstration in Tehran’s central square, where large crowds had gathered to mark Quds Day, an annual event held on the last Friday of Ramadan in support of the Palestinian cause.That day also saw a major aviation incident in Iraq. A Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker operated by the United States Air Force crashed in western Iraq during the afternoon. United States Central Command confirmed that four of the six crew members on board died, while rescue operations continued for the remaining personnel.

Global economic impact and energy crisis

The conflict has caused major disruptions in global energy markets. Oil prices rose above $100 a barrel amid fears that shipping through the Strait of Hormuz could be blocked.The waterway typically carries about one-fifth of the world’s oil supply, making it one of the most important energy corridors globally.Many Gulf countries have also reduced oil production as storage facilities filled due to shipping disruptions. World leaders have held emergency talks to stabilize markets and prevent a wider economic shock.

More than a decade after one of the worst natural disasters of our time, people in Japan are still living under the threat of another such disaster hitting their country. A recent survey shows that the memories of the Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011 are still alive in the minds of the people of this country.A recent survey conducted by the Japanese Red Cross Society showed that more than 80% of respondents believe that such a disaster, which occurred in 2011, could happen again in the near future. On the other hand, about 70% of these respondents admitted that they had not done enough to prepare for such a disaster.

The disaster that changed Japan

On March 11, 2011, a major earthquake measuring 9.0 on the Richter scale struck off the northeastern coast of Japan. The earthquake caused a massive tsunami, causing widespread devastation in coastal cities in the Tohoku region of Japan. This natural disaster resulted in widespread destruction in the Iwate, Miyagi and Fukushima prefectures of Japan. It resulted in approximately 20,000 deaths or disappearances and forced hundreds of thousands of people to flee their homes.The intensity of the tsunami was extremely high in parts of Japan, destroying cities and infrastructure. This natural disaster also led to the nuclear accident at Fukushima Daiichi, which has become a major environmental and social challenge for Japan. UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission States that the 2011 disaster has become the most significant reminder in modern history that communities along the coast are vulnerable to earthquakes and tsunamis. This natural disaster has forced governments and organizations around the world to improve the effectiveness of tsunami warning systems, disaster education and preparedness.

Survey reveals widespread concern about future disasters

In the lead up to the 15th anniversary of the 2011 disaster, the Japanese Red Cross Society conducted a national survey to determine how people view the threat of disasters today.The results of an online survey of 1,200 people aged 10 and older in Japan showed that 80.3% believed that a serious disaster such as the Great East Japan Earthquake would happen again in the near future.The country is located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, an area of ​​the Earth’s surface that is vulnerable to earthquakes.Earthquakes are common in Japan. Scientists have been saying for years that serious earthquakes are possible.

The gap in preparedness remains a major concern

Despite the high level of awareness about disaster risks in the country, the survey found that a large number of people are unprepared to face a disaster. “About 70 percent of the respondents said they had not taken adequate measures to prepare for a large-scale disaster. Such measures may include the preparation of supplies needed during an emergency or the acquisition of skills needed to respond to a disaster.“This is not a problem unique to Japan. Experts have described how people often underestimate how quickly a disaster will strike or think they will have time to respond if needed. However, earthquakes and tsunamis can occur without warning.

Why does remembering past disasters matter?

Another important conclusion that can be drawn from the survey is the need to remember past disasters. The survey revealed that more than 80% of people believe that the lessons of the 2011 earthquake should not be forgotten when discussing disaster preparedness. It is at this point that public awareness campaigns and memorial services become relevant.The younger generation may not be aware of the events that occurred in 2011. They need to be aware of the events that occurred in 2011 so that they can be prepared for future disasters. Japan has invested significantly in disaster education. Practices and measures exist to reduce the effects of earthquakes.

Living with the reality of natural disasters

The earthquake and tsunami experience in Japan has created a culture that prides itself on being resilient and prepared. Yet such surveys show that such a situation can be achieved only with sustained efforts.Natural disasters are difficult to predict. Still, the effects can be minimized with planning and awareness.It has been fifteen years since the Great East Japan Earthquake. The memories of that day are a poignant reminder of the strength and weakness of those who experienced it.The message for many in Japan is that the next disaster will not be one that can be prevented. Still, being prepared for it can make a big difference.

US President Donald Trump gave a big warning to the Iran regime (AP Photo)

Amid Middle East chaos, US President donald trump On Friday he took another tough tone against the hostile Iran regime and issued an almost declaratory warning against what he called “deranged scoundrels.” Referring to the US military’s massive campaign against the Islamic Republic, he said Washington was carrying out strikes military, economic and otherwise to “destroy Iran’s terrorist regime”, while also taking a dig at The New York Times’ “failed” reports on the war.While professing confidence in the “unparalleled” power of the US military and boasting of widespread success in the campaign against Tehran’s establishment, Donald Trump took to Truth Social to deliver a characteristically blunt message. In the post, he declared: “We are completely destroying Iran’s terrorist regime militarily, economically and otherwise, yet, if you read the failing New York Times, you would be mistaken to think we are not winning.” Taking a dig at the New York Times, he said Iran’s “navy is gone, their air force is no more,” while its missiles, drones and other capabilities are being continuously “destroyed,” with key leaders “wiped off the face of the earth.”

Trump, in a triumphant tone praising the US military, also issued a stern warning to Iran’s power centers, hinting at possible further action under the country’s new Khamenei leadership. He wrote, “We have unparalleled firepower, unlimited ammunition and ample time – see what happens to these deranged scoundrels today.” He said: “They have been killing innocent people all over the world for 47 years, and now I, as the 47th President of the United States, am killing them. What an honor it is to do that!”Meanwhile, reports emerging from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East suggest that Iran may have attempted to attack the US aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln. Tehran has also claimed responsibility for shooting down another US jet during a refueling mission, although Washington has described the incident as an accident. Trump, who has long maintained a tough stance against Iran, used the moment to double down on his warning to the Islamic republic’s leadership.

UAE takes surprise visa step for expatriates stranded abroad amid Iran vs US-Israel war

Aiming to minimize travel disruptions and support thousands of residents stranded abroad, the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) has announced a temporary measure, allowing expatriate residents whose UAE residency visas have expired to return to the country without having to apply for a new entry permit. The policy will remain in effect until March 31, giving affected residents a crucial window to re-enter the country and regularize their immigration status.The decision comes at a time when widespread flight disruptions and regional tensions have left many expatriates unable to travel back to the UAE before their visas expire. Officials say the measure reflects the country’s flexible administrative approach during extraordinary circumstances and is aimed at reducing the burden on residents caught up in travel disruptions.

united arab emirates One month relaxation granted for residents stranded amid Iran vs US-Israel war

According to the ICP, the temporary rule applies to residents who were outside the UAE when their residence permit expired on or after February 28, 2026. Instead of going through the normal process of applying for a new entry visa, eligible individuals can now travel directly back to the UAE within the specified period. The measure will be valid until March 31, effectively giving migrants a one-month grace period to return and ascertain their visa status after arrival. Once back in the country, residents can complete the necessary procedures to renew or regularize their residence through the relevant immigration authorities. Immigration officials stressed that the initiative is designed to simplify procedures for residents who were previously unable to return due to circumstances beyond their control.

Airspace closure and travel disruption behind UAE’s decision amid Iran vs US-Israel war

Officials indicated that the policy was introduced partly in response to regional airspace closures and flight suspensions, which prevented many residents from traveling back to the UAE before their residence permits expired. The wider Middle East has faced significant aviation disruptions in recent weeks due to rising regional tensions, forcing airlines to cancel or divert flights to several Gulf countries.These disruptions left many expatriates stranded abroad, unable to renew their visas or return home in time. By allowing residents to re-enter without a new permit, authorities hope to reduce the administrative hurdles that typically accompany expired residence permits.

No penalty for UAE residents affected by extraordinary circumstances amid Iran vs US-Israel war

Another important aspect of the policy is the waiver of penalties for residents whose visas expired while they were outside the country due to these extraordinary travel conditions. Authorities confirmed that eligible individuals will be able to return and regularize their residence status without incurring penalties related to overstaying abroad, provided they enter the UAE during the grace period. The relief measure is expected to benefit thousands of migrants who work in sectors ranging from finance and technology to construction and hospitality. Officials said the decision is also aimed at helping families reunite. Many residents who traveled abroad earlier this year were unable to return due to flight cancellations and border restrictions, leaving family members isolated for weeks.ICP said the initiative is in line with broader government efforts to ensure that residents can continue their lives and contribute to the country’s economy without unnecessary immigration barriers. The United Arab Emirates is home to the world’s largest expatriate population, with foreign nationals making up approximately 90% of the country’s residents. Therefore, policies that ease immigration processes during emergencies are important to maintain economic stability and workforce continuity.

A pattern of flexible immigration measures by the UAE

The latest decision is part of a series of flexible visa policies introduced by the UAE in response to unexpected travel disruptions. In recent weeks, authorities have also announced measures such as visa grace periods, waivers on overstay fines and extended time limits for travelers affected by airport closures. These policies are designed to ensure that residents and visitors are not penalized for circumstances beyond their control. Immigration analysts say such measures reflect the UAE’s broader strategy to maintain its reputation as a global hub for talent, business and expatriate communities.

What immigrants need to know

There are some key points residents planning to return to the UAE under this policy should keep in mind:

Immigration officials have encouraged affected residents to return within the stipulated time frame to avoid complications after the temporary policy ends. This announcement sends a clear signal about the UAE’s approach during a period of uncertainty. Instead of imposing strict immigration rules during exceptional circumstances, the government has opted for practical solutions that prioritize the welfare of residents.For thousands of migrants who feared losing their residency status due to expired visas while abroad, the new policy offers a lifeline and a chance to return home without bureaucratic hurdles. As travel conditions across the region gradually stabilize, officials say the temporary measure should help restore normal immigration processes, while also ensuring that no residents are unduly harmed by disruptions beyond their control.

UAE hotels promise stable prices despite Middle East travel chaos amid Iran vs US-Israel war

Air travel is being disrupted around the world due to Iran vs US-Israel war middle eastUAE hotels are moving to reassure guests that prices will remain stable and that assistance will be provided to travelers affected by flight cancellations and delays. Hospitality groups say they are focused on guest safety, flexible booking and maintaining confidence during one of the region’s most challenging aviation disruptions in years.The assurances come as airlines are canceling flights and governments imposing temporary airspace restrictions in parts of the Gulf. These disruptions have left thousands of travelers stranded or forced to change travel plans, prompting hotels to adapt their operations to support both stranded tourists and transit passengers in crisis.

united arab emirates Hotels prioritize security and guest assistance amid Iran vs. US-Israel war

Hotel operators across the UAE say the safety and well-being of guests remains their top priority as the regional situation evolves. Industry leaders emphasize that hospitality brands are closely monitoring developments and ensuring that hotel operations continue smoothly. Executives from major hotel groups say the hospitality industry is fundamentally about taking care of people, especially during unexpected disruptions. Many properties have introduced flexible booking policies, extended stays and assistance services for travelers whose flights were canceled or delayed. Hotels are working closely with authorities and airlines to accommodate stranded passengers, especially those who cannot immediately leave the country due to airspace closures or flight rescheduling.

Room rates remain stable in UAE despite travel chaos amid Iran vs US-Israel war

One key message from the UAE’s hospitality sector is clear: hotels are not taking advantage of the disruption to raise prices. Instead, many hotels have opted to keep room rates stable, reassuring guests that the industry is committed to transparency and fairness.

Travelers stranded in UAE getting aid as hotels freeze room rates amid Iran vs US-Israel war

Hospitality operators say it is important to maintain trust with travelers during times of uncertainty. This approach differs from the situation sometimes encountered during global travel disruptions, when increased demand can drive up hotel prices. However, in the UAE, many hotels have deliberately fixed rates and avoided sudden price increases to maintain confidence among visitors.

UAE government’s support for stranded travelers amid Iran vs US-Israel war

The UAE government has also taken steps to ensure that travelers affected by the crisis are taken care of. Officials announced that hotel stays, meals and assistance can be provided for passengers stranded due to canceled or delayed flights, ensuring that passengers are not left without accommodation or assistance.This coordinated response involves airlines, airports and hotel partners working together to manage passenger flow and ensure people have a safe place to stay while they wait for flights to resume. Such measures have helped the UAE maintain its reputation as a reliable travel hub even during times of regional instability.

UAE tourism faces sudden blow amid Iran vs US-Israel war

Despite a supportive response from the hospitality industry, the ongoing conflict has inevitably affected tourism throughout the region. Airspace closures and security concerns have led to an increase in travel cancellations and a slowdown in new hotel bookings, particularly from European and Asian markets.Industry analysts say the broader Middle East tourism sector could lose millions of dollars per day due to reduced travel demand and disrupted flights. In Dubai alone, thousands of holiday bookings have reportedly been canceled in the wake of the conflict, highlighting tourism’s sensitivity to geopolitical shocks.

UAE hotels boost stays to fill rooms amid Iran vs US-Israel war

To cope with the decline in international arrivals, many hotels have begun targeting local residents with discounted stay packages. Luxury properties in Dubai and Abu Dhabi are offering special promotions, dining deals and spa packages aimed at encouraging residents to spend weekends at city hotels. Some hospitality analysts say these offers are helping maintain occupancy levels while international travel remains uncertain. Such campaigns have become a common strategy in the UAE during periods of global disruption, including the pandemic years.

UAE’s reputation as a safe haven

Despite regional tensions, officials and industry leaders insist that the UAE remains a safe and stable destination for residents and visitors. The country has taken several steps to stabilize travel and maintain connectivity, including establishing controlled “safe air corridors” to gradually restore flights.These measures aim to balance security concerns with the need to keep international travel running through one of the world’s busiest aviation hubs. The current situation is not the first time that the UAE’s tourism sector has suffered a major blow. The industry previously demonstrated resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic and has since bounced back with record-breaking visitor numbers. In 2025, Dubai is expected to welcome approximately 20 million international visitors, reflecting the city’s strong global appeal and rapidly growing hospitality infrastructure. Industry experts believe the sector will eventually recover once regional tensions ease and air travel stabilizes.For now, the message from UAE hotels is reassuring. Hospitality operators say guests can expect stable pricing, flexible policies and strong support systems if travel disruptions impact their plans. In a region where geopolitical tensions could rapidly reshape travel patterns, the UAE’s hospitality industry is betting that trust, reliability and guest care will help it weather another storm in global tourism.

The shooter at Old Dominion University in Virginia has been identified as Mohammed Baylor Jallow, 36, a former Army National Guard soldier who was previously convicted of supporting ISIS. In 2017, Jallow was sentenced to 11 years in prison and five years of supervised release for attempting to provide material support to ISIS. Jalloh walked into a classroom inside ODU’s Constant Hall on Thursday and asked if it was an ROC (Reserve Officer Training Corps) classroom. As soon as someone confirmed, he started shooting and killing the professor. After Jalloh murdered the professor, who was a retired military officer, an ROTC cadet sprang into action and stabbed Jalloh to death. The shooting is being investigated as terrorism related. Jallow left the National Guard and became a follower of Anwar al-Awlaki, the slain leader of the branch of al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula. He once linked up with ISIL members during a six-month stay in Africa. The DOJ said that during a meeting during the trip, unknowingly observed by an FBI informant, Jalloh mentioned a desire to launch his own terrorist attack.Jalloh told the FBI source that he believed it was better to plan the attack during the month of Ramadan – which runs from mid-February to mid-March – because it was “100 percent the right thing” according to the DOJ.When he returned to the United States, Jalloh tried and failed to obtain firearms in North Carolina. He then went to a gun dealership in his native Northern Virginia, which sold him an assault rifle but it was deactivated before he could leave. Jalloh was arrested the day after purchasing the assault rifle and released in 2024. It is not known why his sentence was reduced. Jalloh was from Sierra Leone and a naturalized US citizen. FBI Director Kash Patel said, “Earlier today, an armed man opened fire at Old Dominion University, killing one person and injuring two others. The attacker has now died thanks to a group of brave students who stepped in and subdued him – with law enforcement’s quick response undoubtedly saving lives.” Patel said, “The FBI is now investigating the shootings as an act of terrorism. Our Joint Terrorism Task Force is fully engaged with local authorities and providing all necessary resources to the investigation.”