Iranian state media on Monday released a photo on Telegram claiming to show the American F-15 pilot whose jet was downed over Kuwait earlier that morning. The posts also included footage of Iran’s extensive drone fleet and strikes on what it described as US-Israeli targets in the region. Press TV shared the pilot’s image, while IRNA posted a video allegedly showing the F-15 being shot down. Local sources reported the jet was downed over Kuwaiti airspace. Press TV also showcased Iran’s drone arsenal and its subsequent attacks.
The developments come amid escalating regional tensions, with Al Jazeera reporting explosions in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, and loud blasts in Doha. Arab media indicated that Iranian missiles and drones also targeted Kuwait and Bahrain, with smoke seen near the US embassy in Kuwait. The Kuwait Air Defence Force intercepted multiple hostile aerial targets.
Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Secretary Ali Larijani rejected negotiations with the US. Amid the unrest, the Provisional Leadership Council, including President Masoud Pezeshkian, Judiciary Chief Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei, and Ayatollah Alireza Arafi, convened to oversee the country following the deaths of Supreme Leader Khamenei and other top officials. State media reported at least 201 fatalities across 24 provinces from the ongoing attacks.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.
Vodafone announced on Monday that it has signed a partnership with Amazon Leo, the low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite network operated by the U.S. tech giant, to connect 4G and 5G mobile towers in remote areas across Europe and Africa. The agreement aims to extend mobile coverage to locations that are difficult to reach with traditional infrastructure, providing an alternative to costly fibre installations.
Through this collaboration, Amazon Leo will deliver high-speed connections of up to 1 Gbps for downloads and 400 Mbps for uploads, linking Vodafone’s network directly to base stations in underserved regions. The solution is expected to reduce deployment costs while expanding the reach of mobile services in areas where building fibre networks is challenging or economically unviable.
Vodafone plans to begin implementing Amazon Leo connectivity for mobile base stations in Germany and other European countries within this year. Following this initial rollout, the company intends to gradually extend the service across Africa through its subsidiary, Vodacom. This phased deployment reflects Vodafone’s strategy to enhance mobile access in both densely populated and remote locations, leveraging satellite technology to overcome geographical constraints. Amazon Leo operates a constellation of over 200 satellites in orbit, with hundreds more constructed and awaiting launch. This growing network provides the capacity needed to support high-speed connections for mobile operators like Vodafone.
Vodafone also intends to offer satellite-based mobile connectivity directly to consumers using standard smartphones, in partnership with AST SpaceMobile. While the company has confirmed the collaboration, it has not yet announced a launch date for this service. This approach could allow individual users to access mobile networks via satellite, further expanding connectivity options in remote or rural areas. Through these initiatives, Vodafone is demonstrating a commitment to bridging connectivity gaps by combining terrestrial and satellite networks to reach underserved regions efficiently and cost-effectively.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.
Major airlines including IndiGo, Akasa Air, Qatar Airways, and Emirates have suspended or extended the suspension of flights to and from Middle Eastern destinations amid rising regional tensions. Passengers are being offered travel waivers and full refund or rescheduling options. IndiGo, in a statement on X, said it is closely monitoring developments in the region and has extended the temporary suspension of select international flights passing through Middle Eastern airspace. The airline urged passengers to check their flight status and confirmed that travelers can reschedule at no extra cost or receive credit for future travel on affected routes until March 7, 2026, for bookings made on or before February 28, 2026.
Akasa Air announced that all flights to and from Jordan, Doha, Jeddah, Kuwait, and Riyadh on March 3, 2026, are suspended due to the ongoing situation. The airline confirmed passengers could opt for full refunds or reschedule their travel without additional charges until March 7, 2026. Qatar Airways said its operations remain temporarily suspended because of the closure of Qatari airspace. The airline stated flights will resume once the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority declares it safe to reopen airspace, with updates scheduled for March 3.
Emirates temporarily halted all flights to and from Dubai until 3:00 PM UAE time on March 3 due to multiple regional airspace closures. Passengers booked to travel by March 5 are being offered the option to rebook for travel by March 20 or request a full refund. Emirates advised travelers to monitor operational updates online and said all city check-in points in Dubai remain closed.
The disruptions come amid escalating tensions in West Asia following US-Israel joint strikes on Iran that killed the country’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and his family. Iran has since launched retaliatory drone and missile strikes targeting multiple Arab countries, leading to widespread airspace closures and major impacts on international aviation.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.
Amid rising cross-border tensions, the Islamic Emirate’s Ministry of National Defence announced that the Afghan Air Force carried out targeted strikes on several key Pakistani military installations. Among the locations hit were the Nur Khan Airbase in Rawalpindi, the 12th Brigade base in Quetta, Balochistan, and the Khoizai camp in Mohmand Agency, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, along with other critical military sites.
The Afghan Ministry described the operation as highly effective, claiming substantial damage to all designated targets. The strikes were presented as retaliation for recent Pakistani air raids on Afghan territory, including attacks on Kabul, Bagram Airbase, and other locations over the past two days. The Nur Khan Airbase, situated in Rawalpindi’s Chaklala area, is strategically important as a hub for Pakistan Air Force operations and due to its proximity to Islamabad. It had previously been struck during India’s Operation Sindoor in May of the previous year, following a terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Satellite imagery from that period confirmed extensive damage to Nur Khan and other bases, including PAF Base Mushaf, Bholari, and PAF Base Shahbaz.
Afghanistan’s Ministry stated that preliminary assessments show considerable destruction at the targeted sites and issued a warning that any future violations of Afghan airspace would provoke stronger retaliation, emphasizing Kabul’s commitment to defending its sovereignty. The escalation marks a serious intensification of hostilities along the 2,640-kilometre Durand Line, a historically disputed and porous border. Tensions have persisted since the Taliban regained power in 2021, fueled by accusations of cross-border militancy, refugee flows, and territorial encroachments. Pakistan has long accused Afghan territory of harboring Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants, prompting Islamabad to conduct airstrikes and ground operations, which Kabul has condemned as breaches of sovereignty. Afghanistan’s recent strikes are unusual, representing a rare counter-offensive with its limited air capabilities.
The timing coincides with ongoing instability in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, regions affected by separatist insurgencies and militant activity. Striking the 12th Brigade base in Quetta may reflect an attempt to exploit Pakistan’s internal vulnerabilities, while the Mohmand Agency camp has historically sheltered militants.
The escalation has regional implications. India, having previously targeted Nur Khan, may interpret Afghanistan’s strikes as indirectly advancing its interests against Pakistan. China, invested in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor in Balochistan, could push for de-escalation, while the United States and NATO are likely monitoring for counter-terrorism impacts.
Despite limited resources, Afghanistan’s air force demonstrated unexpected reach in striking Pakistani targets. Details remain unclear on the methods used—whether fighter jets, drones, or loitering munitions—and Pakistan’s defensive measures, including Chinese-supplied J-10 jets and HQ-9 missile systems. Pakistan has not yet issued an official response, but reports indicate emergency military meetings in Rawalpindi. Social media from border areas shows heightened alerts, troop mobilization, and civilian precautions near the affected sites.
This tit-for-tat escalation risks further destabilizing South Asia, disrupting trade, worsening humanitarian situations in refugee camps, and potentially drawing in regional powers. Diplomatic efforts, including the Quadrilateral Coordination Group involving Afghanistan, Pakistan, China, and the US, appear stalled amid the crisis. With Afghanistan’s international isolation under Taliban rule and Pakistan’s internal challenges, a swift resolution seems unlikely, signaling the possibility of continued border clashes.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Deccan Chronicle.
During the holy month of Ramadan, Kashmiri Muslim men gather to offer prayers on the second Friday. In Srinagar, the capital of Indian-administered Kashmir, streets are lined with worshippers observing their faith. Devout and peaceful, they perform the congregational prayers with devotion, marking one of the significant Fridays of Ramadan. The atmosphere is spiritual, reflecting the community’s commitment to fasting, reflection, and prayer during this sacred time. This weekly ritual strengthens faith, unity, and a sense of cultural and religious tradition among the local population.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.
The Middle East is at a pivotal moment after the reported death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in strikes by the U.S. and Israel. Retaliatory attacks have followed on both sides, sparking concerns about wider regional instability. Nations across the globe are urging calm, dialogue, and diplomatic efforts as tensions escalate. Andrea Heng and Hairianto Diman discuss the latest updates with Dr. Peter Layton, Visiting Fellow at the Griffith Asia Institute, Griffith University.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address showcased America’s economic successes and ambitious promises, projecting a confident vision for the nation’s future. But how accurate are these claims, and what issues still linger? Hairianto Diman and Elakeyaa Selvaraji analyze the main themes and their potential implications for the country’s future, with insights from Steven Okun, CEO of APAC Advisors.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
Under President Lee Jae Myung’s guidance, investor confidence in South Korea has surged, fueled by ambitious reforms—from proposed corporate governance improvements and regulatory adjustments to efforts aimed at revitalizing the stock market. His pro-market policies have shifted sentiment positively, attracting both domestic and international investors and pushing the Kospi to new highs. But is this surge sustainable, or merely a short-term spike? Hairianto Diman and Elakeyaa Selvaraji explore the outlook with Betty Wang, Head of Northeast Asia Research at Oxford Economics.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
On Saturday, President Donald Trump increased the US global import tariff to 15%, following the Supreme Court’s ruling that invalidated much of his previous tariff program. Trump described the new 15% rate as “fully allowed and legally tested,” replacing the earlier 10% plan, and said it would be temporary under current trade law for 150 days. Questions remain about how enforceable this measure is and what will happen once the 150-day period ends. Andrea Heng and Hairianto Diman discuss the implications with Angela Mancini, Partner and Head of the Global Risk Analysis Practice for Asia Pacific at Control Risks.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
