Published Mar 01, 2026 | 10:55 AM ⚊ Updated Mar 01, 2026 | 10:55 AM
Explosions near Dubai airport following airstrike by Iran.
Synopsis: As the tensions following the US-Israel attack on Iran and the retaliation continue, the whole Middle Eastern region has descended into a chaotic situation. Indians stranded in the region expressed concerns, highlighting the frightening situation.
As the tensions following the US-Israel attack on Iran and the retaliation continue on Sunday, 1 March, the whole Middle Eastern region has descended into a chaotic situation.
On Sunday, Iran confirmed the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and its President Masoud Pezeshkian condemned it as “a great crime” and vowed that Iran will respond, according to a statement issued by his office.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Civil Aviation said that around 444 flights are expected to be cancelled on Sunday and advised passengers to check and confirm their flight status with their respective airlines.
Indian badminton player PV Sindhu, who is in Dubai, said the situation has become frightening.
“The ordeal continues to unfold, and the situation is becoming more frightening by the hour. A few hours ago, there was an explosion close to where we were holed up at the airport. My coach had to quickly run out of the area as he was closest to the smoke and debris. It was an extremely tense and scary moment for all of us,” she wrote on X.
“We are all safe now and have been moved to a more secure place, thanks to the tireless efforts of the staff at Dubai Airport and the Dubai authorities. A special thanks as well to the Indian High Commission in Dubai for their incredible support and constant assistance in helping keep us safe.”
“For now, we are trying to get some rest and hold on to hope as we wait for things to settle,” she added.
Telugu actor-producer Vishnu Manchu said missiles are visible on the sky.
“In Dubai visiting family tonight. Missiles visible in the sky. The loud interceptions shook our home and frightened little Ayra. Praying for peace. No child anywhere should grow up hearing the sound of war above their roof. Grateful to the UAE defense forces for keeping civilians safe. Moments like this remind us how fragile life really is. Praying for strength and Peace. Har Har Mahadev,” he wrote on X.
On Sunday, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi whether he was informed about the situation during his recent visit to Israel.
“10 million Indian citizens live in Gulf countries. What message will it send to the common citizens of those countries that Israel attacked Iran as soon as Prime Minister Modi’s visit ended? Bahrain and Qatar were attacked, and Saudi Arabia could also be attacked,” he said.
“We have always remained neutral. The prime minister of the country and the BJP should understand what happened to our 80-year legacy of neutrality in this matter. A very wrong message has been sent.”
What is India’s role in this? What happens to the people stranded in the affected zones? These are questions that the Prime Minister and the BJP must answer. Israel used Prime Minister Modi’s visit to attack and tell the world that India is with them. This is a betrayal. We ask the prime minister and the BJP whether Netanyahu had informed them about this during Modi’s visit there. If they had, the visit should have been ended, and if they hadn’t, then Israel has used us,” Owaisi said.
