Live! UAE intercepts Iranian missiles and drones as Gulf tensions escalate
Saudi Arabia warns Tehran it will be the ‘biggest loser’ if attacks continue, as the US orders embassy staff to leave the kingdom amid widening regional conflict
The UAE’s air defence systems are responding to incoming missile and drone threats launched by Iran, the country’s defence ministry said. Saudi Arabia on Monday (March 9) issued a stern warning to Tehran, saying it would be the “biggest loser” if attacks on Arab states continue.
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan also held a phone call with US President Donald Trump to discuss the Iranian strikes on the Gulf nation. Meanwhile, the United States has ordered its embassy staff to leave Saudi Arabia after Iran carried out attacks on the kingdom.
The United Arab Emirates, along with other Gulf states, has been heavily targeted by Iranian missiles and drones as the conflict in the region widens. The US embassy in Kuwait was hit and the US consulate in Dubai was targeted, along with other key infrastructure in both countries.
Earlier, Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of Iran's late supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was named his successor, Iranian state TV announced early on Monday, as the war that began a little over a week ago with his father's killing took a dramatic turn.
The younger Khamenei, who had not been seen or heard from publicly since the war started, had long been considered a contender for the post, even before an Israeli strike killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and despite never being elected or appointed to a government position.
His appointment came after signs of a rift among Iranian officials as the country awaited a decision by the Assembly of Experts, a group of clerics that selects the supreme leader. State TV read a statement from the assembly, saying he was selected based on "strong" votes and urging the nation to unite behind him. The station broadcast scenes of people celebrating in parts of Tehran.
Here is the top, trending news of Monday, March 9, 2026, including Iran war, Indian politics, states' politics, geopolitics, federal issues, economics, development issues, sports, entertainment, and so on.
Scroll down for all Live updates.
Live Updates
- 9 March 2026 11:45 AM IST
Opposition stages walkout in Rajya Sabha during Jaishankar’s West Asia briefing
Amid loud protests by the Opposition, EAM S Jaishankar made a statement in the Rajya Sabha on the situation in West Asia. The Leader of Opposition, Mallikarjun Kharge, on behalf of the Opposition, had urged the Centre, through Rajya Sabha Chairman CP Radhakrishnan, to allow a short-duration discussion on the situation in West Asia, particularly its impact on India’s energy security. The request was rejected. After raising slogans demanding a debate, the Opposition staged a walkout while Jaishankar continued with his statement.
- 9 March 2026 11:43 AM IST
India calls for de-escalation in West Asia, maintains dialogue with Iran: Jaishankar
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday said that while high-level contacts with Iran are currently challenging, he has been in touch with the Iranian Foreign Minister.
Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, Jaishankar reiterated India’s commitment to peace, dialogue, and diplomacy, calling for de-escalation, restraint, and the protection of civilians amid ongoing tensions in West Asia.
He emphasised that India continues to advocate a measured approach to the conflict while prioritising the safety of its citizens in the region.
- 9 March 2026 11:39 AM IST
Oil marketing companies, paint stocks tumble amid sharp spike in oil prices
Shares of oil marketing companies and paint manufacturers tumbled on Monday morning trade amid sharp jump in crude oil prices due to the deepening conflict in West Asia.
Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd tanked 8.67 per cent, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd dropped 8.43 per cent and Indian Oil Corporation declined 7.29 per cent on the BSE.
Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, surged 24.71 per cent to USD 112.51 per barrel.
Asian Paints fell by 5.12 per cent, Indigo Paints dropped 4.83 per cent, Berger Paints lost 4.80 per cent and Kansai Nerolac Paints declined 4.72 per cent.
The 30-share BSE Sensex crashed 2,494.35 points or 3.16 per cent to 76,424.55. The 50-share NSE Nifty tumbled 752.65 points or 3 per cent to 23,697.80.
"Near-term sentiment remains pressured by escalating tensions in the Middle East, which have kept crude oil prices elevated and intensified concerns over inflation risks and India’s rising import bill.
"The sustained surge in energy prices is also reviving fears of macroeconomic strain, adding another layer of caution to market positioning," Ponmudi R, CEO of Enrich Money, a line trading and wealth tech firm said.
- 9 March 2026 11:38 AM IST
Jaishankar: Govt committed to safeguarding India’s energy security amid West Asia tensions
External affairs minister S Jaishankar on Monday said the government remains committed to safeguarding India’s energy security while ensuring that national interests remain the top priority, as geopolitical tensions in West Asia continue to disrupt global oil markets.
Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, Jaishankar said India’s approach to energy procurement will be guided by costs, risks and the availability of supply. “On energy security, the government remains committed, taking into account the costs, risk and availability of sources,” he said.
He emphasised that the government will prioritise the country’s interests while navigating global uncertainties. “The interest of Indians is the top priority. Our national interests will always be paramount,” Jaishankar told the Upper House.
- 9 March 2026 11:35 AM IST
Jaishankar: Cabinet Committee reviews Gulf strikes, prioritises safety of Indians
EAM S Jaishankar told the Rajya Sabha that the Cabinet Committee of Security, chaired by the Prime Minister on March 1, reviewed airstrikes in Iran and attacks across the Gulf, focusing on the safety of Indians in the region.
- 9 March 2026 11:32 AM IST
Jaishankar says Indian embassies actively assisting stranded citizens amid West Asia conflict
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said the government is in constant touch with Indians in the Gulf and that the Indian Embassy in Tehran is fully operational, assisting stranded students amid the ongoing conflict.
He told Rajya Sabha that the embassy has already helped relocate several students to safer areas, while efforts are also underway to assist Indians stranded in countries such as Qatar and Jordan and bring them back safely. He said the safety of Indians is the government's main priority. "The prime minister continues to closely monitor the emerging developments, and relevant ministries are coordinating to ensure effective responses," he said.
- 9 March 2026 11:29 AM IST
Jaishankar urges dialogue, diplomacy to de-escalate West Asia tensions
EAM S Jaishankar told the Rajya Sabha that the government, expressing concern since February 20, continues to advocate dialogue and diplomacy to de-escalate tensions in West Asia amid Opposition protests.
- 9 March 2026 11:25 AM IST
Developments in West Asia a cause for concern, says EAM Jaishankar in Rajya Sabha
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday said that the ongoing developments in West Asia are a deep cause for concern for India. Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, he emphasised that dialogue and discussion remain the preferred means to resolve all issues in the region.
Jaishankar added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi continues to closely monitor the situation in West Asia, highlighting the government’s focus on the safety of Indian citizens and the implications of the conflict on energy security.
The minister’s remarks come amid rising tensions in the Gulf following recent Iranian attacks on Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and other regional targets, which have also affected global oil markets and trade routes.
- 9 March 2026 11:04 AM IST
Congress chief Kharge urges full debate on US-Israel-Iran conflict in Parliament
Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge urged Parliament to hold a full debate on the US-Israel-Iran conflict, calling for a detailed government plan to protect energy security, support traders, diversify exports, and shield citizens from price hikes.
- 9 March 2026 10:57 AM IST
Thick smoke at Bahrain’s BAPCO refinery after Iranian drone attack
Thick smoke was seen around Bahrain's largest oil refinery BAPCO on Monday, Reuters news agency reported citing an eyewitness. This came after Bahrain's government said there had been injuries and damage in the Sitra area due to an Iranian drone attack. As Iran continues retaliatory strikes on Gulf nations, Saudi Arabia on Monday said it had downed four drones heading towards Shaybah oilfield. The drones were intercepted over the country’s Rub al-Khali desert.
