Iran drone strike triggers fire at Fujairah oil facility amid escalating regional tensions

Iran reportedly carried out a drone attack on oil storage facilities at the Port of Fujairah, triggering a major fire at one of the Middle East's most strategically important energy hubs, according to a report by Turkiye Today.

Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran's newly declared Supreme Leader, vowed sweeping retaliation for Iranian "martyrs," including his father Ali Khamenei, amid rising regional tensions. In a statement shared by Iran's consulate in Afghanistan on X, he said Iran would not abandon the pursuit of justice and warned that every Iranian killed by its enemies would be treated as a separate case for vengeance.

Senior Iranian official Mohsen Rezaee said the conflict could end only if two conditions are met: the United States must compensate Iran for all war damages and withdraw its forces from the Persian Gulf. Rezaee said a complete US withdrawal was essential to guarantee lasting security and prevent future conflict.

Responding to Donald Trump's claim that US strikes on Iran would continue despite calls for talks, Abdul Majid Hakeem Ilahi, the representative of Iran's Supreme Leader in India, said Tehran would not surrender. Speaking to ANI, he said Iran would defend its dignity and independence and urged global leaders to unite to stop the war.

Iran's military has also urged residents of the United Arab Emirates to stay away from port areas, warning they could become potential targets amid escalating tensions, according to AFP. Smoke was seen rising from the direction of an energy facility in the UAE, though there was no immediate confirmation about the cause of the incident or the extent of damage.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (India) has assured citizens of an uninterrupted fuel supply despite the West Asia conflict. The government said domestic LPG production has been increased by 30 per cent and alternative import routes that bypass the Strait of Hormuz are being secured to avoid an energy crisis and prevent panic booking.

Amid rising fuel costs, Akasa Air announced a fare hike citing a sharp rise in aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices linked to geopolitical tensions. From March 15, the airline will levy a fuel surcharge ranging from ₹199 to ₹1,300 on all new bookings across domestic and international routes.

Iran's army chief Amir Hatami also warned that the killing of 104 crew members aboard the warship IRIS Dena "will not go unanswered." Quoted by Islamic Republic News Agency, Hatami said the vessel had completed a peaceful mission and was returning to Iran when it was attacked in the Indian Ocean, adding that the sailors' sacrifice would remain a symbol of courage as Iran vows to strengthen its naval power.