Overview On Thursday, 5 March 2026 , fresh explosions rocked Tehran as Iran announced strikes on Iraqi‑based Kurdish groups deemed "opposed to the revolution". The attacks are part of a broader Iran‑Israel war that has quickly spread across the Middle East, affecting energy routes, global markets and diplomatic calculations. Key Developments (Bullet Points) Iran claimed responsibility for missile strikes on Iraqi Kurdish targets, killing a member of an exiled Kurdish faction. Ali Larijani warned separatist groups against exploiting the conflict. The Strait of Hormuz saw a reported 90% drop in tanker traffic after the Revolutionary Guards announced its closure. The IMF warned the war will test global economic resilience. US Senate rejected a resolution aimed at curbing President Donald Trump's authority to continue strikes, highlighting domestic political friction. Neighbouring Gulf states (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar) reported intercepting Iranian missiles; Turkey shot down a missile allegedly targeting a British base in Cyprus. Casualties: Iran’s IRNA cites 1,045 deaths (military and civilians); US reports six soldiers killed; Lebanon reports multiple civilian deaths from Israeli strikes. Important Facts The conflict originated from coordinated US‑Israeli strikes on 28 February 2026 that eliminated Iran’s supreme leader, triggering retaliatory actions across the region. Iran’s strategy includes targeting Kurdish groups it accuses of collaborating with the United States, as well as striking energy infrastructure and US‑linked assets in Gulf nations. Meanwhile, Israel has expanded operations into Lebanon, causing civilian casualties and displacements. The war has also spilled into the Indian Ocean, where a US torpedo sank the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena near Sri Lanka, resulting in 87 bodies recovered and over 60 missing. UPSC Relevance Understanding this multi‑layered conflict is crucial for several UPSC papers: GS 2 (Polity & International Relations) : Analyzes state behaviour, security council dynamics, and the role of non‑state actors like Kurdish groups and Hezbollah. GS 3 (Economy & Security) : Examines the impact on global oil markets, especially the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz , and the IMF’s assessment of economic resilience. GS 4 (Ethics & Integrity) : Considers the humanitarian implications of civilian casualties and the ethical dimensions of proxy warfare. Way Forward For policymakers, the immediate priorities include: Diplomatic engagement through the UN and regional bodies to de‑escalate hostilities and prevent further disruption of oil supplies. Strengthening maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz to safeguard global energy trade. Monitoring the role of external powers (US, NATO, Russia) to avoid a broader great‑power confrontation. Humanitarian response coordination for civilian victims in Iran, Lebanon, and Gulf states. Continued analysis of the evolving security landscape will be essential for UPSC aspirants to answer questions on international conflict, energy security, and diplomatic strategy.