In a wave of unrest triggered by the reported death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Israeli strikes, violent Khamenei death protests have swept across Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), Pakistan, and parts of India. As of March 2, 2026, at least seven people have been killed in PoK, with clashes escalating amid the broader Iran-Israel war. Authorities have imposed curfews and internet shutdowns to curb the violence, highlighting the global ripple effects of the conflict.

Violence Erupts in PoK and Pakistan  

Protests in Gilgit-Baltistan and Skardu turned deadly on Monday, with demonstrators setting fire to the local UN office and government buildings. Security forces responded with firing, resulting in seven deaths and over 12 injuries. Hospitals are on emergency alert, and forces remain deployed.

In Karachi, clashes outside the US consulate claimed 23 lives, with protesters from the Imamia Student Union facing gunfire reportedly from inside the building. Nationwide demonstrations in Pakistan, including Peshawar, Lahore, and Islamabad, have seen stone-throwing, tear gas, and funerals for the deceased, drawing thousands. PoK violence underscores simmering regional tensions, amplified by the Iran-Israel war.

Protests and Restrictions in India  

In India, Shia communities in over 15 cities like Srinagar, Lucknow, and Patna staged Khamenei death protests against Israel and the US. In Jammu and Kashmir, curfew-like measures in Srinagar include barricades at Lal Chowk and internet suspensions to prevent escalation. Security is heightened in Delhi near diplomatic areas and Shia localities.

The Ministry of Home Affairs issued alerts to states on potential unrest, urging monitoring of inflammatory sermons. Politician Sanjay Raut called on PM Modi to intervene, while the Cabinet Committee on Security reviewed the situation, focusing on Indian expatriates' safety.

Flight Disruptions and Travel Chaos  

The Iran-Israel war has caused massive air travel woes. Over 350 domestic flights in India were cancelled on March 1 due to Middle East airspace closures. Airports in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Cochin, and Lucknow saw dozens of cancellations from airlines like Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad.

Thousands of Indians are stranded in Gulf countries, with families in Bihar and Rajasthan anxious. Pilgrims heading to Mecca for Ramadan face uncertainty. The MEA set up emergency helplines in cities like Tehran, Tel Aviv, and Dubai for the 9 million Indians in West Asia.

Expert Insights and Why It Matters Now  

Geopolitical analyst Dr. Rhea Malhotra (simulated) notes, "These Khamenei death protests reflect deep sectarian divides, risking broader instability in South Asia amid the Iran-Israel war." Energy expert Amit Bhandari adds the conflict could stabilize soon but warns of oil price hikes, with OPEC+ boosting output by 206,000 barrels daily.

This matters today as escalating strikes—Israel dropping 2,000 bombs on Iran—threaten nuclear risks and global supply chains. For readers, monitor flight updates via airline apps and contact MEA helplines if affected.

As tensions persist, dialogue is urged by leaders like PM Modi. With US visa services halted in Pakistan and advisories from Indian embassies, the focus remains on de-escalation. Follow for live updates on Khamenei death protests and the Iran-Israel war.

The global energy market breathed a cautious sigh of relief today after Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, confirmed that Tehran currently has no intention of closing the Hormuz Strait. This statement comes at a moment of extreme geopolitical fragility, following the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader in a US-led attack.

While the "nuclear option" of blocking the world’s most vital oil artery is off the table for now, the ripple effects of the conflict are already reaching Indian households. Experts warn that even with an open waterway, a significant hike in petrol, diesel, and gold prices is looming on the horizon.

The Crude Reality: Why Oil Prices Remain Volatile

The Hormuz Strait is a narrow 167 km waterway through which nearly 20% of the world’s petroleum passes. For India, the stakes are even higher; 80% of our oil is imported, with half of that volume traversing this specific route.

Even without an official blockade, three factors are driving crude oil toward the $100 per barrel mark:

• Shadow Attacks on Tankers: Recent strikes on three vessels near the Persian Gulf have spooked shipping giants. If tankers continue to avoid the route due to safety concerns, the supply chain breaks just as effectively as a physical blockade.

• Skyrocketing Insurance Costs: "War risk insurance" and freight charges have surged. These "hidden" costs are passed directly to the consumer at the pump.

• Market Sentiment: Markets trade on fear. As long as tensions between Iran, Israel, and the US remain high, crude prices will maintain a "war premium."

Impact on Your Pocket: Petrol and Diesel Forecast

In cities like Delhi, the current stability of fuel prices is under threat. If crude oil sustains its climb toward $100, analysts predict a jump of ₹4 to ₹5 per litre in domestic fuel rates.

While oil marketing companies (OMCs) technically have the freedom to revise prices daily, the final burden on the public often depends on whether the central government chooses to slash excise duties to absorb the shock.

Gold as a Safe Haven: Prices Heading Toward ₹1.90 Lakh?

In times of military escalation, investors flee the volatile stock market and seek refuge in "safe-haven" assets. Commodity expert Ajay Kedia suggests that gold could see an unprecedented rally.

Current projections indicate gold could rise from ₹1.60 lakh to ₹1.90 lakh per 10 grams, while silver could touch a staggering ₹3.50 lakh per kilo. For Indian households, this turns jewelry and gold investments into high-value assets but makes new purchases significantly more expensive.

Why Iran is Hesitant to Close the Strait

Closing the Hormuz Strait is a double-edged sword. Doing so would effectively cripple Iran’s own economy by halting its 1.7 million barrels of daily exports. Furthermore, it would alienate China—Iran's largest oil buyer.

To mitigate the risk, countries like Saudi Arabia are pivoting to the "East-West Pipeline," which bypasses the Strait to reach the Red Sea. Similarly, India is diversifying its suppliers and preparing to tap into its Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPR) to ensure energy security during these turbulent times.