Punjab Newsline,National :
Rising Iran–Israel tensions trigger safety concerns; thousands of Indian students affected from Bahrain to UAE
Amid rapidly deteriorating security conditions in the Middle East, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has taken a major decision by cancelling the Class 12 board examinations scheduled in several West Asian countries. In a circular issued on Sunday, the board announced that all exams planned between March 16 and April 10 will no longer be conducted due to the worsening conflict in the region.
According to CBSE, the decision applies to students studying in **Bahrain, Iran, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Thousands of Indian students studying in CBSE-affiliated schools across these countries will be affected by the move. However, the decision has also brought relief to many students and parents, as conducting exams amid war-like conditions posed serious safety risks.
The board further clarified that the examinations which had earlier been postponed through notices issued on March 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9, 2026, will now also be considered officially cancelled. Earlier, CBSE had also cancelled the Class 10 board examinations in these countries, which were scheduled to be held between February 17 and March 11, 2026.
The decision comes at a time when tensions in West Asia have escalated significantly. The conflict involving **United States, Israel and Iran has intensified, with reports of attacks on key energy facilities. The growing confrontation has raised global concerns, particularly about the possible disruption of international oil and gas supplies.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that the strategic maritime route Strait of Hormuz remains open for international shipping. However, he warned that vessels linked to the United States and Israel would not be allowed to pass through the crucial waterway. He emphasized that although the passage remains operational for global trade, Iran considers it restricted for ships connected to those two countries.
At the same time, tensions on the ground continue to rise. Reports of missile strikes in central Israel triggered air raid sirens across several areas, forcing residents to rush to shelters. According to media reports, loud explosions were heard in parts of the region and debris was seen falling in some areas. Emergency services responded quickly, providing medical assistance to injured civilians as authorities continue to monitor the rapidly evolving situation across the Middle East.