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Iran ready to fight a prolonged war: IRGC

Iran has said it is fully prepared for a “prolonged war” and will deploy advanced weapons not yet seen on the battlefield.
Brigadier General Ali Mohammad Naeini of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) said enemies should expect “painful blows” in the coming attacks.
“Iran’s new initiatives and weapons are on the way,” he added, noting they have not yet been used on a large scale.
Naeini said Iran is more prepared now than during last year’s 12-day US-Israel conflict, calling the current confrontation a “sacred and legitimate war.”
Iran fired its first Khayber missile targeting Tel Aviv as the announcement came.
 Source: Al Jazeera

Safety alert for Bangladeshis in Bahrain

The Bangladesh Embassy in Bahrain has advised expatriates in the country to remain cautious amid the tense security situation across the Middle East.
On Thursday, the embassy said residents should avoid filming missile or drone interceptions, attacks on buildings, military bases, or movements of military vehicles, as such actions are illegal under Bahraini law.
It warned that anyone involved in capturing or sharing these images or videos on social media, live streams, or other platforms could face strict legal action.

Trump says he has ‘no time limits’ on Iran war

US President Donald Trump has said he has “no time limits” on how long the war with Iran could last, saying he wants to “get it done”.
In an interview with Time published on Thursday, Trump said preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon remained the top priority, adding that Tehran should also have no ballistic missiles.
He also said another objective would be installing “somebody that is rational and sane” to lead Iran.
Asked whether Americans should be concerned about possible retaliatory attacks in the United States, Trump said such risks were always considered during wartime.
“We think about it all the time. We plan for it. But yeah, you know, we expect some things,” he said, adding that casualties were inevitable in conflict.

Source: CNN

US probe points to possible US role in Iran school strike: report

A US military investigation has found it is likely that US forces were responsible for a strike on a girls’ school in Minab in southern Iran that reportedly killed scores of children, two US officials told Reuters.

The strike hit the school on Mar 1 during the first day of US and Israel attacks on Iran, though investigators have not reached a final conclusion and say the probe is still ongoing.

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said the military was investigating the incident, adding that US forces do not target civilian sites.

Source: Reuters

China is in talks with Iran over Hormuz passage

China is in talks with Iran to allow crude oil and Qatari gas vessels safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, sources told Reuters.
The US-Israeli war on Iran has left the strait almost shut, cutting off about a fifth of global oil and gas supplies and pushing crude prices up over 15 percent.
A Chinese-owned tanker, Iron Maiden, has passed through the strait, but hundreds of vessels remain blocked, including around 300 oil tankers, according to ship tracking data.
Iran has barred US, Israeli, European and allied vessels from passing, but did not mention China.
Source: Reuters

Wave of explosions reverberates over Tel Aviv

Iranian missiles have sparked a wave of explosions across Tel Aviv on Friday, with Israel’s emergency services saying they visited several damaged sites but reported no injuries.
Firefighters worked to contain a blaze at a residential building near the commercial hub, while residents of a building on the outskirts of Tel Aviv were evacuated after a projectile reportedly hit the structure.
The blasts came after Israel launched massive strikes on the southern suburbs of Beirut, vowing retribution against Hezbollah, which joined the conflict earlier this week.
Iran’s state broadcaster said Tehran had fired missiles “against targets in the heart of Tel Aviv”, after Israel’s military said it was working to intercept incoming Iranian fire late Thursday.

Source: The Guardian

Flames in the Gulf, panic at the pumps

Regional spillover: The conflict expanded beyond Iranian borders as Tehran launched drone strikes on a US base in Erbil, Iraq, and conducted a first-ever assault on Azerbaijan. The strikes on Azerbaijan damaged an airport terminal in Nakhchivan, heightening fears of a broader regional rift as Baku strengthens security ties with Israel.

Hormuz standoff paralyses trade: The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has begun to cripple Bangladesh’s energy security. Reports indicate that oil shipments are stalled, triggering panic buying at Dhaka filling stations and forcing the government to issue strict fuel-saving directives.

Aviation in turmoil: Over 200 international flights have been cancelled at Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport over the last six days. In Chattogram, nearly 50 flights were grounded on Thursday alone, leaving thousands of migrant workers stranded as routes to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha remain suspended.

Lebanese toll mounts: Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon intensified, with the death toll reaching 77 in just four days. Recent strikes targeted southern villages and Beirut’s suburbs, prompting retaliatory missile fire from Hezbollah against Israeli troop movements near the Manara site.

Succession and defiance: Despite the vacuum left by Ali Khamenei’s death, Iran’s military remains active, reportedly seeking advanced anti-ship missiles from China. Domestically, Tehran is preparing for a massive funeral ceremony for Khamenei, even as the streets of the capital remain “eerily empty” under the threat of further strikes.

Diplomatic deadlock: While Tehran signalled a willingness to offer nuclear concessions in exchange for “peaceful enrichment” recognition, the Trump administration has largely rejected overtures from the emerging Iranian leadership, maintaining a high-intensity military posture.

Mass exodus at the borders: A humanitarian crisis is unfolding as tens of thousands of Iranian civilians flee the intensified aerial campaign. On Thursday, Turkish authorities reported a "massive surge" at the Van border crossing, while Pakistan’s Balochistan province has seen thousands of families arriving in makeshift camps. Human rights agencies warn that with the internet blackout and fuel shortages, these fleeing populations are at extreme risk, creating a mounting displacement challenge for Iran’s neighbours.

Trump claims ‘role in choosing Iran’s next leader’

US President Donald Trump has said he expects to have a say in selecting Iran’s next leader following the assassination of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei last Saturday.

Al Jazeera reported that the mood inside Iran is very different, with many insisting it “won’t happen again”, recalling the 1953 US-backed coup that ousted Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadegh.

Source: Al Jazeera

Senate vote on Iran war powers ‘largely symbolic’

A Senate vote on US war powers regarding Iran is largely symbolic, Speaker Mike Johnson says, as it is unlikely to pass either chamber.

Republicans back President Donald Trump’s decision, arguing that halting military action could destabilise troops, while Democrats call the move unconstitutional and criticize the administration’s lack of a clear plan.

The vote highlights partisan divides as both parties aim to record their stance ahead of the midterm elections, with public opinion currently leaning against the conflict.

Source: Al Jazeera

Iran vows to confront Kurdish separatism

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian praised the Kurdish people for “standing by Iran” and expressed sympathy for families who lost loved ones in the US-Israel war on Iran.

He added that Iranian officials and the army, as “guardians of security”, are duty-bound to decisively confront any separatist activity.

The statement comes after US President Donald Trump expressed support for Kurdish forces planning an offensive against Iran, as Iranian Kurdish militias have reportedly held discussions with US officials about potential military operations.

Source: Al Jazeera

Rubio discusses Iran threat with Kuwaiti counterpart

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has spoken with Kuwait’s Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah to discuss joint efforts to counter Iran, according to a State Department readout.

Rubio also offered condolences for the deaths of two Kuwaiti army personnel amid ongoing regional hostilities.

Source: Al Jazeera

Pakistan backs Azerbaijan after alleged Iranian drone strike

Pakistani President Shehbaz Sharif has expressed “serious concern” over attacks on Azerbaijan, following a drone strike in the Nakhchivan exclave that injured two people.

Sharif said Pakistan “stands firmly with the leadership and people of Azerbaijan and condemns such deplorable actions that risk further escalation and undermine regional peace and stability”, tagging Azeri President Ilham Aliyev in his statement.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told Azerbaijan’s Jeyhun Bayramov that Tehran was not behind the attack, amid rising tensions linked to the US-Israel war and Iran’s retaliation campaign.

Source: Al Jazeera

NATO ‘ready’ to defend allies against ballistic threats

NATO says it is “well positioned” to protect member countries from Iranian attacks.

At a meeting in Brussels, Secretary General Mark Rutte praised the Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) and all allied personnel for successfully identifying, tracking, and intercepting Iranian ballistic missiles.

“This is a tangible demonstration of the Alliance’s ability to defend our populations against all threats, including those posed by ballistic missiles,” the statement said.

NATO also strongly condemned Iranian strikes on fellow member Turkey and expressed full solidarity with Ankara.

Source: Al Jazeera

UN: Over 330,000 displaced across Middle East

The UN refugee agency says at least 330,000 people have been forcibly displaced in the Middle East.

This includes roughly 100,000 fleeing Tehran, more than 84,000 displaced in Lebanon, and about 118,000 in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Despite internal movement in Iran, cross-border flows from the country remain limited.

At the same time, over 30,000 people -- mostly Syrians, along with some Lebanese -- have crossed into Syria from Lebanon.

Source: Al Jazeera

Trump backs Kurdish offensive against Iran

US President Donald Trump has said he supports Kurdish forces launching an operation against Iran. 

He described it as “wonderful” and added, “I’d be all for it.”

Asked if the US would provide air cover, Trump declined to confirm. 

He said any Kurdish attack would aim “to win”. 

The remarks come as Iranian Kurdish militias in Iraq’s semi-autonomous Kurdistan region have held talks with US officials about possible operations against Iranian security forces.

Source: Al Jazeera

Israel warns residents to evacuate Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley

Israel’s military has issued an urgent evacuation warning for the Bekaa Valley, calling on residents of Douris, Brital, and Majdaloun to leave immediately.

The army said people should move west via the Zahle–Baalbek road and warned that anyone near Hezbollah operatives, facilities, or weapons was at risk, as Israeli strikes continue across Lebanon.

Source: X/Avichay Adraee

#عاجل ‼️انذار عاجل إلى سكان منطقة البقاع وتحديدًا سكان القرى والبلدات: دورس، بريتال ومجدلون

🔸إن أنشطة حزب الله في المنطقة تجبر جيش الدفاع على العمل ضده بقوة وذلك لاستهداف بنى تحتية عسكرية تابعة له. جيش الدفاع لا ينوي المساس بكم.

🔸لضمان سلامتكم ندعوكم الى إخلاء المنطقة فورًا… pic.twitter.com/m2fZ3GcO3Y

— افيخاي ادرعي (@AvichayAdraee) March 5, 2026

Israel cancels Friday prayers at Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa Mosque

Israel’s Civil Administration has cancelled Friday prayers at the Al-Aqsa Compound, citing security concerns amid the US-Israel conflict with Iran.

Civil Administration Chief Brig Gen Hisham Ibrahim said all holy sites in the Old City -- including the Western Wall, Temple Mount, and Church of the Holy Sepulchre -- will remain closed, and worshippers and visitors of all faiths will not be allowed to enter.

Source: Al Jazeera

Larijani warns US against ground invasion of Iran

Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, has responded to reports of a potential US ground operation, saying Iran is ready to resist.

“Some American officials have stated that they intend to enter Iranian territory on the ground with several thousand troops. The valiant sons of Imam Khomeini and Imam Khamenei are waiting for you, ready to disgrace those corrupt American officials by killing and capturing thousands,” Larijani wrote on X.

He added, “The sacred land of Iran is no place for the servants of hell.”

Source: X/Ali Larijani

The sacred land of Iran is no place for the servants of hell. pic.twitter.com/9B98O0spG3

— Ali Larijani | علی لاریجانی (@alilarijani_ir) March 5, 2026

Zelensky: US requested help against Iranian drones

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says the United States asked for “specific support” in countering Iran’s Shahed attack drones.

“I gave instructions to provide the necessary means and ensure the presence of Ukrainian specialists who can guarantee the required security,” Zelensky wrote on X. 

“Ukraine helps partners who help ensure our security and protect the lives of our people.”

He added that Ukraine remains in daily contact with US officials regarding the war in Iran.

Source: X/Volodymyr Zelensky

We received a request from the United States for specific support in protection against "shaheds" in the Middle East region. I gave instructions to provide the necessary means and ensure the presence of Ukrainian specialists who can guarantee the required security. Ukraine helps…

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) March 5, 2026

France pledges support to Lebanese army

French President Emmanuel Macron has announced that France will provide armoured transport vehicles and operational support to the Lebanese army, while urging Israel “not to expand the war to Lebanon”.

In a post on X, Macron also pledged full support to the Lebanese government and said France is sending several tonnes of medicine and aid to tens of thousands of civilians displaced from southern Lebanon. 

“Everything must be done to prevent this country, so close to France, from once again being drawn into war,” he wrote.

He added that “the Lebanese have a right to peace and security – like everyone in the Middle East”.

Earlier, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun had requested French intervention amid Israel’s ongoing bombing campaign.

Source: X/Emmanuel Macron

For Lebanon we must act.

Everything must be done to prevent this country, so close to France, from once again being drawn into war.

The Lebanese have a right to peace and security—like everyone in the Middle East.…

— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) March 5, 2026

Kuwait army says under new missile, drone attacks

Kuwait’s army says its air defences are actively intercepting missiles and drones in the country’s airspace.

In a statement on X, the armed forces said the sounds heard across scattered areas are the result of air defences engaging the incoming attacks.

Source: X/Kuwait Army

بيان رقم 13

تعلن رئاسة الأركان العامة للجيش أن الدفاعات الجوية الكويتية، تتعامل حالياً مع هجمات صاروخية وطائرات مسيرة في أجواء دولة الكويت، وتنوه القوات المسلحة أن الأصوات المسموعة في مناطق متفرقة من البلاد هي نتيجة اعتراض الدفاعات الجوية للهجمات الصاروخية والطائرات المسيرة.… pic.twitter.com/oXnvc3Urdn

— KUWAIT ARMY - الجيش الكويتي (@KuwaitArmyGHQ) March 5, 2026

Netanyahu hails ‘historic’ military cooperation with US

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has praised the “historic” military collaboration between Israel and the United States amid the ongoing conflict.

In an X post, he said he visited a southern air force base where Israeli and US pilots are operating together, and added that Israel would continue targeting Iranian-linked sites and armed groups in Lebanon. 

“I thank my friend President Trump for the cooperation between us and between Israel and the US,” he wrote.

Source: X/Netanyahu

היום ביקרתי בבסיס חיל האוויר בדרום ונפגשתי עם טייסי חיל האוויר שלנו ועם טייסים מצבא ארה״ב שפועלים יחד במבצע ״שאגת הארי״.

שיתוף הפעולה בין צבא ארה״ב לצה״ל ובין חיל האוויר לחיל האוויר האמריקני הוא היסטורי.

אנחנו ממשיכים להלום במטרות משטר הטרור באיראן וגם מול גורמי הטרור בלבנון.… pic.twitter.com/YXyaPw1vsp

— Benjamin Netanyahu - בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) March 5, 2026

EU, Gulf states condemn Iranian attacks

The European Union and Gulf Cooperation Council have issued a joint statement condemning Iran’s attacks on Arab allies.

On Thursday, the GCC reiterated that their territories will not be used to launch attacks against Iran. 

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the crisis, praised Oman’s constructive role, and stressed the need to restore regional stability and security.

Source: Al Jazeera

Araghchi: ‘No reason to negotiate’ with US

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told NBC in a live interview that Tehran is “not asking for a ceasefire” and sees no reason to negotiate with the United States.

He criticised previous talks, saying: “When we negotiated with them twice, every time, they attacked us in the middle of negotiations.”

Araghchi also said Iran has not closed the Strait of Hormuz, adding: “It is the ships and tankers that have refused to cross. We have no intention to close it right now, but as the war continues, we will consider every scenario.”

Source: NBC

Thousands flee into Syria as Israeli bombing intensifies

As Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon continue, thousands -- mostly Syrian nationals -- have crossed into Syria in recent days.

Refugees are arriving at border crossings and heading to offices run by the UN, Syrian government, and NGOs for assistance. 

Officials warn the number of people fleeing is likely to rise sharply as the bombing escalates, with concerns that the conflict could persist for an extended period.

Source: Al Jazeera

‘Plan A failed’: Araghchi tells Trump

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has directly addressed US President Donald Trump on X.

He wrote: “Plan A for a clean rapid military victory failed, Mr President. Your Plan B will be [an] even bigger failure.”

He added that the opportunity for a “unique deal” was “burned” during recent negotiations, and warned: “‘Israel First’ always means ‘America Last’.”

Source: Al Jazeera

Plan A for a clean rapid military victory failed, Mr. President. Your Plan B will be even bigger failure.

The truth: Chance for unique deal burned after the 'America Last' cabal obscured "significant progress" we made in negotiations.

'Israel First' always means 'America Last'

— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) March 5, 2026

UN opens shelters as violence displaces thousands in Lebanon

The UN agency for Palestinian refugees says escalating violence in Lebanon is forcing thousands to flee their homes.

Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini said emergency shelters have been opened to support displaced people, including Palestinian refugees, as well as Lebanese and Syrians, in coordination with local authorities and civil society groups.

Source: Al Jazeera

Iran launched ‘over 2,000 drones’

Fars News Agency, close to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, reports that Iran has deployed more than 2,000 drones since the war began last Saturday following US and Israeli strikes.

If accurate, this would mean more than 330 drones used daily -- roughly one launched every four minutes.

Source: Al Jazeera

Israel’s UN envoy says diplomacy not yet an option

Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations Danny Danon has said that Israel and the US need to dismantle more of Iran’s capabilities before engaging in diplomacy.

Speaking to reporters Thursday, Danon added that in a few days it would be much harder for Iran to disrupt vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

Source: Al Jazeera

Indian FM speaks with Iranian counterpart

Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar held a phone call with Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi a day after a US submarine sank an Iranian warship off Sri Lanka.

The vessel had been returning from military exercises hosted by India. Sri Lanka Navy rescued more than 30 sailors, but over 80 others were killed and dozens remain missing.

The discussion comes as India grows increasingly concerned over energy supplies, following Iran’s attempt to close the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for over 20 percent of global oil -- including large volumes imported by India from Gulf nations.

Source: Al Jazeera

IRGC launches 20th wave of attacks on US, Israeli targets

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps says it has launched the 20th wave of strikes on “American and Zionist targets”, according to the semi-official Tasnim News Agency.

The IRGC said the attacks are in memory of personnel killed when a US submarine struck one of its naval ships off Sri Lanka yesterday.

Source: Al Jazeera

Sri Lanka evacuates crew from Iranian naval ship

Sri Lanka has evacuated 208 crew members from an Iranian navy vessel, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said, a day after a US submarine sank another Iranian frigate.

The Sri Lanka Navy will take control of the second vessel and move it to the northeastern port of Trincomalee for safekeeping amid fears it could be targeted next.

Source: Al Jazeera

WHO halts operations at global emergency hub in Dubai

The World Health Organization (WHO) has suspended operations at its global emergency logistics hub in Dubai due to the conflict in the Middle East. 

The suspension is attributed to regional insecurity, the closure of airspaces, and restrictions affecting access to the Strait of Hormuz. 

This shutdown impacts a critical link in global health. In 2025, the hub processed more than 500 emergency orders for 75 countries. 

Source: BBC

20,000 Americans return home, State Department amps up evacuations

 Around 20,000 Americans have returned to the United States since joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran began last Saturday, according to the Department of State. 

While specific numbers were not provided for those relocating to third countries or currently in transit, officials confirmed that the majority of citizens have departed.

To assist those remaining in the region, the State Department is coordinating charter flights and ground transportation, with plans to increase these operations in the coming days. 

Source: Al Jazeera

Iran says 3,600 civilian sites damaged in US-Israel attacks

Iranian authorities report that more than 3,600 civilian locations have been hit, including 3,090 homes, 528 commercial centres, 13 medical facilities, and nine Red Crescent centres, according to the Iranian Red Crescent.

Major hospitals such as Khatam and Gandhi, as well as rehabilitation and welfare centres, were damaged, with some patients injured when structures collapsed. 

Facilities including Valiasr Burn Hospital have been rendered inoperable.

The Red Crescent says detailed reports have been submitted to the International Committee of the Red Cross and other international bodies for potential legal action.

Source: Al Jazeera

Death toll in Lebanon from Israeli strikes tops 100

Lebanon’s Ministry of Health says at least 102 people have been killed and 638 more wounded since Monday in Israel’s bombing campaign, the Lebanese National News Agency reports.

Officials warn the numbers are likely to rise as hospitals continue receiving more injured people.

Source: Al Jazeera

Israel says it kills Hamas commander in Tripoli

The Israeli army says it has targeted and killed Hamas commander Wasim Attallah Ali in Lebanon’s northern city of Tripoli.

In a Telegram statement, Israel said naval forces carried out the strike and claimed Ali trained Hamas fighters. No immediate response has come from Hamas.

The attack comes as Israel expands operations in Lebanon, with at least eight people killed so far today. 

Residents under evacuation orders in Beirut’s southern suburbs were earlier told to flee toward Tripoli.

Source: Al Jazeera

Beirut gridlock after Israel orders mass evacuation

The Israeli army has issued a forced evacuation order for Beirut’s southern suburbs, an unprecedented move affecting a densely populated area of around 400,000 people.

Smoke from earlier air strikes still rises over the district as residents attempt to leave, creating severe traffic gridlock. 

Many have nowhere to go quickly, making the evacuation logistically chaotic.

The order comes on top of an existing evacuation for southern Lebanon, where roughly 84,000 people have already fled north of the Litani River, according to the Lebanese government. 

Adding tens of thousands more from Beirut’s southern suburbs creates an extraordinary challenge for authorities and residents alike.

Source: Al Jazeera

Azerbaijan closes airspace near Iran

Azerbaijan has shut part of its southern airspace near the Iranian border for 12 hours following reports that Iranian drones crossed into its territory.

The measure comes after drones struck areas in the Nakhchivan exclave, damaging infrastructure and injuring civilians. 

Iran has denied responsibility, saying it does not target neighbouring countries.

Source: Al Jazeera

Sirens sound in Ramallah as Israeli military warns of missiles

Sirens have been heard across Ramallah, followed by loud explosions, as Israeli forces warned of incoming missiles, reports from the West Bank said.

Locals say such alerts usually indicate launches targeting central areas, including Jerusalem and the Dead Sea. 

Residents of the West Bank, which lacks air defence systems and shelters, remain without guidance on where to seek protection.

Source: Al Jazeera

Israel says it destroyed 300 Iranian missile launchers

The Israeli military claims its air force has hit and disabled more than 300 ballistic missile launchers in Iran during the ongoing conflict.

Israeli officials say the strikes targeted launchers in western Iran to reduce Tehran’s ability to fire missiles toward Israeli territory.

Source: Al Jazeera

Iran reports 11 hospitals damaged in US-Israel strikes

Iran’s health ministry says 11 hospitals, seven emergency centres, nine ambulances, and four other medical facilities have been damaged in US-Israeli attacks.

This follows the World Health Organization’s earlier confirmation of 13 verified attacks on healthcare infrastructure in Iran, which have killed four health workers and injured 25.

Source: Al Jazeera

Reza Pahlavi urges Iranian officials to 'hand over power'

Reza Pahlavi, son of the former shah of Iran, has called on Islamic Republic officials to “hand over power immediately” following the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

In a statement on X, he warned that any attempt to appoint a successor would fail, arguing that a new leader would lack legitimacy in the eyes of the people.

Source: Al Jazeera

WHO confirms 13 attacks on health facilities in Iran

The World Health Organization (WHO) says it has verified 13 attacks on Iran’s healthcare infrastructure amid the US-Israel campaign, killing four health workers and injuring 25.

Speaking at a press conference, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said one additional attack was verified in Lebanon. 

Another official added that four ambulances were affected and hospitals and other health sites sustained minor damage from nearby strikes.

Source: Al Jazeera

US Navy may escort tankers through Strait of Hormuz

The White House says President Donald Trump will task the US Navy with “escorting tankers through the Strait of Hormuz” if necessary, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said.

Iran’s IRGC has declared the strategic waterway closed amid the war and threatened to target passing vessels. 

Leavitt added that crude oil carriers and cargo ships in or near the Gulf will also be eligible for political risk insurance from the US Development Finance Corporation “at a very reasonable price”.

Source: X/Karoline Leavitt

Iran denies responsibility for drone strike on Azerbaijan

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said to his Azerbaijani counterpart that Tehran was not behind the drone attack on Nakhchivan.

Speaking in a phone call, he denied that any Iranian projectiles were fired toward Azerbaijan and said Iran’s armed forces are conducting a full investigation. 

Araghchi also suggested that Israel may be behind such attacks, aiming to damage Iran’s relations with its neighbours, Tasnim News Agency reported.

Source: Al Jazeera

UK sending more jets, helicopters to Gulf

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer says the UK is dispatching four additional Typhoon fighter jets to Qatar to bolster its squadron there.

Wildcat helicopters equipped with anti-drone capabilities will arrive in Cyprus tomorrow, and the HMS Dragon is being deployed to the Mediterranean.

British bases have been made available to the US for defensive operations only, Starmer adds, emphasising: “We will maintain this shield over British people in the region and our allies.”

He said the conflict "could continue for some time".

Source: BBC

Starmer defends UK stance, details defensive preparations

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer defended his decision not to join the initial US-Israel strikes on Iran, rejecting requests to allow US planes to use British bases for offensive operations. 

He framed the choice as deliberate, in the national interest, and consistent with the UK’s longstanding policy of seeking a “negotiated settlement” with Iran on its nuclear ambitions.

Starmer also outlined the UK’s defensive measures in the region, saying that “long before” the strikes began, Britain had moved military assets to Cyprus and Qatar, including fighter jets, air defence missiles, and advanced radar systems. 

These measures, he said, were intended to protect British personnel and interests and maintain a “heightened state of readiness”.

When the strikes started on Saturday, Starmer said UK jets were immediately deployed and successfully intercepted multiple drones, including at least one targeting a base housing British forces. 

He added that the UK continues to resupply its jets and missile stores while coordinating with regional allies to respond to evolving threats.

Speaking at a press conference aimed at reassuring a “worried” public, Starmer emphasised his focus on “calm, level-headed leadership” and standing by UK values and principles despite external pressure.

Source: BBC

Explosions reported over Doha

Another round of blasts has been heard over the Qatari capital, Doha.

Details remain limited.

Source: Al Jazeera

US misjudged Iranian state structure, says expert

Abdullah Al Arian, a Georgetown University professor in Qatar, says the Trump administration has shown a “lack of understanding about the makeup of the Iranian state”.

He explained that unlike Libya under Gaddafi or Iraq under Saddam, sidelining a figurehead in Iran does not risk total state collapse, nor has internal opposition coalesced in support of US strikes. 

Iran has maintained stability and has contingencies in place, he said, adding it is unsurprising the country has not hurried to name a new supreme leader amid US threats.

Source: Al Jazeera

Hezbollah says it fired missiles at Israeli forces near Markaba

Hezbollah has said it launched missile strikes on Israeli troops advancing near the southern Lebanese town of Markaba.

In a statement on Thursday, the group said its fighters targeted Israeli forces around 12:30pm (10:30GMT) after observing troops moving from the Manara site toward the town. 

Two missiles reportedly hit the forces directly, with Hezbollah describing the attack as retaliation for Israeli strikes on Lebanese towns, including the southern suburbs of Beirut.

Source: Al Jazeera

Iran claims drone strike on US base in northern Iraq

Iran’s military has said it launched a drone attack on a base in Erbil, northern Iraq, hosting US forces, according to semi-official Tasnim News Agency.

The agency reported that the strike caused “significant damage”, though no further details on casualties or the extent of destruction were provided.

Source: Al Jazeera

No power vacuum expected in Iran amid leadership transition

Iran’s leadership structures remain fully operational, and a power vacuum is unlikely, according to Hassan Ahmadian, an associate professor at the University of Tehran.

Speaking to Al Jazeera, Ahmadian said a leadership council, together with the Supreme National Security Council, is overseeing major strategic decisions, which are then reviewed and ratified by the leadership council. 

He added that succession proceedings are under way within the Guardian Council in line with the constitution, describing the process as routine and stable.

Source: Al Jazeera

Azerbaijan demands apology from Iran over drone strike

Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev has said Iran must apologise and those responsible held accountable after a drone injured two people in the country’s Nakhchivan exclave.

Aliyev described Nakhchivan International Airport, its terminal, a school, and other areas as “subjected to cowardly fire” by Iranian drones targeting civilian sites. 

He called the attack “an ugly terrorist act” and said Azerbaijan has summoned Iran’s ambassador in response, though Tehran denies involvement.

Source: Al Jazeera

EU, Gulf states urge civilian protection, return to dialogue

The European Union and Gulf Cooperation Council have called for “dialogue and diplomacy” to resolve the ongoing war, following a videoconference of their foreign ministers.

“The ministers reiterated their commitment to regional stability and called for protection of civilians and full respect for international law,” the joint statement said. 

They also agreed on “joint diplomatic efforts to bring about a lasting solution”, prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon, and ensure the Iranian people can ultimately determine their own future.

Source: Al Jazeera

Dubai moves spring break forward to next week

Authorities in Dubai have announced that spring break for students will start earlier than planned, running from Monday, Mar 9, to Sunday, Mar 22, 2026.

Classes and work for educational and administrative staff across all private institutions will resume on Monday, Mar 23, the Knowledge and Human Development Authority said via Dubai’s Media Office.

Source: Al Jazeera

Lebanon’s PM orders action to block IRGC activity

Lebanon’s Prime Minister Najib Salam has instructed authorities to do “whatever is necessary” to prevent any military or security activity by IRGC members in the country, ahead of their planned deportation, Information Minister Paul Morcos said.

Speaking after a cabinet session at the Grand Serail, Morcos added that Salam rejected claims the government is following Israeli demands or carrying out “Israeli decisions”.

Source: Al Jazeera

Tehran streets ‘eerily empty’ amid heightened security

Residents report unusually quiet streets in Tehran as a heavy security presence accompanies ongoing tensions.

A local, speaking anonymously for safety, said he left home after five days and drove through the normally busy Naft Street, near the Expediency Discernment Council building targeted Monday night. 

The drive, which would usually take up to two hours, was unusually fast due to empty roads.

Checkpoints have been set up by security forces, though the resident was allowed through. 

Nearby Iranshahr Street, typically bustling with café-goers, was described as “completely dead”. Contacting people across Iran remains difficult amid an internet shutdown.

Source: BBC

European powers bolster Cyprus defenses after drone strike

European nations are moving to strengthen Cyprus’s defences following a drone attack on the British airbase at RAF Akrotiri on Monday.

France cut short its aircraft carrier strike group’s deployment to the Baltic and will coordinate with Italy and Greece to support the island. 

Italy’s Defence Minister Guido Crosetto confirmed his country’s involvement, saying the move is needed to “reassess our assets in the region and respond to the requests of friendly countries in difficulty”.

Spain is sending its Cristóbal Colón frigate to Cyprus to join the French carrier Charles de Gaulle and Greek naval vessels. 

Spain’s defence ministry described the frigate as its “most technologically advanced” and said the deployment underscores the country’s commitment to defending the EU and its eastern border.

Monday’s drone strike on RAF Akrotiri, a key hub for UK Middle East operations, is believed to be the first attack on the base since 1986.

Source: CNN

Residents of several Beirut neighbourhoods told to move east

The Israeli army has urged residents in the southern suburbs of Beirut to leave their homes “immediately” to protect their lives.

Spokespeople specifically directed people in Bourj el-Barajneh and Hadath to move east toward Mount Lebanon along the Beirut–Damascus road.

Residents of Haret Hreik and Shiyyah were told to flee north toward Tripoli along the Beirut–Tripoli road or east toward Mount Lebanon.

Source: Al Jazeera

Casualties in US-Israel-Iran conflict

The ongoing conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States has resulted in significant loss of life across the region. Reported deaths include civilians, military personnel, and casualties from missile and drone strikes in multiple countries.

• Iran: At least 1,230 killed, including 175 schoolgirls and staff in a Saturday missile strike on a school in Minab.
• Israel: 11 killed, including nine in an Iranian missile strike on Beit Shemesh on Mar 1.
• United States: Six service members killed.
• Lebanon: At least 77 killed by Israeli attacks since Monday.
• Bahrain: One killed after a fire at Salman Industrial City following a missile interception.
• Kuwait: Four killed, including two Kuwaiti soldiers, in Iranian attacks.
• Oman: One killed after a projectile struck a Marshall Islands-flagged tanker off its coast.
• UAE: Three people killed.

Source: BBC

UK minister warns Iran crisis could last months

Hamish Falconer, the UK’s Middle East minister, has told parliament that the current crisis involving Iran may continue for an extended period.

“The situation is evolving, but there are indications that this is a crisis not of days, but of weeks and possibly months,” he said.

Source: Al Jazeera

Explosions reported in Israel as Iranian missiles intercepted

Israeli media say a series of powerful explosions were heard in central Israel after defence systems intercepted missiles launched from Iran.

Authorities have confirmed that the interceptors engaged incoming projectiles to protect populated areas.

Source: Al Jazeera

France allows temporary US aircraft presence on local bases

France has authorised a temporary deployment of US aircraft to “certain bases” in the country, a French joint defence staff official said.

The official stressed that the aircraft will not take part in operations against Iran, but will only support the defence of France’s regional partners amid the ongoing US-Israel campaign.

Source: Al Jazeera

IDF warns of new Iranian missile wave

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has said it has detected additional missiles launched from Iran toward Israel.

Defensive systems are reportedly intercepting the incoming projectiles, and residents in affected areas have received alerts instructing them to stay in protected spaces until further notice.

Source: BBC

Two schools in Parand hit by US-Israeli missiles

Missiles launched by the United States and Israel have struck two schools in Parand, a town southwest of Tehran, according to the Fars news agency.

The report included photographs showing extensive damage and debris inside what appeared to be a classroom. 

Source: Al Jazeera

EU countries will ‘pay’ for silence on strikes: Iran

Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei has issued a warning to the European Union, saying its member states will "pay the price, sooner or later" if they do not speak out against the US and Israeli attacks on Iran.

Source: Al Jazeera

Tehran’s Azadi Stadium reportedly destroyed in strikes

Iran’s state broadcaster IRIB reported that Tehran’s Azadi Stadium, a venue for international football matches, has been “destroyed” in recent attacks.

Footage shared by IRIB showed extensive damage, with clouds of smoke rising from the stands.

Source: Al Jazeera

#US and #Israel destroyed the 12000seat Azadi Stadium today; a place hosted international competitions for decades.

Neither nuclear bombs nor ballistic missiles are made in stadiums.

No expectations from international organizations, especially after killing of 72000 in #Gaza. pic.twitter.com/rOzfVM6EVH

— IRIB (Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting) (@iribnews_irib) March 5, 2026

Iran denies targeting Azerbaijan

Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi has rejected claims that Iranian drones struck Azerbaijan’s Nakhchivan region, including an airport building.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran has not targeted the Republic of Azerbaijan. We do not target our neighbouring countries,” Gharibabadi told Tasnim News Agency. 

He added that Iran’s operations are limited to military bases of its enemies in the region, including those linked to the US and Israel.

Source: Al Jazeera

Tehran stadium among sites hit in fresh strikes

Tehran awoke to powerful explosions across the capital on Thursday, with blasts reported at police stations and several government facilities, according to reporting from the ground.

A 12,000-seat sports stadium was also struck. 

The venue was empty at the time, but it was severely damaged, and it remains unclear what the intended target at or beneath the stadium may have been.

Source: Al Jazeera

Death toll in Iran from US-Israeli strikes rises

Iran’s semiofficial Tasnim News Agency reported that the number of people killed in US and Israeli attacks since Saturday has risen to 1,230.

Source: Al Jazeera

Iran accuses US, Israel of ‘targeting civilians’

Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei has said the United States and Israel are deliberately striking civilian areas amid the conflict.

“Our people are being brutally slaughtered as the aggressors target any location they believe will cause the maximum suffering and loss of life,” Baqaei wrote on X.

Source: X/Esmaeil Baqaei

This savage, unprovoked, and utterly unjustified aggression against the Islamic Republic of #Iran extends far beyond the battlefield. It reverberates through global markets, driving up energy prices, destabilizing currencies, and eroding the purchasing power of ordinary people…

— Esmaeil Baqaei (@IRIMFA_SPOX) March 5, 2026

NATO chief warns Iran is ‘close’ to threatening Europe

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has said Iran is “close” to becoming a threat to Europe.

He expressed support for US efforts, under former President Donald Trump, to target Tehran’s nuclear and missile capabilities.

Rutte added that it is crucial to ensure Iran no longer poses a threat to the continent.

Source: Al Jazeera

Iran says it targeted ‘separatist groups’ near western border

Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence has said it targeted “separatist terrorist groups” that were attempting to enter the country through its western borders with support from the United States. 

The statement, carried by state media, appeared to refer to Iranian operations against Iraq-based Kurdish groups.

Iran’s ISNA news agency reported that explosions were heard on Thursday at the headquarters of forces in Iraq’s Kurdistan region.

The development came after sources told CNN that the CIA is working to arm Kurdish forces in an effort to stir a popular uprising in Iran. 

Multiple people familiar with the plan said the Trump administration has held active discussions with Iranian opposition groups and Kurdish leaders in Iraq about providing military support.

Source: CNN

2 hurt in first Iranian drone strikes on Azerbaijan

Two people have been injured and the terminal building of Nakhchivan International Airport was damaged after Iranian drone attacks struck Azerbaijan on Thursday. 

It was the first such assault on the country since the conflict began.

The strikes took place around midday local time (3am ET). Another drone fell near a school in Shakarabad, Azerbaijan’s foreign ministry said. 

The ministry condemned the attacks launched from Iranian territory. 

It called them a violation of international law and said they risk escalating tensions between the two Shia-majority neighbours, as Baku deepens security ties with Israel.

Source: CNN

Zelensky: Russia lacks capacity to be Iran’s ally

President Volodymyr Zelensky has said Russia is not acting as an ally of Iran and lacks the capacity to do so, arguing that its forces are either “buried in Ukrainian soil” or fully engaged in the war against Ukraine.

In an X post, he voiced confidence that Moscow is supplying weapons to Tehran, including electronics for Iranian “Shahed” drones whose Russian-made components have been found in strike debris, and warned that air defence systems could also be among the support Russia provides.

Source: X/ZelenskyyUa

As of today, Russia is not acting as an ally of Iran. Perhaps it would like to, but we have already seen it with Syria, and now we see it with Iran – I believe they simply do not have the capacity for this. All their forces are either buried in Ukrainian soil or engaged in the…

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) March 5, 2026

77 dead in 4 days of Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon: health ministry

Israeli attacks in Lebanon have killed 77 people and injured 527 over the past four days, according to the country’s health ministry.

Thursday’s toll includes at least eight deaths, among them four members of the same family in the southern village of Kfar Tebnit.

Source: Al Jazeera

Six injured by falling debris in Abu Dhabi

Six people have been injured after debris fell from drones intercepted by air defence systems over Abu Dhabi, the emirate’s media office says.

In a post on X, the office said authorities responded to debris landing in two locations in the Industrial City (ICAD II) district.

The injured, who are nationals of Pakistan and Nepal, suffered minor to moderate injuries, it added.

Source: Al Jazeera

Iran has made no arms request: Russia

The Kremlin says it has not received a request from Iran to supply weapons during the ongoing conflict.

Asked whether Moscow plans to offer material support, including arms, spokesman Dmitry Peskov said: “There were no requests from the Iranian side. Our consistent position is well known, and there have been no changes in this regard.”

Iran and Russia signed a 20-year strategic partnership agreement last year.

Russia is also building two new nuclear units at Bushehr, Iran’s only nuclear power plant, while Iran has supplied Shahed drones to Russia for use in Ukraine.

Source: Al Jazeera

Larijani criticises Trump after deadly attack on Iranian schoolgirls

Ali Larijani, head of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, has criticised US President Donald Trump in a social media post following the deaths of young schoolgirls in a strike.

In a post on X, Larijani said the collective deaths of innocent girls at a school at the hands of Israeli and US forces had turned the idea of “peace through strength” into one soaked in blood.

He directly addressed Trump, asking whether this was the “anthem” he had composed for freedom in Iran.

با شهادت دسته جمعی دختران معصوم مینابی در یک مدرسه توسط تبهکاران اسرائیلی آمریکایی، تئوری صلح از طریق قدرت رنگ خون گرفت. آقای ترامپ! این بود سرودی که برای آزادی در ایران ساز کردید؟!
خداوند فریبکاران را به دست خود رسوا میکند.

— Ali Larijani | علی لاریجانی (@alilarijani_ir) March 5, 2026

Source: X/ Ali Larijani

‘Elevated’ threat level alert in Qatar

Authorities in Qatar have sent out an emergency alert informing residents that the security threat level is "elevated".

This comes after multiple explosions were heard above Doha.

Russia slates US, Israel for 'drawing' Arabs into Middle East conflict

Russia has accused the United States and Israel of trying to drag Arab countries into a wider Middle East conflict by provoking Iran into striking at targets across the region.

"They deliberately provoked Iran into retaliatory strikes against targets in some Arab countries, which led to human and material losses, which the Russian side deeply regrets," Russia's Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

"In doing so, they (Washington and Tel Aviv) are trying to drag the Arabs into a war for someone else's interests".

The only way to prevent the Middle East from being further destabilised was to stop the "aggression" of the US and Israel, the ministry added, saying there were no signs for now that the two "aggressors" would halt their strikes.

Source: Reuters

S Korea bans travel by its citizens to Iran

South Korea has banned travel to Iran for its citizens starting at 6pm (0900 GMT) on Thursday due to heightened safety risk from the war, its foreign ministry said in a statement.

Source: Reuters

Limited flight operations restart in Abu Dhabi

Limited flight operations have resumed at Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport, according to the Abu Dhabi Media Office.

Source: Al Jazeera

Iran’s internet blackout exceeds 120 hours: monitor

Cybersecurity watchdog Netblocks says Iran’s near-total internet shutdown has now reached its fifth day, with internet use “around 1 percent of ordinary levels”. It warned of an “increasingly Orwellian environment” as people who try to use the global internet face threats of legal repercussions.

⚠️ Update: #Iran's internet blackout has now exceeded 120 hours with connectivity still flatlining around 1% of ordinary levels.

Meanwhile, an increasingly Orwellian environment is emerging as telcos threaten users who try to connect to the global internet with legal action. pic.twitter.com/CYJiS50gjr

— NetBlocks (@netblocks) March 5, 2026

Source: X/ Netblocks

Death toll rises across Middle East

Scores of people have been killed across the Middle East since the US and Israel attacked Iran on Feb 28, with Gulf states hosting US forces and Lebanon drawn into the conflict.
As of Mar 5, the sixth day of the war, reported deaths by country are:
Iran: 1,045 people killed, including 175 schoolgirls and staff in a missile strike on a primary school in Minab on the first day, the Iranian Red Crescent Society says. Casualties among the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps are not separately reported.
Israel: 10 civilians killed, including nine in a missile strike on Beit Shemesh near Jerusalem on Mar 1, according to Magen David Adom. Military casualties have not been reported.
Lebanon: 77 people killed in Israeli strikes, the health ministry says.
Bahrain: One person killed after a fire in Salman Industrial City following missile interception, the interior ministry says.
Kuwait: Three people, including two soldiers, killed in Iranian attacks, according to the health and foreign ministries.
Oman: One person killed after a projectile hit the Marshall Islands–flagged tanker MKD VYOM off Muscat.
United Arab Emirates: Three people killed, according to the defense ministry.
US military: Six service members killed in a strike on a facility in Kuwait, US Central Command says.
Syria: Four people killed when an Iranian missile struck a building in Sweida, state news agency SANA reports.

Source: Reuters

US-Bangla flight returns stranded Bangladeshis from Dubai

A US-Bangla Airlines special flight has brought back 378 Bangladeshis stranded in the UAE amid the Iran conflict.
The passengers included 27 crew members of Biman Bangladesh Airlines who had been stuck in Dubai for five days since the outbreak of hostilities in the Middle East on Feb 28, the private carrier said in a statement on Thursday.
The airline said another special flight from Dubai is scheduled to land in Dhaka on Friday morning.

IRGC says Hormuz closed to US, Israeli, European ships

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) says the Strait of Hormuz is closed only to vessels from the United States, Israel, Europe and their Western allies amid the ongoing conflict.
In remarks carried by state broadcaster IRIB on Thursday, the IRGC said Iran has the right to control passage through the strategic waterway during wartime under international law.
It warned that ships belonging to the US, Israel, Europe “and their supporters” could be targeted if they are observed passing through the strait.

Source: CNN

US tanker on fire in Gulf: Iran

Iranian state television reports that its naval forces hit a US tanker on Thursday morning in the northern Gulf.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said the ship was “hit by a missile in the north of the Persian Gulf” and is “currently on fire,” adding that it has “full control” over the Strait of Hormuz, which links the Gulf to the Indian Ocean.
The UK Maritime Trade Organisation (MTO) earlier said a tanker was struck off the coast of Kuwait.
The MTO said the tanker’s master reported “witnessing and hearing a large explosion on the port side” before seeing a small craft leave the area.
“There is oil in the water from a cargo tank, which could have some environmental impact. The vessel has taken on water, there are no fires reported and the crew are safe and well,” it added.

Source: BBC

US will ‘bitterly regret’ sinking frigate: Iran FM

Iran’s Foreign Minister says the US has “perpetrated an atrocity at sea” by sinking the Iranian naval frigate Dena, which it would come to “bitterly regret”. “The US has perpetrated an atrocity at sea, 2,000 miles (3219km) away from Iran’s shores,” Seyed Abbas Araghchi said in a post on X. “Frigate Dena, a guest of India’s Navy carrying almost 130 sailors, was struck in international waters without warning.” He added, “Mark my words: The US will come to bitterly regret (the) precedent it has set.”

The U.S. has perpetrated an atrocity at sea, 2,000 miles away from Iran's shores.

Frigate Dena, a guest of India's Navy carrying almost 130 sailors, was struck in international waters without warning.

Mark my words: The U.S. will come to bitterly regret precedent it has set. pic.twitter.com/cxYiI9BLUk

— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) March 5, 2026

Source: X/ Seyed Abbas Araghchi

‘Let’s stop the war now’, says Omani FM

Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi has issued another appeal to end the war and said Oman would do its part to help repatriate all people stranded within its territory due to the conflict.
“The Omani government is working with your governments and international airlines to organise flights to get you home,” he wrote in a post on X.  
“We mean everyone, whatever passport you hold. The citizens of all countries have the human right to safety and security,” it read. “Let’s stop this war now.”

Source: Al Jazeera

Explosions in Tehran, Karaj

Explosions are being heard in Tehran and Karaj, according to Iranian state media.
This comes after Israel announced it was launching a “broad wave of attacks” on the Iranian capital.

Source: Al Jazeera

Which airlines are still flying in the Middle East?

Qatar Airways: Flights from Doha are not operating; some relief flights from Muscat and Riyadh will begin on Thursday.
Emirates: There have been limited flights from Dubai and Abu Dhabi through the UAE’s safe air corridors.
Etihad Airways: It is offering a limited number of services from Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
El Al Israel Airlines: It is planning nine flights to Tel Aviv on Thursday from nine European cities, such as Athens, Milan, Geneva, Munich and Paris.
Israir: It has five flights planned to Tel Aviv on Thursday from Rome, Berlin, Athens, Batumi and Rovaniemi.
Arkia: It is planning one flight from Rome to Tel Aviv on Thursday, with more in the coming days.
Turkish Airlines: It cancelled some flights to and from Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Syria and the UAE, as well as the Saudi cities of Dammam and Riyadh.
Air France: It suspended flights to and from Dubai and Riyadh until 6 March; no services to Tel Aviv and Beirut until at least Mar 8.
Air India: One flight is planned on Thursday on the Mumbai-Dubai-New Delhi route, using a larger plane to accommodate stranded passengers on the return journey.

Source: Al Jazeera

50 flights cancelled in Chattogram amid Middle East conflict

Shah Amanat International Airport in Chattogram has cancelled 50 international flights over six days due to the US-Israel strikes on Iran.
On Thursday, four outbound flights -- two from Biman Bangladesh Airlines and two from Air Arabia --were grounded. 
Flights to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Doha remain suspended.

At least 80 Iranian sailors killed after US struck warship, Sri Lanka says

At least 80 people have been killed after Iranian warship the IRIS Dena sank in the Indian Ocean, Sri Lankan officials said, after a US submarine fired a torpedo.
The director of the Karapitiya Teaching Hospital told CNN its mortuary had received 87 bodies as of last night.
The Sri Lankan Navy said 32 people have been rescued so far. 180 people were believed to have been onboard the vessel when the first distress call was received on Wednesday, according to the country’s foreign minister.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Wednesday that a US submarine sank an Iranian vessel in international waters.
While Hegseth did not directly mention the rescue efforts by the Sri Lankan navy, his description of the strike appeared to match the location of the ongoing rescue effort.
Source: CNN

Israel launches fresh strikes across Tehran

The Israeli military says it has “launched a broad wave of attacks” against Iranian state infrastructure throughout Tehran.

Source: Al Jazeera

Israel attacks ballistic missile site in Iran’s Qom

A spokesperson for the Israeli military says its air force has “attacked and destroyed” a ballistic missile platform that had been preparing to launch an attack from the Iranian city of Qom.
In a statement posted on X, Avichay Adraee said the Israeli air force also destroyed an air defence system dedicated to targeting aircraft in the Iranian city of Isfahan.
The strikes were aimed at degrading Iran’s defence as well as expanding Israel’s “air control in the region”, he wrote.

Source: Al Jazeera

US continuing to target Iran’s mobile missile launchers

United States Central Command says efforts to “eliminate” Iran’s mobile missile launch capabilities are continuing as the joint US-Israel military operation against Tehran enters its sixth day. “We are finding and destroying these threats with lethal precision,” it said in a statement on X. A video clip posted by CENTCOM showed a series of strikes the US military carried out to destroy what it claimed were mobile missile launchers.

The effort to eliminate the Iranian regime's mobile missile launch capabilities continues. We are finding and destroying these threats with lethal precision. pic.twitter.com/AkGRYOjnOz

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 5, 2026

Source: X/ United States Central Command

US names remaining soldiers killed in Kuwait

The Pentagon has identified the last two soldiers killed in a drone strike on Kuwait on Sunday.

They are Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert Marzan, 54, of Sacramento and Major Jeffrey O’Brien, 45, of Indianola, Iowa.

The Pentagon identified the first four on Tuesday.

Source: Al Jazeera

Qatar Airways offers limited relief flights for stranded passengers

Qatar airways will operate limited relief flights starting from Thursday for stranded passengers departing from Muscat and Riyadh, it said on X.
Flights are planned from Muscat to Amsterdam, Berlin, Copenhagen, London's Heathrow, Madrid and Rome as well as from Riyadh to Frankfurt.

Source: Reuters

Kuwait says oil tanker hit outside its waters

Kuwait says an explosion on an oil tanker occurred outside its territorial waters, more than 60km from the Mubarak al-Kabeer port.
The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that the tanker’s master at anchor saw and heard a large explosion on the vessel’s port side before a small craft was observed leaving the area.
All crew are safe, but the vessel has taken on water, and oil from a cargo tank has been seen in the surrounding waters, raising potential environmental concerns.
Source: Al Jazeera

Asian markets rebound after sharp slump

Asian stock markets have shown early signs of recovery on Thursday following a major decline triggered by Israeli and US strikes on Iran.
South Korea’s Kospi index rose 10 per cent in early trading, after falling 12 percent at Wednesday’s close -- the largest drop in decades. The fall had briefly triggered a circuit breaker to curb panic selling.
Japan’s Nikkei 225 also gained 4 percent in morning trading, recovering from a 3.6 percent decline on Wednesday.
Both countries are major importers of Middle Eastern oil. Following Iran’s threats to block the strategic Strait of Hormuz, regional oil shipments have effectively stalled, raising concerns over global energy supply.
Around one-fifth of the world’s oil and gas passes through this waterway.
Source: Reuters

Middle East conflict testing global economic resilience ‘yet again’: IMF

International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva has warned that the ongoing Middle East conflict is once again testing global economic resilience.
She highlighted the potential effects on global inflation, market sentiment and policymaker challenges if the conflict continues.

Source: Al Jazeera

Fujairah oil depot in UAE still burning

A day after the drone strike on an oil depot in Fujairah, UAE, a massive fire at the site continues to rage. pic.twitter.com/mKu8QGy4eb

— IRNA News Agency ☫ (@IrnaEnglish) March 5, 2026

Source: X/IRNA News Agency

Aftermath of Israeli strike targeting cars in Beirut

A truck carries a burned-out car that was hit by an Israeli air strike in Beirut, following an escalation between Hezbollah and Israel on Mar 4, 2026 [Mohammad Yassine/Reuters]


[Mohammad Yassine/Reuters]

‘Massive blasts’ in Tehran as US-Israeli strikes continue

Iranians have woken up to a sixth day of attacks as the United States and Israel continue strikes across the country.
Explosions were reported in the eastern part of Tehran after midnight, with residents describing “massive blasts” and shockwaves felt in parts of the capital. The targets of the strikes were not immediately clear.
Overnight attacks were also reported in the Kurdish cities of Sanandaj, Saqqez and Bukan.
More than 150 cities across Iran have been hit since Saturday, according to reports.
Meanwhile, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) says it has launched a 19th wave of retaliatory attacks targeting Israel and US bases in the region.

Source: Al Jazeera

Saudi intercepts another incoming drone

Saudi Arabia has intercepted another drone approaching from the east, the country’s Ministry of Defense said Thursday morning on X.

The weapon was destroyed as it approached the northern Al-Jawf region, near the border with Jordan, the ministry added.

It follows earlier reports this morning of three drones being intercepted.

N Korea denounces Iran war, skips Khamenei death

North Korean state media over the weekend condemned the United States and Israel for launching what it called a “war of aggression” against Iran, but made no mention of the reported death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and dozens of senior Iranian officials. The omission appears deliberate. North Korea’s political system centres on the near-mythic authority and perceived invulnerability of its leader. Reporting the violent removal of another supreme leader could set an uncomfortable precedent, highlighting that even the most powerful figures in tightly controlled states can be tracked and targeted. Such a narrative is unlikely to be promoted domestically in Pyongyang.

Source: CNN

Israel kills two in strike on north Lebanon refugee camp: health ministry

At least two people have been killed in an Israeli strike on the Beddawi Palestinian refugee camp near Tripoli in northern Lebanon, according to its Ministry of Public Health.

Three killed in drone attack in southern Lebanon

The Lebanese National News Agency says the drone targeted an attack on the Tyre-Naqoura road, near the town of Qalila.
At least three people were killed, it said.

Source: Al Jazeera

Satellite images show damage at Iranian military facilities

A satellite image of a capsized ship at the Konarak Naval Base, Iran, Mar 4, Vantor/Handout via REUTERS

A satellite image shows tunnel entrances struck at the Khorramabad Missile Complex, Iran, Mar 4, Vantor/Handout via REUTERS


A satellite image shows fires at Bandar Abbas Military Harbour, Iran, Mar 2, 2026, Planet Labs PBC/Handout via REUTERS

Saudi Arabia intercepts incoming drones

Saudi Arabia has intercepted three drones over its central Al-Kharj province, the country’s Ministry of Defense said Thursday on X.

Source: CNN

Canada working to evacuate over 2,000 citizens from Middle East

Canada is arranging commercial and charter flights, along with ground transport, to repatriate more than 2,000 citizens stranded in the Middle East, Foreign Minister Anita Anand said on Wednesday.
Most requests have come from the UAE, Qatar and Lebanon. Ottawa has secured seats on flights from Beirut, plans charter departures from the UAE, and is coordinating bus transfers from Qatar to Saudi Arabia.
Commercial air traffic remains largely suspended across the region amid the Iran conflict. 
Canada has also issued travel advisories for several Middle Eastern countries.

Source: Reuters

Canada’s Carney says can’t rule out participation in Iran war

Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney, who previously said that the US and Israel’s strikes on Iran are “inconsistent with international law”, says his country will “stand by our allies”.
“One can never categorically rule out participation,” he said alongside his Australian counterpart, Anthony Albanese, in Canberra.

Source: Al Jazeera

Iran launches missiles at Israel: IDF

Iran has launched a fresh barrage of missiles toward Israel overnight, Israel’s military said.
“In the past few minutes, the Home Front Command has sent a precautionary directive directly to mobile phones in the relevant areas,” said the Israel Defense Forces just before 4am local time.
It marks the third wave of missiles fired at Israel from Iran since midnight.

Source: CNN

UN: 100,000 flee Tehran amid strikes

The UN says an estimated 100,000 people fled Tehran in the first two days of US and Israeli attacks on Iran over the weekend.

The UN refugee agency, UNHCR, reported the figure in its latest situation update, highlighting the rapid displacement caused by the conflict.

Authorities and aid agencies are monitoring the situation as civilians continue to seek safety from the bombardment.

Source: Al Jazeera

Trump confident Americans back strikes on Iran

White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said President Donald Trump “is smart enough to read past many of the fake news headlines” questioning the US-Israel attacks on Iran.

Leavitt described Iran as a “rogue terrorist regime” that has threatened the United States and its allies for 47 years, adding that Americans understand the necessity of the strikes.

She repeatedly called the Iranian leaders killed by US forces “terrorists”, saying their deaths make the world safer and benefit the United States.

Leavitt emphasised that the administration believes Trump’s actions enjoy broad support at home.

Source: Al Jazeera

Spain to cooperate with US operations against Iran

The White House says Spain has agreed to cooperate with US military operations in the Middle East, following President Donald Trump’s threat to cut off trade with Madrid.

Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the Spanish government “heard the president’s message loud and clear” and confirmed that US forces are now coordinating with their Spanish counterparts.

The announcement comes after Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares had initially said Spain would not allow the use of its bases for strikes not authorised by the UN charter.

There was no immediate response from Madrid regarding the White House statement.

Source: Al Jazeera

Conflict poses ‘existential’ challenge for Iran’s regime

Maha Yahya, director of the Malcolm H Kerr Carnegie Middle East Center, says ongoing protests and the US-Israel conflict have created an “existential crisis” for Iran’s weakened regime.

She warns that once the dust settles, issues like the economy, inflation, social restrictions, and public discontent will be very difficult to manage.

Yahya rejects the idea that the system will collapse, noting there are no cracks within Iran’s security forces or political elite.

“Everyone’s come together in a very strong way to defend the system,” she said.

Source: Al Jazeera

Netanyahu seeks clarification on possible US–Iran talks

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu contacted the White House earlier this week after learning of potential communications between US and Iranian officials.

Israeli intelligence reportedly obtained information suggesting the Trump administration might have discussed a possible ceasefire with Iran.

Netanyahu called White House officials on Monday to ask if any such talks or message exchanges had taken place.

A White House source told Axios that the administration assured Netanyahu it was not speaking to Iran “behind his back”.

Source: Axios

Israeli strikes on Lebanon ‘kill 72, displace over 83,000’

Israeli air strikes on Lebanon have killed 72 people since Monday, the Lebanese health ministry says.

At least 437 others have been wounded in the ongoing attacks.

More than 83,000 people have been displaced and are now in official shelters, according to the social affairs minister.

The strikes follow Hezbollah rocket and drone attacks on Israel, carried out in retaliation for the US-Israeli operation that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Source: Al Jazeera

No clear opposition able to take over Iran, analyst says

The Trump administration’s idea that the conflict in Iran could lead to regime change is not credible, says Maha Yahya, director of the Malcolm H Kerr Carnegie Middle East Center.

“There is no organised opposition that is able to take charge of the country,” she told Al Jazeera.

Power in Iran is distributed across multiple ethnic groups, political structures, and societal institutions, Yahya said.

The only declared opposition leader is the son of the former Shah, based outside the country, and a Kurdish-led uprising is a “complete miscalculation”, she added.

Even if attacks stop, Iran is likely to see internal strife and greater repression of citizens, Yahya warned.

Source: Al Jazeera

UK says drone targeting Cyprus base did not come from Iran

The British defence ministry says a drone that targeted the UK’s RAF base at Akrotiri in Cyprus was not launched from Iran.

The ministry did not clarify the origin of the attack.

Akrotiri houses both military facilities and families of serving personnel and is one of two UK bases retained since Cyprus’s independence in 1960.

The UK has resupplied air defence systems to British and allied bases across the region, and Royal Navy helicopters armed with missiles are expected to arrive in Cyprus in the coming days.

Update on UK operations in the Middle East: 04 March 2026 ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/LkE1D4Fuek

— Ministry of Defence 🇬🇧 (@DefenceHQ) March 4, 2026

UN nuclear chief urges restraint as US-Israel attacks Iran

The UN’s nuclear watchdog says Iran’s facilities housing nuclear material suffered no damage in recent US-Israeli strikes.

IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi called for the “utmost restraint” to prevent any radiation threat to the Middle East.

Satellite imagery shows damage to two buildings near the Natanz site in Isfahan, but no additional impact was detected.

No impact was reported at other nuclear sites, including the Bushehr facility in the southeast.

Based on analysis of latest available satellite imagery, IAEA sees no damage to facilities containing nuclear material in Iran and therefore no radiological release risk at this time. Near Isfahan nuclear site, damage is visible at two buildings. No additional impact detected at… pic.twitter.com/boUtjRTpAk

— IAEA - International Atomic Energy Agency ⚛️ (@iaeaorg) March 4, 2026

About 17,500 Americans return home from Middle East

More than 17,500 US citizens have returned to the United States from the Middle East since Feb 28.

Over 8,500 of them arrived on Tuesday alone, according to US State Department official Dylan Johnson.

Source: Al Jazeera

India denies US Navy using its ports

India’s Ministry of External Affairs has rejected claims that the US Navy is using its ports in the war against Iran.

Douglas McGregor, a former US defense advisor, had suggested on One America News Network that US ships might be operating from Indian ports.

The ministry called the claims “fake and false” and warned against “baseless and fabricated comments,” amid scrutiny of the US submarine attack on an Iranian warship off Sri Lanka.

Source: Al Jazeera

Hezbollah clashes with Israeli forces near Khiam

Hezbollah says its fighters detonated an explosive device and engaged Israeli troops near the southern Lebanese town of Khiam, claiming casualties.

Gun battles are ongoing in the area.

The group also launched rockets towards Israeli positions in Kiryat Shmona.

Helicopters later evacuated wounded soldiers, according to Hezbollah.

Source: Al Jazeera

Lebanese PM vows to end war, protect displaced civilians

Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has pledged to spare no effort to end the destructive conflict and bring tens of thousands of displaced people back home.

“You are not alone. All of Lebanon is your home,” he said, calling the displaced victims of policies beyond their control.

Source: Al Jazeera

Israeli air strikes ‘kill 72’ in Lebanon

Cross-border fighting erupted after Iran-backed rockets hit northern Israel.

Lebanon’s health ministry reports 72 dead and 437 wounded as Israel targets southern Lebanon and Beirut’s southern suburbs, issuing evacuation orders.

Source: Al Jazeera

Lebanon president seeks US help to halt Israeli attacks

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has asked the US ambassador to urge Washington to intervene and stop Israeli aggression, the presidency said.

Aoun made the request during a meeting with US Ambassador Michael Issa, where they discussed the situation in Lebanon and the wider Middle East.

استقبل رئيس الجمهورية العماد جوزاف عون عصر اليوم في قصر بعبدا، السفير الاميركي في لبنان ميشال عيسى وعرض معه الأوضاع الراهنة في لبنان والمنطقة، في ضوء التطورات الأمنية المستجدة.

وطلب منه تدخل الولايات المتحدة الأميركية لوقف الاعتداءات الإسرائيلية على لبنان.

— Lebanese Presidency (@LBpresidency) March 4, 2026

Iran threatens Israeli embassies worldwide

Iran’s armed forces have warned they will target Israeli diplomatic missions globally if Israel attacks Tehran’s mission in Lebanon.

Spokesman Abolfazl Shekarchi said on television, “If Israel commits such a crime, it will force us to make all Israeli embassies around the world our legitimate target.”

The warning follows Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee telling Iranian representatives in Lebanon to leave within 24 hours to avoid being targeted.

Source: Al Jazeera

Military force not enough to resolve conflict: Germany

German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius has said it is “illusory” to believe the crisis can be solved “by military force and unilateral action alone.”

“We must emphasise this repeatedly to our American and Israeli friends, and we will continue to do so,” Pistorius told the German parliament.

Separately, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz told reporters after meeting US President Donald Trump at the White House that he supported the aims of the US-Israeli campaign in Iran but called for an early end due to concerns over its impact on the global economy.

Source: Al Jazeera

EU says Iran’s Gulf attacks threaten its own security

The European Union warns that Iran’s indiscriminate attacks on its neighbours are putting the country at risk.

Kaja Kallas, the EU’s high representative for foreign affairs and security policy, said: “Iran’s strategy is to sow chaos and set the region on fire.”

In response, the EU has adopted sanctions against Iran over these attacks.

Source: Al Jazeera

Iran strikes Kurdish bases in northern Iraq

Iran has intensified attacks on Kurdish Iranian opposition groups in northern Iraq amid speculation that some fighters may soon join the conflict inside Iran.

At one base, an Iranian ballistic missile struck around 1100h local time, injuring four Peshmerga fighters; one later died from his injuries. The strike gouged a hole in the ground, crushed a building, and left rubble and twisted metal over a wide area.

At another base belonging to the Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan (KDPI), a double drone strike the previous day left charred wreckage and injured one civilian.

Source: BBC

Israel says Iran nuclear fears drove attack

An Israeli military official says the US-Israel attack on Iran was initiated over two primary concerns: Tehran’s nuclear programme being moved too deep underground to be struck by conventional weapons, and a rapid increase in Iranian ballistic missile production.

Speaking to journalists, the official, who asked not to be named, said the military had understood from Israel’s political leadership three weeks before the war that another confrontation with Iran was imminent.

He described an unprecedented level of operational integration with the United States during the campaign. 

Up to 70 percent of the daily activities of the Israeli military’s J5 Planning and Cooperation directorate are now conducted in English to coordinate with American counterparts, he said.

Source: BBC

US officials sending ‘mixed messages’ on Iran goals

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has struck an energetic tone at his latest press conference, blending operational updates with forceful rhetoric about America’s objectives in its coordinated campaign with Israel against Iran.

Hegseth highlighted what he described as key advances, including the sinking of an Iranian warship by torpedo -- an incident he said marked the first of its kind since World War II. 

He spoke of uncontested control of Iranian airspace, detailed the use of aircraft and unmanned drones, and said the US had an “unlimited stockpile” of weapons to sustain operations “for as long as it takes”.

However, observers note a contrast in messaging among senior White House officials -- both in tone and substance -- with some experts suggesting the varying rhetoric is creating mixed signals about Washington’s ultimate goals in the conflict.

Source: Al Jazeera

Major military complex near Tehran struck: Israel

Israel’s military says it carried out a large-scale strike on what it described as a major Iranian military complex east of Tehran.

In a statement posted on X by Arabic-language military spokesperson Avichay Adraee, the army said fighter jets targeted a site housing command centres used by multiple branches of Iran’s security establishment.

According to the Israeli military, the complex included headquarters linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the Quds Force, the Basij, military intelligence, and other security units.

It claimed Iranian personnel were present at the time of the strike.

Source: Al Jazeera

Tehran had ‘no choice’ but to retaliate: Iran president

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has told Gulf neighbours that Tehran had sought to avoid war through diplomacy but was left “with no choice” but to respond to US-Israeli attacks.

In separate posts in Arabic and Persian on X, Pezeshkian said: “We respect your sovereignty”, adding that Iran believes regional security must be achieved through collective efforts.

His remarks came after Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani held a phone call with Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who rejected accusations that Tehran had targeted only US interests in Qatar.

Source: Al Jazeera

US says over 20 Iranian ships hit or sunk

US Central Command claims American forces have struck or sunk more than 20 vessels belonging to Iran’s government since operations began.

In a statement, CENTCOM said a Soleimani-class warship was added to the list following an overnight attack.

The US has previously said it sank an Iranian warship in international waters, an incident after which Sri Lanka’s navy reported recovering at least 87 bodies.

There was no immediate response from Iran.

Source: Al Jazeera

Qatar rejects Iran claim on Gulf attacks

Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani has firmly rejected Iran’s claim that strikes in the Gulf targeted only US interests.

In a phone call, the minister said: “The facts on the ground clearly show that the attacks struck civilian and residential areas inside the State of Qatar, including the vicinity of Hamad International Airport, vital infrastructure, and industrial zones housing liquefied natural gas production facilities.”

He added that these actions “constitute a blatant violation of Qatar’s sovereignty and of the principles of international law”.

Source: Al Jazeera

Civilians fleeing Iran gather at main Turkish border crossing

At the Turkish border city of Van, near the Iranian frontier, civilians are gathering at one of the main crossings as they flee the ongoing war in Iran.

The two countries share a 530km (330 mile) mountainous border. Normally, 1,000–1,500 people cross daily for trade, but movement slowed after a technical failure on the Iranian side left around 1,000 people waiting. 

The issue has now been resolved, and crossings are increasing.

Many travellers, often holding dual citizenship, plan to continue on to Istanbul or Ankara. Most say they are leaving Iran to escape the escalating conflict.

Source: Al Jazeera

Sri Lanka recovers 87 bodies from sunk Iranian warship

Sri Lanka’s navy has recovered at least 87 bodies from the Iranian warship sunk by US forces in international waters.

Commander Buddhika Sampath said that by the time navy personnel arrived, there was no sign of the vessel -- only “oil patches and life rafts”, with survivors found floating in the water.

Earlier, 32 people were hospitalised, and about 180 were believed to have been on board, according to Sri Lanka’s foreign minister. 

The recovered bodies are being brought to land for identification and further procedures.

Source: Al Jazeera

Iran: US ‘sacrificed own interests’ to serve Israel

Iran’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations has accused the United States of waging war on Iran for Israel’s benefit.

In an X post, the mission said: “The US Government has sacrificed the interests of its own nation to the hegemonic ambitions of the Israeli regime in the region and to the illusory aspiration of establishing a ‘Greater Israel’ through the expansion of occupation.” 

It added that “the consequences for the global economic crisis arising from this aggression rest entirely upon the initiators of the war”.

Source: X/Iran_UN

The U.S. Government has sacrificed the interests of its own nation to the hegemonic ambitions of the Israeli regime in the region and to the illusory aspiration of establishing a “Greater Israel” through the expansion of occupation. The consequences for the global economic crisis…

— I.R.IRAN Mission to UN, NY (@Iran_UN) March 4, 2026

UKMTO reports incident near Dubai involving container ship

United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has said a container ship reported a splash from an unknown projectile 20 nautical miles (37km) west of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.

No damage was reported, and authorities are investigating, the UKMTO said in a statement shared on X.

Source: X/UK_MTO

UKMTO ADVISORY 013-26 - SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY

Click here to view the full Advisory⤵️https://t.co/mWzQ95pZ8X#MaritimeSecurity #MarSec pic.twitter.com/qs0Pp3NOra

— UKMTO Operations Centre (@UK_MTO) March 4, 2026

Saudia Airlines extends flight cancellations to key cities

Saudia Airlines has extended cancellations of flights to and from Amman, Kuwait, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Doha, Bahrain, Moscow, and Peshawar due to the tensions surrounding the conflict in the Gulf region.

The airline said operations will remain suspended until 23:59GMT on Mar 6.

Source: Al Jazeera

Conflict expands into maritime domain

The war in the Gulf region is now spreading into the maritime domain, with multiple attacks affecting shipping and port operations, according to conflict-monitoring group ACLED. 

Key points from the past 48 hours include:

• ACLED recorded at least six maritime or maritime-linked attacks involving drones, projectiles, and missiles across the Gulf of Oman, the Persian Gulf, and Bahraini waters.
• Direct impacts were reported on oil and chemical tankers, causing operational disruptions.
• Two people were killed and multiple others injured in these incidents.
• A missile interception over Khalifa bin Salman Port produced shrapnel that struck a commercial vessel.
• ACLED senior analyst Luca Nevola said the pattern of attacks is already affecting commercial operators’ behavior and could trigger further shifts in maritime activity.
• Analysts warn escalation could accelerate if the incidents become repeatable or if the Houthis enter the conflict, potentially widening the security and commercial impact across the Red Sea and Gulf.

Source: Al Jazeera

Oman rescues 24 crew from ship near Hormuz strait

Oman’s navy has rescued all 24 crew members of a Maltese-flagged cargo ship after it was struck by two missiles near the Strait of Hormuz, Oman News Agency reported.

The rescued crew received medical care and were reported to be in “good health”.

Source: Al Jazeera

No let-up in attacks across Iran

Tehran has faced heavy bombardment, with strikes showing no sign of slowing.

Cities including Karaj, west of Tehran, and Isfahan have also been hit in recent hours. Reports suggest casualties across many areas, including civilians, and at least 20 schools have been struck so far.

Meanwhile, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards say they are escalating their response, launching missiles and drones across the region.

Iranian attacks have targeted multiple locations in Israel as well as military bases in Erbil, northern Iraq, and Kuwait.

The cycle of strikes and counterstrikes shows no signs of abating, with the war intensifying and civilian casualties continuing to rise.

Source: Al Jazeera

Sirens sound across northern, central Israel

Alerts have gone off in northern and central Israel following reports of a new wave of Iranian missiles.

The Times of Israel reported sirens in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and other central areas, while Arutz Sheva noted alerts in the northern Galilee region.

Source: Al Jazeera

Israel reports new wave of Iranian missiles approaching

Israel’s military said it has detected a new barrage of missiles fired by Iran toward Israeli territory.

“Defence systems are operating to intercept the threat,” the army said, adding that the Home Front Command issued advance alerts directly to mobile phones in the affected areas.

Source: Al Jazeera

‘Damage’ near Isfahan nuclear site, no radiation risk: IAEA

Satellite imagery shows two buildings damaged near Iran’s Isfahan nuclear site, but the UN’s nuclear watchdog says there is no damage to facilities containing nuclear material and no radiological release risk.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said in a post on X that no further damage has been detected at the Natanz nuclear site.

The agency added that Iran’s other nuclear facilities, including the Bushehr plant, remain unaffected.

Source: Al Jazeera

Hezbollah ‘launches’ drones at Haifa naval base

Hezbollah says it deployed a squadron of attack drones against Israel’s Haifa naval base around 2pm local time (1200GMT).

In a statement, the Lebanese group said the strike was in response to Israeli attacks on Lebanon. 

The Israeli military earlier reported detecting multiple launches from Lebanon toward northern Israel, saying that most were intercepted.

Source: Al Jazeera

Israeli forces advance into southern Lebanese towns

Israeli troops have pushed into the outskirts of Khiam in southern Lebanon, a Lebanese security source told Al Jazeera.

The advance follows earlier raids into Houla, Yaroun, Kfarkila, Qouzah, and Mazraat Sarda. 

The incursion reportedly extends up to 2km (1.2 miles) into Lebanese territory. 

The source, speaking anonymously, said there are no indications of direct clashes between Israeli soldiers and Hezbollah fighters so far.

Source: Al Jazeera

Ship traffic through Strait of Hormuz drops nearly 90%

Ship movements through the Strait of Hormuz have plummeted, with many oil and gas tankers avoiding the vital waterway amid fears of Iranian attacks.

Energy intelligence firm Vortexa said an average of 24 tankers a day transited the strait between January and the outbreak of war.

Maritime data company Kpler told BBC Verify that vessel movements fell by around 90 percent between Mar 2 and 3 compared with the week of Feb 21–27.

The sharp decline comes as major maritime insurers withdraw or cancel war-risk coverage, making passage through the narrow strait -- which carries roughly a fifth of the world’s traded oil -- far more hazardous.

BBC Verify also noted at least two cargo vessels transited east to west in the past 24 hours, while signals from some ships, including one Indian-flagged vessel, have disappeared or appear to have been jammed.

Source: BBC

At least 80 killed as Iranian navy ship sinks off Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s deputy foreign minister has said at least 80 people died after the Iranian navy ship Iris Dena sank in the Indian Ocean, Reuters reports.

The Sri Lankan navy had earlier confirmed rescuing 32 people following a distress call from the vessel. 

Documentation suggests around 180 were on board, which, if accurate, leaves roughly 68 people unaccounted for.

Iris Dena had previously been seen docked in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in February 2023.

Source: BBC

2 Israeli soldiers wounded in southern Lebanon

The Israeli army says two soldiers were injured by anti-tank fire in southern Lebanon and were evacuated to a hospital for treatment.

“Earlier today two soldiers were moderately injured as a result of an anti-tank fire toward troops operating in southern Lebanon,” the military said. 

The incident comes amid ongoing clashes following Israel’s ground invasion of southern Lebanon on Monday.

Source: Al Jazeera

Hezbollah ‘targets’ Israeli base near Tel Aviv with drones

Hezbollah has said it launched a swarm of attack drones at an Israeli military base southeast of Tel Aviv.

In a statement, the group said its fighters struck the “Tel Hashomer base”, described as a General Staff headquarters, around 1200GMT (2pm local time).

Hezbollah framed the attack as retaliation “for the criminal Israeli aggression that targeted dozens of Lebanese cities and towns, including the southern suburbs of Beirut”.

Earlier, the Israeli military reported detecting several launches from Lebanon toward Israel, claiming that “most of which” were intercepted.

Source: Al Jazeera

Hegseth says China, Russia ‘non-factors’ in Iran conflict

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has said Washington has no message for Russia or China amid the Iran war, noting their longstanding diplomatic and trade ties with Tehran.

“They’re not really a factor here and our issue is not with them,” Hegseth said, adding that the US focus is entirely on ending what he called “the nuclear ambitions of Iran”.

Source: Al Jazeera

Warning sirens sound across Bahrain

Bahrain’s interior ministry has activated warning sirens across the country.

“Citizens and residents are urged to remain calm and head to the nearest safe place,” the ministry said.

Source: X/MOI_Bahrain

The siren has been sounded . Citizens and residents are urged to remain calm and head to the nearest safe place

— Ministry of Interior (@moi_bahrain) March 4, 2026

US defence secretary outlines war efforts against Iran

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth held a press conference on the ongoing conflict with Iran, detailing the scope of US and Israeli operations and strategic intentions. Key points included:

• US and Israeli forces expect to achieve “complete control of Iranian skies” within a few days, less than a week after the war began. Hegseth added that “more forces are arriving”.
• The US was behind the sinking of an Iranian submarine in the Indian Ocean.
• Washington and Tel Aviv are only beginning their attacks on Iran, using an unlimited stockpile of precision gravity bombs.
• Hegseth accused Iran of “negotiating in bad faith” while “scheming and preparing” attacks, without providing evidence.
• On the Minab girls’ school bombing that killed over 160, Hegseth said the US is “investigating.”

Remarks from US Air Force General Dan Caine:
 

• The US is targeting Iran’s ballistic missile system to protect its forces and partners in the region.
• Efforts aim to destroy Iran’s navy and prevent rapid rebuilding of combat capabilities.
• The next phase involves expanding inland, striking deeper into Iranian territory to give US forces more freedom of manoeuvre.
• CENTCOM is shifting from long-range stand-off strikes to “stand-in precision strikes” directly over Iran.

Source: Al Jazeera

CENTCOM making ‘steady progress’ in Iran: Caine

US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine has said Central Command is transitioning from long-range strike packages to more precise, overhead operations in Iran.

“CENTCOM is now shifting, on day four already, from large deliberate strike packages using stand-off munitions at range outside an enemy’s ability to shoot at us, now into stand-in precision strikes overhead Iran,” Caine said.

He added that this approach “will allow the joint force to deliver significantly increased precision effects on the target. This will allow us to maintain consistent pressure on the adversary over the coming days, disrupt their timelines”.

Source: Al Jazeera

Hegseth says Iran tried to ‘assassinate’ Trump

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has said Iran attempted to “kill” President Donald Trump.

“President Trump got the last laugh,” Hegseth said at the Pentagon. 

He added, on Tuesday, the US “hunted down and killed” the leader of the unit allegedly responsible for the assassination attempt.

Source: BBC

US ‘investigating’ strike on Iranian school: Hegseth

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has said Washington is “investigating” the bombing of a girls’ school in Iran’s Minab, which Tehran reports has killed at least 153 people, including many children.

Asked by BBC for details, Hegseth said: “All I can say is that we're investigating that. We of course never target civilian targets, but we're taking a look and investigating that.” 

When pressed on whether the munition that struck the school could be identified, he reiterated: “We're investigating.”

Source: BBC

Hegseth projects image of overwhelming US military power

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth is using unusually aggressive rhetoric to portray American and Israeli forces as dominating Iran’s military.

BBC reports that Hegseth’s statements are “chest-thumping” and intended to suggest that the US and Israel will soon achieve total control over Iran. 

Hegseth claimed his forces would have complete aerial superiority within days, framing the conflict as one where Iran’s only options are surrender or the rise of leaders willing to submit to US demands.

Source: BBC

US sinks Iranian warship in Indian Ocean

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has said a US torpedo sank “an Iranian warship that thought it was safe in international waters” in the Indian Ocean.

He did not identify the ship, but the Sri Lankan navy earlier reported that the IRIS Dena had gone down in the same waters, with around 140 people on board reported missing.

Source: BBC

Turkey protests Iran missile firing near its airspace

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has lodged a protest with Iran over a ballistic missile fired toward Turkish airspace, Anadolu news agency reported.

Speaking with his Iranian counterpart Araghchi, Fidan urged Tehran to avoid any actions that could escalate or spread regional conflicts.

Turkey’s defence ministry said NATO forces intercepted the missile, which fell over the Dortyol district near the Mediterranean without causing casualties. 

A ministry statement added, “Our deterrence and defence posture remains strong across all domains, including air and missile defence.”

Source: Al Jazeera

NATO condemns Iran’s missile strike on Turkey

NATO has condemned Iran for firing a missile toward Turkish territory.

Spokesperson Allison Hart said, “NATO stands firmly with all Allies, including Turkiye, as Iran continues its indiscriminate attacks across the region".

Source: Al Jazeera

US defence secretary says ‘more forces arriving’ in Middle East

Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has said “more forces” are deploying to the Middle East as the US escalates its conflict with Iran, stressing that Washington will take the time needed to ensure success.

“It’s very early, and as President Trump has said, we will take all the time we need to make sure that we succeed,” Hegseth told a news conference. 

He added that US and Israeli forces expect to achieve “complete control of Iranian skies” within a few days, less than a week after the conflict began.

Hegseth said the US and Israel are only beginning their attacks on Iran, with more waves of strikes planned. 

He also confirmed that the US will draw on an unlimited stockpile of precision gravity bombs for ongoing operations.

Source: Al Jazeera

Container ship hit by projectile in Hormuz strait

A container ship was reportedly struck by a projectile in the Strait of Hormuz, north of Oman, causing a fire in its engine room, according to UK Maritime Trade Operations.

The organisation, which monitors commercial shipping, said no environmental impact has been reported from the incident.

Source: Al Jazeera

Israel launches new strikes on southern Lebanon

Israel’s army has announced a fresh wave of airstrikes on southern Lebanon, continuing a campaign throughout the day and advancing its forces deeper into the region.

Following the announcement, Lebanon’s National News Agency reported an Israeli air raid on the southern town of Khiam.

Source: Al Jazeera

Starmer urges ‘cool head’ as UK monitors Iran crisis

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer called for measured action amid concerns over the escalating Iran crisis.

Speaking in parliament, Starmer said: “We need to act, therefore, with clarity, with purpose and with a cool head.” 

He added that the UK has been coordinating closely with the United States on pre-deploying military assets to the region, including air defence and counter-drone systems, as well as F-35 jets.

Source: Al Jazeera

QatarEnergy declares ‘Force Majeure’ after LNG production halt

QatarEnergy has declared “Force Majeure” to affected buyers after stopping production of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and related products.

The world’s largest LNG producer said on Monday that military attacks on its facilities in Ras Laffan Industrial City and Mesaieed Industrial City forced it to cease operations.

The announcement triggered a sharp surge in global gas markets, with benchmark Dutch and British wholesale gas prices climbing nearly 50 percent, while benchmark Asian LNG prices jumped almost 39 percent.

Source: Al Jazeera

EU chief vows ‘full solidarity’ with Spain amid US threats

European Council President Antonio Costa has expressed the European Union’s “full solidarity” with Spain following threats from the United States.

In a post on X, Costa said he had spoken with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and reaffirmed that “the EU will always ensure that the interests of its Member States are fully protected”.

He added that the bloc remains committed to “the principles of international law and the rules-based order everywhere in the world”.

The remarks come after US President Donald Trump threatened to cut off all trade with Spain for refusing to allow the US military to use Spanish bases for operations linked to strikes on Iran.

Source: Al Jazeera

Israel faces up to $2.9bn weekly economic loss from Iran war

Israel’s finance ministry has estimated that damage to the country’s economy from the ongoing war involving Iran could reach 9 billion shekels ($2.9 billion) per week.

The ministry’s assessment reflects the impact of conflict-related disruptions on trade, industry, and financial markets, though detailed breakdowns of affected sectors have not yet been released.

Source: Al Jazeera

Attack on Alvand factory leaves 23 wounded

An attack on a manufacturing company in Alvand, located in Iran’s northwestern Qazvin province, has left at least 23 people wounded, Iran’s Tasnim News Agency reported, citing the Qazvin governor’s office.

The governor’s office also said that a total of six people have been killed across the province in related incidents.

Source: Al Jazeera

UN probe condemns US-Israel strikes on Iran

An independent UN investigation into rights violations in Iran has condemned recent US and Israeli attacks on the country.

The UN Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Iran said in a statement: “These attacks… run counter to the UN Charter, which prohibits the use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any State.”

Source: Al Jazeera

US Embassy urges Americans to ‘leave Qatar immediately’

The US Embassy in Qatar has advised all American nationals to “leave now” amid rising threats of armed conflict.

In a post on X, the embassy said: “On March 3, the Department of State ordered non-emergency US government employees and their family members to leave Qatar due to the threat of armed conflict. If safe to do so, Americans should leave Qatar now.”

The advisory noted that Qatari airspace and maritime routes remain closed, but the Salwa land border crossing to Saudi Arabia is currently open.

Source: X/USEmbassyDoha

Event (Update #5): On March 3, the Department of State ordered non-emergency U.S. government employees and their family members to leave Qatar due to the threat of armed conflict. If safe to do so, Americans should leave Qatar now.

The U.S. Embassy in Doha continues to maintain… pic.twitter.com/NT7ucygL6a

— U.S. Embassy in Qatar (@USEmbassyDoha) March 4, 2026

Conflicting reports on timeline for Iran’s next supreme leader

Conflicting accounts are emerging from Iran’s Assembly of Experts, the body set to choose a successor to the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as US and Israeli strikes intensify over Tehran.

Ahmad Khatami, a senior member of the 88-strong clerical body, told semi-official Tasnim news agency on Wednesday that the Assembly was “close to conclusion”. 

Yet state-affiliated Fars news agency cited an unnamed source saying security for the Assembly’s meeting is now at the highest level.

Another member Ayatollah Hosseini said the timeline for selecting a new leader remains “unclear” and added that “given the current conditions, it is unclear how this will be done”. 

The remarks follow US President Donald Trump’s claim that strikes targeted another set of Iranian leaders and recent Israeli attacks on the group’s compound in the holy city of Qom.

Source: CNN

Spanish PM warns against repeating past mistakes

Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has recalled the 2003 Iraq war, saying a few irresponsible leaders then dragged the world into an illegal conflict that brought only insecurity and suffering. 

In an X post, he urged a firm stance today: “No to violations of international law. No to the illusion that we can solve the world’s problems with bombs. No to repeating the mistakes of the past. No to war.”

Source: X/Pedro Sánchez

The world, Europe, and Spain have faced this critical moment before. In 2003, a few irresponsible leaders dragged us into an illegal war in the Middle East that brought nothing but insecurity and pain.

Our response then must be our response now:

NO to violations of…

— Pedro Sánchez (@sanchezcastejon) March 4, 2026

Israel accuses Iran of targeting civilians

Israel’s foreign ministry has said Iran is deliberately targeting civilians with cluster warhead missiles that explode mid-air, scattering explosives across a wide area. 

The ministry added that these weapons are “not designed for precision” but “to kill as many civilians as possible”.

Source: X/IsraelMFA

The Iranian regime targets civilians on purpose.

Iran is launching cluster warhead missiles that explode mid-air and scatter explosives across a wide area.

These weapons aren’t designed for precision.
They’re designed to kill as many civilians as possible. pic.twitter.com/LrUzYEdfal

— Israel Foreign Ministry (@IsraelMFA) March 4, 2026

EU says Iran conflict not affecting oil supply

The European Union sees no disruption to its oil supply from the ongoing conflict in Iran, though rising prices remain a major concern, an EU official said Wednesday.

The official added that member states are not planning any immediate measures in response to recent oil market developments.

Source: Reuters

IAEA reports ‘no nuclear material damage’ in Iran

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) says the latest satellite imagery shows “no damage to facilities containing nuclear material in Iran and therefore no radiological release risk at this time”.

The watchdog noted that while damage is visible at two buildings near the Isfahan nuclear site, no further impact was detected at Natanz beyond previously reported damage at entrances. 

Other nuclear sites, including the Bushehr nuclear power plant, remain unaffected.

Source: Al Jazeera

Khamenei commemoration in Tehran postponed

A ceremony in Tehran to commemorate Iran’s late leader Khamenei, originally scheduled for 10pm local time (18:30GMT) on Wednesday, has been postponed, Tasnim News Agency reported.

An official cited logistical challenges as the reason for the delay, including requests from people in various provinces wishing to attend the event.

Source: Al Jazeera

Bodies recovered from Iranian frigate off Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s navy says bodies, believed to be crew members, have been recovered during an ongoing search and rescue operation after an Iranian military ship issued a distress call just outside the island’s territorial waters earlier in the day.

A navy spokesperson said the number of dead could not yet be confirmed and that efforts were under way to identify the bodies. 

Thirty-two people were rescued from the vessel and are receiving hospital treatment after the navy responded to the alert. 

Officials said no other ships were seen in the area and that the immediate focus remained on saving lives, with further investigations to follow.

Source: Al Jazeera

UAE intercepts missile, drone barrage

The UAE’s defence ministry says air defences intercepted three ballistic missiles and 121 drones amid a sustained aerial assault; eight additional drones landed within the country without being intercepted.

Source: Al Jazeera

Bangladesh urges energy conservation

The Bangladesh government has issued instructions to save energy as the ongoing Middle East conflict disrupts global supplies. 

People are asked to limit lighting and use public transport instead of private vehicles.

The Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources said temporary adjustments in electricity and fertiliser production may occur, but measures are designed to avoid public hardship during Ramadan.

Authorities have also been instructed to prevent fuel smuggling and illegal sales.

Iranian jet shot down by Israeli F-35: IDF

An Israeli Air Force F-35I “Adir” fighter jet has shot down an Iranian Air Force YAK-130 fighter jet, accoring to the Israel Defense Forces. The IDF posted the update on X, highlighting the strike as a milestone in aerial operations.

🛩️IRANIAN JET SHOT DOWN: An IAF F-35I “Adir” fighter jet shot down an Iranian Air Force YAK-130 fighter jet.

This is the first shootdown in history of a manned fighter aircraft by an F-35 “Adir” fighter jet.

— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) March 4, 2026

Source: X/ Israel Defense Forces

Sirens sound in northern Israel

The Times of Israel reports that sirens have gone off in several areas of northern Israel near the Lebanon border.
It said the sirens are due to a “suspected drone infiltration”.

Source: Al Jazeera

Mojtaba Khamenei survived US-Israel strikes, sources say

Mojtaba Khamenei, son of Iran's late supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has survived the US and Israeli airstrikes that killed his father, Iranian sources told Reuters on Wednesday.
A hardliner with close ties to Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, Mojtaba is seen as a top candidate to succeed his father.
He was reportedly not in Tehran when the attacks occurred.


Source: Reuters

Projectile hits Saudi Aramco’s Ras Tanura: reports

Saudi Aramco's Ras Tanura, which houses its largest domestic refinery, was struck again on Wednesday by an unknown projectile, four sources said.
It was not immediately clear what was struck at the complex, which a source told Reuters shut on Monday due to a drone attack.
Source: Reuters

Iran close to picking next supreme leader: Guardian Council

Ayatollah Ahmad Khatami, a senior Iranian cleric who is a member of both the Guardian Council and Assembly of Experts, says the country is close to choosing the late Khamenei’s successor.

“The supreme leader ⁠will be identified ⁠in the closest opportunity, we are close ⁠to a conclusion, ⁠however the ⁠situation in the country is a war situation,” ‌Khatami told state TV.

Source: Al Jazeera

UN experts alarmed by school strike in Iran

A UN panel of independent experts says it is “deeply disturbed” by the reported killing of at least 165 people, including children.

The deaths occurred in what Iran has described as a US-Israeli strike on a girls’ school in Minab.

The experts warned that attacks on civilian infrastructure such as schools and hospitals have traumatised children and claimed many young lives.

The UN Committee on the Rights of the Child stressed that children must be protected from war and violence under international law.

The committee monitors implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Iran’s ambassador to the UN in Geneva, Ali Bahreini, raised the issue in a Mar 1 letter to UN human rights chief Volker Turk. He described the attack as “unjustifiable” and “criminal”.

Source: Al Jazeera

At least 101 missing after submarine attack on Iranian ship off Sri Lanka

At least 101 people are missing and 78 others wounded after a submarine attack on an Iranian ship off the coast of Sri Lanka, sources in the country’s navy and defence ministry told Reuters.

The incident occurred near Sri Lanka’s waters, prompting rescue operations by Sri Lankan naval vessels and aircraft.

Trump ‘betrayed’ diplomacy and Americans who elected him: Iran FM

Iran Foreign Minister Araghchi says President Trump has “betrayed diplomacy and Americans who elected him” by launching attacks in the middle of nuclear negotiations with Iran. “When complex nuclear negotiations are treated like a real estate transaction, and when big lies cloud realities, unrealistic expectations can never be met,” he said in a post on X. “The outcome? Bombing the negotiation table out of spite.”

When complex nuclear negotiations are treated like a real estate transaction, and when big lies cloud realities, unrealistic expectations can never be met.

The outcome? Bombing the negotiation table out of spite.

Mr. Trump betrayed diplomacy and Americans who elected him.

— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) March 4, 2026

Source: X/Seyed Abbas Araghchi

Drone attack on Iranian Kurdish HQ in Iraq

A drone targeted the headquarters of an Iranian Kurdish opposition group in Iraq's Kurdistan region on Wednesday, according to security sources.
Information on casualties or destruction is not yet available.

Source: Reuters

5 killed in Iran’s Isfahan province

Israeli attacks on Wednesday morning have killed five people across Iran’s central Isfahan province, according to the Tasnim News Agency.
The attacks, which took place in Najafabad, Fereydan, Mobarakeh, Aran va Bidgol, Kashan and Shahreza, also damaged 15 residential units, it added.

Source: Al Jazeera

Spain’s PM says government stance is ‘no to war’

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has said his government’s position is “no to war”, adding that Spaniards are against what he described as “this disaster”.

A critic of the US and Israeli strikes on Iran, Sánchez said the 2003 invasion of Iraq had made the world less secure and warned that a conflict with Iran would not produce a fairer international order, a healthier environment or better lives for ordinary people.

He described the current situation as “how humanity’s great disasters start” and cautioned that governments must “not play Russian roulette with [the] destiny of millions”.

His remarks come after US President Donald Trump threatened to cut off trade with Spain over Madrid’s refusal to allow the US military to use its bases for operations linked to the strikes on Iran.

Source: Al Jazeera

Video shows smoke rising in Tehran’s skyline

Videos shot by an eyewitness captured thick black smoke rising in western Tehran, Iran, on March 3, as conflict with the U.S. and Israel continues. pic.twitter.com/YzSZYoEJkM

— Reuters (@Reuters) March 4, 2026

Source: X/Reuters

Israel arrests 4 for ‘supporting Iran’

The Israeli police have announced the arrest of four people from Hebron in the occupied West Bank accused of supporting Iran during the ongoing war.
The individuals -- three men and one woman -- face charges including “words of praise, sympathy, encouragement of violent acts, and support or identification with a hostile organisation”, police said.
It said one of the arrestees is a legal advisor with the Palestinian Authority who shared a social media post praising the late Iranian leader Khamenei.

Source: Al Jazeera

Over 470 Chinese nationals evacuated from Iran

⁠More than 470 ⁠Chinese citizens have ⁠been evacuated from Iran since the US and Israeli strikes began, according to China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning.
She also reiterated China’s call for “security and stability” in the Strait of Hormuz and its surrounding waters, emphasising its importance to global trade.

Source: Al Jazeera

173 flights cancelled at Dhaka airport in five days

A total of 173 international flights from Dhaka’s Shahjalal International Airport have been cancelled over the past five days due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and Gulf airspace closures.
Airport authorities reported that 23 flights were grounded on Saturday, 40 on Sunday, 46 on Monday, 39 on Tuesday, and 25 on Wednesday.
The affected services include four flights of Qatar Airways, two of Kuwait Airways, two of Kuwait-based Jazeera Airways, eight of Air Arabia from Sharjah, five of Emirates and four of US-Bangla Airlines.

Canada PM questions legality of US-Israeli strikes on Iran

Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney has said the US and Israeli attacks on Iran that sparked the current conflict appear to be inconsistent with international law.

Speaking at an event at the Lowy Institute in Sydney, Carney said the strikes “would appear, prima facie, not to be consistent or to be inconsistent with international law”.

Source: Al Jazeera


 

Any new Iranian leader a ‘target for elimination’: Israel

Israel has warned that any new leader appointed by Iran’s ruling clerics would be “an unequivocal target for elimination”, as top Iranian officials gather to select a successor to the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said on Wednesday, “Any leader appointed by the Iranian terrorist regime will be an unequivocal target for elimination -- the prime minister and I have instructed the IDF to prepare and act by all means necessary to carry out the mission as an integral part of the objectives of Operation ‘Lion’s Roar’.”
“It does not matter what his name is or where he hides,” he added. “We will continue to act with full force, together with our American partners, to dismantle the regime’s capabilities and to create the conditions for the Iranian people to overthrow it and replace it.”

Source: CNN

Israel announces more attacks on Beirut

The Israeli military says it is carrying out more attacks on what it called Hezbollah “infrastructure in Beirut”.

It comes amid reports of an air attack on a Hezbollah location in the southern suburbs of the Lebanese capital.

Source: Al Jazeera

How many people have been killed?

Three-day commemoration of Khamenei to begin in Tehran

Supporters of the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei will gather at the prayer hall of the Grand Mosalla of Tehran on Wednesday from 1pm (12:30am on Thursday Bangladesh time) for a three-day ceremony, according to state news agency Tasnim.
The event comes as Iran prepares to bury Khamenei in Mashhad, his birthplace, at the holy Imam Reza shrine, where his father is also buried. 
His burial date has not yet been disclosed.

Source: Al Jazeera

'I really don't care' if Iran plays in WC: Trump

US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that he did not care whether Iran participated in this summer's soccer World Cup, which is being jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.
"I really don't care. I think Iran is a very badly defeated country. They're running on fumes," Trump told Politico.
Iran’s football federation president Mehdi ⁠Taj said the viciousness of the attacks by US and Israeli forces did not augur well for the World Cup.
He added that senior sports officials would assess the situation before deciding on any course of action.

Source: Politico

The reach of US bombings since 2001

Israeli strikes on Beirut, Baalbek kill 11

Israeli strikes have killed at least 11 people in Lebanon, according to the country’s health ministry and state media.

The attacks were reported south of Beirut and in the eastern city of Baalbek on the fifth day of the widening conflict in the Middle East.

Source: France 24

Over 1,000 civilians killed in Iran

Since Israel and the United States launched attacks in Iran on Feb 28, more than 1,097 civilians have been reported killed, according to the US-based organisation Human Rights Activist News Agency (HRANA).
The casualties include 181 children.
The number of injured has risen to 5,402, including 100 children.
HRANA said at least 104 attacks occurred across Iran in the past 24 hours.

Drone near shot down near Baghdad airport: report

The AFP news agency, citing security sources, is reporting that a drone has been shot down near Baghdad’s international airport, where an attack had earlier targeted the logistical support camp of the US embassy located there.

One security source said the attack caused no casualties or damage.

Iran says it has 'complete control' of Strait of Hormuz

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards say they control the Strait of Hormuz, warning that vessels attempting to pass through the vital shipping lane risk being hit by missiles or stray drones.

“Currently, the Strait of Hormuz is under the complete control of the Islamic Republic’s Navy,” Guards Navy official Mohammad Akbarzadeh said in a statement carried by the Fars news agency.

However, US officials have disputed the claim. Admiral Brad Cooper of US Central Command said just hours earlier that American forces were destroying Iranian naval capabilities in the region.

“For decades the Iranian regime has harassed international shipping. Today there is not a single Iranian ship under way in the Arabian gulf, Strait of Hormuz or Gulf of Oman,” he said.

Source: The Guardian

9,000 Americans returned home from Middle East: Trump

US President Donald Trump has announced that more than 9,000 Americans have safely returned from the Middle East since the launch of Operation Epic Fury.
In a post on Truth Social, he urged US citizens in the region who wish to return home to register with the State Department at Step.State.Gov
He said the department will locate citizens and provide travel options, including charter flights free of charge and commercial bookings expected to increase in availability over time.

Russia, China criticise US-Israeli strikes on Iran

The foreign ministers of Russia and China have spoken out against the US-Israeli attacks on Iran.

China’s top diplomat Wang Yi called on Israel to halt its attacks immediately.

Meanwhile, Russia’s foreign minister Sergey Lavrov said Moscow had seen no evidence that Iran was attempting to obtain a nuclear weapon.

Source: Al Jazeera

Trump warns of full trade embargo on Spain

Donald Trump threatened a complete trade cut with Spain after it denied US use of military bases for Iran strikes.
“Spain has been terrible… We don’t want anything to do with Spain,” he said.
The president instructed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to “cut off all dealings”.
The US relocated 15 aircraft, including tankers, from the Rota and Moron bases after Madrid’s Socialist government blocked their use for operations against Iran.
Trump added, “Spain has absolutely nothing that we need. All business having to do with Spain, I have the right to stop it. Embargoes – do anything I want – and we may do that with Spain.”

Source: Reuters

Israel orders more residents to leave southern Lebanon

The Israeli military has instructed residents of 13 additional villages and towns in southern Lebanon to leave their homes.

Among the places named are Qana, Kafr Kila and Majdal Zoun.

The order comes hours after a similar warning was issued to residents of 16 communities, and a day after people in more than 50 settlements were told to evacuate.

Source: Al Jazeera

Trump orders US Navy to escort tankers through Strait of Hormuz

Amid the ongoing Middle East conflict, US President Donald Trump has directed the US Navy to escort oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz to ensure the safe flow of energy supplies.
In a post on Truth Social on Tuesday, Trump said the measures will be “effective immediately” and apply to all shipping lines operating in the Gulf.
“I have ordered the United States Development Finance Corporation (DFC) to provide, at a very reasonable price, political risk insurance and guarantees for the Financial Security of ALL Maritime Trade, especially Energy, traveling through the Gulf. This will be available to all Shipping Lines,” he wrote.
He added, “If necessary, the United States Navy will begin escorting tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, as soon as possible.”

US-Bangla to run special Dubai flights for stranded Bangladeshis

US-Bangla to run special Dubai flights for stranded Bangladeshis

US-Bangla Airlines will run two Dhaka-Dubai-Dhaka flights for Bangladeshis stranded in the UAE due to the Middle East conflict.

•    First flight: Dhaka 7:20pm Wednesday, Dubai return 12:20am.
•    Second flight: Dhaka 5:15pm Thursday, Dubai return 10pm.

Passengers with expired or soon-to-expire visas will be prioritised. For details, they can contact US-Bangla sales centres, travel agencies, or call the hotline 13605 / 0177777800–806.

Commander’s briefing on Operation Epic Fury

Update from CENTCOM Commander on Operation Epic Fury: pic.twitter.com/epEohq64Vf

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 3, 2026

Source: X/US Central Command

Israel shares Operation Roaring Lion figures

Operation Roaring Lion in Numbers: pic.twitter.com/Xb5PoHoTwl

— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) March 3, 2026

Source: X/Israel Defense Forces

US hits nearly 2,000 Iranian targets: CENTCOM

The United States Central Command has said its forces have struck almost 2,000 Iranian military and strategic sites to weaken the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
The attacks hit missile batteries, command and control centres, air defence systems, naval units --including reports of 11 warships destroyed -- and other facilities deemed an imminent threat by the US.

Source: X/US Central Command

Saudi intercepts two missiles over Al Kharj

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defense says it has intercepted and destroyed two cruise missiles over Al-Kharj governorate.

Source: Al Jazeera

Khamenei’s son named Iran’s next supreme leader: Israeli, US media

Mojtaba Hosseini, son of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has been reported by Israeli and US media as Iran’s next supreme leader.
The Assembly of Experts has reportedly chosen Mojtaba as Khamenei’s successor, according to Iran International, a London-based Farsi-language satellite channel. 
The news was later carried by multiple US and Israeli outlets.

The New York Times described the selection as a victory for Iran’s hardliners. State media in Iran has not yet confirmed the report.
The Revolutionary Guards said Khamenei will be buried in Mashhad and a major memorial will be held in Tehran, though the burial date has not been announced.
Khamenei had no designated successor. Until a new leader was chosen, a three-member interim council -- Ayatollah Alireza Arafi, President Masoud Pezeshkian, and Chief Justice Gholamhosein Mohseni Ejei -- managed the supreme leader’s duties.

Four killed in Israeli strike on Baalbek building

An Israeli airstrike on a four-storey residential building in Baalbek has killed at least four people and injured six, with rescue teams searching through the rubble, state news agency NNA reported on Wednesday.
The attack comes amid rising violence along the Lebanese-Israeli border since Monday, after Hezbollah fired drones and missiles at Israel. Israel has carried out multiple airstrikes and deployed troops in southern Lebanon.
Hezbollah said it targeted Israeli forces near Metula in response to attacks on Lebanese towns, including Beirut’s southern suburbs. Israel warned residents of 16 villages to evacuate, saying anyone near Hezbollah positions is at risk.
NNA also reported strikes on a hotel and an apartment in eastern Lebanon. Lebanon’s health ministry said at least 50 people have been killed and 335 wounded since the latest clashes began.

Source: Reuters

Ship hit off UAE coast, UK says

A ship was struck by an “unknown projectile” off Fujairah, United Arab Emirates, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations.
The vessel’s steel plating was damaged, but there was no fire or water intake.
The crew are safe, and investigations are under way, UKMTO added.

Source: BBC

US Senate schedules vote on war powers resolution

The US Senate is set to vote on a war powers resolution that would bar Trump from further military action against Iran, as criticism grows over his decision to act without congressional approval.
Debate on the bill is scheduled to begin on Tuesday at 11am local time, with the vote set for 4pm local time.

Source: Al Jazeera

Trump criticises allies as he discusses Iran's future

At a White House news conference with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, US President Donald Trump has laid out his justification for the strikes on Iran, weighed in on the country’s uncertain leadership, and sharply criticised allies he says have failed to support Washington’s actions.

The highlights:

• Trump says he acted preemptively because he believed Iran “was going to attack first” after nuclear talks failed.
• Claims that “just about everything’s been knocked out in Iran” following US-Israeli strikes.
• Warns the worst-case scenario is that Iran could be led by “somebody as bad as the previous person” after Khamenei’s elimination.
• Suggests the best outcome is that “somebody already there” takes over, rather than Reza Pahlavi, exiled son of Iran’s last Shah.
• Criticises UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer as “very uncooperative” and says “this is not Winston Churchill we’re dealing with".
• Accuses Spain of being uncooperative and says he will “cut off all trade” and has ordered the Treasury to “cut off all dealings".

Tens of thousands stranded as Gulf airspace closures continue

Airspace remains largely closed across the Gulf, leaving tens of thousands of travellers stranded after US-Israeli strikes on Iran.

Qatar’s hubs saw 8,000 passengers trapped in transit, while limited flights from the UAE have forced tourists and expatriates to scramble for exit options.

Dubai and Doha, key transit points between Europe and Asia, remain chokepoints in global air travel as the crisis unfolds.

Source: Al Jazeera

France deploys aircraft carrier to Mediterranean

President Emmanuel Macron has confirmed France is sending its aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle to the Mediterranean, alongside Rafale jets, air defence systems, and radar units.

He stressed Paris’ defence agreements with Qatar, Kuwait, UAE, Jordan, and Iraq, pledging solidarity amid rising regional tensions.

Macron also condemned Hezbollah’s attacks on Israel as a “big mistake” and cautioned against any Israeli land incursion into Lebanon.

Source: Al Jazeera

Spain resists Trump’s trade threat

Spain has rejected US President Donald Trump’s threat to cut all trade after it denied US forces access to its bases for Iran-related missions.

Madrid said it has the resources to withstand any potential trade embargo and called on the US to respect international law and EU-US agreements.

The dispute highlights rising tensions between Washington and European allies over military operations in the Middle East.

Source: Al Jazeera

Lebanon detains Hezbollah members after rocket attacks

Lebanese authorities have detained 12 Hezbollah fighters following rocket and drone attacks on Israel, local media report.

Judicial authorities have issued orders to pursue all individuals responsible for the attacks, with army checkpoints set up in Sidon to enforce security measures.

Hezbollah has not commented on the detentions, as Lebanon tightens scrutiny on movements in the south.

Source: Al Jazeera

Trump’s latest justification of Iran strike

President Donald Trump says the US attacked Iran preemptively, claiming Tehran was close to developing a nuclear weapon and preparing to strike Israel.

His comments contrast earlier remarks by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who suggested the US acted to avoid retaliation after anticipating an Israeli strike.

Critics note Trump has offered no evidence of a direct threat to the US, raising questions about the legality of the action.

Source: Al Jazeera

UN condemns child casualties in Middle East strikes

The UN has condemned the impact of the Middle East war on children, calling the strikes “devastating” and a serious threat to civilians.

The UN stressed schools and hospitals must not be attacked and every child has a right to live free from fear.

Iran held a mass funeral for 165 schoolgirls and staff killed in Minab, the deadliest incident so far in the campaign.

Source: Al Jazeera

Trump shrugs off worries over higher petrol prices

The US president says he can tolerate rising oil prices for now, prioritising what he calls the elimination of “an imminent threat” from Iran.

Trump described US strikes as largely successful, while warning that Iran’s missile and drone capabilities will eventually be diminished.

He noted that Iran’s retaliation includes missile and drone attacks on neighbouring Arab states and disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

Source: Al Jazeera

UAE extends remote learning until Friday

The UAE will continue remote learning for students and staff in all public and private schools and universities nationwide until Mar 6.

The Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research said the decision applies to both educational and administrative personnel.

Source: Al Jazeera

Israel to partially reopen airspace Thursday

Israeli Transport Minister Miri Regev says Ben-Gurion Airport will allow limited incoming flights to bring stranded citizens home.

Despite this, major airspace closures persist across the Middle East, leaving tens of thousands of passengers stranded.

Source: Al Jazeera

Kuwait condemns Iranian attack on US Embassy

Kuwait has condemned in the “strongest terms” an Iranian strike on the US embassy, affirming full solidarity with other affected nations.

The statement comes after a limited fire broke out at the US embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, following a drone attack.

Source: Al Jazeera

US arranges flights to evacuate citizens from Middle East

The United States is securing military and charter flights to evacuate Americans amid the escalating Middle East conflict, officials say.

Nearly 3,000 US citizens abroad are being contacted, with over 130 already departed from Israel and around 100 more expected on Tuesday.

Source: Al Jazeera

RAF F-35 shoots down Iranian drone over Jordan

UK Ministry of Defence says RAF jets have intercepted and destroyed an Iranian drone over Jordan, marking the first operational F-35 shootdown.

British forces have also taken down multiple drones in Iraq and Qatar, defending coalition bases and bolstering the region’s counter-drone operations.

Source: BBC

High oil prices a ‘political complication’ for Trump

President Donald Trump has suggested oil prices will soon drop, aiming to reassure Americans worried about rising fuel costs linked to the US-Israel war on Iran.

Polls show energy prices are a top concern, and continued increases could create political headaches for the administration.

Economists warn prices may climb further if the conflict drags on, potentially affecting public support and Trump’s domestic agenda.

Source: BBC

Iran files UNESCO complaint over heritage damage

Iran has formally complained to UNESCO about damage to cultural sites, including the 16th-century Golestan Palace and Tehran’s Grand Bazaar, caused by US and Israeli bombings.

The Iranian government cited the destruction of these historic landmarks as part of the ongoing conflict in the region.

1/4#Iran has formally notified UNESCO Director-General of serious damage to the UNESCO-listed Golestan Palace and parts of Tehran’s Grand Bazaar following unlawful military attacks by the United States and the Israeli regime. pic.twitter.com/I6cmPqtGZD

— Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran (@Iran_GOV) March 3, 2026

Senior Iranian commander killed in Tehran Strike: Israel

The Israeli army says it has killed Daoud Ali Zada, acting commander of the Lebanese Corps for Iran’s Quds Force, in a strike on Tehran.

The Lebanese Corps links Hezbollah leadership with Iran, while the Quds Force oversees special operations beyond Iranian territory.

Source: Al Jazeera

Zelensky holds talks with Qatar, UAE on Iran strikes

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has discussed Iranian missile and drone attacks with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed and Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim.

He said Ukrainian teams, experienced in countering drones and missiles, will work with Gulf partners to help protect civilians and potentially deploy specialists if ceasefire arrangements allow.

Officials added that Kyiv will remain in close contact with Doha and Abu Dhabi to coordinate protection measures and support a regional de-escalation.

Source: Al Jazeera

Merz: Iran war hurting economies

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has said the US-Israeli strikes on Iran are impacting global oil and gas prices, calling the conflict economically damaging.

Speaking with President Donald Trump at the White House, Merz emphasised the hope that the war will be resolved “as soon as possible".

Source: Al Jazeera

Russian FM urges de-escalation in call with Iran

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has spoken with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi, calling for de-escalation in the Middle East conflict.

Lavrov stressed the importance of rejecting the use of force and ensuring the safety of civilians and infrastructure across the region.

Source: Al Jazeera

Over 58,000 displaced in Lebanon following Israeli strikes

Israeli military operations across Lebanon have displaced more than 58,000 people, according to the Lebanese government’s disaster and management unit. 

The escalation has resulted in the deaths of more than 50 people nationwide as strikes continue to hit multiple regions. 

Source: Al Jazeera

Oman calls for immediate ceasefire, urges diplomacy

Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi has called for an immediate ceasefire, saying off ramps are still available to de-escalate regional tensions.

He urged all parties to return to “responsible regional diplomacy” and make use of available measures to avoid further conflict.

Source: Al Jazeera

US ‘entrapped by Israelis’ in strikes on Iran, Rubio suggests

Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that Israel’s plans to attack Iran influenced the timing of US strikes, which were carried out pre-emptively.

Experts say Rubio’s comments amount to a public acknowledgment that Washington may have been “entrapped” by Israeli actions, raising questions about US-Israel alignment.

Analysts note the US has significant leverage over Israel, and Rubio’s remarks could spark debate over how closely Washington’s interests match those of its ally.

Source: Al Jazeera

Trump says US will cut all trade with Spain

President Donald Trump has announced the United States will end all trade with Spain after the country refused to allow US military use of its bases for operations linked to strikes on Iran.

He also criticised the UK and said he instructed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to halt all dealings with Madrid.

Trump added: “We don’t want anything to do with Spain,” calling the country “terrible” over its decision.

Source: Al Jazeera

Trump prefers internal Iranian leader over Shah’s son

US President Donald Trump has suggested it would be better for someone from within Iran, rather than Reza Pahlavi, the son of the late shah, to lead the country after the conflict ends.

Speaking at the White House with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Trump said the worst-case scenario would be a new leader as oppressive as Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

He emphasised the need to avoid replacing one problematic regime with another, noting the importance of stability in post-conflict Iran.

Trump says he "forced Israel’s hand" on Iran strikes

US President Donald Trump has refuted the idea that Israeli military influenced the US strikes on Iran, noting: "If anything, I might have forced Israel’s hand."

Speaking from the Oval Office, the president claimed that if he hadn't acted, Iran was poised to strike first, a situation he wanted to avoid.

These comments stand in contrast to statements made by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who suggested a day earlier that the US launched the attacks because it believed Israel was ready to take unilateral action.

Source: CNN

US military reports strikes on over 1,700 Iranian targets

The US Central Command says it has carried out strikes on more than 1,700 targets in Iran since Saturday.

The attacks have focused on Iranian Navy ships, submarines, anti-ship missile sites, and command and control centres, according to a fact sheet from the military.

This operation forms part of the broader US-Israeli campaign against Iranian military infrastructure amid escalating regional tensions.

Source: Al Jazeera

‘World, do you see? They are killing us’

From Tehran, residents describe a city transformed into a ghost town, where fear and uncertainty dominate daily life. 

Streets are largely empty except for security checkpoints and Revolutionary Guard patrols, while electricity and water cuts compound the hardship. 

Fariba Gerami, 27, said her family hopes to leave Iran when it is safe, but fears traveling amid ongoing strikes.

The human toll is mounting. The Iranian Red Crescent reports 787 dead from the joint US-Israeli attacks, with hospitals, residential areas, and vital infrastructure under constant threat. 

Families struggle to access essential care, and basic services are disrupted across the city.

Amid the chaos, voices of desperation reach out to the world. Firuzeh Seraj, speaking through tears, pleaded: “My 10-year-old daughter is on dialysis and now we are trapped. I’m afraid to take her to the hospital. What if they bomb it? Why are you bombing us?”

Source: Reuters

No radiation leak detected at Iranian nuclear site

Iranian media reports said no radioactive leakage has been detected at the Natanz nuclear facility following joint airstrikes by the US and Israel.

Source: Al Jazeera

UK deploys HMS Dragon to Cyprus amid drone attacks

The UK is boosting air defences at its Cyprus base with anti-drone helicopters and deploying the destroyer HMS Dragon, Prime Minister Keir Starmer says.

The move comes after Iranian drone attacks targeted RAF Akrotiri, with Starmer affirming Britain’s commitment to the security of its personnel and Cyprus.

Source: Al Jazeera

Airstrikes hit newborn ward in Iranian hospital

A neonatal ward at the Shohada-ye Hastei Hospital in southern Iran was damaged on Tuesday following US-Israeli joint airstrikes.

The Iranian Red Crescent reported the facility sustained significant structural damage, but no fatalities were recorded during the incident. 

Video footage released by the news agency ISNA showed medical personnel carrying a newborn baby out of the building through corridors filled with debris and rubble, and two newborn babies swaddled in the neonatal unit.

Source: CNN

EU begins assisting evacuations from Middle East

The European Union has started supporting member states in repatriating citizens stranded in the Middle East.

Italy, Austria and Slovakia are the first to request Brussels’ assistance in funding evacuation flights, Commissioner Hadja Lahbib said.

Source: Al Jazeera

System won’t collapse for Khamenei’s death: Farah Pahlavi

Farah Pahlavi, the widow of Iran's last Shah, said although the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is a significant historical event, it will not lead to the immediate or automatic collapse of the Iranian system. 

Speaking from exile in Paris, she said the true turning point will depend on the Iranian people's capacity to unite for a peaceful and sovereign transition toward a state defined by the rule of law, which her son Reza Pahlavi is currently preparing for.

Source: Al Jazeera

Iran threatens regional economic hubs if strikes continue

Islamic Revolutionary Guard General Ebrahim Jabbari has warned that continued US-Israeli attacks will prompt Iran to target “all economic centres” across the Middle East.

Jabbari said Tehran would retaliate if its main facilities are hit and claimed the Strait of Hormuz has been closed.

He added oil prices, now above $80, could surge to $200, escalating global energy fears.

The strait carries about one-fifth of the world’s traded oil -- roughly 20 million barrels a day -- along with major LNG exports from Qatar and the UAE.

Source: Al Jazeera

US Embassy in Beirut closed ‘until further notice’

The US Embassy in Beirut has shut down operations indefinitely due to escalating regional tensions.

All regular and emergency consular appointments have been cancelled, with officials saying updates will follow once normal operations resume.

Source: Al Jazeera

US-Israel strikes reported in western Tehran

Joint US-Israeli air strikes have targeted areas in western Tehran, according to Iran’s ISNA news agency.

Source: Al Jazeera

Senate to vote on reining in Trump’s war powers Wednesday

Senator Tim Kaine said he expects the Senate to vote on Wednesday to limit President Donald Trump’s authority to wage war against Iran.

Senator Richard Blumenthal said the resolution’s passage seemed unlikely earlier, but the White House's "contradictory and conflicting explanations" for the attack may change the outcome.

Source: CNN

Israeli airstrike hits Sidon in southern Lebanon

The Israeli army targeted a missile launch site in Sidon, used to fire rockets toward the Golan Heights, Al Jazeera Arabic reports.

This marks the latest in Israel’s ongoing operations against Hezbollah-linked positions in southern Lebanon.

Source: Al Jazeera

EU foreign ministers to meet with Gulf counterparts

European Union foreign ministers are scheduled to hold a videoconference with their Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) counterparts on Thursday over the military campaign in Iran.

Source: Reuters

Netanyahu: Israel pounding Iran, Lebanon

Israeli forces are carrying out ongoing air strikes across Tehran, Qom, Isfahan, and Karaj, hitting military sites, hospitals, industrial areas, and residential zones.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said Israeli pilots are “over the skies of Iran and Lebanon” and vowed stronger retaliation against Hezbollah following attacks on Israel.

Health officials in Iran report nearly 800 civilians killed and more than 5,000 wounded, while explosions continue to rock major cities and critical infrastructure.

Source: Al Jazeera

Israel reports strikes on Iranian ballistic missile manufacturers

The Israeli military said its air force has targeted industrial weapon production sites across Iran.

According to an official statement, the IDF specifically hit facilities used by the Iranian regime to manufacture ballistic missiles.

Source: Al Jazeera

Bahrain activates alarm sirens

Bahrain's Interior Minister Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa said alarm sirens have been activated across the country. 

According to an official statement, all citizens and residents are urged to relocate to the nearest safe location.

Source: Al Jazeera

Hezbollah hits Israeli Merkava tank

Hezbollah claims to have struck an Israeli Merkava tank in the Kfarshouba hills along the Lebanon-Israel border. 

Source: Al Jazeera

Iran strikes Kurdish groups in Iraq

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) says it destroyed “counter-revolutionary” positions in Iraq’s Kurdistan Region using 30 drones, according to Tasnim news agency.

Two Kurdish groups confirmed being attacked but reported far fewer drones were used than claimed by the IRGC.

The Kurdish Democratic Party of Iran said three drones struck its positions, causing one minor injury, while the Kurdistan Freedom Party reported being hit by a single drone.

Source: CNN

No proof of nuclear weapons in Iran: atomic agency chief

Rafael Grossi, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), said inspectors have not found evidence of Iran’s nuclear weapon building programme, despite assertions from the US and Israel.

Grossi confirmed that Iran has enriched uranium to 60 percent purity, emphasising that such high levels have no clear civilian purpose and are typically only found in countries that possess nuclear weapons.

The current stockpile of enriched material is theoretically sufficient to create more than 10 nuclear warheads. However, Grossi explicitly stated that there is no evidence that Iran has actually manufactured any weapons.

He said there is "no clear objective" for this stockpile, which is the “main source of concern”.

Source: Al Jazeera

Blasts continue across Iran amid ongoing strikes

Explosions have been reported continuously in Tehran and other cities, including Isfahan, home to nuclear facilities.

Government sources say the TV station and security headquarters were among the overnight targets, while nine hospitals and areas near schools and residences were also hit.

Health ministry officials report nearly 800 civilians killed and over 5,000 wounded, with hospitals forced to evacuate patients under extreme conditions.

Casualties continue to mount as strikes affect both civilians and critical infrastructure across the country.

Source: Al Jazeera

Rosatom halts operations at Bushehr nuclear plant

Russian state nuclear company Rosatom has suspended operations at the Bushehr nuclear power plant in Iran amid escalating US-Israeli strikes, Interfax reports.

Rosatom chief Alexei Likhachev said the plant, built by Russia, was under threat and over 600 personnel are leaving the site.

Nearly 100 staff were evacuated on Saturday when the attacks on Iran began, highlighting growing safety concerns at the facility.

Source: Reuters

Iran overshadows Merz-Trump White House meeting

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is set to meet US President Donald Trump at the White House, in their first face-to-face since the strikes on Iran began.

Originally a long-planned visit, the focus has shifted to the escalating conflict, with both leaders expected to discuss regional security and Iran’s future.

Germany, along with France and the UK, has urged Iran to halt retaliatory strikes while signalling readiness to defend their interests and allies in the region.

Source: BBC

Middle East conflict risks driving up global food prices

The US-Israel war with Iran is pushing oil and gas prices higher and may also reduce crop yields, raising food costs worldwide.

Closure of the Strait of Hormuz could disrupt shipments of urea, a key fertiliser, causing staple prices for corn, wheat, and rice to soar.

Svein Tore Holsether of Yara warns some crops could see yield reductions of up to 50 percent if the conflict continues.

Source: BBC

Iran’s UN ambassador doubts value of negotiation

Iran’s UN ambassador in Geneva Ali Bahreini has said the country is “very doubtful about the usefulness of negotiation” with the United States.

His remarks come after US President Donald Trump declared on social media that it is “too late” for talks with Tehran.

Source: BBC

Residents describe fear, disruption after Tehran strikes

People across Tehran say the latest wave of attacks has left streets empty, shops closed, and daily life severely disrupted.

Maryam, in northern Tehran, said: “The attacks last night were terrible… our house was shaking”, as she prepared to evacuate near an IDF-targeted area.

Others report rising food prices, difficulty accessing the internet, and growing unease over how long the conflict will continue.

Witnesses in Karaj and Pardis describe the tense “calm before the storm”, with explosions heard and security presence heightened.

Source: BBC

Israel issues evacuation warning for Tehran, Karaj sites

The Israeli army has warned residents to evacuate the Hakimiyeh industrial area in Tehran and Payam Airport in Karaj, saying strikes are expected “in the coming hours”.

The alert was posted on the army’s Farsi-language X account, signalling imminent military action in both locations.

Source: Al Jazeera

Hezbollah ‘shoots down’ Israeli drone over Nabatieh

Hezbollah says it shot down an Israeli drone above Nabatieh in southern Lebanon using “appropriate weapons”.

The group stated the action was in response to Israeli strikes on dozens of Lebanese cities and towns.

Source: Al Jazeera

Strike hits assembly of experts building in Qom

An Israeli-US attack has reportedly targeted the Assembly of Experts building in Qom, the body responsible for overseeing Iran’s supreme leader selection, according to Mehr News Agency.

The agency also reported air raids near Tehran’s Revolution Square, indicating continued strikes across multiple Iranian cities.

Source: Al Jazeera

At least 40 killed, 246 wounded in Lebanon since Monday

Lebanon’s health ministry reports that Israeli attacks on Monday and Tuesday have killed at least 40 people and wounded 246.

A previously reported death toll of 52 on Monday was corrected as a technical error, the ministry spokesperson said.

Source: Al Jazeera

Mojtaba Khamenei reported alive amid Tehran strikes

Iranian outlet Mehr News Agency says Mojtaba Khamenei, son of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, is in full health and reviewing “important issues” in the country.

He is seen as a potential successor with influence over the IRGC and Basij, though any father-to-son transition faces political, religious, and practical barriers.

Mojtaba, sanctioned by the US in 2019, holds no official government post and is not a high-ranking cleric, limiting formal succession options.

Source: CNN

Israel launches large-scale strikes on Tehran

The Israel Defense Forces has announced via Telegram that it has begun a major wave of air strikes targeting Iran’s capital, Tehran.

Source: BBC

Israel launches fresh strikes on Tehran

The Israeli military says it has carried out its ninth wave of air strikes, targeting Iranian regime infrastructure in Tehran.

Iranian media reported explosions in the capital and in Karaj, west of Tehran, as the attacks continue.

Source: Reuters

7 hurt in Iranian missile strikes on central Israel

Seven people have been hurt in Iranian missile attacks across central Israel, including Bnei Brak and Rosh HaAyin, according to Israeli media.

Witnesses reported damage to buildings and vehicles, fires, and road destruction caused by missile impacts and shrapnel in multiple locations.

Source: Al Jazeera

Bolton urges Trump to justify Iran war in US interests

Former US security advisor John Bolton said President Donald Trump must clearly explain why the US-Israel strikes on Iran serve American interests, warning that failure to do so could create serious political problems.

Bolton, who supports the joint military actions, said the operation aims to eliminate Iran’s nuclear programme and curb its support for terrorism, with Washington providing combat and intelligence support while Israel guides strategic planning.

He argued that merely weakening Iran would be insufficient, as the country’s capabilities could quickly recover without a decisive effort to dismantle the ruling system.

Source: Al Jazeera

Iranian Guards claim strikes in northern Iraq

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) says it has destroyed “hostile targets” in Iraq’s northern Kurdish region, blaming the sites for planning operations inside Iran.

The IRGC vowed to act “swiftly and decisively” against groups it deems hostile, regardless of their location.

Authorities in Iraqi Kurdistan have not yet responded to the reported strikes.

Source: Al Jazeera

Jordan reopens airspace after partial closure

The Jordanian Civil Aviation Regulatory Commission has reopened the country’s airspace, reversing a partial closure that had been in place since Monday night.

The authority said the decision followed an in-depth risk assessment carried out in coordination with all relevant stakeholders.

Source: Al Jazeera

At least 300 Iranians head to Pakistan

Pakistan says at least 300 Iranian citizens have crossed into the country as US and Israeli attacks continue across Iran.

The arrivals entered through Balochistan, a border province already affected by decades-long insurgency and home to separatist groups.

Pakistan faces a delicate balance, maintaining strong ties with the US while hosting Shia communities opposed to the war in Iran.

Source: BBC

Iran denies involvement in attacks on Oman

Iranian state media has denied carrying out any attacks on Oman, following a series of drone strikes in the country.

Oman reported that a fuel tank at Duqm commercial port was hit, a drone crashed near Salalah port, and two others were intercepted in Dhofar governorate.

One of Sunday’s attacks wounded an expatriate worker, raising concerns over escalating regional tensions.

Source: Al Jazeera

Hezbollah, Iran strike Israel

Hezbollah has launched missiles at Israel’s Upper Galilee, targeting the Maayan Baruch Israeli outpost.

Iranian missiles have also struck central Israel, reports Israeli military.

Source: Al Jazeera

Iran president says country ‘has not come to a halt’

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has said the government remains fully operational despite the escalating conflict, with state functions continuing nationwide.

He added that authorities are coordinating closely with provincial governors to manage the exceptional situation.

“Ongoing activities are continuing across the country,” Pezeshkian wrote, stressing that daily life and government operations are being sustained amid the crisis.

Source: Al Jazeera

172 missiles, 755 drones intercepted: UAE

The UAE Ministry of Defence says its air defences have destroyed 172 of 186 missiles launched by Iran since Saturday, with 13 falling into the sea and one striking Emirati territory.

Authorities also detected 812 drones, intercepting 755, while eight cruise missiles caused minor civilian damage, three deaths, and 68 injuries.

Source: BBC

Commercial flight leaves Beirut amid rising smoke

A commercial aircraft has departed Beirut airport as smoke from the city rises following Israeli strikes, reportedly targeting Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon.

The Middle East continues to see widespread flight cancellations and airspace closures since the conflict began on Saturday.

Source: BBC

Blast reported in central Iran, weapons company ‘targeted’

Videos verified by BBC show a large smoke plume over Isfahan following “very loud” explosions, with footage suggesting the northern part of the city was hit.

The affected area near Kaveh Boulevard houses Isfahan Optics, a company linked to Iranian weapons production and subject to international sanctions.

Source: BBC

Iran halts food exports amid civilian stockpiling

Iran has banned all food and agricultural exports “until further notice” to prioritise domestic supplies, local media report.

Meanwhile, residents in Tehran are stocking up on essentials and some are leaving the capital amid fears the conflict could intensify.

Source: BBC

Explosions rock Tehran as Israel confirms strike

Tehran is once again under air strikes, with explosions reported across the city.

The Israeli military confirmed the operation, saying it targeted a senior Iranian regime commander in the capital.

Source: BBC

US warns of imminent missile threats in Saudi

The US Embassy in Saudi Arabia has warned of “imminent missile and UAV attacks” over Dhahran, urging citizens to shelter in place and avoid the consulate.

The alert follows recent suspected Iranian drone strikes on the embassy in Riyadh, raising concerns over escalating regional tensions.

Source: CNN

Trump says ‘too late’ for talks with Iran

US President Donald Trump claimed on social media that Iran’s air defence, air force, navy, and leadership have been “gone”, signalling severe damage to its military capabilities.

He added that while Iran “wants to talk”, he has rejected negotiations, posting: “Too Late!” alongside an opinion piece on the so-called “Trump Doctrine”.

Source: BBC

UK prioritises vulnerable nationals on evacuation flights

The UK government will prioritise vulnerable citizens on a charter flight from Muscat in the coming days, Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said, while working with airlines to expand capacity for British nationals.

She urged those in Oman to wait for direct guidance from the Foreign Office before making travel arrangements.

Source: BBC

China calls for talks on Iran nuclear issue

China has urged a halt to US military actions and called for resuming negotiations on the Iran nuclear issue, stressing that Tehran has a “legitimate right” to peaceful nuclear energy.

Foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said the conflict violates international law, and warned that China will take necessary steps to safeguard its energy security amid global tensions.

Source: Reuters

Iran’s missile threat to Israel ‘significantly weakened’

Analyst Wolfgang Pusztai says Iran likely has only a few hundred missiles capable of reaching Israel and just a few dozen launch systems, marking a notable decline in strike capability.

While its 1,200–1,500 short-range ballistic missiles still pose a threat, their slower, lower flight makes them easier to intercept, highlighting Tehran’s reduced offensive potential.

Source: Al Jazeera

UAE confident in ammunition supplies to continue war

The United Arab Emirates says it has sufficient munitions to counter Iranian attacks for an extended period, with strategic stockpiles ensuring sustained defensive operations.

UAE authorities stressed their right to respond to any aggression while leaving room for dialogue to contain the crisis and prevent further escalation.

Source: CNN

Iran calls on US and Israel to halt strikes

Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei has said at a press briefing that the recent military aggression “was not their choice” and urged the US and Israel to stop the war.

He stressed that Tehran had pursued diplomacy and did not initiate the conflict, describing the ongoing strikes as unprovoked aggression.

Source: Reuters

Airline fares surge on Asia-Europe routes

Flight prices between Asia and Europe have jumped sharply after key Middle Eastern hubs, including Dubai, remained closed for a fourth day.

Websites show many popular routes fully booked, while cancellations at Dubai International Airport have slashed capacity on high-demand services like Emirates and Qatar Airways.

Source: Reuters

Fire erupts at UAE’s Fujairah Oil Terminal

A massive fire has broken out at the Fujairah Oil Terminal on the Gulf of Oman coast, with videos and satellite images showing smoke and damage to at least one storage tank.

Energy firm VTTI has suspended operations as a precaution, while NASA and Planet Labs satellites confirm heat signatures and burn marks at the site.

The terminal, which can store up to 1.2 million cubic metres of oil, remains strategically vital as tankers avoid the Strait of Hormuz amid regional tensions.

Source: BBC

Israeli air strikes hit Hezbollah in southern Beirut

Israeli jets have struck southern Beirut suburbs, reportedly targeting Hezbollah leaders meeting in the area, according to Israeli Army Radio.

Lebanese authorities report “extensive damage to buildings”, with footage showing smoke billowing from the affected neighbourhoods.

Source: Al Jazeera

Fuel crunch hits India, Europe as Gulf gas supplies disrupted

India and Europe are facing tightening natural gas supplies after Qatar, a top global producer, halted LNG production amid the US-Israeli war on Iran, sending European gas prices soaring over 30 percent.

Indian firms, including Petronet LNG Ltd, have cut deliveries to industrial users, with the country relying heavily on Middle Eastern imports from Abu Dhabi National Oil Company and Qatari suppliers to meet its energy demands.

Source: Al Jazeera

Sirens sound across Kuwait City

Sirens are echoing through Kuwait City as authorities respond to a “treacherous” attack on the US embassy, condemned in the strongest terms by the foreign ministry.

The alert underscores rising tensions in the region, with residents warned to remain vigilant while security measures are reinforced across the capital.

Source: Al Jazeera

Bahrain intercepts 73 missiles, 91 drones

The Bahraini government said its air defense systems have intercepted and destroyed 73 missiles and 91 drones launched by Iran since the beginning of the conflict.

Source: Al Jazeera

A recap of recent developments

Iran urges halt to war: Foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei calls on Iran’s enemies to “stop the war” and urges the international community to act “before it is too late”, warning the conflict could “soon engulf Europe”.

Natanz damage confirmed: The IAEA says satellite imagery shows “recent damage” to entrance buildings at Iran’s underground Natanz enrichment plant, with no radiological impact detected.

Israel advances in south Lebanon: Israeli forces have been instructed to move forward and seize positions in southern Lebanon, prompting the Lebanese army to withdraw from border areas.

Displacement in Lebanon: At least 30,000 people have taken shelter since fighting between Israel and Hezbollah began on Monday, according to UNHCR.

Mass funeral in Iran: Tehran holds a funeral for 165 people killed in a US-Israel strike on a school in Minab.

Iran death toll rises: State media, citing the Iranian Red Crescent, says 787 people have been killed and more than 500 locations in at least 153 cities struck.

Qatar halts contact: Doha says there is no ongoing communication with Iran and that attacks are targeting its entire territory, not only military sites.

Kuwait embassy targeted: Kuwait confirms what it describes as a “treacherous attack” on the US Embassy in Kuwait City.

Prolonged Iran conflict may test US support

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has defended the joint US-Israel strikes on Iran as a swift, decisive measure rather than an open-ended campaign.

Yet, if the conflict drags on, historical patterns suggest US political support could wane. 

While President Trump signals confidence to sustain morale, the practicality of a prolonged military effort hinges on funding, production capacity, and public backing.

The US maintains strong strategic and military ties with Israel, but debate continues in Washington over automatic support for Israeli actions. 

At the same time, ongoing US weapons commitments to other conflicts, notably Ukraine’s war with Russia, place additional strain on resources.

Source: Al Jazeera

Lavrov warns of nuclear proliferation risk

Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has cautioned that US and Israeli strikes on Iran could push not only Iran but also neighbouring states to pursue nuclear weapons, dramatically heightening regional tensions.

He said the expanding conflict risks triggering a wider nuclear arms race, warning that continued military escalation could undermine global non-proliferation efforts.

Source: Al Jazeera

Kuwait condemns ‘treacherous’ attack on US Embassy

Kuwait’s foreign ministry has denounced “in the strongest terms” what it described as a “treacherous” attack on the US embassy, calling it a “flagrant violation of all international norms and laws”.

In a statement, the ministry reaffirmed Kuwait’s right to take “all necessary measures” to safeguard its security, territory, citizens and residents.

Source: Al Jazeera

Indian Embassy relocates students from Tehran

The Indian Embassy in Tehran has moved the majority of Indian students to more secure locations to ensure their safety during the ongoing conflict.

While most students accepted the relocation offer, the Embassy confirmed that a small number chose to remain in the capital. 

For those who stayed, as well as all other Indian nationals in the area, the mission has issued safety advisories.

Source: X/India_in_Iran

pic.twitter.com/4Tlu6E9fN7

— India in Iran (@India_in_Iran) March 3, 2026

IDF warns Hezbollah of consequences

The Israel Defense Forces has said Hezbollah had “chosen to join the Iranian regime in their terrorist fight against Israel” a day earlier, framing the group’s actions as a direct escalation.

In a sharply worded statement, the military added that Hezbollah had now “begun to see the consequences”, signalling a forceful Israeli response.

Source: X/IDF

IRNA releases footage of Kheibar Shekan launches

Iran’s state news agency IRNA has published footage showing Kheibar Shekan missiles being launched toward Israeli territory and US bases during coordinated strikes on Monday morning and again at night.

The video captures multiple projectiles lifting off in succession, underscoring what Tehran portrays as a sustained and deliberate phase of its retaliatory operations.

Source: X/IRNA

Footage shows Iran's Kheibar Shekan missiles being fired at Israel and US bases during on Monday morning and night. pic.twitter.com/S3EgBeUtsi

— IRNA News Agency ☫ (@IrnaEnglish) March 3, 2026

No proof Iran was developing nuclear weapons: Russia

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Moscow had still seen no evidence that Iran was developing nuclear weapons as the US and Israel pursue their attack.
He told Brunei’s foreign minister that Tehran’s nuclear programme was “the main, if not the only, justification for the war”.
Lavrov said Arab countries were facing economic losses and casualties from the attacks and reiterated calls for an immediate halt to hostilities.
He condemned civilian casualties, highlighting reports of a girls’ school in southern Iran hit during the strikes, which Iranian state media said killed more than 160 people.

Source: Reuters

Indian firms cut industrial gas supply amid Qatari LNG halt

Indian companies have reduced gas deliveries to factories over fears of a supply shortage after Qatari LNG production was suspended following drone attacks, four industry sources told Reuters.
The reduction, ranging from 10 to 30 percent, was planned to avoid penalties under existing contracts.
Top LNG importer Petronet LNG Limited informed GAIL India and Indian Oil, who passed the notice to their customers late Monday night.
To cover the shortfall, IOC, GAIL, and Petronet LNG are planning spot tenders, though higher spot prices, transport costs, and insurance have pushed up overall expenses.

France ready to defend partners: FM

France is ready to defend its partners if they request help after Iranian retaliatory strikes and reserves its right to intervene, according to Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot.
"This war... is dragging a number of countries in the region into the conflict with which we have relations, defence agreements, and interests, including military bases," Barrot told French broadcaster BFM TV.
He saidFrench Rafale fighter jets carried out air operations to secure the skies above France's bases in the region. 
Around 400,000 French nationals are currently in the countries affected by the crisis in the Middle East and the French government is ready to fly back those most at risk using both commercial and military flights, Barrot added.

Source: Reuters

‘Every part’ of Tehran hit

A journalist in Tehran says the US and Israeli strikes have hit “every part” of the Iranian capital since the conflict began on Saturday.

"This is a systematic attack on not just the military but civilians," Mohammad Khatibi told the BBC World Service.

He said the strikes have targeted communication towers, broadcasting stations and the city’s Grand Bazaar, which he described as having been "reduced to rubble".

Asked about public reaction to the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Khatibi said there were "small groups" celebrating but no large-scale unrest so far.

He added that with military and police installations also targeted, he believes "separatists and opposition groups outside of Iran" may soon call for demonstrations similar to those seen in January.

"This [regime change] was the plan all along. The nuclear issue I think it was just the excuse," Khatibi said.

Source: BBC

Explosions heard in Jerusalem

A series of explosions have been reported in Jerusalem on Tuesday morning after the IDF said it had detected new missiles launched from Iran.

In a statement, the Israeli military said: “The IDF has detected that a short time ago missiles were launched from Iran toward the territory of the State of Israel. Defence systems are operating to intercept the threat,”

Source: The Telegraph

Sirens activated in Tel Aviv, central Israel

Red alert sirens have been activated in central Israel, including Tel Aviv.

Source: Al Jazeera

France little exposed to Middle East crisis: central bank

France's finance industry has a little exposure to the Middle East crisis, according to French central bank Governor Francois Villeroy de Galhau.
He added the French economy remains resilient with relatively low inflation.
Villeroy cautioned that it would be a mistake for the European Central Bank to make interest rate decisions based only on short-term energy price movements.
Source: Reuters

Middle East turmoil under watch: IMF

The International Monetary Fund said it was closely monitoring developments in the Middle East, noting disruptions to trade and economic activity, surging energy prices and increased financial market volatility.
The global lender said it was too early to assess the economic impact on the region or globally, which will depend on the extent and duration of the conflict.

Source: Reuters

Iran death toll reaches 787

The death toll from the US-Israeli attacks across Iran has risen to 787, state media reported citing the Iranian Red Crescent.

Source: Al Jazeera

Middle East crisis halts 38 flights at Dhaka airport

Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka has suspended 38 flights scheduled for Tuesday amid the worsening security situation in the Middle East.
The affected services include four departures each by Qatar Airways, Emirates, Gulf Air, Jazeera Airways and US-Bangla Airlines. 
Air Arabia has cancelled 12 services, while Kuwait Airways has withdrawn two flights.
Airport officials said disruption has intensified over the past few days, with 147 flights grounded since Saturday.
The breakdown shows 23 cancellations on Saturday, 40 on Sunday and 46 on Monday.

 

Israel says it has killed top IRGC official

Israel says a senior member of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Quds Force has been killed in a naval strike in Beirut.

According to the IDF, the strike targeted and killed Reza Khazaei, who it said had been working to help Hezbollah rebuild its military capabilities.

The Israeli military said the operation was carried out in the Lebanese capital on Monday.

Source: The Telegraph

Lebanese army pulls back from ‘advanced positions’ near Israel border

Lebanon’s state news agency reports that the army is vacating “advanced positions” along the border with Israel.

Reuters earlier cited witnesses as saying troops had withdrawn from at least seven forward operating locations in the border area.

The development comes after Israel’s defence minister, Israel Katz, said the Israeli military had been ordered “to advance and seize additional controlling areas in Lebanon” to prevent attacks on Israeli border settlements.

Source: Al Jazeera

Trump says Starmer 'not helpful' and relationship 'not what it was'

Donald Trump has criticised Keir Starmer for his role in the US attacks on Iran.
Speaking to the Sun, Trump says the prime minister "has not been helpful. I never thought I’d see that. I never thought I’d see that from the UK."
In a telephone interview, Trump adds: "It's very sad to see that the relationship is obviously not what it was."
On Monday, Starmer told the Commons the government "does not believe in regime change from the skies".
The UK initially did not allow the US to use British bases to attack Iran, but then opened its bases for "defensive" strikes on Iranian sites.
Trump tells the Sun: "France has been great. They've all been great. The UK has been much different from others."

Source: BBC

TUI to fly stranded customers out of Middle East

German tourism group TUI will begin on Tuesday to offer flights back home to customers who stranded in the Middle East because of the military conflict there, its CEO told broadcaster NTV.
Sebastian Ebel said TUI was working with airlines Etihad, Emirates and Qatar Airways, adding that across all tour operators, about 30,000 German tourists were stranded in the region, including about 10,000 of TUI's.
"We expect to carry out the first flights today with these companies to return our guests," said Ebel.

Source: Reuters

13 Iranian soldiers killed

Thirteen Iranian soldiers have been killed in a US-Israeli strike on a military base in Kerman province, according to the Iranian army.
The attack targeted the base in the south of the country.
Source: Al Jazeera

Mass funeral held for victims of Iran school strike

Iran has held a mass funeral for 165 people, including students, who were killed in an attack on a girls’ school in the southern city of Minab.

State television footage showed thousands gathered in a public square. From the stage, a woman identifying herself as the mother of “Atena” held up a sheet displaying portraits which she described as “a document of American crimes”.

Those in attendance chanted “Death to America”, “Death to Israel” and “No surrender”.

An Israeli military spokesperson said on Sunday he was not aware of any Israeli or US strikes in the area.

Aerial footage of the emotional funeral procession in Minab for the elementary school girls and teachers who were martyred on the direct orders of the US regime. pic.twitter.com/ZOAX9p4my6

— IRNA News Agency ☫ (@IrnaEnglish) March 3, 2026

Source: Al Jazeera
 

Israeli troops enter Lebanon

Israel says its troops are operating inside Lebanon, marking a further escalation in the widening regional conflict.

An IDF spokesperson said forces had entered southern Lebanon “as part of an enhanced forward defence posture”.

The military stressed that the move does not constitute a broader ground invasion, describing it instead as a “tactical measure on the border”.

“The IDF is working to create an additional layer of security for residents of northern Israel,” the spokesperson said.

Source: The Telegraph

Satellite images indicate damage at Natanz nuclear site

Satellite images have shown damage at the Natanz nuclear facility in Iran following attacks carried out by the US and Israel over the weekend, according to Mohammad Eslami, head of Iran’s atomic energy organisation.

Source: Al Jazeera


A satellite image shows a closer view of the Natanz Nuclear Facility with new building damage, amid the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, near Natanz, Iran, Mar 2, 2026. Vantor/Handout via REUTERS

Magnitude 4.3 earthquake hits Iran

A 4.3 magnitude earthquake has struck the Gerash region of Iran, according to the US Geological Survey.

The tremor occurred at a depth of 10km (6.2 miles), the agency said.

Source: Al Jazeera

Drone hit fuel tank at Oman’s Duqm port: state media

Fuel tanks at Oman's Duqm commercial port were targeted by several drones, with one striking a fuel tank, Oman state news agency reported on Tuesday, citing a security source.
The resulting damage was contained and no casualties were recorded, the agency added.

Source: Reuters

‘Wars can be fought forever’ using US stockpiles: Trump

Donald Trump has said the United States has a virtually unlimited supply of weapons and can fight wars “forever” using its stockpiles, adding the arms are better than “other countries finest arms” and the US is ready to win big.
He posted on Truth Social, criticising Joe Biden for giving “hundreds of billions of dollars worth” of high-end weapons to Ukraine without replenishing US reserves. 
“Fortunately, I rebuilt the military in my first term, and continue to do so. The United States is stocked, and ready to WIN, BIG!!!” he wrote.
The president added that even high-grade weapons stored in other countries ensure the US remains fully equipped to respond to conflicts.

 

France to send anti-drone systems to Cyprus

France plans to send anti-missile and anti-drone systems to Cyprus after a British sovereign base on the island was attacked by drones, according to the semi-official Cyprus News Agency (CNA).

Air France cancels Middle East flights until Thursday

Air France has cancelled its flights to and from Tel Aviv, Beirut, Dubai, and Riyadh until Thursday, inclusive, the airline said in a statement on Tuesday, citing security risks due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
It said the safety of its customers and crew was a top priority and that it will assess the situation before resuming flights.


Source: Reuters

US cancels all consular services in Saudi

The US Embassy in Riyadh has cancelled all routine and emergency consular services across its missions in Saudi Arabia, including Riyadh, Jeddah and Dhahran. 
A “shelter in place” order is in effect, and US citizens are advised to avoid the embassy and maintain personal safety plans following the attack on the facility.

Security Alert: Consular Appointments Cancelled – U.S. Mission to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (Mar. 3, 2026)

The U.S. Mission to Saudi Arabia is closed on Tuesday, March 3. All routine and emergency American Citizen Services appointments are cancelled. The shelter in place…

— U.S. Embassy Riyadh (@USAinKSA) March 3, 2026

US embassy orders govt employees to leave Iraq

The US diplomatic mission has directed non-emergency government employees to leave Iraq “due to security reasons”.

It said US personnel in Baghdad are also barred from using the city’s international airport because of security concerns.

Earlier, State Department official Mora Namdar wrote on X that American citizens should “DEPART NOW” from more than a dozen countries using available commercial flights, citing “serious safety risks”.

The countries listed were Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, the occupied West Bank and Gaza, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen.

Source: Al Jazeera

Oil prices rise on Iran tensions

Oil prices have climbed for a third day as the US-Israeli conflict with Iran intensifies and the Strait of Hormuz faces threats, raising fears of supply disruptions from the Middle East.
Brent crude has risen to $79.44 a barrel, up 2.2 percent, while US West Texas Intermediate crude has jumped to $72.40 a barrel, up 1.6 percent.
Analysts warn that risks remain as Iran targets energy infrastructure and shipping in the region, with 20 percent of the world’s oil passing through the Strait.

Gulf closures drive up Asia-Europe flight prices

Airline fares between Asia and Europe have surged after major Gulf hubs, including Dubai, remain closed for a fourth day due to the US-Israel war against Iran. Tickets on many routes are fully booked for days.
Australia’s Flight Centre reports a 75 percent jump in customer calls, with travellers rebooking via alternative Asian and North American hubs.
Non-stop flights are rerouting north via the Caucasus or south via Egypt, adding time and fuel costs.
Industry experts warn prolonged closures could push fares higher and strain airline profitability.

Source: Reuters

US orders non-emergency staff to leave Bahrain, Iraq and Jordan

The US State Department said on Tuesday it has ordered the departure of non-emergency US government personnel and family members from Bahrain, Iraq and Jordan.
 
The order comes as the US monitors security risk linked to its conflict with Iran.

Source: Reuters

Israeli plan prompted US strikes on Iran: Rubio

Planned Israeli action against Iran that would have seen retaliation against American forces prompted the United States to launch its weekend strikes against Tehran, according to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
"We knew that there was going to be an Israeli action, we knew that that would precipitate an attack against American forces, and we knew that if we didn’t preemptively go after them before they launched those attacks, we would suffer higher casualties," he told reporters.

IRGC vows to set fire to ships in Strait of Hormuz

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has declared the Strait of Hormuz closed, warning that any vessel attempting to pass will be set ablaze.
Brig Gen Ebrahim Jabari, advisor to the IRGC commander, said on state television that the move is part of a wider effort to pressure the United States and its allies over oil exports. 
“Our heroes in the IRGC Navy and the Army will set fire to any ships that wish to pass through this strait,” he said.
Jabari added that Iran will also target oil pipelines in the region and block exports until the US and its partners halt what he called “pressure on the region”.
He claimed the Americans “will not get a single drop” of oil from the area.

US launched strikes ‘on behalf of Israel’: Iran FM

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has weighed in on his American counterpart’s justification for attacking Tehran.
“[Marco] Rubio admitted what we all knew: US has entered a war of choice on behalf of Israel. There was never any so-called Iranian ‘threat’,” Araghchi said in a post on X.
“Shedding of both American and Iranian blood is thus on Israel Firsters. American people deserve better and should take back their country,” he added.
US Secretary of State Rubio told reporters that the US was aware Israel was going to attack Iran and joined in because Washington felt that Tehran would retaliate against American assets in the region.

Mr. Rubio admitted what we all knew: U.S. has entered a war of choice on behalf of Israel. There was never any so-called Iranian "threat".

Shedding of both American and Iranian blood is thus on Israel Firsters.

American people deserve better and should take back their country.

— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) March 3, 2026

US-Israeli strike damages Tehran’s UNESCO listed palace: state media

Iran’s Golestan Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has been damaged in the aftermath of a US-Israeli strike, according to Mehr News Agency.
The palace’s famous mirrored throne room, along with its museum artifacts, were previously moved to a secure vault following the January protests and during the 12-day war in June 2025.
Golestan Palace first became the seat of power during the Qajar era, when the capital was moved to Tehran and continued that way under the Pahlavi era.

Damage to UNESCO-listed Golestan Palace has been reported following recent U.S. and Zionist regime attacks. Cultural Heritage Minister Seyed Reza Salehi Amiri visited the site, as officials assessed the impact on this historic landmark.#iran https://t.co/OdBZ0bXcHc pic.twitter.com/hFOdvSufxz

— Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran (@Iran_GOV) March 2, 2026

US air base in Bahrain destroyed: Iran state media

Reports are emerging of an Iranian strike destroying a US air base in Bahrain.
Footage posted by the Fars news agency, affiliated with the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), appears to show a wave of rockets exploding into distant targets.
It claims the IRGC's drone and missile attack destroyed a US command and staff building air base in Bahrain's Sheikh Isa region and caused fuel tanks to explode.

Source: BBC

Hezbollah claims attack on Israeli air base

The Lebanese armed group says it launched an attack on the Ramat David Air Base in northern Israel.

It said it targeted radar sites and control rooms at the base by deploying “a swarm of drones” at dawn.

Hezbollah said it carried out the attack in retaliation for Israel’s deadly strikes on several areas of Lebanon.

Source: Al Jazeera

Drones strike US embassy in Riyadh

The US embassy in Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh has come under a drone attack, prompting officials to advise American citizens to stay in safe shelter wherever they are.
A spokesperson for Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defence said two drones struck the embassy, causing a fire and property damage. The fire was quickly tamed.

Amazon data centres hit in UAE drone strike

Amazon Web Services says two of its data centres in the UAE have been directly hit by a drone strike, with another facility in Bahrain also struck.
AWS, which runs data centres and digital services worldwide, said the strikes caused structural damage to infrastructure and disrupted power supply.
Clients have been urged to back up data and consider shifting systems to other AWS regions amid ongoing instability in the Middle East.

Oil shipping rates hit all-time high

The cost of chartering a supertanker to transport oil from the Middle East to China has reached an all-time high of over $400,000, according to data from the London Stock Exchange Group.
This record rate applies to the largest oil-carrying vessels, capable of transporting up to 2 million barrels of crude oil.
The cost is nearly double what it was last week, when the US had threatened military action against Iran.

Drone shot down near Erbil airport

The Rudaw news outlet says a drone has been shot down near the Erbil International Airport in Iraq’s Kurdistan region.
Footage posted by the outlet showed a small fire as smoke rose near the airport.

إسقاط جسم بالقرب من مطار أربيل ومواطنون يقولون إنه طائرة مسيرة pic.twitter.com/m3gYAYYiqs

— Rudaw عربية (@rudaw_arabic) March 3, 2026

Netanyahu says ‘this is not an endless war’

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says the war against Iran is a “gateway for peace” in the region, while downplaying concerns that the US and Israel could become bogged down in a longer conflict despite promises of a swift and easy campaign.

Netanyahu told Fox News that the current conflict could pave the way for further deals normalising ties between Israel and countries in the region.

“We [Netanyahu and Trump] brought forward the Abraham Accords, which was four peace treaties with four Arab countries. And now, working together against Iran, we will be able to bring many, many more peace treaties,” he said.

“This is not an endless war, this is a gateway to peace. It’s the exact opposite of what people are saying,” he added.

Source: Al Jazeera

US cancels all visa appointments in Pakistan

The US embassy in Islamabad has announced the cancellation of all visa appointments citing “current security situation” in the country.

The order covers the embassy in Islamabad as well as the consulates in Lahore and Karachi, according to the US embassy.

It said the cancellation will be effective until Friday, Mar 6.

Source: Al Jazeera

US forces sink 11 Iranian vessels in Gulf of Oman

The United States says it has sunk 11 Iranian vessels in the Gulf of Oman, leaving Iran with no ships remaining in the area.

In a post on X, US Central Command (Centcom) said: “Two days ago, the Iranian regime had 11 ships in the Gulf of Oman, today they have ZERO.”

Centcom accused Iran of harassing and attacking international shipping in the Gulf of Oman for decades, adding: “Those days are over.”

Source: BBC

Toppling Tehran unlikely, says ex-CIA director

Former CIA director David Petraeus said an immediate regime change in Iran is unlikely, despite the impact of the ongoing US-led military campaign.

Petraeus said the conflict might spark a popular uprising, but the “organised and armed” security personnel loyal to the Iranian government are a massive obstacle to any civilian takeover.

Source: BBC

Lebanon death toll climbs to 52

The Lebanese government has reported at least 52 deaths and 154 injuries in the latest wave of Israeli airstrikes.

This revised count is a significant jump from the health ministry’s previous report of 31 deaths and 149 injuries. 

The strikes have forced more than 28,500 residents to flee their homes.

Source: Al Jazeera

No plans to join Iran conflict: NATO chief

NATO chief Mark Rutte has ruled out any involvement of the alliance in the war against Iran, though he voiced strong support for the US and Israeli military operations.

Speaking to Germany’s ARD television, Rutte described the strikes as "really important" for degrading Tehran's nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities. 

He emphasised that while individual member states may choose to support the US-led Operation Epic Fury, NATO as a collective bloc will not be "dragged into" the conflict.

Source: Al Jazeera

Israeli army reports new attack from Lebanon

Alerts have been triggered in multiple Israeli areas near the Lebanese border due to hostile aircraft, the military says.

Details of the incident are still under investigation, according to the army update.

Source: Al Jazeera

Middle East war ‘endangering civilians’, Red Cross warns

Mirjana Spoljaric, head of the ICRC, said widening hostilities are putting civilian lives in “grave danger” as attacks intensify across the region.

She cautioned that the scale of military operations risks triggering a larger conflict that could overwhelm any humanitarian response.

Source: Al Jazeera

"Widening hostilities across the Middle East are putting civilian lives in grave danger. The scale of major military operations flaring across the Middle East risks embroiling the region – and beyond – into another large-scale armed conflict that will overwhelm any humanitarian… pic.twitter.com/0sALYjy5yH

— ICRC (@ICRC) March 2, 2026

Trump: Iran war could last longer than four weeks

US President Donald Trump has said the military campaign against Iran might extend beyond the four to five weeks he mentioned earlier, saying the US is prepared to continue as long as necessary.

He added that he would not get “bored” if the conflict drags on, signalling readiness for a prolonged engagement.

Source: Al Jazeera
 

Missile interception injures 20 in Israel

At least 20 people were injured in the southern Israeli city of Beersheva on Monday afternoon, according to Israel's emergency response service Magen David Adom.

The injuries were caused by shards of glass that fell after Israel intercepted a missile. 

Source: CNN

Tehran calls for mass rallies to mourn Khamenei

The Iranian government has urged citizens to gather in Tehran to demonstrate support for the Islamic Republic following three days of intensive joint US-Israeli air strikes.

The country enters a 40-day mourning period for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in Saturday’s strikes. 

The planned rallies are intended to pay tribute to the late leader and project national unity.

Source: Al Jazeera

Trump defends US-Israeli strikes on Iran

President Donald Trump has said the joint attacks were necessary to counter Iran’s growing nuclear threat.

He called it the “last best chance to strike and eliminate the intolerable threats posed by this sick and sinister regime”.

He added that “everyone was behind” the US in taking action, justifying the operation as urgent for American security.

Source: Al Jazeera

49 Iranian leaders killed, bigger strikes ahead: Trump

US President Donald Trump has said the current campaign against Iran is just the beginning and warned that a “big wave” of military action is still to come.

He called Iran’s attacks on Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, and the UAE the “biggest surprise” and suggested the operation could last around four weeks.

Source: Al Jazeera

Islamic Jihad commander killed in Israeli strikes on Beirut

An Al-Quds Brigades commander was killed in an Israeli air strike on Beirut.

The Al-Quds Brigades is the armed wing of Palestinian Islamic Jihad.

The group identified the deceased as 41-year-old Adham al-Othman, describing him as the "commander of al-Quds Brigades in the Lebanese arena". 

Source: Al Jazeera

Amnesty urges inquiry into protest deaths in Pakistan

Amnesty International has called for an independent and impartial investigation into the deaths of at least 26 people during nationwide protests in Pakistan following the killing of Iran's Ali Khamenei.

The human rights organisation expressed "serious concerns" over reports that security forces used lethal ammunition against demonstrators, describing the fatalities as a potential unlawful use of force. 

Source: Al Jazeera
 

UK’s role purely defensive: Starmer

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer clarifies that while British bases are being utilised in the American response to Iranian attacks, their role remains strictly limited to "agreed defensive purposes".

Starmer said the UK is not participating in offensive strikes alongside the US and Israel. 

He maintained that the decision to provide logistical support is based on the collective self-defence of allies and the protection of Britons

Source: Al Jazeera

Iran claims strike on Beesheba complex

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard says the 11th wave of missiles and drones targeted Beersheba (Bir as-Sab) in southern Israel.

State-linked Tasnim news agency claimed the strike hit an Israeli army communications complex, publishing an image of a building it said also hosts major international companies, including Microsoft.

Source: Al Jazeera

Qatar says it shot down two Iranian fighter jets

Qatar’s defence ministry says its air force “successfully shot down” two Iranian fighter aircraft approaching its territory.

Naval and air defence systems also intercepted seven ballistic missiles and five drones, with officials saying all were destroyed before reaching their targets.

Source: Al Jazeera

Pakistan president condemns Iran attack

President Asif Ali Zardari has said Pakistan “condemns the war being waged on Iran while negotiations were under way”.

He reaffirmed Islamabad’s support for Iran’s sovereignty and territorial integrity during his address to a joint session of Parliament.

Source: X/PresofPakistan

"We strongly condemn the war being waged on Iran while negotiations were under way…. We have reaffirmed our support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our brotherly nation."

~ President Asif Ali Zardari, Address to Joint Session of Parliament. pic.twitter.com/OUPHuPRgCf

— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) March 2, 2026

Ben Gurion Airport set for limited reopening

Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport, the country’s main international airport near Tel Aviv, plans to reopen on Monday in an “extremely limited format”.

Flight operations are set to expand gradually from Tuesday depending on security.

Only Israeli carriers will initially resume flights, while El Al is seeking approval for charter rescue flights from more than 20 cities -- including New York, Miami, Los Angeles, Bangkok, London, and Paris -- to bring home an estimated 40,000 stranded passengers.

Source: Al Jazeera

Israeli Air Force drops over 600 munitions on Tehran

In five sorties, the IAF released more than 600 munitions over Tehran, marking a major escalation.

In an X post, cockpit footage from the operation shows the moments of the bomb drops from an aircraft.

Source: X/IAF

ב-5 מטסים חיל האוויר הטיל יותר מ-600 חימושים בטהרן: לראשונה תיעוד מתא הטייס

תיעוד מרגעי הטלת הפצצות ממטוס חיל האוויר מעל שמי טהרן: pic.twitter.com/oq5Xz5d0yd

— Israeli Air Force (@IAFsite) March 2, 2026

IRGC commander threatens to strike Cyprus

Brig Gen Ibrahim Jabari, a senior commander of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), said Iran intends to target Cyprus with missile strikes.

He claims that the United States has relocated a significant portion of its military aircraft to the island. 

The strikes are aimed at forcing American forces to vacate the territory.

Source: Al Jazeera

France to increase nuclear arsenal: Macron

French President Emmanuel Macron announces plans to increase the country's nuclear arsenal for the first time in over three decades, citing heightened global instability.

Speaking on Monday, Macron confirmed that France would raise its current stockpile of fewer than 300 warheads, though he did not disclose the specific number to be added. 

The president also proposed joint long-range missile projects with the UK and Germany, and the potential temporary deployment of nuclear-capable aircraft to allied nations.

Source: Al Jazeera

Loud  blasts reported near Isfahan nuclear facility

Reports say loud blasts were heard near a nuclear facility and airbase in central Iran’s Isfahan city.

Details remain scarce; authorities and sources are yet to confirm the cause or any damage.

Source: Al Jazeera

Bahrain intercepts new wave of Iranian missiles, drones

Bahrain says its air defence systems have successfully intercepted a fresh wave of Iranian ballistic missiles and drones.

State media reports that the total number of hostile projectiles reached 70 missiles and 59 drones, according to the National Communication Centre.

Source: Al Jazeera

Israel’s evacuation orders spark ‘mass displacement’ in Lebanon

Forced evacuations across dozens of towns and southern Beirut have sent hundreds of thousands fleeing. 

Israel warns of expanded strikes against Hezbollah in retaliation for cross-border rocket fire.

Smoke rises over largely empty neighbourhoods. Families are seeking shelter in schools, mosques, and hotels, raising urgent humanitarian concerns amid fears of sustained violence.

Source: Al Jazeera

Trump to address Iran war on live TV

US President Donald Trump is set to deliver his first live televised address regarding the conflict with Iran at 11am ET, or 10pm Bangladesh time on Monday.

This marks the first time the president will speak directly to the press since military operations began on Saturday. 

His previous communications have been restricted to pre-recorded videos released via Truth Social. 

Source: CNN

Russia, UAE reiterate ceasefire call in Middle East

President Vladimir Putin and UAE’s Mohammed bin Zayed have again urged Iran, the US, and Israel to halt hostilities, describing recent military action as an “unprovoked act of armed aggression”.

Both leaders stressed the need to return to political and diplomatic solutions, noting Iran’s attacks on the UAE are unjustified as its territory has not been used to strike Iran.

Source: Al Jazeera

US strikes Iran to degrade military, pressure Tehran

The US has targeted Iran’s navy, missiles, and nuclear sites, hoping to spark unrest, though experts say regime change would require far more than airstrikes.

Opposition groups inside Iran remain unarmed, past protests have killed thousands, and the political impact of the strikes remains uncertain.

Source: Al Jazeera

Child, 4 others killed in Israeli strike on western Iran

An Israeli bombing on the village of Sarabeleh in Kermanshah province, western Iran, has killed five civilians, including a child, according to Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency.

Source: Al Jazeera

Wife of Khamenei dies after US-Israeli strike: report

The wife of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has died two days after being injured in the same US-Israeli attack that killed her husband, according to reports.

The incident adds to the mounting human toll of the ongoing military escalation in the region.

Source: X/Daily Mail

Wife of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei dies two days after being injured in same US-Israeli strike that killed her husband https://t.co/K8vXKyhGlg

— Daily Mail (@DailyMail) March 2, 2026

Iran releases footage of drone stockpile in underground bunker

Iranian state media has shared videos purportedly showing scores of attack drones stored in an underground facility, with rows mounted on rocket launchers.

Fars News Agency, linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, said the walls feature Iranian flags and portraits of the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Source: X/TheIndependent

Iranian state media has released footage purporting to show scores of attack drones stockpiled in an underground bunker.

Video released by Fars News Agency, a news service that is closely linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, shows rows of drones mounted on rocket… pic.twitter.com/70vPGa7ynX

— The Independent (@Independent) March 2, 2026

Israel confirms killing of Hezbollah intelligence chief in Beirut

The Israeli military has assassinated a top Hezbollah figure, identifying him as Hussein Makled.

Makled was the head of the group’s intelligence headquarters. 

He was reportedly killed in a precision overnight strike on the Lebanese capital.

Israeli officials allege he was a key figure in gathering intelligence on Israeli forces and coordinating attack plans with senior commanders.

Source: Al Jazeera

Fourth US service member dies in Iran operation

US officials have confirmed the death of a fourth American service member in the ongoing operation against Iran and said additional forces are being deployed to the Middle East.

Officials did not provide a timeline for how long the campaign will continue, underscoring the uncertainty and scale of the conflict.

Source: X/NYT

US urges citizens to leave Lebanon immediately

The US Embassy in Beirut has warned American citizens not to travel to Lebanon and urged those already in the country to depart immediately while commercial flights remain available.

It cited a volatile and unpredictable security situation, noting airstrikes across the south, the Beqaa Valley, and parts of Beirut.

Source: Al Jazeera

Iraq calls for ceasefire as war’s impact spreads

Iraq’s Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein has said his country is now “directly affected by the course of the war”, warning that continued conflict would worsen regional instability and chaos.

Speaking with UK Middle East Minister Hamish Falconer, Hussein urged intensified international and regional efforts for an immediate ceasefire, while Falconer outlined Britain’s position on allowing US forces limited use of facilities and facilitating related operations.

Source: Al Jazeera

Israel and Hezbollah exchange fire amid Iran strikes

Israel and Hezbollah exchange fire amid Iran strikes

• Third day of escalating US-Israeli strikes on Iran.

• Israel Defense Forces tell residents of 50+ Lebanese villages to evacuate after cross-border exchanges with Hezbollah.

• Heavy traffic as civilians flee; one resident describes the scene as “absolutely miserable”.

• Iranian missiles hit Beit Shemesh in Israel, killing at least nine people -- deadliest strike on Israel so far.

• Airline shares in the Asia-Pacific fall as Iranian strikes disrupt regional airports.

• Oil prices rise following attacks on ships near the Strait of Hormuz.

• Gulf Cooperation Council accuses Iran of violating sovereignty.

• US President Trump avoids questions on Iran; Vice-President JD Vance silent.

• US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to brief Congress Tuesday at 1600ET (2100GMT).

Source: BBC

Trump administration fails to justify Iran strikes: House minority leader

US House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has criticised the Trump administration for failing to provide a clear rationale for its military operations against Iran.

Speaking ahead of a high-level "Gang of Eight" briefing, Jeffries said he has yet to see any intelligence indicating Iran was preparing to attack the United States. 

He argued that the American people deserve transparency and want the government to focus on domestic affordability rather than committing to another "endless war" in the Middle East.

Source: CNN

Massive explosions shake Beirut

Huge plumes of smoke rose over Lebanon’s capital as powerful blasts rocked Beirut, adding to escalating regional tensions.

Authorities and emergency teams are responding, with details on casualties and damage yet to be confirmed.

Source: Al Jazeera

Emirates to resume limited flights amid regional tensions

Dubai-based carrier Emirates has said it will operate a limited number of flights starting this evening, prioritising passengers with earlier bookings or rebooked itineraries.

The airline urged travellers not to go to the airport unless contacted directly, noting that all other flights remain suspended until further notice.

Source: Al Jazeera

Israeli female aircrew take part in strikes over Iran

Around 30 women, including pilots and navigators, are participating in Operation “Lion’s Roar”, Israel’s air campaign over Iran, highlighting their role in high-stakes missions, IAF has said.

In an X post, Maj Sh, a combat navigator, said months of training and precise coordination with hundreds of ground and intelligence personnel underpin every mission, stressing their shared responsibility to defend Israel.

Source: X/Israel Air Force

כ-30 לוחמות צוות אוויר, ביניהן טייסות ונווטות לוקחות חלק בתקיפות בשמי איראן במבצע ״שאגת הארי״:

מדבריה של נווטת קרב, רס״ן ש׳: ״נערכנו למבצע הזה זמן רב, שעות של אימונים ותדריכים. ברגע שאנחנו ממריאים הכול מתכנס לדבר אחד, להגן על הבית שלנו. זו המשימה, וזו גם תחושת האחריות שמלווה… pic.twitter.com/yOsMs6ZG3C

— Israeli Air Force (@IAFsite) March 2, 2026

US braces for ‘more losses’ after Iran operation kills 4 troops

US Air Force General Dan Caine said the joint US-Israeli operation in Iran is ongoing and “not a single overnight mission”, warning that additional casualties are expected.

He added that while efforts will be made to minimise US losses, the campaign represents major combat operations, underscoring the intensity of the conflict.

Source: Al Jazeera

Israel deploys 100,000 reservists along northern border

Israel’s army says nearly 100,000 reservists and dozens of battalions are stationed along the northern frontier, prepared for “all possibilities, both defence and offence”.

Correspondents Zeina Khodr and Nour Odeh report from Beirut and the occupied West Bank as tensions with Hezbollah and Iran-backed forces rise.

Source: X/Al Jazeera

Israel’s army says nearly 100,000 reservists and dozens of battalions are deployed along the northern border, ready for “all possibilities, both defence and offence.”

Al Jazeera’s Zeina Khodr reports from Beirut, and Nour Odeh from the occupied West Bank. pic.twitter.com/V2AP66pUmL

— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) March 2, 2026

Israel orders immediate evacuation of 50 Lebanese towns

The Israeli military has issued an urgent evacuation order for residents of more than 50 towns and villages across Lebanon, warning of imminent strikes against Hezbollah targets.

Civilians in the areas have been instructed to move at least 1,000 metres away from their homes into open spaces for their own safety.

Source: BBC

Starmer pledges to keep Britons safe

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said he is closely monitoring the worrying situation in the Middle East and reaffirmed his duty to protect British citizens in the region and at home.

He will answer questions in parliament at 3:30pm on the measures taken over the weekend in response to escalating conflicts.

Source: Al Jazeera

Israel orders evacuation of 18 Lebanese towns

The Israeli army has warned residents to evacuate 18 towns it says are being used by Hezbollah, following overnight attacks by the Iran-backed group.

Israeli airstrikes on southern Beirut suburbs and southern Lebanon have so far killed more than 30 people and wounded 149, according to Lebanese health officials.

Source: Al Jazeera

USAF Gen Dan Caine holds press briefing at Pentagon

USAF Gen Dan Caine holds press briefing at Pentagon

Source: X/Dept of War

LIVE: @SecWar and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Air Force Gen. Dan Caine, hold a press briefing at the Pentagon. https://t.co/PaA7POQsL5

— Department of War 🇺🇸 (@DeptofWar) March 2, 2026

No US ground troops in Iran yet: Hegseth

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has confirmed there are currently no American "boots on the ground" in Iran, though he refused to rule out a change in the decision in future.

Speaking at the Pentagon on Monday, Hegseth said Washington would take any steps necessary to protect US interests, adding that the administration would act decisively without being "foolish". 

He also defended the decision to keep specific military plans confidential, arguing that detailing potential future actions would only benefit their enemies.

Source: Al Jazeera

We will not negotiate: Larijani responds to Trump

Iran’s top security official Ali Larijani has firmly shut the door on renewed diplomacy, asserting that Iran will not enter negotiations with a US administration he accuses of sacrificing its own soldiers for foreign interests."

As regional tensions reach a breaking point, the SNSC Secretary characterised recent reports of back-channel talks through Oman as “delusional”, emphasising that Iran’s current stance is one of unwavering self-defence.

Source: X/Ali Larijani

Iran, unlike the United States, has prepared itself for a long war. pic.twitter.com/0nTGu9u2K4

— Ali Larijani | علی لاریجانی (@alilarijani_ir) March 2, 2026

India condemns attacks on Bahrain

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said he spoke with King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa, condemning the recent attacks on Bahrain and expressing solidarity with its citizens.

He also thanked the king for supporting the Indian community in Bahrain during the crisis.

Source: X/Narendramodi

Had a productive telephone conversation with the King of Bahrain, His Majesty King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa. India condemns the attacks on Bahrain and stands in solidarity with its people in this difficult hour. I thank him for the steadfast support extended to the Indian…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 2, 2026

US defence secretary vows to block Iran’s nuclear ambitions

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has warned that Iran must never acquire nuclear weapons, pledging to target those responsible for American casualties and criticising Tehran’s conventional military build-up as cover for nuclear ambitions.

Describing the 2015 Obama-era nuclear deal as a failure, he said the ongoing “Operation Epic Fury” aims to destroy Iranian missiles, production facilities, naval assets, and other security infrastructure.

Source: Al Jazeera

Israel Police deploy large forces after missile debris found

Israeli police and border forces are operating across southern Israel after missile debris was discovered, conducting searches to identify further hazards and protect the public.

Six people were evacuated with injuries of varying severity, while Southern District Commander Haim Bublil coordinates the response alongside emergency and medical teams.

Source: X/IsraelPolice

Large forces from the Israel Police and Border Police are currently operating in southern Israel, where missile debris has been located. Searches are ongoing to identify additional hazards and remove any threat to the public.

According to medical officials, six people were… pic.twitter.com/xNeNcFJJYm

— Israel Police (@israelpolice) March 2, 2026

Lib Dems demand PM justify UK role in Iran strikes

The Liberal Democrats said the prime minister must appear in parliament to explain the legal basis for allowing US use of UK bases for strikes on Iran and give MPs a vote.

They warned against letting the US draw Britain into another prolonged Middle East conflict.

Source: X/Liberaldemocrats

The Prime Minister must come to Parliament, set out the legal case for letting the US use UK bases for strikes on Iran and give MPs a vote.

He must not let Trump drag Britain into another prolonged war in the Middle East. pic.twitter.com/UTrjQY7j6b

— Liberal Democrats (@LibDems) March 2, 2026

Workers removed after Iranian ‘drone strike’ in Saudi

Smoke has been seen rising from Saudi Aramco’s Ras Tanura oil refinery as workers evacuated the area following a reported Iranian drone attack.

It highlights th rising regional tensions and the vulnerability of critical energy infrastructure amid ongoing Middle East hostilities.

Source: X/Al Jazeera

Workers evacuate the area around Saudi Aramco’s Ras Tanura oil refinery as smoke rises following a reported Iranian drone strike in Saudi Arabia.

📷: Reuters pic.twitter.com/CZXXPLonFs

— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) March 2, 2026

US deployed massive firepower in Middle East: CNN

Ahead of the US-Israeli attacks on Iran, Washington assembled its largest regional force and some of its most powerful weaponry in decades, highlighting the scale of military preparation.

US Central Command has released details of the assets deployed so far in what the Pentagon calls “Operation Epic Fury”, underscoring the intensity of the ongoing campaign against Iran.

Source: X/CNN

Large forces from the Israel Police and Border Police are currently operating in southern Israel, where missile debris has been located. Searches are ongoing to identify additional hazards and remove any threat to the public.

According to medical officials, six people were… pic.twitter.com/xNeNcFJJYm

— Israel Police (@israelpolice) March 2, 2026

EU chief calls for de-escalation, supports Iranian people

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has warned that the Middle East remains volatile, stressing the need to de-escalate tensions while backing the Iranian people’s right to shape their own future.

She said lasting regional stability requires a diplomatic solution, including a credible transition in Iran, halting nuclear and ballistic programmes, and ending destabilising actions, as Europe prepares for potential fallout from the crisis.

Source: X/Ursulavonderleyen

The situation in the Middle East remains volatile.

But three things are clear:

First, there is renewed hope for the long-suffering people of Iran.

We strongly support their right to determine their own future.

Second, we must do everything possible to de-escalate and stop the… pic.twitter.com/LIId5FFGcI

— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) March 2, 2026

Volker Türk warns of 'human misery' as strikes on Iran escalate

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has warned that the use of bombs and missiles will only result in widespread fatalities and destruction rather than resolving international disputes.

Deploring the recent cycle of attacks and retaliatory strikes, Türk reminded all involved parties that protecting non-violence is a fundamental requirement of international law and protecting civilians must remain the absolute priority during armed conflict.

Source: X/UNGeneva

"Bombs and missiles are not the way to resolve differences but only result in death, destruction and human misery.

I remind all parties that international law with respect to armed conflict is very clear: the protection of civilians is paramount." - @volker_turk on #Iran pic.twitter.com/zRYeJoW6Ly

— United Nations Geneva (@UNGeneva) March 2, 2026

US maintains vast military footprint across Middle East

With tens of thousands of troops stationed in multiple regional bases, the United States continues to sustain a significant military presence across the Middle East.

The deployment underscores Washington’s strategic posture amid escalating tensions with Iran and ongoing regional conflicts.

Source: X/AJEnglish

 

With tens of thousands of soldiers and a presence in several regional bases, the US maintains a large military footprint in the Middle East. pic.twitter.com/VjlsdyPA1h

— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) March 2, 2026

Trump criticises Starmer over 'delayed' use of Diego Garcia for Iran strikes

US President Donald Trump has hit out at UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, claiming it took "far too much time" for London to grant permission for American forces to use the Diego Garcia base to target Iran.

While Starmer authorised the use of British bases late on Sunday for a "limited role" targeting missile sites, Trump told the Daily Telegraph that the initial hesitation was unprecedented between the two allies, suggesting the prime minister was overly "worried about the legality" of the operation.

Source: Al Jazeera

Missiles hit Tehran emergency facility

A provincial emergency services building in central Tehran has sustained "serious damage" following a missile strike, according to a department spokesperson cited by the Tasnim news agency.

The official confirmed that while several emergency workers were wounded in the incident, most are in stable condition, though the facility itself has been heavily compromised.

Source: Al Jazeera

IRGC claims strikes on Netanyahu’s office, air force base

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps says it targeted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office and an Israeli Air Force command centre during the tenth wave of attacks in the ongoing escalation.

The announcement marks a further intensification of Iran’s retaliatory operations following US-Israeli strikes on Iranian targets.

Source: Al Jazeera

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claims it targeted Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu’s office and an Israeli Air Force command centre during the tenth wave of strikes. pic.twitter.com/ZezKFIjQ1I

— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) March 2, 2026

Shipping through Hormuz strait plunges

Vessel traffic in the Strait of Hormuz has dropped sharply following recent US strikes on Iran, with real-time data showing transits fell by around 70 percent after 1600UTC on Feb 28 compared with the previous 12 hours.

The sharp decline highlights the immediate impact of escalating regional tensions on one of the world’s busiest maritime chokepoints.

Source: X/MarineTraffic

Strait of Hormuz traffic drops sharply amid regional escalation

Vessel activity in the Strait of Hormuz has shifted materially following recent US strikes on Iran and the subsequent regional escalation. According to real-time traffic analysis, transits through the chokepoint… pic.twitter.com/COoh0W9jfk

— MarineTraffic (@MarineTraffic) March 2, 2026

Iranian missiles hit Tel Aviv

Source: X/IRIB

🚨 #BREAKING
New images of Iranian missiles hitting #TelAviv moments ago. pic.twitter.com/eybTjNwPnr

— IRIB (Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting) (@iribnews_irib) March 2, 2026

Trump’s wishful thinking dragged Middle East into war: Larijani

Ali Larijani, Tehran’s senior national security official, has accused US President Donald Trump of dragging the region into an “unnecessary war”.

Writing on X, he warned that American lives and resources are being risked to support Israel’s “expansionist ambitions”.

Trump's wishful thinking has dragged the whole region into an unnecessarily war and now he is rightly worried about more American casualties. It is indeed very sad that he is sacrificing American treasure and blood to advance Netanyahu's illegitimate expansionist ambitions. https://t.co/b11I6cNb6I

— Ali Larijani | علی لاریجانی (@alilarijani_ir) March 2, 2026

Israel says it hit Hezbollah targets in Beirut

The Israeli military says it carried out precision strikes on senior Hezbollah operatives in Beirut and targeted dozens of Hezbollah and Iranian command centres after rockets were fired from Lebanon into Israel.

The Israel Defense Forces said it also struck a weapons storage site in Tyre and remains prepared for a potential multi-front conflict to counter threats against Israel and its civilians.

Source: X/IDF

⭕️ In response to the rockets fired from Lebanon to Israel, the IDF precisely struck senior Hezbollah terrorists in Beirut, dozens of Hezbollah & Iranian terrorist regime command centers, and a site that was used by Hezbollah to store weapons in the Tyre.

The IDF is prepared…

— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) March 2, 2026

Iran strikes US assets across Gulf

Iran has continued striking US assets across the Gulf following joint attacks that reportedly killed more than 550 people, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

The escalating retaliation underscores rapidly rising regional tensions as Tehran responds to the strikes that targeted key figures and facilities.

Source: Al Jazeera

Iran continues to strike US assets across the Gulf after the killing of more than 550 people, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in joint US-Israeli attacks. pic.twitter.com/o8RDghaie5

— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) March 2, 2026

Larijani accuses US of fueling chaos

Ali Larijani, Tehran’s top national security official, has accused Washington of plunging the Middle East into chaos and insisted Iran did not start the aggression, saying the country is defending itself.

Tehran’s senior national security official, Ali Larijani, accused Washington of plunging the region into chaos and said Iran did not initiate the aggression, insisting the country is defending itself.

Al Jazeera’s Tohid Asadi and Rosiland Jordan report ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/xU7736RGA6

— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) March 2, 2026

Pro-Iranian Shi’ites take to streets in Kano

Members of Nigeria's Shi'ite Islamic Movement took to the streets of Kano, protesting the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei https://t.co/vg9OmgAb8u pic.twitter.com/RmTNF2S338

— Reuters (@Reuters) March 2, 2026

Israel announces ‘additional broad strike’ on central Tehran

The Israeli army says its Air Force has begun “an additional broad strike” in central Tehran, targeting the government.

Source: Al Jazeera

5 Iranian soldiers killed in US strike

Five Iranian soldiers have been killed in a US attack in Khorramabad, central Iran, according to Tasnim News Agency.

3,400 flights cancelled as Gulf airspace remains closed

Over 300,000 people are stranded in the Gulf after airspace closures caused by the Iran conflict, according to Al Jazeera.
The UK is sending a team to help evacuate stranded travellers.
Flight tracking shows more than 3,400 cancellations in the first days of the conflict. Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Doha’s Hamad International, along with six to seven major regional airports, remain closed.


Airspace shutdowns are disrupting global flights, affecting connections across Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Passengers at Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Hamad airports report long queues for rebooking, hotel vouchers, and assistance, with many overnighting in terminals.
If closures continue, thousands more will face travel uncertainty.

'Firing drones far cheaper than shooting them down'

Over 300,000 people are stranded in the Gulf after airspace closures caused by the Iran conflict, according to Al Jazeera.
The UK is sending a team to help evacuate stranded travellers.
Flight tracking shows more than 3,400 cancellations in the first days of the conflict. Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Doha’s Hamad International, along with six to seven major regional airports, remain closed.
Airspace shutdowns are disrupting global flights, affecting connections across Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Passengers at Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Hamad airports report long queues for rebooking, hotel vouchers, and assistance, with many overnighting in terminals.
If closures continue, thousands more will face travel uncertainty.

Flights to and from Abu Dhabi halted until Mar 3

Etihad Airways has said all services to and from Abu Dhabi are suspended until 10:00 GMT (Bangladesh time 4pm) on Tuesday, Mar 3, 2026.

Source: Al Jazeera
 

Regional Airspace Disruption – Operational Update

Regional airspace closures continue to impact Etihad's operations, and all flights to and from Abu Dhabi are suspended until 14:00 UAE time on Tuesday 3 March.

Guests due to travel are advised to:

-Check their flight status at…

— Etihad Airways (@etihad) March 2, 2026

Bangladeshi killed, two injured in Bahrain missile strike

A Bangladeshi expatriate has been killed and two others injured after missile debris struck a shipyard near Bahrain’s capital Manama.
The dead man was identified as Mohammad Tarique, 48, from Sandwip in Chattogram. The injured Md Azim, also from Sandwip, and Md Kamrul from Tangail are receiving treatment.
According to Bangladesh's envoy to Bahrain Md Rais Hasan Sarower, debris from a missile fell onto a vessel at the yard on Monday morning, triggering a fire. Tarique died at the scene.

Hezbollah just made a big mistake: IDF

Hezbollah just made a big mistake. pic.twitter.com/DELwKkzyc8

— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) March 2, 2026

Israel says senior Iranian intelligence officials killed

The Israeli military says it has killed senior figures within Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence.

In a post on X, the IDF named Sayed Yahya Hamidi, described as deputy minister for “Israel affairs”, and Jalal Pour Hossein, identified as head of the espionage division.

The IDF said the two were targeted during the opening phase of Operation “Roaring Lion”, adding that other senior officials were also killed.

It also said the Israeli Air Force struck the ministry’s headquarters in Tehran.

Source: X/@IDF

 

🔴ELIMINATED: Senior members of the Iranian regime’s Ministry of Intelligence.

• Sayed Yahya Hamidi – Deputy Minister of Intelligence for ‘Israel Affairs,’ who led terrorist activities targeting Jews, Western actors, and regime opponents in Iran and abroad.
• Jalal Pour…

— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) March 2, 2026

France says it is prepared to defend Gulf states and Jordan

France is “ready” to help defend Gulf countries and Jordan if required, Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot has said.

In a statement, Barrot said France expressed “full support and complete solidarity” with countries he said had been deliberately targeted by missiles and drones from Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, naming Saudi
Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Iraq, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and Jordan.

He added that France “stands ready … to take part in their defence” if necessary.

Source: Al Jazeera

Saudi official criticises US defense focus

A Saudi official told Al Jazeera that American defense is focused on Israel, with little concern for the protection of Arab Gulf states, which host numerous military bases.
He added that Gulf Arabs are realising that the bases they host are largely a protection racket and intelligence collection hub.

 

🇸🇦🇺🇸🇮🇱 Saudi official on Al Jazeera:

"American defense is focused on Israel — without concern for the defense of the Arab Gulf states, which host many of the military bases."

Gulf Arabs are finally waking up to the fact that those bases they host are nothing more than a… pic.twitter.com/lY55nJwTnf

— DD Geopolitics (@DD_Geopolitics) March 2, 2026

IAEA sees no evidence of damage to Iran’s nuclear sites

The International Atomic Energy Agency has said it has no indication that Israeli or US strikes on Iran have hit any nuclear facilities.

Addressing the agency’s 35-nation Board of Governors, Director General Rafael Grossi said there was “no indication that any of the nuclear installations … have been damaged or hit”.

He added that attempts to contact Iran’s nuclear regulatory authorities were ongoing, but there had been no response so far.

Source: Al Jazeera

Death toll in Iran tops 550: Red Crescent

More than 550 people have died in the US-Israel joint strikes on Iran, the Iranian Red Crescent Society.
Nearly 200 fatalities occurred at a single school in Minab, southern Iran.
At least 131 cities across the country have been affected, the organisation said.

Humanitarian operations continue uninterrupted, with rescue teams deployed to the hardest-hit areas and over 100,000 staff members on full alert nationwide.
A network of almost four million volunteers is prepared to provide humanitarian aid, support, and psychosocial assistance.

Saudi Aramco ‘shuts’ Ras Tanura refinery

A drone attack has forced Saudi Aramco to shut its Ras Tanura refinery, according to an industry source.
The facility, one of the largest in the Middle East, was closed as a “precaution”. 
Two drones were intercepted at the site, causing a limited fire, but no injuries have been reported.

Spain PM slates Iran offensive

Spain Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has condemned the US-Israel attack on Iran as a violation of international law, calling for immediate de-escalation and respect for legal norms. 

Spain’s PM Pedro Sanchez has condemned the US-Israel war on Iran as a breach of international law, emerging as one of the sole Western leaders to denounce the attacks. pic.twitter.com/R6h2rn25YX

— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) March 2, 2026

More details on US warplanes crashing in Kuwait

•    All crew members survived.
•    Kuwaiti authorities immediately initiated search and rescue operations, evacuating all crews and transporting them to a hospital for medical treatment. Their condition is stable.
•    Kuwaiti authorities are operating in coordination with the US.
•    An investigation to determine the cause of the crash is under way.


Source: Al Jazeera

Drone strike at Saudi oil refinery

JUST IN: 🇸🇦 Iran strikes Saudi Arabia's Aramco Ras Tanura oil refinery. pic.twitter.com/eTmPGRFAY5

— BRICS News (@BRICSinfo) March 2, 2026

Iran internet shutdown enters 3rd day

The internet blackout in Iran has now lasted more than 48 hours as US and Israeli attacks continue, according to the monitoring group NetBlocks.

In a post on X, NetBlocks said shutdowns are a common tactic used by the authorities, noting that a previous outage in January lasted several weeks and concealed what it described as serious human rights violations.

Source: Al Jazeera

⚠️ Update: #Iran's internet blackout has now surpassed 48 hours, leaving its population of 90 million out of touch as war spreads.

Shutdowns are a go-to tactic for the regime, with the previous instance in January lasting several weeks and masking severe human rights violations. pic.twitter.com/ymsZZcH8qS

— NetBlocks (@netblocks) March 2, 2026

US has not requested use of Cyprus base: UK

The United States has not requested permission to use a British military base in Cyprus where an unmanned drone strike hit a runway overnight, Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper has said.

Speaking to Times Radio, Cooper added that the RAF base at Akrotiri remains operational.

Source: Al Jazeera

US embassy warns of potential attacks on Americans in Bahrain

The US embassy in Bahrain has warned that “terrorist groups and those inspired by such organisations are intent on attacking US citizens abroad”.

In a statement, the embassy advised Americans to avoid hotels in Manama, saying they could be targeted.

“Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Bahrain. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning,” the statement added.

Source: Al Jazeera

Israeli-US attack hits Kataib Hezbollah sites near Baghdad

An Israeli-US missile strike has targeted sites linked to the Iran-backed paramilitary group Kataib Hezbollah in Jurf al-Sakhr, south of Iraq’s capital Baghdad, a security source told Al Jazeera.
Significant material damage has been reported, including vehicles, facilities and warehouses set ablaze.
No casualties have been confirmed so far.

Source: Al Jazeera

Kuwait reports crash of several US warplanes

Kuwait’s defence ministry says “several” US warplanes have crashed within the country.

The ministry said all crew members survived the incidents.

Source: Al Jazeera
 

UK plans evacuation of citizens from Middle East

The UK is establishing support arrangements to help British nationals leave the Middle East, with an estimated 300,000 people having registered their presence in the region, Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper has said.

Speaking to Sky News, Cooper said the government was examining a range of measures, working closely with the travel industry and preparing for government-led evacuations if needed.

She added that the UK wants regional airspace reopened and is dispatching rapid deployment teams to the area to coordinate with travel operators.
 
Source: Al Jazeera

No further details on Cyprus air base drone strike: UK

British foreign minister Yvette Cooper said no additional details could be provided immediately about an overnight unmanned drone strike that hit a runway at a British military air base in Cyprus.
The strike occurred at the Royal Air Force base at Akrotiri, causing limited damage and no casualties.
"All of the precautionary measures are being taken around the base," Cooper told Sky News.

Source: Reuters

31 Bangladeshi sailors aboard BSC vessel stuck at UAE port

Bangladesh Shipping Corporation’s MV Banglar Joyjatra is stranded at a UAE port amid Middle East tensions.
On Monday, BSC Managing Director M Mahmudul Malek said all 31 sailors on board are safe and staying in regular contact with family.

Air raid sirens sound in Jordan's Aqaba

Al Jazeera Arabic reports sirens have been blaring for several hours in Aqaba, Jordan’s coastal city.

Source: Al Jazeera

Strong explosions reported in Iraq’s Erbil

Al Jazeera Arabic is reporting “strong explosions” in Erbil, the capital of Iraq’s Kurdistan autonomous region.

The broadcaster says Iraqi air defences are intercepting missiles and drones that attempted to target Erbil International Airport.

#Breaking
Secondary explosions at #US base at Erbil airport in Iraq after Iranian drones hit.#Iran pic.twitter.com/E69X2cwawk

— IRIB (Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting) (@iribnews_irib) March 1, 2026

Source: Al Jazeera
 

EU stands with member states: von der Leyen

The EU stands with its member states in the face of any threat, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in response to the drone strike that hit Britain's Royal Air Force base of Akrotiri in Cyprus overnight.
"While the Republic of Cyprus was not the target, let me be clear: we stand collectively, firmly and unequivocally with our Member States in the face of any threat," she said in a post on X.
 

I talked with President @christodulides who briefed me on the single incident that occurred shortly after midnight involving an unmanned aerial vehicle targeting the British base in Akrotiri.

While the Republic of Cyprus was not the target, let me be clear: we stand…

— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) March 2, 2026

Message from Trump

President Donald J. Trump provides an update on Operation Epic Fury: pic.twitter.com/Vte8QKpISn

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) March 1, 2026

Qatar Airways flights to remain suspended

The Qatari carrier says its flights remain suspended due to the ongoing closure of the country’s airspace.

It said it will resume operations as soon Qatari authorities declare a safe reopening of the airspace.

Source: Al Jazeera

Israel says Lebanon offensive to continue for days

Israel’s military has begun an “offensive campaign” against Hezbollah that could continue for several days, according to IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir.

“We have begun an offensive campaign against Hezbollah. We are not just on the defensive, now we go on the offence,” he said.

Zamir added that forces must prepare for “several days of fighting” and maintain both strong defensive readiness and sustained offensive operations in waves.

Source: BBC

Fighter jet crashes in Kuwait

A fighter jet crashed over Kuwait near a United States air base, according to video geolocated by CNN that emerged online Monday.
The video shows a jet on fire and falling in a tailspin out of the sky.
Analysis suggests the aircraft came down within 10km (6.2 miles) of the US Ali Al Salem base.
The cause of the crash and the jet’s ownership remain unclear.
CNN’s review of the video indicates the twin-engine fighter is consistent with an F-15E or F/A-18.
 

US F-15 Fighter Jet Downed in Kuwait

According to local sources, a US F-15 fighter jet was shot down in the skies above Kuwait earlier on Monday morning. pic.twitter.com/UIyTkZllEX

— IRNA News Agency ☫ (@IrnaEnglish) March 2, 2026

Source: CNN

Two workers injured in Kuwait

Two workers were injured by falling debris in the capital near the Mina Al Ahmadi refinery, according to state-run Kuwait News Agency.
Al Jazeera noted that the incident comes amid reports of new Iranian attacks targeting US military bases in the Middle East.
Sirens have already sounded in Kuwait and Bahrain, and explosions have been heard in Doha, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Middle East death toll

Iran: Over 100 students were killed at a girls’ elementary school, according to Iranian state media. There are conflicting reports on the total number of people who have been killed in Iran, with the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) saying that at least 133 civilians had been killed.
Israel: At least 10 people have been killed and more than 200 injured in Israel since it began military operations against Iran, according to Magen David Adom. Nine of the fatalities were reported from the city of Beit Shemesh, where a missile hit a bomb shelter.
Lebanon: At least 31 people have been killed in Israeli airstrikes on southern Lebanon and Beirut, the country’s Ministry of Public Health said.
Iraq: Four members of Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Forces, an Iran-backed paramilitary group, were killed in a US-Israeli strike that targeted one of its headquarters, the militia’s Media Directorate announced in a post on Telegram earlier today.
United Arab Emirates: Three people in the UAE have been killed in Iran’s retaliatory strikes, the country’s Defense Ministry said.
Kuwait: Three US service members were killed, US Central Command said.

Source: CNN

Israel announces ‘offensive campaign against Hezbollah’

The Israeli army’s chief of staff, Eyal Zamir, made the announcement in a meeting after Hezbollah fired rockets at Israel, according to the country’s military.

“We have launched an offensive campaign against Hezbollah,” he was quoted as saying.

Source: Al Jazeera

Israeli air strikes kill 31 in Lebanon: health ministry

Israeli air attacks on Lebanon have killed at least 31 people and wounded 149, according to the health ministry.

Source: Al Jazeera

Drone hits Britain’s RAF base: Cyprus president

Britain’s RAF Akrotiri base in Cyprus was hit overnight by a Shahed drone, causing minor damage, according to Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides. 
He emphasised that Cyprus is not involved in any military operation and is in contact with European leaders over the situation.

Source: Reuters

Pakistan mourns protest victims

Thousands of people attended funeral prayers in Pakistan for protesters killed in clashes outside the US consulate in Karachi, as the death toll from violent demonstrations over the death of Iran’s Ayatollah Ali Khamenei rose to at least 23.
 

Thousands of people attended funeral prayers for protesters killed in clashes outside the US consulate in Karachi, as the death toll from violent demonstrations across Pakistan over the death of Iran's Ayatollah Ali Khamenei rose to at least 23 https://t.co/plbsVINtiZ pic.twitter.com/YosDIqVMJL

— Reuters (@Reuters) March 2, 2026

'New explosions' in Abu Dhabi

Explosions reportedly heard in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. 
Earlier, around half a dozen blasts were also reported in Doha, Qatar.

Source: Al Jazeera

Israel launches more attacks on Lebanon

The Israeli military said it has begun “striking additional targets” of the Hezbollah armed group, including weapons warehouses, in several areas of Lebanon.

Source: Al Jazeera

Provisional Leadership Council holds second meeting

The Provisional Leadership Council held its second session with President Mohammadreza Pezeshkian, Judiciary Chief Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei, and Alireza Arafi in attendance.
It was formed under Article 111 of the Iranian constitution after the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

The second meeting of the Provisional Leadership Council was held with the presence of President @drpezeshkian, Judiciary Chief Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei and Alireza A’rafi. pic.twitter.com/yLXEmXQZpv

— IRNA News Agency ☫ (@IrnaEnglish) March 2, 2026

Source: IRNA News Agency

Kuwait intercepts 'hostile' drones

Kuwait’s air defenses intercepted "hostile" drones on Monday, the third consecutive day of Iranian retaliatory strikes on Gulf neighbours following US and Israeli attacks on Iran.

No injuries were reported, with most drones intercepted near the Rumaithiya and Salwa neighbourhoods, the civil defense chief said. Loud bangs and sirens were also heard earlier in Kuwait, according to a Reuters witness.

Source: Reuters

Loud bangs heard in Doha

About half a dozen loud bangs have been heard in Qatar’s capital, indicating that the Iranian attacks continue.

Source: Al Jazeera

Rubio to brief Congress Tuesday

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will brief Congress at 3am Bangladesh time on Tuesday on the strike against Iran.
He will speak with House and Senate leaders on Capitol Hill.


Source: Reuters

Oil prices jump, stocks skid

Fears of US and Israeli attacks on Iran push crude oil higher and weigh on global markets.

In Asia, Brent crude jumped 13 percent on Monday, later stabilising at $76.48 per barrel -- up nearly 5 percent internationally.

Asian stocks fell: Hong Kong’s Hang Seng down 2 percent, Japan’s Nikkei 225 down 1.5 percent.

US after-hours futures also dipped, signalling a volatile session ahead; the S&P 500 and Nasdaq fell about 0.7 percent.

Iran won’t negotiate with US: Larijani

Iran's security chief Ali Larijani, who was also an adviser to the country's former Supreme Leader, said in a post on X on Monday that Tehran will not negotiate with the US, in response to a report that Iran is trying to revive negotiations with Washington.

لن نتفاوض مع الولايات المتحدة https://t.co/cvEweU8ODj

— Ali Larijani | علی لاریجانی (@alilarijani_ir) March 2, 2026

Hundreds of thousands flee homes in Lebanon

Israel has issued displacement orders, forcing hundreds of thousands to leave their homes, including in Beirut’s Dahiyeh suburbs.

Residents are packing what they can and seeking safer areas amid ongoing strikes.

The chaos comes during Ramadan, as people who should be having their final meal before fasting are instead searching for shelter.

Source: Al Jazeera

Israel orders evacuation of over 50 villages in Lebanon

Israel has told residents of more than 50 towns and villages in Lebanon to evacuate immediately, warning of potential attacks.

Residents are instructed to move at least 1km away from their homes to open areas. 

Authorities said anyone near Hezbollah members, facilities, or military assets is putting their life at risk.

The villages listed are: Sarifa, Maaroub, Selaa (Tyre), Debaal, Bafliyeh, Barish, Arzoun, Qlayleh, Al-Shahabiya (Tayr Zibna), Dardghaya, Bastiyat, Arab Salim, Housh al-Rafqa, Yahmar (West Bekaa), Maydoun, Dalafi, Ain Qana, Knisseh, Mansouri (Tyre), Majdal Zoun, Mazraat Buyout al-Sayyad, Jabal al-Butm, Zibqin, Al-Samaya, Aytit, Qana, Al-Bayyada (Tyre), Deir Aames, Aita al-Jabal (al-Zout), Hanine (Bint Jbeil), Haris, Haddatha, Mahrouna, Beit Lif, Yater (Bint Jbeil), Shaqra, Houla, Baraachit, Bint Jbeil, Jmaijmeh, Aitaroun, Safad al-Battikh, Al-Bazourieh, Aaynata, Hanawiya, Jannata, Burj al-Shamali, Maarakeh, Siddiqine, Al-Majadel, Wadi Jilo, Drouiss (Baalbek), and Mais al-Jabal.

Source: BBC

Iran FM calls on UN for immediate action

Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi has condemned coordinated armed aggression by the United States and Israel against Iran’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Araghchi said the strikes on defense installations and civilian sites across Iranian cities violate the UN Charter and constitute “unmistakable armed aggression”.
He warned that Iran reserves its legal right to self-defense and considers all bases and assets of hostile forces in the region legitimate military targets until the aggression stops.
Araghchi called for an urgent UN Security Council session to halt the attacks and hold the aggressors fully accountable.
He urged all UN member states to condemn the attacks and take immediate collective action

‘About 180’ die in Iran school strike

The Israeli attack on the girls’ school in Minab on Sunday has killed “about 180 young children”, according to Hossein Kermanpour, the head of public relations at Iran’s Health Ministry.
He added that the “same type” of missile was used to attack the Gandhi Hospital in Tehran hours ago.

Source: Al Jazeera

20 killed in Tehran’s Niloufar Square attack

At least 20 people have been killed in an attack on Niloufar Square in Tehran, according to the Mehr news agency. 
Al Jazeera reports explosions have also been reported in eastern and western Iran. Both military headquarters and civilian residential areas are feared to be targets.
The attacks appear widespread, not limited to political centres or military sites. They reportedly began in the Pasteur area, where the offices of Iran’s Supreme Leader and President are located.

Israel strikes Beirut

Israel carried out heavy airstrikes on the Hezbollah-controlled southern suburbs of Beirut after Hezbollah launched missiles and drones.
More than a dozen explosions rocked the area in the most intense strikes since the 2024 war. 
The Israeli military said it struck Hezbollah targets across Lebanon and held the group responsible for the escalation.
The IDF said it would act against Hezbollah and would not allow the group to threaten Israel.

EU boosts Red Sea naval mission amid Iran strikes

The European Union is reinforcing its Red Sea naval mission with two additional French warships, bringing the total to five vessels.

The move comes as Iran’s retaliatory strikes against US and Israeli targets threaten maritime traffic, diplomats told AFP after EU foreign ministers met to discuss the situation.

Source: Al Jazeera

Tehran’s Gandhi Hospital evacuated after strike

Nurses at Gandhi Hospital in Tehran have begun evacuating patients following heavy damage from a strike by US or Israeli forces, witnesses said.

The attack comes as Iran retaliates with missiles and drones targeting Israel, US bases in the Gulf, and cities including Riyadh and Dubai.

Source: Al Jazeera

UK allows US use of bases for ‘defensive strikes’

The UK prime minister has said the US has been allowed to use British bases for defensive strikes against Iran to prevent missile attacks on civilians and allied countries.

Keir Starmer noted the move aims to protect British lives, adding that he had previously blocked US requests to launch strikes from the UK.

Source: Al Jazeera

Jordan summons Iranian diplomat over missile attacks

Jordan’s foreign ministry has summoned the Iranian embassy’s charge d’affaires in Amman to protest attacks targeting Jordan and other Arab countries.

Authorities say Jordan intercepted dozens of Iranian missiles after the US-Israeli strikes on Iran on Saturday, though no casualties have been reported in the country.

Source: Al Jazeera

Trump urges Iranians to ‘take back country’

President Donald Trump has defended the US-Israeli strikes on Iran as “right” and “necessary”, saying they aim to eliminate what he called a dangerous regime.

He renewed calls for regime change and urged Iranians seeking freedom to “be brave” and “take back your country”, adding that America stands with them.

Source: BBC

Iran operation will continue until goals met: Trump

President Donald Trump has said combat operations against Iran are continuing “in full force” and will go on until all US objectives are achieved, warning that more American casualties are likely.

He vowed the US would avenge the deaths of its soldiers and deliver a “punishing blow” to Iran, urging the Revolutionary Guards and military forces to lay down their arms and accept immunity or face destruction.

Source: BBC

US lawmakers say no clear plan for Iran after strikes

US lawmakers from both parties say the Trump administration has not outlined a clear “day-after” strategy for Iran following joint US-Israeli strikes that killed much of the country’s leadership.

President Donald Trump has called for a change in Iran’s government, saying Iranians should shape their own future. 

Republicans voiced optimism about the attacks, while Democrats expressed scepticism about the outcome.

Source: Al Jazeera

Oman says US-Iran diplomacy still possible

Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi has said the “door to diplomacy remains open” between the US and Iran despite the ongoing military campaign.

He said recent talks in Geneva made real progress toward a possible agreement and urged a ceasefire in a call with Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

Source: Al Jazeera

Fears for those trapped after strike on Tehran police station

Iranian media reports a police station on the outskirts of the capital has been hit in an attack, killing an unspecified number of people.

Others remain trapped under debris of the destroyed building.

Source: Al Jazeera

Iranian missile strike in West Jerusalem hurts 6

At least six people have been injured after a missile strike caused significant damage to a roadway and nearby property in West Jerusalem.

Israeli ambulance services confirmed that their crews treated a man in his 50s who is in moderate condition, while five others sustained light injuries at the scene of the impact.

According to the Israeli media, footage of the incident showed that the missile impact created a large crater on a road and damaged a car.

Source: Al Jazeera

Trump condemns attack on Bahrain in call to king

US President Donald Trump has called King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain to condemn the Iranian attack on the Gulf country.

Abdulla R Al-Khalifa, ambassador of Bahrain to US, in an X post wrote: “…affirmed full US support for the Kingdom’s sovereignty and security.”

Trump offers ‘full immunity’ to Iranian guards who surrender

President Donald Trump has offered “full immunity” to members of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard who lay down their arms, warning that those who do not will face “certain death”.

“I once again urge the Revolutionary Guard, the Iranian military police, to lay down your arms and receive full immunity or face certain death,” Trump said in a video address Sunday afternoon. 

“It will be certain death. It won’t be pretty.”

Source: CNN

Iran conflict could last ‘four weeks or so’: Trump

US President Donald Trump on Sunday has outlined a potential timeline for the US-Iran conflict, stating it would likely last about several weeks.

“We figured it will be four weeks or so,” Trump told the Daily Mail, adding that despite the country's size, the process could even take less time.

Source: CNN

Modi calls Netanyahu, conveys “Indian concerns”

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has held a telephone conversation with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu, discussing “regional situations”.

In an X post, the premier said he spoke of India’s concerns over the airstrikes between the US, Israel, and Iran.  

Had a telephone call with PM Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss the current regional situation. Conveyed India's concerns over recent developments and emphasised the safety of civilians as a priority. India reiterates the need for an early cessation of hostilities.@netanyahu

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 1, 2026

US-Israeli forces strike Tehran hospital

US and Israeli forces have struck Gandhi Hospital in northern Tehran, reports Iranian news outlet ISNA.

Source: Al Jazeera

IDF says Iranian combat headquarters ‘dismantled’

The Israel Defense Forces has said it has dismantled an Iranian combat headquarters where regime operatives were present, striking multiple command centres in a large-scale operation.

Targets included IRGC headquarters, intelligence centres, air force command posts, and internal security offices. 

The IDF said it will continue targeting Iranian military infrastructure and operatives wherever they operate.

Source: BBC

UAE closes stock markets amid Iran strikes

The UAE stock market will remain closed on Monday and Tuesday following Iranian missile attacks. 

The UAE is home to two of the largest exchanges in the Middle East, hosting some of the region’s most profitable companies.

Gulf markets that opened on Sunday experienced steep losses, including Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Egypt, while Kuwait suspended trading. 

Source: Al Jazeera

Iran sees internet blackout after US-Israeli strikes

Following Saturday’s US-Israeli strikes, Iran has been cut off from the internet. 

Analysts monitoring internet traffic report a sharp decline in the country’s global connectivity, with estimates suggesting nearly 99 percent of international internet access has been halted.

Domestic websites and local services, including internal messaging platforms, appear to remain operational, indicating that Iran’s internal networks are still functioning despite being disconnected from the world. 

Source: BBC

3 US soldiers killed were ‘based in Kuwait’

NBC reports that the three US soldiers killed so far in the military campaign against Iran were stationed in Kuwait.

Kuwait hosts several US bases and has been targeted by Iranian missiles since the US and Israel began their bombing campaign against Iran on Saturday.

Source: Al Jazeera

UAE shuts embassy in Iran

The United Arab Emirates has announced the closure of its embassy in Iran. 

The gulf state also recalled its ambassador from Iran. 

Both decisions were made in response to Iranian attacks on its territory, the foreign ministry said.

Source: Al Jazeera

Erdogan ‘saddened’ by Khamenei’s death

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he was “saddened to learn of the passing of Iran’s Supreme Leader”.

In a condolence post on X, Erdogan conveyed his sympathies to the Iranian people over Khamenei's death.

Source: Al Jazeera

2 powerful blasts hit Tehran

Two strong explosions have shaken Tehran around 9pm local time (17:30GMT), rattling flat windows across the city.

State television said it was under attack at the same time, though the target of the blasts has not yet been confirmed.

Source: Al Jazeera

Four Iraqi PMF fighters killed in US-Israeli strike on Diyala headquarters

Four members of Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) were killed in a strike carried out by US and Israeli forces.

The PMF are an Iran-backed Shiite paramilitary force, whose headquarters in Iraq’s Diyala were targeted by the joint forces.

Funeral services for the four fighters were held in Baghdad on Sunday.

Source: CNN

Clashes erupt near US Embassy in Baghdad

Angry protesters have confronted security forces near the US Embassy in Baghdad, attempting to storm the Green Zone.

Forces fired tear gas to disperse demonstrators, marking their second attempt today.

The US embassy had earlier warned that protests near its compound could turn violent.

Source: Al Jazeera

Iranian, Iraqi FMs discuss regional tensions

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has spoken by phone with Iraqi counterpart Fawad Hussein, who offered condolences over the killing of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Araghchi thanked Hussein and said the international community must strongly condemn what he called the crimes of the US and Israel, adding that recent US strikes show a disregard for diplomacy.

Source: Al Jazeera

Araghchi says Irani military strength unaffected despite loss of commanders

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Iran’s military strength remains unaffected despite the country losing “some commanders”.

Referring to Israeli and US strikes last June, he said Iran was able to recuperate the loss of top commanders within 12 hours. 

“This time, it was even faster,” he said.

Araghchi added that Iran-US talks in Geneva on Thursday were “very good”, with a follow-up meeting in Vienna planned for Monday. 

He accused “those who are against peace” of attempting to derail the negotiations.

Source: BBC

Iran says it ‘does not rely on one individual’

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei has said Tehran’s government does not depend on a single leader, calling claims to the contrary propaganda by its enemies.

He added that Iran is defending the entire region, described the killing of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei as an international crime, and stressed that the armed forces decide on targets and weapons, while Iran respects regional countries.

Source: Al Jazeera

Iran state TV ‘hit’ by strikes amid Tehran blasts

Iranian state television has said it was targeted by strikes after powerful blasts shook Tehran, though broadcasts continued.

The network said its technical team is assessing damage. It was previously targeted during the US-Israel 12-day war on Iran in June.

Source: Al Jazeera

DUCSU condemns airstrikes on Iran

DUCSU has formally condemned the US-Israeli "Epic Fury" and "Roaring Lion" operations that reportedly killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

In an X post by DUCSU VP Shadik Kayem, the union dubbed the strikes a "violation of international law".

DUCSU urges the international student community to unite against the escalation, rejecting violence as a way for conflict resolution.

Protest and Solidarity Statement pic.twitter.com/ipEMWWW35q

— Shadik Kayem (@MdAbuShadik) March 1, 2026

Iran says missiles hit 3 oil tankers

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards has said three US- and UK-linked oil tankers were struck by missiles and set ablaze, though neither Washington nor London has confirmed the claims.

UK Maritime Trade Operations reported multiple maritime incidents in the Gulf and Strait of Hormuz, including two vessels hit by “unknown projectiles”, with the key shipping route now closed.

Source: BBC

How will Iran select its next supreme leader?

Iran has begun the second transfer of power since the 1979 revolution, with a complex constitutional process now under way to choose a new supreme leader, who also serves as commander-in-chief.

A three-member interim council -- President Masoud Pezeshkian, judiciary head Mohseni Ejehei, and senior jurist Ayatollah Ali Reza Arafi -- is currently in charge, ruling until the Assembly of Experts completes its selection. 

The Assembly may choose a single leader or a leadership council, and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said a decision could come “within a day or two”.

The process is opaque, and the Revolutionary Guards are expected to play a key role, with their main task being to preserve the Islamic Republic amid its most serious internal and external threats.

Respected clerics, mostly elderly, face the added challenge of convening safely while Iran is under attack, highlighting the urgency and risk of the succession process.

Source: BBC

‘11 missing’ after Iranian missile hits Beit Shemesh

Israeli police say 11 people remain unaccounted for as rescue teams continue searching for survivors in Beit Shemesh, near West Jerusalem, following an Iranian missile strike.

Earlier reports confirmed nine people were killed and 51 others wounded in the attack.

Source: Al Jazeera

Modi condemns UAE attacks, expresses solidarity

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said he spoke with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, condemning the attacks on the UAE and expressing condolences for the lives lost.

In an X post, he thanked the UAE leadership for protecting the Indian community and reaffirmed India’s support for de-escalation, regional peace, security, and stability.

Spoke with President of the UAE, my brother Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Strongly condemned the attacks on the UAE and condoled the loss of lives in these attacks. India stands in solidarity with the UAE in these difficult times.

Thanked him for taking care of the Indian…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 1, 2026

Four Bangladeshis hurt in drone attack on Kuwait airport

Four Bangladeshi nationals have been injured in an Iranian drone strike at Kuwait International Airport, part of ongoing Middle East tensions. 

Local media said 32 people were hurt, one of whom later died in hospital; the nationality of the dead has not been confirmed.

The injured Bangladeshis -- Aminul Islam, Rakibul Islam, Masudur Rahman, and Dulal Mia -- are receiving treatment, with Aminul in stable condition but requiring a leg skin graft. 

Witnesses said a rush to shelters after the 6pm strike caused a crush that injured many. 

Bangladesh’s ambassador and Kuwait’s prime minister visited the wounded in hospital.

Israel warns of Iran’s global ballistic threat

Israel’s foreign ministry has said that Iran’s ballistic capabilities extend beyond the Middle East and warned that the Ayatollah regime poses a threat to world peace.

Source: X/IsraelMFA

Iran’s ballistic capability spans beyond the Middle East. The Iranian Ayatollah regime is threatening world peace. pic.twitter.com/eh25H1u3gp

— Israel Foreign Ministry (@IsraelMFA) March 1, 2026

Only 25% of Americans back US strikes on Iran: poll

A Reuters/Ipsos poll shows that just one in four Americans approve of the US strikes that killed Iran’s leader, while 43 percent disapprove and 29 percent are unsure.

The survey also found that 56 percent believe President Trump is too willing to use military force, including 87 percent of Democrats, 23 percent of Republicans, and 60 percent of independents. 

The online poll surveyed 1,282 adults with a margin of error of three points.

Source: Reuters

RAF Typhoon downs Iranian drone in Qatar

An RAF Typhoon jet has intercepted and shot down an Iranian drone in Qatar, marking the first time a British aircraft has engaged amid airstrikes between the US, Israel, and Iran.

The UK defence secretary stressed that the enhanced British military presence in the region is intended to protect UK forces and interests, and that the UK is not taking part in the US-led operations.

RAF jets have been conducting defensive patrols from bases in Qatar and RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus since the start of the strikes by the US and Israel.

Source: BBC

Iraqi president holds talks with Qatari emir

Iraqi President Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid has spoken with Emir of Qatar Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani over phone, expressing Iraq’s solidarity with Qatar following Iranian attacks and offering reassurance over the situation.

The Amiri Diwan said the Emir thanked the Iraqi President for his “sincere brotherly sentiments” and praised the strong fraternal relations between the two countries.

Source: Al Jazeera

NATO adjusts forces amid Middle East tensions

NATO has said it is closely monitoring developments in Iran and the Middle East, with its top European commander adjusting forces to defend against “potential threats.”

US General Alexus Grynkewich continues regular talks with military leaders across the Atlantic. NATO said it is strengthening its force posture to protect all 32 member nations from threats such as ballistic missiles and drones.

Source: Al Jazeera

Trump claims US sunk 9 Iranian naval ships

President Donald Trump said on Truth Social that the US has “destroyed and sunk” nine Iranian naval ships, including some “relatively large and important” vessels.

He added that the Iranian naval headquarters has been “largely destroyed” and warned that the remaining Iranian fleet “will soon be floating at the bottom of the sea”.

Source: Al Jazeera

Deadly pro-Iran protests in Pakistan kill 7, dozens hurt

At least seven people were killed during pro-Iran protests in Gilgit, northern Pakistan, with many more injured.

Separately, at least nine others were killed during demonstrations at the US consulate in Karachi.

Source: Al Jazeera

Israeli rescue teams search Beit Shemesh after strike

Israeli security and rescue teams are searching for survivors in Beit Shemesh after an Iranian missile struck the city. 

At least nine people have been reported dead and more than 25 others injured, Israel’s ambulance service reported.

Source: Reuters

Israeli security and rescue teams searched for survivors in the Israeli city of Beit Shemesh where an Iranian missile hit, killing at least eight and wounding more than 25 others, Israel's ambulances service said https://t.co/9Bib3i0Pkd pic.twitter.com/Ts6aR9qSgv

— Reuters (@Reuters) March 1, 2026

Jordan reports rattling windows while missile intercepted overhead

Residents across Jordan say their windows and doors shook as they took shelter while missiles were intercepted in the skies above.

The country’s Public Security Directorate says it has handled 101 reports of falling debris and shrapnel since Saturday morning, but no injuries have been reported.

Jordan is a key US ally, reportedly hosting dozens of American military aircraft, including advanced stealth jets, at its Muwaffaq Salti Airbase in the lead-up to strikes on Iran.

Source: BBC

Hezbollah supporters hold tribute for Khamenei in Lebanon

Hundreds of Hezbollah supporters gathered south of Beirut to mourn the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. 

They shouted slogans, waved Iranian and Hezbollah flags, and beat their chests in tribute.

Hezbollah, Iran’s most powerful regional ally, suffered heavy losses in its 2024 war with Israel. 

The group has not taken military action in support of Tehran as Lebanon’s leadership seeks to keep the country out of the conflict.

Source: Al Jazeera

Israel to launch 100,000-strong reserve force against Iran

Israel’s military says it plans to mobilise almost 100,000 members of reserve forces as part of its Operation “Roaring Lion” against Iran.

Around 50,000 reserve force members are currently on duty.

Source: Al Jazeera

German Chancellor Merz vows to back ally US despite doubts

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz says he shares the United States’ goal of ending Iran’s nuclear and ballistic weapons development but cautions that recent attacks carry risks for the wider Middle East.

“This is not without risk. We do not know how far the region will be drawn into escalation by Iran’s harsh counter strikes,” he said.

Despite reservations about US and Israeli attacks, Merz pledges not to doubt allies in a moment of crisis.

Source: Al Jazeera

Khamenei’s death brings a new dawn to Iran: nephew

The death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei is a “step forward” and a source of hope for the country, says his nephew Mahmoud Moradkhani.

Moradkhani is a France-based doctor, critical of the Islamic Republic.

Speaking to AFP, he said while war and military interventions slow political progress, the transition may have been unavoidable for the country.

Moradkhani predicted that the regime is unlikely to survive Khamenei’s death, citing internal rivalries that he believes will prevent it from maintaining control, ultimately leaving power to the people.

Source: Al Jazeera

Trump agrees to talk to new Iranian leaders: report

The US president says Iran’s new leadership wants to talk with his administration and that he plans to do so, according to an interview with The Atlantic magazine.

“They want to talk, and I have agreed to talk, so I will be talking to them,” he was quoted as saying by the magazine.

He did not comment on when the conversation will happen when asked, according to The Atlantic.

Source: Al Jazeera

Indian national injured in drone strike out of danger: embassy

The Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi says it is coordinating with hospital authorities regarding the Indian national injured in Iranian drone strikes in the UAE.

The embassy added that the individual’s condition is stable and they are out of danger.

The Embassy is aware of the injury to the Indian national and is in touch with the hospital authorities. The Indian national is out of danger. We are rendering all possible assistance. https://t.co/2YrwUvLlfO

— India in UAE (@IndembAbuDhabi) March 1, 2026

Iran open to ‘serious efforts at de-escalation’: Oman

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has told his Omani counterpart Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi that Tehran is open to any “serious efforts at de-escalation,” according to a statement from Oman’s foreign ministry.

Oman has been acting as a mediator in the recent nuclear talks between Iran and the United States and Al Busaidi met with US Vice President JD Vance in Washington on Friday.

Araqchi also said that the joint US-Israel attacks were “a cause of escalating tension and panic in the region,” according to the Oman foreign ministry statement.

Source: Al Jazeera

Trump says Iran military operations are 'ahead of schedule,' CNBC reports

President Donald Trump told CNBC on Sunday that US military operations against Iran are "ahead of schedule”.

Source: Reuters

48 Iranian ‘leaders’ killed in US strikes: Trump

US President Donald Trump says 48 Iranian leaders have been killed in the ongoing US-Israeli bombardments of the country.

“Nobody can believe the success we’re having; 48 leaders are gone in one shot.

“And it’s moving along rapidly,” Trump was quoted as saying in an interview with Fox News.

Source: Al Jazeera

Israel will step up strikes on Tehran: Netanyahu

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pledged to amp up air strikes on Tehran in the coming days.

He said Israel’s military “is not at full strength” in its ongoing assault on Iran. 

He also offered condolences to the families of those killed in Iranian strikes on Israel, describing it as “painful days” for his country. 

Source: Al Jazeera

43 border guards killed in Mehran strike

More than 40 members of Iran’s security forces have been killed in a strike targeting the headquarters of a border regiment in the western city of Mehran.

Iran’s Mehr news agency says the airstrike left 43 personnel dead and caused heavy damage to nearby buildings.

Source: Al Jazeera

Erdogan, Saudi crown prince discuss regional crisis

Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman have held a phone call to discuss the escalating regional situation.

Erdogan expressed concern that the conflict could have serious regional and global security repercussions and said that both countries are working to resolve disputes through dialogue, calling diplomacy the “most rational way” forward.

Source: Al Jazeera

Around 500 Russians to evacuate Iran through Azerbaijan

Nearly 500 Russian citizens are attempting to leave Iran by crossing into Azerbaijan, according to the Russian embassy in Baku.

Russia’s foreign ministry has urged its nationals in both Iran and Israel to either relocate to safer areas or depart the countries entirely in light of the attacks carried out by Israel and the United States.

Source: Reuters

MSC orders vessels to ‘safe shelter’

Global shipping company MSC has told all vessels in the Gulf, and those on the way, to move to “safe shelter”. 

The company has also suspended all Middle East cargo bookings, prioritising crew safety.

MSC said it is monitoring the situation closely and working with authorities. 

Bookings will resume once conditions improve, and customers will be notified about alternative ports if needed.

Source: Al Jazeera

UAE to cover hotel costs for stranded tourists

Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism has said it will pay for extended hotel stays for tourists stranded in the city after reaching their original check-out date but unable to travel due to circumstances beyond their control. 

Hotels have been asked to accommodate these guests until they can safely depart.

The announcement comes after the UAE partially closed its airspace on Saturday, leading to the cancellation of most commercial flights and leaving many travellers stuck in Abu Dhabi.

Source: CNN

Iran strikes bomb shelter near Jerusalem: police

Israeli police have said an Iranian missile that struck Beit Shemesh near Jerusalem killed people sheltering underground, with the bomb shelter taking a direct hit and collapsing. 

Rescue crews are still searching the rubble, and the death toll could rise.

The impact also caused severe damage to surrounding residential buildings, leaving shattered concrete, wrecked cars, and smoke rising from the area, as Magen David Adom paramedic Dror Eini described the scene as chaotic and devastating.

Source: CNN

European leaders respond to Middle East strikes

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has said she spoke with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and will work closely with him to de-escalate tensions and protect regional stability. 

She will also convene a special security college on Monday.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said he will discuss the Middle East situation with US President Donald Trump during his Washington visit on Tuesday, warning that Iran’s nuclear programme threatens regional peace and calling the Tehran regime illegitimate.

Source: Al Jazeera

Risk of further escalation 'real': EU chief

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the risk of further escalation in the region is “real” as Iran and Israel carry out fresh strikes following the killing of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

She stressed the urgent need for a credible transition in Iran to restore stability and pave the way for a lasting solution.

She added that she spoke with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to discuss the aftermath of Iran’s “reckless and indiscriminate strikes”, emphasising that Europe stands in strong solidarity with Qatar amid deep regional upheaval.

Source: CNN

US casualties raise stakes for Trump

In announcing the launch of Operation Epic Fury against Iran, President Donald Trump has acknowledged that US service members could be killed.

US Central Command has now confirmed three deaths and five serious injuries, highlighting the inherent risks of global military operations.

While military experts say these casualties are relatively light compared with historical conflicts, each American loss raises the domestic political stakes for Trump, who is eager to frame the operation as swift and effective compared with the prolonged conflicts of the Global War on Terror.

It is a point likely to be emphasised repeatedly in the coming days.

Source: BBC

IRIB posts clips of Iran’s airstrike at American bases in West Asia

Source: Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting

🚨 Video of #Iran firing ballistic missiles at American bases in West Asia pic.twitter.com/EO9jsw19Lw

— IRIB (Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting) (@iribnews_irib) March 1, 2026

Israel launches new air strikes on Tehran

The Israeli military has said its Air Force has begun a new wave of attacks targeting central Tehran, according to a brief statement on X.

Source: Al Jazeera

Protest breaks out in Paris in support of Iran

Protesters in Paris have taken to the streets in support of Iran amid airstrikes by the US and Israel.

Source: Reuters

Protest in Paris in support of Iranian people https://t.co/vH0fkFuE09

— Reuters (@Reuters) March 1, 2026

Indian opposition criticises Modi over Israel trip

Indian opposition parties slated Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his recent trip to Israel, claiming it indirectly signalled approval for the subsequent airstrikes in Iran.

Source: Bloomberg

India’s opposition groups criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his Israel trip last week, saying it gave tacit approval for subsequent airstrikes in Iran. https://t.co/zIQ3ju2a2L

— Bloomberg (@business) March 1, 2026

US warns of potentially violent protests in Iraq

The US Embassy in Baghdad warned of threats to American interests in Iraq, noting that protests near its compound could escalate and turn violent.

The embassy said it is “tracking active threats to US interests, including restaurants, businesses, and individuals”, and urged US citizens to stay alert and avoid large crowds.

Source: Al Jazeera

Ex-Iranian president Ahmadinejad ‘killed’ in Israeli strike

Former Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has been killed in an Israeli strike, said Israel’s Channel 12. 

Several Iranian outlets carry similar claims.

There has been no immediate official confirmation from Tehran regarding the reports.

Ahmadinejad served as the sixth president of Iran from 2005 to 2013, after holding office as mayor of Tehran from 2003 to 2005.

Source: NDTV

USS Abraham Lincoln unharmed: US

A US official has said an Iranian missile attack did not hit the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, which continues its operations in the region.

The official confirmed that the missile failed to reach the ship and caused no damage.

Source: Al Jazeera

153 killed in Minab girls’ school attack: Iran

At least 153 people have been killed after a girls’ school in Iran’s Minab was hit during Saturday’s strikes, says the judiciary-linked Mizan News Agency, citing an official.

The school was reportedly struck by three missiles.

An Israel Defense Forces spokesperson says he is “not aware” of any military activity in that area, adding that he has seen reports suggesting US officials are also examining the incident.

Source: BBC

Iran, US clash at UNSC emergency meeting

Source: CTGN

Iran, U.S. clash at UN Security Council emergency meeting #WorldNow pic.twitter.com/vmJ4Lrfc8m

— CGTN (@CGTNOfficial) March 1, 2026

Iran destroys US MQ9 drone

A video clip of targeting and destroying the US MQ9 drone by Iran’s air defence network.

Source: Iran’s Press TV

The moment of targeting and destroying the US MQ9 drone with advanced modern air defense systems controlled by Iran’s air defense network.

Follow: https://t.co/mLGcUTSA3Q pic.twitter.com/LSmquvtdkR

— Press TV 🔻 (@PressTV) March 1, 2026

Tally of deaths

Latest death toll figures from the US and Israel's attacks on Iran and retaliatory strikes.

Source: Al Jazeera

Here are the latest death toll figures from the US and Israel's ongoing attacks on Iran and Iran's retaliatory strikes.

🔴 Follow our LIVE coverage: https://t.co/45PLIHXNLx pic.twitter.com/amjTAqeUwv

— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) March 1, 2026

Iranian vessel sunk in Gulf of Oman: US military

The US Central Command has said its forces struck an Iranian ship at the start of military operations against Iran, targeting a Jamaran-class corvette.

CENTCOM added that the vessel is “currently sinking to the bottom of the Gulf of Oman” near the Chah Bahar pier in southern Iran.

An Iranian Jamaran-class corvette was struck by U.S. forces during the start of Operation Epic Fury. The ship is currently sinking to the bottom of the Gulf of Oman at a Chah Bahar pier. As the President said, members of Iran’s armed forces, IRGC and police “must lay down your… pic.twitter.com/NzsR3dI2Hs

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 1, 2026

3 service members Killed in action against Iran: US

The US military has said three service members were killed and five seriously wounded during operations targeting Iran, while several others sustained minor shrapnel injuries and concussions.

They are being returned to duty as major combat operations continue, it added.

US Central Command said the situation remains fluid and, out of respect for the families, more details -- including the identities of the fallen -- will be withheld until 24 hours after next of kin have been notified.

Source: Al Jazeera

CENTCOM Update

TAMPA, Fla. – As of 9:30 am ET, March 1, three U.S. service members have been killed in action and five are seriously wounded as part of Operation Epic Fury.

Several others sustained minor shrapnel injuries and concussions — and are in the process of being…

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 1, 2026

Iran claims strike on USS Abraham Lincoln

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard said it struck the US aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln in the Gulf with four ballistic missiles following the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in US and Israeli air strikes.

It warned that “land and sea will increasingly become the graveyard of the terrorist aggressors”.

The carrier has been operating in the Arabian Sea since late January, but the US military has not immediately confirmed any damage or casualties from the reported attack.

Source: Al Jazeera

Iranian drones strike UAE naval base, fire reported

The UAE Ministry of Defence has said two Iranian drones targeted a warehouse at Al-Salam Naval Base in Abu Dhabi, causing a fire in two containers storing general materials.

No casualties were reported, and authorities quickly dealt with the incident.

The ministry condemned the attack as “blatant aggression” and a violation of national sovereignty and international law, while Iranian state media confirmed at least two strikes on the Abu Dhabi base without explaining the reason.

It added that 167 missiles and 541 drones have been dealt with since the conflict began on Saturday.

Source: BBC

Beit Shemesh missile strike death toll rises to 9

The death toll from the missile strike in Beit Shemesh has risen to nine, Magen David Adom (MDA) confirmed.

Emergency teams continue providing medical care and evacuating 28 injured to hospitals in Jerusalem and Shamir Medical Center, including two in serious condition, two moderate, and 24 lightly injured.

MDA paramedic Dror Eini described scenes of chaos, with destroyed homes, flames, smoke, and wrecked vehicles, noting that three casualties were pronounced dead at the scene and six more were confirmed dead by additional paramedics.

Source: Al Jazeera

No plans to close Strait of Hormuz: Araghchi

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said the country currently has no intention of closing the Strait of Hormuz.

He added that Tehran has no plans to take “any action that would disrupt navigation in it at this stage”.

Source: Al Jazeera

Iran urges regional states to hold US, Israel accountable

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said he briefed regional counterparts on Iran’s position and acknowledged that some are unhappy or angry, while others are trying to understand the situation, stressing that the current conflict is not Tehran’s choice.

He added that the war is imposed by the US and Israel, and insisted that any anger should be directed at them rather than Iran, urging regional states to pressure Washington and Tel Aviv instead of asking Tehran to halt its actions.

Source: Al Jazeera

Ship hit by ‘unknown projectile’ near Hormuz strait

A vessel northwest of Mina Saqr in the UAE caught fire after being struck by an “unknown projectile”, the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported, adding that the blaze has been extinguished and the ship intends to continue its voyage.

The agency said authorities are investigating the incident, which marks the third reported attack on shipping in the region today, following earlier strikes north of Muscat and off Oman’s Kumzar near the Strait of Hormuz.

UKMTO WARNING 006-26

Click here to view the full Advisory⤵️ https://t.co/OOOP5zFeB0#MaritimeSecurity #MarSec pic.twitter.com/0bIF8zfyEe

— UKMTO Operations Centre (@UK_MTO) March 1, 2026

Iran may elect new supreme leader within days

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said state institutions are fully operational and constitutional procedures are under way, hinting that the selection of a new supreme leader could take place “in a day or two".

Source: Al Jazeera

New wave of Iranian missile attacks on Israel

New wave of Iranian missile attacks on #Israel.#Iran pic.twitter.com/hdcWdxr55l

— IRIB (Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting) (@iribnews_irib) March 1, 2026

Iran confirms constitutional process after Khamenei’s death

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said the country has begun the constitutional procedure for leadership succession. 

A Transitional Council has been established, comprising the president, the head of the judiciary, and a jurist from the Guardian Council, to manage affairs until a new leader is elected.

He added that the election of the new supreme leader by the assembly of experts is expected to take only a short period, emphasising that “everything is in order” and fully in line with Iran’s legal system and constitution.

Source: Al Jazeera

Israel blocks Iran’s strike in Syria

Israel intercepts an Iranian missile over Syria, producing a loud explosion that was reportedly heard across the capital, Damascus.

Source: Al Jazeera

Iran signals full defensive measures amid crisis

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told Al Jazeera that the country has initiated a constitutional process, establishing a Transitional Council to manage state affairs.

He stressed that Iran has “no restrictions or limits in defending ourselves”.

Source: Al Jazeera

New wave of Iranian missile attacks on Israel

New wave of Iranian missile attacks on #Israel.#Iran pic.twitter.com/hdcWdxr55l

— IRIB (Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting) (@iribnews_irib) March 1, 2026

Nahid condemns Khamenei killing, calls for restraint

MP Nahid Islam has expressed deep shock over the reported killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a joint US–Israeli airstrike, offering heartfelt condolences to the people of Iran and emphasising the need for diplomacy amid profound grief.

In an X post, he described the attack as an unprovoked act of aggression that risks escalating instability across the Middle East, urging all parties to immediately halt military actions, exercise restraint, and return to dialogue.

He called on the international community and the UN to act decisively to safeguard peace and security.

We are deeply shocked and saddened by the martyrdom of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in an airstrike reportedly carried out by joint U.S.–Israeli forces on Sunday. Inna Lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to the freedom-loving…

— Nahid Islam (@NahidIslam_24) March 1, 2026

Bangladeshi, 2 others dead, dozens hurt in UAE

At least three people have been killed and 58 others injured in the UAE since Iran launched its retaliatory campaign in the Gulf following US and Israeli attacks, with the casualties including one each from Pakistan, Nepal, and Bangladesh.

The UAE defence ministry reported detecting 165 ballistic missiles, destroying 152, and intercepting two cruise missiles, while also noting that 541 Iranian drones were detected, 506 of which were successfully intercepted and destroyed.

Source: Al Jazeera

Iran vows continued strikes after Khamenei’s death

Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian, in an address to the nation, has affirmed that the country will continue following the path set by its supreme leader.

He declared that the armed forces will maintain strong offensive actions and target the military bases of their enemies.

He described the martyrdom of the revolutionary leader as the culmination of years of sacrifice, emphasising that Iran’s military resolve remains unwavering in the face of external threats.

Source: Al Jazeera

Janaza for Khamenei at DU after Taraweeh

DUCSU Vice-President Shadik Kayem has written on his X that a funeral prayer for Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, killed in an air assault by US and Israel, will be held on the campus.

The Janaza has been scheduled for 10:30pm, after Taraweeh prayers, at the VC Chattar of Dhaka University on Sunday.

Ghaibana Janaza for Iran’s Supreme Leader Imam Khomeini, martyred in US-Israeli aggression.

Venue: VC Chattar, University of Dhaka.
Time: Tonight at 10:30 PM (After Taraweeh).

Organized by: Dhaka University Central Students' Union (DUCSU) pic.twitter.com/d2gYgRLyCX

— Shadik Kayem (@MdAbuShadik) March 1, 2026

1 dead, dozens hurt in Kuwait: health ministry

Kuwait’s health ministry has reported that one person has died and 32 others were injured “due to the current developments in the region”.

The injured are receiving treatment at Al-Adan Hospital.

Source: Al Jazeera

Israel hit by largest wave of Iranian missile attacks: IRNA

Israeli military radio has reported witnessing the largest wave of Iranian missile strikes on its positions, with 38 missiles reportedly launched during the attacks.

Source: X/IRNA News Agency

The largest wave of Iranian missile attacks on Israeli positions

The Israeli military radio acknowledged that they witnessed the largest wave of missile attacks from Iran.

It claimed that 38 missiles were fired during these attacks.

— IRNA News Agency ☫ (@IrnaEnglish) March 1, 2026

Saudi, Qatari defence officials discuss response

Saudi Defence Minister Khalid bin Salman has spoken with Qatar’s deputy PM and Defence Minister Sheikh Saud Al Thani to discuss Iranian strikes targeting both countries and other regional states, affirming their full right to take necessary measures in response.

أجريتُ اتصالًا هاتفيًا بأخي سعادة الشيخ سعود بن عبدالرحمن بن حسن آل ثاني نائب رئيس مجلس الوزراء ووزير الدولة لشؤون الدفاع القطري@SaoudAlthani7 .
بحثنا الاعتداءات الإيرانية التي طالت المملكة ودولة قطر والدول الشقيقة، وأكدنا حقنا الكامل في اتخاذ الإجراءات اللازمة لمواجهتها.

— Khalid bin Salman خالد بن سلمان (@kbsalsaud) March 1, 2026

At least 8 killed in Beit Shemesh missile strike

Israeli emergency services say eight people have died after an Iranian ballistic missile hit Beit Shemesh, with at least 27 others wounded, including two in serious condition.

Authorities continue to assess the situation and more details are expected soon.

Source: Al Jazeera

Khamenei’s path will continue: Araghchi

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in a statement that Khamenei’s path “will continue,” signalling Tehran’s resolve to maintain its policies despite the attacks ahead of negotiations in Geneva. 

Source: BBC

Hundreds of tankers anchor in Gulf

At least 150 crude and LNG tankers have dropped anchor in open waters beyond the Strait of Hormuz, with dozens more stationary on the opposite side, as US and Israeli strikes on Iran fuel instability in the region.

The vessels are clustered near the coasts of major Gulf producers, including Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, with many remaining stationary within the exclusive economic zones of Kuwait and the UAE, according to ship-tracking data.

Source: Reuters

Death toll rises to 6 in Beit Shemesh

The number of fatalities from an Iranian missile hitting a residential area in central Israel’s Beit Shemesh has risen to six, Magen David Adom confirmed.

Local reports mentioned extensive damage to homes in the city.

Source: Al Jazeera

Iran warns regional countries over foreign military bases

Iran’s security chief Ali Larijani has said the country does not seek to attack regional states, but warned that bases used against Iran by the US will be targeted.

He described them as "American soil" rather than part of the host countries.

إلى دولِ المنطقة: لسنا بصدد الاعتداء عليكم. لكن حين تُستَخدَم القواعدُ الموجودة في بلدكم ضدّنا، وحين تُنفِّذ الولاياتُ المتحدة عملياتٍ في المنطقة اعتمادًا على قواتها هذه، فإننا سنستهدف تلك القواعد. فهذه القواعد ليست من أرض تلك الدول، بل هي أرضٌ أمريكية.

— Ali Larijani | علی لاریجانی (@alilarijani_ir) March 1, 2026