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THE TIMES OF INDIA | Jun 03, 2026, 20:59:01 IST
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US-Israel-Iran War News Live Updates: 'Israel, US forces are ready' - Netanyahu warns Iran after Kuwait attack
Tensions in the Middle East flared again early Wednesday after Iran launched missiles and drones toward US military facilities in Kuwait and Bahrain. According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), the attacks failed to hit their intended targets, with the missiles either intercepted or breaking apart before impact. The US military later responded with strikes on an Iranian military facility on Qeshm Island.
The night sky over the Gulf lit up as Iranian projectiles headed toward American positions. US air defence systems intercepted the incoming threats near Kuwait City, preventing them from reaching the Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait.
The latest exchange marks another escalation in a conflict that has intensified since the United States launched a major military campaign against Iran earlier this year. Since then, both sides have traded attacks, raising fears of a broader regional confrontation. Despite several rounds of mediation and diplomatic outreach, efforts to reduce tensions have yet to produce a breakthrough.
According to US officials, Iran fired missiles toward Kuwait and Bahrain, but none reached their targets. Two missiles aimed at Kuwait broke apart mid-flight, while those targeting Bahrain were intercepted by US and Bahraini forces.
The developments came amid reports from Iran's semi-official Fars and Tasnim news agencies claiming that Tehran had stopped communicating with mediators about extending a ceasefire in its conflict with the US and Israel. President Donald Trump, however, rejected the reports and said negotiations were continuing.
The reports, published by Fars and Tasnim, both considered close to Iran's Revolutionary Guard, surfaced as tensions also rose on Israel's northern front with the Iran-backed Hezbollah group in Lebanon.
A regional official involved in mediation efforts told The Associated Press, on condition of anonymity, that Iran had not communicated with mediators on Tuesday after insisting that a ceasefire in Lebanon must be enforced before negotiations could move forward.
In a separate development, the US military said it had stopped another oil tanker attempting to reach an Iranian port in violation of the American blockade. According to CENTCOM, it was the seventh vessel intercepted while trying to bypass the restrictions.
The Botswana-flagged merchant vessel M/T Lexie was halted after its crew allegedly ignored repeated warnings for 24 hours. CENTCOM said a US aircraft fired a Hellfire missile into the ship's engine room, disabling the vessel.
The night sky over the Gulf lit up as Iranian projectiles headed toward American positions. US air defence systems intercepted the incoming threats near Kuwait City, preventing them from reaching the Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait.
The latest exchange marks another escalation in a conflict that has intensified since the United States launched a major military campaign against Iran earlier this year. Since then, both sides have traded attacks, raising fears of a broader regional confrontation. Despite several rounds of mediation and diplomatic outreach, efforts to reduce tensions have yet to produce a breakthrough.
According to US officials, Iran fired missiles toward Kuwait and Bahrain, but none reached their targets. Two missiles aimed at Kuwait broke apart mid-flight, while those targeting Bahrain were intercepted by US and Bahraini forces.
The developments came amid reports from Iran's semi-official Fars and Tasnim news agencies claiming that Tehran had stopped communicating with mediators about extending a ceasefire in its conflict with the US and Israel. President Donald Trump, however, rejected the reports and said negotiations were continuing.
The reports, published by Fars and Tasnim, both considered close to Iran's Revolutionary Guard, surfaced as tensions also rose on Israel's northern front with the Iran-backed Hezbollah group in Lebanon.
A regional official involved in mediation efforts told The Associated Press, on condition of anonymity, that Iran had not communicated with mediators on Tuesday after insisting that a ceasefire in Lebanon must be enforced before negotiations could move forward.
In a separate development, the US military said it had stopped another oil tanker attempting to reach an Iranian port in violation of the American blockade. According to CENTCOM, it was the seventh vessel intercepted while trying to bypass the restrictions.
The Botswana-flagged merchant vessel M/T Lexie was halted after its crew allegedly ignored repeated warnings for 24 hours. CENTCOM said a US aircraft fired a Hellfire missile into the ship's engine room, disabling the vessel.
20:54 (IST) Jun 03
Netanyahu says Iran 'playing with fire' after attack on Kuwait
"Iran surely knows what the (US) president has said, that if necessary, there'll be a full-scale return to military action," Netanyahu said in an interview with US channel CNBC when asked if there was still a ceasefire following recent attacks on Kuwait and Bahrain.
"You know, it's the president's decision. Israel is ready and the US forces are ready. I think Iran should take that into account. I think they are taking it into account but they're playing with fire, that's clear."
"You know, it's the president's decision. Israel is ready and the US forces are ready. I think Iran should take that into account. I think they are taking it into account but they're playing with fire, that's clear."
20:35 (IST) Jun 03
Netanyahu says Iran regime change expected but timing unclear, reports CNBC
"You can’t quite predict when a regime like that goes under," Netanyahu said in an interview with CNBC. "You didn’t predict it in a number of cases: Not in Romania, and not in the fall of the Berlin Wall, and nobody predicted it, but it happened. Why? Because the cracks were propagating underneath."
"In fact, you have enormous cracks right now in Iran, and you can’t predict when it’ll happen. But I said yesterday in a public forum here ... 'Look, I believe that ultimately these cracks will propagate and the regime will fall, and we’ll do our best,'" Netanyahu added.
"I think that we have to help the Iranian people to bring down this regime, and that hasn’t changed, but it’s not going to happen, you know, exactly at the moment of our choosing. I think they’ve been enormously weakened," Netanyahu said.
"In fact, you have enormous cracks right now in Iran, and you can’t predict when it’ll happen. But I said yesterday in a public forum here ... 'Look, I believe that ultimately these cracks will propagate and the regime will fall, and we’ll do our best,'" Netanyahu added.
"I think that we have to help the Iranian people to bring down this regime, and that hasn’t changed, but it’s not going to happen, you know, exactly at the moment of our choosing. I think they’ve been enormously weakened," Netanyahu said.
19:51 (IST) Jun 03
US Iran war: Netanyahu downplays differences with Trump, says both aligned on Iran
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that while he and US President Donald Trump occasionally have tactical disagreements, they are able to resolve them and remain aligned on key issues. Speaking to CNBC, Netanyahu said he and Trump agree on the main aspects of policy toward Iran despite differences over specific approaches.
19:27 (IST) Jun 03
US Iran war: Kuwait denies territory, airspace used for attacks after Iran claims
An Iranian strike on Kuwait airport killed an Indian national and injured 63 others, prompting a temporary shutdown of the facility and marking the first fatal attack in the Gulf since a ceasefire took effect on April 8. Kuwait said the assault also caused damage to several diplomatic missions, putting renewed strain on a truce that has largely held despite occasional violations.
The ceasefire had effectively paused more than a month of conflict triggered by US and Israeli strikes on Iran, during which Tehran launched thousands of missiles and drones targeting countries across the Gulf region.
The ceasefire had effectively paused more than a month of conflict triggered by US and Israeli strikes on Iran, during which Tehran launched thousands of missiles and drones targeting countries across the Gulf region.
19:10 (IST) Jun 03
US Iran war: Kuwait demands two Iran embassy staff leave after deadly attack
Kuwait ordered two Iranian embassy officials to leave the country within 24 hours following an Iranian attack on Kuwait's airport that left one person dead and dozens injured.
According to a statement from the foreign ministry, deputy foreign minister Hamad Suleiman Al-Mashaan summoned Iran's chargé d'affaires in Kuwait, Hamed Hamid Yaqoubi Far, and delivered an official protest over what it described as continued Iranian attacks. Kuwait also informed the Iranian diplomat of its decision to reduce the size of Iran's diplomatic mission, declaring two embassy staff members persona non grata and demanding their departure within 24 hours.
According to a statement from the foreign ministry, deputy foreign minister Hamad Suleiman Al-Mashaan summoned Iran's chargé d'affaires in Kuwait, Hamed Hamid Yaqoubi Far, and delivered an official protest over what it described as continued Iranian attacks. Kuwait also informed the Iranian diplomat of its decision to reduce the size of Iran's diplomatic mission, declaring two embassy staff members persona non grata and demanding their departure within 24 hours.
19:05 (IST) Jun 03
Iran nuclear weapons risk higher than before attacks, reports Bloomberg
Bloomberg reported that the risk of Iran secretly pursuing nuclear weapons is now considered higher than it was before the United States and Israel launched military strikes on the country a year ago, citing Western officials who pointed to new data circulated by the UN's nuclear watchdog.
18:38 (IST) Jun 03
US Iran war: Trump confirms using foul language with Israel's Netanyahu
Trump has acknowledged that he had a heated conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, confirming reports that he used strong language while urging him to de-escalate tensions.
In an interview published by the New York Post on Wednesday, Trump was asked about reports that he had sharply rebuked Netanyahu during a phone call on Monday.
Confirming the exchange, Trump said he was frustrated by Netanyahu's continued conflict with Lebanon.
"I was a little perturbed at his constantly fighting with Lebanon," Trump said, adding that he told the Israeli leader, "Bibi, we gotta stop this."
Despite the tense conversation, Trump stressed that he maintains a strong relationship with Netanyahu, saying the two have worked well together and that he likes the Israeli prime minister "a lot."
In an interview published by the New York Post on Wednesday, Trump was asked about reports that he had sharply rebuked Netanyahu during a phone call on Monday.
Confirming the exchange, Trump said he was frustrated by Netanyahu's continued conflict with Lebanon.
"I was a little perturbed at his constantly fighting with Lebanon," Trump said, adding that he told the Israeli leader, "Bibi, we gotta stop this."
Despite the tense conversation, Trump stressed that he maintains a strong relationship with Netanyahu, saying the two have worked well together and that he likes the Israeli prime minister "a lot."
17:56 (IST) Jun 03
MEA condemns Kuwait airport attack that killed Indian national
"We condemn the attack on the Kuwait International Airport today in which an Indian national has died and several of our nationals are injured. Since the onset of the conflict in West Asia, we have strongly urged that civilian population and civilian infrastructure must not be targeted. We again call upon parties to cease such attacks," MEA said in a statement.
"We offer our deepest condolences to the bereaved family. Our Embassy is extending all possible assistance to those injured. We remain in close contact with local authorities for the welfare of Indian nationals.
Indian Missions and Posts across the region are on alert and continue to proactively support our community," it added.
"We offer our deepest condolences to the bereaved family. Our Embassy is extending all possible assistance to those injured. We remain in close contact with local authorities for the welfare of Indian nationals.
Indian Missions and Posts across the region are on alert and continue to proactively support our community," it added.
17:37 (IST) Jun 03
US Iran war: Israel says it intercepted two projectiles fired from Lebanon
The Israeli military said it intercepted two projectiles that crossed from Lebanon into Israeli territory, with no immediate reports of casualties or damage.
16:45 (IST) Jun 03
US Iran war: Trump says Vance and Rubio running as a team would be unbeatable
US President Donald Trump said in a podcast interview aired on Wednesday that a 2028 ticket featuring Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio would be "unbeatable" if they ran together as a team.
15:59 (IST) Jun 03
US Iran war: Trump says Iran has agreed to not have a nuclear weapon
"They've already agreed they're not going to have a nuclear weapon," Reuters quoted Trump saying.
15:55 (IST) Jun 03
'Disturbed by Netanyahu's Lebanon operation,' Trump assures Iran situation 'rapidly evolving'
Trump said gasoline prices are expected to decline in the not-too-distant future.
15:47 (IST) Jun 03
US Iran war: Trump says Iran situation evolving rapidly, predicts positive outcome
US President Donald Trump said the situation involving Iran is "evolving very rapidly" and expressed confidence that developments would ultimately lead to a positive outcome.
15:28 (IST) Jun 03
Iran war: Kuwait airport partially reopens after Iranian drone attack, reports AP
Kuwaiti civil aviation authorities said that the country's main airport has partially resumed operations after sustaining damage in an Iranian attack.
Kuwait Airways restarted flights from an alternative terminal, as the affected terminal remains out of service. Authorities said no other airlines would be operating flights at this time.
Kuwait Airways restarted flights from an alternative terminal, as the affected terminal remains out of service. Authorities said no other airlines would be operating flights at this time.
15:16 (IST) Jun 03
Iran war: Kuwait says one killed in Iranian attack
Kuwait said that Iranian missile and drone strikes targeting civilian and critical infrastructure, including Kuwait International airport, killed one person and injured several others. In a statement, the foreign ministry said the attacks occurred at dawn and also damaged key facilities, including diplomatic missions.
Kuwait condemned the repeated strikes as a blatant violation of international law and UN Security Council Resolution 2817. The ministry added that Kuwait reserves the right to take appropriate measures in response, in accordance with international law.
Kuwait condemned the repeated strikes as a blatant violation of international law and UN Security Council Resolution 2817. The ministry added that Kuwait reserves the right to take appropriate measures in response, in accordance with international law.
14:39 (IST) Jun 03
Iran war: 'Hostile aircraft infiltration' triggers sirens in northern Israel
The Israeli military said air raid sirens were activated in northern Israel on Wednesday following what it described as a "hostile aircraft infiltration".
The development came after Lebanon announced a partial ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel. Under the arrangement, Israel would halt strikes on Hezbollah-controlled suburbs of Beirut, while Hezbollah would suspend attacks on Israel. However, according to Lebanon's embassy in Washington, the agreement falls short of ending the broader conflict.
14:19 (IST) Jun 03
Iran war: Khamenei adviser vows 'deluge of missiles, drones' if new US attack on Iran
Iranian officials and advisers have publicly warned that any fresh US military strike on Iran or its leadership would trigger a major retaliation. Iranian military leaders have threatened a "deluge of missiles and drones" targeting American military bases across the Middle East, including facilities in Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait.
14:07 (IST) Jun 03
Iran war: Iran announces three-day state funeral for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei with processions in several cities
Iranian authorities have announced plans to conduct a three-day public funeral for former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed during the opening day of the US-Israeli war against Iran, according to reports carried by state media.
The administrative arrangements for the multi-city commemorations were outlined by Tehran Deputy Mayor Mohammad Amin Tavakoli-Zadeh. He stated that the scheduled memorial processions will take place across several prominent urban centres, including the capital, Tehran, alongside the religious hubs of Qom and Mashhad.
Speaking through Iran's state broadcaster IRIB, Tavakoli-Zadeh detailed that the officially sanctioned itinerary would feature large-scale public processions in all three designated locations.
According to the official, the main ceremonial events in Tehran alone are anticipated to continue for at least 24 hours. Municipal authorities are currently making logistical preparations to accommodate a massive public turnout of as many as 20 million people during the events in the capital, reflecting the immense scale of the gathering anticipated by organisers.
The formal announcement comes several months after the death of the long-standing leader. While orthodox Islamic traditions generally mandate that burial rites and final proceedings be conducted within a few days of death, Iranian officials had previously chosen to postpone the funeral indefinitely.
The administrative arrangements for the multi-city commemorations were outlined by Tehran Deputy Mayor Mohammad Amin Tavakoli-Zadeh. He stated that the scheduled memorial processions will take place across several prominent urban centres, including the capital, Tehran, alongside the religious hubs of Qom and Mashhad.
Speaking through Iran's state broadcaster IRIB, Tavakoli-Zadeh detailed that the officially sanctioned itinerary would feature large-scale public processions in all three designated locations.
According to the official, the main ceremonial events in Tehran alone are anticipated to continue for at least 24 hours. Municipal authorities are currently making logistical preparations to accommodate a massive public turnout of as many as 20 million people during the events in the capital, reflecting the immense scale of the gathering anticipated by organisers.
The formal announcement comes several months after the death of the long-standing leader. While orthodox Islamic traditions generally mandate that burial rites and final proceedings be conducted within a few days of death, Iranian officials had previously chosen to postpone the funeral indefinitely.
13:48 (IST) Jun 03
Iran war: Iran says Kuwait and Bahrain bear responsibility for US attacks, vows self-defence
12:25 (IST) Jun 03
Iran war: Iranian drone attack hits Kuwait airport, wounding people
Kuwait said Wednesday it had suspended commercial flights after an Iranian drone attack hit the country's airport, wounding a number of people.
Defence ministry spokesperson Brig Gen Saud Abdulaziz Al-Otaibi said “a number of hostile drones” had targeted Kuwait International Airport's passenger building, severely damaging the building and injuring “a number of individuals”.
The drone attack came after Iran and the United States traded missile strikes late Tuesday, with the US military saying it had launched strikes on an Iranian military facility in retaliation for Iranian missiles fired at Kuwait and Bahrain.
Defence ministry spokesperson Brig Gen Saud Abdulaziz Al-Otaibi said “a number of hostile drones” had targeted Kuwait International Airport's passenger building, severely damaging the building and injuring “a number of individuals”.
The drone attack came after Iran and the United States traded missile strikes late Tuesday, with the US military saying it had launched strikes on an Iranian military facility in retaliation for Iranian missiles fired at Kuwait and Bahrain.
12:25 (IST) Jun 03
Iran war: Bahrain says it intercepted Iranian missiles, drones targeting civilian infrastructure
Bahrain's military said that it intercepted three missiles and several drones targeting civilian infrastructure, attributing the attacks to Iran and describing them as part of Tehran’s “systematic aggression”.
In a statement, the Bahraini army condemned the strikes as a violation of international law and said its air defence forces had successfully thwarted the incoming threats. The military added that it remains fully prepared to continue safeguarding the kingdom and protecting its territory from any further attacks.
The announcement comes amid escalating tensions in the Gulf region following a series of retaliatory military actions involving Iran, the United States and regional allies. Bahrain hosts the headquarters of the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet and has been on heightened alert amid the unfolding security situation.
In a statement, the Bahraini army condemned the strikes as a violation of international law and said its air defence forces had successfully thwarted the incoming threats. The military added that it remains fully prepared to continue safeguarding the kingdom and protecting its territory from any further attacks.
The announcement comes amid escalating tensions in the Gulf region following a series of retaliatory military actions involving Iran, the United States and regional allies. Bahrain hosts the headquarters of the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet and has been on heightened alert amid the unfolding security situation.
12:17 (IST) Jun 03
Iran war: Iranian state media releases footage of overnight missile and drone strikes on US targets
Tasnim has published night-vision footage depicting the launch of multiple large missiles and attack drones, describing them as retaliatory strikes against American forces in the region. The agency claims the strikes targeted the US Navy's Fifth Fleet, a regional airbase, and a helicopter base.
12:07 (IST) Jun 03
US Iran war news: Centcom says Iranian missiles failed to hit targets in overnight regional strikes
The US central command released additional details about the overnight exchange of strikes involving US and Iranian forces, stating that Iran launched several ballistic missiles toward regional countries but failed to hit any of their intended targets.
In a statement, Centcom said its earlier military action was carried out in “self-defence” in response to what it described as attempted Iranian attacks across the Middle East. According to the command, two Iranian missiles fired toward Kuwait either fell short or broke apart during flight, while three missiles launched at Bahrain were intercepted by US and Bahraini air defence systems.
“Iran launched several ballistic missiles toward regional neighbours; however, all failed to hit their intended targets,” Centcom said. The statement comes amid heightened tensions in the region following a series of retaliatory actions between the United States and Iran. Independent verification of the claims was not immediately available.
In a statement, Centcom said its earlier military action was carried out in “self-defence” in response to what it described as attempted Iranian attacks across the Middle East. According to the command, two Iranian missiles fired toward Kuwait either fell short or broke apart during flight, while three missiles launched at Bahrain were intercepted by US and Bahraini air defence systems.
“Iran launched several ballistic missiles toward regional neighbours; however, all failed to hit their intended targets,” Centcom said. The statement comes amid heightened tensions in the region following a series of retaliatory actions between the United States and Iran. Independent verification of the claims was not immediately available.
11:41 (IST) Jun 03
US Iran war: Flights halted in Kuwait after Iranian attack targets airport
Amid renewed tensions between Iran and the United States, Kuwait on Wednesday suspended flights after an Iranian strike targeted the country's airport, with several people reportedly wounded, according to AFP.
11:25 (IST) Jun 03
Iran war: Japan clears $19bn budget to shield households from energy price surge
Japan's cabinet has approved a supplementary budget worth $19 billion to help households cope with rising living costs driven by the US-Israel conflict with Iran, according to AFP.
The office of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said the additional spending package was formally approved at a cabinet meeting on Wednesday morning.
“Amid ongoing uncertainty in the situation in the Middle East, we have formulated this budget from the standpoint of minimising risk,” government spokesman Minoru Kihara said.
Takaichi had announced last month that the funds would be used to cushion households from higher energy costs, including rising petrol, electricity and gas prices.
The office of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said the additional spending package was formally approved at a cabinet meeting on Wednesday morning.
“Amid ongoing uncertainty in the situation in the Middle East, we have formulated this budget from the standpoint of minimising risk,” government spokesman Minoru Kihara said.
Takaichi had announced last month that the funds would be used to cushion households from higher energy costs, including rising petrol, electricity and gas prices.
11:14 (IST) Jun 03
Iran war: Video shows moment Hellfire missile cripples tanker bound for Iran's Kharg Island
The United States military disabled the Botswana-flagged oil tanker M/T Lexie in international waters after the vessel allegedly ignored repeated warnings and continued sailing towards Iran's Kharg Island, the US central command said. It also released the video from when a US aircraft struck the ship.
According to the central command, the US fired a Hellfire missile at the ship sailing through the key oil export terminal in the Arabian Gulf, preventing it from reaching the Iranian port as part of Washington's ongoing maritime blockade measures against Iran.
According to the central command, the US fired a Hellfire missile at the ship sailing through the key oil export terminal in the Arabian Gulf, preventing it from reaching the Iranian port as part of Washington's ongoing maritime blockade measures against Iran.
10:48 (IST) Jun 03
US Iran war: Inflation takes an economic toll on Iran
Meanwhile, Iran's annual inflation rate surged to its highest level since World War II in May, highlighting the growing economic strain on ordinary citizens. While the United States seeks to reduce Tehran's influence over the Strait of Hormuz — a vital route that carries around a fifth of global oil and natural gas trade in peacetime — Iran's oil-dependent economy continues to face pressure from US sanctions and military measures.
Economic hardship has repeatedly triggered unrest in Iran. Protests that erupted in 2017 and 2018 over rising food prices left more than 20 people dead and led to hundreds of arrests. In 2019, demonstrations against higher government-subsidised fuel prices reportedly resulted in the deaths of more than 300 people.
Fresh protests broke out earlier this year as the Iranian rial sharply lost value. The demonstrations were described as the most significant challenge to the Islamic Republic since the 1979 revolution and the turbulent years that followed. Activists estimate that more than 7,000 people were killed in a government crackdown on protesters during the unrest in January.
Despite efforts by hardliners to boost public morale through initiatives such as firearms training workshops and public events held under the shadow of ballistic missiles, analysts warn that worsening economic conditions could spark another wave of protests.
“I have no doubt that if Trump leaves (Iran without a formal peace deal) ... most probably, we will see something like January by the end of summer because of the economic and social situations," analyst Mohsen Jalilvand said in a video published by Iran's Fararu news website.
10:02 (IST) Jun 03
What they tried to do is they were going to try to build a conventional shield and hide behind that conventional shield.
Rubio
09:37 (IST) Jun 03
What's left of Iran's navy is a 'bunch of Boston Whalers with machine guns on them.
US secretary of state Marco Rubio
09:17 (IST) Jun 03
Iran war: Blasts heard in Dibbine town as Israel targets south Lebanon
09:06 (IST) Jun 03
US-Iran war: Marco Rubio defends US war against Iran at Senate hearing
US secretary of state Marco Rubio has mounted a firm defence of Washington's military approach toward Tehran, asserting that Iran had sought to develop its conventional arms infrastructure as a "shield" to safeguard its nuclear ambitions.
Testifying before the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Tuesday, Rubio stated that recent American military operations had drastically diminished Iran's military capabilities, effectively stripping its conventional forces of any credible deterrent power.
"What they tried to do is they were going to try to build a conventional shield and hide behind that conventional shield," Rubio told lawmakers.
The top American diplomat emphasised that Tehran's maritime forces had suffered a catastrophic blow during the hostilities. Dismissing the current state of their naval assets, he remarked, "What's left of Iran's navy is a 'bunch of Boston Whalers with machine guns on them,'" adding that the fleet had been severely degraded.
Beyond naval power, Rubio noted that targeted US actions had heavily impacted Iran's broader defence infrastructure, specifically hitting its manufacturing lines for unmanned aerial vehicles. While he admitted that cheap drone technology remains a persistent global threat, he pointed out that Tehran's production capacity had been "eroded."
"This is a pervasive problem around the world. The economics of it are something we have to solve for," Rubio stated, while maintaining that the Islamic Republic's "conventional shield" had been "substantially eroded" by the recent strikes.
Testifying before the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Tuesday, Rubio stated that recent American military operations had drastically diminished Iran's military capabilities, effectively stripping its conventional forces of any credible deterrent power.
"What they tried to do is they were going to try to build a conventional shield and hide behind that conventional shield," Rubio told lawmakers.
The top American diplomat emphasised that Tehran's maritime forces had suffered a catastrophic blow during the hostilities. Dismissing the current state of their naval assets, he remarked, "What's left of Iran's navy is a 'bunch of Boston Whalers with machine guns on them,'" adding that the fleet had been severely degraded.
Beyond naval power, Rubio noted that targeted US actions had heavily impacted Iran's broader defence infrastructure, specifically hitting its manufacturing lines for unmanned aerial vehicles. While he admitted that cheap drone technology remains a persistent global threat, he pointed out that Tehran's production capacity had been "eroded."
"This is a pervasive problem around the world. The economics of it are something we have to solve for," Rubio stated, while maintaining that the Islamic Republic's "conventional shield" had been "substantially eroded" by the recent strikes.
09:06 (IST) Jun 03
Multiple nuclear operations in Iran have now halted amid ongoing conflict: IAEA chief
Amid a fourth round of US-mediated direct talks between Israeli and Lebanese officials in Washington, intense cross-border hostilities persisted on Tuesday, highlighting the deep-seated challenges facing diplomatic initiatives to halt the months-long regional escalation.
Concurrently, international observers are monitoring how the broader conflict intersects with regional nuclear security. According to Al Jazeera, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief Rafael Grossi revealed during a visit to the United Arab Emirates that several previously active nuclear initiatives in Iran have now ceased, noting that the ongoing conflict and the targeting of Tehran's assets have fundamentally shifted intelligence assessments regarding Iran's nuclear trajectory.
Against the backdrop of these changing regional dynamics, delegates from Lebanon and Israel gathered at the US State Department for direct negotiations. Addressing the situation before a US senate foreign relations committee hearing, US secretary of state Marco Rubio expressed confidence that a rapid bilateral solution is achievable. Rubio told the panel that "Israel and Lebanon can do a peace deal tomorrow," while maintaining that "Israel has no territorial claims in Lebanon. Hezbollah is the impediment."
The continued violence on the ground follows an announcement by US President Donald Trump regarding a brokered understanding between the warring factions. According to details provided by the Lebanese embassy in Washington, the proposed framework would initially restrict Israeli operations against Beirut and halt Hezbollah strikes on Israeli soil before potentially expanding to other regions.
Concurrently, international observers are monitoring how the broader conflict intersects with regional nuclear security. According to Al Jazeera, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief Rafael Grossi revealed during a visit to the United Arab Emirates that several previously active nuclear initiatives in Iran have now ceased, noting that the ongoing conflict and the targeting of Tehran's assets have fundamentally shifted intelligence assessments regarding Iran's nuclear trajectory.
Against the backdrop of these changing regional dynamics, delegates from Lebanon and Israel gathered at the US State Department for direct negotiations. Addressing the situation before a US senate foreign relations committee hearing, US secretary of state Marco Rubio expressed confidence that a rapid bilateral solution is achievable. Rubio told the panel that "Israel and Lebanon can do a peace deal tomorrow," while maintaining that "Israel has no territorial claims in Lebanon. Hezbollah is the impediment."
The continued violence on the ground follows an announcement by US President Donald Trump regarding a brokered understanding between the warring factions. According to details provided by the Lebanese embassy in Washington, the proposed framework would initially restrict Israeli operations against Beirut and halt Hezbollah strikes on Israeli soil before potentially expanding to other regions.
09:05 (IST) Jun 03
Iran war: IAEA pledges technical support to UAE following drone strike on nuclear plant
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) director-general Rafael Grossi has confirmed that the global nuclear watchdog is extending comprehensive support to the United Arab Emirates following an official visit to the nuclear power facility that was targeted in a drone strike last month, according to a report by Al Jazeera.
Grossi stated that Emirati officials had demonstrated an exceptionally rapid operational response to the incident at the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant, swiftly executing a reactor shutdown sequence immediately after the installation suffered a loss of external power.
The IAEA chief further indicated that a series of technical assessments and operational activities are scheduled to take place to ensure the complete resolution of repairs at the facility.
According to Al Jazeera, Grossi did not provide any further specific details regarding the exact nature or timeline of the forthcoming maintenance work at the power plant.
This critical international intervention comes after a drone strike triggered a fire at the United Arab Emirates' sole nuclear power facility on 17 May, an incident that was subsequently confirmed by state authorities.
Grossi stated that Emirati officials had demonstrated an exceptionally rapid operational response to the incident at the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant, swiftly executing a reactor shutdown sequence immediately after the installation suffered a loss of external power.
The IAEA chief further indicated that a series of technical assessments and operational activities are scheduled to take place to ensure the complete resolution of repairs at the facility.
According to Al Jazeera, Grossi did not provide any further specific details regarding the exact nature or timeline of the forthcoming maintenance work at the power plant.
This critical international intervention comes after a drone strike triggered a fire at the United Arab Emirates' sole nuclear power facility on 17 May, an incident that was subsequently confirmed by state authorities.
09:05 (IST) Jun 03
US Iran war: Bahrain sounds warning sirens, advises residents to seek immediate shelter
The Bahraini ministry of interior announced on Wednesday that emergency warning sirens had been activated across the country, advising the public to seek immediate shelter amidst unfolding regional developments.
In a post on X, the ministry instructed the populace to maintain composure and prioritise safety protocols, telling people to "remain calm and head to the nearest safe place".
In a post on X, the ministry instructed the populace to maintain composure and prioritise safety protocols, telling people to "remain calm and head to the nearest safe place".
09:04 (IST) Jun 03
Iran war: Kuwait neutralises 'hostile missile and drone attacks' as Iran claims strikes on US bases
Kuwaiti air defence networks actively engaged and neutralised a wave of incoming aerial threats on Wednesday, following reports of loud blasts across multiple sectors of the country amid escalating volatility across the Gulf region.
In an official communique addressing the situation, the Kuwaiti Army's General Staff confirmed that the detonations reported by residents were directly linked to defensive operations executed by tactical units neutralising incoming vectors. The military command announced that "Kuwaiti air defenses are currently confronting hostile missile and drone attacks. The General Staff of the Army notes that if explosion sounds are heard, they are the result of air defense systems intercepting the hostile attacks".
In an official communique addressing the situation, the Kuwaiti Army's General Staff confirmed that the detonations reported by residents were directly linked to defensive operations executed by tactical units neutralising incoming vectors. The military command announced that "Kuwaiti air defenses are currently confronting hostile missile and drone attacks. The General Staff of the Army notes that if explosion sounds are heard, they are the result of air defense systems intercepting the hostile attacks".
Even as Israeli and Lebanese officials held a fourth round of US-mediated direct talks in Washington, fighting across the border continued on Tuesday, underscoring the challenges facing efforts to end months of conflict in the region.
At the same time, concerns over regional security and Iran's nuclear programme remained in focus. According to Al Jazeera, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief Rafael Grossi said during a visit to the United Arab Emirates that several previously active nuclear initiatives in Iran had stopped. He added that the ongoing conflict and attacks on Iranian assets had significantly altered assessments of Tehran's nuclear programme.
Against this backdrop, Israeli and Lebanese delegates met at the US State Department for direct negotiations. Speaking before a hearing of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed optimism about the prospects for peace.
"Israel and Lebanon can do a peace deal tomorrow," Rubio said, adding that "Israel has no territorial claims in Lebanon. Hezbollah is the impediment."
The talks come as the United States continues efforts to broker an understanding between the two sides. According to the Lebanese embassy in Washington, the proposed framework would initially stop Hezbollah attacks on Israel and limit Israeli military operations against Beirut before potentially expanding to other areas.
The conflict began on March 2 when Hezbollah launched attacks against Israel, saying it was acting in support of Iran. The escalation soon drew Lebanon deeper into the broader regional crisis.
So far, neither Israel nor Hezbollah has formally accepted the proposal put forward by US President Donald Trump.
Despite resistance from Hezbollah and the absence of a formal agreement, Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam defended the ongoing negotiations, describing diplomatic engagement as "the least costly choice for Lebanon".
At the same time, concerns over regional security and Iran's nuclear programme remained in focus. According to Al Jazeera, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief Rafael Grossi said during a visit to the United Arab Emirates that several previously active nuclear initiatives in Iran had stopped. He added that the ongoing conflict and attacks on Iranian assets had significantly altered assessments of Tehran's nuclear programme.
Against this backdrop, Israeli and Lebanese delegates met at the US State Department for direct negotiations. Speaking before a hearing of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed optimism about the prospects for peace.
"Israel and Lebanon can do a peace deal tomorrow," Rubio said, adding that "Israel has no territorial claims in Lebanon. Hezbollah is the impediment."
The talks come as the United States continues efforts to broker an understanding between the two sides. According to the Lebanese embassy in Washington, the proposed framework would initially stop Hezbollah attacks on Israel and limit Israeli military operations against Beirut before potentially expanding to other areas.
The conflict began on March 2 when Hezbollah launched attacks against Israel, saying it was acting in support of Iran. The escalation soon drew Lebanon deeper into the broader regional crisis.
So far, neither Israel nor Hezbollah has formally accepted the proposal put forward by US President Donald Trump.
Despite resistance from Hezbollah and the absence of a formal agreement, Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam defended the ongoing negotiations, describing diplomatic engagement as "the least costly choice for Lebanon".
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