US-Israel-Iran War News Highlights: Iran launches barrage of missiles towards Israel; explosions heard in Dubai

Iran navy chief warns of ‘deadly retaliation’ for US sub sinking its warship in Indian Ocean

Iran's navy chief has vowed "deadly retaliation" after a US submarine sank the warship IRIS Dena in the Indian Ocean, killing 87 sailors. The attack occurred off Sri Lanka's coast following a naval exercise. Iran's security chief also condemned the incident, calling it a sacrifice in the struggle against "international oppressors." Read full story

Saudi Arabia says intercepts 6 drones, Kuwait reports rocket attack

Saudi Arabia said it intercepted several drones, while Kuwait activated its air defences in response to a rocket and drone attack, authorities in both countries said on Wednesday.

The Saudi defence ministry said it had destroyed six drones in the eastern part of the country in two separate statements.

"Kuwaiti air defenses are currently intercepting hostile rocket and drone attacks," Kuwait’s military said in a post on X.

US embassy in Baghdad targeted by drones

A drone attack targeted the US embassy in Baghdad and an explosion was heard in the area, security sources cited by Reuters said.

Israeli strike hits central Beirut

Tehran's missile attack kills 2 in Israel

"We saw smoke rising from a building with extensive damage and shattered glass. From among the debris, we saw two unconscious casualties, with no pulse and not breathing, with severe injuries to their bodies," the Magen David Adom emergency responder said in a statement, adding medics had pronounced the two people dead at the scene.

US targets Iranian missile sites near Strait of Hormuz

‘Will continue path of defiance’: Iran president after security chief Larijani’s death

Iran on Tuesday confirmed the death of its national security chief Ali Larijani, hours after Israel took responsibility of killing him in an airstrike. Iran president also condoled the death while vowing to take revenge. "The pure souls of the martyrs embraced the purified soul of God's righteous servant, Martyr Dr. Ali Larijani," said Iran's Supreme National Security Council in a statement, as quoted by AFP. Read full story

Iran war news: Tehran claims 'hostile projectile' hit nuclear plant site

Atomic Energy Organization of Iran said a “hostile projectile” struck the site of the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant in western Iran on Tuesday, but reported no casualties or damage.

In a statement carried by Iranian media, cited by CNN, the organisation said its Nuclear Safety Center had assessed the incident and found it caused “no financial, technical, or human damage,” adding that “no part of the power plant was damaged.”

It said the projectile landed on the facility’s grounds at around 7 pm local time, without identifying who was responsible.

“Such actions are against all international regulations on immunity of nuclear facilities from military attacks and can have irreparable consequences for the entire region, including the countries bordering the Persian Gulf,” the statement said.

Explosions ring out in Dubai, followed by a missile alert

“The sounds heard across parts of the city were the result of successful air defence interception operations," siad the government’s Dubai Media Office said

Blasts heard over Jerusalem after Israel detects Iran missile launch

At least two explosions were heard in Jerusalem early Wednesday after Israel’s military said it had detected another wave of missiles launched from Iran.

Journalists from Agence France-Presse reported seeing bright flashes in the sky moments after the army said its air defence systems were “operating to intercept the threat” from the latest barrage.

Israel army urges residents to evacuate south Lebanon's Tyre city

Israel’s military late on Tuesday urged residents of the southern Lebanon city of Tyre to evacuate, warning it would strike targets in the area linked to Hezbollah.

The military’s Arabic-language spokesperson Avichay Adraee issued an “urgent alert” on social media, saying the army planned to “act forcefully” against Hezbollah and outlining a proposed evacuation route.

Bilal Kashmar, media coordinator for the disaster management unit at the Tyre district municipalities union, told Agence France-Presse that chaos erupted across Tyre and nearby areas following the late-night order, with residents rushing to flee amid heavy traffic and warning gunfire.

He added that many families had remained in the area, including in several Palestinian refugee camps, despite earlier Israeli evacuation warnings covering large parts of southern Lebanon.

Around 11,000 people displaced from other parts of southern Lebanon have also taken shelter in Tyre and nearby areas now under threat, including in collective shelters, he said.

US drivers see gas prices jump to their highest level in three years as the Iran war drags on

The war involving Iran has disrupted global oil flows, pushing up fuel costs and adding pressure on households worldwide. In the United States, drivers are now paying the highest prices at the pump in nearly two and a half years.

According to AAA, the national average price for a gallon of regular gasoline rose to $3.79 on Tuesday, up from $2.98 before the US and Israel launched joint strikes on Iran on February 28. Gas prices were last this high in October 2023.

“It’s pretty hard. I mean, times are tough for everybody right now," Amanda Acosta, a Louisiana resident, told The Associated Press while filling up her car this week. “I’m getting way less gas and paying way more money.”

Netanyahu sends message from the Air Force command center to the People of Iran for Nowruz

“I'm here with Israel's Defense Minister, our Chief of Staff, the head of the Mossad, the Chief of Air Force, our senior commanders. In the past 24 hours, we knocked out two of the terrorist chieftains, the top terrorist chieftains of this tyranny," he said.

"Our aircraft are hitting the terror operatives on the ground, in the crossroads, in the city squares. This is meant to enable the brave people of Iran to celebrate the Festival of Fire. So celebrate and Happy Nowruz. We're watching from above," he added.

Iran war news: Iran confirms death of security chief Ali Larijani

The Supreme National Security Council confirmed the death of its chief, Ali Larijani, after Israel said he was killed in an airstrike.

"The pure souls of the martyrs embraced the purified soul of God's righteous servant, Martyr Dr. Ali Larijani," the council said, adding that his son and bodyguards were also killed, as reported by AFP.

"After a lifetime of struggle for the advancement of Iran and of the Islamic Revolution, he ultimately attained his long-held aspiration, answered the divine call, and honourably achieved the sweet grace of martyrdom in the trench of service," it added.

US to ease Venezuela sanctions to unlock more oil amid Iran conflict: Report

The Donald Trump administration plans to take further steps to ease sanctions on Venezuela’s oil sector in a bid to boost crude output amid the ongoing war with Iran, Bloomberg News reported on Tuesday, citing sources familiar with the matter.

The measures, which could be announced as early as this week, include issuing additional individual licences that would allow foreign companies to operate in Venezuela without breaching US sanctions.

US Iran War News: Iraq condemns targeting of US embassy in Baghdad

“Once again, outlaw groups have repeated their heinous attack by targeting the headquarters of the US Embassy in the capital, Baghdad, this evening,” al-Nu’man said in a statement received by the Iraqi News Agency, as quoted by Al Jazeera.

“This criminal act, which is condemned and rejected by the state, represents a blatant terrorist attack on the sovereignty and prestige of Iraq," it added.

Iraq asks Iran for oil tanker passage through Strait of Hormuz: minister

A founding member of the OPEC cartel, crude oil sales make up 90 percent of Iraq's budget revenues. Before the outbreak of war on February 28, Iraq mainly shipped its oil, roughly 3.5 million barrels per day, from the southern Basra fields via the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran has closed the strait, through which as much as a fifth of the world's global crude oil and liquefied natural gas is normally shipped, to vessels from most countries.

"Communications are underway with the relevant authorities to authorise the passage of certain oil tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, in order that we can resume our exports," Iraqi oil minister Hayan Abdel Ghani told local TV station al-Sharqiya, referring to the Iranians.

Iran Israel War: Israel says striking Basij militia in Tehran after leader killed

Irael's military said it was striking Iran's Basij paramilitary force in its positions around Tehran on Tuesday, after announcing it had killed the volunteer militia's top commander.

"The air force has attacked, in recent hours, soldiers and positions of the Basij unit that were deployed throughout Tehran," Israel's air force posted online along with a video of what it said was a strike.

Earlier Tuesday, Israel had announced that it had killed Basij commander Gholamreza Soleimani in an air strike, at the same time as it said it had assassinated Tehran's national security chief Ali Larijani. While Iran confirmed the death of Soleimani, no statement has been issued on Larijani.

Iran Israel War: Israel says it will pursue, find and 'neutralize' Mojtaba Khamenei

Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it will continue targeting anyone who “poses a threat to the state of Israel,” including Mojtaba Khamenei, its spokesperson Effie Defrin said on Tuesday.

Asked about Khamenei’s whereabouts, Defrin said the military had no information, adding: “But I can say one thing: we will continue – as we have proven – we will continue to pursue anyone who poses a threat to the state of Israel, and anyone who raises a hand against it is not immune from us. We will pursue him, find him, and neutralize him," as quoted by CNN.

Defrin also said Israel would continue targeting Iran’s Basij, adding: “I say here again, we will reach everyone, no matter where or when.” The IDF earlier said it had killed the force’s commander Gholamreza Soleimani.

He added that Israel was preparing for a “prolonged campaign,” including during Passover, which falls in early April this year.

Iran Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi slams US in message to Afghanistan

"In this blessed month of Ramadan, I sincerely thank the government and people of Afghanistan. They have condemned the aggression of America and the Israeli regime, and expressed solidarity and support for the people and government of Iran. With trust in God, we stand firm and steadfast against aggression. I hope that peace and tranquility will also endure in Afghanistan," he said on X, as translated from Persian.

US Iran War News: 'Damage has been done but we have to make it little bit more permanent,' said Trump on Op Epic Fury

"It was very successful. The damage has been done but we have to make it a little bit more permanent, because we don’t ever want to have this problem again. You can’t have lunatics controlling nuclear weaponry," he said.

Iran Israel War: Israel says it continues to strike Hezbollah in Lebanon

Israel said it continued striking Hezbollah targets across Lebanon, including what it described as “weapon storage facilities, launchers and launching sites, terrorists, and structures belonging to the organization.”

The Israeli military said it “eliminated several Hezbollah terrorists across southern Lebanon and struck a Hezbollah logistics structure in Beirut," as reported by CNN.

While Israel has maintained it is targeting the Iranian-backed Hezbollah, the Lebanese Armed Forces earlier said an Israeli strike in southern Lebanon killed one soldier and wounded four others, at least one of them critically.

The Israeli military said it is “aware of the claim” that several Lebanese soldiers were injured in an airstrike and that the incident is under review.

US Iran War News: 'War is proceeding very, very strongly,' says Trump

"I just do want to say that the war is proceeding very, very strongly. We're doing very, very well, knocking the hell out of them and you have to do that. We can't let them have a nuclear weapon. They were two weeks away from having a new nuclear weapon. If those beautiful, magnificent machines, those B2 bombers, if they didn't do their job, seven or eight months ago, they would have had, they would have had a nuclear weapon and there would have been no talking to him, no talking at all," he said.

"They would have used it very gladly, very happily, and you sort of see that by the fact that they were sending missiles, ballistic missiles, powerful missiles to all of their neighbours, and for the most part, they were supposed to be somewhat friendly with their neighbours. They would have gone to blow the hell out of them. And that was going to be the Middle East between Israel, the Middle East and Europe would have been there and we would have been there. There would have been no stopping. We did a good job. And a lot of people appreciate it. A lot of presidents know they should have done it. It was 47 years of terror. Every time you see somebody with no legs, no arms, a face that's been really so badly damaged, so badly hurt, lives destroyed. 95% chance it was it came right out of Iran. They loved that bomb, they loved, they loved that bomb. And the father of that was, as you know, Soleimani, General Soleimani. And we got rid of him in my first term. And if we didn't get rid of him, I think it might have been a different story because he was a bad guy, but he was a brilliant guy if you like to fight dirty. And he fought as dirty as you can. So we've done something that a lot of people said that other people should have done long before I got here. But it's my honour to do it and we've had a a very big day today. We knocked out things that nobody thought were possible to knock out. Today was a very big day already," The US president added.

Iran War News: Iran Guards confirm death of Basij paramilitary chief in US-Israeli strike

"Commander Gholamreza Soleimani, head of the Basij Organization, has been martyred," the Guards said on their Sepah News website, after Israel said it had killed him in an air strike.
Earlier in the day, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said that Qasem Soleimani and Ali Larijani, secretary of Supreme National Security Council, were “eliminated last night".

Both men played key roles in Iran’s crackdown on protests in January that challenged the theocracy’s 47-year rule. Their deaths would deprive Iran of influential leadership at a time when the war poses one of the most serious tests for the Islamic Republic in recent decades.

Iran has neither confirmed nor denied reports of Larijani’s killing. He is widely regarded as one of the country’s most powerful figures since Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed in an airstrike on the first day of the war.

US Iran War News: Trump takes jab at former president Obama

"If I didn't terminate Obama's horrible deal that he made, the Iran nuclear deal, you would have had a nuclear war four years ago. You would have had a nuclear holocaust, and you would have had it again if we didn't bomb the site," said the US President

Powerful Iran-backed group demands every 'foreign soldier' leave Iraq

Powerful Iran-backed armed group Kataeb Hezbollah in Iraq demanded late Tuesday that every "foreign soldier" leave the country, its security chief said.

"Iraq's instability is due to the malicious American presence, and security will not be achieved until the last foreign soldier leaves Iraqi territory," the group's new security chief Abou Moujahed al-Assaf said in a statement.

Middle East Crisis: Rockets, drones target US embassy and diplomatic site in Baghdad again - sources

Rocket and drone attacks on the US embassy and a diplomatic facility in Baghdad resumed on Tuesday after a series of earlier strikes the same day, according to security sources cited by Reuters.

Rockets and an explosive drone targeted the US embassy compound, setting off sirens, while an explosion was heard nearby.

At least three explosive drones also targeted a US diplomatic facility near Baghdad International Airport, triggering C-RAM air defence systems. There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage.

US Iran War News: Trump says Iran damage may take 10 years to repair, vows more permanent blow

US President Donald Trump said the damage inflicted on Iran could take 10 years to repair, but added that the US wanted to make it “more permanent.”

US Iran War News: Donald Trump says Middle East allies have strongly backed US-Israel war on Iran

US President Donald Trump said the United States has received strong backing from several Middle Eastern countries in the war against Iran, naming Qatar, the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain as key supporters.

He said Israel had also worked closely with Washington in what he described as a “very strong collaboration.”

Trump added that he had viewed Iran as a major threat for years and said Tehran could not be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon, claiming it would use one “within 24 hours” if it ever acquired one.

Iran Israel War: Zelenskyy says 201 Ukrainian anti-drone experts deployed in Middle East

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Tuesday that 201 Ukrainian anti-drone military experts are already in the Middle East to help defend countries in the region against Iranian-designed Shahed drones, with another 34 ready to deploy.

Speaking to British lawmakers in the UK parliament, Zelenskyy said the teams were already in the UAE, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, while more personnel were on the way to Kuwait.

Iran War News: 'Yes, Mike, I’m alive,' says Netanyahu to US envoy

US Iran War: Netanyahu jokes about death rumours in video with US envoy Mike Huckabee

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu mocked conspiracy theories about his death in a new video with US Ambassador Mike Huckabee.

In the clip, Huckabee joked that US President Donald Trump wanted him to check if Netanyahu was alright, to which the Israeli PM replied, “Yes, Mike, I’m alive.”

Netanyahu also referenced false online claims that recent videos of him were AI-generated.

In the video, he said he had “erased two names” from a list of Iranian leaders Israel is targeting, referring to Ali Larijani and Gholamreza Soleimani, both killed overnight.

Middle East Crisis: Trump says Nato making ‘foolish mistake’ by refusing to help on Iran

US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that Nato was making a “foolish mistake” on Iran after alliance members largely rejected his calls to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz to oil traffic.

Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office while hosting Ireland’s prime minister, Trump said, “I think Nato is making a very foolish mistake,” and criticised allies for saying Iran was a threat while refusing to assist.

Middle East crisis: 'Reiterated India’s strong condemnation of all attacks on the UAE' , says PM Modi after speaking with UAE President

US Iran War News: PM Modi speaks to UAE president, discusses Iran war & Strait of Hormuz

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he spoke with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and conveyed advance Eid greetings while discussing the current situation in Middle East.

PM Modi said India strongly condemned all attacks on the UAE that caused loss of innocent lives and damage to civilian infrastructure.

He added that both leaders agreed on the importance of ensuring safe and free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and said India and the UAE would continue working together for the early restoration of peace, security and stability in the region.

Iran War News: Mideast war could trigger 'permanent' refugee crisis: Turkey FM

Iran Israel War: Trump says US does not need help from countries after Nato allies decline to join military operation

US President Donald Trump said most Nato allies have informed Washington that they do not want to get involved in the US military operation against Iran, even though they agree Tehran must not be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon.

In a strongly worded statement, Trump criticised Nato as a “one way street” and said the United States no longer needs or wants allied assistance because of what he described as major military success against Iran.

He also said the US does not need help from countries including Japan, Australia or South Korea.

US Iran War: IDF warns Hezbollah may launch major rocket barrage in coming hours

The Israeli military said it has identified preparations by Hezbollah to carry out a major rocket attack on Israel in the coming hours. According to the IDF, the group is planning to fire a large number of rockets at both northern and central Israel.

The military said it is taking steps to try to thwart the planned barrage from Lebanon and is ready to intercept incoming rockets using air defence systems.

The IDF said it issued the public warning to avoid unnecessary panic and after previously facing criticism for not alerting the public ahead of a large Hezbollah attack last week.

Iran War News: France ready to join Hormuz ship escorts once situation 'calmer', says Emmanuel Macron

Middle East Crisis: Canada says it was not consulted on US-Israeli strikes on Iran

Canada was not consulted on the US-Israeli strikes on Iran that triggered the current Middle East war and has no plans to join any offensive military action, foreign minister Anita Anand said on Tuesday.

Speaking ahead of talks in Ankara, Anand said Ottawa’s focus remains on de-escalation, civilian protection and humanitarian concerns.

She said Canada did not take part in the strikes and stressed that any future decisions involving Nato would be taken in coordination with the alliance.

Anand also said she and Turkish officials agreed that ending the war and protecting civilian lives must remain the top priority.

US Iran War News: Hezbollah denies Kuwait claims of group-linked ‘sabotage plot’

Hezbollah denied on Tuesday that it had any members in Kuwait after the Gulf country announced the arrest of 14 Kuwaitis and two Lebanese nationals allegedly affiliated with the group over a "sabotage plot".

Kuwait's interior ministry had said in a statement Monday that the group "aimed to destabilise the country's security and recruit individuals to join the terrorist organisation", adding that a number of weapons, camera drones and morse code communication devices were seized.

But Hezbollah said in a statement that it "categorically denies the allegations and accusations issued by the Kuwaiti interior ministry".

The Iran-backed militant group called the allegations "baseless" and added: "There are no Hezbollah cells, members or networks in Kuwait."

Lebanon was drawn into the Middle East war on March 2 when Hezbollah attacked Israel in response to the killing of Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in US-Israeli strikes.

Beirut banned the group's military and security activities this month after the attack in an unprecedented step.

In previous years, Lebanon has faced tensions with Gulf states including Kuwait, which have expressed concern about Hezbollah's influence on the Mediterranean country.

Kuwait has also faced security problems related to armed groups in the region, including Hezbollah.

Lebanese foreign minister Youssef Raggi said on Tuesday that his ministry condemned "the terrorist plot that targeted Kuwait's sovereignty and security" along with any Hezbollah involvement.

"The ministry reaffirmed Lebanon's full solidarity with Kuwait and its readiness to cooperate in the investigation to ensure those responsible are held accountable," Raggi added on X.

Last month, Lebanon's health ministry said it would seek clarification after Kuwait inscribed several private hospitals in the Mediterranean country on its "terror" list.

The facilities are all owned or run by Hezbollah or affiliated organisations, and are located in south and east Lebanon and Beirut's southern suburbs -- all strongholds of the Iran-backed militant group, which Kuwait's circular did not mention.

Iran Israel War: Netanyahu says Israel killed Ali Larijani, Basij commander in fresh strikes

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel killed Ali Larijani, whom he described as the head of the Revolutionary Guards, along with the commander of the Basij, in fresh strikes.

In a statement, Netanyahu said the Basij were “terrorizing the population” in the streets of Tehran and other Iranian cities.

He added that Israel was continuing operations inside Iran and said the strikes were being carried out from the air using Israeli Air Force jets and UAVs.

Middle East Crisis: Iran allows Pakistani oil tanker to pass through Strait of Hormuz

Iran has allowed a Pakistani commercial oil tanker to pass through its side of the Strait of Hormuz and enter Pakistan’s territorial waters, an official said on Tuesday, according to news agency PTI.

The vessel, MT Karachi, carrying around 109,990 tonnes of crude oil, is set to dock at Karachi Port on Wednesday, according to Pakistan National Shipping Corporation spokesperson Farooq Nizami.

He said the tanker crossed the strait on March 15 after loading crude at Das Island in Abu Dhabi and was given full protection by a Pakistan Navy vessel during its journey amid the volatile security situation in the Gulf.

US Iran War News: Joe Kent quits as counterterrorism chief, says he cannot back Iran war

Joe Kent, the director of the National Counterterrorism Center, announced his resignation on Tuesday, saying he “cannot in good conscience” support the Trump administration’s war in Iran.

In a social media post, Kent said Iran “posed no imminent threat to our nation” and claimed the conflict began due to pressure from Israel and its American lobby.

Kent, who was confirmed to the post last July in a 52-44 vote, led the agency responsible for analysing and identifying terrorist threats. Before joining the administration, he served as a Green Beret and later worked at the CIA.

Iran Israel War: Netanyahu says Larijani killing gives Iranians chance to topple rulers

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Tuesday that the killing of Tehran’s national security chief Ali Larijani was part of efforts to give Iranians a chance to remove their rulers.

In a televised statement, Netanyahu said, “This morning we eliminated Ali Larijani,” calling him the head of the Revolutionary Guards.

He said the overthrow of Iran’s clerical leadership “will not happen all at once” and “will not happen easily,” but added that if Israel persists, it will give Iranians “a chance to take their fate into their own hands.”

US Iran War: Damage reported in central Israel after suspected cluster munition strike

Iran’s latest missile attack caused damage in central Israel, apparently from a cluster munition fired by a ballistic missile.

Footage showed a crater at the impact site and a car overturned in Rishon Lezion.

The Magen David Adom ambulance service said it had not received any reports of injuries. Rescue services also reported at least six other impact sites across central Israel, believed to have been caused by possible cluster munitions or other falling fragments.

US Iran War News: Report says around 300 Basij members killed in overnight strikes

London-based Iranian opposition outlet Iran International has reported that around 300 Basij members were killed in overnight strikes across Iran. Israel had earlier said it killed Basij chief Gholamreza Soleimani, his deputy and other senior officials, but did not provide casualty figures.

The report said the strikes hit multiple Basij command and logistics centres, including a site housing hundreds of vehicles used for patrol and enforcement operations.

It added that units involved in suppressing protests were among those hit hardest.

Middle East Crisis: Lebanese soldier killed, four wounded in Israeli strike in south Lebanon

The Lebanese military said on Tuesday that an Israeli strike on a car and a motorcycle in southern Lebanon killed one of its soldiers and wounded four others.

In a statement, the army said the casualties occurred in the Nabatiyeh region after what it called an “Israeli hostile raid.” An army official told AFP the soldiers had just finished their duties for the day.

The Israeli military said it was aware of the claim, that the incident was under review, and insisted its operations were aimed at Hezbollah, not the Lebanese Armed Forces or civilians.

Iran Israel War: UAE says it intercepted 10 ballistic missiles, 45 drones in latest Iranian attack

The United Arab Emirates said it intercepted 10 ballistic missiles and 45 drones launched by Iran on Tuesday, according to the Emirati defence ministry.

The UAE also said that since the US-Israel war on Iran began on February 28, it has intercepted a total of 314 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles and 1,672 drones.

US Iran War: IDF detects fresh ballistic missile launch from Iran

The Israeli military said it has detected a new ballistic missile launch from Iran.


The IDF said sirens are expected to sound in central Israel in the coming minutes as air defence systems prepare to respond to the incoming threat.