US-Israel-Iran War Highlights: Projectile hits near atomic power plant in Iran, says state media

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Iran's Basij chief, Gholamreza Soleimani, has been killed in US-Israeli strikes, confirms Iranian state media. The confirmation came hours after Israel's Defence Minister, Israel Katz, said the Israeli military had eliminated Soleimani alongside top Iranian security official Ali Larijani. The Basij force is a voluntary militia under Iran's Islamic Revolution Guard Corps.

(With Reuters inputs)

A projectile hit near the Bushehr atomic power plant in Iran; no damages reported, says Iranian semi-official Tasnim news agency.

(With Reuters inputs)

Speaking on the ongoing US military campaign against Iran, President Donald Trump has said that the Islamic Republic will "take 10 years to repair the damage" it has suffered so far in the war, adding that his administration has to "make it more permanent."

(With Reuters inputs)

The United Arab Emirates may participate in a US-led initiative to safeguard shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a senior Emirati official said on Tuesday, though no formal plan has been agreed and talks are ongoing.

Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the UAE president, told an online event hosted by the Council on Foreign Relations that “we all have a responsibility to ensure the flow of trade, the flow of energy.” He added that once the US‑Israeli war with Iran ends, arrangements would be needed to prevent Iran from using its nuclear, missile, or drone capabilities “to terrorise the region.”

Concerns have grown over shipping security through the strait, which Iran has effectively blocked, while US President Donald Trump has called on countries to deploy warships to escort tankers through the strategic waterway.

(Reuters)

Germany's Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul on Tuesday said it was not realistic to expect controlled regime change in Iran and said the war could not have only a military solution.

"There will be no military solution. And to have a controlled regime change, is, I would say, a hypothetical idea, which is not realistic," he said, speaking alongside his French counterpart in Berlin at an event hosted by the ZEIT media group.

News agency Reuters reported.

Responding to Joe Kent’s resignation letter, White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt dismissed his claims as misleading, specifically rejecting the assertion that Iran posed no imminent threat to the United States. She said such arguments echo what Democrats and sections of the liberal media have repeatedly claimed, and stressed that Donald Trump had “strong and compelling evidence” indicating Iran was preparing to strike first. According to her, the decision to deploy US military assets was based on intelligence gathered from multiple sources, adding that the President would never take such action in isolation or without substantial justification.

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday told reporters that he expected European nations to deploy minesweepers to assist the United States in the Strait of Hormuz. He described the lack of support as “not a big deal” but said it was nonetheless “unfair” to the US amid ongoing tensions in the region.

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday announced he is postponing a planned visit to Beijing to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping, citing disruptions caused by the ongoing war with Iran and its impact on US foreign policy. “We are resetting the meeting ... We’re working with China. They were fine with it,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. The trip, originally scheduled for March 31‑April 2, will now take place in about five to six weeks. China’s embassy in Washington had not immediately responded to requests for comment.

Security sources reported that three explosive drones struck near the US diplomatic facility close to Baghdad Airport on Tuesday. An explosion was heard in the vicinity, prompting the activation of C-RAM air defence systems to intercept incoming threats, according to police officials. No immediate information was available on casualties or damage, and security forces are investigating the incident.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on X said he spoke with his brother HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, and conveyed advance Eid greetings. The leaders discussed the current situation in West Asia, with PM Modi reiterating India’s strong condemnation of attacks on the UAE that have caused loss of innocent lives and damage to civilian infrastructure. They also agreed on the importance of ensuring safe and free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and committed to working together for the early restoration of peace, security, and stability in the region.

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said the United States is “not ready to leave yet, but we’ll be leaving in the near future” from its military operations against Iran, adding that the country’s forces have been “decimated from every standpoint.” Trump described the Iran operation as primarily military, claiming the conflict was largely over within days as Iran’s navy and air force were swiftly neutralised. He criticised past inaction, saying the US should have targeted Kharg Island years ago to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, warning that failing to act could have triggered a nuclear war in the Middle East or beyond. He also said Iran, once prosperous, is now “a country run by fear.”

The United States has encouraged Syria to explore sending troops into eastern Lebanon to help disarm Iran-backed Hezbollah, but Damascus is reportedly hesitant, fearing entanglement in the Middle East war and a flare-up of sectarian tensions, according to five sources briefed on the matter.

The proposal reflects heightened US efforts to weaken Hezbollah, which fired at Israel in support of Tehran on March 2, triggering an Israeli offensive in Lebanon. Two Syrian officials and two others familiar with the discussions said the idea was first raised last year and was brought up again by US officials shortly before and after the US‑Israeli war against Iran began. All sources spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the issue.

(Reuters)

US President Donald Trump said that most NATO allies had informed Washington they did not want to participate in the country’s military actions in Iran. Writing on Truth Social, Trump claimed that due to the US’s “military success,” American forces no longer require or desire NATO support, also highlighting Japan, Australia, and South Korea as part of the discussion.

Mexico is willing to host Iran’s matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup if governing body FIFA approves the move, President Claudia Sheinbaum said on Tuesday. The offer comes after Iran’s football federation requested that its games be shifted from the United States to Mexico, citing safety concerns for its players following recent US-led airstrikes on the country.
 

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stressed that determination among leaders, commanders and citizens would be key to winning the ongoing conflict, asserting that Israel is resolute and will prevail. He urged the public to “ignore the channels of gloom,” claiming Israel has made “historic accomplishments” since the aftermath of the October 7 attacks, and described the country as emerging stronger with the backing of its allies, including the United States, as it continues military operations.

Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel is working in coordination with the United States in the Gulf, including close engagement with Donald Trump, as military operations against Iran continue. He said there is cooperation between the two countries’ air forces and navies, adding that Israel would support both indirect and direct actions to increase pressure on Iran’s leadership. He also hinted at further undisclosed steps, saying there were “many surprises” ahead while declining to reveal operational details.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a post on X that Israel had “eliminated” Ali Larijani, whom he described as a key figure within Iran’s power structure linked to the Revolutionary Guards. In the video message, Netanyahu also claimed that the commander of Iran’s Basij force had been killed, adding that Israeli operations were ongoing through airstrikes and drone attacks. He said the campaign aims to undermine Iran’s leadership and create conditions for the Iranian people to challenge the regime, while acknowledging that such an outcome would take time and sustained effort.

Joe Kent, director of the US National Counterterrorism Center, has resigned from the administration of Donald Trump, saying he could not support the war with Iran. Kent said Iran posed “no imminent threat” to the United States and alleged the conflict was driven by pressure from Israel and its American lobby, the Associated Press (AP) reported. Kent was confirmed to the post last July on a 52–44 Senate vote.

Donald Tusk has said Poland will not deploy troops to participate in the conflict involving Iran, despite a request by Donald Trump for allies to help secure the Strait of Hormuz. Tusk said Warsaw has no plans for any military expedition to Iran, adding that Poland remains focused on strengthening its land, air and naval forces amid tensions linked to the war in Ukraine, Al Jazeera reported.

World Central Kitchen, the food charity founded by celebrity chef José Andrés, is providing about 25,000 meals daily to people displaced by the ongoing Israel–Hezbollah conflict in Lebanon. With over one million people displaced since fighting escalated on March 2, the group is serving Iftar meals during Ramadan to those sheltering in schools and camps. “We are not only giving food. We are giving people hope and a smile,” member Aline Kamakian told the Associated Press.

Missile alerts were reported in Dubai on Tuesday afternoon after authorities warned of incoming Iranian fire. The Israel Defense Forces also said it detected a missile launch from Iran targeting Israel, with sirens sounding in Jerusalem, the Associated Press (AP) reported.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu posted a video message on X, extending Nowruz greetings to the Iranian people, even as unverified rumours about his death circulated online.

Oil prices rose nearly 3 percent on Tuesday, recovering some of the previous session’s sharp losses as renewed Iranian attacks on the United Arab Emirates reignited concerns over supply disruptions, with the Strait of Hormuz still largely shut. Fresh disruptions at the UAE’s Fujairah port and the continued suspension of operations at the Shah gas field have added to market jitters as the US-Israeli war on Iran enters its third week.

One Lebanese soldier was killed, and four others were wounded in an Israeli airstrike in the southern city of Nabatieh, the Lebanese army said on Tuesday, amid rising hostilities between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah. The troops were hit while travelling by car and motorcycle and were taken to hospital, with one of the injured later succumbing to his wounds.

The Israeli military said it was aware of the reports and that the incident was under review, reiterating that its operations target Hezbollah and not the Lebanese Armed Forces. The strike comes as Israeli attacks across Lebanon intensify, with authorities reporting over 880 deaths and more than one million displaced, alongside repeated warnings from Israel that Lebanon could face territorial consequences if Hezbollah is not disarmed.

(Reuters)

White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett said the ongoing US-Israeli conflict with Iran is likely to conclude in weeks rather than months, expressing confidence in a relatively short timeline for the war. He maintained that the conflict is not significantly hurting the US economy, describing it as fundamentally strong despite rising energy prices and global uncertainty. Hassett also asserted that US President Donald Trump would not back down, signalling the administration’s intent to see the military campaign through to its conclusion.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards intelligence organisation has arrested 55 individuals in the country’s south on charges of cooperating with the United States and Israel, according to the semi-official Tasnim news agency. The reported detentions come amid an ongoing security crackdown during the conflict, with Iranian authorities repeatedly announcing arrests of individuals accused of espionage or links to foreign adversaries.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has called on Europe to prepare both short- and long-term measures to shield consumers and businesses from surging energy prices triggered by the ongoing Iran conflict. He said the trajectory of the war remains unpredictable, expressing hope that the conflict would not drag on, even as global energy markets face significant volatility due to disruptions in the region.

Disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz cannot be addressed in isolation from the ongoing US-Israeli war against Iran, Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi told United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday. According to a post on his Telegram account, Araqchi stressed that the situation in the vital shipping corridor is directly linked to the broader conflict, now in its third week and impacting global energy flows.

He also urged countries and international institutions concerned with global peace and security to condemn what he described as US-Israeli attacks on Iran, calling for a stronger response from the international community.

India on Tuesday rejected reports that it had discussed any exchange of vessels with Iran to secure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. A spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs said no such discussions had taken place, after a Reuters report claimed Iran had sought the return of three seized tankers in return for ensuring safe transit for India-flagged or India-bound ships through the crucial oil shipping route. The spokesperson, however, confirmed that India remains engaged with Iran to facilitate the return of ships currently stranded in the Strait of Hormuz.
 

Greece on Tuesday said it is seeking a durable, long-term framework to ensure safe and uninterrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, amid rising tensions in the region. Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis said Athens does not support any separate or piecemeal arrangements that would allow vessels to transit the strategic waterway, stressing instead the need for a comprehensive solution that safeguards stability and freedom of navigation.

(Reuters)

The United Nations has said civilians are suffering heavily as the conflict in Lebanon expands, causing deaths, injuries, and mass displacement. UN Humanitarian Coordinator Imran Riza highlighted that hundreds of thousands have fled their homes with minimal belongings. The war escalated on March 2 after Hezbollah fired at Israel in retaliation for the killing of Iran’s supreme leader. Israeli strikes have killed over 800 people in Lebanon and displaced more than 800,000, with numbers expected to rise.

A senior Iranian official told Reuters that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei has rejected proposals for reducing tensions or a ceasefire with the United States, conveyed via two intermediary countries.

The official described Khamenei’s position in his first foreign policy session as “very tough and serious,” emphasising revenge against the US and Israel. It was not clarified whether the Supreme Leader attended the session in person, but the decision signals a hardline approach amid escalating conflict.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has reported that Iran has launched missiles in the direction of Israel, triggering heightened alert and defensive measures, according to multiple news updates. Sirens have sounded in parts of the country as defensive systems worked to intercept incoming projectiles amid the ongoing US–Israel conflict with Iran. 

Ali Larijani’s office issued a handwritten message ahead of the funeral for personnel killed aboard the IRIS Dena. In the note, Larijani described their deaths as part of the “sacrifices of a courageous nation” in the struggle against “international oppressors,” saying their memory will remain in the hearts of the Iranian people.

He prayed for the “highest ranks” for the martyrs and emphasised that their sacrifice would strengthen Iran’s armed forces for years. The note, issued from Tehran under the Supreme National Security Council, is dated 26 Esfand 1404.

A senior Iranian official told Reuters that Iran’s new supreme leader, in a foreign policy session, rejected proposals for reducing tensions or establishing peace with the US. The proposals, reportedly sent via two intermediary countries, were dismissed as “not the right time for peace.” The leader emphasised that the US and Israel must be defeated and urged compensation, signaling a hardline stance amid the escalating US-Israeli conflict with Iran.

The Lebanese army reported that five soldiers were wounded, two critically, in an Israeli airstrike in Nabatieh, southern Lebanon. The troops were struck while travelling by car and motorcycle and were taken to hospital. The attack comes amid intensified Israeli strikes across Lebanon, which have killed more than 880 people and displaced over a million. Israel has reinforced positions in southern Lebanon after Hezbollah fired rockets earlier this month, with Defence Minister Israel Katz warning of potential territorial losses unless the group is disarmed.

Meanwhile, Iranian state media has released a handwritten note from Ali Larijani, Iran’s top security chief, following reports of him being targeted in Israeli airstrikes. The note is seen as Larijani’s first public message amid conflicting reports about his condition. Details of the message have not yet been fully disclosed, but it signals Tehran’s effort to assert continuity in leadership and reassure domestic and regional audiences amid ongoing military operations.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said on Tuesday that Ali Larijani, Iran’s top security chief and secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, was killed in an Israeli airstrike, according to reports citing Israeli officials. Iranian authorities have not yet confirmed Larijani’s death. Initial accounts had suggested he was targeted in overnight strikes, but his fate was previously unclear; the new claim, if confirmed, marks a major escalation.

Police sources report that an airstrike has targeted positions of the Iraqi Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) north of Baghdad. The scale of damage and any casualties have not yet been confirmed. The strike comes amid heightened regional tensions following U.S.-Israeli operations against Iran, underscoring the risk of spillover attacks in Iraq as the conflict expands across the Middle East.
 

Iranian state media say a message from Ali Larijani, Iran’s top security chief, is expected to be released soon, signaling a public response amid reports he was targeted in recent strikes. Larijani has been actively posting statements on social media addressing Muslim nations and defending Tehran’s position in the conflict, highlighting resistance against Western criticism and urging solidarity. Tehran has not yet confirmed his condition or message contents.

The head of a UN inquiry has said Israel’s airstrike on Evin prison last June constituted a war crime, killing at least 80 people, including one child and eight women. The facility, which holds political prisoners, has reportedly been affected again in recent US-Israeli strikes. Israel stated the attack targeted intelligence operations and sought to minimise civilian harm. The UN warned that continued bombings risk further repression and harm to detainees, including foreign nationals.

The Israeli military said it conducted strikes against “Iranian regime infrastructure” in Tehran and Hezbollah positions in Beirut. Reports indicate that Israel also targeted Iran’s security chief Ali Larijani, though his status remains unclear. Israeli officials have not confirmed casualties. The military has prepared detailed plans for at least three more weeks of operations against Iran.
 

Israeli officials say Gholamreza Soleimani, commander of Iran’s Basij paramilitary force, was targeted in an overnight airstrike inside Iran. Initial reports do not confirm whether he was killed or injured. The Basij, part of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), plays a central role in internal security and domestic enforcement operations. The strike comes amid Israel’s ongoing campaign against senior Iranian military and security figures in the wider regional conflict.

Israeli media reported that the Israel Defence Forces have targeted Ali Larijani, Iran’s security chief and secretary of its Supreme National Security Council, in an airstrike, though it remains unclear whether he was killed or injured. There has been no official confirmation from Iranian authorities on his condition. The report marks a significant and potentially escalatory strike against senior Iranian leadership amid ongoing hostilities.

Five soldiers were injured in Southern Lebanon's Qaqaiyat al-Jisr town after Israel launched an airstrike on Tuesday.

Israel on Tuesday launched fresh airstrikes targeting Iran's Security Council Chief and Mojtaba Khamenei's aide Ali Larijani. 

However, the fate of Larijani following the attacks is unclear.

Iraq’s oil minister told Al Jazeera that Baghdad has reached understandings with Tehran to permit certain Iraqi oil tankers to transit the Strait of Hormuz amid the ongoing crisis, state media reported. The move aims to ease export disruptions caused by the blockade and threats in the strategic waterway, which handles about one‑fifth of global oil shipments. Iraq is also seeking alternative export routes to mitigate the impact of the crisis.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it has targeted Iranian regime infrastructure in several locations, including Tehran, Shiraz, and Tabriz. In Tehran, command centers and storage sites for UAVs, ballistic missiles, and air defense systems were hit. Shiraz saw strikes on internal security forces’ command centers and a missile site, while additional Iranian air defense systems were dismantled in Tabriz. The IDF said the operations aim to expand aerial superiority and protect Israel amid ongoing conflict.

Iraq is inspecting and rehabilitating the long‑dormant Kirkuk‑Ceyhan oil pipeline with plans to restart crude exports to Turkey’s Mediterranean port, officials said. Restoring this route could help Baghdad bypass the blocked Strait of Hormuz and partially recover lost export capacity. The revived northern export option comes as Iraq contends with halted southern shipments and broader economic strains from the ongoing conflict.

Iraq’s oil minister has said Baghdad is in discussions with Tehran to permit certain oil tankers to transit the Strait of Hormuz despite the ongoing crisis, according to state news. The talks aim to enable limited passage for commercial vessels amid severe disruptions caused by military action in the region. While Iran has hinted at selective safe transit for some countries’ ships, broader shipping remains risky as tensions persist.

Iran’s navy commander Shahram Irani has warned of retaliation after the IRIS Dena was sunk in the Indian Ocean, killing dozens of sailors, as per the report. He said Tehran would not forget the attack and would respond with “deadly strikes” at a time and place of its choosing. The warning signals rising maritime tensions as the conflict expands beyond the Gulf into wider regional waters.

Civil Defense teams have extinguished a fire that broke out in a fuel tank near Dubai International Airport, with cooling operations currently underway. The blaze had raised concerns about aviation safety in one of the region’s busiest travel hubs. The incident follows heightened tensions and recent aerial threats, further underlining the fragile security situation in the Gulf.

Dubai Airport authorities have suspended landing permissions for incoming flights until further notice due to the evolving security situation in the region. IndiGo confirmed the update, advising passengers to stay informed about travel changes. The disruption comes as missile and drone threats escalate across the Gulf, impacting aviation operations and raising concerns over airspace safety.
 

One person has been killed in Abu Dhabi’s Bani Yas area after debris from an intercepted ballistic missile fell in the vicinity, according to the Abu Dhabi Media Office. The incident highlights the growing risks to civilians as missile and drone interceptions continue across the Gulf. It comes amid intensifying Iranian retaliatory strikes targeting multiple countries in the region.
 

The United Arab Emirates has suspended operations at the Shah gas field following a drone attack, highlighting the growing impact of the conflict on critical energy infrastructure. The move comes amid a series of Iranian missile and drone strikes targeting key facilities across the Gulf. The disruption raises concerns over energy supply stability as tensions around the Strait of Hormuz continue to intensify.

Iran is negotiating with FIFA to relocate its World Cup matches from the United States to Mexico amid the ongoing conflict, according to the country’s football federation chief. The move reflects growing security concerns as tensions escalate in the Middle East. Iran’s participation in the tournament has already come under doubt due to the war, with officials citing safety and political challenges.
 

Several explosions were heard across Qatar’s capital Doha on Tuesday, according to an AFP journalist, a day after similar blasts were reported in the city. The development comes as Iran continues its retaliatory campaign following US and Israeli strikes, with Gulf nations increasingly coming under drone and missile attacks. The repeated strikes highlight the widening scope of the conflict beyond its initial front lines.

The United Arab Emirates said its air defence systems are actively responding to incoming missile and drone threats from Iran, according to the defence ministry. The development marks a significant escalation as Gulf states face increasing direct attacks amid the widening regional conflict. The incident comes as tensions surge across the Middle East, with multiple countries now reporting aerial threats linked to the ongoing war.
 

An eyewitness video has surfaced showing a drone being intercepted near the US Embassy in Baghdad using a C-RAM air defence system. Iraqi security sources confirmed that rockets and at least five drones were launched at the embassy early Tuesday. A Reuters witness also reported seeing multiple drones heading toward the compound. The timing of the video is yet to be independently verified, but no earlier versions were found online.
 

An Israeli airstrike targeted the outskirts of Debaal town in southern Lebanon, marking a fresh escalation on the Lebanon front amid the wider Middle East conflict. Reports indicate the strike hit areas on the town’s periphery, though details on casualties or damage remain unclear. The development comes as Israel continues operations against suspected militant positions, raising concerns of further spillover beyond its primary conflict zones.

A fresh sound of an explosion was heard in Qatar's capital, Doha, on Tuesday, news agency Reuters reported.

The sound of fresh explosions was heard in several parts of Tehran on Tuesday, Al Jazeera reported, citing sources from Voice of America's (VOA) Persian-language service. The explosions reportedly hit the Andarzgoo neighbourhood and the IRGC paramilitary base in the Kamraniyeh neighbourhood.

US officials had also warned President Donald Trump before the strikes that Iran could attempt to close the Strait of Hormuz if war broke out. The vital waterway carries roughly 20% of the world’s oil supply. In recent days, Iranian drones and missiles have hit targets in Gulf countries, while shipping through the strait has largely halted, sending global energy prices sharply higher.

US intelligence assessments had warned that attacking Iran could trigger retaliation against American allies in the Gulf, despite President Donald Trump saying the response came as a surprise. According to US officials and sources familiar with the reports, pre-war intelligence flagged strikes on Gulf states as a possible outcome. Iran has since launched drone and missile attacks targeting sites in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Kuwait.
 

Gulf leaders increasingly view degrading Iran’s military and strategic capabilities as a long-term regional priority after Tehran launched attacks across the Gulf. Analysts say the strikes have altered political calculations in the region, with governments now concerned about protecting critical energy infrastructure and shipping routes. The latest developments highlight how the Israel-Iran war is reshaping security thinking across the Gulf states.

Anger among Gulf states has hardened after Iran carried out missile and drone strikes targeting airports, ports and oil facilities across the region. The attacks have also disrupted shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route that carries roughly a fifth of the world’s oil supply. Analysts say the strikes have shifted regional sentiment, with several Gulf leaders now viewing Iran as a direct security threat.
 

The United States is urging Gulf countries to openly support the ongoing war against Iran, according to diplomats familiar with the discussions. President Donald Trump is reportedly seeking visible regional backing to strengthen the campaign’s international legitimacy and domestic support. The push comes as tensions deepen across the Gulf following Iranian missile and drone attacks on key economic and infrastructure sites in the region.
 

Several Gulf Arab states are urging the United States not to halt military operations against Iran before its ability to threaten regional oil routes is significantly weakened, sources told Reuters. While Gulf countries did not initially push Washington to go to war, leaders now fear that a limited campaign could allow Tehran to rebuild its capabilities and once again threaten the region’s critical energy lifelines and economic stability.
 

The Indian Navy has stepped up maritime security operations as tensions grow in the Strait of Hormuz. Naval ships are providing assistance and protection to commercial shipping carrying crude oil and gas to India. Officials said the Navy remains on high operational alert to respond to emerging threats. Indian warships have also maintained deployments in the Gulf of Oman and Gulf of Aden since 2019 for anti-piracy and regional security operations.

The Indian Navy has deployed two task forces with multiple naval assets to escort merchant vessels and oil tankers heading to India from the North Arabian Sea. Escort operations began last week, with warships accompanying India-bound vessels safely to Indian ports amid rising tensions around the Strait of Hormuz. The deployment is part of India’s broader maritime security grid to protect critical energy supply routes.
 

Israel carried out additional airstrikes on Beirut, escalating tensions on the Lebanon front as the wider Middle East conflict intensifies. Reports said multiple blasts were heard in parts of the Lebanese capital after Israeli forces targeted suspected militant positions. The strikes come amid the ongoing Israel-Iran confrontation, raising concerns that fighting could further expand across the region and draw Lebanon deeper into the war.

Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh said Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is “healthy” and continuing to lead the country amid the ongoing conflict. Responding to questions about his whereabouts, Khatibzadeh said the leader remained fully in charge. The comments come as the regional war intensifies and speculation grows over Iran’s leadership and decision-making during the escalating crisis.

Iran has indicated that it is not considering negotiations at the moment, saying its immediate priority is defending the country’s sovereignty. Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh said Tehran was focused on responding to the ongoing conflict rather than engaging in diplomatic talks. He also urged Washington to “think twice” before making decisions on Iran, accusing Israel of pushing its own agenda in the region.

Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh said any attempt by a foreign country to deploy troops inside Iran would violate international law. In an interview with Sky News in Tehran, he said even suggesting such a move was “very reckless.” The remarks come as tensions remain high amid the ongoing US-Israel conflict with Iran, raising fears of deeper military involvement.

Iran has warned the United States against deploying troops inside its territory, saying such a move would drag American forces into a “quagmire.” Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh said the idea of foreign boots on Iranian soil would be reckless and illegal. Speaking in Tehran, he stressed that Iran was focused on defending its sovereignty and would strongly respond to any attempt at direct military intervention.

US Vice President JD Vance said he supports President Donald Trump’s stance that Iran should not be allowed to develop nuclear weapons. Vance said the recent military action against Iran was carried out under Trump’s leadership and called for bipartisan support for American troops. He urged both Democrats and Republicans to pray for the safety and success of US forces involved in the conflict.

US President Donald Trump has defended his administration’s decision to launch military strikes against Iran, even as some members of the Republican Party’s “America First” wing have questioned the move. Critics have also pointed to rising fuel prices as a consequence of the conflict. Trump, however, argued that Iran has been creating problems for the United States for decades, justifying the military response.
 

Donald Trump said he had spoken with a former US president who expressed regret about not confronting Iran while in office. However, Trump refused to identify the leader, saying revealing the name would be embarrassing. Four former US presidents are currently alive – Bill Clinton, George W Bush, Barack Obama and Joe Biden – though Trump did not indicate which one he was referring to.
 

US President Donald Trump said a former US president recently told him he regretted not taking action against Iran during his time in office. Speaking at the White House, Trump said the unnamed leader told him, “I wish I did it,” referring to military action against Tehran. Trump declined to reveal the identity of the former president, saying he did not want to embarrass him.
 

US President Donald Trump said the relationship between the United States and Israel remains strong as the war with Iran intensifies. Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump said the two militaries are “very well coordinated,” although he acknowledged that the strategic goals of Washington and Tel Aviv may not be exactly the same. The comments underscore the deep military cooperation between the two allies during the ongoing conflict.
 

Concerns about a potential nuclear escalation in the Israel-Iran conflict were recently raised by White House AI and crypto czar David Sacks. In an interview, Sacks said there were fears that Israel could escalate the war by contemplating the use of nuclear weapons. His comments highlighted the growing anxiety among policymakers and analysts about the risks of the ongoing conflict expanding into a far more destructive phase.
 

US President Donald Trump has played down concerns that Israel might escalate the war with Iran by using nuclear weapons. Responding to questions from reporters, Trump said he was confident Israel would not take such a step. The remarks come after growing international concern about the possibility of the conflict spiralling into a nuclear confrontation if hostilities between the two countries continue to intensify.
 

US President Donald Trump said he does not believe Israel would ever use a nuclear weapon in its war with Iran. Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said Israel “would never do that,” dismissing concerns about a potential nuclear escalation. His remarks come as the conflict between Israel and Iran intensifies, raising global fears about the possibility of the war expanding into a more dangerous phase.
 

US President Donald Trump said Washington was “shocked” after Iran expanded its attacks to Gulf nations, saying even top security experts did not anticipate such a move. Speaking at the White House, Trump said countries including Kuwait and Bahrain had come under fire as the conflict spread beyond its original front lines. He added that the scale and targets of the attacks had surprised analysts and marked a dangerous escalation in the regional war.
 

Iran has begun striking several Gulf countries, widening the geographical scope of the conflict that initially centred on Israel. US President Donald Trump said the attacks had taken security experts by surprise, noting that Kuwait, Bahrain and other regional states had been targeted. The development signals a major escalation in the ongoing war, raising fears that the conflict could expand into a broader regional confrontation involving multiple Middle Eastern countries.
 

US President Donald Trump expressed frustration after several Western allies declined his call to send warships to escort oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz. Countries including Germany, Spain and Italy said they had no immediate plans to deploy naval forces. Trump criticised the lack of enthusiasm from long-standing partners, arguing that the mission was critical to keep the strategic waterway open amid the ongoing US-Israel conflict with Iran.
 

The Strait of Hormuz remains largely closed as the US-Israel war with Iran enters its third week, disrupting one of the world’s most important energy routes. Nearly 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments pass through the narrow waterway. Iran has reportedly deployed drones and naval mines in the area, raising fears of prolonged disruption, surging energy prices and inflationary pressure across global markets.
 

Germany has ruled out sending warships to escort tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, citing the absence of a mandate from the United Nations, the European Union or NATO. Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Berlin had not been consulted before Washington and Israel launched strikes on Iran. Other European countries including Spain and Italy have also indicated they currently have no plans to join the proposed maritime security coalition.
 

US Senator Lindsey Graham has urged European and Middle Eastern allies to support President Donald Trump’s efforts against Iran, warning that a nuclear-armed Tehran would eventually threaten them as well. Graham said recent US operations had prevented Iran from developing nuclear weapons and criticised past diplomatic agreements with Tehran. He also called on allies to help keep the Strait of Hormuz open, saying the shipping route benefits them significantly.
 

Hong Kong’s leader said the escalating Iran conflict could temporarily affect the city’s economy but may also create financial opportunities. Officials said the government was monitoring potential disruptions to aviation and energy supply chains, while maintaining communication with electricity providers and airlines. At the same time, the administration believes Hong Kong’s financial stability could attract increased capital inflows as investors look for secure global markets during geopolitical instability.