Israel–U.S. Strikes on Iran

India has invoked emergency powers and ordered refiners to maximise LPG production to prevent shortages caused by supply disruptions linked to the Middle East crisis.

Authorities directed refiners to ensure all available propane and butane are used for LPG output.

Emirates and Etihad Airways are resuming limited flight schedules from the UAE despite ongoing missile threats.

Etihad says flights will operate to about 70 destinations through March 19, while Emirates is running a reduced schedule to 82 destinations.

Dubai airport traffic has nearly doubled from the previous day but remains about 25% of normal levels.

Passengers are paying huge sums to leave the Middle East, with one traveller saying he spent about £20,000 ($26,700) booking an Emirates flight from Dubai to the UK.

Another passenger said he paid £1,500 ($2,005) just to reach Muscat in Oman to catch a flight home amid travel disruption.

Israel’s Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich warned that Beirut’s southern suburbs could face devastation similar to Gaza after Israeli forces issued evacuation orders for the area.

“Very soon Dahiyeh will resemble Khan Younis,” Smotrich said, referring to the southern Gaza city heavily damaged during the war.

“Hezbollah made a mistake, and it will pay a heavy price. We are striking at the head of the octopus in Iran, and at the same time we will sever Hezbollah’s arm,” he added.

Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran’s deposed shah, called on officials of the Islamic Republic to “hand over power immediately” following the killing of Iran’s supreme leader.

In a statement on X, he said any attempt to appoint a successor to Ali Khamenei would fail, arguing that whoever replaces him would lack legitimacy.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claims it shot down a US F-15E strike fighter near the country’s southwestern borders, according to the semiofficial Tasnim news agency.

Tasnim, citing the IRGC, said the twin-seat aircraft had been “targeted and crashed,” but did not specify when the alleged incident occurred. US Central Command said on X that rumors circulating online about a US F-15E crash in Iran are “baseless and NOT TRUE.”

UK Middle East minister Hamish Falconer told parliament the crisis involving Iran could continue for months.

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

Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem said the group’s “patience has a limit” in his first televised address since the war began.

Qassem also said Hezbollah would not surrender regardless of the sacrifices.

The United States has struck more than 2,000 targets in Iran, destroying “hundreds and hundreds of ballistic missiles and drones,” White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said.

She said the strikes would give the US and Israel complete dominance over Iranian airspace.

Leavitt also said US forces had destroyed 20 Iranian naval vessels, including a submarine sunk off the coast of Sri Lanka.

Israel’s military said missile launches from Iran have been decreasing following strikes on launch sites and stockpiles.

Army spokesperson Nadav Shoshani said Israeli forces had “neutralised around 300 ballistic missile launchers”.

“We believe our operations against those missile launchers and against those stockpiles are an integral part of the fact that we’re seeing the amounts of missiles fired every day diminish,” he added.

Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem said the Iran-backed Lebanese group will confront what he described as “Israeli-American aggression”.

“We are facing aggression… our choice is to confront it until the ultimate sacrifice, and we will not surrender,” Qassem said in remarks broadcast on the group’s television channel.

The statement marked his first speech since the start of the US-Israeli attacks on Iran.

French President Emmanuel Macron said he held talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam regarding the increasingly tense situation in Lebanon.

Macron called on Hezbollah to immediately halt its attacks against Israel, warning that continued escalation threatens the entire region.

At the same time, he urged Israel to respect Lebanon’s territorial integrity and avoid launching a ground offensive, stressing the need to return to the existing ceasefire framework.

France also announced it will support the Lebanese Armed Forces in strengthening state authority and will launch humanitarian initiatives for displaced civilians in southern Lebanon.

White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said President Donald Trump believes Americans back the US-Israel attacks on Iran.

“President Trump is smart enough to read ‌past many of the fake news headlines produced by people in this room that his action was unjustifiable,” she told reporters.

“Make no mistake killing these brutal terrorists is good for America and makes the world a much safer place,” she added.

The head of the UN nuclear watchdog called for “utmost restraint” as the United States and Israel continue attacks on Iran.

The International Atomic Energy Agency said satellite imagery showed no damage to facilities containing nuclear material and no risk of a radiological release.

The agency reported visible damage to two buildings near the Natanz site in Isfahan but said there was no additional impact, and no damage detected at other nuclear facilities including Bushehr.

Russia’s representative to international organizations in Vienna, Mikhail Ulyanov, said the ongoing attacks against Iran represent a “devastating blow” to the global nuclear non-proliferation regime.”

Ulyanov also stated that the strikes on the Natanz nuclear facility constitute what he called “unjustified aggression” and a “flagrant violation of international law.”

Hezbollah said its fighters detonated an explosive device and clashed with Israeli forces near the southern Lebanese town of Khiam.

The group said the attack occurred at about 16:30 GMT after its fighters monitored what it described as Israeli troops advancing toward the area, adding that the blast was followed by direct fighting.

In a separate statement, Hezbollah said it also fired a rocket barrage toward Israeli forces in the northern Israeli town of Kiryat Shmona.

The International Atomic Energy Agency said satellite imagery shows two buildings damaged near Iran’s nuclear site in Isfahan.

The UN nuclear watchdog said there were no signs of damage to facilities containing nuclear material and no risk of radiological release.

It added that no further damage has been detected at the Natanz site and none at other Iranian nuclear facilities, including Bushehr.

Canada’s Foreign Minister Anita Anand said she has asked Oman to allow the use of its airspace “if necessary” to evacuate Canadians from the Gulf region.

“Our top priority right now is the 100,000 Canadians that are in the region,” Anand said at an event in Toronto.

Her office said Canadians are being urged to leave the region by their own means, and that there are currently no plans for Ottawa to coordinate evacuations.

President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio offered conflicting explanations for Washington’s decision to join Israel’s attack on Iran.

Rubio said the US acted preemptively because it expected Iran to retaliate against American forces following planned Israeli action. “We knew that there was going to be an Israeli action; we knew that that would precipitate an attack against American forces, and we knew that if we didn’t preemptively go after them before they launched those attacks, we would suffer higher casualties,” he said.

Trump, however, said he believed Iran was preparing to strike first and rejected suggestions Israel pushed the US into the conflict. “I might have forced their (Israel’s) hand,” he said, adding: “We were ⁠having negotiations with these lunatics, and it was my opinion that they were going to attack first.”

The head of the World Health Organization said three paramedics were killed and six injured while recovering victims of explosions in southern Lebanon.

“I am saddened by the developments in Lebanon today where 3 paramedics were killed and another 6 injured while recovering people injured by explosions in the southern Tyre district,” Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said.

The Israeli military said it has begun another wave of “extensive” strikes against Iran, targeting what it described as launch sites, defence systems and other infrastructure.

“The Air Force has now begun a wave of extensive strikes against launch sites, defense systems, and additional infrastructure of the Iranian terror regime,” the military said in a social media post.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations said it received a report of a loud explosion near a vessel, followed by smoke in the water about 137 nautical miles off Muscat, Oman.

The vessel and its crew were reported safe, the agency said.

France described Hezbollah’s attacks on Israel as “irresponsible” during a call between Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot and Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam.

Barrot “expressed France’s solidarity in the face of the ordeal Lebanon is going through due to the irresponsible decision of Hezbollah to join the Iranian attacks against Israel”, the Foreign Ministry said.

He also spoke with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar and conveyed “solidarity with the civilians affected by the Iranian attacks.”

First-hand sources tell Inter Bellum News that internet jamming and connectivity disruptions are occurring in several parts of Kuwait.

The extent and cause of the interference are not yet officially confirmed, but the reports come amid continued missile activity and air defense operations in the region.

Further details are expected as authorities assess the situation.

Iranian media outlets are reporting that a U.S. Air Force F-15 fighter jet was shot down by Iranian air defense systems.

No visual confirmation or independent verification has yet been released, and U.S. authorities have not commented on the claim.

Further confirmation is required.

The United Arab Emirates said it has been targeted by more than 1,000 attacks from Iran, according to a Foreign Ministry statement.

Qatar’s security agencies have arrested two cells of operatives associated with Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, the state-run Qatar News Agency reported.

The arrests mark the first known detentions of this kind in Qatar since the conflict began.

Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan described Iran’s retaliatory strikes across Gulf states as an “incredibly wrong strategy” in a televised interview with state-run TRT HABER.

“Iran’s bombing of Arab countries without making any distinction – Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan — all of them — is, in my opinion, an incredibly wrong strategy,” Fidan said.

“It significantly increases the risk in the region. But from Iran’s own perspective as well, it is an extremely mistaken strategy.”

US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said the administration is intensifying efforts to reassess immigrants admitted under various programmes for potential security threats amid the US-Israel war on Iran.

Speaking at a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, Noem said the department was reviewing social media activity and prior interviews of those who entered the country, but did not provide specific details.

“We are working every single day to find them and to make sure that we're preventing the next attack and preventing the next crime they (might) perpetuate against the American people,” she told lawmakers.

European Union foreign ministers will hold a videoconference with their counterparts from the Gulf Cooperation Council on Thursday morning, an EU official told Reuters.

Gulf leaders are said to be particularly concerned about potential strikes on critical infrastructure, including power grids, water desalination facilities and energy installations.

Analysts say the crisis represents a significant shift in regional security dynamics, with Gulf states now focused less on nonstate actors and more on broader state-level threats.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel is continuing to carry out strikes on Iran and warned Hezbollah of further escalation.

“We continue to strike Iran with force. Our pilots are over the skies of Iran and Tehran and also over the skies of Lebanon,” Netanyahu said at an air force base in central Israel, according to a statement from his office.

“Hezbollah made a very big mistake when it attacked us. We have already responded forcefully, and we will respond with even greater force.”

Image from Minab show solemn burial ceremonies for victims of the strike on the Shajareh Tayyebeh girls’ elementary school in southern Iran.

Over 100 schoolchildren and staff were killed when the school was hit during the opening day of the U.S.–Israeli military campaign on February 28.

Live maritime traffic data shows a massive buildup of commercial vessels on both sides of the Strait of Hormuz.

The continued disruption is placing pressure on global energy and shipping markets as one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints remains inaccessible to normal traffic.

Inter Bellum News has been informed by a U.S. military source that a B-52 Stratofortress deployment to the Middle East is being prepared.

The B-52 is a long-range strategic bomber capable of carrying large conventional strike payloads and is typically deployed in high-intensity scenarios as both a deterrent signal and operational asset.

No official Pentagon announcement has been made at this time. Further confirmation is pending.

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Mao Ning stated that Iran is not developing nuclear weapons and urged the United States and Israel to immediately halt military operations.

“We note that Iran has repeatedly confirmed its lack of intention to develop nuclear weapons and has recently engaged in serious and candid conversations with the US,” Mao said at a press briefing. She called for an immediate end to hostilities and the resumption of dialogue to safeguard the international nuclear non-proliferation regime and maintain regional and global stability.

Mao also said that U.S. and Israeli strikes occurred during negotiations, which she described as a violation of international law and a factor contributing to rising tensions in the Middle East. Beijing reiterated its support for resolving the Iranian nuclear issue through diplomacy and affirmed Iran’s right to peaceful nuclear energy use.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov criticised the United States’ handling of the conflict with Iran, saying that Washington’s ultimate objective remains unclear.

Lavrov noted that different statements from U.S. officials, including claims that the Supreme Leader was targeted and later comments distancing the United States from that goal, have made it difficult, in his view, to discern a consistent policy aim. He argued that shifting explanations about the rationale for the military campaign have contributed to uncertainty over American intentions.

Moscow has repeatedly called for restraint and political resolution as the crisis escalates, and Lavrov has emphasised the need for diplomatic avenues alongside his criticism of U.S. messaging.

Iran’s Red Crescent Society has released updated figures on the human toll of U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran:

• 787 people killed in the campaign so far
• 153 cities affected by attacks
• 504 distinct locations struck

These figures reflect the large scale of the ongoing bombardment across multiple provinces. Official casualty reporting in the midst of conflict can vary, and other sources have reported totals ranging from the mid-500s to over 1,000 when broader categories of casualties are considered.

Pakistan’s former ambassador to the United Nations, Maleeha Lodhi, called on the prime minister to withdraw from what she described as President Donald Trump’s “Board of Peace” following the attacks on Iran.

“Time for Pakistan to leave the Board of Peace which it should not have joined in the first place, set up and headed by a man who has launched attacks against 7 countries and whose admin is complicit in Israel’s genocide in Gaza,” Lodhi, who also served as ambassador to the United States and United Kingdom, wrote on X.

After a brief pause in reporting, here is a consolidated overview of key developments across the region:

Iran

• Sustained U.S.–Israeli airstrikes across Tehran and western Iran.

• Heavy bombardment reported in both eastern and western districts of the capital.

• Sections of the IRIB broadcasting complex confirmed hit.

• Reports of explosions near the Isfahan nuclear facility.

• Iranian air defense claimed multiple aircraft downed.

• IRGC claims cruise and ballistic missile launches targeting U.S. bases and naval assets.

• Continued missile launches toward Gulf states.

Israel & Lebanon

• Israeli airstrikes across southern Lebanon, including areas linked to Hezbollah.

• Hezbollah drone launches into northern Israel.

• Air raid sirens across northern Israeli communities.

Gulf States

• Kuwait: Multiple strikes reported; U.S. Embassy issued shelter warning; fighter jet crashes confirmed with crews surviving.

• Bahrain: Continued strikes near U.S. naval facilities.

• Qatar: Declared Iranian attacks “cannot go unanswered,” followed by further missile launches toward Doha.

• UAE: Panic buying reported amid supply chain disruption.

• Saudi Arabia: Reports of strikes on ARAMCO-linked infrastructure.

• Oman waters & Strait of Hormuz: Ongoing maritime tensions.

Casualties

• U.S. military confirms 6 American service members killed.

• China confirms 1 Chinese citizen killed in Iran.

• Additional casualty figures remain fluid and contested.

Strategic Movements

• Multiple U.S. C-5M strategic airlifters en route to the region.

• Likely reinforcement of air defense systems amid reported logistical strain.

• Israeli military source described sustained air defense rotations as increasingly taxing.

Diplomatic & Political

• NATO: No plans to enter the conflict.

• Russia–Saudi call focused on de-escalation concerns.

• Iran: Refuses negotiations with the U.S.

• U.S. State Department urges Americans to depart 14 Middle Eastern countries immediately.

Economic Impact

• European gas prices surged 22%.

• European markets opened sharply lower.

• Regional supply chains in Kuwait and UAE reported under stress.

The conflict remains multi-front, multi-state, and high-tempo. No visible diplomatic off-ramp as of this morning.

Live coverage continues.

The International Atomic Energy Agency said satellite imagery shows “some recent damage to entrance buildings” at Iran’s underground Natanz Fuel Enrichment Plant.

“No radiological consequence expected and no additional impact detected at FEP itself, which was severely damaged in the June conflict,” the agency added.

Australia said all of its defence personnel stationed at Al Minhad Air Base near Dubai are safe following a drone attack at the site over the weekend.

“All the Australians who are there are safe and accounted for. There were no injuries to Australians,” Defence Minister Richard Marles told reporters in Canberra.

He added that more than 100 Australian personnel are deployed across the Middle East, most of them based in the United Arab Emirates at Al Minhad.

US President Donald Trump has spoken with the leaders of Iraq’s two main Kurdish factions, Masoud Barzani and Bafel Talabani, a day after joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran, Axios reported.

The outlet said the factions control strategic territory along the Iran-Iraq border and maintain close ties with Iran’s Kurdish minority. An unnamed source told Axios the “calls were the culmination of months of behind-the-scenes lobbying by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu”.

“It is the general view, and certainly Netanyahu’s view, that the Kurds are going to come out of the woodwork … that they’re going to rise up,” one official was quoted as saying.

The US embassy in Riyadh issued a security alert advising American citizens in Saudi Arabia to shelter in place immediately.

In a statement posted on X, the embassy said it was also restricting non-essential travel to military installations in the region.

UNESCO expressed “concern” over the protection of cultural heritage amid the escalating conflict between Iran and joint US-Israeli forces, citing reports of major damage to Tehran’s historic Golestan Palace, a World Heritage site.

“UNESCO recalls that cultural property is protected under international law, notably the 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict, including its enhanced protection mechanism, as well as the 1972 Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage,” the agency said.

Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations said Tehran is not seeking conflict despite condemnation from Gulf states over recent missile and drone launches.

“Iran does not seek war, Iran does not seek escalation,” Amir-Saeid Iravani said during a media briefing at UN headquarters in New York. “But Iran will not surrender its sovereignty.”

Saudi authorities said the fire reported earlier at the US embassy in Riyadh was caused by a drone attack.

“The US Embassy in Riyadh was subjected to an attack by two drones according to initial estimates, resulting in a limited fire and minor material damage to the building,” a Defence Ministry spokesperson said.

Black smoke was seen rising over Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter following a reported explosion at the US embassy, according to two sources who spoke to Reuters.

Three people familiar with the matter said a loud blast was heard and flames were visible at the embassy early on Tuesday morning, with one source describing the fire as minor. Reuters said it was not immediately able to confirm the circumstances.

An embassy spokesperson and the Saudi government media office did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Reports indicate the United States is sending reinforcements to the Middle East, with at least 15 refuelling aircraft currently crossing the Atlantic.

The planes are said to be accompanying, or possibly supporting, various types of fighter jets, though further details were not immediately available.

Matthew Petti, assistant editor at Reason, wrote on X that contacts in Kuwait described the situation there as “absolute pandemonium,” while sources in Bahrain characterised the atmosphere as a “powder keg.”

His remarks come as much of the international focus remains on developments in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.

Qatar’s military said it shot down two ballistic missiles aimed at “several areas of the country” before they entered its airspace.

“The Ministry affirmed that the threat was dealt with immediately upon detection, in accordance with pre-approved operational plans, and that both missiles were intercepted before reaching Qatari territory,” the Defence Ministry said in a statement.

South Korean media report that Washington is considering moving the THAAD missile defence system from the Korean Peninsula to the Middle East.

Experts cited in the reports said US Forces Korea assets, including Patriot batteries, THAAD systems and surveillance platforms such as MQ-9 Reaper drones, could be among those redeployed. Analysts warned that shifting air defence resources could raise concerns in South Korea, which faces ongoing ballistic missile threats from North Korea.

A fire broke out at the US embassy in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, after an explosion was heard, according to two sources who spoke to Reuters.

No further details were immediately available.

Reports indicate that Iranian drones used in recent strikes were fitted with upgraded Russian components, including “Comet” antenna modules.

The nearly jam-resistant antenna system, which includes GLONASS capability, was reportedly installed on drones that struck a British base in Cyprus.

According to the claims, the upgraded systems enhance resistance to signal jamming and reflect modifications developed during Russia’s war in Ukraine.

Peninsula Shield Forces have been seen deploying in the streets of Bahrain after entering through the Saudi border, amid concerns over potential riots or an uprising by the country’s Shiite-majority population.

The last time GCC troops were sent into Bahrain was during the Arab Spring.

The United Arab Emirates said its air defences are intercepting a new wave of missiles launched from Iran.

“Emirati air defences are currently dealing with a barrage of ballistic missiles coming from Iran,” the Defence Ministry said in a statement.

Iranian missile strikes on the Beersheba area targeted the Beersheba Technology Park, according to Israeli sources.

The site hosts major high-tech firms, including Microsoft, which operates a research and development centre there, as well as the military industries company Rafael.

Iran’s state broadcaster IRIB was reportedly targeted in an Israeli attack, with footage showing thick smoke rising from a complex linked to the network.

The head of IRIB said there was no update on casualties, though the scale and sound of the explosions raised concerns about possible victims. Reports also indicated that the former building of the Iranian parliament was targeted.

Despite the strike, broadcasting was continuing, according to the latest update.

Israel’s military said it has killed Adham Adnan al-Othman, whom it described as the Palestinian Islamic Jihad commander in Lebanon.

The announcement followed a statement from the Quds Brigades, the group’s armed wing, which said al-Othman was killed overnight.

In its statement, the Israeli army said he had served as a commander for several years and was responsible for planning attacks against Israel. It alleged he had recently continued operating inside Lebanon, including training recruits, recruiting members and procuring weapons.

Russian President Vladimir Putin held a telephone conversation with Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud amid the widening conflict in the Middle East.

According to the Kremlin readout, the two leaders discussed the escalation resulting from what Moscow described as U.S. and Israeli armed aggression against Iran. Both sides expressed serious concern over the risk of further geographical expansion of the conflict, noting that several Arab states have already been affected.

Putin emphasized the need to resolve the increasingly dangerous situation through political and diplomatic means. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reportedly stated that Russia could play a constructive and stabilizing role, given its ties with both Iran and Gulf states.

The call reflects ongoing diplomatic maneuvering as regional powers seek to prevent broader destabilization.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Britain will not take part in US-Israeli offensive strikes against Iran, despite permitting the use of UK bases for what he described as defensive purposes.

“We are not joining the US-Israeli offensive strikes. The basis for our decision is for the collective self defence of longstanding friends and allies and protecting British lives,” Starmer said.

He added that the UK’s role would remain limited, saying, “we will continue our defensive actions in the region.”

US President Donald Trump said the United States was taken by surprise by Iran’s attacks on Arab countries but said that US forces were capable of repelling them. 

“We were surprised by Iran’s attacks on Arab countries, and we confirmed that we are capable of repelling them. Now, they want to fight with us and participate in the battle,” Trump said in a statement.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps said the 11th wave of missiles and drones targeted the city of Bir as-Sab’, also known as Beersheba, according to the semiofficial Tasnim news agency.

The report claimed a communications industries complex used by the Israeli army was struck. Tasnim later published a photo it said showed a building targeted in the city “which houses major international companies, including Microsoft”.

A commander in Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps has threatened to launch missile strikes on Cyprus, according to Iran’s semiofficial Tasnim news agency.

Tasnim quoted Brigadier General Ibrahim Jabari as saying: “The Americans have moved most of their aircraft to Cyprus, and we will launch several missiles at Cyprus to force them to leave from there as well.”

Israeli evacuation warnings across wide areas of Lebanon have prompted large-scale displacement, with residents fleeing towns and neighbourhoods amid threats of expanded air strikes.

The Israeli military said it would target every branch of al-Qard al-Hasan, a financial institution affiliated with Hezbollah, as part of what it described as an offensive expected to last several days. Officials said strikes would intensify and that Hezbollah would “pay the price” for launching rockets across the border earlier in the day, which the group said was retaliation for the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei.

Smoke was seen rising from Beirut’s southern suburbs, where large numbers of residents have left since early morning. In southern Lebanon, evacuation orders covering dozens of border communities have left many areas largely deserted, as families sought shelter in schools, mosques and hotels amid fears of further strikes.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and United Arab Emirates President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan have reiterated the need for an immediate ceasefire between Iran, the United States and Israel, Russia’s Foreign Ministry said following a phone call between the two leaders.

Moscow said they discussed what it described as “tragic developments” in the Middle East and stressed the importance of returning to political and diplomatic efforts.

In its statement, Russia called recent military action against Iran an “unprovoked act of armed aggression against a sovereign UN member state”.

It added that the UAE president said Iran is attacking his country “despite the fact that UAE territory is not being used as a launchpad for attacks against Iran and [the Iranian attacks on the UAE] are therefore unjustified”.

The US Embassy in Beirut urged American citizens to avoid travel to Lebanon and called on those in the country to leave without delay.

“Depart Lebanon NOW while commercial flight options remain available,” the embassy said in a social media post.

“The security situation in Lebanon is volatile and unpredictable. Airstrikes have occurred throughout the country, especially in the south, the Beqaa, and parts of Beirut.”

The US embassy in Baghdad warned that “Iran-aligned terrorist militias continue to pose a significant threat to public safety” as it directed American nationals and mission personnel to remain indoors.

“The U.S. Mission in Iraq advises U.S. citizens to exercise increased caution, maintain a low profile, and shelter in place until further notice,” the embassy said in a statement, adding that all staff had been instructed to follow the same guidance.

The advisory comes after hundreds of pro-Iran Iraqi protesters clashed with security forces near the embassy on Sunday. Authorities accused demonstrators of firing live rounds that wounded security personnel during what they said was a second attempt to breach the area following earlier confrontations with heavily deployed forces.

Israel’s military said it has begun striking “Hezbollah terror targets throughout Lebanon”.

“Further details to follow,” it said in a statement published on Telegram, as large plumes of smoke were seen rising over the Lebanese capital, Beirut.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said there are currently no US “boots on the ground” in Iran, while declining to exclude possible future measures.

He said Washington would go as far as necessary to advance American interests, adding it would not act in a way that is “foolish”.

Hegseth also questioned the rationale for publicly detailing potential military options, saying it would make little sense to inform an adversary of actions the United States might consider to achieve its objectives.

At least two B-2 Spirit bombers have returned to the United States, Inter Bellum News has learnt.

Two KC-135R refuelling aircraft that accompanied them have also arrived at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.

US President Donald Trump said it took “far too much time” for UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to reverse an initial refusal to permit the use of the joint UK-US Diego Garcia base for strikes on Iran.

Starmer said late on Sunday that US forces would be allowed to operate from British bases against Iran in a limited capacity focused on missile sites.

“That’s probably never happened between our countries before,” he said, adding: “It sounds like he was worried about the legality.”

The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Grossi, said diplomatic efforts must resume to secure a lasting solution to Iran’s nuclear programme.

“We hope that this process or a diplomatic process shall resume – it must,” Grossi told reporters in Geneva.

Grossi said a “long, durable” solution that provides predictability for Iran and neighbouring countries would need to be discussed.

Iran’s president has named Revolutionary Guards general Majid Ebnelreza as acting defence minister following the death of his predecessor in Israeli-US strikes.

“By order of President Masoud Pezeshkian, Revolutionary Guards general Majid Ebnelreza has been appointed as acting defence minister,” deputy for presidential communications Mehdi Tabatabaei said on X.

Two drones flying toward the United Kingdom’s Akrotiri base in Cyprus were “successfully intercepted”, Cyprus government spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis said in a post on X.

State media had earlier reported that sirens sounded at the base shortly after midday.

Three U.S. F-15E Strike Eagle jets were brought down late Monday in what U.S. Central Command described as an apparent friendly fire incident involving Kuwaiti air defenses.

The aircraft were operating as part of Operation Epic Fury, the U.S. military campaign against Iran, when they were mistakenly targeted during active combat conditions that included Iranian aircraft, missile and drone attacks.

All six crew members ejected safely and were recovered. CENTCOM said the incident remains under investigation.

Earlier, Kuwait’s defense minister reported that “several” U.S. fighter jets had crashed.

Israel’s military says its air force has started “an additional broad strike” targeting government sites in central Tehran.

As previously reported, loud explosions were heard across several parts of the Iranian capital.

Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has declared that Iran’s missile and drone attacks on its territory and military installations cannot be left without retaliation, emphasising that targeting Qatari sovereignty is a violation of international law and national rights. Qatari officials have made clear that the country reserves the right to respond in accordance with international law and in proportion to the attacks.

This aligns with earlier statements by Doha condemning Iranian strikes on its airspace and military facilities as blatant violations of sovereignty, and affirming that Qatar retains the right to direct response measures.

Minutes after these warnings, further missiles were reported launched toward Doha, underscoring the heightened volatility in the Gulf as hostilities continue.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has stated that three American fighter jets were shot down today.

In its statement, the IRGC rejected U.S. assertions that Iran’s air defense network has been completely destroyed, arguing instead that its systems remain operational and effective.

The United States, for its part, has maintained that recent aircraft losses were the result of friendly fire or operational incidents rather than Iranian action.

Editorial note: Regardless of the competing claims, repeated aircraft losses under contested explanations risk undermining Washington’s narrative of operational dominance and may prove politically and strategically embarrassing for the United States.

A senior source within the Israeli military told Inter Bellum News that sustained missile exchanges are placing significant strain on Israel’s air defense network and logistical supply chains.

According to the source, the constant rotation of anti-air systems and the effort required to maintain supply routes is taking a growing toll. Describing the internal mood, the source said bluntly, “We are fucking pissed,” referencing frustration over the intensity of the current campaign.

The source also expressed dissatisfaction with what they perceive as insufficient U.S. escalation, suggesting some within Israel’s security establishment believe Washington should be taking a more aggressive posture.

Iran’s regular Army (Artesh) has announced that missile units from its ground and naval forces launched coordinated attacks in recent hours.

According to the statement, 15 cruise missiles were fired from multiple locations targeting:

Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait, which hosts U.S. forces

Vessels in the northern Indian Ocean

The announcement aligns with earlier reports of strikes against U.S. facilities in Kuwait and expanding Iranian operations beyond ballistic missile use into cruise missile deployments.

Reports indicate that the Iranian military has targeted the Doha West power station in Kuwait, a major electricity generation facility in the Jaber Al Ahmad area of Al Jahra Governorate. The extent of the damage and whether the strike was successful has not yet been independently confirmed. The incident comes amid ongoing regional hostilities that have already affected multiple states and critical infrastructure.

German officials are not publicly planning to enter the war against Iran or commit German forces to offensive strikes, despite some speculation and radio chatter. European governments, including Germany, have instead consistently emphasised diplomatic restraint and defensive cooperation with allies in response to Iranian attacks.

Chancellor Friedrich Merz and other European leaders have condemned Iran’s missile and drone strikes and called for an immediate halt to hostilities, while also stating they will take necessary defensive measures to protect their personnel and interests in the region. Germany, France and the United Kingdom have issued joint statements affirming their right to self-defence and saying defensive actions, such as measures to counter missile and drone threats, may be considered if required.

Berlin has not announced any decision to participate directly in offensive military operations against Iran or to join U.S. bombing campaigns. Instead, statements from German leadership focus on de-escalation, diplomacy, and preparedness to defend German and allied forces if threatened.

Saudi Arabia has reportedly advised Gulf allies to refrain from taking steps that could further inflame tensions with Iran, according to sources.

While Riyadh is said to be frustrated with the timing of the recent strikes, it ultimately acquiesced to President Trump’s decision. The messaging suggests a desire to prevent a broader regional spiral, particularly as Gulf states face direct security and energy infrastructure risks.

The position reflects Saudi Arabia’s balancing act between its strategic partnership with Washington and the immediate vulnerability of its territory and oil facilities.

European gas prices have risen by approximately 22%, according to AFP, reflecting mounting energy market anxiety amid the widening conflict in the Gulf.

Financial markets opened sharply lower across the continent:

• Paris fell 2.36%

• Frankfurt dropped 2.29%

• London declined 0.93%

The synchronized decline highlights investor concern over potential supply disruptions and broader geopolitical risk as hostilities continue near key energy transit routes.

China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated that one Chinese citizen has been killed in Iran amid the ongoing escalation of military activity across the country.

Beijing’s foreign ministry referenced the fatality while reaffirming its commitment to the safety of Chinese nationals and calling for stability and protection for all civilians in the region. China has also been advising its citizens to avoid travel to Iran and is actively monitoring the situation.

Kuwait’s Ministry of Defense has announced that several U.S. fighter jets crashed this morning, revising earlier reports that suggested a single aircraft was involved.

According to the statement, all crew members survived the incidents. The cause of the crashes has not yet been disclosed.

Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, has accused U.S. President Donald Trump of abandoning his “America First” policy in favor of what he described as “Israel First.” Iranian officials have repeatedly criticised Trump’s alignment with Israeli strategic goals, arguing that this shift undermines U.S. interests and credibility, and contributes to wider regional instability.

The statement reflects longstanding Iranian objections to U.S.–Israeli cooperation on security issues and follows repeated Tehran claims that Washington has subordinated its policies to Israeli strategic priorities.

Overnight developments confirm continued large-scale military activity across the Middle East, with no indication of de-escalation.

Israel–Lebanon Front

• Extensive Israeli strikes across Lebanon, including Beirut.

• Israeli Chief of Staff announces offensive against Hezbollah.

• Hezbollah drones launched into northern Israel.

Iran

• Sustained U.S.–Israeli strikes across Iranian territory.

• Additional U.S. MQ-9 drone reportedly downed.

• Satellite imagery indicates three naval vessels sunk at Konarak.

Israel

• Explosions reported in Tel Aviv and central regions.

• Heavy interceptor deployment against incoming missiles.

Kuwait

• U.S. F-15 crashed; pilot ejected.

• Reports indicate possible friendly fire.

• U.S. Embassy struck; Americans urged to shelter.

Bahrain

• Further strikes reported on U.S. naval facilities.

Saudi Arabia

• Iranian strikes reportedly targeted ARAMCO infrastructure at Ras Tanura.

UAE

• Serbian Embassy in Tehran damaged by debris.

• Reports of strike on CIA-linked residence in Dubai (unconfirmed).

Iraq

• Ongoing attacks on U.S. bases by Iran-aligned factions.

Political Developments

• Iran states it will not negotiate with the United States.

• Regional leadership tensions intensifying.

• No ceasefire framework visible.

Four people were injured after debris from an Iranian missile fell on the town of Ain Terma near Damascus, Syria’s state news agency SANA reported.

The injured — a father and his three daughters — were taken to hospital and treated for minor wounds, according to the report.

The Israeli military said it intercepted a projectile launched from Lebanon into Israeli territory early Monday, as air raid sirens sounded across parts of the north.

According to the Israel Defense Forces, several additional projectiles landed in open areas. No injuries or damage were reported.

The source of the fire was not immediately confirmed.

Hezbollah had said on Sunday it would “fulfill our duty in confronting the aggression” following the killing of Iran’s supreme leader.

Australia will not participate in the joint U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iran, Foreign Minister Penny Wong said on Monday.

“We didn’t participate in these strikes and we wouldn’t anticipate participating in the future,” Wong said.

— U.S. President Donald Trump has vowed to respond to the killing of three American soldiers in Iranian attacks, warning that additional casualties could follow.

— In Israel, police said nine people were killed and 11 remain missing after an Iranian missile struck the central city of Beit Shemesh, with rescue teams continuing their search.

— Trump urged Iranians to rise up against the Islamic Republic a day after joint U.S.-Israeli strikes killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and up to 40 security officials.

— UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he approved a U.S. request to use British military bases for what he described as “defensive” strikes against Iran.

— Gulf countries said they would defend themselves and respond to aggression as Tehran continued targeting U.S. assets in the region.

— Iranian retaliatory strikes hit Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, Oman, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, with reported impacts on airports, residential buildings and hotels.

First-hand sources in Iran told Inter Bellum News that public sentiment — even among those who have opposed the Islamic Republic — is hardening against the United States and Israel following reports of civilian casualties from recent strikes.

According to these contacts, while some Iranians have expressed relief or quiet optimism after the elimination of top regime figures, the overall mood is increasingly one of anger toward foreign forces for what many see as indiscriminate bombing that has claimed civilian lives.

This shift in sentiment, sources say, reflects a broader frustration and grief among ordinary people caught up in the conflict, combining a mix of condemnation of external military action with complex feelings about the future.

Trita Parsi, executive vice president of the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, said President Donald Trump’s recent remarks on the U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran signal political pressure at home.

“It is very clear that Trump has tremendous difficulty finding a justification for this war of choice that he has embarked on that actually will work with his base… If this goes on for another week or two this is going to become a political disaster, so now he is suddenly, desperately, is using all kinds of justifications,” Parsi said.

Trump said earlier that the conflict with Iran could last up to four weeks. Parsi suggested the comments may be intended to send a message to Tehran despite limited domestic support for the fighting.

“He [Trump] has already reached out to Tehran offering a ceasefire. The Iranians have rejected it and I think he [Trump] has come to the conclusion that his eagerness to make a quick end to this war has signalled a weakness and the Iranians are going to try and take advantage of that and will not agree to a ceasefire until they have inflicted significant pain on the United States,” Parsi told Al Jazeera.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he has agreed to a U.S. request to use UK military bases for what he described as defensive strikes against Iran.

“We have taken the decision to accept this request to prevent Iran firing missiles across the region, killing innocent civilians, putting British lives at risk and hitting countries that have not been involved,” Starmer said in a video posted on X.

Starmer had previously declined to allow the United States to use UK bases to launch strikes on Iran.

U.S. President Donald Trump called on Iranians to rise up against the Islamic Republic, a day after a joint U.S.-Israeli attack killed the country’s supreme leader.

“I call upon all Iranian patriots who yearn for freedom to seize this moment to be brave, be bold, be heroic, and take back your country. America is with you,” Trump said in a video address.

President Donald Trump said the military campaign against Iran could continue for as long as four weeks.

“It’s always been a four-week process. We figured it will be four weeks or so,” Trump told the Daily Mail, adding: “As strong as it is, it’s a big country, it’ll take four weeks – or less.”

He said he remains open to further talks with Iran but gave no indication of when that might happen.

“I don’t know. They want to talk but I said ‘you should have talked last week, not this week’.”

U.S. President Donald Trump said military operations against Iran will continue until “all objectives are achieved.”

In a video posted on Truth Social, Trump confirmed that three U.S. troops were killed and said further casualties were possible. Speaking to NBC News after the Pentagon announced the deaths of three unidentified service members and serious injuries to five others, Trump said: “We have three but we expect casualties. But in the end it’s going to be a great deal for the world.”

He described the operation — which he said killed Iran’s supreme leader and dozens of senior government and military figures — as “ahead of schedule.”

Trump also said Iranian and U.S. officials “are talking,” without providing further details.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed condolences following the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in U.S. and Israeli air strikes.

In a post on X, Erdogan said he was “saddened to learn of the passing” of Khamenei and offered his “sympathies” to the Iranian people.

A day earlier, Erdogan had condemned the attacks, saying they violated Iran’s sovereignty and undermined the peace of its people.

Iraqi President Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid held a phone call with Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, expressing solidarity following what was described as Iranian aggression against Qatar.

According to a statement from the Amiri Diwan, Rashid conveyed Iraq’s support for Doha and inquired about the situation in the country.

“His excellency the Iraqi president expressed the Republic of Iraq’s solidarity with the State of Qatar following the Iranian aggression against it, and his reassurance regarding the situation there,” the statement said.

The emir thanked the Iraqi president for his “sincere brotherly sentiments,” and praised the close ties between the two countries.

U.S. President Donald Trump said American forces have “destroyed and sunk” nine Iranian naval ships, including some he described as “relatively large and important.”

In a post on Truth Social, Trump also said the U.S. military has “largely destroyed” Iran’s naval headquarters and is pursuing the remainder of its fleet. “They will soon be floating at the bottom of the sea,” he wrote, adding: “Other than that, their Navy is doing very well!”

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi rejected U.S. warnings against retaliation, saying there would be “no limit” to Iran’s right to self-defence.

“Nobody can tell us that you don’t have any right to defend yourselves. We are defending ourselves whatever it takes, and we see no limit for ourselves to defend our people, to protect our people,” Araghchi told ABC News.

“What the United States is doing is an act of aggression. What we are doing is the act of self-defence. There are huge differences between these two.”

Israel’s military said it is preparing to call up nearly 100,000 reservists as part of its campaign against Iran.

In a statement, the army said it is “preparing to call up around 100,000 reservists and is raising its level of readiness on the various fronts as part of Operation ‘Roaring Lion’,” the name given to its assault launched in coordination with the United States.

At least 50,000 reservists are already on active duty, according to The Times of Israel.

Separately, Gaza’s Health Ministry said Israeli attacks over the past 24 hours killed at least one person and wounded seven others. The ministry says at least 629 Palestinians have been killed since a U.S.-declared ceasefire took effect in October, and more than 70,000 since the war began in October 2023.

.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has announced that three American service members have been killed and five others seriously wounded as part of ongoing operations.

According to the statement, several additional personnel sustained minor shrapnel injuries and concussions and are being returned to duty. Major combat operations are continuing, and response efforts remain underway.

CENTCOM said further details, including the identities of the fallen, will be withheld pending notification of next of kin.

Visual confirmation reviewed by Inter Bellum News shows an Iranian Shahed-136 drone striking an oil installation in the Persian Gulf identified as an Emirati offshore rig.

Video obtained by Inter Bellum News shows a reconnaissance UAV being hit by an Iranian anti-aircraft missile and going down.

The footage captures the moment of impact and the aircraft descending after the strike. Circulating claims identify the drone as either an MQ-9 Reaper or a Hermes 900, though the exact model has not been officially confirmed.

over its military campaign against Iran and stated that it intends to continue conducting strikes in coordination with the United States.

The Israeli Foreign Ministry head said that the operation, carried out with American support, will persist as part of a broader campaign they say is necessary to confront what they describe as sustained threats from Tehran. Israeli military spokespeople have previously emphasised that the offensive will continue “as long as necessary” to degrade Iran’s capabilities.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has stated that it launched four ballistic missiles toward a U.S. naval carrier strike group, reportedly the USS Abraham Lincoln.

There is no independent confirmation of the launch or of any impact. Given the defensive capabilities of U.S. carrier groups, including layered missile defense systems and escort vessels, the likelihood of a successful direct strike remains unclear.

No official statement has yet been issued by the U.S. Navy regarding the claim.

Further verification is pending.

At least 150 oil tankers have reportedly dropped anchor in open waters rather than entering the Strait of Hormuz, according to Reuters.

The move reflects escalating security concerns in one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints, through which a significant portion of global energy supplies transit daily. Shipping operators appear to be pausing passage amid heightened military activity and reported threats to commercial vessels.

The buildup of anchored tankers underscores the growing economic and energy implications of the regional escalation.

An oil tanker was struck about 5 nautical miles off the coast of Musandam, Oman, in the Strait of Hormuz, according to maritime security reports. The vessel’s crew was evacuated, and several crew members were injured and transferred for medical treatment.

Oman’s Maritime Security Centre identified the ship as the Palau-flagged tanker Skylight and said the 20-person crew (including Indian and Iranian nationals) has been evacuated, with four individuals sustaining injuries.

This incident comes amid growing disruptions in the strait, where international shipping has been avoiding passage due to heightened regional tensions.

Inter Bellum News has obtained background information on Ayatollah Alireza Arafi, a senior Iranian Shia cleric and influential figure within the Islamic Republic’s religious and political institutions.

Born in 1959 in Meybod, Yazd province, Arafi comes from a clerical family. His father, Ayatollah Mohammad Ibrahim Arafi, was a scholar associated with Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, founder of the Islamic Republic.

Arafi moved to Qom in 1970 to pursue advanced religious studies and later attained the rank of mujtahid (independent jurist), specializing in Islamic jurisprudence, principles of jurisprudence, and philosophy. He studied under several prominent clerics and continues to teach advanced religious courses in Qom.

Key Positions

• Head of Iran’s nationwide Shia seminaries since 2016

• Former Chairman of Al-Mustafa International University, which trains foreign clerics and promotes Iranian religious ideology abroad

• Member of the Guardian Council since 2019 (appointed jurist member)

• Deputy Chairman of the Assembly of Experts

• Friday Prayer Leader of Qom

• Member of the Supreme Council of the Cultural Revolution and the Society of Seminary Teachers of Qom

Arafi has been appointed to multiple roles by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and is widely viewed as a trusted insider within Iran’s clerical establishment.

He plays a central role in overseeing clerical education and maintaining the institutional religious structure of the Islamic Republic.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has sharply criticized the U.S.–Israeli strikes on Iran, describing them as a “catastrophic escalation” and calling the operation illegal.

In a public statement, Mamdani said the strikes represent “an illegal war of aggression,” accusing Washington of opening a new theater of conflict and carrying out attacks “against the will of the Americans.” He argued that the public does not support a new war aimed at regime change, stating that Americans are more concerned with domestic issues such as housing affordability and stability.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has stated that the Israel Defence Forces are carrying out intensive airstrikes against regime targets in Tehran and across Iran, in accordance with plans approved by Israel’s political leadership. He emphasised that the strikes are part of a sustained operational campaign designed to neutralise threats and degrade the Iranian regime’s ability to project force.

Katz has previously instructed the IDF to respond forcefully to Iranian ceasefire violations and missile attacks by continuing intense strikes against regime infrastructure and military targets in Tehran.

The remarks underscore Jerusalem’s stated intent to maintain pressure through coordinated aerial operations as the broader conflict unfolds.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has condemned in the strongest terms what it described as “brutal Iranian aggression” against the sisterly Sultanate of Oman, calling Iran’s actions a blatant violation of Oman’s sovereignty. Saudi Arabia affirmed its full solidarity with Oman and its leadership in opposing breaches of territorial integrity and international law

Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed condolences to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian following the reported assassination of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei.

According to statements attributed to the Kremlin, Putin described Khamenei’s death as a “cynical murder” that violated norms of human morality and international law.

Moscow’s reaction signals strong political support for Tehran amid the escalating confrontation, and further Russian diplomatic positioning is expected in the coming hours.

Iran’s ISNA news agency is reporting that Ayatollah Alireza Arafi will serve as acting Supreme Leader.

If confirmed, this would mark a significant development in Iran’s leadership structure following the reported death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Arafi is a senior cleric and member of key governing bodies, including the Assembly of Experts.

Further official confirmation and details regarding the constitutional process are expected.

A new wave of American and Israeli fighter jets has reportedly entered Iranian airspace from the southwest, with aircraft observed flying over Ahvaz.

Airstrikes are now being reported across multiple locations in western Iran, including Kermanshah, Urmia, and the countryside around Hamedan.

This marks a significant expansion of the operational theater beyond earlier strikes concentrated on Tehran and central targets. The scope suggests sustained and coordinated aerial operations across a broader section of Iranian territory.

The British Defense Minister has reported that two missiles were launched toward Cyprus, where thousands of British troops are stationed.

Cyprus hosts key British military installations, including RAF Akrotiri, which serves as a major operational hub for UK forces in the region.

It is not yet clear whether the missiles were intercepted, impacted, or fell short. No casualty information has been released at this time. Further updates are expected as the situation develops.

Tasnim and Fars news agencies confirm the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

The UN Security Council concluded a two-hour session on Iran at around 23:00 GMT, with all 15 member states addressing the chamber, alongside Secretary-General António Guterres and the ambassadors of Iran and Israel.

Guterres described the U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran as a “blatant act of aggression” and an “illegal violation” of the UN Charter, while also condemning Iran’s retaliatory actions. He warned that the escalation risks spiraling out of control.

Iran’s ambassador said the strikes occurred in the midst of nuclear negotiations, arguing diplomacy had been underway. In contrast, the U.S. and Israeli envoys said the talks had effectively run their course and no longer justified restraint.

The meeting underscored a sharp divide within the Council over the future of diplomacy and how to respond to the rapidly evolving crisis.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Iran is facing consequences after refusing to reach a deal, following what he described as a major U.S. military operation ordered by President Donald Trump.

Posting on X, Hegseth said the United States “did not start this conflict, but we will finish it,” and warned that any threat to Americans would be met with force.

He added that Washington would not tolerate missiles targeting the American people and reiterated that Iran would not be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon.

Iranian officials have rejected claims that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed, calling the reports part of “psychological warfare.”

Iran’s foreign minister said in an interview that, to his knowledge, the Supreme Leader, the president, the secretary of the Supreme National Security Council and the speaker of parliament are all alive.

The head of public relations at the Office of the Supreme Leader also said on social media that the reports were part of “psychological warfare” carried out by Iran’s enemies. State-affiliated news agencies and at least two members of parliament have similarly denied the claims, maintaining that Khamenei remains in command.

The denials contrast with statements from Washington alleging Khamenei was killed in recent strikes.

Large explosions were reported near Tehran’s Pasteur neighbourhood, where the offices of the supreme leader and president are located, along with military and academic facilities. There has been no official confirmation from Tehran supporting the claim of his death.

A fire broke out at one of the berths at Dubai’s Jebel Ali Port after it was struck by debris from what authorities described as an “aerial interception,” according to the Dubai Media Office.

In a post on X, the office said Dubai Civil Defense teams are “continuing their efforts to fully extinguish the fire” at the commercial port, the largest in the Middle East.

No information was immediately released regarding casualties.

Authorities also warned against circulating an “old video” from a 2021 fire at the same port, saying it could spread misleading information.

Jebel Ali Port lies just south of Palm Jumeirah, where an explosion was reported earlier.

The board of governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) will convene an emergency meeting on Monday at 08:00 GMT to discuss ongoing U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran.

The session was requested by Russia. Any member of the board can call a meeting of the UN nuclear watchdog.

The emergency talks will take place an hour before a previously scheduled quarterly board meeting, where Iran’s nuclear programme was already set to be discussed.

Diplomats said there was no indication that Iranian nuclear facilities were hit in Saturday’s attack, in contrast to U.S. strikes last year that targeted three nuclear sites.

In its address to the United Nations Security Council, Iran’s delegation called on the United States to adopt a more respectful and less confrontational tone in its statements as it looks better on the US and himself.

In a sharply worded intervention at the Security Council, the U.S. representative accused Iran of decades of hostile rhetoric, including chants of “death to America,” and of openly calling for the destruction of Israel.

Washington alleged that Tehran has supported armed attacks, violated the UN Charter, and even plotted against former President Donald Trump. The U.S. rejected Iran’s claim of victimhood and argued that Tehran had repeatedly refused diplomatic opportunities.

The United States maintained that its military actions, alongside Israel, are justified under Article 51 of the UN Charter as self-defense. The representative also suggested that current events may represent a turning point for the Iranian people.

The exchange reflected the increasingly confrontational tone dominating the Council session, with both sides invoking international law while accusing the other of long-term destabilization.

Addressing the UN Security Council, Israel’s representative argued that Iran’s leadership has for decades openly called for the destruction of Israel and the United States, citing repeated public chants and state messaging as evidence of sustained hostility.

Israel claimed that uranium enrichment, missile development, and hardened facilities demonstrate that these threats were not rhetorical but preparatory. The delegate stated that diplomacy had been attempted but rejected, and accused Tehran of accelerating missile production and expanding support for regional proxy groups following previous operations.

Editorial context: Israeli officials have, for more than twenty years, repeatedly warned that Iran is “days” or “weeks” away from acquiring nuclear weapons capability. Despite these recurring assessments, Iran is not known to possess a nuclear weapon at this time. This longstanding pattern of imminent-threat framing remains a central point of contention in the broader international debate.

Israel did not address allegations raised earlier in the session regarding a reported strike on a school in Iran, instead focusing on Iranian attacks that resulted in civilian casualties in Israel.

Addressing the UN Security Council, Iran’s representative began by expressing gratitude to China, Russia, and Pakistan for supporting the emergency session and for what he described as standing against unlawful aggression by the United States and Israel.

Tehran characterized the strikes as a highly coordinated attack, the second such incident this month, and claimed that hundreds have been killed. The delegate alleged that residential buildings and a school were struck, resulting in the deaths of more than one hundred children, calling the actions war crimes and crimes against humanity. These claims have not been independently verified.

Iran rejected accusations that it is pursuing nuclear weapons, dismissing statements by the United States, France, and the United Kingdom as politically motivated and contrary to the UN Charter. The representative cited Article 2 of the Charter, arguing that the strikes violate Iran’s territorial integrity and political independence, and described the operation as an act of war not only against Iran but against the international legal order.

Tehran stated that it had remained in contact with the United Nations prior to the escalation and called for Security Council action, claiming its appeals were ignored. It further argued that its current military response constitutes self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter, declaring that hostile bases and facilities in the region are legitimate targets.

The Iranian representative accused Washington of pursuing regime change and applying maximum pressure aimed at forcing unconditional surrender. He concluded by stating that Iran would resist such efforts and prevail.

Addressing the UN Security Council, the United Kingdom stated that it did not participate in the strikes against Iran. The British representative accused Tehran of repeatedly breaching international agreements and destabilizing the region, and strongly condemned Iranian actions, including reported attacks on a hotel in Dubai and civilian targets in Bahrain.

London emphasized that regional stability remains a priority and confirmed that British aircraft are currently active in the region to protect UK personnel and national interests, describing such deployments as lawful defensive measures.

The UK also said that reports of strikes impacting civilians are deeply alarming.

Editorial note: While raising concerns over civilian harm linked to Iranian actions, the UK delegation did not reference reports of a school struck inside Iran earlier in the escalation, an omission that may draw scrutiny amid competing narratives over civilian casualties.

Speaking at the UN Security Council, Panama thanked the presidency for convening the meeting and acknowledged the presence of member states amid what it described as a familiar and troubling pattern of escalation.

The Panamanian representative noted that less than a year ago the Council met under similar circumstances, questioning whether repeated actions are producing different outcomes or simply deepening a cycle of confrontation with serious and unpredictable consequences.

Panama condemned Iran’s actions, referencing prior instances of force that resulted in significant loss of life, and highlighted the fragility of the Middle East, a region already strained by multiple overlapping crises. While not directly condemning the United States or Israel, Panama emphasized that the current escalation risks harm beyond the immediate region.

In closing, Panama called for respect for civilians, adherence to the principles of the Security Council, and a renewed commitment to dialogue, restraint, and the cessation of the use of force.

Speaking at the UN Security Council, Greece condemned Iran’s missile strikes and expressed concern over Tehran’s nuclear program, particularly what it described as efforts to advance its nuclear capabilities.

The Greek representative also stated that any attempt to block or restrict passage through the Strait of Hormuz would constitute a blatant violation of international law. Athens warned that the stakes for global peace and economic stability are exceptionally high, given the strategic importance of the waterway for global energy supplies.

The remarks reflect growing European concern not only over the military escalation but also over potential disruption to critical maritime routes.

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is dead, describing the killing as “justice” and stating that the operation was carried out using advanced U.S. intelligence capabilities in close coordination with Israel.

In a strongly worded statement, Trump urged Iranian military and security forces to seek immunity and align with what he called “Iranian patriots,” framing the moment as an opportunity for internal political change. He further declared that U.S. bombing operations would continue “uninterrupted throughout the week or as long as necessary” to achieve what he described as peace in the Middle East.

At the time of writing, there has been no independent confirmation from Iranian authorities regarding Khamenei’s death. No verified visual or official evidence has been released.

This marks a significant escalation in rhetoric and, if confirmed, would represent a historic turning point in the regional conflict. Further verification is awaited.

Four additional U.S. Stratotanker aerial refueling aircraft are reportedly being deployed to the region, alongside a NATO AWACS surveillance aircraft.

The combination suggests preparation for sustained air operations. Tankers enable extended fighter and bomber missions, while AWACS platforms provide long-range radar coverage, airspace coordination, and missile tracking across multiple theaters.

Such a posture typically indicates readiness for prolonged air activity, whether defensive interception operations or expanded strike capacity. The deployment also signals heightened allied coordination as the regional escalation continues.

Earlier statements attributed to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer suggesting limited or no involvement have been shown to be inaccurate.

It is now confirmed that British military aircraft are present in the operational area amid the ongoing regional escalation.

This directly contradicts the earlier public messaging. The presence of UK military assets indicates active positioning in the theater, regardless of how the situation was previously framed.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that President Donald Trump has spoken with the leaders of the United Kingdom, Kuwait, and Turkey.

The calls come amid escalating military exchanges across the Middle East, as multiple countries hosting U.S. forces face heightened security threats.

No further details have yet been released regarding the substance of the discussions.

Missiles reported over Kuwait, initially believed to be targeting a U.S. military installation near the airport, were intercepted before impact.

Kuwaiti air defense systems engaged the incoming projectiles, preventing reported strikes on the base area. There are no immediate reports of damage or casualties.

Kuwait hosts significant U.S. military infrastructure and serves as a key logistical hub in the region. The interception marks another instance of regional air defenses being activated amid Iran’s expanding retaliatory campaign.

The spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry has accused Western governments of deliberately ignoring reports of children killed during the ongoing U.S.–Israeli strikes on Iran.

The statement follows reports that a primary school in Minab, southern Iran, was struck during the joint military operation. Iranian authorities claim that dozens of students are among the confirmed fatalities.

Moscow’s comments come amid mounting allegations of civilian casualties across multiple Iranian cities. There has been no independent verification of the reported death toll at this stage, and U.S. and Israeli officials have not publicly addressed the specific incident in Minab.

Iranian state media cited the head of public relations at the office of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as saying that adversaries are engaging in “mental warfare” and warning that “all should be aware.”

A senior Israeli official told Reuters that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is dead and that his body has been found.

There was no confirmation from Iranian authorities.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said there are indications that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei may have been killed in Israeli-U.S. strikes.

“This morning we destroyed the compound of the tyrant Khamenei,” Netanyahu said in a video statement.

“There are many signs that this tyrant is no longer. This morning we eliminated senior officials in the ayatollahs' regime, Revolutionary Guards commanders, senior figures in the nuclear program - and we will continue. In the next few days, we will hit thousands more targets of the terror regime,” he said.

Large pro-government gatherings have taken place in several Iranian cities following hours of initial disruption and relative calm, according to local reports.

Crowds were seen at the Imam Reza shrine in Mashhad in the northeast, while additional gatherings were reported in Rasht and earlier in the day at Palestine Square in Tehran.

Participants appeared to be protesting the strikes and expressing anger over the developments, with demonstrations framed as a show of resistance.

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has released footage showing missiles and fighter jets launching from a military vessel, along with strikes on several unidentified targets.

In a statement posted on X, the command said: “As the President stated, our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime.”

“The President ordered bold action. CENTCOM forces are delivering an overwhelming and unrelenting blow,” it added.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a televised address that Israel’s ongoing military operations are reshaping the Middle East and claimed that strikes carried out on Iran had destroyed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s compound.

Netanyahu also said Revolutionary Guard commanders and senior nuclear officials were killed in the attacks.

Addressing the Iranian public, he urged them not to “miss this opportunity” to topple the Iranian government.

Yemen’s Houthi leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi condemned the U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran, describing them as “cruel, blatant, criminal, and barbaric, and without any right.”

The Houthis, an Iran-aligned armed group, signaled support for Tehran but did not say whether they would directly join the conflict.

“We are on alert for any necessary developments. There is no concern about the Islamic Republic of Iran regarding this aggression, because it is powerful, its position is strong, and its response will be decisive,” the statement said.

“It is Iran’s legitimate right to target military bases belonging to Americans who are participating in aggression against the Islamic Republic of Iran,” it added.

Kuwait has summoned Iran’s ambassador, Mohammad Toutounchi, following a drone strike on Kuwait International Airport earlier in the day.

The attack caused minor injuries to several employees and limited damage to a passenger building.

Kuwait’s Foreign Ministry said the targeting of the airport constituted a clear and blatant violation of international humanitarian law, which prohibits attacks on civilian facilities and the endangerment of civilians.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called on the Iranian public to rise up against their government, saying recent strikes present a rare opportunity for change.

Addressing Iranians directly, Netanyahu said the attacks would help them “unshackle themselves from tyranny” and described the moment as a “once in a generation chance” to overthrow the regime.

“Take to the streets en masse” and “get the job done,” he said, adding that it is “high time you come together” and “unite for a historic mission.”

Israel has shut all crossings into the Gaza Strip, including the Rafah Crossing, following its attacks on Iran, according to the Israeli agency that coordinates government activities in the Palestinian territories.

The agency said the measure includes “the closure of the crossings into the Gaza Strip, among them the Rafah Crossing, until further notice”.

It added that “the rotation of humanitarian personnel is postponed at this stage”, and claimed the move would have “no effect” on the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

The number of aid trucks entering Gaza since the so-called ceasefire began in October has remained well below expected levels, while thousands of Palestinians are awaiting medical evacuation for treatment abroad.

Kuwait’s official Ministry of Defense spokesperson, Colonel Staff Saud Abdulaziz Al-Otaibi, confirmed that Ali Al-Salem Air Base came under attack this morning by a number of ballistic missiles.

According to the statement, the Kuwaiti Air Defense Force successfully intercepted the missiles. However, fragments and debris from the interception reportedly fell in the vicinity of the base.

The General Staff of the Army stated that Kuwaiti armed forces continue to carry out their duties in defending the sovereignty of the state and confronting threats to national security and stability.

Authorities urged citizens and residents to avoid approaching any debris or objects resulting from the interception and to immediately notify the competent authorities.

Washington has warned commercial vessels to avoid key waterways in the Gulf region after the attacks on Iran.

The U.S. Maritime Administration said the Strait of Hormuz, Gulf, Gulf of Oman and Arabian Sea are facing “significant military activity” and that “it is recommended that vessels keep clear of this area if possible.”

It also instructed U.S.-flagged, owned or crewed vessels to remain at least 30 nautical miles from U.S. warships to avoid being mistaken for a threat.

In a separate development, Qatar’s Ministry of Transport announced a temporary suspension of maritime navigation in the country.

Iranian outlet Tasnim News Agency reported that the strategic Strait of Hormuz will be closed, citing unnamed sources.

According to Tasnim, ships have received messages from the IRGC stating that no vessel is permitted to transit the waterway.

The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency said it had received multiple reports from vessels operating in the Gulf that they had been warned of a closure of the strait, but added that it could not confirm the reports. There was no immediate confirmation from Iranian authorities.

The Strait of Hormuz, located between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, is one of the world’s most important oil transit routes. Roughly one fifth of global oil and gas supplies pass through the narrow waterway, which links major Gulf producers including Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq and the United Arab Emirates to international markets.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has written to the UN secretary-general and the president of the Security Council, stating that all U.S. and Israeli bases and assets in the region would be considered legitimate military targets, according to Iran’s state news agency IRIB.

IRIB reported that the letter described the U.S. and Israeli air strikes as violations of Article 2(4) of the UN Charter and as acts of armed aggression against Iran.

According to the report, Tehran said it was exercising its right to self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter and would continue to do so decisively until what it described as aggression is completely and unconditionally stopped.

The letter also stated that Iran’s armed forces would use all necessary defensive capabilities to confront what it called criminal aggression and deter further hostile actions.

U.S. President Donald Trump spoke by phone with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as Washington continues to monitor developments surrounding Iran, the White House said.

Spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said Trump “monitored the situation overnight at Mar-a-Lago alongside members of his national security team” and will continue to closely follow events throughout the day.

“Prior to the attacks, Secretary (of State Marco) Rubio called all members of the Gang of Eight to provide congressional notification, and he was able to reach and brief seven of the eight members,” she said.

The “Gang of Eight” refers to senior Democratic and Republican leaders in the Senate and House intelligence committees who are traditionally briefed on major national security actions.

Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani held a phone call with Jordan’s King Abdullah II on Saturday to discuss recent regional developments and “their implications for peace and stability,” according to a statement from Doha.

“Both sides stressed the need for an immediate halt to the escalation and for opening channels of dialogue to preserve the region’s security and prevent further tensions,” the statement said.

“The two leaders also condemned the targeting of Qatar, Jordan, and other Arab countries with Iranian ballistic missiles, affirming continued coordination between the two countries to take all necessary measures to safeguard sovereignty and enhance security and stability.”

France, Germany and the United Kingdom have issued a joint statement calling on Iran to end its nuclear programme and return to negotiations.

The three countries also urged Tehran to curb its ballistic missile programme, refrain from what they described as destabilising activities in the region, and cease repressive actions against its own population.

In the statement, the E3 said they did not take part in the recent strikes but are in close cooperation and consultation with Israel, the United States and other regional partners.

They added that the Iranian government should return to the negotiating table.

An incident at a building in Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah area left four people injured, authorities said, with emergency crews deployed to the scene.

“Emergency response teams were deployed immediately and the site has been secured. Dubai Civil Defence has confirmed that the resulting fire is now under control,” the Dubai Media Office said in a statement.

The media office said four people were transferred to medical facilities for treatment.

“Authorities continue to take all necessary measures to safeguard the public,” it added.

At least 85 people have been killed in a strike on a girls primary school in the southern Iranian town of Minab, according to the local prosecutor cited by state media.

The updated figure marks a sharp increase in reported casualties from the attack.

Iran has formally urged the United Nations Security Council to convene an emergency session following the U.S. and Israeli strikes, submitting a letter to both the Council and Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

In the communication, Tehran said it “urgently calls upon the members of the Security Council to convene, without delay, an emergency meeting of the Council to address the US and Israeli regime’s acts of aggression, breach of peace which is a real and serious threat to international peace and security, and to take the necessary and immediate measures to halt this unlawful use of force and to ensure accountability”.

The letter also urged broader international condemnation.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran calls on all Member States of the United Nations that bear responsibility for international peace and security to unequivocally condemn this act of aggression and to undertake urgent and collective measures to confront it, as it undoubtedly poses an unprecedented threat to regional as well as global peace and security”.

Tehran further called on the UN to “bear responsibility for international peace”.

There has been no independent confirmation yet from international maritime authorities. Further updates are expected as the situation develops.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the United Kingdom “played no role in these strikes” following the U.S.-Israeli attacks against Iran.

He said Britain stands in support of “partners across the region” and has “recently taken steps to strengthen” its defensive capabilities in the Middle East.

“Our forces are active and British planes are in the sky today as part of coordinated regional defensive operations to protect our people, our interests, and our allies – as Britain has done before, in line with international law,” he said.

Starmer added that the UK has “stepped up protections for British bases and personnel to their highest level” and is “reaching out to UK nationals in the region.”

A drone struck Kuwait International Airport, causing minor injuries to several employees and limited damage to a passenger terminal building, Kuwait’s General Authority of Civil Aviation said.

In a statement carried by state media, the authority’s official spokesperson, Abdullah al-Rajhi, said emergency protocols were immediately activated following the incident.

“Approved emergency procedures were initiated, the situation was contained, and the site was secured,” al-Rajhi said.

No further details were immediately available about the source of the drone or the extent of the damage.

Iran’s army has announced the launch of dozens of drones toward Israeli territory.

No immediate details have been provided regarding launch locations, flight paths, or expected arrival times. Israeli air defense systems are expected to be on high alert as the drones approach.

Further updates are expected as interception efforts begin.

The Israeli military has released its first official footage of operations inside Iran.

According to the IDF, the video shows Israeli forces striking at least two missile launchers that were reportedly preparing to fire projectiles toward Israel.

The footage appears to document precision strikes aimed at disrupting ongoing launch activity.

Twenty Italian troops have been injured at Ali Al-Salem Air Base in Kuwait following Iranian missile strikes.

Ali Al-Salem is a U.S. air base hosting American and allied forces. The injuries occurred during the ongoing Iranian missile campaign targeting U.S. military installations across the region.

Inter Bellum News can confirm that the residence of Iran’s Supreme Leader in Tehran has been destroyed in the ongoing U.S.–Israeli strike campaign.

Satellite imagery shows extensive structural devastation across the compound, with large sections reduced to rubble and visible fire damage.

There has been no official confirmation from Iranian authorities regarding the status of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei at this time.

This marks a significant escalation, as the residence of the Supreme Leader represents one of the most symbolically and politically sensitive targets in the Islamic Republic.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has described the developments in Iran as “greatly concerning,” stating that the European Union remains in close contact with regional partners.

In a public statement, she reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to safeguarding regional security and stability, stressing the importance of nuclear safety and preventing further escalation that could undermine the global non-proliferation regime.

Von der Leyen noted that the EU has already adopted extensive sanctions in response to the actions of Iran’s government and the Revolutionary Guards, while continuing to promote diplomatic efforts aimed at addressing Iran’s nuclear and ballistic programs through negotiation.

She added that the EU, in coordination with Member States, will take necessary steps to support EU citizens in the region and called on all parties to exercise maximum restraint, protect civilians, and respect international law.

According to circulating reports, multiple high-level Iranian officials were targeted in assassination attempts during this morning’s strikes in Tehran.

The reported targets include:

• Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

• President Masoud Pezeshkian

• Chief of Staff Abdolrahim Mousavi

• Defense Council Secretary Ali Shamkhani

• Supreme National Security Council Secretary Ali Larijani

Reports indicate that all of the attempts failed.

The Kuwaiti Foreign Ministry has issued a statement following the reported Iranian attack on targets inside Kuwait.

In its response, Kuwait stated that it has the absolute right to self-defense against aggression, in accordance with the United Nations Charter.

Iran’s Khatam Al-Anbiyaa Central Command Headquarters has issued a statement declaring that, in response to what it describes as U.S. and Israeli aggression, Iranian forces have struck “all occupied lands and the bases of the criminal American forces in the region.”

The statement asserts that the missile campaign will continue “relentlessly until the enemy is decisively defeated.”

It further declares that all American bases, resources, and economic interests throughout the region are now considered legitimate targets for the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

The command called on the Iranian population to remain calm, stating that the armed forces will “firmly and resolutely defend the country, the nation, and national interests.”

Iranian media outlets are reporting that an Israeli airstrike in Tehran has killed five school girls.

The reports state that the victims were civilians. No independent confirmation has yet been provided, and Israeli authorities have not issued a statement regarding the specific incident.

Israeli military assessments reported on Channel 15 indicate that efforts to target Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and the Iranian president during the current campaign have failed and did not succeed in eliminating either leader.

This aligns with past reporting that, during earlier tensions, Israel monitored leadership locations and discussed high-value targeting options — but such efforts have historically been constrained, and official confirmation of any direct assassination attempts has not been independently verified by major news organizations

It has been confirmed that an American MQ-4C Triton military drone transmitted a Mayday distress signal while operating over the United Arab Emirates.

The cause of the emergency has not yet been officially disclosed. While there are indications the drone may have been struck, U.S. defense authorities have not confirmed whether the aircraft was damaged or lost.

The MQ-4C Triton is a high-altitude, long-endurance surveillance platform used for maritime and regional reconnaissance operations

Reports indicate that sections of the U.S. military installation at Ahmad al-Jaber Air Base (At Tawil) in Kuwait are being evacuated.

American and Israeli military operations against Iran are continuing, with additional strikes reported in Tehran and at missile bases across the country.

Explosions have been reported in multiple locations, indicating that the campaign remains active and is not limited to the initial wave of attacks earlier today.

The United Arab Emirates has condemned the Iranian missile attack as a violation of its sovereignty, according to statements carried by the country’s State News Agency.

UAE authorities stated that they reserve the right to respond to the strike.

Separately, there are unconfirmed reports that one person has allegedly been killed in Abu Dhabi due to falling missile debris. No official casualty figures have yet been formally released.

The spokesperson of Iran’s General Staff of the Armed Forces has issued a direct warning toward Israel and the United States, stating that Tehran will “teach Israel and America a lesson they have never experienced in their history.”

The statement comes as missile exchanges and strikes continue across multiple countries in the region. No further operational details were provided alongside the warning.

The countries targeted or impacted in today’s escalation host significant numbers of U.S. servicemen and women, underscoring the scale of risk as the confrontation expands.

Publicly available estimates indicate:

• Qatar: Approximately 8,000–10,000 U.S. personnel stationed at Al Udeid Air Base, the forward headquarters of U.S. Central Command.

• Bahrain: Around 8,000–8,500 U.S. military personnel and Department of Defense staff, including the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet.

• United Arab Emirates: Roughly 5,000 U.S. personnel at Al Dhafra Air Base.

• Kuwait: Approximately 14,000 U.S. troops across multiple installations.

• Iraq: Around 2,500 U.S. personnel stationed at various facilities.

In total, tens of thousands of American servicemen and women are deployed across these countries, many at installations now reported as targeted or under threat amid Iran’s retaliatory missile campaign.

The presence of such large troop contingents significantly raises the stakes of further escalation in the region.

Video footage has emerged showing the moment an Iranian ballistic missile impacted a U.S. military base in Bahrain.

The clip appears to capture the instant of strike and subsequent shockwaves, aligning with ongoing reports of Iranian missiles targeting U.S. and allied facilities following the coordinated U.S.–Israeli strikes on Iranian territory earlier today. Multiple bases that host American forces have been reported under attack or under threat as part of Iran’s retaliatory response.

As of this moment, confirmed and reported strikes indicate that the confrontation has expanded beyond Iran and Israel, affecting multiple countries across the region.

Iran

• Large-scale U.S.–Israeli strikes across Tehran and other cities

• Reported targets include government ministries, military facilities, naval bases, and nuclear-related sites

Israel

• Iranian missile barrages targeting Israeli territory

• Sirens activated across northern and central regions

Qatar

• Iranian missiles targeting Al Udeid Air Base

• Qatari Ministry of Defense confirmed at least one interception

Bahrain

• Missile strike reported

• Earlier alerts at the U.S. naval base (Fifth Fleet headquarters)

United Arab Emirates

• Explosions reported

• Iranian ballistic missiles reportedly struck Al Dhafra Air Base

Kuwait

Countries with Military Activity / Airspace Closures (Not Confirmed as Directly Hit)

• Iraq (missiles transiting airspace, airspace closed)

• Syria (interceptions reported over Damascus)

Breaking reports indicate that Iranian ballistic missiles have struck Al Dhafra Air Base in the United Arab Emirates.

Al Dhafra hosts U.S. military personnel and assets, including air operations infrastructure, making it a strategically significant target. Earlier reports noted explosions heard in parts of the UAE amid ongoing regional escalation.

There is no immediate official confirmation regarding the extent of damage or potential casualties. Authorities in the UAE and U.S. military officials have not yet released detailed statements.

A missile strike has been reported in Bahrain.

Initial reports indicate that one or more projectiles impacted in Bahraini territory, with alerts sounding earlier at the U.S. naval base in the country. Details regarding casualties, damage, and the exact location of the strike remain unconfirmed at this time.

The Qatari Ministry of Defense has announced that it intercepted an Iranian missile over its territory.

Shortly afterward, reports emerged that Iranian missiles were targeting Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, a major U.S. military installation in the region.

There is no immediate confirmation regarding impacts, damage, or casualties. Qatari authorities have not released further operational details at this time.

Al Udeid serves as a key hub for U.S. air operations in the Middle East, and any confirmed strike or attempted strike would mark a significant widening of the confrontation.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has announced that it is aware of significant military activity across the Arabian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman, the northern Arabian Sea, and the Strait of Hormuz.

In its advisory, UKMTO urged commercial vessels to proceed with caution and to report any suspicious activity immediately.

A large barrage of missiles has reportedly been launched from the area of Shiraz in southern Iran.

Initial trajectories suggest the projectiles are heading westward, likely toward Israeli territory. Air defense systems across the region are expected to be engaged as interception attempts begin.

Inter Bellum News has spoken to a source within the Israeli military who stated that the current operation had been planned for weeks and was closely coordinated with the United States.

According to the source, the strikes were carefully constructed in advance, with predefined operational phases and target sets agreed upon prior to execution.

Reports suggesting prior Israeli–U.S. coordination had already been circulating in international media earlier today, describing the operation as deliberate and pre-planned rather than a spontaneous response.

The source further indicated that nuclear negotiations earlier this week were not expected to succeed and were viewed internally as unlikely to produce a breakthrough.

Video obtained by Inter Bellum News shows the moment of impact from one of the strikes inside Iran. The footage captures a large explosion followed by visible smoke rising from the targeted area.

Reports are emerging of explosions over Damascus, Syria.

Some sources suggest Israeli air defenses may be attempting to intercept Iranian projectiles transiting Syrian airspace. There has been no official confirmation from Israeli or Syrian authorities at this stage.

The situation remains fluid as multiple air defense systems across the region appear active.

Air raid sirens have been activated in multiple areas of northern Israel, including the Galilee region, the Golan Heights, and along the northern coastal areas.

No immediate details have been released regarding the cause of the alerts. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the sirens were triggered by incoming projectiles, aircraft activity, or precautionary measures amid ongoing regional escalation.

In the early morning hours of February 28, large-scale airstrikes were reported across Iran, beginning in Tehran and later expanding to additional cities including Qom, Khorromabad, Bushehr, Konarak, and areas near Asaluyeh and Chabahar.

Initial reports indicated explosions in Tehran, with Israeli airspace subsequently closed. Within minutes, multiple sources claimed that Israeli strikes were underway. Later reporting from U.S. officials and major media outlets indicated American involvement, with aircraft launching from regional bases and from at least one aircraft carrier. Cruise missiles were reportedly observed crossing Iraqi airspace toward Iran.

Reported Targets

According to circulating reports and official statements, the following locations were targeted:

• Iranian Ministry of Intelligence

• Judicial Ministry

• Government quarter in Tehran

• Tehran International Airport

• Nuclear facility in Qom (reported)

• IRGC naval facilities in Asaluyeh

• Military installations in Konarak

• Explosions reported near Bushehr and Chabahar

The scope of the operation was described by U.S. officials as potentially lasting several days.

Official Statements

U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed American military involvement, stating the strikes were in response to threats posed by Iran and previous attacks on American forces. He indicated operations may continue and acknowledged potential U.S. casualties.

Israeli media reported the operation under the name “Roar of the Lion.” Earlier references suggested the name “Shield of Juda.”

Iranian state media confirmed strikes across multiple regions, reported the survival of senior leadership including the Ayatollah and the President, and stated that retaliation would occur in the coming hours. Iranian MiG-29 patrols were reported over Tehran.

Regional Impact

Airspace closures were reported in:

• Israel

• Iran

• Iraq

The U.S. Embassy in Bahrain issued stay-at-home guidance for its personnel. Data monitoring services indicated internet disruptions inside Iran. Reports of cyberattacks targeting Iranian governmental systems also emerged.

Negotiations previously underway in Geneva and Oman are widely considered suspended following the strikes.