The conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, which began on February 28, entered another tense phase as fresh military claims and counterclaims emerged. The latest developments included President Donald Trump’s claim that US forces carried out a major bombing raid on Iran’s Kharg Island, fresh missile launches from Iran towards Israel, and new warnings over shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
The developments also come amid a wider military build-up under Operation Epic Fury, the US-led campaign against Iran. At the same time, India has remained engaged on the diplomatic front, with top-level conversations focused on shipping safety, energy supplies, and the security of Indian nationals in the region.
UAE condemns drone attack on its consulate in Iraqi Kurdistan, calls it “dangerous escalation”
The United Arab Emirates has strongly condemned a drone attack on its consulate in the Iraqi Kurdistan region.
In a statement, the UAE Foreign Ministry said this was the second attack on the UAE Consulate General in Iraqi Kurdistan in a week. It said two security personnel were injured and the building was damaged.
The UAE described the incident as a serious escalation that threatens regional security and stability. It urged the government of Iraq and the Kurdistan Regional Government to investigate the attack, find those responsible, and ensure they are held accountable.
UAE condemns drone attack on its consulate in Iraqi Kurdistan, calls it “dangerous escalation”
The United Arab Emirates has strongly condemned a drone attack on its consulate in the Iraqi Kurdistan region.
In a statement, the UAE Foreign Ministry said this was the second attack on the UAE Consulate General in Iraqi Kurdistan in a week. It said two security personnel were injured and the building was damaged.
The UAE described the incident as a serious escalation that threatens regional security and stability. It urged the government of Iraq and the Kurdistan Regional Government to investigate the attack, find those responsible, and ensure they are held accountable.
Iran fires new wave of missiles, vows to use more powerful weapons
Local media in Iran say Iranian forces have launched a new round of missiles. No further details were given.
A Defence Ministry spokesperson said Iran plans to increase the use of upgraded weapons, especially ballistic missiles and other missiles with stronger impact.
Reports say Israel and nearby Gulf states have faced continued missile and drone attacks. At the same time, Iran has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil shipments, while US and Israeli aircraft continue strikes on targets inside Iran.
Iran fires new wave of missiles, vows to use more powerful weapons
Local media in Iran say Iranian forces have launched a new round of missiles. No further details were given.
A Defence Ministry spokesperson said Iran plans to increase the use of upgraded weapons, especially ballistic missiles and other missiles with stronger impact.
Reports say Israel and nearby Gulf states have faced continued missile and drone attacks. At the same time, Iran has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil shipments, while US and Israeli aircraft continue strikes on targets inside Iran.
Blasts heard in Jerusalem as Israel says it intercepting missiles from Iran
Explosions were heard over West Jerusalem, according to the Agence France-Presse (AFP).
The reports came shortly after the Israeli military said it had detected incoming missiles from Iran. The army stated that its defence systems were working to intercept the threat.
The conflict, which began after US-Israeli strikes on Tehran, is now in its third week. More updates are expected as the situation develops.
Reza Pahlavi says he is ready to lead Iran if current government falls
Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran’s last shah who was removed during the Iranian Revolution in 1979, says he is ready to lead a transition in Iran if the current government collapses.
In a message shared on social media, the US-based opposition figure said he is preparing a “Transitional System” made up of people from inside and outside Iran. He said this team would be ready to take over governance “as soon as the Islamic Republic falls.”
Pahlavi said the process of selecting members is being led by Saeed Ghasseminejad, a senior adviser at the US-based think tank Foundation for Defense of Democracies.
He added that the goal of the transitional group would be to restore order, security, freedom, and improve conditions for Iran’s future development.
Iran talks of “military aggression” after US strike on ship; crew rescue discussed with Sri Lanka
Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi spoke by phone with Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath about recent tensions and the rescue of crew members after a US strike on an Iranian ship.
Iran said the discussion focused on what it called “military aggression” by the United States and Israel. The Foreign Ministry said Araghchi explained the latest developments following the attack.
He thanked Sri Lanka for helping rescue sailors from the Iranian vessel Dena after a US strike on March 4. He also appreciated Sri Lanka’s assistance in returning the bodies of 84 sailors who died when the ship was torpedoed.
Reports say the US has asked Sri Lanka not to send the surviving Iranian sailors back home.
Iran warns UAE ports could be targets, urges people to stay away
Iran’s military said on Saturday that it considers ports in the United Arab Emirates to be possible targets and told people to stay away from them.
The statement, reported by state TV, said Iran believes it has the right to defend its territory by hitting what it called American military assets in ports, docks, and other locations in the UAE.
Iran’s central military command, Khatam Al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, urged civilians to leave port areas immediately for their safety.
Macron calls for direct Israel-Lebanon talks, offers Paris as peace venue
French President Emmanuel Macron said on Saturday that Lebanon is ready for direct talks with Israel.
Macron posted on X that Lebanon has shown willingness to start direct discussions. He also said France is ready to host the negotiations in Paris.
He added that he has already spoken with Lebanon’s President and Prime Minister about the matter.
Macron calls for direct Israel-Lebanon talks, offers Paris as peace venue
French President Emmanuel Macron said on Saturday that Lebanon is ready for direct talks with Israel.
Macron posted on X that Lebanon has shown willingness to start direct discussions. He also said France is ready to host the negotiations in Paris.
He added that he has already spoken with Lebanon’s President and Prime Minister about the matter.
West Asia war fallout: Bahrain and Saudi F1 races likely to be cancelled
The upcoming Bahrain Grand Prix and Saudi Arabian Grand Prix of Formula One next month are expected to be cancelled because of the ongoing conflict in West Asia.
There are reports that an official announcement could come soon, especially with a March 20 logistics deadline approaching to ship race equipment to Bahrain.
Israel says war with Iran enters “Decisive Phase” as US bombs key oil hub
Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz said the war with Iran has entered a “decisive phase.” His remarks came after the United States carried out strikes on military targets at Kharg Island, Iran’s main oil export hub.
Katz praised the operation and said the global and regional campaign against Iran, led by Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu, is intensifying and will continue “as long as necessary.”
Trump claims massive US airstrike “obliterated” Iranian military targets on key oil hub Kharg Island
US President Donald Trump said American forces carried out a powerful airstrike on Iran’s Kharg Island, destroying what he called all military targets there. The island, located in the Persian Gulf, is Iran’s main oil export terminal.
Posting on Truth Social, Trump said the operation by United States Central Command was “one of the most powerful bombing raids in Middle East history.” He also warned that the island’s oil infrastructure could be the next target.
'Over 100 Hezbollah command centres hit,' claims Israel
The Israeli military today carried out several waves of strikes on Hezbollah infrastructure in Beirut and southern Lebanon.
In the latest post, Israel claimed that it has attacked more than 100 Hezbollah command centres since February 28.
Iran says 'oil exports from Kharg Island remain uninterrupted'
According to reports by Iranian news agencies, an Iranian official has confirmed that the exports from Kharg Island are “fully underway” and that oil companies’ activities on the site continue without interruption.
The statement comes after the US said it bombed military installations on the island.
Iran warns US hideouts in UAE 'legitimate targets' after Kharg island attack
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has informed the United Arab Emirates that US “hideouts” are “legitimate targets” after the US struck Iran’s Kharg Island.
“IRGC considers it its legitimate right to defend its national sovereignty and territory by hitting and targeting the origin of the American enemy missiles in shipping ports, docks, and hideouts of American soldiers sheltered in some cities in the UAE,” reported Tasnim news agency, quoting a statement by IRGC.
IRGC urged UAE residents and population centres to evacuate ports, docks, and US military areas to avoid being harmed.
Iran accuses US and Israel of escalating tensions in Strait of Hormuz
Iran’s ambassador to Britain told the International Maritime Organisation that US and Israeli actions were fuelling instability in the Strait of Hormuz.
He said Tehran was acting in self-defence under international law and warned that threats against Iranian ports and maritime facilities could endanger global shipping routes.
Iran warns deaths of Dena warship sailors ‘will not go unanswered’
Iran’s Army chief Major General Amir Hatami said the deaths of sailors aboard the IRIS Dena warship would not remain unanswered.
The vessel was torpedoed earlier this month near Sri Lanka while returning from a mission. Hatami said Iran would strengthen its naval forces and defend its maritime borders with greater resolve.
IDF says over 150 Iranian military sites hit in recent strikes
Israel said it had carried out large-scale air operations against Iranian military assets across western and central parts of the country.
According to reports citing Israeli officials, the strikes targeted missile launchers, drone facilities, air defence systems and weapons production sites across multiple waves of attacks.
Israel issues evacuation warning near Tabriz ahead of possible strike
The Israel Defence Forces asked residents and workers in an industrial zone west of Tabriz to evacuate immediately, warning of impending military operations.
The message, posted in Farsi on X, said the Israeli military would conduct strikes in the area similar to earlier attacks on Iranian military infrastructure. Officials warned civilians their lives would be at risk if they remained.
Two Indian-flagged LPG vessels allowed through Hormuz
Iran has permitted two Indian-flagged LPG carriers to transit the Strait of Hormuz despite tensions in the region.
India’s Shipping Ministry said 24 Indian vessels with over 600 seafarers remain in the Persian Gulf, while authorities continue monitoring the safety of ships and crew operating near the strategic waterway.
Trump releases video of Kharg Island bombing
US President Donald Trump released footage of the bombing raid on Iran’s Kharg Island, showing the scale of damage from the strike.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the United States had “totally defeated” Iranian forces and claimed Tehran was now seeking negotiations, though he added any deal would have to meet US conditions.
US deploying USS Tripoli strike group and 2,500 Marines to region
The United States is sending the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli along with about 2,500 Marines to West Asia amid rising tensions around the Strait of Hormuz.
The vessel, currently based in Japan, is expected to reach the region within one to two weeks and reinforce more than 50,000 US troops already deployed across West Asia.
Iranian parliament speaker says Tehran now sees US and Israel as one front
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said Tehran no longer distinguishes between the United States and Israel in the conflict.
In remarks shared on social media, he accused Washington of acting under Israeli influence and said the war would continue until the “enemy’s calculations change.”
Suicide drone and missile reportedly target US embassy in Baghdad
A suicide drone reportedly struck the radar system at the US embassy compound in Baghdad, according to reports citing Iraqi sources carried by Iranian state media.
Separate reports said a missile also targeted the helipad area inside the diplomatic compound, signalling a new escalation around US facilities in Iraq.
Iran releases footage of drone swarm launched at US-Israel targets
Iranian state media released a video showing what it described as a swarm of drones launched by the IRGC Aerospace Force toward US and Israeli positions.
The footage shows delta-wing drones taking off simultaneously from a desert runway, leaving smoke trails as they rise into formation. Iranian outlets said the operation was part of the continuing retaliatory campaign against American and Israeli targets.
US announces $10 million reward for Iran’s new supreme leader
The US State Department has offered a $10 million reward for information on Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, along with several senior Iranian officials.
The bounty was issued under the Rewards for Justice programme, which offers payments for intelligence helping locate individuals suspected of involvement in terrorism targeting the United States.
Iran claims new wave of strikes under ‘Operation True Promise 4’
Iran said its forces launched the 45th wave of Operation True Promise 4, targeting Israeli and US-linked locations in the region.
Military spokesperson Ebrahim Zolfaghari said precision missiles and drones were fired toward targets including Haifa, Caesarea, and Israeli settlements, as well as military infrastructure in Tel Aviv-area locations.
Iran warns US, Israel will ‘pay the price’ as missile and drone attacks continue
Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters spokesperson Ebrahim Zolfaghari issued a televised warning saying the United States and Israel would “pay the price” for the bloodshed caused during the conflict.
He said Iranian air defence systems had shot down multiple drones, including MQ-9 aircraft over Firuzabad, Bandar Abbas, and Tabriz. According to the official, Iran has intercepted 112 combat, reconnaissance, and suicide drones so far.
Iran says it will ‘stand firm’ amid attacks
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi joined marches in Tehran marking International Quds Day and said the country would not retreat under pressure.
In a post on X, Araghchi said Iranians would remain “strong and resilient” and would not “cower before cowardly attacks.”
Large crowds gathered in Tehran to condemn the February 28 US-Israel strikes and show support for the Palestinian cause.
Iran releases images of sailors killed in warship attack
Iran released images of coffins of sailors from the IRIS Dena warship who were killed in an earlier attack by US forces.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry has described the strike as a “war crime” and said the country would not forget the deaths of the sailors.
The frigate had been torpedoed and sunk near Sri Lanka earlier in the conflict, with dozens of crew members reported killed.
Iran releases images of sailors killed in warship attack
Iran released images of coffins of sailors from the IRIS Dena warship who were killed in an earlier attack by US forces.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry has described the strike as a “war crime” and said the country would not forget the deaths of the sailors.
The frigate had been torpedoed and sunk near Sri Lanka earlier in the conflict, with dozens of crew members reported killed.
Indian embassy assists travellers as flights disrupted
Nearly 500 Indian nationals travelled from Qatar to India and other destinations on Qatar Airways flights, according to the Indian embassy in Doha.
The embassy said Qatar’s airspace is partially open, leading to limited flight operations. One flight to Mumbai was scheduled to operate on March 14.
Indian officials said they are continuing to monitor the situation closely and coordinating with community organisations to assist Indian nationals in the region.
White House rejects CNN report on Hormuz planning
The White House has dismissed a CNN report suggesting US officials failed to prepare for Iran potentially closing the Strait of Hormuz.
In a statement, the administration said the military had planned for such a scenario for decades and that Operation Epic Fury was designed specifically to eliminate threats to global shipping routes.
US lawmakers demand probe into school strike in Iran
Democratic lawmakers in the US Congress have called for an investigation into reports that a February 28 strike during Operation Epic Fury hit a girls’ elementary school in Iran.
According to lawmakers, at least 175 civilians, many of them children, were reportedly killed in the incident near Minab.
Members of Congress have asked the Pentagon to disclose details about the targeting process and steps taken to prevent civilian casualties.
Pentagon sending Marines and warships to Middle East
The United States is deploying additional Marines and naval assets to the Middle East as tensions around the Strait of Hormuz escalate, according to media reports.
The deployment is expected to include the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli, along with about 2,500 Marines and 2,500 sailors.
Officials said the move is aimed at reinforcing US forces in the region and protecting global shipping routes.
US confirms six crew members killed in aircraft crash
The US Central Command said all six crew members aboard a KC-135 refuelling aircraft that crashed in western Iraq on March 12 have died.
CENTCOM said the aircraft went down while flying in friendly airspace during Operation Epic Fury and that the crash was not caused by hostile or friendly fire. The incident remains under investigation.
India-Iran contacts intensify as tensions rise
Iran’s Supreme Leader’s representative in India said the leadership of both countries had a “good and successful” conversation amid the ongoing conflict.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar confirmed he had spoken with his Iranian counterpart Seyed Abbas Araghchi to discuss bilateral issues and matters related to BRICS.
Earlier this week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also spoke with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, expressing concern about escalating tensions and emphasising the need for dialogue and diplomacy.
Iran says US pressured India over Russian oil
Iran’s foreign minister also accused Washington of hypocrisy over energy policy.
In a post on X, Araghchi said the US had earlier pressured India to reduce Russian oil imports but was now “begging” countries - including India - to buy Russian crude after the war with Iran disrupted global energy markets.
Iran says it will ‘stand firm’ amid attacks
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi joined marches in Tehran marking International Quds Day and said the country would not retreat under pressure.
In a post on X, Araghchi said Iranians would remain “strong and resilient” and would not “cower before cowardly attacks.”
Large crowds gathered in Tehran to condemn the February 28 US-Israel strikes and show support for the Palestinian cause.
Trump says US has destroyed ‘90% of Iran’s missiles’
Trump said US forces had already destroyed close to 90 per cent of Iran’s missile capabilities.
Speaking in an interview aired on the Brian Kilmeade Show, he said American forces had targeted missile and drone production facilities across Iran.
“We’re going to be hitting them very hard over the next week,” he added, claiming the campaign had already inflicted severe damage on Iran’s military infrastructure.
CENTCOM deploys B-2 bombers for Operation Epic Fury
The United States Central Command said B-2 stealth bombers had taken off to conduct missions as part of Operation Epic Fury.
CENTCOM said the bombers were launched to deliver long-range firepower aimed at neutralising Iranian military capabilities and preventing Tehran from rebuilding its defence infrastructure in the future.
US vice president on Iran war
US Vice President JD Vance said Washington’s military campaign against Iran, known as Operation Epic Fury, aims to ensure Tehran never develops nuclear weapons.
Speaking at an event in North Carolina, Vance said previous US administrations had voiced similar concerns but added that President Trump had now taken direct action.
He also urged Americans to pray for troops deployed overseas amid the ongoing conflict.
Iran launches missiles toward Israel
The Israeli Air Force said missiles were launched from Iran toward Israeli territory, triggering air defence systems.
In a post on X, the Israeli military said interception systems were activated after missiles were detected heading toward Israel. Emergency alerts were also sent to mobile phones in affected areas instructing residents to move into protected spaces.
Iranian state broadcaster Press TV reported that missiles had struck targets in “occupied territories,” including the Nevatim Airbase.
Trump says Iran’s regional ambitions ‘now dead’
Reacting to the ongoing conflict, Trump said Iran had sought to dominate the Middle East and destroy Israel but claimed those ambitions had collapsed after recent US strikes.
“Iran had plans of taking over the entire Middle East, and completely obliterating Israel,” he wrote on Truth Social, adding that those plans were now “dead.”
He also reiterated that Iran would never be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons and warned Tehran’s military to lay down arms.
US claims major strike on Iran’s Kharg Island
US President Donald Trump said American forces carried out a major bombing operation targeting military facilities on Iran’s strategic Kharg Island.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) executed one of the most powerful bombing raids in the region’s history, claiming the strikes “totally obliterated” military targets on the island.
He said the attack deliberately avoided oil infrastructure, adding the US had the capability to destroy those facilities but chose not to. However, Trump warned that decision could change if Iran interferes with shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.