The escalating conflict in the Middle East entered its sixth day on Thursday following the February 28 strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, along with several other senior figures.
The attacks triggered a swift response from Tehran, which has launched retaliatory strikes targeting American military bases in Gulf countries and Israeli assets across the region, raising fears of a wider regional war.
Speaking during a roundtable discussion at the White House on Wednesday (local time), US President Donald Trump said the United States was performing “very well” in the ongoing military campaign Operation Epic Fury against Iran.
“We’re doing very well on the war front, to put it mildly. Somebody said on a scale of 10, where you would rate it? I said about a 15.”
The US President also asserted that Washington remains in a “very strong position” in the conflict, claiming that American operations have significantly weakened Iran’s military capabilities.
“We’re going to continue to do well. We have the greatest military in the world by far, and that was a tremendous threat to us for many years,” Trump said.
He further accused Iran of decades of violence against Americans and others globally, stating, “Forty-seven years they’ve been killing our people and killing people all over the world, and we have great support.”
The situation remains tense as military exchanges continue across the region, with international leaders urging restraint amid concerns that the conflict could further destabilise the Middle East.
India responded to distress call of Iran ship Iris Dena, deployed aircraft: Indian Navy
"A distress call from IRIS Dena was received at the MRCC Colombo in the early hours of 04 March 26 as reported by the Sri Lankan Navy," the Navy said.
PM Modi speaks to French President Macron, discusses US-Iran war and its fallout
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that he has spoken with French President Emmanuel Macron on the phone to discuss the evolving situation in West Asia. In a social media post on X, Modi also called for the early restoration of peace in the region.
“Spoke with my friend President Emmanuel Macron today. We discussed our shared concerns over the evolving situation in West Asia and the need for a return to dialogue and diplomacy. We will continue to engage closely and coordinate efforts towards the early restoration of peace and stability in the region,” he said.
IDF says new wave of Iranian missile strikes targeting Israel
The IDF on Thursday said that it had detected a new launch of ballistic missiles from Iran, sending millions into shelters. The Israeli military urged residents to remain in protected areas until further notice.
Iran fires 7 missiles, 131 drones at UAE today
The UAE on Thursday said that Iran fired seven ballistic missiles and 131 drones at it today, March 1. According to the Emirati Defence Ministry, only one missile and six drone hit the UAE, while all others were intercepted.
So far, Iran has fired 196 ballistic missiles at the UAE, of which 181 were intercepted and 13 fell into the sea and two hit the country.
Iran targets Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv in latest missile strike, says IRGC
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) on Thursday said that they have targeted Israel's Ben Gurion Airport and an air force base in the area.
"The heavy Khorramshahr-4 missiles carrying one-tonne warheads were launched at dawn today ... toward the heart of Tel Aviv, Ben Gurion airport and the base of the Israeli air force's 27th squadron located at the airport," the IRGC said, according to a statement carried by Tasnim news agency.
US, Israel targeting civilians, alleges Iran
Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei on Thursday accused the US and Israel of deliberately targeting civilian areas in Iran.
"Our people are being brutally slaughtered as the aggressors deliberately target civilian areas and any location they believe will inflict the maximum possible suffering and loss of life," said foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei in a post on X.
India offers condolences on Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's death in US-Israeli strikes
Days after Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the US-Israeli strikes, India on Thursday offered condolences on his death, with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri signing the condolence book at the Iranian embassy in New Delhi.
Misri visited the Iranian Embassy in Delhi and signed the book on behalf of the Indian government.
Gas supply to GAIL stops after Petronet LNG issues force majeure notice
GAIL (India) Limited on Thursday said the allocation of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Petronet LNG Limited under a long-term contract has been reduced to zero after the supplier issued a force majeure notice due to disruptions linked to maritime navigation restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz and possible shutdown of facilities in Ras Laffan.
In a regulatory filing, the company said Petronet LNG issued the force majeure notice on March 3 under the Gas Sale and Purchase Agreement, citing constraints faced by certain LNG vessels during transit between India and Qatar.
The situation has arisen amid maritime navigation restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz and reports of a shutdown at the liquefaction facility in Ras Laffan.
More from Iran's envoy to India on conflict
Speaking about the ongoing tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, Mohammad Fathali, Ambassador of Iran to India, said Iran had recently lost a great figure, describing the late Ayatollah Khamenei as a guiding force who always advised the country to stand on the "right side of history." He said the leader believed in standing for principles and that Iran continued to follow that approach.
"We have lost a great figure, our leader, our father, and always his eminence advised us to try our best to stand on the right side of history. I believe that his eminence stood on the right side of history, and he received his reward. We entered the negotiation table despite knowing their intentions, but they set the time; before that, they attacked, and we announced that we would respond," the Iranian envoy said.
The ambassador of Iran accused Israel of destabilising the region and attempting to destroy infrastructure and property across West Asia.
Iranian vessel detected near Sri Lanka’s maritime boundary
Sri Lanka’s government today said another Iranian vessel has been detected near the island’s maritime boundary, but stressed that it is not within the country’s territorial waters.
Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa told Parliament that the vessel is currently located in Sri Lanka’s Exclusive Economic Zone close to the maritime boundary.
More from Iran's envoy to India on conflict
Speaking about the ongoing tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, Mohammad Fathali, Ambassador of Iran to India, said Iran had recently lost a great figure, describing the late Ayatollah Khamenei as a guiding force who always advised the country to stand on the "right side of history." He said the leader believed in standing for principles and that Iran continued to follow that approach.
"We have lost a great figure, our leader, our father, and always his eminence advised us to try our best to stand on the right side of history. I believe that his eminence stood on the right side of history, and he received his reward. We entered the negotiation table despite knowing their intentions, but they set the time; before that, they attacked, and we announced that we would respond," the Iranian envoy said.
The ambassador of Iran accused Israel of destabilising the region and attempting to destroy infrastructure and property across West Asia.
Azerbaijan condemns Iran-launched drone attacks on its territory, summons Iranian ambassador
Azerbaijan on Thursday strongly condemned drone attacks launched from Iranian territory that targeted Nakhchivan, resulting in damage to infrastructure and injuries to civilians.
In an official statement, Azerbaijan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, "At around midday on 5 March, drone attacks were carried out against the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic of the Republic of Azerbaijan from the territory of the Islamic Republic of Iran."
"One drone struck the terminal building of the airport in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, while another drone fell near a school building in the village of Shakarabad," the statement read.
"We strongly condemn these drone attacks launched from the territory of the Islamic Republic of Iran, which resulted in damage to the airport building and injuries of two civilians," the statement said.
The ministry further said the attack violated international norms and heightened tensions in the region."This attack against the territory of the Republic of Azerbaijan constitutes a violation of the norms and principles of international law and serves to increase tensions in the region," the statement added.
Another Iranian warship heading towards Sri Lankan waters
A second Iranian warship is heading towards Sri Lanka's territorial waters Thursday, a day after a US submarine destroyed an Iranian frigate, a Sri Lankan minister tells parliament, reported news agency AFP.
The warship has made an “urgent port call” a day after Iris Dena, an Iranian naval ship, was sunk US submarine.
Since Saturday, Israel and the United States have together made historic gains to protect our citizens and the civilized world in Operation Roaring Lion, stated the Israeli Prime Minister's Office during a briefing to the press.
In view of the ongoing situation in West Asia and the Gulf region, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs has set up a Special Control Room.
The Control Room will remain operational between 9 AM and 9 PM.
Since Saturday, Israel and the United States have together made historic gains to protect our citizens and the civilized world in Operation Roaring Lion, stated the Israeli Prime Minister's Office during a briefing to the press.
Iranian vessel detected near Sri Lanka’s maritime boundary
Sri Lanka’s government today said another Iranian vessel has been detected near the island’s maritime boundary, but stressed that it is not within the country’s territorial waters.
Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa told Parliament that the vessel is currently located in Sri Lanka’s Exclusive Economic Zone close to the maritime boundary.
"Iran entered negotiations with US, but they attacked:" Iran's envoy to India on conflict
Mohammad Fathali, Ambassador of Iran to India today revealed that Iran had entered the negotiation table with the US and Israel, despite knowing their intentions, but they set the time; before that, they attacked.
The ambassador of Iran accused Israel of destabilising the region and attempting to destroy infrastructure and property across West Asia. "Unfortunately, the region faced so many problems, and the Zionist regime wanted to disturb and destroy all the properties in our region," he said.
Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz spoke to his American counterpart, the US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, condoling the death of six US service members who were killed in Iranian attacks. He also noted that Israel is doing and will continue to do everything to assist in protecting the safety of US troops in the region.
Katz asked Hegseth to thank US President Trump for the great support for Israel and noted that the cooperation between President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu against Iran is changing regional and global history.
Australia sends 'military assets' to the Middle East
The Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese today confirmed that its crisis teams and 'military assets' have been deployed to the Middle East as a contingency plan.
Australia sends 'military assets' to the Middle East
The Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese today confirmed that its crisis teams and 'military assets' have been deployed to the Middle East as a contingency plan.
US Embassy in Jerusalem issues fresh security alert
In a statement posted on X, the US Embassy in Jerusalem conveyed that the US government continues to share up-to-the-minute information people need to make informed decisions about their safety.
It stated that the US government is ready to help Americans leave the Middle East if they choose to take advantage of the options available.
The US citizens in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza can also call the State Department at +1-202-501-4444 to receive departure information and assistance.
Israeli Air Force strikes 20 targets in Iran, destroys missile hubs
The Israeli Air Force (IAF) confirmed on Thursday that its aircraft successfully targeted and destroyed key military infrastructure within Iran, including a ballistic missile launcher prepared for an immediate strike against Israel.
IAF aircraft struck and dismantled an armed ballistic missile launcher in the area of Qom that was ready to fire at Israel. An Iranian aerial defense system was also struck in Isfahan.
Beyond the neutralisation of the missile threat, the operation also targeted Iranian anti-aircraft capabilities to ensure continued freedom of movement for Israeli jets. "In addition, a defense system intended to strike Air Force aircraft in Isfahan was destroyed," the IAF said in a statement.
⭕️Overnight Activity:
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) March 5, 2026
IAF aircraft struck and dismantled an armed ballistic missile launcher in the area of Qom that was ready to fire at Israel.
An Iranian aerial defense system was also struck in Isfahan.
❗️Prior to the strikes, the IDF took multiple measures to mitigate the… pic.twitter.com/Wdm5MbW95n
Israeli Air Force strikes 20 targets in Iran, destroys missile hubs
The Israeli Air Force (IAF) confirmed on Thursday that its aircraft successfully targeted and destroyed key military infrastructure within Iran, including a ballistic missile launcher prepared for an immediate strike against Israel.
IAF aircraft struck and dismantled an armed ballistic missile launcher in the area of Qom that was ready to fire at Israel. An Iranian aerial defense system was also struck in Isfahan.
Beyond the neutralisation of the missile threat, the operation also targeted Iranian anti-aircraft capabilities to ensure continued freedom of movement for Israeli jets. "In addition, a defense system intended to strike Air Force aircraft in Isfahan was destroyed," the IAF said in a statement.
⭕️Overnight Activity:
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) March 5, 2026
IAF aircraft struck and dismantled an armed ballistic missile launcher in the area of Qom that was ready to fire at Israel.
An Iranian aerial defense system was also struck in Isfahan.
❗️Prior to the strikes, the IDF took multiple measures to mitigate the… pic.twitter.com/Wdm5MbW95n
"My family was threatened": Pakistani man tells US court Iranian spies coerced him into plot to kill Trump, Biden
A Pakistani national accused of conspiring to assassinate American political figures testified that Iranian intelligence operatives coerced him into a plot targeting Donald Trump and Joe Biden, the New York Post reported.
Asif Merchant, 47, provided his account in court on Wednesday, claiming he was pressured into the scheme to protect his relatives.
During his testimony in a Brooklyn federal court, the defendant, who is charged with terrorism and murder-for-hire, stated that he felt compelled to act. "I had no other options. My family was threatened," Merchant informed the jury.
Israel warns Iran ready to target 'everyone around them'
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) today asserted that the "Iranian terrorist regime" has made it very clear that they're willing to target "everyone around them" in West Asia as the conflict continues to escalate in the region.
"I can tell you that the Iranian terrorist regime has made it very clear that they're willing to target everyone around them in the area and they've done so continuously over the last few days," IDF International Spokesperson Lt Ben Cohen told IANS.
"US will bitterly regret," warns Foreign Minister of Iran
Foreign Minister of Iran, Seyed Abbas Araghchi today posted about the US torpedo strike on Iran’s IRIS Dena. He said, "The US has perpetrated an atrocity at sea, 2,000 miles away from Iran's shores. Frigate Dena, a guest of India's Navy carrying almost 130 sailors, was struck in international waters without warning. Mark my words: The US will come to bitterly regret the precedent it has set."
"US will bitterly regret," warns Foreign Minister of Iran
Foreign Minister of Iran, Seyed Abbas Araghchi today posted about the US torpedo strike on Iran’s IRIS Dena. He said, "The US has perpetrated an atrocity at sea, 2,000 miles away from Iran's shores. Frigate Dena, a guest of India's Navy carrying almost 130 sailors, was struck in international waters without warning. Mark my words: The US will come to bitterly regret the precedent it has set."
The US Central Command today released a fresh video showing CENTCOM efforts to eliminate the Iranian regime's mobile missile launch capabilities. It said, "We are finding and destroying these threats with lethal precision."
The effort to eliminate the Iranian regime's mobile missile launch capabilities continues. We are finding and destroying these threats with lethal precision. pic.twitter.com/AkGRYOjnOz
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 5, 2026
Dr Saeed Khatibzadeh, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran, signed a condolence book in memory of Ayatollah Khamenei at the Iranian Embassy in New Delhi.
watch | Delhi: Dr Saeed Khatibzadeh, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran, signing a condolence book in memory of Ayatollah Khamenei at the Iranian Embassy in New Delhi. pic.twitter.com/WcwQ3AeLFa
— ANI (@ANI) March 5, 2026
"US will bitterly regret," warns Foreign Minister of Iran
Foreign Minister of Iran, Seyed Abbas Araghchi today posted about the US torpedo strike on Iran’s IRIS Dena. He said, "The US has perpetrated an atrocity at sea, 2,000 miles away from Iran's shores. Frigate Dena, a guest of India's Navy carrying almost 130 sailors, was struck in international waters without warning. Mark my words: The US will come to bitterly regret the precedent it has set."
According to the White House, the United States forces are in full swing in their military action against Iran. It states that in just four days into Operation Epic Fury, 20+ Iranian vessels sank from air, land, and sea. It further claimed that there has been 73% reduction in Iranian drone launches and 86% reduction in Iranian ballistic missile launches.
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Israel warns Iran ready to target 'everyone around them'
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) today asserted that the "Iranian terrorist regime" has made it very clear that they're willing to target "everyone around them" in West Asia as the conflict continues to escalate in the region.
"I can tell you that the Iranian terrorist regime has made it very clear that they're willing to target everyone around them in the area and they've done so continuously over the last few days," IDF International Spokesperson Lt Ben Cohen told IANS.
On our way to make history ✈️ pic.twitter.com/SoTAorwyrh
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) March 5, 2026
Iran refused to say yes to peace, and its refusal made clear that its number-one priority was building a nuclear weapon with which to threaten the United States of America, said White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.
SIMPLY PUT: Iran refused to say yes to peace, and its refusal made clear that its number-one priority was building a nuclear weapon with which to threaten the United States of America.@PressSec ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/9uhP8uOG09
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) March 4, 2026
Iran refused to say yes to peace, and its refusal made clear that its number-one priority was building a nuclear weapon with which to threaten the United States of America, said White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.
SIMPLY PUT: Iran refused to say yes to peace, and its refusal made clear that its number-one priority was building a nuclear weapon with which to threaten the United States of America.@PressSec ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/9uhP8uOG09
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) March 4, 2026
The Qatar Ministry of Interior announced that it is evacuating residents who live near the US Embassy in Doha as a temporary precautionary measure. It requested to avoid the immediate area of the U.S. Embassy, out of an abundance of caution.
Kurds loyal to US may be America’s boot on ground in Iran
The Kurdish Iranian dissident groups based in northern Iraq are preparing for a possible cross-border military operation targeting Iran, according to Kurdish officials who spoke to The Associated Press.
Reportedly, the United States has asked Iraqi Kurds for support, officials said, as tensions involving Iran continue to escalate.
Kurds loyal to US may be America’s boot on ground in Iran
The Kurdish Iranian dissident groups based in northern Iraq are preparing for a possible cross-border military operation targeting Iran, according to Kurdish officials who spoke to The Associated Press.
Reportedly, the United States has asked Iraqi Kurds for support, officials said, as tensions involving Iran continue to escalate.
US Senate votes for Trump’s war powers in conflict with Iran
The US Senate has voted down a War Powers resolution aimed at limiting President Donald Trump's military action, 'Operation Epic Fury', against Iran, with the measure failing 47-53 on mostly party lines.
Senate Republicans on Wednesday had closed ranks behind Trump, dealing him a crucial political victory by defeating the Democrats-led resolution intended to rein in his military actions in Iran despite lingering questions about America's involvement in the Middle East.
White House says Spain agreed to cooperate with US military action on Iran
The White House claimed that Spain has agreed to cooperate with US military operations against Iran after President Donald Trump threatened financial penalties; however, Madrid has rejected the US assertion.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on Wednesday (local time) said that Spain "agreed to cooperate with the US military."
However, Spain rejected the assertion. Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares, in a local radio interview, denied Leavitt's account. "Our position has not changed," Albares said.
White House says Spain agreed to cooperate with US military action on Iran
The White House claimed that Spain has agreed to cooperate with US military operations against Iran after President Donald Trump threatened financial penalties; however, Madrid has rejected the US assertion.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on Wednesday (local time) said that Spain "agreed to cooperate with the US military."
However, Spain rejected the assertion. Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares, in a local radio interview, denied Leavitt's account. "Our position has not changed," Albares said.
Iran threatens to hit Israel's Dimona nuke site
Iran on Thursday threatened to target the Dimona nuclear site if Israel and the US sought to topple the Islamic Republic. This follows an open threat from Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz, who had said that any new leader brought in by the regime will be a legitimate target for elimination.
Late Ayatollah Khamenei's body to be placed at Tehran's Grand Mosalla
Preparations are underway at Tehran's Grand Mosalla for the placement of the body of the late Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, who was killed in the US-Israel-led strike on Iran, reported Iranian media.
This is part of the three-day farewell ceremony being organised for the late Supreme Leader. A "farewell ceremony" followed by a "funeral procession" is the protocol after the death of a Supreme Leader.
IRGC launches 19th wave of Operation True Promise 4
The IRGC has launched the nineteenth wave of Operation True Promise 4 as a combined missile and drone operation, according to the IRGC Public Relations on Thursday.
According to the IRGC, "This operation against the positions of American-Zionist terrorists in the heart of the occupied territories and American terrorist bases began with massive explosions under the blessed code name 'Ya Hassan ibn Ali (peace be upon him).'"
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) earlier announced that it had carried out strikes against Israeli and American targets across the region, according to local media.
Over 17,500 Americans safely returned from Middle East amid Iran conflict: US
The United States said that more than 17,500 American citizens have safely returned from the Middle East since February 28.
In a media note issued by the Department of State, Assistant Secretary Dylan Johnson said that over 8,500 US citizens returned to the country on Tuesday alone, marking one of the largest single-day movements in recent weeks.