US and Iran War News Updates: The US-Israeli attacks on Iran that killed the country’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several other top political and military leaders have triggered a wider Middle East conflict with Tehran targeting US military bases in several Gulf countries. As the war entered day three, Iran intensified its strikes on Israel, with Kuwait claiming that Iranian missiles also downed several US warplanes. Israel, on the other hand, has claimed to have killed several top intelligence officials of Iran in its latest strikes.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) also targeted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, according to an AzerNEWS report. Citing the Public Relations Department of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the report further stated that the fate of Netanyahu remains “unclear”. The IRGC also claimed that its missiles struck a location where the Israeli Air Force commander was present.
Meanwhile, a joint statement from the US and six Gulf nations has condemned the Iranian air strikes in the region, saying they represent a “dangerous escalation” and threatens the stability in the Middle East.
“Targeting civilians and non-combatant states is reckless behaviour that undermines stability,” the statement – shared by Kuwait’s foreign ministry – read. The Gulf countries hit by Iranian strikes reaffirmed their “right to self-defence”. The statement was signed by Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Jordan, the UAE, and the US.
Below are the UPDATES of US and IRAN War DAY 3
Four Etihad evacuation flights from Abu Dhabi land in India: Reports
Trump says way ahead of schedule in war against Iran
"Right from the beginning we projected four to five weeks, but we have capability to go far longer than that. Somebody said today, the President wants to do it really quickly and after that, he'll get bored. I don't get bored. There's nothing boring about this... We also projected four weeks to terminate the military leadership, and as you know, that was done in about an hour, so we're ahead of schedule there by a lot," he said.
Trump also claimed that Iran backed out after reaching nuclear deal.
"We thought we had a deal, but then they (Iran) backed out. Then they came back, and we thought we had a deal, and they backed out. I said, you can't deal with these people. You've got to do it the right way. Today, we grieve for the four heroic American service members who have been killed in action. In their memory, we continue this mission with ferocious, unyielding resolve to crush the threat this terrorist regime poses to the American people. We have the strongest and most powerful by far military in the world, and we will easily prevail. We're already substantially ahead of our time projections."
https://twitter.com/ANI/status/2028519144124211698
Trump says way ahead of schedule in war against Iran
"Right from the beginning we projected four to five weeks, but we have capability to go far longer than that. Somebody said today, the President wants to do it really quickly and after that, he'll get bored. I don't get bored. There's nothing boring about this... We also projected four weeks to terminate the military leadership, and as you know, that was done in about an hour, so we're ahead of schedule there by a lot," he said.
Trump also claimed that Iran backed out after reaching nuclear deal.
"We thought we had a deal, but then they (Iran) backed out. Then they came back, and we thought we had a deal, and they backed out. I said, you can't deal with these people. You've got to do it the right way. Today, we grieve for the four heroic American service members who have been killed in action. In their memory, we continue this mission with ferocious, unyielding resolve to crush the threat this terrorist regime poses to the American people. We have the strongest and most powerful by far military in the world, and we will easily prevail. We're already substantially ahead of our time projections."
https://twitter.com/ANI/status/2028519144124211698
IndiGo to run 10 special relief flights from Jeddah to India on Tuesday
IndiGo has planned 10 special relief operations from Jeddah to India on March 3 to facilitate the return of stranded passengers, subject to required approvals and prevailing airspace conditions.
IndiGo is coordinating with the Consulate General of India at Jeddah for passenger facilitation. “Foreign carriers operating between India and the Gulf region are also undertaking limited operations, subject to operational and airspace considerations,” the Ministry of External Affairs said.
India coordinating with airlines, regulators to ensure facilitation of affected passengers Amid the evolving Middle East situation, the government on Monday said it remains in continuous coordination with airlines, airport operators, regulatory authorities, and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to ensure safe operations, orderly restoration of services and facilitation of affected passengers. The situation was reviewed in a high-level meeting chaired by Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu, attended by Civil Aviation Secretary Samir Kumar Sinha and all senior officials. The Ministry of Civil Aviation said it is closely monitoring the evolving airspace situation in parts of the Middle East and its impact on international flight operations. “Indian carriers have undertaken calibrated adjustments to their schedules, with long-haul and ultra long-haul operations being progressively resumed through alternative routings that avoid restricted airspace. Aircraft and crew repositioning measures are underway to restore operational stability at the earliest,” said the Civil Aviation Ministry. Also, special arrangements are being made to facilitate the movement of stranded passengers. Airlines are deploying additional capacity where required and coordinating closely with foreign aviation authorities and Indian missions abroad to ensure safe and orderly passenger movement.
More from Hegseth's press conference earlier today
"The mission of Operation Epic Fury is laser-focused. Destroy Iranian offensive missiles, destroy Iranian missile production, destroy their Navy and other security infrastructure, and they will never have nuclear weapons. We're hitting them surgically, overwhelmingly, and unapologetically. With every passing day, our capabilities get stronger and Iran's get weaker. We set the terms of this war from start to finish. Our ambitions are not utopian. They are realistic... President Trump has been clear- now is wartime..." Hegseth said
"Crazy regimes like Iran, hell-bent on prophetic Islamist delusions, cannot have nuclear weapons. Many have said it, but it takes guts to actually enforce it, and our president has guts. Iran's stubborn and self-evident nuclear pursuits, their targeting of global shipping lanes, and their swelling arsenal of ballistic missiles and killer drones were no longer, are no longer tolerable risks. Iran was building powerful missiles and drones to create a conventional shield for their nuclear blackmail ambitions... Iran had a conventional gun to our head as they tried to lie their way to a nuclear bomb," he said.
'US didn't start this war, but will finish it'
"We didn't start this war, but under President Trump, we are finishing it. Their war on Americans has become our retribution against their Ayatollah. It took the 47th president, a fighter who always puts America first, to finally draw the line after 47 years of Iranian belligerence... If you kill Americans, if you threaten Americans anywhere on earth, we will hunt you down without apology and without hesitation, and we will kill you," he added.
Modi speaks to Jordan King Abdullah, conveys concern
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken with Jordan King Abdullah and expressed deep concerns over the evolving situation in the region.
"Spoke with His Majesty King Abdullah II, the King of Jordan. Conveyed our deep concern at the evolving situation in the region. We reaffirm our support for peace, security and the well-being of the people of Jordan. I thanked him for taking care of the Indian community in Jordan in this difficult hour," Modi wrote on X.
'Big wave' in war against Iran yet to come, says Trump
US President Donald Trump on Monday said that the "big wave" in the war against Iran is yet to come, as Tehran launched barrages of missiles in retaliation for the US-Israeli strikes. He said the US operation in Iran is going "very well" and the American forces are "knocking the crap out of them".
“We’re knocking the crap out of them. I think it’s going very well. It’s very powerful. We’ve got the greatest military in the world and we’re using it,” Trump told CNN.
China supports Iran defending itself against US-Israeli strikes
Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi on Monday spoke to China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi. During the phonecall, Wang Yi told his Iranian counterpart that Beijing supports Tehran defending itself against US-Israeli strikes.
Wang told Araghchi that Beijing “cherishes the traditional friendship between China and Iran, supports Iran in defending its sovereignty, security, territorial integrity, and national dignity, and supports Iran in protecting its legitimate rights and interests.”
Wang said that China urges "the US and Israel to immediately cease military operations, avoid further escalation of tensions and prevent the conflict from spreading to the entire Middle East region."
Dubai Airports confrims limited resumption in flight operations
Dubai Airports on Monday confirmed resumption of special flights from today evening. In a statement shared on X, Dubai Aiports said that "exceptional flights are now operating at UAE airports."
However, it asked passengers not to proceed to the airport unless contacted by airlines. The operations were suspended in view of Iranian strikes on US targets in several Gulf countries, including the UAE.
https://twitter.com/gcaauae/status/2028475513745076549
Dubai Airports confrims limited resumption in flight operations
Dubai Airports on Monday confirmed resumption of special flights from today evening. In a statement shared on X, Dubai Aiports said that "exceptional flights are now operating at UAE airports."
However, it asked passengers not to proceed to the airport unless contacted by airlines. The operations were suspended in view of Iranian strikes on US targets in several Gulf countries, including the UAE.
https://twitter.com/gcaauae/status/2028475513745076549
Iranian Supreme Leader's widow dies of her injuries, says report
The wife of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in the US-Israeli airstrikes on Saturday, has also succumbed to her injuries, reported news agency Reuters, citing local media. Mansoureh Khojasteh Bagherzadeh was injured in the US-Israeli strikes on her husband's office.
PM Modi dials Saudi Crown Prince, Bahrain King; condemns attacks and discusses safety of Indian diaspora
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday engaged in separate telephone conversations with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud and Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, as the conflict in the Middle East continues to intensify following recent escalations.
During these discussions, the Prime Minister strongly condemned the recent attacks on both Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. He also enquired about the safety and well-being of the large Indian community residing in these countries, reflecting India's priority to safeguard its diaspora amid the regional turmoil.
US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth briefs on the Iran operation
Hegseth said that the operation on Iran, under direct orders of Donald Trump, is the most lethal, most complex and most precise aerial operation in history. He said that the US didn't start the war, but the country will finish it under Trump's leadership.
"We didn't start the war, but under President Trump, we are finishing it," he said.
Hezbollah intelligence chief killed in Israeli strikes: IDF
The IDF has said that Hezbollah’s intelligence chief, Hussein Makled, was killed in the Israeli strikes in Beirut last night.
"The IDF now confirms that in a precise strike in Beirut last night (Sunday), the terrorist Hussein Makled, who served as the head of Hezbollah’s intelligence headquarters, has been eliminated," the IDF statement read.
IDF says it has destroyed over 600 Iranian sites since Saturday
The Israel Defence Forces on Monday said that they have destroyed some 600 Iranian regime sites since the start of their military operation in Iran. These sites belonged to the Iranian regime, its military, and included ballistic missiles and launchers, and air defense systems
https://twitter.com/IAFsite/status/2028451459956678889
Panic mounts among Indian medical students stuck in conflict-hit Iran
Fear and uncertainty have gripped several Indian students stranded in Iran as tensions in the Middle East continue to escalate, with many appealing to the Indian government for evacuation or relocation to safer places.
Fatima, a student at the Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, said around 25 to 30 Indian students are currently stuck in the region and are living in constant anxiety.
"Right now, there are 25 to 30 of us here, and we earnestly request the government to take us to a safe place or evacuate us to our parents in our home country until the situation stabilises," she said.
Explaining why they have been unable to leave earlier, Fatima said academic commitments had made it difficult. "We had to stay here because of the university. We didn’t want to, but due to classes, exams, rounds, and hospital shifts, staying here was unavoidable," she said.
According to her, the university administration has informed first- and second-year students that their next semester will be conducted online, giving them the option to either remain in Iran or return home and come back in April for examinations. However, final-year students nearing graduation are required to continue attending hospital shifts daily.
"They have just told us to stay safe in the dorms and not go outside. On top of that, they are pressuring us to move to another dorm. They are pressuring us day and night to vacate the current dorms," she claimed.
Fatima further said that several students are currently not on campus but staying indoors in residential accommodations, surviving on limited resources.
"We are not on campus right now; we are at home, making do with whatever resources we have. We are sharing supplies with our friends and eating what we have. The shops are also closed, and we can’t even order online. We are not supposed to step out," she said.
Communication with families back in India has also become increasingly difficult due to internet disruptions. (IANS Report)
Panic mounts among Indian medical students stuck in conflict-hit Iran
Fear and uncertainty have gripped several Indian students stranded in Iran as tensions in the Middle East continue to escalate, with many appealing to the Indian government for evacuation or relocation to safer places.
Fatima, a student at the Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, said around 25 to 30 Indian students are currently stuck in the region and are living in constant anxiety.
"Right now, there are 25 to 30 of us here, and we earnestly request the government to take us to a safe place or evacuate us to our parents in our home country until the situation stabilises," she said.
Explaining why they have been unable to leave earlier, Fatima said academic commitments had made it difficult. "We had to stay here because of the university. We didn’t want to, but due to classes, exams, rounds, and hospital shifts, staying here was unavoidable," she said.
According to her, the university administration has informed first- and second-year students that their next semester will be conducted online, giving them the option to either remain in Iran or return home and come back in April for examinations. However, final-year students nearing graduation are required to continue attending hospital shifts daily.
"They have just told us to stay safe in the dorms and not go outside. On top of that, they are pressuring us to move to another dorm. They are pressuring us day and night to vacate the current dorms," she claimed.
Fatima further said that several students are currently not on campus but staying indoors in residential accommodations, surviving on limited resources.
"We are not on campus right now; we are at home, making do with whatever resources we have. We are sharing supplies with our friends and eating what we have. The shops are also closed, and we can’t even order online. We are not supposed to step out," she said.
Communication with families back in India has also become increasingly difficult due to internet disruptions. (IANS Report)
Another US soldier, injured in Iranian strikes, succumbs to his wounds; toll reaches 4
A fourth US service member who was wounded during Iran's initial attacks has "succumbed to his injuries", the US Central Command said on Monday. Earlier, three US soldiers were killed in the Iranian strikes. However, the US didn't reveal the circumstances under which they were killed.
US used B-2 bombers, suicide drones, Anthropic AI in strikes against Iran: Report
The United States used an array of weapons in the strikes conducted against Iran as a part of Operation Epic Fury on Saturday--which included artificial intelligence services from Anthropic, according to a report by Reuters.
The Pentagon used artificial intelligence services from Anthropic, including its Claude tools, during its attack on Iran, Reuters reported on Sunday citing a source familiar with the situation.
The report further mentioned that the United States deployed its B-2 stealth bombers from the U.S. to strike at hardened, underground Iranian missile facilities with 2,000-pound bombs.
The US military said it used suicide drones that appear identical, based on photos released by the Pentagon, to the new LUCAS (Low-Cost Unmanned Combat Attack System) manufactured by Phoenix, Arizona-based Spektreworks. In a first, CENTCOM also used one-way attack drones modelled after Iran's Shahed drones, the Pentagon said.
Qatar to stop production of LNG due to attacks on its facilities
QatarEnergy on Monday said that it will stop the production of liquefied natural gas and associated products due to military attacks on its operating facilities in Ras Laffan Mesaieed Industrial Cities.
"Due to military attacks on QatarEnergy’s operating facilities in Ras Laffan Industrial City and Mesaieed Industrial City in the State of Qatar, QatarEnergy has ceased production of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and associated products. QatarEnergy values its relationships with all of its stakeholders and will continue to communicate the latest available information," the statement read.
https://twitter.com/qatarenergy/status/2028446181743894651
Qatar to stop production of LNG due to attacks on its facilities
QatarEnergy on Monday said that it will stop the production of liquefied natural gas and associated products due to military attacks on its operating facilities in Ras Laffan Mesaieed Industrial Cities.
"Due to military attacks on QatarEnergy’s operating facilities in Ras Laffan Industrial City and Mesaieed Industrial City in the State of Qatar, QatarEnergy has ceased production of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and associated products. QatarEnergy values its relationships with all of its stakeholders and will continue to communicate the latest available information," the statement read.
https://twitter.com/qatarenergy/status/2028446181743894651
British base in Cyprus being evacuated, say reports
An independent British military base in Cyprus was reportedly being evacuated on Monday after sirens sounded. Reports said that Iranian drones were seen heading towards the base.
https://twitter.com/OkosOstan/status/2028436932968014314
US says its warplanes were downed in 'friendly fire'
The US Central Command has said that three of its F-15 jets flying in support of Operation Epic Fury went down over Kuwait due to an apparent friendly fire incident and that all six crew members ejected safely. Iran had claimed that the credit for downing the US jets.
"At 11:03 pm ET, March 1, three US F-15E Strike Eagles flying in support of Operation Epic Fury went down over Kuwait due to an apparent friendly fire incident. During active combat—that included attacks from Iranian aircraft, ballistic missiles, and drones — the US. Air Force fighter jets were mistakenly shot down by Kuwaiti air defences," the US Central Command said in a statement.
It added, "All six aircrew ejected safely, have been safely recovered, and are in stable condition. Kuwait has acknowledged this incident, and we are grateful for the efforts of the Kuwaiti defence forces and their support in this ongoing operation. The cause of the incident is under investigation. Additional information will be released as it becomes available."
Earlier, the Kuwaiti military said that "several" US fighter jets had crashed in Kuwait.
https://twitter.com/TheStatesmanLtd/status/2028372233702330559
US says its warplanes were downed in 'friendly fire'
The US Central Command has said that three of its F-15 jets flying in support of Operation Epic Fury went down over Kuwait due to an apparent friendly fire incident and that all six crew members ejected safely. Iran had claimed that the credit for downing the US jets.
"At 11:03 pm ET, March 1, three US F-15E Strike Eagles flying in support of Operation Epic Fury went down over Kuwait due to an apparent friendly fire incident. During active combat—that included attacks from Iranian aircraft, ballistic missiles, and drones — the US. Air Force fighter jets were mistakenly shot down by Kuwaiti air defences," the US Central Command said in a statement.
It added, "All six aircrew ejected safely, have been safely recovered, and are in stable condition. Kuwait has acknowledged this incident, and we are grateful for the efforts of the Kuwaiti defence forces and their support in this ongoing operation. The cause of the incident is under investigation. Additional information will be released as it becomes available."
Earlier, the Kuwaiti military said that "several" US fighter jets had crashed in Kuwait.
Iran says IRGC, Army have, launched fresh strikes on US, Israeli targets
Iran has said that the IRGC and the Iranian Army have launched a fresh wave of missile strikes on US and Israeli targets.
“Precision strikes on the regime’s administrative institutions in Tel Aviv, attacks against military and security installations in Haifa, as well as areas in East al-Quds were among the objectives of the Iranian missile strikes,” the country said in a statement.
US says its warplanes were downed in 'friendly fire'
The US Central Command has said that three of its F-15 jets flying in support of Operation Epic Fury went down over Kuwait due to an apparent friendly fire incident and that all six crew members ejected safely. Iran had claimed that the credit for downing the US jets.
"At 11:03 pm ET, March 1, three US F-15E Strike Eagles flying in support of Operation Epic Fury went down over Kuwait due to an apparent friendly fire incident. During active combat—that included attacks from Iranian aircraft, ballistic missiles, and drones — the US. Air Force fighter jets were mistakenly shot down by Kuwaiti air defences," the US Central Command said in a statement.
It added, "All six aircrew ejected safely, have been safely recovered, and are in stable condition. Kuwait has acknowledged this incident, and we are grateful for the efforts of the Kuwaiti defence forces and their support in this ongoing operation. The cause of the incident is under investigation. Additional information will be released as it becomes available."
Earlier, the Kuwaiti military said that "several" US fighter jets had crashed in Kuwait.
https://twitter.com/TheStatesmanLtd/status/2028372233702330559
Iran-US: Longer than expected war or a move towards peace?
The Iran-US war, which broke out on Saturday, may well extend far longer than the short decisive strike that many were hoping for with the killing of Iran’s two top leaders as the Iranian power structure is displaying greater resilience than the West had hoped it might be able to display.
Beginning on Saturday, the United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes across Iran, hitting nuclear-linked facilities, military infrastructure, naval assets, and senior leadership targets.
Iran responded swiftly with its own missile and drone attacks on US bases in the Gulf, killing three American soldiers and wounding several others, prompting Washington to vow retaliation.
As of March 2, the conflict is only days old, but its trajectory already points to far wider risks for a longer-than-bargained-for conflict. READ MORE HERE
IDF strikes in Beirut as Hezbollah enters fray and fires rockets on Israel
Iran-backed organisation Hezbollah has entered the fray as it launched missiles on Northern Israel in retaliation for the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in the US-Israeli assault on Saturday.
In response, the IDF launched an “offensive campaign” against Hezbollah. IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir said, “We have begun an offensive campaign against Hezbollah. We are not just on the defence, now we go on the offence."
Zamir further added: "We need to prepare for several days of fighting, many. We need strong defensive readiness and continuous offensive preparedness, in waves."
Iran rejects talks with US following Khamenei’s death; Larijani blames Trump for regional turmoil
Amid rising regional tensions in West Asia after the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in joint US-Israeli strikes on Saturday, Iran today ruled out talks with the United States.
Iran’s top security official, Ali Larijani, Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, on Monday categorically rejected claims that Tehran is seeking to negotiate with the United States. He asserted that Iran will have no negotiations with the US. READ MORE
IDF says it has begun 'additional broad strike' on Tehran
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) says that it has "begun an additional broad strike" on "Iranian terror regime targets" in Tehran. This comes after Iran claimed to have struck the office of Israeli PM Netanyahu and the country's Air Force headquarters.
‘West Asia crisis a matter of deep concern’: PM Modi calls for dialogue, diplomacy
As tensions in West Asia escalated sharply on Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed India’s longstanding appeal for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve global conflicts, expressing deep concern over the unfolding crisis.
Speaking at a joint press conference with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, PM Modi underscored the seriousness of the situation in West Asia and reiterated New Delhi’s commitment to peaceful conflict resolution. READ MORE HERE
Iran used Kheibar missiles to attack Netanyahu's office: IRGC
The IRGC has said that it used its Kheibar missiles to target Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office.
Kheibar is an Iranian liquid-fueled, medium-range ballistic missile (MRBM), representing the fourth generation of the Khorramshahr. Unveiled in 2023, the missile has a range of 2,000 km and can carry a 1,500 kg warhead.
Iran-US: Longer than expected war or a move towards peace?
The Iran-US war, which broke out on Saturday, may well extend far longer than the short decisive strike that many were hoping for with the killing of Iran’s two top leaders as the Iranian power structure is displaying greater resilience than the West had hoped it might be able to display.
Beginning on Saturday, the United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes across Iran, hitting nuclear-linked facilities, military infrastructure, naval assets, and senior leadership targets.
Iran responded swiftly with its own missile and drone attacks on US bases in the Gulf, killing three American soldiers and wounding several others, prompting Washington to vow retaliation.
As of March 2, the conflict is only days old, but its trajectory already points to far wider risks for a longer-than-bargained-for conflict. READ MORE HERE
Iran targets Netanyahu's office, Israeli Air Force headquarters: Report
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on Monday said that they have targeted the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the headquarters of the Israeli Air Force.
“The office of the criminal prime minister of the Zionist regime and the headquarters of the regime’s air force commander were targeted,” the IRGC said in a statement.