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US President Donald Trump has warned that the United States will strike Iran “very hard” as tensions escalate in the Middle East following ongoing military exchanges involving Iran, Israel and regional actors. Speaking in Miami, Trump said the US military was considering additional targets inside Iran and claimed American forces had already destroyed 42 Iranian navy ships over the past three days. He said the United States was performing “very well” in the operation and suggested that Iran’s military capabilities had been significantly weakened. The developments come as Israel announced a new “broad wave” of airstrikes inside Iran and additional attacks against the Iran backed group Hezbollah in Lebanon. Meanwhile, Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian apologised to neighbouring Gulf countries and said Tehran would not attack them unless it was attacked first. Despite the statement, regional tensions remain high as several countries reported security threats. Authorities in the United Arab Emirates said air defence systems intercepted incoming missiles and drones launched from Iran. Video circulating online also appeared to show a drone strike near Dubai International Airport, though officials have not publicly confirmed the details of the incident. Flight operations at the airport were briefly suspended following the explosion before services resumed later. The conflict has also disrupted travel across the region, leaving many passengers stranded as airlines cancelled flights due to security risks. Satellite images analysed by intelligence firm Vantor showed damage to several Iranian military facilities, including buildings at the Parchin military complex near Tehran and the Barukh naval base in Bushehr province. Images also indicated that several aircraft were destroyed at Shiraz airbase. In Lebanon, Israeli strikes in the Bekaa Valley killed at least 41 people and injured dozens, according to the Lebanese health ministry. Residents described scenes of destruction with damaged buildings, vehicles and large craters in the ground following overnight bombardment. The Israeli military said its operations targeted Hezbollah infrastructure and also included a search for the remains of an Israeli navigator missing since the 1980s. Amid the widening conflict, the United Kingdom has increased its military readiness. Defence officials said the aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales has been placed on advanced readiness to deploy if needed. British authorities also confirmed that US forces have used British bases for defensive operations aimed at preventing Iranian missile launches in the region. The Iranian ambassador to the UK warned London against deeper involvement in the conflict, saying Iran would defend itself if foreign forces took part in attacks. In Tehran, residents described growing fear as strikes continued in and around the capital. One resident told the BBC that daily life had shifted from political debate to basic survival, with people focusing on safety, food and protecting their families. Uncertainty about the future remains high as the conflict shows no sign of easing.   With inputs from BBC

At least 6,668 civilian sites have been hit in US-Israeli attacks since the war began on February 28, according to statistics from the Iranian Red Crescent Society cited by the Fars news agency. The report detailed that the strikes damaged 5,535 residential units, 1,041 commercial properties, 14 medical centres, 65 schools, and 13 facilities linked to the Iranian Red Crescent Society, reports Al Jazeera. Several rescue and relief vehicles were also damaged, and multiple Red Crescent personnel were injured while conducting emergency operations, the report added.    

Iran’s president on Saturday rejected the United States’ call for unconditional surrender, saying such a demand is unrealistic. In a prerecorded speech broadcast on state television, President Masoud Pezeshkian said Washington’s expectation of Iran surrendering is merely a “dream.” At the same time, he apologized for Iranian attacks on neighboring countries, saying Tehran would stop such strikes. He suggested the attacks were partly due to miscommunication within the military ranks following the killing of Iran’s top leadership, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, which he said disrupted command and control. His remarks came as Iran launched intense attacks early Saturday targeting Gulf Arab states, while airstrikes by Israel and the United States against the Islamic Republic continued. Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates reported repeated attacks during the morning. The conflict shows no sign of easing. The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump approved a new $151 million arms sale to Israel and reiterated that negotiations with Iran would only occur if Tehran agreed to unconditional surrender. U.S. officials also warned that an even more intense bombing campaign could take place in the coming days. According to officials, the ongoing fighting has already killed at least 1,230 people in Iran, more than 200 in Lebanon and around a dozen in Israel, while six American troops have also died. The widening conflict has affected several Gulf states. Sirens sounded in Bahrain as Iranian strikes targeted the island nation. Saudi Arabia reported intercepting drones heading toward its Shaybah oil field and destroying a ballistic missile aimed at Prince Sultan Air Base, which hosts U.S. forces. Explosions were also heard in Dubai, prompting authorities to activate air defenses. Passengers at Dubai International Airport were directed to train tunnels for shelter after alerts were issued. Meanwhile, Qatar’s energy minister Saad al-Kaabi warned that the conflict could have severe global economic consequences, including a potential shutdown of Gulf energy exports that could push oil prices to $150 per barrel. Benchmark U.S. crude oil prices have already climbed above $90 per barrel for the first time in more than two years. Regional analysts also warned that Iran’s attacks on Gulf countries risk widening the conflict further by turning it into a broader confrontation between Iran and its Arab neighbors rather than remaining limited to the Iran–Israel front. Meanwhile, fighting has also intensified in Lebanon, where the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah said its fighters clashed with Israeli forces in eastern Lebanon. Lebanese authorities reported at least 16 people killed and dozens wounded in subsequent Israeli strikes.

Gulf countries reported intercepting additional ballistic missiles and drones on Saturday as Iran launched another round of retaliatory attacks. Saudi Arabia said it thwarted four drones targeting its vast Shaybah oil field, marking the second attempted strike in just a few hours. In Dubai, residents heard multiple explosions in the morning, with authorities describing a “minor incident caused by debris falling after an interception.” Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes hit Beirut and Tehran, with the death toll continuing to rise. Officials reported at least 1,230 fatalities in Iran, more than 200 in Lebanon, and around a dozen in Israel. Six U.S. troops have also been killed. In a sign of Moscow’s potential involvement, two U.S. intelligence sources said Russia has supplied Iran with information that could aid attacks on American warships, aircraft, and other assets in the region. The conflict shows no signs of abating. The Trump administration approved a $151 million arms sale to Israel after the U.S. president reiterated he would not negotiate with Iran without “unconditional surrender.” Tensions Spread to Civilian Areas At Dubai International Airport, passengers were directed into train tunnels after missile alerts sounded. Emirati authorities also sent mass mobile alerts warning of possible missile threats and confirmed that air defenses were activated. In Jerusalem, loud booms prompted residents to rush to bomb shelters following Iranian missile attacks, though Israeli emergency services reported no immediate casualties. Trump Criticizes Reporter Over Russia Question During a White House briefing on college sports, President Donald Trump rebuked Fox News reporter Peter Doocy for asking about Russia’s potential role in the conflict. “What a stupid question to ask at this time. We’re talking about something else,” Trump said, despite acknowledging the reporter’s past cordiality.

Powerful explosions were reported in the Iranian capital, Tehran, early Saturday, sending thick smoke into the sky. In response, Iran launched missiles toward Israel, while the United States warned that an even larger bombing campaign could soon take place as the weeklong conflict escalates. There were no clear signs that the fighting would end soon. The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump approved a new $151 million weapons sale to Israel after Trump reiterated that negotiations with Iran would only happen if Tehran agreed to an “unconditional surrender.” Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations said the country would take all necessary actions to defend itself. Video obtained by the Associated Press showed flashes from explosions and rising smoke across western parts of Tehran as Israel confirmed it had launched a broad round of strikes. At the same time, Israel’s military said it was working to intercept a fresh wave of Iranian missiles. The conflict appeared to be expanding across the region. Early Saturday, warning sirens sounded in Bahrain after an Iranian attack targeted the island nation. Saudi Arabia reported destroying drones headed toward its Shaybah oil field and intercepting a ballistic missile aimed at Prince Sultan Air Base, where U.S. forces are stationed. Over the past week, the United States and Israel have carried out repeated strikes on Iran, targeting its military infrastructure, leadership and nuclear facilities. However, the war’s objectives have shifted over time, with some U.S. officials suggesting the possibility of overthrowing Iran’s government or encouraging new leadership within the country. Meanwhile, two U.S. officials familiar with intelligence assessments said Russia had provided Iran with information that could help it target American military assets in the region. Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Friday to offer condolences following the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, according to the Kremlin. Concerns over deadly school explosionNew evidence has also suggested that a deadly explosion at a school in the city of Minab may have been caused by U.S. airstrikes that struck a nearby facility connected to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Iranian state media reported that more than 165 people, most of them children, were killed in the blast. Iran has blamed both Israel and the United States for the incident, although neither country has confirmed responsibility. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the matter was under investigation. Global economic concerns growSaad al-Kaabi warned that the war could have severe economic consequences worldwide. In an interview with the Financial Times, he said the conflict could disrupt Gulf energy exports and push oil prices to as high as $150 per barrel. Benchmark U.S. crude already climbed above $90 on Friday, the highest level in more than two years. Possible Russian involvementOfficials also said Russia had supplied Iran with intelligence that might help it target American ships, aircraft and other assets in the region. Although there is no indication Moscow is directing how the information should be used, it may represent the first sign of Russia becoming involved in the conflict. Trump outlines conditions for Iran’s futureIn a social media message, Trump stated that the only possible agreement with Iran would require unconditional surrender. He added that once Iran chooses “acceptable” leadership, the United States and its allies could help rebuild the country and strengthen its economy. The comments have raised questions about the ultimate goal of the war. According to officials, the conflict has already killed at least 1,230 people in Iran, more than 200 in Lebanon and about a dozen in Israel. Six U.S. troops have also died. President Pezeshkian said on social media that several countries had begun mediation efforts, though he did not provide details. Trump has also suggested he should play a role in choosing a successor to Khamenei. He dismissed Khamenei’s son, Mojtaba Khamenei, who is considered a leading candidate to replace his father, calling him politically weak. Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani, condemned Trump’s remarks and insisted that Iran would never allow foreign powers to interfere in its internal affairs. Iranian state television reported that officials had begun discussions about convening the Assembly of Experts, the body responsible for selecting the country’s next supreme leader. Warning of more intense bombingU.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a television interview that the most extensive bombing campaign of the war may still lie ahead. Israel also said it had heavily targeted an underground bunker believed to have been prepared for Iranian leadership during the conflict. Fighting spreads into LebanonIn eastern Lebanon, the state news agency reported that local fighters clashed with Israeli troops who landed near the town of Nabi Chit, an area known as a stronghold of Hezbollah. There were no immediate reports of casualties. Israel has also conducted multiple airstrikes on the southern suburbs of Beirut, where Hezbollah has a significant presence but which is also home to large civilian populations. Lebanon’s Health Ministry reported that Israeli strikes since Monday have killed 217 people and injured 798 others. Heavy traffic clogged the streets of Beirut as residents tried to flee, while smoke rose from the southern districts of the city. Two hospitals evacuated their patients and staff amid the attacks. One displaced resident, Jihan Shehadeh, said many families were forced to sleep in their cars because they had nowhere else to go.  

Iranian officials say an elementary school in the capital, Tehran, was hit during attacks carried out by the United States and Israel. Esmaeil Baghaei, spokesperson for Iran’s foreign ministry, posted a video on the social platform X on Friday that he said showed the damage to Shahid Hamedani School, located near Niloufar Square in Tehran. The video appeared to display the school before and after the strike, though Baghaei did not provide details about casualties or the exact circumstances of the attack. If confirmed, it would mark the fourth school in Iran struck since the war began. The first reported case occurred when the Shajareh Tayyebeh girls’ school in the southern city of Minab was hit on the opening day of U.S. and Israeli strikes. According to United Nations experts, that attack killed 160 children and five staff members. Some Israeli-linked online accounts claimed the school was part of a facility associated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. However, an investigation by Al Jazeera using satellite imagery and other records found the school had been clearly separate from a nearby military compound for at least a decade. The analysis also suggested that the strike pattern raised serious questions about the intelligence used in the attack and whether the school might have been intentionally targeted. Amid growing scrutiny, the United States said its military was examining the incident. According to Reuters, two U.S. officials said investigators believe American forces may have carried out the strike, though no final determination has been made. Volker Turk urged Washington to quickly conduct a transparent investigation. Speaking in Geneva, he said the United Nations had requested a prompt, impartial inquiry and stressed the importance of accountability and compensation for victims. Additional attacks on schools were reported earlier in the week. Iranian state media said missiles fired by U.S. and Israeli forces struck two schools in the town of Parand on Thursday. Photos released by the Fars News Agency showed damaged classrooms and debris, while nearby residential buildings were also reportedly affected. The children’s agency UNICEF said Friday that at least 181 children were among more than 1,300 people killed in the strikes across Iran so far. Under international law, intentionally targeting a school would constitute a war crime. If U.S. involvement in such an attack were confirmed, it could become one of the most serious cases of civilian casualties linked to U.S. military actions in the Middle East in decades. Source AL Jazeera

US President Donald Trump said Friday that he would only consider an agreement with Iran if the country agreed to an “unconditional surrender.” His statement came as Washington warned that a massive bombing campaign could soon escalate the weeklong conflict. Meanwhile, Israel announced that it had launched a large wave of airstrikes on the Iranian capital, Tehran, early Saturday. Footage captured by the Associated Press showed powerful explosions and thick clouds of smoke rising over western areas of the city. As Israeli fighter jets struck both Tehran and the Lebanese capital Beirut, Iran responded with additional missile attacks targeting Israel and countries in the Gulf region. Late-night explosions echoed across Jerusalem as Israel’s defense systems attempted to intercept missiles fired from Iran. Over the past week, U.S. and Israeli forces have launched numerous strikes on Iran aimed at weakening its military strength, leadership structure and nuclear facilities. However, the long-term objectives of the war have appeared to shift, with U.S. officials sometimes suggesting that the conflict could even lead to the fall of Iran’s current government or the rise of new leadership. At the same time, two officials familiar with U.S. intelligence said Russia had shared information with Iran that could potentially help Tehran target American military assets in the region. Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke by phone with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Friday, offering condolences following the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, according to the Kremlin. Additional reports suggested that a deadly explosion at a school in Iran, which killed many students, may have been caused by U.S. airstrikes that also targeted a nearby facility linked to the country’s Revolutionary Guard. Meanwhile, Saad al-Kaabi warned that the war could severely damage the global economy. In an interview with the Financial Times, he said the conflict might disrupt Gulf energy exports and potentially drive oil prices as high as $150 per barrel. Benchmark U.S. crude already climbed above $90 on Friday for the first time in more than two years. Russia’s alleged involvementU.S. intelligence officials said Russia had provided Iran with information that could assist it in targeting American warships, aircraft and other military assets in the region. However, the officials stressed that there is no evidence Russia has directed Iran on how to use the information. If confirmed, it would mark Moscow’s first clear sign of involvement in the conflict. Trump outlines postwar visionIn a social media message, Trump stated that there would be no negotiations with Iran unless it first surrendered unconditionally. He added that once Iran selects “acceptable” new leadership, the United States and its allies would help rebuild the country and strengthen its economy. The remarks raised questions about the ultimate goal of the conflict. According to officials in Iran, Lebanon and Israel, the war has already caused significant casualties — at least 1,230 deaths in Iran, more than 200 in Lebanon and about a dozen in Israel. Six U.S. service members have also been killed. President Pezeshkian said on social media that several countries had begun efforts to mediate the conflict, though he did not name them. Trump has also suggested he should play a role in selecting Iran’s next leader following the death of Khamenei. He dismissed Khamenei’s son, Mojtaba Khamenei, who is seen as a possible successor, describing him as politically weak. Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani, strongly criticized Trump’s comments, insisting that Iran would never allow foreign interference in its internal political affairs. Iranian state media reported that officials had begun discussions about convening the country’s Assembly of Experts, the body responsible for appointing the next supreme leader. Intensifying attacks and retaliationIsrael’s military said it had begun a “large-scale” bombing campaign in Tehran. Over the past week, it has targeted underground bunkers believed to have been prepared for Iranian leaders during wartime. Residents reported powerful explosions shaking homes and sending smoke into the sky. Other blasts were reported near the Iranian city of Kermanshah, which hosts several missile bases. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a television interview that the war’s most intense bombing operations had not yet occurred. In Israel, explosions were heard across Tel Aviv as Iranian missiles approached and air defense systems attempted to intercept them. Israel’s military also reported that five soldiers were injured during clashes with Hezbollah. The conflict continued to widen. Early Saturday, warning sirens sounded in Bahrain after Iran launched an attack targeting the island nation. Investigations also suggested that a deadly Feb. 28 explosion at a school in the Iranian city of Minab may have been caused by U.S. airstrikes hitting a nearby military facility. Iranian media said more than 165 people — most of them children — were killed in the blast. Iran has blamed both Israel and the United States for the incident, though neither country has accepted responsibility. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said earlier that the United States was investigating the matter. Escalation in LebanonIsrael has also carried out repeated airstrikes on southern neighborhoods of Beirut, areas where Hezbollah has a strong presence but also where large numbers of civilians live. According to Lebanon’s Health Ministry, Israeli attacks since Monday have killed 217 people and wounded nearly 800 others. Heavy traffic filled Beirut’s roads as residents tried to flee while smoke rose over the city’s southern districts. Two hospitals evacuated their patients and staff. One displaced resident, Jihan Shehadeh, said thousands of people had nowhere safe to stay and were forced to sleep in their cars overnight. Lebanon’s National News Agency reported that one Israeli strike landed near the Iranian Embassy in Beirut, though Israel’s military did not immediately comment. Meanwhile, Hezbollah’s leadership urged its fighters to continue resisting and defend the country, framing the conflict in religious terms and calling on them to intensify their attacks.

Azerbaijan has pulled its diplomatic staff from Iran following an alleged drone strike on its Nakhchivan exclave, heightening regional tensions as the Middle East conflict spreads north. The drones reportedly targeted the airport, a school, and other locations, causing civilian injuries. One drone was shot down by Azerbaijani forces. President Ilham Aliyev condemned the attacks as an “act of terror” and demanded an explanation and apology from Tehran. Aliyev announced the withdrawal of staff from Azerbaijan’s embassy in Tehran and its consulate in Tabriz “for their own safety,” and declared that the military has been placed on maximum combat readiness. The president also referenced Iran’s ethnic Azerbaijani population, signalling concerns over regional stability. Iran has denied responsibility for the strikes, suggesting the attacks may have been an Israeli false-flag operation. Analysts note that Nakhchivan’s strategic location bordering Iran, Turkey, and Armenia makes it particularly vulnerable during regional conflicts. The escalation comes amid rising mistrust between Baku and Tehran, fueled by Azerbaijan’s defense partnerships with Israel, historic tensions over Armenia, and Iran’s domestic treatment of its ethnic Azerbaijani minority. Azerbaijan has also highlighted that its close ties with Israel include intelligence and energy cooperation, further straining relations with Tehran. Despite the attack, Aliyev stressed that Azerbaijan “will not participate” in military operations against Iran, while warning that threats to its territory could have broader regional consequences. The incident underscores the widening impact of the Middle East war and its potential to destabilise neighbouring countries and energy routes.   With inputs froom BBC

British police have arrested four men on suspicion of assisting Iran’s intelligence service as part of a counter-terrorism investigation, authorities said. The Metropolitan Police said one Iranian national and three dual British-Iranian nationals were detained in connection with suspected surveillance of locations and individuals linked to Jewish communities in London. Commander Helen Flanagan, head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, said the arrests were part of a long-running investigation aimed at disrupting suspected hostile activities. She urged the public, particularly members of the Jewish community, to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to police. According to police, a 40-year-old and a 55-year-old were arrested at addresses in Barnet, a 52-year-old in Watford and a 22-year-old in Harrow. Searches are continuing in Watford, Barnet and an address in Wembley. The four men were detained under the National Security Act, introduced in 2023 to strengthen laws against espionage and foreign interference. In a separate development, six other men aged 20 to 49 were arrested at the same location in Harrow on suspicion of assisting an offender. All 10 suspects are currently in police custody. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said Britain’s police and security services would take strong action against any threat to the country. Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy said Iran remains a major state sponsor of terrorism and warned that its activities could also affect British society. He praised intelligence agencies and counter-terrorism police for preventing potential threats. The Community Security Trust, a charity that works to protect the Jewish community in Britain, thanked police and said security measures across Jewish institutions remain strong.   With inputs from BBC

Several Gulf allies have expressed frustration with the United States over the ongoing conflict with Iran, saying they were not given enough warning before attacks that triggered retaliatory strikes across the region. Officials from two Gulf countries said their governments were disappointed that Washington did not inform them in advance about the Feb 28 strikes on Iran carried out by the US and Israel. They also said their earlier warnings that the conflict could destabilise the entire region were ignored. According to the officials, the Iranian retaliation with drones and missiles has left Gulf countries exposed and struggling to defend themselves. One official said many in the region believe the US military has focused mainly on protecting Israel and American troops, while Gulf states were left to defend their own territories. He added that interceptor missile stocks in his country were running low. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity as the matter involves sensitive diplomatic discussions. Public responses from governments of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have remained limited, though some public figures close to those governments have criticised Washington’s approach. Former Saudi intelligence chief Prince Turki al-Faisal told CNN that the conflict appeared to be driven largely by Israel, suggesting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu persuaded US President Donald Trump to support the war. The conflict has widened across the Gulf region, which lies within range of Iran’s short-range missiles and hosts major oil facilities, tourist centres and US military bases. According to an Associated Press tally based on official statements, Iran has fired at least 380 missiles and more than 1,480 drones targeting five Arab Gulf countries since the start of the war. Local officials say at least 13 people have been killed. Six US soldiers were also killed in Kuwait on Sunday when an Iranian drone struck an operations centre at a civilian port. US defence officials have acknowledged difficulties in intercepting large numbers of Iranian drones, particularly the Shahed models, during briefings with lawmakers this week. Analysts say Washington may have underestimated the risks faced by Gulf allies, believing Iran would mainly target US forces and Israel. Experts also warn that Gulf countries are concerned about the economic damage and instability caused by the war, as well as uncertainty over how long the conflict could continue.