Trump: 'The war against Iran will end very soon'. With Putin one-hour phone call

US President Donald Trump said he will waive some oil-related sanctions due to market turmoil related to his and Israel's attack on Iran. "We are also waiving some oil-related sanctions to reduce prices," Trump told a press conference after talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump spoke of crude oil prices being 'artificially inflated' in the wake of Iran's conduct. While quoting Chinese President Xi Jinping, the tycoon added that 'we will remove sanctions until the situation is resolved'.

The US hit more than 5,000 targets during the first 10 days of the war against Iran. The targets hit include more than 50 Iranian ships, reported the US Central Military Command (Centcom), which heads US forces in the region. Other targets, a note explained, included air defence systems, ballistic missile sites, missile and drone production, and military communications.

The Israeli army announced that it has launched a wave of "large-scale attacks" on Tehran, the second of the day. "For the second time today the IDF launched a large wave of attacks on Tehran... against terrorist targets," the army said in a note.

In the Iran operation "so far so good": "we will not let up until the enemy is totally and decisively defeated". Donald Trump said this, reporting that US forces destroyed 46 Iranian ships in three and a half days."We are more determined than ever to achieve ultimate victory, he emphasised. "In a sense we have already won, but not enough," he said.

The phone call between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump focused on Iran and Ukraine. This was reported by Putin's adviser Yuri Ushakov, quoted by Tass. In the conversation that lasted 'about an hour', Ushakov adds, the Russian president briefed the tycoon on the situation along the line of contact, in particular on the 'successful advance of Russian troops into the east' of Ukraine that 'should encourage the Kiev regime to resolve the conflict through negotiations'.

"The Holy See speaks to everyone. When there is a need it also speaks with the Americans, it speaks with the Israelis, and points out to them what we think are the solutions to this terrible tragedy that is unfolding and that risks growing ever larger instead of being contained". This was said by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin speaking about the international situation. Asked whether the Holy See's words are making inroads, he replied: 'I think not, but we must continue to sow. Beyond the immediate results that are obtained, one must continue to insist. Precisely because it seems that there is no willingness to accept these words, one must continue to insist, hoping that they will make a breach in hearts'.

"Donald Trump telephoned Vladimir Putin to discuss a number of extremely important topics related to the latest developments in the global situation." This was reported by presidential adviser Yuri Ushakov, quoted by Tass. The Russian agency points out thatit was the first phone call between the two in over two months and in particular since the Israeli-US attack in Iran. "The US president noted that, as previously agreed, their contacts should be regular. Both leaders said they were ready," he added.

Donald Trump is "thinking about taking control" of the Strait of Hormuz. The president said this in an interview with Cbs, noting that ships are now passing through the passage.

Donald Trump told Cbs he had someone in mind to replace Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei but offered no details. Asked about the new supreme leader, Trump replied:"I have no message for him".

Shipping giant Msc announced that it has formally suspended certain export shipments from the Gulf due to the war in the Middle East and that 'all affected cargo will be offloaded'. "In light of the current and exceptional security situation in the Middle East ... it is necessary to declare an 'end of voyage' for certain export shipments" from Gulf ports, "whether located ashore or already on board", the shipping giant said in a notice to customers.

"For Europe there are no emergency conditions and instead for us it should consider taking extraordinary measures, along the lines of those taken in 2022 in the aftermath of the Russian attack on Ukraine. Act now by halting energy prices before they spread to all consumer goods as in '22'. So said Economy and Finance Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti during the Eurogroup discussion on the impact of the crisis in the Middle East on energy prices.

US President Donald Trump has reportedly told his aides that he is prepared to support the killing of Iran's new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, if he refuses to comply with US demands, including suspending the development of Iran's nuclear programme. This was reported to the Wall Street Journal by current and former White House officials. In Washington, Khamenei's appointment is considered the strictest possible succession, decided directly by the Revolutionary Guardians. According to the same sources, Israel would be ready to conduct targeted operations against the new leader, in ways similar to those that led to the killing of his predecessor, Ali Khamenei, and his wife.

No action should be taken that 'casts a shadow on our millennial ties of neighbourhood and brotherhood with Iran or hurts our nation'. This was stated by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, referring to the interception of a missile from Iran towards Turkey, according to Anadolu Agency. Despite "our sincere warnings, extremely wrong and provocative steps continue to be taken that will put Turkey's friendship to the test," Erdogan added. The Turkish president recalled that Ankara has been engaged in intense diplomatic activity since the outbreak of the Iran war: "We have held talks with 16 leaders to find a way out of the crisis," he said.

The production of greece in the Persian Gulf has already shrunk by about a quarter, and the collapse threatens to continue, fuelling price rises in the markets.

On Monday 9 March, Brent and Wti both went close to$120 per barrel, with rises of up to around 30%, only reduced by the G7 countries' hypothesis of releasing strategic reserves. Even this remedy, however, risks not being enough, in the face of a situation that is plunging fast.

British Typhoon fighter jets shot down Iranian drones heading for Jordan and Bahrain. This was reported by the Ministry of Defence in London. The jets shot down a remotely piloted aircraft system 'defending Jordan' and intercepted a drone heading towards Bahrain. 'Defensive air operations' in support of the United Arab Emirates are also underway.

Hezbollah has announced that it has targeted the Israeli Home Front Command base in Ramla, near Tel Aviv, with 'advanced missiles'. The Lebanese Shia movement said in a note that it launched the attack 'in response to the criminal Israeli aggression that has affected dozens of Lebanese towns and villages and the southern suburbs of Beirut'.

Ankara summoned the Iranian ambassador to Turkey to the Foreign Ministry, expressing its protest over the ballistic missile launched by Iran that entered Turkish airspace. This was reported by Anadolu Agency.

Israeli PM Benyamin Netanyahu is holding a review meeting with senior defence officials on the war with Iran and Hezbollah. This was reported by the Israeli public TV channel Kan.

Donald Trump once again reiterates his disappointment with the choice of Iran's new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei. "I think they made a big mistake. I don't know if it will last," he told Nbc.

Emmanuel Macron does not believe that regime change in Iran can take place 'solely through bombing' by air. Speaking on board the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, the French president went on to say that the war will last 'perhaps several weeks'.

TheFinance Ministers of the G7 affirmed their readiness to intervene with any measures necessary to support the world energy supply, including the possibility of releasing oil from strategic reserves.

"We will continue to closely monitor the situation and developments in the energy markets and will meet whenever necessary to exchange information and coordinate our actions within the G7 and with international partners," reads a note from the group. "We stand ready to take the necessary measures, including to support global energy supply, such as the release of stocks."

The main goal is to keep Turkey out of 'the fire' of the war with Iran. This was said by Recep Tayyip Erdogan at a press conference after his government's meeting, during which he said he was closely watching developments in the conflict and directly communicated his concerns. "Necessary warnings have been communicated to Iran, but despite these, it continues to take wrong apses," added the Turkish president who spoke on the day NATO air defence systems shot down a second Iranian ballistic missile that entered Turkish airspace.

US President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that he will hold a press conference - the first since the start of the military operation against Iran - from the ballroom of his Trump National Doral golf club in Miami at 10:30 pm Italian time.

The Emir of Kuwait condemned Iran's attacks on his country in which 12 people have been killed so far. "Our country has been subjected to a brutal attack by a neighbouring Muslim country, which we consider a friend, even though we have not allowed the use of our territory, our skies and our coasts for any military action against it, and we have repeatedly informed it of this through our diplomatic channels," Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Sabah said in a televised address. The emir, speaking for the first time since the start of the war, also insisted on the 'full and inherent right to self-defence'.

Three more American B-52s, mammoth iconic Cold War bombers, landed today at the British Raf base in Fairford, in the English county of Gloucestershire. The UK media emphasise how they are intended to reinforce the US air force in the war on Iran and how each is capable of carrying 70,000 pounds of explosives, including bombs and 'smart' missiles. These are clearly offensive means, confirming London's growing involvement in supporting its great ally beyond the OK given by PM Keir Starmer to use British bases for 'defensive' purposes on paper.

A senior Iranian official has warned that the government in Tehran is prepared for a protracted war with the United States and made it known that it is prepared to continue attacking the Gulf countries in an attempt to convince them to persuade President Donald Trump to step aside from the conflict. In an exclusive interview with CNN in Tehranm, Kamal Kharazi, ruled out diplomacy for now and said the war would only end by inflicting economic pain. "I see no more room for diplomacy. Because Donald Trump has let others down and has not kept his promises, and we have experienced this on two occasions in negotiations: while we were engaged in negotiations, they hit us," Kharazi told CNN.

The President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, has convened the Supreme Defence Council, at the Quirinale Palace, for Friday 13 March 2026 at 10 a.m. with the following agenda: the war in Iran and the Middle East. Analysis of the international situation and the effects of the current crisis. This was reported in a note from the Quirinale.

The US has intercepted some encrypted communications believed to be coming from Iran that could be used to 'trigger dormant assets' abroad. This was reported by Abc citing sources who said that a US warning was broadcast to several countries after the death of Ali Khamenei. The intercepted communication appears to be directed to "clandestine recipients" and appears to be a type of message to issue instructions to "undercover agents or sleeper assets" outside Iran, Abc highlights.

"The Strait of Hormuz is effectively closed," Russian President Vladimir Putin said, pointing out that "the balance between supply and demand in the hydrocarbon market is changing due to the conflict in the Middle East. This will lead to a new price reality, sustainable (for Moscow, ed),' he added.

"We will continue to closely monitor the situation and developments in the energy markets and meet when necessary to exchange information and coordinate within the G7 and with international partners. We stand ready to take the necessary measures, including to support global energy supply, such as the release of stocks." This was stated in a communiqué by the G7 finance ministers after they also met with the presidents of the IMF, World Bank, OECD and the IEA to discuss the Middle East conflict, its impact on regional stability and global economic conditions.

Iranian Revolutionary Guard announces new missile attack on Israel. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed to have carried out new missile attacks against central and northern Israel, the Qatar-based Al Jazeera broadcaster reports.

Iraq is 'the only country in the region that is currently under crossfire from pro-Iranian militias and the United States'. This is how sources in Baghdad describe the situation in the country, on which the absence of a fully functioning government four months after the elections also weighs heavily. While outgoing Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani is trying in every way to keep the country out of the war that Israel and the United States launched against Iran nine days ago, to prevent it from becoming "the new front" in the ever-widening conflict. Even today, an air raid against a base of the Hashed al-Shaabi (Popular Mobilisation Forces) near Mosul attributed to the US, which has been conducting attacks against the militias for days, while on Saturday several rockets were fired at the US embassy in Baghdad. "The more the militias attack, the more the United States counter-attacks," the sources explain, pointing out that the country is under fire from north to south: "The pro-Iranian paramilitaries are not only striking the American bases in Baghdad or Erbil, but also the oil sites in the south, such as Basra. From where, hundreds of workers, European, American, Chinese, are leaving in security chaos.

The Board of Peace and the office of High Representative Nikolay Mladenov are in talks with the Israeli government to reopen the Rafah crossing in both directions. Haaretz writes this. Less than three days after Israel and the US declared war on Iran, Israel announced the closure of all Gaza crossings, citing security reasons. Last week, the Israeli Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (Cogat) announced the partial opening of the Kerem Shalom crossing "for the gradual entry of humanitarian aid" into Gaza, following pressure from the US.

Donald Trump is not happy about the appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei as Iran's supreme leader. In an interview with the New York Post, the president did not reveal plans for Ali Khamenei's son: 'I'm not going to tell you. I'm not happy with him'. In recent days Trump had threatened to kill any successor to Ali Khamenei who assumes power without his advice.

Father Pierre El Raii, the parish priest of Qlayaa, 50, was killed in a bombing in Lebanon. Giving the news to the Vatican media is Father Toufic Bou Merhi, a Franciscan of the Custody of the Holy Land, parish priest of the Latins in Tyre and Deirmimas. There had been an initial attack on a house in his area, in the mountains of the south of the country, and Father Pierre had gone to help a wounded parishioner. In a subsequent attack, on the same spot where the rescuers had arrived, the priest was also wounded, 'but did not make it'. The deadly attack occurred today at 2 p.m. in Beirut.

The IDF killed the commander of Hezbollah's Nasser Unit, Abu Hussein Raeb, in charge of the southern Lebanon command. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said this during a visit to the army's northern command base. "The decision to advance immediately to defend our communities on the border is a morally right decision, operationally sound and guarantees that what happened will not happen again," Katz said

To cope with the sharp increases in energy commodity prices 'we have some thoughts on possible steps' to take and 'we will discuss them' with the finance ministers of the EU countries. "One of the options is the release of oil reserves, to increase supplies in this period of turbulence". This was said by EU Economy Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis, in Brussels on the sidelines of the Eurogroup, which in an enlarged format will discuss energy prices.

"You have seen the French statement that we also keep open the option of using national oil reserves. This is not yet the right time to do so, but we are ready, also as the Federal Republic of Germany, to do so as part of a coordinated procedure." This was said by German Economy Minister and Vice-Chancellor Lars Klingbeil, arriving at the Eurogroup meeting in Brussels.

US President Donald Trump has again rejected the possibility of sending US ground troops to Iran. "We haven't made any decision on that yet. But we are nowhere near that,' he told the New York Post.

In light of the current situation in the Middle East, Ita Airways has extended the suspension of flights to and from Tel Aviv until 2 April (including flight AZ809 on 3 April) and the suspension of flights to and from Dubai until 15 March. Ita made this known by apologising for the inconvenience and assuring that 'the company constantly monitors and assesses the security situation in the Middle East and is in close contact with the authorities. The safety of passengers and crews is always a top priority for Ita Airways and the Lufthansa Group'.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun accused Hezbollah of wanting to cause the "collapse" of Lebanon on behalf of Iran and called for "direct" negotiations with Israel to end the war. He said this today during a video conference with the heads of European institutions. Quoted by the Beirut media, Aoun said that "those who launched the missiles" against Israel were attempting to "provoke the collapse of Lebanon on behalf of Iran". A plan that, Aoun stated, 'we foiled'. The Lebanese president reiterated the government's position that 'the decision on war and peace' must remain the sole prerogative of the Lebanese state, as part of efforts to end the conflict. Aoun then called on the international community to support "the opening of direct negotiations with Israel" in order to reach a solution that would end the hostilities and restore stability in Lebanon.

The 31st wave of missile attacks on the Iranian side was carried out under the code name 'Labbayk ya Khamenei' ('We are at your service, O Khamenei'). The Revolutionary Guardians announced that the attacks 'are dedicated to the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei, was conducted under the code name 'Labbayk ya Khamenei' against American Zionist targets with super-powerful missiles'.

The United Arab Emirates announced the death of two non-combatant members of its armed forces after a helicopter crashed due to a 'technical failure'. This comes as the ministry continues to work against what it described as hundreds of missiles and drones fired by Iran into the country in a war that began more than a week ago.

'The valuable election of Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei is a manifestation of the will of the people to govern'. This was stated by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on X. "The solution to the country's problems can be achieved with his wise leadership and by creating a climate based on the trust and participation of the people. I ask God that he will preserve the sacred unity and build a progressive and independent Iran," he adds.

The UK has denied rumours in the media of an imminent deployment of the British aircraft carrier Hms Prince of Wales to the Mediterranean or the Middle East in the face of escalation in the conflict unleashed by the US and Israel against Iran. Prime Minister's spokesman Keir Starmer stated that 'no decision has been taken on new deployments', despite the aircraft carrier maintaining 'a high level of operational readiness at all times'. London had officially announced the deployment of Hms Dragon, a state-of-the-art destroyer, for the defence of Cyprus.

"On 28 February, the Iranian side requested permission for three ships to dock in our ports in the region. The permission was granted on 1 March'. This was stated by the Indian Foreign Minister, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, adding that the ship 'Iris Lavan' did indeed reach the Indian port of Kochi on 4 March, that its 'crew is currently at the Indian naval facilities' and that the New Delhi government believes this was 'the right thing to do'. This was reported by the Indian news agency Pti. According to Afp, the crew of the 'Iris Lavan' consists of 183 sailors. Pti states that one of the three ships was the 'Iris Dena', an Iranian military frigate that sank in an attack off Sri Lanka claimed by the US. At least 84 sailors are estimated to have died in the sinking of the ship, while 32 were recovered from the waters and hospitalised in the Indian Ocean island state, according to the authorities. The other ship, again according to the Indian agency, was the 'Iris Bushehr', then docked in Trincomalee, also in Sri Lanka.

"Australia is making a terrible humanitarian mistake by allowing the Iranian women's national football team to be forced to return to Iran where they will most likely be killed. Don't do it, give them asylum. The US will take them if you don't.' This was stated by Donald Trump on his social Truth.

Should the conflict in the Middle East continue or spread, it could lead to "a substantial stagflationary shock" for the global and European economy. This was said by EU Economy Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis before the Eurogroup. It will depend on 'the duration and regional extent of the conflict'. If it lasts longer than two weeks and leads to shipping disruptions on Hormuz or attacks on infrastructure in the Gulf, it could result in 'higher energy prices that would be passed on to inflation, negative effects on confidence, disruptions in supply chains' and tightening of financing.

"The European Union is a long-standing and reliable partner for the region in these difficult times and is ready to contribute in any way it can to help defuse the situation and facilitate a return to the negotiating table: although the rules-based international order is under pressure, we firmly believe that dialogue and diplomacy are the only viable way forward". This is stated in the joint communiqué issued by EU leaders Antonio Costa and Ursula von der Leyen at the end of the call with the leaders of the Gulf region

- French President Emmanuel Macron said that an attack on Cyprus is tantamount to an attack on the whole of Europe. He said this while speaking during a visit to Cyprus. "When Cyprus is attacked it is Europe that is attacked," Macron said. "The defence of Cyprus is obviously a key issue for your country, for your neighbours, partners and friends, Greece, but also France and with it the European Union," he added.

Emmanuel Macron said he was preparing with his partners a future 'purely defensive' mission to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and escort ships 'after the end of the hottest phase of the conflict' in the Middle East, in order to allow the movement of oil and gas. On a visit to Cyprus, the French president also announced that France will contribute "in the long term" with "two frigates" to the operation launched in 2024 by the European Union in the Red Sea

''We continue to have diplomatic relations with Iran, we are for de-escalation and we continue to talk to the countries that are victims of aggression''. So said Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani in response to a question on the appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei as Iran's new Supreme Leader and a possible recognition of the new Iranian leader by Italia.

France will send two frigates as part of the European Union's Aspides naval mission in the Red Sea, French President Emmanuel Macron said on Monday. "We are preparing a purely defensive and escort mission, which must be prepared together with European and non-European states," Macron said after meeting with Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in Cyprus.

The Turkish Defence Ministry reports that an Iranian-launched ballistic missile was shot down in Turkish airspace. The missile was destroyed by Nato defences stationed in the eastern Mediterranean, Ankara said, adding that ammunition fragments fell in empty fields in Gaziantep, southeast Turkey. "We stress once again that all necessary measures will be taken resolutely and without hesitation against any threat aimed at our country's territory and airspace," the Defence Ministry said.

Aluminium futures continued to rise and reached the highest level in four years. Indeed, the Middle East conflict that erupted after the US and Israeli attack on Iran disrupted supplies crossing the Strait of Hormuz. Three-month aluminium futures traded today at $3,544 a tonne on the London Metal Exchange, the highest intraday level since March 2022. The price has risen by 9% since the start of the conflict. Smelters in the region, the Wall Street Journal points out, depend on the Gulf of Hormuz both for imports of alumina, the raw material used to produce aluminium, and for exports of the metal itself. The Gulf region accounts for 9% of global production of aluminium, a ubiquitous light metal used in everything from cars to soda cans, and supplies 30% of European imports.

The new Supreme Guide of Iran Mojtaba Khamenei will deliver his first speech within a few hours. This is reported by Iran International citing Iranian media.

Una donna tiene in mano un ritratto del nuovo leader supremo iraniano Mojtaba Khamenei, nel giorno di un raduno a sostegno di Mojtaba Khamenei, nel contesto del conflitto tra Stati Uniti, Israele e Iran, a Teheran, Iran, il 9 marzo 2026. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via REUTERS

"The Middle East risks great losses from any prolonged war. The same applies to us in Europe. And the same for the world. That is why the EU continues to call on all actors to exercise maximum restraint, protect civilians and respect international law," expressed EU High Representative for Foreign Policy Kaja Kallas, during her address to the EU Ambassadors' Conference. The EU is taking action, Kallas explained: "We have activated our civil protection mechanism. This morning, the first of two fully EU-funded flights evacuated citizens from the region; we are providing consular assistance; our naval operations ASPIDES and ATALANTA have ensured the protection of ships in the region; in response to the need for drone interceptors, we are preparing a new initiative to act as an intermediary between Ukrainian industrial production and the military needs of Middle Eastern countries. This is what we call solidarity in action," Kallas specified.

There is 'no immediate threat' to UK energy supplies despite the surge in global oil prices and gas scares triggered by the US and Israeli attack on Iran and Tehran's subsequent reaction. This was argued in a television interview this morning by Steve Reed, Minister for Local Communities in Keir Starmer's government, when pressed on the publication in today's Times of expert estimates that the island's extra gas reserves now appear to be reduced to just "two days". Reed admitted on the other hand that the situation 'is clearly very worrying' and that the severity of the impact on the Kingdom as well as the rest of the world of what happens in the Middle East, in addition to other international crises, will depend on the 'duration' of the war on Iran. The Starmer government meanwhile insists on calling for 'de-escalation' as a priority objective, while claiming through the PM's mouthpiece 'the resilience' of the British economy. While there is no shortage of reminders of the benefits that the war shocks on the energy market will bring 'to Vladimir Putin's Russia'.

"The real problem of rising energy costs, caused by speculative dynamics, is the direct impact on production. In Italia we already pay almost twice as much for energy as France and Germany, and this is inevitably reflected in the final prices. Only ten days after the start of the war, Italia is already incurring an additional burden of around 80 million euros per day: 53% of this falls on companies, a total of around 43 million euros. As a result, companies are forced to raise prices, inflation rises and consumers see their purchasing power reduced'. Thus Roberto Capobianco, national president of Conflavoro, speaking on the programme ReStart, on Rai3, on the economic impact of the conflict in Iran. "Even before the conflict in Iran we were already facing very high bills. The government gave us a breath of fresh air with the bill decree, but the positive effect was practically exhausted within a few days due to the new price increases. It is therefore essential to intervene to control the disproportionate increase in prices,' he says, 'by introducing a cap on energy costs and protection measures for companies, especially those under 50 employees, which represent the backbone of our production system and employment. Then there is another very worrying front: the export crisis towards the Gulf countries. In just ten days of conflict, this war has already paralysed a significant part of our exports to that area, dealing a further blow to Italian companies'.

Lebanon 'is ready' for negotiations with Israel for 'a solid, lasting and effective peace'. This was assured by Lebanese premier Nawaf Salam in an interview with the newspaper L'Orient le jour. "We are open to any agenda, any format and any location to hold negotiations," he said.

Putin assures "unconditional support" for Iran and its new Supreme Guide Mojtaba Khamenei, son of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei who was killed in last weekend's attack by Israel and the US. Russian President Vladimir Putin wrote this in a congratulatory message sent to Iran's new Supreme Guide.

"I wish to reiterate our unconditional support for Tehran and our solidarity with our Iranian friends," Putin wrote, assuring that Moscow has been and will remain a "reliable partner" of Tehran.

Mojtaba Khamenei will continue his father's work "with honour" and unite the Iranian people "in the face of the difficult tasks" ahead. This was stated by the Russian President, Vladimir Putin, in a message sent to the new supreme leader of the Islamic Republic and released on the Kremlin's website. Putin added that Russia would continue to support Tehran, saying he wanted to "confirm its unwavering support" for the country "and its solidarity with our Iranian friends".

Iran accuses European countries of helping to create favourable conditions for US-Israeli attacks. Over the past two or three days, European countries "have taken actions that have made the US and the Zionist regime bolder in committing crimes and violating the law," Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said. "Instead of insisting on the rule of law and opposing the excessive demands of the US, they talked and agreed with them, particularly in the UN Security Council during discussions on the reinstatement of sanctions and other issues," he said, according to Irna.

- Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated Mojtaba Khamenei on his election as Iran's supreme leader. This was announced by the Kremlin, publishing the official message on its website.

"To His Excellency the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ayatollah Seyed Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei, accept my sincere congratulations on your election as the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran," reads the telegram sent by the Russian president.

"Iran still has a significant missile launch capability. We have eliminated the majority of their launchers. They are using a policy of managing their resources, we can see this by the decrease in launches. The best type of defence is attack and one of our goals is to neutralise their launch capacity." This was said by Idf spokesman Nadav Shoshani in a briefing with reporters.

At least eleven people died and dozens were injured in a series of Israeli air raids that took place at dawn and in the early hours of the morning in several locations in southern Lebanon, between the regions of Tyre and Bint Jbeil. This was reported by the Lebanese National Information Agency (NNA), according to which the bombings hit the towns of Juwayya, Tayr Dibba and Maarake, causing severe destruction to homes, infrastructure and essential service networks.

Iran committed ''a dangerous miscalculation by attacking the Gulf countries'' in retaliation, so it ''destroyed everything''. This was stated by the Prime Minister of Qatar, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al Thani, in an exclusive interview with Sky News, the first since the launch of the Israeli-American operation against Iran. It is ''a very difficult time'' and escalation, he warned, risks destabilising the region and sending shock waves through the global economy. What is being felt, he explained, ''is a great sense of betrayal''. Because ''just an hour after the war started, Qatar and other Gulf countries were attacked. We made it clear that we would not take part in any war against our neighbours'. Qatar played a mediating role and therefore, al-Thani said, 'we never expected this from our neighbour. We have always tried to maintain good relations with Iran, but we totally reject the justifications and pretexts they are using'. In any case, he added, "we continue to try to de-escalate. They are our neighbours, it is our destiny'. But at the same time he wondered: '25 per cent of attacks target civilian facilities. What does this have to do with war? What do they want to achieve?"

US President Steve Witkoff's special envoy and American businessman Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump's son-in-law. have cancelled their planned visit to Israel tomorrow. This was reported by Israeli Channel 12, according to which 'Witkoff and Kushner have cancelled their visit to Israel scheduled for tomorrow'.

The Israeli army claimed to have detected the launching of missiles from Iran into the territory of the State of Israel.

In a note, the Israel Defence Forces stated that air defence systems were in place to intercept the threat.

The Bahraini authorities have announced that the fire that broke out at an oil facility near the village of Maameer due to an Iranian attack has been extinguished. The incident, it is explained, caused material damage, but caused no injuries or fatalities.

China called Iran's choice of Mojtaba Khamenei as the new supreme leader of the Islamic Republic an 'internal decision' and expressed opposition to military actions targeting Iran's new leader. During a daily press conference in Beijing, Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said that Beijing had taken note of the news about the appointment. "We have taken note of the information about it. This is a decision made by the Iranian side in accordance with its Constitution,' he said.

China also expressed opposition to any action against Iran's new supreme leader, after Israel stated that it might consider him a target.

Israel attacked 30 Iranian fuel depots on Saturday, far exceeding US expectations. Washington is concerned that the Israeli attacks on infrastructure serving Iran's population could backfire, pushing it to support the regime and driving up oil prices. Axios reports this, citing sources who say the raids have left the US 'dismayed', caught by surprise by the attacks.

A video released by the semi-official Iranian news agency Mehr adds to the evidence that it was probably an American missile that hit the Iranian primary school where 175 people, many of them children, were reportedly killed. The video, uploaded on Sunday and verified by the New York Times, shows a Tomahawk cruise missile hitting a naval base next to the school in the city of Minab on 28 February. The US military is the only force involved in the conflict to use Tomahawk missiles, the American newspaper points out. A series of evidence collected by the Times - including satellite images, social media posts and other verified videos - indicates that the Shajarah Tayyebeh Elementary School building was severely damaged by a precision strike that occurred at the same time as the attacks on the naval base operated by the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps. Asked by a Times reporter on Saturday whether the US had bombed the school, President Trump replied: 'No. In my opinion and based on what I've seen, it was Iran,' while Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said the Pentagon is investigating, 'but the only party targeting civilians is Iran.

Bahrain's state-owned energy company, Bapco Energies, has declared a ''state of force majeure'' after a series of Iranian attacks hit the country's energy infrastructure and in particular after the attack on Bapco Energies' refinery in Sitra. Bapco ''hereby declares a state of force majeure'' after its sites ''were affected in the ongoing regional conflict in the Middle East and in the recent attack on its refinery complex,'' a note reads.

The decision on when to end the war against Iran will be a "consensus" decision that US President Donald Trump will make together with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Trump himself told the Times of Israel in a telephone interview shortly after Iranian state media announced that the Islamic Republic's Assembly of Experts had appointed Khamenei's son Mojtaba as the country's new supreme leader.

"I think that" that of ending the conflict, "will be an agreed decision... a little bit. We've talked about it. I will make a decision at the right time, but everything will be taken into consideration," Trump said, stressing that although Netanyahu will have a say, the final word will be up to the US president.

The G7 is reportedly ready to discuss today the joint and coordinated release of strategic oil reserves to curb the oil rush in the wake of the Iran war. The Financial Times writes that an online meeting is scheduled to take place today at 8.30 am in New York. The decision, already taken in the past after the invasion of Ukraine, would also involve the International Energy Agency.

US presidential special envoy Steve Witkoff and Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner will be in Israel on Tuesday. Axios writes this, citing informed sources. A meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would also be planned.

A fire broke out at the Al Ma'ameer oil facility in Bahrain, which also suffered damage but no casualties, following the Iranian attack launched against the Gulf country's energy facilities. "A fire broke out as a result of the Iranian attack against a facility in Al Ma'ameer, with material damage, but no casualties recorded. The relevant authorities have started fire-fighting procedures,' the Bahrain News Agency said in a post on X.

Saudi Arabia has condemned the attacks that Iran is launching on the kingdom and its Gulf neighbours, calling them ''unjustified''. This was stated in a note by the Riyadh Foreign Ministry. Saudi Arabia ''categorically renews the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's condemnation of Iran's reprehensible aggression against the Kingdom, Gulf Cooperation Council states, numerous Arab and Islamic countries and friendly nations, which cannot be accepted or justified under any circumstances,'' the Saudi ministry's 'X' account reads.

At least 32 civilians, including children, were injured in an Iranian drone attack on Bahrain's Sitra island overnight. This was announced by the Ministry of Health in Manama, stating that all the wounded are Bahraini citizens and among them there are also four 'serious cases'.

The IDF, the Israeli Defence Forces, reported hitting the command centres of the Iranian paramilitary Revolutionary Guard and its volunteer Basij force in Isfahan, central Iran. The operation was conducted by the Israeli Air Force, led by military intelligence, the IDF explained. Specifically, the IDF claims to have hit a rocket engine production plant and missile launching sites.

The UAE Ministry of Defence announced that it is currently responding to incoming threats in the form of missiles and drones launched from Iran. In a statement, the ministry explained that the noises heard by the population are the result of the operations of air defence systems engaged in intercepting the missiles and drones. The authorities also urged the citizens to follow the security instructions issued by the competent bodies.

Heavy fighting broke out in the night between Sunday and Monday in eastern Lebanon, near the border with Syria, where Israeli troops landed in helicopters. This was written by the Lebanese national news agency (NNA), pointing out that the fighting took place near the village of Nabi Chit, which had already been targeted 24 hours earlier by an Israeli commando attempting, unsuccessfully, to recover the body of an Israeli airman captured in 1986. A Hezbollah source told Afp that the Lebanese Shia movement shot down an Israeli helicopter in the area.

Oil prices will 'fall rapidly with the end of the destruction of Iran's nuclear threat'. Donald Trump said this on his social Truth. The rise is 'a small price to pay for the peace and security of the US and the world. Only fools think otherwise,' Trump highlighted