US embassy in Riyadh hit. Israel resumes attacks on Tehran. US: "Hormuz is open"

An Iraqi group claims an attack on a hotel in Erbil housing US troops. This is reported by Al Jazeera, which says it is receiving reports of an attack on the capital of Iraq's Kurdish region, near the border with Iran. The Islamic Resistance in Iraq claimed responsibility for carrying out a drone attack on a hotel it said was housing US troops in Erbil. A video posted on Telegram by the Iraqi news agency Naya meanwhile showed a burning building in Erbil. The post claimed that the drones had been launched by the Islamic Resistance in Iraq towards 'occupation bases'

The US will respond to the attack against the US embassy in Riyadh. In the first reaction on the matter, President Donald Trump said that "you will soon find out what the retaliation will be" to the attack and the deaths of US military personnel during the conflict in Iran, NewsNation's Kellie Meyer posted on X, citing an interview with the tycoon. "He also told me that he doesn't believe that interventions on the ground will be necessary," Meyer added.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Iran was building new sites for nuclear weapons that would be impossible to attack within a few months, making it urgent to attack the country. "They started building new sites, new locations, underground bunkers, that would make their ballistic missile and atomic bomb programmes immune within a few months," Netanyahu told Fox News.

Witnesses in Riyadh's diplomatic quarter heard two loud explosions. One of them told Afp of a column of smoke as Iran continued its attacks in the Gulf in retaliation for the US and Israeli attacks.

The Israeli army shelled the southern part of Beirut, Lebanon. This was reported by the Lebanese media. The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) reported that they launched raids against "Hezbollah command centres and weapons depots" in the Lebanese capital.

The UAE's air defence is committed to 'dealing with a barrage of ballistic missiles from Iran'. This was announced on X by the Ministry of Defence, noting its 'readiness to face all threats, ensure the protection of state territories and the safety of citizens and residents'.

The United States is preparing a 'sharp increase' in attacks on Iran in the next 24 hours, in line with President Donald Trump's anticipation of incoming military actions that will be even tougher than those deployed so far. This is what CNN reports, citing a senior US official.

The US State Department urged Americans to immediately leave Middle Eastern countries, including Israel, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, Syria and the Gulf States due to the serious security risks as a result of Israeli-US attacks on Iran.

The Strait of Hormuz 'has not been closed' despite claims of a blockade of the strategic sea route by the Pasdaran. This was reported by the US Central Military Command (Centcom) quoted by Fox News. Despite Tehran threatening to open fire on ships in transit, US officials reported 'no evidence of a formal blockade'. Centcom itself, in a post on X, recalled that just two days ago Iran had 11 military ships in the Gulf of Oman, but now 'they are zero'.

Two explosions were heard near the headquarters of the Iranian state broadcaster, Irib, in Tehran. Iranian media reported this. The Israeli army confirmed that they had targeted the facility.

With the plane that has just landed in Rome tonight with 127 Italians who were stranded in Oman and the Emirates, the Farnesina will send an initial group of officials to Mascate tonight to reinforce the diplomatic offices. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, in agreement with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, has asked for a group of officials, carabinieri, financiers and a civil protection expert to support the embassies in the area. This was announced by the Foreign Ministry in a note.

Several explosions were heard in different districts of Tehran. This was reported by the Iranian media. Shortly before, the Israeli army had announced the resumption of attacks on the Iranian capital.

After evacuation warnings to residents, the Israeli army resumed attacks on "targets of the Iranian terrorist regime" in Tehran. This was announced by the IDF.

"The hardest blows are yet to come from the US military" against Iran. This is what Secretary of State Marco Rubio said before briefing congressional leaders on the attacks on Tehran. "I won't go into details, but the next phase will be even harder," he added, recalling when announced hours earlier by President Donald Trump.

This brings to six the number of American soldiers killed in Iran since the start of the operation. This was reported by the US Central Command.

All staff of the US Embassy in Amman, Jordan, have 'temporarily left' the diplomatic premises 'due to a threat'. This is according to a security alert issued by the embassy, without giving more details about the threat.

"We would like to see regime change" in Iran. This was said by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, adding that this is not the aim of the war, however.

Il segretario di Stato Usa Marco Rubio. REUTERS/Kylie Cooper

Tehran "is not at war with the countries in the region", but it is at war with the US after Saturday's attack. This was said by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, adding that Middle Eastern countries must "put pressure on the US" regarding its actions against Iran. In a speech to state media, quoted by Al Jazeera, the minister accused Washington of "betraying diplomacy" when it carried out air strikes together with Israel, despite the fact that negotiations were ongoing. Araghchi suggested that US military bases, even if located in Gulf countries, are still legitimate targets. "We are not attacking our neighbours, we are attacking US military bases," he explained.

The first charter flight carrying 127 Italians stranded in Oman or transiting, with coordinated assistance from the Farnesina and the Embassies in Abu Dhabi and Mascate, from the Arab Emirates to Oman, arrived at Fiumicino airport. The Boeing 737, departing from Mascate and operated by Oman Air, landed at 9.26pm. Travellers are expected to disembark at Terminal 3 in a few minutes. As Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani reported, a group of 98 people transited from the Arab Emirates to Oman late last night.

Donald Trump is not worried by polls indicating low support among Americans for the military operation in Iran. "I think the polls are very good, but I don't care. I have to do the right thing. I have to do the right thing. This should have been done a long time ago,' the president said in an interview with the New York Post.

"I don't think the polls are low," Trump said, "look, whether the polls are low or not, I think the polls are probably good. But it's not about the polls. Iran, which is a nation ruled by madmen, cannot be allowed to have a nuclear weapon." According to a CNN poll released today, 59% of Americans polled said they disapproved of the US decision to take military action in Iran, while 41% said they approved of it. Another Reuters/Ipsos poll released on Sunday found that only 1 in 4 Americans approve of the attacks.

The commander of Iran's Revolutionary Guards said that the Strait of Hormuz is closed and that Iran will strike any ship that attempts to cross it. Reuters writes this on its website.

''Over the past few years, particularly since the Abraham Agreements, we have been having collaborations with our neighbours, with countries in the region, on which I cannot comment further, but they are positive and productive''. This was stated by military spokesperson Effie Defrin at a press conference responding on the coordination of the IDF with armies in the region. "The last few days prove what we have been saying for a long time: the Iranian regime is a problem not only of Israel, but regional and worldwide. Their automatic attack against the entire Middle East and beyond is a problem," he added.

Over the weekend, Israel moved the presidential plane to Berlin. The aircraft landed at Ber on Saturday evening, after the attacks on Iran had begun. This was confirmed today in Berlin by Friedrich Merz's spokesman Stefan Kornelius, who, when asked who was on board, replied: 'only the crew'. The spokesman merely explained that the Boeing 767 was landed at the 'request of the Israeli government'. It had already happened in previous conflicts that the plane had been moved to other countries for security reasons

The Israeli army says the air force has completed a wave of air strikes against dozens of Iran's internal security force headquarters in Tehran. The Times of Israel reports. The army then announces that it hit more than 10 headquarters of the Iranian Intelligence Ministry and a command centre of the Quds Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps where Iranian soldiers were gathered. As part of the attacks, the air force also hit Iranian ballistic missile launchers, a weapons production site and other Pasdaran facilities.

Israel's objective in the context of the offensive against Iran is "to eliminate the existential threat from this type of regime in the long term". This was stated by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar during an interview with TG1, asserting that the attack is not a violation of international law because it is permissible "to defend yourself against those who speak and behave like someone who wants to eliminate you. And this is the case with the current regime in Iran'.

"We have very solid intelligence information that this regime is in the process of transferring its nuclear programme to a deep underground facility, sheltered from any kind of attack, from us or the Americans, and thus will soon achieve its nuclear ambitions. Moreover, the mass production of large-scale ballistic missiles will be underground,' explains the Israeli diplomatic chief. Sa'ar does not rule out a ground operation in Iran and Lebanon. "We do not plan it," he asserts, stressing that Israel does not intend to announce what it will do in the course of a war, "but for the second time we were attacked from Lebanon only because of another war." His hope is that the duration of the offensive will be 'as short as possible, but clearly we want to achieve our goals. We want to get a long-term guarantee that we will not have an existential threat from Iran,' he reiterates.

"It is really important what the US is doing together with Israel, because they are eliminating and reducing Iran's ability to get its hands on nuclear capability, ballistic missile capability." Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte said this in an interview with German television station Ard in Brussels, relayed by the Guardian. "There is absolutely no plan for Nato to get involved or be part of it, other than individual allies doing what they can to allow what the Americans are doing together with Israel," he added.

As Iraqi media reported, in addition to the Kurdistan region, attacks also hit headquarters and positions of the Popular Mobilisation Forces, the Shia-majority fighters, in several provinces, including Kirkuk, Diyala, Al-Anbar, Babil, and Al-Muthanna. Yesterday, the Popular Mobilisation Forces reported four dead in an Israeli-US attack in the province of Dyala.

King Abdullah II of Jordan had a telephone conversation with US President Donald Trump. This was reported by the Petra news agency, explaining that the conversation covered 'recent escalations in the region and their implications for regional and global security and stability'. Abdullah II affirmed Jordan's 'firm condemnation of Iran's attacks on its territory and several countries in the region'. The King "emphasised the need to work towards achieving a comprehensive and sustainable calm that will help restore stability and achieve peace in the region."

Israeli Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon stated that the US and Israeli attacks on Iran "will not stop until we have achieved our goals" and that the war will last "as long as it takes", as reported by the Israeli newspaper Haaretz. Iranians will achieve freedom "sooner rather than later", he added, explaining that he hoped for new Iranian leadership and stating that Israel "will do whatever it takes to ensure that Iran does not have nuclear capabilities".

Iran has accused the United States and Israel of attacking the Natanz nuclear site, one of the main facilities already at the centre of tensions between the three countries during the '12-day war' last June. In a letter addressed to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), quoted by the Irna news agency, the head of the Iranian Atomic Energy Organisation, Mohammad Eslami, denounced that "the criminal regimes of the United States and Israel, continuing their aggression, again targeted the Natanz nuclear site on Sunday afternoon with two brutal attacks". The director of the UN agency Rafael Grossi had previously pointed out that, at present, 'there are no indications' that nuclear installations were actually hit.

The Israeli army estimates that ''within two to three days, attacks from Iran will decrease significantly as a result of the shooting down of launchers and missiles''. Israeli media report this.

Iran's Revolutionary Guardians have warned that the US "will no longer be safe" as the military escalation between Tehran and Washington continues. "The enemy must know that its happy days are over and that it will no longer be safe anywhere in the world, not even in its own homes," the Quds Force, the Pasdaran unit responsible for operations abroad, said in a note, according to Iranian state television.

"I spoke with Recep Tayyip Erdogan about Iran and the security situation in the region. We both agreed on the importance of Nato's 360-degree approach to security, and that we are always ready to deter and defend against any threat, from any direction." This was stated by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte via social media, following a phone call with the Turkish president.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps claimed the attack on an oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz. "The oil tanker Athe Nova, one of the US allies in the Strait of Hormuz, is still on fire after being hit by two drones," reads a Pasdaran statement relayed by Israeli media.

A drone struck a fuel storage terminal in the Emirati capital Abu Dhabi, causing a fire but without impacting operations, according to the Abu Dhabi Media Office in a statement. "Abu Dhabi authorities intervened today in response to a fire caused by a drone attack on a fuel storage terminal in Musaffah. The situation was promptly contained. No injuries were reported and there was no impact on operations," the text reads.

The creation of an energy task force in coordination with the International energy agency (Iea) and member states is one of the first operational measures announced by the European Commission after today's meeting of the College of Security Commissioners. The task force will examine "the evolution of the situation" in Iran and the Middle East and the impact on the EU. It is expected to hold its first meeting this week.

On the energy front, the Commission is 'closely monitoring both price and supply developments', referring primarily to the transits of LNG and crude oil through the Strait of Hormuz. In a note, Brussels explains that the work will serve to 'support member states and protect EU citizens from the negative consequences of the events taking place' in those parts of the world.

The death toll of today's Israeli raids in Lebanon has risen to 52 dead and 154 wounded, according to a new official toll.

Russian Security Council deputy chairman and former president Dmitry Medvedev said that 'the EU is being servile and cowardly in its response to the attacks on Iran'. "Adulterous and cowardly," Medvedev told Tass commenting on the European reaction. "This is a war of the US and its allies to maintain global dominance," Medvedev said, adding that "the pigs do not want to give up their trough".

"Poland is in talks with France and a group of close European allies on the advanced nuclear deterrence programme. We are arming ourselves together with our friends so that our enemies will never dare to attack us'. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk wrote this on social media.

"We are destroying Iran's missile capabilities, and you can see it with every passing hour, along with their ability to produce new and quite effective ones." This was stated by US President Donald Trump. "Secondly," he added, "we are annihilating their navy. We have already sunk 10 ships. They are at the bottom of the sea."

'I took the last and best chance to attack Iran'. Donald Trump said this at the White House, reiterating that "the purpose of Tehran's missile programme was to protect their development of nuclear weapons and make it extremely difficult for anyone to prevent them from producing these nuclear weapons, which we have prohibited." "Everyone supported us. They simply did not have the courage to say it," he added.

"We have eliminated Iran's fleet, their ships are at the bottom of the sea". Donald Trump said this at the White House.

The European Commission is 'closely' monitoring developments in energy commodity prices and supplies and will convene an energy task force with member states, in liaison with the International Energy Agency, whose first meeting will take place 'this week'. This was announced by the Commission at the end of the security college meeting in Brussels today.

The Islamic Resistance, an Iranian-affiliated umbrella group, claimed responsibility for 23 drone attacks that targeted the US consulate and airport in Erbil, the capital of Iraqi Kurdistan, reports Al Jazeera.

According to wounded sources, three more drones were reportedly launched by pro-Iranian groups but intercepted, while authorities in Iraq warned against using Iraqi territory to launch attacks against any of the parties involved in the conflict, warning that such actions could drag Iraq further into the crisis.

Médecins Sans Frontières (Msf) teams in Lebanon are witnessing large flows of displaced people, traffic jams and people fleeing with few belongings, desperately seeking a safe place. Msf teams are also mobilising to adapt activities and assess how to respond to the needs of the displaced, while ensuring the continuity of regular projects. MSF is in contact with the authorities to provide further support where needed. "It all seemed like 1 year and 3 months ago: people fleeing under the threat of fire, while very loud explosions, sirens and people screaming were heard," says Maryam Srour, Msf's head of communications in Lebanon. "Once again, we find ourselves witnessing this endless cycle of suffering for civilians and people simply trying to live their daily lives. Although Israeli air strikes have continued over the past 15 months, despite the ceasefire agreement reached in November 2024, this escalation marks the most intense phase since then, and puts a strain on civilians who have already experienced several periods of insecurity and displacement.

A new Iranian missile attack on Israel is underway. The IDF claims to be working to intercept the missiles. Iran has launched a new missile attack against Israel, Iranian TV announced.

Donald Trump said he made the decision to strike Iran "after the talks" in Geneva on Thursday. "We had very serious negotiations, and then they pulled out," the US president said in an interview with the New York Post . After the June attacks, Trump said, "we found out that they were working in a completely different area, in a completely different site, to build a nuclear weapon. So it was simply time."

Donald Trump said he was not worried that Iran would retaliate against US attacks with terrorist attacks in the US. "We will deal with it. Like everything else, we'll work it out," the US president said in an interview with the New York Post.

Iran: Trump does not rule out sending troops, but 'only if necessary'

Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte 'spoke over the weekend with all the key European leaders and there is widespread support for what President Donald Trump is doing'. Rutte himself told Fox News. The secretary general added that the Europeans are 'really stepping up' in terms of also 'logistical' support and 'defending the strategic interests of the US in Europe and the region'.

"I want to send special thanks to our great friend and great leader, President Donald Trump, who has joined us in this crucial effort to save the world." This was stated by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaking to reporters.

Benjamin Netanyahu

Loud explosions were heard in the area near a nuclear plant and an air base in the central Iranian city of Isfahan. This was reported by the Iranian media, picked up by Reuters on the site. .

"We want to help the Iranian people, but at the moment we want everyone to stay at home. It's not safe out there." This was stated by US President Donald Trump on CNN.

"We are slaughtering them. I think it's going very well." Donald Trump said this in an interview with CNN about Iran. "We haven't started hitting them hard yet, the big wave hasn't happened yet. It's coming soon," the US president added.

The White House has sent out a new programme for Donald Trump's day, specifying that at the 11am event, 5pm in Italia, the president will speak about Iran. The first programme sent out only stated that the tycoon would present an honour.

The US State Department urges US citizens present in Lebanon to "leave now" the Cedar country "as long as commercial flights are available". A notice posted on the website of the US embassy in Beirut describes the security situation in Lebanon as "fluid and unpredictable". "The embassy," it reads, "strongly recommends that US citizens in southern Lebanon, near the borders with Syria, in refugee settlements, and in the Dahiyeh neighbourhood of Beirut, leave these areas immediately. Reiterating its call not to travel to Lebanon, the embassy suggests that US citizens who "choose not to leave" the Cedar country "make contingency plans".

Israeli Armed Forces Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir has warned that his country will strike at "all terrorist leaders and factions" in the Middle East, promising to deal a heavy blow to the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah. "We will end this campaign not only with striking Iran, but with Hezbollah suffering a devastating blow," Zamir was quoted as saying in an official statement. "Our message is clear and resonates throughout the Middle East: we will strike at all terrorist leaders and factions that rise up against us to harm us. We have proven this and we will continue to prove it," he added.

"The last six years have weighed heavily on France and Europe, and the last months on them, as decades. Our competitors have evolved, as have our partners. The world is becoming tougher, and the last few hours have shown this once again," said French Head of State Emmanuel Macron in his long-awaited speech from a military base in Brest on nuclear deterrence. "It is with great seriousness that I come today to announce to the nation a development commensurate with our national and European challenges," Emmanuel Macron added from Ile Longue.

The French president said he believes France must "strengthen its nuclear deterrence in the face of the combination of threats". "And we must consider our deterrence strategy in the context of the European continent, in full respect of our sovereignty. With the gradual implementation of what I would call advanced deterrence," he continued.

'There are currently more than 70,000 compatriots in the region between permanent (almost 80%) and temporary presences. 30.000 or so in Dubai and Abu Dhabi alone. Residents. Workers. Military. Tourists. Students. Pilgrims. About twenty thousand residents with Italian passports live in Israel. In the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain there are numerous communities. In Iran there are just under five hundred compatriots, almost all residents'. This was stated by Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani.

A Dubai Airports spokesperson confirmed that they will resume 'limited operations tonight, with a small number of flights allowed to operate from Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International (DWC)'. "Travellers are advised not to travel to DXB or DWC unless they have been contacted directly by their airline with a confirmed departure time, as schedules remain subject to change," the spokesperson added. Dubai Airports 'continues to closely monitor the situation in coordination with the relevant authorities'.

The situation in the Middle East 'remains unstable. But three things are clear: first, there is renewed hope for the long-suffering Iranian people. We strongly support their right to determine their own future. Second, we must do all we can to defuse the tension and stop the spread of conflict. Iran must cease its reckless and indiscriminate attacks against neighbouring and sovereign countries. Thirdly, stability in the region is of utmost importance. The only lasting solution is a diplomatic one'. This was said by the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, speaking before the Security College, the extraordinary meeting of the Commission to discuss what assessments and initiatives will be outlined to deal with the new dramatic crisis in the Middle East. "This means a credible transition for Iran, including the suspension of its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes, as well as an end to destabilising actions in the region," von der Leyen said, recalling that "this afternoon we will discuss the overall situation in the Security College meeting, because from energy to nuclear, from migration to security, Europe must be prepared for the consequences of recent events."

The Israeli army, according to Ansa, is attacking Tehran with hundreds of bombs, creating what in military circles is called a 'fire belt' over regime targets. In these minutes, the political headquarters, the building of the Iranian Broadcasting Authority, public security headquarters and police stations, and anti-aircraft systems are being hit. Tehran is without electricity.

The US president, Donald Trump, told an Abc News reporter, Jonathan Karl, that "possible candidates" to become the new Iranian leader, "people inside the government who could take over, just as Delcy Rodriguez did, in Venezuela, after the capture of Nicolas Maduro, have been taken out almost all of them. It won't be any of those we thought, because they are all dead'.

Further reading

Trump opens up to Iran: 'They want to talk, I agreed'. But the bombings continue

02 March 2026

A senior Israeli defence source said that the amount of munitions dropped by Israel and the US in the past 48 hours is more than the amount dropped during the entire operation last June. According to the source, who spoke to Ynet, Israel dropped more than 2,300 munitions in two days. The US dropped 1,500.

Hussein Makled, the head of Hezbollah's intelligence headquarters, was killed by an Israeli attack tonight in Beirut, in the Dahieh neighbourhood, the organisation's stronghold in the south of the city. This was announced by the IDF spokesman in a note.

QatarEnergy has declared that it will stop producing liquefied natural gas due to the war in the Middle East, taking one of the world's largest suppliers out of the market. The state-owned company blamed the decision on the war. It did not provide any timeline for the resumption of production.

The IDF's Arabic-language spokeswoman, Ella Waweya, issued an urgent evacuation warning to Lebanese residents of Beirut's southern suburbs: ''You are in the vicinity of Hezbollah facilities, which the IDF will be targeting in the near future, in particular the building shown on the attached map in the Burj al-Barajneh neighbourhood: you must evacuate the area immediately and move at least 300 metres away''

Greece will send two frigates and two F-16 fighter jets to Cyprus as security concerns grow on the Mediterranean island, Defence Minister Nikos Dendias said, as reported by Greek media. "Following the unprovoked attacks on the territory of Cyprus, Greece will contribute in every possible way to the defence of the Republic of Cyprus, in order to deal with the threats and illegal actions occurring on its territory," Dendias said.

The Lebanese government has decided, for the first time in the country's history, to ban all military activities of Hezbollah, the anti-Israeli armed party founded in 1982. This was announced in a communiqué at the end of the council of ministers meeting, which was also attended by the commander of the Lebanese army.

The European Commission has indicated that 'there is no immediate risk to energy supplies' as a result of the ongoing war with Iran. The energy issue will be discussed at the extraordinary meeting of the European Commission from 1pm today, a meeting pompously called the 'security college'. The energy spokeswoman said there was no comment on the development of energy prices, which "are determined in the long run by the functioning of transport routes and global relations (between producers and consumers)".

Two drones directed against the British Raf base in Cyprus were intercepted. Sky News reports. Military drones had earlier taken off from the base when an air alert was triggered. According to the Cypriot government, a second attack was launched against the British military base

The Israeli Air Force conducted new air raids in southern Lebanon and the eastern Bekaa Valley. This was reported by the Lebanese government agency NNA, according to which the localities of Hosh Rafeqa, near Baalbeck in the Bekaa, and Arab Salim, Arzun and Duris in south Lebanon were targeted.

"We, as the EU, have reiterated our solidarity with the Iranian people and firmly support their fundamental aspirations for a future where their universal human rights and fundamental freedoms are fully respected. The High Representative was very clear on this point in her remarks over the weekend, a very busy weekend: the death of Eli Khamenei is a defining moment in Iran's history". This was stated by the spokesman for Foreign Affairs, Anouar El Anouni, in the daily press briefing.

"It will be remembered for its harsh rule, repression, oppression, violations of the rights of the Iranian people, and Iran's destabilising and illegal actions in the Middle East and beyond. Let us not forget that this regime has killed thousands, thousands of its citizens, thousands, thousands of its children,' he points out. 'As for what we have also seen from this regime, we have seen a regime that has violated international law recurrently and for a long time, along with its legal commitments in terms of the JCPOA, and also in terms of supporting terrorist groups throughout the Middle East and beyond, with repercussions for the security and stability of the EU as well.

"Even at this moment, hundreds of Air Force aircraft are striking simultaneously in Lebanon and Israel". Israeli military spokeswoman Effie Defrin said this during a briefing. "Last night Hezbollah opened fire," she added, "He knew exactly what he was doing. It was warned and it will pay dearly."

"Three US F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft, participating in Operation Epic Fury, crashed over Kuwait, allegedly victims of friendly fire." This was clarified in a US military statement. "In the course of intense fighting - including attacks by Iranian aircraft, ballistic missiles and drones - the US Air Force fighters were accidentally shot down by Kuwaiti air defence. The six crew members 'ejected' safely, were recovered and are in stable condition. Kuwait has confirmed the incident and we thank the Kuwaiti Defence Forces for their support in this ongoing operation'.

Due to numerous regional airspace closures, Emirates has temporarily suspended all operations to and from Dubai until 3pm local time, (6pm in Italia) tomorrow. The update reads on the Emirates website. 'The situation is extremely variable and is under continuous monitoring,' the company explains, urging passengers to consult the latest operational updates on its website before travelling to the airport. If you have a booking to travel before or on 5 March, your options are to change your booking to an alternative flight or request a refund, Emirates informs.

Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani and Environment and Energy Security Minister Gilberto Pichetto took part in a meeting convened to promptly update Italian trade associations and companies on the crisis in Iran and the escalation in the region, with a focus on the possible economic consequences of the conflict, and to assess the effect of the latest US decisions on the tariffs issue. Pichetto recorded a 25 per cent increase in the gas market and with the ministry's technicians he assessed the possible influences on the Italia and European markets. Tajani confirmed that Italia remains in close contact with its European and international partners to limit and manage possible consequences of the conflict and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz for international trade, a topic discussed at the extraordinary meetings of the G7 and the EU Foreign Affairs Council held over the weekend. The aim is to avert prolonged blockades and avoid effects on prices, in particular for energy and raw materials.

Italia and its partners are working to ensure the freedom of trade in a crucial area for exports, and to support every diplomatic initiative to contribute to peace and stability in the Middle East. Tajani recalled the role of EU operations, starting with the Aspides and Atalanta missions, in which Italia actively participates, which protect freedom of navigation in the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden and the maritime corridors of the region.

One person died in an attack on an oil tanker off the coast of Oman. This was reported by the Omani news agency, according to which 'the Mkd Vyom, flying the flag of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, was attacked by a marine drone about 52 nautical miles off the coast of the governorate of Muscat', causing 'a fire and explosion in the engine room and resulting in the death of a crew member of Indian nationality'. In coordination with the Maritime Safety Centre, the tanker's 21 crew members - 16 Indian nationals, four Bengali nationals and one Ukrainian national - were evacuated via the merchant ship Mv Sand, flying the flag of the Republic of Panama. At the same time, an Oman Navy ship is monitoring the condition of the tanker and sending the necessary navigational warnings to vessels transiting the same sea area, reports the Oman news agency.

'The UK is not at war'. This was stated by Hamish Falconer, British Deputy Foreign Secretary, after an Iranian drone struck the Raf base in Cyprus. Falconer explained that PM Keir Starmer's government had made the decision not to be part of the first wave of attacks against Iran led by the US and Israel. "But in the face of Iran's reckless attacks against allies in the region," he added, "we have decided, as announced by the prime minister last night, to support the US request to use our bases to conduct defensive actions. Words that come as controversy mounts in the kingdom over the use of bases granted to Donald Trump's US. Green Party leader Zack Polanski said that the current events in the Middle East 'have exposed Starmer's total inability to stand up to Trump, and this weakness could have serious consequences for the security of British citizens'. The Greens, fresh from their historic victory in the Manchester metropolitan area by-election, have called for a vote in Parliament on British involvement after the Libdems' demand

The Iranian Pasdaran claim to have attacked the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In a statement picked up by Tehran news agencies, the Guardians of the Revolution claim to have 'targeted the office of the Zionist regime's criminal premier and the headquarters of the regime's Air Force commander'. Kheibar missiles were allegedly used in the attack.

Wizz Air confirms that, following the recent escalation of the security situation in Iran, all flights to and from Saudi Arabia will be cancelled up to and including 7 March with immediate effect.

"The only solution" for the situation brought about by the US and Israeli attack on Iran "comes through diplomacy", with a "credible transition for Iran, a definitive end to its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes and an end to destabilising activities in the region". So says European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, in Brussels during a press point together with Swiss President Guy Parmelin. "This afternoon," she added, "we will discuss the overall situation at a meeting of the security college here at the European Commission: from energy to nuclear power, from transport to migration to security, we must be prepared for the consequences of these events.

Air raid warning sirens are sounding again in Tel Aviv and other areas in central Israel. This is reported by the Times of Israel, which points to a new missile attack by Iran. The Home Front Command, points out the Israeli news site Ynet, confirmed that it had detected launches from Iranian territory in the direction of central Israel.

Gulf Arab countries allied with the United States say they are united in considering a military response to Iran in the name of the right to self-defence after Iranian attacks on their respective territories. This is reported by the pan-Arab al Jazira TV, which reports statements by, among others, the Qatari foreign ministry spokesman that the ongoing Iranian attacks 'cannot be left unreprised'. In a joint document, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and the United States affirm 'the right of self-defence' against these attacks to 'defend our citizens'

The Kremlin said it was deeply disappointed that despite progress in the negotiations between the US and Iran, conducted with the mediation of Oman, "the situation has degenerated into outright aggression". "Regarding the Oman-mediated negotiations between the US and Iran, one can express deep disappointment that despite information indicating significant progress in these negotiations, the situation has nevertheless degenerated into outright aggression," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said at a press briefing, according to Interfax reports.

The Iranian ambassador to the International Atomic Energy Agency said today that the US and Israel had attacked Iran's nuclear facilities in Natanz. Reuters reports.

Head of the Atomic Energy Agency Rafael Grossi sounded the alarm over a "possible radiological leak with serious consequences" following the US-Israeli attacks on Iranian nuclear sites. "So far," he added, "no increase in radiation levels above normal background levels has been detected in Iran's neighbouring countries. Iran's ambassador to the UN's International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed that US and Israeli attacks have targeted nuclear facilities.

Israeli Forces (IDF) claim to have carried out a raid targeting 'a senior member of the terrorist organisation' of Hezbollah in the Lebanese capital Beirut. The news was released by the IDF on X.

A press conference is scheduled to take place at 8 a.m. Washington time, 2 p.m. in Italia, between US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and the Chief of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dan Caine. The US media report this, pointing out that it is the first meeting with the press since the American and Israeli attacks against Iran began two days ago.

"In the early hours of the morning, a single isolated drone incident occurred, targeting the British base in Akrotiri, Cyprus, causing limited damage. The exact origin of the drone is currently being verified, but it has been confirmed that the Republic was not the target of an attack. Given this unexpected development, which unfortunately affected today's flights to Cyprus, the Cypriot Presidency has decided to postpone the informal General Affairs Council to a later date'. This was reported by a spokeswoman for the Cypriot Presidency of the EU Council.

During the night, President Nikos Christodoulides announced that 'the authorities immediately activated the prescribed security protocols and are closely monitoring the situation, in continuous coordination with both the UK Government and the British Bases Administration' and that 'the National Security Council remains in continuous session under the chairmanship of the President of the Republic'.

Israeli military spokeswoman Effie Defrin said today that Israel is keeping "all options on the table" for a possible ground operation in Lebanon. According to the American Associated Press agency, "Hezbollah will pay a very high price for this," Defrin said, referring to the missiles and drones launched towards Israel.

France is "ready" to participate in the defence of the Gulf countries and Jordan, the targets of Iran's raids in these hours: "In accordance with the agreements that bind the country to its partners and the principle of collective defence," said the foreign minister. "France expresses its full support and solidarity with the friendly countries that have been deliberately hit by the missiles and drones of the Guardians of the Revolution and dragged into a war they did not choose - Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Iraq, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and Jordan - and stands ready to participate in their defence," Barrot told a press conference.

The International Atomic Energy Agency has no indication that Israeli and US attacks on Iran have affected nuclear facilities, but has failed to contact Iranian nuclear authorities, its director, Rafael Grossi, told the agency's Board of Governors on Monday. "We have no indication that any of the nuclear facilities... have been damaged or hit," he said in a statement to the 35-nation council, adding, "Attempts to contact Iranian nuclear regulators... continue, with no response so far."

Iranian forces claim to have targeted the Ali Al Salem airbase used by US forces in Kuwait and boats in the Indian Ocean. "Missile units of the ground forces and naval forces with operations from various locations have targeted the Ali Al Salem airbase in Kuwait and enemy boats in the northern Indian Ocean in recent hours," the Iranians claim. They reportedly used '15 cruise missiles'.

The Red Crescent announces that 555 people have died in Iran since the start of the Israeli-American attacks on Saturday

At least 35 people were killed in attacks launched by Israel and the US in the southern Iranian province of Fars, and the death toll may rise. This was reported by the Tasnim news agency. Besides the victims in Lamard, where a gymnasium was hit, there were also victims in Shiraz and other cities in the province, the news agency reported.

No Internet in Iran for more than 48 hours: NetBlocks, an Internet observatory, reported on X, noting that "the blackout has now exceeded 48 hours", leaving the Islamic Republic's 90 million inhabitants "isolated". CNN crews on the scene, however, note that this is not a large-scale blackout as happened last month.

Several US warplanes crashed in Kuwait this morning, the country's defence ministry quoted by the Guardian said. All pilots parachuted out safely and are being checked in hospital, according to the ministry. All are in stable condition. It is not immediately clear what caused the US warplanes to crash. The Defence Ministry said it was continuing its investigation into the 'causes of the crash'. Earlier, Iranian media had reported the downing of a US F-15 jet in Kuwait.

Saudi state oil group Aramco has shut down its Ras Tanura refinery after an Iranian drone struck the facility. The Ras Tanura complex on the Persian Gulf coast houses one of the largest refineries in the Middle East, with a capacity of 550,000 barrels per day and operates as a key export terminal for Saudi crude.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog told the BBC that the Jewish state is in possession of "an enormous amount of evidence that we obviously share with our British allies and all other allies" on Israel's motivations for attacking Iran. "We are at a historic moment when the future of the Middle East depends on the success of this operation," the president noted, adding that the Islamic Republic represents "the evil empire" that wants to "wipe us off the map."

Iranian forces shot down a US F-15 fighter jet, which crashed in Kuwait. This was written by the semi-official Iranian agency Tasnim, which was relayed by Bloomberg. According to Tasnim, which cites video footage, the two pilots of the fighter managed to bail out before the crash and are now in the custody of Kuwaiti forces.

The new IDF offensive against Hezbollah "will be broad and comprehensive and could include a (ground) invasion". This was stated by an Israeli security source to the Saudi news channel Al-Hadath, relayed by the Times of Israel. The source said there would be "no immunity for any Hezbollah politician or military figure, nor for its supporters". Israel launched dozens of attacks in Lebanon this morning after Hezbollah fired rockets and drones at Israel overnight.

Loud explosions were heard today near the Iraqi airport in Erbil, home to US-led coalition troops, according to an Afp reporter. Air defence systems shot down drones near the airport, it was explained.

Since the beginning of the US-Israel campaign against Iran, several drones have been repeatedly intercepted over Erbil, which is also home to an important US consular complex.

US President Donald Trump's administration admitted in closed-door briefings with members of Congress that it had no intelligence information on any plans by Iran to attack US forces first. This was reported by the Reuters news agency, citing sources familiar with the dossier.

During meetings with staff of the relevant committees of the Senate and House of Representatives, US administration representatives emphasised that Iranian ballistic missiles and Tehran-backed forces in the region pose an imminent threat to US interests. However, there was no intelligence information indicating that Tehran intended to attack US forces first.

The British air base in Akrotiri, Cyprus, was hit during the night by an unmanned Shahed drone, which caused minor material damage. This was announced by Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides, adding that 'our country does not participate in any way and does not intend to take part in any military operation'. The attack apparently came just hours after the UK agreed to allow the US to use British military bases to attack Iranian missile sites. Until now, the UK has not been involved in Israeli-US attacks on Iran, but in a statement recorded last night, the Prime Minister said that Iran's approach was becoming more reckless and putting British lives at risk, leading to the decision to allow the US to use two of its military bases. The Cypriot authorities and the Ministry of Defence, meanwhile, have decided that non-essential personnel will leave the British Raf base in Akrotiri. A security alert issued by the British base administration to residents in the vicinity of Akrotiri advised them to shelter in place until further notice 'following a suspected drone strike'. A Ministry of Defence spokesman said: 'Our armed forces are responding to a suspected drone strike at the Akrotiri airbase in Cyprus at midnight local time. Our protection in the region is at the highest level and the base has intervened to defend our population'.

The chief of staff of the Israel Army (IDF), Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, said that the army has launched an "offensive campaign" against Hezbollah in Lebanon that is likely to last several days. "We have launched an offensive campaign against Hezbollah. We are not limiting ourselves to defence, now we are moving to attack," he said during an assessment after Hezbollah's rocket and drone attacks on Israel in the night. "We must prepare for several days of fighting, many. We need strong defensive readiness and continuous offensive preparation, in waves," he added. The Times of Israel reported this.

The Lebanese government called an emergency meeting after Hezbollah's attack on Israel triggered Israeli air strikes in several parts of the country. The meeting started this morning and will be attended by the Chief of Army Staff, General Rudolph Haikal. The state-run National News Agency reported that the Council of Ministers will discuss the volatile situation and the measures it intends to take.

- Iraqi Shia militia claimed a drone attack against US forces at the airport in the Iraqi capital Baghdad.

Explosions were heard in the last few minutes in Jerusalem, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha. This was reported by local media and journalists on the spot by the French agency Afp. Bahrain announces one death in Iranian attacks. The Israeli army, according to Al Jazeera reports, says Iran has launched more missiles against Israel and that air defences are operating to intercept the missiles. The IDF has called on residents receiving warnings to take refuge and remain in protected spaces until further notice.

US President Donald Trump, who the day before had encouraged the Iranians to "take control" of their government, said on Sunday that he was open to dialogue with the new Iranian leadership. "They want to talk, and I agreed, so I will talk to them," he told The Atlantic.

US President Donald Trump discussed the timing of the fighting in Iran during a telephone interview with a British newspaper. "We have calculated that it will take about four weeks," Trump told the Daily Mail. 'It's always been a four-week process, so as strong as it is - it's a big country - it will take four weeks or less,' he explained. The US military said three servicemen were killed, the first known American casualties in the conflict. Trump called the victims 'great people'. "You know, we expect this to happen, unfortunately," Trump told the newspaper. "It could happen again and again, it could happen again," he admitted.

Overnight, the IDF launched a series of attacks in Beirut and southern Lebanon. The IDF stated that among the attacks, senior Hezbollah officials were also targeted in the Beirut area.

On Monday morning, Lebanon had launched projectiles towards northern Israel, which were intercepted.

The head of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, Ali Larijani, rejected any negotiations with the United States, accusing President Donald Trump of sowing 'chaos' in the Middle East with the offensive launched together with Israel.

"We will not negotiate with the US," Larijani said on X. "Trump has plunged the region into chaos with his 'illusory dreams' and now he worries about new casualties among American forces," he added.