Trump: 'Attack launched on Kharg Island'. Pentagon moves 5,000 marines and more ships to the Middle East. US embassy in Baghdad hit

"Our weapons are the most powerful and sophisticated the world has ever known. However, I have chosen not to destroy the oil infrastructure on the island. Nonetheless, should Iran - or anyone else - take action to obstruct the free and safe passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz, I will immediately reconsider that decision." This was written by Donald Trump on Truth after announcing the first raids against the island of Kharg through which some 80% of Tehran's oil exports transit. Attacks in which 'all military targets' were destroyed

"Moments ago, on my orders, the US Central Command executed one of the most powerful air raids in the history of the Middle East, totally annihilating every military target on Iran's flagship island of Kharg." This was reported by Donald Trump in a post on Truth, regarding the island through which about 80 per cent of Tehran's oil exports transit, which has so far been spared from the attacks.

An Israeli airstrike hit a medical centre in the village of Burj Qalaouiyah, in the district of Bint Jbeil, killing 12 doctors, paramedics and nurses on duty, according to the Lebanese Ministry of Health. The toll is preliminary as rescue teams continue to search for the missing. The ministry pointed out that this is the second attack on the health sector in just a few hours, after another Israeli raid in the southern village of Souaneh killed two paramedics and wounded five others, targeting an emergency room. The Israeli attacks have so far killed 18 paramedics, out of a total of 773 confirmed casualties in Lebanon since the start of fighting between Hezbollah and Israel on 2 March.

"Israeli 'projectiles' hit a Unifil base in southern Lebanon, according to state media reports. "Israeli bullets fell inside the Nepalese battalion headquarters in the town of Mays al-Jabal," the state news agency reported, referring to the UN Interim Force in Lebanon. Unifil and the Israeli army had no immediate comment on the incident.

Hezbollah's number one, Naim Qassem, gave a televised speech and stated that the group is ready for a long war and 'will fight to the end'. "This is an existential battle," he declared. The leader of the Iran-backed militant group said Lebanon's government had been unable to defend the country or its people during the 15 months of what Qassem described as almost daily Israeli attacks, despite the ceasefire. When the US and Israel started the war against Iran and killed the Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Hezbollah decided the time was right to resume attacks against Israel, he said. Qassem stated that Hezbollah was not responsible for triggering the conflict, instead blaming what he called US-Israeli 'aggression'. Defeat and surrender "are not in our vocabulary", Qassem said, vowing that Hezbollah "will fight until the end".

An Israeli attack on a medical centre in the southern Lebanese town of Borj Qalaouiye claimed several lives, according to local media reports. This was reported by Al Jazeera

US President Donald Trump, in his phone call this week, rejected his counterpart Vladimir Putin's offer to transfer Iran's enriched uranium to Russia as part of a deal to end the war. This was reported by Axios, according to sources. The securing of 450 kilograms of 60% enriched uranium in Iran's possession is important, as this is fissile material that can be converted into weapons-grade uranium in a matter of weeks and is sufficient to make more than 10 nuclear devices.

There are 2,200 soldiers of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit heading to the Middle East as part of the war on Iran. This was reported by Abc News, according to which the units USS Tripoli, USS San Diego and USS New Orleans, assault and amphibious transport ships, have also been mobilised. The new force is accompanied by some 20 fifth-generation F-35B Lightning II fighters, capable of vertical take-off and landing. There is a likelihood that the strike group could be destined for an operation to conquer the Iranian island of Kharg in the Persian Gulf, through which some 80 per cent of Tehran's oil exports transit.

The IDF announced that it had initiated a new 'extensive' wave of air strikes against Tehran, where local media reported powerful explosions in the capital.

"It is always a defeat when the logic of force claims to replace the patient art of diplomacy. Without negotiation there will only be an endless series of wars with the ruthless logic of putting down the enemy". So says the president of the Italian Bishops' Conference, Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, celebrating Vespers in the Collegiate Church of San Biagio di Cento, on the occasion of the Day of Prayer and Fasting. "Thousands of people have been eliminated, civilians who have nothing to do with the conflict," he denounced, "who have become a target without their knowledge and without any responsibility, someone ruthlessly calls them 'junk targets'. Artificial intelligence does the rest', but, he adds, 'can we accept that people are collateral damage? Where are the sparks of peace that are supposed to prevent these abominations?".

Tehran 'has no air or sea defences'. This was said by the Secretary of Defence, Pete Hegseth, in the daily press point from the Pentagon. Hegseth added that Iran's new Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, 'is wounded and probably disfigured'. The US Joint Chiefs of Staff, Dan Caine, added that the Iranian offensive 'is winding down'.

The United States is offering up to $10 million to anyone who can provide information on Iran's 'terrorist leaders', those of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, the so-called Pasdaran. This was stated in a State Department reward programme post. Six, of the 10 people listed, are those whose photographs are provided. At the top of the list is the new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei. Also on the list with photograph are Ali Asghar Hejazi, deputy chief of staff in the Supreme Leader's office, General and military advisor Yahya Rahim Safavi, Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, Ali Larijani, Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni, and Intelligence and Security Minister Esmail Khatib.

Two explosives-laden drones were intercepted in the federal capital of Pakistan, according to security sources. One drone crashed near the Faizabad interchange, located between Rawalpindi and Islamabad, while another crashed in the I-9 sector of Islamabad. One resident sustained minor injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital. Sources say the drones may have been launched from neighbouring Afghanistan. The investigation is ongoing. So far, no official statement has been issued by the government regarding the attack.

The Iranian army has destroyed 111 enemy drones since the beginning of the war in the Middle East. This was reported by the Revolutionary Guards' Sepah news portal. The portal stated that the Guards destroyed an MQ-9 in Fars province and another aircraft in Tabriz, which means that 'the total number of drones destroyed so far is 111 of various types'. He did not give a breakdown between how many were cheap, disposable and explosive drones, and more sophisticated multipurpose aircraft such as the MQ-9.

The Pentagon is moving some 5,000 marines and other warships to the Middle East. Three officials told the Wall Street Journal.

Iranian authorities arrested a man accused of heading a network that sold internet access through Starlink terminals, a technology that is banned in Iran. This was reported by the Isna news agency. Iran has been digitally isolated from the rest of the world by a total internet blockade since the beginning of the war in the Middle East. To circumvent these restrictions, some Iranians have turned to the Starlink terminals of Elon Musk's US company SpaceX, which connect to the internet via satellite.

"Italia, alongside its international partners, including the Gulf countries most affected, remains firmly committed to promoting an easing of tension. We will continue to work with determination for peace and stability in the region to be restored," This was stated by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in a statement expressing condolences to France for the French soldier who died in the attack in Erbil.

The Israeli army announced that since the start of Operation Roaring Lion on 28 February, it had conducted 'over 7,600 attacks in Iran and over 1,100 in Lebanon'. Specifically in Iran, 'over 2,000' were 'against headquarters and infrastructure of the Iranian terrorist regime and about 4,700 against the missile programme'.

"Several countries in the Middle East have contacted us, asking us to share our experience in intercepting Iranian 'Shahed' drones during massive attacks. That is why we have already sent teams of experts to three countries. We are ready to help'. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky wrote this in a tweet, explaining that "by the end of the week, our military personnel and the Secretary of the National Defence and Development Commission will return and provide a full report" so that "we understand the assistance our partners expect from us". Zelensky added that 'there are a number of interceptor drones in Middle Eastern countries, the US and European states. But without our pilots, without our military personnel, without specialised software, none of this works'.

A British counter-drone unit shot down 'several drones overnight' after recent attacks on coalition bases in Iraq, the British Ministry of Defence reported. The incident comes after a French soldier was killed in a drone attack in the Erbil region of Iraq last night, while a base housing British and US forces in the same area was hit on Wednesday.

"Our students retain all their dreams, even under the bombs. It is our responsibility to keep them studying at the highest level". Thus Sister Maya Beaubi, headmistress of the Sacred Heart School in Ain Ebel, southern Lebanon. Her school - a tradition behind it of 165 years - is only five kilometres from the southern border of Lebanon, caught between the grip of Hezbollah and Israeli bombs. These days Sister Maya is in Milan, to take part in the 'SFIDE-La scuola di tutti' fair, as part of 'Do the right thing! Some of her students should also have been at her side, to crown a twinning project between the Lebanese school and some Milanese institutes. The children from the two countries have been writing to each other for months, they have a whatsapp group where messages used to be sent about music and sport. Now there are messages about fear.

Is the school functioning? Where are the male and female students in your institution?

US President Donald Trump called on oil tanker crews to 'show some courage' and cross the Strait of Hormuz, speaking to a Fox News reporter. "These ships should cross the Strait of Hormuz and show some courage, there is nothing to fear.... They don't have a Navy, we've sunk all their ships,' Trump said, referring to Iran.

The conflict in the Middle East is driving upward pressure on the price of crude oil, discounting Iran's role as an oil producer and the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz as a trade route. A general downward trend is foreshadowed in the outlook for the world economy in 2026. This is what Istat emphasises in its Note on the Italian economy.

The outlook for the world economy at the beginning of 2026 is characterised by high uncertainty, fuelled by geopolitical crises and structural changes in trade policies that have accentuated the fragmentation of international markets.

773 'martyrs' and 1,993 wounded are the toll in Lebanon since the 'beginning of Israeli aggression'. This was announced by the Ministry of Health in Beirut.

Donald Trump rejected Ukraine's offer to help the US defend itself against Iranian drones. 'No, we don't need their help to defend ourselves against drones,' the president said in an interview with Fox News.

"France mourns the death of Staff Sergeant Arnaud Frion, who fell in Iraq during an attack near Erbil. My condolences to his family, his fellow soldiers and the wounded soldiers. The Iranian attacks against our partners in the region and the European forces engaged alongside them are unacceptable. They must stop. I call for an urgent de-escalation of the conflict'. European Council President Antonio Costa wrote this on X.

The war triggered off in the Middle East by the US and Israeli attacks on Iran and Tehran's reaction has more than decimated the passage of oil tankers and cargo ships of all kinds through the Strait of Hormuz: a crucial junction, between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, for global trade and the transport of hydrocarbons, as well as a vast quantity of goods and products. This is indicated by calculations made by Lloyd's, the London-based maritime insurance giant, according to which in the two weeks since the start of hostilities, '77 transits have been recorded', compared to the 1,229 recorded on the same days in 2025. The blockade imposed by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard - and destined to remain in force until the weapons are silenced, according to the proclamation launched by the new Supreme Guide, Mojtaba Khamenei - has been 'pierced' since 1 March almost only by vessels of the so-called 'commercial ghost fleets', according to Bridget Diakun, chief analyst of Lloyd's List Intelligence. That is, ships favoured by Tehran and its allies.

Vladimir Putin is helping Iran 'a little bit' in the war. Donald Trump said this in an interview with Fox News. "I think he's helping them a little bit. And he probably thinks we're helping Ukraine, right?" the US president added.

The Israeli army has claimed that a missile launch by Iran into Israel is taking place. The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) stated that defence systems are operational to intercept the threat.

"We have 15 ships in the Strait of Hormuz and we managed to get one through after obtaining permission from the Iranian authorities," he said. This was announced by the Turkish Minister of Transport, Abdulkadir Uraloglu, speaking to journalists.

"With regard to what was reported today by international press organs, the Presidency of the Council of Ministers denies the opening of bilateral negotiations or direct talks with Iran to guarantee the passage of Italian ships through the Strait of Hormuz". This was reported by Palazzo Chigi sources.

The Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grand Prix have been cancelled from the Formula One World Championship calendar due to the war in Iran and the situation in the Middle East. This was reported by Sky Sports Germany. According to the German broadcaster, the races in Bahrain and Jeddah (Saudi Arabia) have been cancelled and an official announcement is expected. The Bahrain Grand Prix was scheduled for 12 April, while the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix was to take place a week later. Formula One plans to return to the Middle East this year. Qatar, on 29 November, and, as per tradition, Abu Dhabi, on 6 December, will conclude the season.

The EU 'has always kept diplomatic channels open with Iran', even in the most difficult times, recognising their fundamental importance for dialogue. At the moment the EU believes that the 'most desirable' way forward is 'a strong UN-led initiative to ensure an organised and legitimate passage through the Strait of Hormuz', applicable to all shipments. This was stated by a senior European source after the Ft. article according to which France and Italia had opened contacts on the subject with Tehran. Bilateral negotiations with the Pasdaran are considered 'insufficient and less attractive' given the extent of the war.

"The only thing that is widening is our advantage. Not to mention our Gulf allies who are now escalating further, going on the offensive." Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth said this at a press conference, stressing that Donald Trump will determine 'the pace, cadence and timing of this conflict'.

France and Italia have initiated contacts with Iran in an attempt to obtain guarantees for the safe passage of European ships through the Strait of Hormuz and restart energy shipments from the Gulf, according to the Financial Times, which cites officials familiar with the talks. The discussions are reportedly still preliminary and without guarantees of success.

According to the FT, three officials familiar with the negotiations said that several European capitals have opened channels with Tehran in an attempt to allow the resumption of oil and gas exports without widening the conflict in the region. Two of these officials indicated that France is among the countries involved in the talks, while another reported that Italia has also attempted to initiate discussions with Tehran on the issue of the security of the cross-strait passage.

"Our sanctions" on Russian oil "and the price cap decided at EU level remain valid. This is not the time to ease sanctions against Russia: Moscow cannot be the beneficiary of the war in Iran". This was said by EU Commission spokeswoman Paula Pinho, speaking to the press in Brussels. "The exception presented by the US is in any case limited only to oil already on the way," she added.

Donald Trump said in a Fox interview that the US would strike 'very hard at Iran over the next week', adding that the US would escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz if necessary, but adding that he hoped the US-led war effort would be successful.

"The unilateral US decision to lift sanctions on Russian oil exports is very worrying as it affects European security. Increasing economic pressure on Russia is crucial for it to agree to serious negotiations for a just and lasting peace. The weakening of sanctions increases the resources available to Russia to wage the war of aggression against Ukraine'. European Council President Antonio Costa wrote this on X.

The meeting of the Supreme Defence Council chaired by the President of the Republic Sergio Mattarella at the Quirinale ended after approximately two hours and 20 minutes.

Yes to the use of military infrastructure in Italia in compliance with international agreements. This is one of the passages of the note of the Supreme Defence Council at the end of the meeting chaired by Sergio Mattarella at the Quirinale. The document recalls Article 11 of the Constitution to reiterate that 'Italia does not and will not take part in war'.

"Great concern" was expressed by the Council over "the crisis scenario that has arisen with the new war underway as a result of the military action by the United States and Israel against Iran". At its meeting today, the Council analysed 'the serious destabilising effects that this crisis is having on the entire region of the Near East and the Mediterranean area'.

The European Union could adopt a sanctions regime to hit those who obstruct freedom of navigation, as Iran is doing in the Strait of Hormuz, after the Israeli-US attack. This was reported by a European diplomatic source ahead of next Monday's Foreign Affairs Council. As Europe is relatively poor in raw materials and exports to much of the world, the well-being of its economies 'depends on freedom of navigation', he recalls. The blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, which joins the Persian Gulf and the Arabian Sea, has already sent the barrel of oil soaring above $100 (the Brent crude future, Europe's benchmark crude, quoted at $100.5 a barrel just before 11.30 a.m.) and natural gas, hitting the European economy at the heart. Therefore, next Monday at least one member country will propose to its EU partners to 'start working' on establishing a dedicated sanctions regime to protect freedom of navigation, also covering 'the Strait of Hormuz'.

An explosion in a square in Tehran, where demonstrations for Al Quds Day were taking place, resulted in the death of a woman, Iranian state broadcaster Press TV reported. According to the Iranian media, the explosion was the result of a joint US-Israeli bombing. According to Press TV, the woman, described as an 'Iranian mother', was fatally injured by shrapnel from the attack.

The stabilisation of the global energy market in the crisis triggered by the war in the Persian Gulf is 'impossible' without Russia's significant oil production volumes. This was said by Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, adding that Moscow and Washington have similar interests in seeking this stabilisation. This was reported by the Tass news agency. The lifting of US restrictions on Russian crude oil exports will help stabilise the market, the spokesman said.

A ballistic projectile launched from Iran and entered Turkish airspace was neutralised by NATO air and missile defence systems deployed in the eastern Mediterranean. This was announced by the defence ministry in Ankara in a note. "We decisively and without hesitation take all necessary measures against any direct threat to our country's territory and airspace. Consultations are ongoing with the country concerned to clarify all aspects of the incident," the note reads. "All developments in the region are being closely monitored and assessed with the highest priority given to national security.

Four of the six crew members on board the US tanker plane that crashed in Iraq yesterday are dead. This was reported by Centcom, pointing out that the plane crashed at 2pm yesterday and reiterating that the loss of the aircraft was not due to 'enemy or friendly fire'.

US President Donald Trump reportedly told G7 leaders that Iran 'is close to surrendering'. This was reported by Axios, citing three officials from the Group countries who were informed about the content of the virtual conversation between the White House chief and the other leaders. During the conversation, which took place on Wednesday morning, Trump reportedly claimed the success of Operation Epic Fury, claiming that he had 'eliminated a cancer that threatened us all'. While claiming that Iran is "close to surrendering", the US president would nevertheless add that there is currently no leader in Tehran with the authority to make such a decision. "No one knows who the leader is, so there is no one to announce the surrender," the tycoon is reported to have said, according to sources. The same officials described Trump as 'ambiguous and evasive' about the timing and objectives of the military operation. Some leaders would interpret his words as a signal of possible de-escalation, while others would read them in the opposite direction. The US president reportedly pointed to 'timing' as the main issue at this stage, claiming that he had to 'finish the job' to avoid the risk of another Iran war in the next five years

Iranian state TV reports a loud explosion in a square in Tehran where demonstrations were to take place. Images released by the Irib show dense columns of smoke rising over the city. Among those taking part in the Al Quds Day protest marches would be at least one senior official, Ali Larijani, head of the Iranian security council, writes Sky News Uk. The semi-official Tasnim news agency said the explosion was the result of a US-Israeli 'bombing', which hit an area south of Enghelab Street, a central thoroughfare in Tehran.

Iran began laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz yesterday using small boats. Reporting on the new strategy implemented by the Iranian regime's forces is the New York Times, citing a US intelligence official. The US military, the newspaper recalls, claimed to have destroyed large Iranian ships that could be used to quickly lay mines in the strait. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps can deploy hundreds, even thousands, of these small vessels, which the Iranian force has already used to disrupt the course of larger ships, including those of the US Navy, the same sources noted. In his first message since the start of the war, Iran's new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, said in a written statement yesterday that "the leverage of the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz must continue to be used"

The Supreme Defence Council, convened by the President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, in the presence of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and the relevant ministers, is currently underway at the Quirinale. On the meeting's agenda are the war in Iran and the Middle East, an analysis of the international situation and the effects of the current crisis

The Trump administration underestimated the impact of the war with Iran on the Strait of Hormuz. According to multiple sources informed on the matter consulted by CNN, during the planning of the operation, the Pentagon and the National Security Council significantly underestimated Tehran's willingness to close the Strait of Hormuz in response to any US military attack. Trump's national security team, the sources explained, did not fully take into account the possible consequences of what some officials described as a worst-case scenario for the administration. Although key officials from the Departments of Energy and Treasury were present for parts of the official planning meetings before the operation began, the sources reported that agency analyses and forecasts, which in previous administrations would have been key elements of the decision-making process, were considered secondary. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Energy Secretary Chris Wright were key players in the planning and execution phases of the conflict. However, the sources point out, Trump's preference to rely on a small circle of trusted advisors in national security decisions had the effect of marginalising the debate on the possible economic repercussions if Iran responded to the attacks by closing the strait. According to sources, it could take weeks before the administration's efforts to mitigate the growing economic fallout take effect, including high-risk naval escorts of oil tankers across the strait, which the Pentagon currently considers too dangerous to carry out.

Iran's new Supreme Guide, Mojtaba Khamenei, is 'probably alive'. This is claimed by US President Donald Trump, who speaking to Fox News confirmed rumours about the health status of Ali Khamenei's son and successor. "I think he's injured, but I think he's somehow still alive," Trump said.

An Iranian ship last week came too close to the USS Abraham Lincoln, one of two US aircraft carriers deployed in the Middle East, and a US Navy ship opened fire at the vessel, using a fully automated gun mounted on the foredeck. This was reported by CBS citing two US officials briefed on the incident. Although it is not known which naval unit attempted to fire at the Iranian ship, the officials said the shots missed several times. A helicopter equipped with Hellfire missiles took off and hit the Iranian ship with two of these missiles. The condition of the vessel and its crew is not known.

China condemned the bombing of the school in Minab, Iran, which allegedly killed more than 160 pupils. This was stated by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun during the daily press conference.

Guo stated that Beijing 'condemns all indiscriminate attacks against civilians and non-military targets' and added: 'Attacking schools and injuring children seriously violates international humanitarian law and exceeds the limits of humanity's moral conscience'.

The Israeli Defence Forces claimed to have hit a bridge over the Litani river that was used by Hezbollah as a 'key crossing point' to move from north to south Lebanon. According to the army, Hezbollah used the bridge 'to move from the north to the south of the country, prepare for combat against Israeli troops, and operate against civilians in the State of Israel, endangering Lebanese civilians and causing massive destruction in populated areas'. The IDF explained that in order to prevent a 'threat to Israeli civilians and further damage to Lebanese civilians, it was necessary to hit the bridge'. The army added that Hezbollah also positioned rocket launchers near the bridge and recently conducted rocket attacks against Israel from that area.

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) again called on Lebanese civilians to evacuate the southern suburbs of Beirut, a Hezbollah stronghold known as Dahiyeh. "For your safety, we urge you to evacuate immediately and not to return to these neighbourhoods until further notice," said army spokesman Colonel Avichay Adaree.

In recent days, the IDF has hit dozens of Hezbollah targets in Dahiyeh and repeatedly called on Lebanese civilians to leave the area.

The IDF announced that it has launched a new wave of large-scale attacks on Tehran. Israeli forces 'have just launched a large wave of attacks against the Iranian terrorist regime's infrastructure throughout Tehran', reads a brief military statement.

The Iranian Navy reportedly launched several missile attacks against the US aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, which suffered severe damage before withdrawing. This was reported, quoted by Tass, by a spokesman for the Islamic Republic's Central Command Khatam al-Anbiya. "The USS Abraham Lincoln was hit by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (Irgc) Navy and was rendered inoperative," the spokesman was quoted as saying by the Iranian public broadcaster. The Irgc said the US ship had left the Persian Gulf and was returning to the US.

Two people died in Oman after a drone was shot down in the province of Sohar. This was reported by the Omani state news agency, quoted by Al Jazeera, according to which the drone crashed in the industrial area of al-Awahi, causing injuries and the death of two foreign workers.

The United States has 'unlimited' ammunition and firepower to continue the war against Iran. This was stated by President Donald Trump in a message posted on his Truth Social platform.

"The United States has unparalleled firepower, unlimited ammunition and plenty of time," Trump wrote.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned that any new protests against the government will meet with a "more devastating" response than in January, when several thousand people were killed. "Today, the enemy, unable to achieve its military objectives on the ground, is again attempting to sow terror and provoke riots," the Irgc said in a televised statement, promising "an even more devastating response than that of 8 January" in the event of further unrest.

The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) announced that it had detected missiles being launched from Iran towards the territory of the State of Israel. "Earlier today the Idf identified missiles launched from Iran towards the territory of the State of Israel," the Israeli army wrote. "Defensive systems are operating to intercept the threat."

"We are completely destroying the terrorist regime of Iran, militarily, economically and in every other way. We have unparalleled firepower, unlimited ammunition and all the time in the world. Look at what is happening to these deranged scoundrels today. They have been killing innocent people all over the world for 47 years and now I, as the 47th President of the United States of America, am killing them. What a great honour it is to do so'. Thus on Truth, US President Donald Trump.

Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran's new Supreme Leader, is 'probably alive' but may have been injured during Operation Epic Fury. This was stated by US President Donald Trump in an interview with FoxNews. "I think he's wounded, but I think he's probably alive in some way," Trump said. "We're decimating them," the US president added. "We're hitting them harder than anybody since World War II."

"We are totally destroying the terrorist regime of Iran, militarily, economically and in every other way, and yet, if you read the failing New York Times, you would mistakenly think we are not winning." US President Donald Trump wrote this on Truth. "The Iranian Navy has been annihilated, their air force is gone, missiles, drones and everything else are decimated and their leaders have been wiped off the face of the earth," he explained. "We have unparalleled firepower, unlimited ammunition and plenty of time: look what will happen to these crazy bastards today. They have been killing innocent people all over the world for 47 years, and now I, as the 47th President of the United States of America, am killing them. What a great honour it is to do so!" he added.

- "In order to expand the global reach of existing oil supplies, the Treasury Department has granted a temporary authorization that allows countries to purchase Russian oil currently stranded at sea." Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced this on social media, pointing out that it is "a limited, short-term measure that applies only to oil already in transit and will not provide significant financial benefits to the Russian government, which derives most of its energy revenue from taxes collected at the point of extraction.

In the last 24 hours, dozens of IDF aircraft, coordinated by Israeli intelligence, completed 20 large-scale attacks in central and western Iran. The armed forces themselves made this known on Telegram, adding that "more than 200 targets of the Iranian terrorist regime were hit, including ballistic missile launchers, defence systems and weapons production sites". "Since the beginning of Operation 'Roaring Lion'," it reads, "the Israeli Air Force has carried out hundreds of waves of attacks against Iranian infrastructure to counter missile launches towards Israel.

Iran has launched several attacks against Gulf Arab states, including sending dozens of drones towards Saudi Arabia, following warnings from its new Supreme Leader about hosting US bases. US President Donald Trump threatened major new retaliation, saying on social media on Friday: 'Look what will happen to these deranged bastards today'. Intense air raids hit the Iranian capital, Tehran, and surrounding areas. It was not immediately clear what the targets were. The price of Brent oil, the international benchmark, remained stubbornly above $100 per barrel, while Iran maintained control of maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.

The Saudi Ministry of Defence states that air defences shot down another 10 drones heading towards the eastern and central provinces of the kingdom, bringing the total to almost 50 drones that entered Saudi airspace within a few hours.

The bombing represents a higher than usual number of air threats to the kingdom, which has seen sites such as the US embassy in Riyadh, oil infrastructure and a military base housing US troops targeted as the war involving Iran has intensified.

"A short while ago the IDF hit a Hezbollah terrorist in the Beirut area," in Lebanon. this was announced by the Israel Defence Forces on Telegram.

Several explosions rocked buildings in Dubai and a thick column of smoke is visible in the Emirate. This was reported by France Presse journalists on the spot. One correspondent said he felt his building shake and heard a loud explosion.

The pro-Iranian armed group Ashab al-Kahf announced that it will target "all French interests in Iraq and the region" after the deployment of the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle in the Gulf. "Announced that as of tonight all French interests in Iraq and the region will be under attack," the Iraqi group wrote on Telegram, calling on residents to stay at least 500 metres away from the base in Iraqi Kurdistan where the French military is located, without directly claiming responsibility for the attack that left one soldier dead and others injured.

A French soldier died during an attack in the Erbil region of Iraq. This was announced by President Emmanuel Macron on X, specifying that the victim was Marshal Arnaud Frion of the 7th Alpine Hunter Battalion in Varces. "Several of our soldiers," Macron wrote, "were injured. France stands by them and their relatives. This attack against our forces engaged in the fight against Isis since 2015 is unacceptable. Their presence in Iraq is part of the fight against terrorism. The war in Iran cannot justify such attacks'. This is the first French victim since the beginning of the conflict.