Crosetto: Italia mission in Hormuz only with the UN. Israel: 12,000 bombs on Iran

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that any regime change in Iran must be decided by the Iranian people, stressing that one cannot replace one "ayatollah with another ayatollah" and one cannot make a "revolution from the sky". "We do not want to replace one ayatollah with another. You don't want to replace Hitler with Himmler," Netanyahu said during a press conference, adding that it is still too early to say whether the conditions for a change exist. The premier explained that Israel can help create the conditions for a transformation, but that it is up to the Iranians "to choose the moment and seize the opportunity".

The strategic oil reserves released by the member countries of the Iea (the International Petroleum Agency) 'have begun to be made available on the market'. This is what the organisation writes following the decision taken on 11 March in response to the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. It is mainly 'crude oil but in Europe it will be in the form of mainly refined products'. The contribution of the various countries, totalling 426 million barrels of oil, is obtained through the release of public stocks, production increases and the reduction of limits for private industry. For Italia, the share is 10 million barrels, as shown in the table attached to the communiqué. The lion's share is played by the United States with 172.2 million, followed by Japan with 79.8 million.

The Lebanese state-owned electricity company Électricité du Liban (EDL) announced that it suffered Israeli attacks on its main electricity transmission network during the day, causing a power outage at the main transformer substation in Sultaniyé, in the Bint Jbeil district. According to the statement, the Israeli shelling caused 'the destruction of all distribution cells, damage to a power transformer, and damage to the control and protection room'. The power station is therefore 'completely out of service', despite the fact that it supplies electricity to the city of Bint Jbeil, the surrounding villages, as well as Jouaya and some localities in the district of Tyre. L'Orient Le Jour reports.

"After 20 days of attacks, today Iran does not have the capacity to enrich uranium or produce ballistic missiles. And we continue to strike." This was stated by Israeli Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu at a press conference, the second since Operation Lion's Roar began. "We are focused on three objectives: eliminating Iran's nuclear programme, eliminating its ballistic missile programme and creating the conditions for the Iranian people to take their destiny into their own hands," he continued.

Canada was also among the countries whose leaders issued a joint statement today expressing their 'readiness to contribute to the efforts needed to ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz', welcoming 'the commitment of nations that are engaging in preparatory planning'.

In fact, the joint statement was also published on the website of the Office of the Prime Minister of Canada, Mark Carney.

The Chief of Staff of the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF), Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, stated in an internal discussion that Israel "has not even gone halfway" in its campaign against Iran. This was reported by Channel 12. According to assessments during recent high-level consultations, the leadership of the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) is unanimous in opposing a halt to operations at this stage. Security officials fear that ending the campaign now could lead to a resumption of fighting within a few months, despite recent attacks that have significantly reduced Iran's ballistic missile capabilities.

65% of Americans expect the US to deploy troops for a large-scale ground war in Iran, but only 7% support this idea. This was revealed in an Ipsos poll released by Reuters.

Moscow has called for the creation of a security zone around the Russian-built Iranian nuclear power plant in Bushehr to limit the risk of a major catastrophe. The request comes shortly after an attack a few hundred metres from the reactor. Alexei Likhachev, head of the state nuclear company Rosatom, said that there are 72 tonnes of fissile material and 210 tonnes of spent nuclear fuel at the site, and that any attack could lead to a catastrophe. "If an accident were to occur, it would be far-reaching and affect a large number of countries in the Middle East. None of the parties to the conflict would escape radiation exposure in the event of a major accident at Bushehr," Likhachev said. The International Atomic Energy Agency said that a facility located about 350 metres from the reactor was hit and destroyed, but that the reactor itself was not damaged and no personnel were injured. Rosatom said that radiation levels near the plant remained within normal limits. Rosatom built the first 1-gigawatt reactor at Iran's only nuclear power plant in Bushehr and is building additional reactors.

New Israeli air raids on southern Lebanon reported. The IDF hit the towns of Qabrikha and Toulene, in the Marjayoun area. Al Jazeera reports this.

"We express our readiness to contribute to the efforts needed to ensure safe passage through the Strait. We welcome the commitment of the nations that are engaging in preparatory planning". This is a passage from the joint statement by the leaders of Italia, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Japan on the Strait of Hormuz, which accelerates the passage of commercial ships through the Persian Gulf. It is a commitment, however, for a UN resolution, Italian sources close to the dossier specify, referring to the sentence contained in the declaration of the six countries: "Freedom of navigation," it is reiterated, "is a fundamental principle of international law, including under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. Not a 'willing' model, therefore, which has been seen in recent years for Ukraine, but a set of countries that can 'contribute' to the involvement of the Glass Palace. Also putting the brakes on the hypothesis of a direct intervention in the Persian Gulf are informed Defence sources, according to whom any involvement of our country, to allow commercial navigation of the Strait of Hormuz, could only happen under the 'shield' of the United Nations. Defence Minister Guido Crosetto himself is more explicit: 'I have read totally erroneous interpretations of the document approved today by some European and non-European nations, including Italia. No war mission. No entry into Hormuz without a truce and without an extended multilateral initiative. We are aware, however, of the importance for all to work for the safe reopening of Hormuz and we believe that it is right and proper that the United Nations should provide the legal framework for a peaceful and multilateral initiative to achieve this goal". 'The UN will have to decide what to do, what action to take,' stressed Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, 'and it must be the protagonist for Hormuz in a peace initiative'. As for the text, which also has Italia among its signatories, Tajani clarifies: "It is a political document and not a military one".

Since the start of Operation 'The Lion's Roar', more than 90% of missile and drone launches directed at Israel from all fronts have been intercepted. This was reported by military sources, adding that in the 19 days of the war, over 12,000 bombs were dropped on Iran, in 8,500 separate strikes against targets of the Iranian regime, and a total of 5,700 Israeli Air Force overflights. In 20% of the cases, Israeli fighter jets changed targets in flight. According to military assessments, about 85% of Iranian air defence assets were destroyed, including air defence systems and radar. Also according to Israeli assessments, the attacks against the Revolutionary Guard Corps undermined its ability to function as a centralised and coordinated army, relying increasingly on local initiatives of field commanders. On the Lebanese front that opened on 2 March, the Israeli Air Force conducted 1,000 overflights and used 2,200 munitions to hit 2,000 targets.

Recent attacks against Iranian nuclear facilities have not eliminated the country's ability to enrich uranium. This was emphasised by the director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, in an interview with Cbs' Face the Nation to be aired on 22 March. "Any war, unless it is nuclear and leads to total destruction, cannot wipe out Iran's nuclear capabilities," he explained. The IAEA director pointed out that despite the damage to sites such as Fordo, Natanz and Isfahan, "the 60 per cent enriched uranium remains largely where it is, under rubble or even in some areas with no obvious damage". Many infrastructures and equipment remain operational and the technical capabilities to operate the advanced centrifuges have not been compromised. Grossi then stressed the importance of allowing Agency inspectors to return to Iranian sites, pointing out that without direct access it is not possible to assess the status of the nuclear programme with certainty.

"I have read totally wrong interpretations of the document approved today by some European and non-European nations, including Italia. No war mission. No entry into Hormuz without a truce and without an extended multilateral initiative'. Defence Minister Guido Crosetto said this today.

"We are aware, however," the minister added, "of the importance for everyone to work for the safe reopening of Hormuz, and we believe it is right and proper that the United Nations provide the legal framework for a peaceful, multilateral initiative to achieve this goal.

"The United States and Israel do not have the same war aims" in Iran: the statement by the head of American intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, opens up a glimmer of possible disagreements between Washington and Tel Aviv not only on the conduct of operations, but also - and above all - on the manner and timing of the exit.

The 'division of labour' outlined by Gabbard underlines the main concerns of the two allies: the Iranian military apparatus for the US, the regime's leadership and infrastructure (and thus the regime itself) for Israel.

US President Donald Trump confirmed his intention to allocate a large sum of money to strengthen the production of munitions and armaments, emphasising the need to prepare for an increasingly unstable global environment, also in light of the ongoing conflict with Iran. The Washington Post wrote that the Pentagon would like $200 billion.

Speaking from the White House next to Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, Trump stated that 'we want to have huge quantities of munitions' and that the US military industry is already producing 'at an unprecedented level'.

The Trump government is not considering an oil export ban after industry leaders advised against taking drastic action to curb energy prices. This is written by the Financial Times, which quotes a US official as saying that 'restrictions on oil and gas exports are not being considered'.

The indiscretions gathered by the financial newspaper come on the day of a meeting between US Vice-President JD Vance and some members of the government with representatives of the energy sector. The idea, according to the latter, is that an export ban would hurt American producers.

Iran has asked Germany to "clarify the role" in the Middle East war of Ramstein, the largest US military base in Europe, located in Germany. Iran's ambassador to Berlin, Majid Nili, told Afp. "We asked them to clarify or explain the role of Ramstein," Nili said, adding that "the role of Ramstein is not officially clear to us". "So far we have not received any answer," he added. Nili said Iran believes that Washington's use of the airbase in West Germany may violate UN Resolution 3314.

The Israeli Air Force (IAF) has dropped over 12,000 bombs on Iran since the beginning of the war in more than 8,500 raids on regime targets. The IDF made this known, pointing out that of the 12 thousand bombs, 3,600 were dropped on Tehran alone. "In 18 days we flew as much as we would have done in a year," said an Iaf official, quoted by the Times of Israel. The Israeli military estimates that its raids destroyed about 85% of Iran's air defence and detection systems.

Kharg is in the crosshairs of Donald Trump, who is considering either seizing the oil depot on the island or destroying it. This is reported by some American media. Seizure, The Hill explains, would require the deployment of ground forces and would represent an escalation in the conflict. According to experts, the move would be particularly risky, as it would probably result in more American casualties and would hardly prompt Iran to sit down at the negotiating table. The president attacked Kharg but only military targets, warning however that it could trigger a larger-scale attack. Among the alternatives available to Trump is the seizure of the island to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. If the administration were to follow the script used in Venezuela, the operation - Politico reports - could begin with American ships surrounding the island to prevent oil tankers from refuelling. Another possibility is the destruction of the island but it carries many risks as it would deprive the Iranians of the necessary financial resources at a time when the US is trying to build consensus to overthrow the regime by effectively strengthening the Revolutionary Guard Corps.

"Our response to Israel's attack on our infrastructure employed only a small fraction of our power. The only reason for such restraint was to comply with the call for an easing of tensions'. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi wrote this in a post on social X. "No restraint if our infrastructure is hit again," he threatened, "any conclusion to this war will have to take into account the damage done to our civilian sites."

The United States announced the approval of arms sales worth $16.46 billion to the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait, two Gulf states hard hit by the repercussions of the conflict with Iran. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has 'determined the existence of an emergency requiring the immediate sale' of the military equipment, thus waiving the requirement to obtain prior congressional approval. In detail, these are air and missile defence sensor radars in the amount of $8 billion and a long-range discrimination radar and related equipment costing $4.5 billion, the State Department reported. The UAE also obtained approval to purchase systems designed to neutralise small drones, worth $2.1 billion; advanced air-to-air missiles, worth $1.22 billion; and ammunition and upgrades for F-16 fighter jets, worth $644 million.

US President Donald Trump has rejected the UK's initiative to promote support for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, saying he wants to send an 'aircraft carrier' but only 'after the war has been won'. Trump mentioned this today while receiving Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi at the White House.

Speaking from the White House during a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, Trump said: 'Now they want to send an aircraft carrier. I wanted them before the war, not after the war was won', adding that 'there is almost no one left to fight against'.

The United States intends to recover Iranian regime funds transferred abroad and return them to the Iranian people. This was stated by President Donald Trump speaking from the White House during his meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.

Trump stated that Washington is monitoring the regime's financial movements and that 'we have seen where they have moved their money out of the country' and that 'we will go and get it and return it to the Iranian people'.

US President Donald Trump said he had asked Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to stop attacks against Iran's energy infrastructure.

"I told him: don't do it. And he won't do it," Trump said, explaining that he had held direct discussions with the Israeli leader.

Trump and Netanyahu's 'Epic Fury' special military operation against Iran and the Islamic Republic's reprisals against the emirates of the Persian Gulf is playing a trick on the Prancing Horse. Ferrari says it has temporarily suspended deliveries to the Middle East due to the ongoing conflicts in the region.

"We are closely monitoring developments in the Middle East and the potential impact on our business," a statement reported. "At this stage, we have temporarily suspended deliveries to the area, handling only a few deliveries by air," the company added.

Iran's Revolutionary Guardians (Pasdaran) claimed the downing of a US F-35 in a statement released by the Iranian news agency Fars. Centcom confirms emergency landing.

"I actually expected much worse numbers." This is how Donald Trump responded to reporters in the Oval Office about the increase in oil and gasoline prices due to the operation against Iran, explaining that he had calculated these effects before his decision and that it was actually going to be less worse than expected and that it would 'pass soon'. "Everything was going great, the economy was great, oil prices very low, gasoline was going down," Trump said, describing the situation before the attack, "and then I saw what was going on in Iran and I said to myself 'I hate to take this diversions but I have to do this,' and I actually thought the numbers would be much worse. The president continued, saying that before the attack he predicted that 'oil prices will go up and the economy will go down a little bit, I thought it would be much, much worse - he repeated - it's not that bad and it will pass very soon'.

'We don't use the Strait of Hormuz, but we defend it for everyone else'. This was stated by the US president, Donald Trump, when receiving the Japanese premier, Sanae Takaichi, at the White House. 'Nato does not want to help us defend the Strait, yet they are the ones who need it,' the US president reiterated.

It was supposed to be a joke, but from the Japanese guest's expression it sounded more like a gaffe. Donald Trump, responding in the Oval Office to a Japanese journalist's question about why the US had not informed its allies before the attack on Iran, replied with a smile: 'We haven't talked to anybody about it. Who knows more about surprises than Japan? Why didn't you tell us about Pearl Harbor, huh?" From her expression, Premier Sanae Takaichi did not appear amused by the US president's joke, however.

US President Donald Trump said today from the White House, where he received Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, that he had no plans to send American troops to Iran.

"No, I will not send troops," Trump said speaking to reporters.

"Allies are becoming more forthcoming" in their engagement over the Strait of Hormuz but "it's too late". Donald Trump said this during a meeting in the Oval Office with the Japanese premier.

EU leaders discussed with UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres the latest developments in the Middle East, in particular exploring possible ways to improve the dramatic situation in the region, especially regarding Lebanon, Gaza and Iran. This was the message conveyed by the UN Secretary General during his working lunch with EU leaders at the European Council, according to an EU official.

For the UN Secretary-General, the EU has a key role to play in building a multipolar world, strengthening cooperation and trade with like-minded partners, while consolidating multilateralism and the rules-based international order, she adds.

'It must be clearly stated that the main perpetrator of this war, which has caused an unprecedented crisis, is Israel. Our position in the face of this crisis is very clear,' Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan told a press conference today.

"We reject any kind of action that targets regional areas, and we believe that Israel's attempts to clean up its image and its expansionist and occupation policies, under the pretext of this regional conflict, should never be allowed," Fidan further explained, adding that "Israel has started to implement its policy of occupation and destruction in Lebanon as well, just as it did in Gaza.

The United States is considering the use of a Marine operation to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, including through the conquest of some Iranian islands to be used as a base of operations or negotiating leverage with Tehran. This is what the Wall Street Journal reports, while the Pentagon has ordered the dispatch to the region of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, a force of about 2,200 men embarked on the amphibious ship USS Tripoli, expected in the Middle East from Japan within a little over a week. The unit, which is self-sufficient and specialised in sea and air raids, offers Washington new options in a scenario in which Iran has effectively paralysed traffic in the strait, through which some 20% of the world's oil transits. Among the possible targets is the island of Kharg, Iran's main oil terminal and a crucial hub for the Islamic Republic's crude oil exports. According to sources quoted by the WSJ, the US could decide to strike the energy infrastructure - with possible repercussions also on the global economy - or occupy the island to use it as an instrument of pressure without damaging the markets. The operations could take place with amphibious landings directly from the USS Tripoli or through air raids with helicopters and F-35B jets. Among the hypotheses under study is also the seizure of islands at the entrance to the Strait, such as Qeshm - which hosts naval bases and missile systems in underground tunnels - or Kish and Hormuz, used by Tehran for military and logistical activities. Control of these positions would allow US forces to intercept fast vessels and counter attacks against trade routes.

A possible mission involving several countries, such as Italia, to secure the commercial navigation of the Strait of Hormuz could only take place under the auspices of the United Nations. This was reiterated by informed defence sources.

Turkey says it is in contact with both the US and Iran to end the war. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said Ankara is trying to understand the position of the two adversaries and is considering how to prevent the conflict from "spreading and getting worse". In a joint press conference with his Qatari counterpart in Doha, Fidan also accused Israel of being the "main instigator" of the war, but stressed that Iran also bears a serious responsibility. "Whatever the justification, Iran's attacks on countries in the region undermine the foundations of regional stability and are unacceptable," Fidan stressed.

The war in Iran is costing Americans: the price of petrol in the US has reached its highest level since 2022. The average price rose to $3.88 per gallon (about 4 litres) on Thursday: $2.93 more than a month ago. That's according to AAA data cited by 'Wall Street Jouranal'. Motorists in Arizona, New Mexico and Colorado are the hardest hit. Diesel also increased. GasBuddy analyst Patrick De Haan quoted by the US business daily estimates that Americans are now spending half a billion dollars more on these fuels every day than three weeks ago.

'Vance in trouble over Iran, war may weigh on his ambitions at 2028'

(ANSA) - NEW YORK, 19 MAR - The war in Iran is putting JD Vance in an increasingly uncomfortable situation. Opposed to costly US military interventions abroad, the vice-president finds himself defending Donald Trump's propensity to use force while trying to limit the political damage that loyalty to the tycoon could cost him. Vance's allies - reports the Washington Post - are trying to downplay the impact the Iran operation could have on Vance's presidential ambitions, insisting that the mission will last only weeks. At the same time, however, many concede that a prolonged conflict could pose a problem for whoever is the next Republican nominee in 2028. Vance recently told his closest advisers that he has not yet cleared his reservations about a possible 2028 run citing his fourth child on the way and the need to prioritise his family. No decision is likely to be made before the birth of his fourth child and the effect it could have on his life. Former counter-terrorism chief Joe Kent met with Vance before resigning from his post because he was opposed to the war in Iran. According to rumours, Vance suggested to him that he leave quietly. (ANSA).

An Iranian missile hit a refinery in Haifa, Israel. This was reported by local media, which spoke of damage to the facilities.

A US F-35 fighter jet has made an emergency landing at a US air base in the Middle East after being hit by what is believed to be Iranian fire. Two informed sources told CNN. US Central Command spokesman Captain Tim Hawkins said the jet was "conducting a combat mission over Iran" when it was forced to make the emergency landing. Hawkins pointed out that the aircraft landed safely and that the incident is being investigated. If confirmed, the incident would mark the first time Iran has struck an American aircraft during the conflict that began in late February.

For the ninth time during the day, warning sirens went off this afternoon in Jerusalem, central and northern Israel for missile launches from Iran.

The Iranian attack on the Qatari gas plant will have 'serious repercussions' on energy supply. This was stated by the country's Prime Minister and head of diplomacy Mohammed bin Abdelrahmane al-Thani. "This attack has significant repercussions on the world's energy supply. Attacks of this kind do not bring any direct benefit to any country, on the contrary, they cause damage and have a direct impact on populations," he said during a press conference, referring to the severe damage suffered by the industrial city of Ras Laffan in the escalation over energy sites in the Gulf. al-Thani also rejected Iranian accusations that linked the attacks to US operations. "This war must be stopped immediately," the prime minister said, "Diplomacy is based on mutual respect, but Iran has destroyed our trust with its aggression. Now trust must be rebuilt."

The Pentagon is asking for $200 billion in additional funding for the war with Iran, a large sum that will certainly raise questions from Congress, which would have to approve any new funding.

The department sent the request to the White House, according to a senior administration official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss classified information. Asked about the figure during a press conference on Thursday, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth did not directly confirm the amount, saying it could change.

Gold prices fell sharply in the markets. Spot gold prices fell 4 per cent to $4,606 an ounce after falling 7 per cent while oil prices rose and the dollar appreciated as the conflict with Iran escalated. Among the reasons behind the debalance were the receding prospect of short-term rate cuts, the excessive rise seen in prices in recent months (+9% since the start of the year) and the financialisation of the currency, which brings volatility and reduces its role as a safe haven asset. Market rumours also include the sale of gold assets by Gulf countries.

The Iranian raids against Qatar have damaged sites that produce 17% of the country's exports, the CEO of QatarEenergy, Saad al Kaabi, announced, saying that it could take three to five years to bring them back to full operation. A total of USD 26 billion had been invested in the development of these sites. "I would never have imagined that Qatar would be hit in such an attack, especially by a brother Muslim country in the month of Ramadan," he said in an interview with Reuters relayed by Sky News.

Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani, spokesman for the Israeli army, said on Thursday that 500 of the 1,000 victims in Lebanon were Hezbollah members, including 200 from the elite Radwan unit.

No one knows how long the war in Iran will last, 'but if it lasts another month, I think we will have almost exhausted the available missiles,' Armin Papperger, the CEO of Rheinmetall, told US broadcaster CNBC in an interview today.

"The reason is simple. If you have a drone, the cost of a drone is very, very low. So you can produce - I do a simple calculation - 60 or 70,000 drones. And if the price of a drone is $20 or $30,000, it is nothing in comparison,' the German manager noted.

Shahed means 'witness' in Persian. And in Shia religious language it is a word that is associated with martyrdom. A shahed is a martyr. A suicide bomber. That is why Iranian drones are called that. Because they are kamikaze drones: they are launched towards a target and detonate on impact. In recent years, they have become one of the most effective military tools developed by Iran.

And today, in this new war, they are the absolute protagonists of Tehran's counteroffensive.

In his first interview since resigning, former counterterrorism chief Joe Kent told Tucker Carlson that he expected that there would be attempts to 'discredit' him, such as the FBI investigation. However, the official made it clear that he would welcome the opportunity to speak with Donald Trump. "I understand that because of the way I left office and because I wrote that letter, there are components of this administration that will feel compelled to attack me and try to discredit me," Kent said in an interview with the former Fox News host. "I understand that, but I think the president is a person who can listen, that deep down he knows that things are not going well and he has to find a way to get us out of this situation," Kent added.

The conflicts 'are also a demanding stress test for public accounts'. This was said today by Economy and Finance Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti, speaking by video message at the 'Motore Italia' event in Milan. International tensions 'create uncertainty and instability in economic processes, while wars have immediate consequences such as a surge in energy prices, with an inflationary risk on households,' he added. "We will continue to work as we have done so far with seriousness and responsibility. It is the only way to emerge positively from this crisis,' he concluded.

Almost a hundred Spanish soldiers have been evacuated from Iraq to Turkey and another 200 from the NATO mission in the country will be evacuated 'in the coming hours'. This was confirmed today by Defence Minister Margarita Robles. "It was a very difficult evacuation, very complicated because they had to stay in the bunkers, because of the many alarms, there were even flights that were interrupted before they could board" the soldiers, Robles explained in the ministry headquarters. He then specified that another 200 soldiers participating in the allied mission in Iraq will leave the country "in the next few hours, as soon as there is a window of opportunity", due to the difficult conditions caused by the clashes triggered by the US and Israeli attacks in Iran and the response of the Ayatollahs' regime. Some 57 of the 100 Spanish military personnel already evacuated to Turkey are part of the special forces deployed by the US-led international coalition against Isis (Inherent Resolve) and were transferred on Sunday. While 42 members of the NATO mission Nmi left Iraq at dawn today. Madrid has deployed another 150 military personnel in Turkey operating a Patriot battery ceded to Ankara and located in Adana. On the situation in Lebanon, Robles reiterated that 'it is very hard, very difficult' after another night of bombing. The 650 Spanish military personnel mobilised in the UN's Unifil interposition mission, which is at the centre of the clashes between Israel and the Shiite Hezbollah militias, remained in bunkers and took the appropriate security measures, explained the Defence Minister, who said she was "absolutely concerned" about the situation in Lebanon.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi had a telephone conversation with British Foreign Minister Yvette Cooper, in which the two discussed in particular the situation in the Middle East. This was reported by Beijing.

Cooper outlined his assessment of the crisis, emphasising that, in the face of an increasingly unstable international environment, it is necessary to strengthen coordination with Beijing in order to facilitate a rapid cessation of hostilities, the resumption of diplomatic negotiations and the search for a lasting solution.

Donald Trump receives Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi at the White House today. According to reports, the two leaders are expected to announce a $40 billion deal for a new nuclear reactor. A White House official reported that under the agreement, US-based GE Vernova and Japan's Hitachi will build small modular reactors (SMMRs) in Tennessee and Alabama, with the aim of helping to stabilise electricity prices and expand power generation in the US. However, the war with Iran and the US President's unsuccessful appeal to Japan and other nations to help protect the Strait of Hormuz could result in a tense meeting in the Oval Office and centra between the two leaders scheduled for tonight. At the same time, the announcement in recent hours from London of a plan in which Japan will also participate to ensure the safety of commercial shipping in the Strait could dampen the controversy.

Some explosions were heard today in Bahrain's capital Manama. This was reported by an Afp journalist who recalled how since the beginning of the conflict on 28 February, Bahrain has been the target of waves of Iranian drone and missile attacks, with a death toll of two.

Several Iranian Navy ships, as well as naval infrastructure, were hit and destroyed in Israeli attacks on the Iranian port city of Bandar Anzal and in the Caspian Sea last night. This was announced by the IDF, pointing out that the Israel Defence Forces destroyed a corvette, four missile launching patrol boats and several auxiliary and patrol vessels, as well as a command centre and a shipyard. Some of the vessels were in port, while others were in the open sea. The army stated that the missile-launching patrol boats were targeted in order to deal a blow to the Iranian armed forces, despite the fact that they do not pose a direct threat to Israel from the Caspian Sea. However, the Israel Defence Forces add that the missile-launching patrol boats have anti-aircraft capabilities and could pose a threat to Israeli aircraft operating over Iran, in addition to possessing anti-submarine capabilities.

The Lebanese Ministry of Health stated that Israeli attacks have caused 1,001 deaths in the country since the beginning of the war between Israel and Hezbollah. According to the new ministry statement, the death toll includes 79 women, 118 children and 40 health workers, as well as 2,584 injured.

The Qatari state-owned energy giant QatarEnergy may invoke force majeure on long-term contracts for the supply of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to several EU and Asian countries due to production losses caused by attacks on its facilities. This was reported by Reuters, which quotes the company's CEO Saad al-Kaabi. In particular, QatarEnergy could declare force majeure on long-term contracts for the supply of LNG to Italia, Belgium, South Korea and China.

Crude oil rallied after US Treasury Undersecretary Scott Bessent revealed that the lifting of sanctions against Iranian oil is under consideration. Both the North Sea Brent and the US Wti moved below $98 per barrel. In particular, US oil gained 0.92 per cent to $97.19, while Brent crude rose 1.43 per cent to $97.7, after having exceeded $119 per barrel earlier in the day. According to Bloomberg Agency, the US is ready to release 260 million barrels of reserves.

The war in the Middle East poses a serious threat to global food security. This was said by the Director General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), calling for global supply chains to remain open. The conflict in the Middle East "threatens global food security as disruptions in shipments and rising energy costs reduce supply and drive up the price of fertilisers," Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala told reporters in Geneva. "Prolonged supply disruptions could have knock-on effects on food systems, prompting farmers to reduce fertiliser use and grow less resource-intensive crops," he said, insisting that "it is essential to keep global food trade channels open and predictable, allowing food supplies to reach the places where they are most needed."

"I am not informed about their decisions or what they took into account in launching this or other attacks. We are not involved in the operational part (of the war). We provide on a daily basis intelligence analysis of events that occur." This is how Tulsi Gabbard, the director of National Intelligence, responded to MP Joaquín Castro who asked her during a parliamentary hearing whether Israel is ignoring Donald Trump's America's call for Iran's energy infrastructure to be "left off-limits" as the South Pars natural gas field was attacked yesterday.

The Kuwait Petroleum Corporation has suspended operations at two of the emirate's three refineries following Iranian drone attacks, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing Kuwaiti government sources. According to the sources, the two plants were operating at half capacity before the attacks.

The United Arab Emirates will expel 2,500 Iranian students from the country. This was written by the Iranian news agency Irna.

Six countries - the UK, Italia, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Japan - today declared themselves ready to contribute to a plan to secure commercial navigation of the strategic Strait of Hormuz, which has been partly closed by Iran in response to attacks by the US and Israel. This was stated in a statement released by Downing Street in which the six also strongly condemned the attacks attributed to Tehran.

"My message to the US and Israel is that it is time to end this war that is in danger of spiralling out of control, with a spillover to the world economy that risks being truly dramatic, especially for developing countries. To Iran I say: stop the attacks on your neighbours, and open the Strait of Hormuz'. This was said by UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres at the press point with European Council President Antonio Costa. "It is time for diplomacy to prevail, it is time for the force of law to prevail over the law of force," he added.

US General Dan Caine remarked at a press conference today that, despite the US and Israeli military's intensive attacks, Tehran 'still retains some missile capability'.

"We continue to hunt, detect and destroy them. And we will continue to do so. However, they still retain some capacity. We have layered defences across the region that allow us to protect them, and we are working with our partners across the Gulf to help them improve any defensive capabilities they may need," the US general argued.

Condemnation of Iran's raids against Qatar, silence on the raids by Israel and the US against Tehran's oil fields or installations, underlining "the importance of ensuring freedom of navigation and trade" in the Strait of Hormuz. These are the contents of a 3-way conversation on the war in the Middle East between British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, and French President Emmanuel Macron. The three condemned the 'execrable Iranian attacks on strategic Qatari infrastructure', Downing Street reports, and on Hormuz they reiterated the need for 'a sustainable plan' to reopen it.

While waiting to see if the delicate situation in the Strait of Hormuz will be resolved, the blockade of ships is having an effect in many sectors already under pressure from the consequences of the war in Iran and the upheaval in the Persian Gulf quadrant. These include the raw materials needed for the pharmaceutical industry in Europe. No emergency for now, but there is concern about the uncertainty as to how long the conflict will last. Analysing the scenario for Adnkronos Salute is Stefania Pesatori, senior underwriter for the pharmaceutical and clinical trials sector at Qbe Italia, one of the world's leading insurers and reinsurers. "Pharma and technology supply chains," she explains, "are particularly exposed to so-called 'route vulnerability', i.e. dependence on specific strategic logistical and maritime hubs, such as that of Hormuz, as well as trade routes sensitive to geopolitical tensions and regional conflicts. The current scenario is therefore also a worrying factor for this commodity category. At the moment, given the extreme volatility at both geopolitical and commercial levels, with the regime in Tehran seemingly opening up to partial transit, it is risky to hint at the impact. If the crisis should continue,' Pesatori emphasises, 'we will begin to have a clearer picture in a horizon of about six months, with data and analyses that will make it possible to assess the real impact on the pharmaceutical sector, expected between production slowdowns and possible upward pressure on prices. This is because in the short term the scenario will remain mainly governed by assumptions, linked to possible delays in supplies'. "What we have realised, thanks to our latest Qbe report on the Critical Medicines Act," the expert continues, "is that the European pharmaceutical sector is increasingly dependent on external suppliers for raw materials and intermediate components, particularly for active ingredients (APIs). Around 70 per cent of the medicines dispensed in Europe are generics and the production of their inputs, especially APIs, has progressively moved outside the EU'. What impact does a delay have on pharmaceutical production in Europe? "Between 2000 and 2019," Pesatori recalls, "the value of drug imports in the main European countries grew by an average of +13.3% per year, compared to just +0.8% for domestic production, highlighting a growing dependence on foreign countries for supplies. According to these data and, more generally, to the growing exposure of industrial supply chains to geopolitical and logistical tensions, any slowdowns along strategic trade routes, such as that of Hormuz, can affect three main dimensions for the industrial and economic system: supply chain disruptions, increased operating costs, and worsening credit quality for the most exposed companies. In the case of the pharmaceutical sector, the most critical element,' she notes, 'remains the continuity of the supply chain, even indirectly. While rising oil, fuel and energy costs tend to be reflected in higher operating costs for all companies, regardless of the sector or origin of imports, any delays in the availability of raw materials or intermediate components can slow down or even interrupt the operation of production facilities. From an insurance point of view, as in all industries, business interruption is often the main cost item in the pharmaceutical sector: in many cases it exceeds 50 per cent of the total and can account for around two-thirds or more, especially when the event affects the supply chain'.

"Iran has terrorised America and our interests for 47 years" and "our ungrateful allies in Europe and part of the press should say only one thing to President Trump: thank you". This was said by Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth

"Carry out this task. Honour their sacrifice. Do not hesitate. Do not stop until the job is completed,' US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth told a press conference today, echoing the words of the families of the fallen Americans in Iran.

"My answer, along with that of the president, was simple: 'Of course, we will complete this task. We will honour their sacrifice. Their sacrifice only strengthens our commitment'," Hegseth explained.

"The EU is genuinely concerned about the situation in the Middle East. I do not agree with some statements that suggest that this is not a matter for the EU. The first fundamental point is our interest in the situation in the Middle East. The second point is that the countries in the region that we are in contact with expect an initiative to end this war. An initiative that I believe we, as the EU, should discuss today, to play a role in that initiative, because if no initiative is taken, the continuation of this situation will have negative consequences for all of us'. So says the Cypriot President, Nikos Christodoulides, on his arrival at the European Council.

On support for Lebanon, 'there is an official and public proposal from the President of Lebanon for talks with Israel, following our initiative. A specific reference to this was included in the Conclusions. It was a request by the President of Lebanon himself. Furthermore, if there is a positive response from the other side, we are ready, within the framework of the excellent relations we have with all, to provide assistance in this regard as the Republic of Cyprus,' he added. "I conclude with Article 42.7. From the response of the European Member States to Cyprus, we have seen in practice what it means to activate Article 42.7. We have not activated the article, but we have seen its practical implementation through the response of individual states. And, seizing this opportunity, we as the European Union must put in place the mechanisms to ensure the operational activation of this particular article,' he concludes.

Oman condemns attacks against energy infrastructure in the region. The sultanate, ONA news agency reports, 'condemns the attacks against energy sector facilities in the United Arab Emirates, the State of Qatar and other attacks targeting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia'. For Oman, it is an 'imperative' to 'respect international law and norms by refraining from targeting civilian facilities and global energy supplies'. From Muscat, 'solidarity with these countries in the legitimate measures they take to protect their security and stability'. Oman played a leading role in the mediation attempts between Israel and the United States before the US and Israeli operations against Iran began on 28 February.

The Secretary General of the Arab League, Ahmed Aboul Gheit, condemns what he called an "obvious" Iranian attack on a major gas plant in the Ras Laffan Industrial City in Qatar. Gheit, according to the Israeli newspaper Times of Israel, also condemned Iran's attacks on Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates and warned of the 'dangerous escalation' caused by the targeting of oil and gas facilities in the Gulf.

The Iranian parliament is discussing a proposal to impose tolls on ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz. The Iranian news agency Isna reports this, explaining that under the plan, countries whose ships transit through Hormuz would be obliged to pay tariffs to Iran for using it as a safe route.

The Saudi port of Yanbu has suspended oil loading and unloading operations. Two sources told Reuters this after the Saudi Defence Ministry confirmed that a drone struck the Samref refinery in the Red Sea port city, which has become a major export route for Gulf oil after Iran effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz.

Samref is a joint venture between the Saudi giant Aramco and Mobil Yanbu Refining Company Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of the American Exxon Mobil Corporation, according to the company's website. Yesterday, Tehran had announced retaliation against this site in Saudi Arabia, as well as others in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, for the Israeli-US attack on the South Pars gas field.

Tehran has not yet ended its retaliation for attacks on Iran's energy infrastructure, Ebrahim Zolfaghari, spokesman for the Khatam al Anbiya Central Command, said today. "We warn the enemy that they have made a grave mistake by attacking Iran's energy infrastructure; the response is ongoing and has not yet been completed. If the attack on Iran's infrastructure is repeated, the next attacks on your energy infrastructure and that of your allies will not stop until it is completely destroyed, and the response will be even harsher than last night's,' Zolfaghari was quoted as saying by the Iranian Tasnim news agency.

The escalation involving 'for the first time' gas production infrastructure in Iran and other Gulf countries 'is reckless'. This was said by French President Emmanuel Macron arriving at the EU summit. "We defend the idea of a moratorium on civilian infrastructure and civilians in this conflict, as well as rapid de-escalation. The region is entering a period of religious holidays, I think everyone should calm down and the fighting should stop at least for a few days to try to give negotiations a new chance," he added.

The Saudi Foreign Minister, Faisal bin Farhan, said that the attacks launched by Iran on the Gulf countries had destroyed any trust with Tehran. "What little trust there was before has been completely destroyed," Faisal told the press at the end of a summit held in Riyadh with counterparts from Arab and Islamic countries on the ongoing conflict. "So when this war ends, it will take a long time for trust to be rebuilt. And I have to tell you that if Iran does not stop immediately, I think there will be almost nothing that can restore that trust," the minister added. "The fact that Riyadh was targeted just as several diplomats were meeting I do not consider a coincidence. I think it is the clearest sign of how Iran views diplomacy. It does not believe in dialogue with neighbouring countries. It wants to put pressure on neighbouring countries,' the Saudi minister continued, 'and what I can say firmly is that it will not work. The kingdom will not give in to the pressure, on the contrary, this pressure will backfire, politically and morally. And certainly, as we have made clear, we reserve the right to take military action if deemed necessary'.

"There is no basis in international law for war in Iran". This was said by EU High Representative Kaja Kallas arriving at the leaders' summit, pointing out that the use of force is provided for in the case of self-defence and a UN Security Council resolution. "As there is nothing like that at the moment, the EU countries have no intention to go to war," she stressed. At the last foreign council 'ministers claimed that we had not been consulted' and some 'even claimed that we had tried to convince the parties not to start this war, the aims of which we do not know'

Iran's ambassador to the United Nations, Saeed Iravani, in a letter to UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, demanded reparations from the United Arab Emirates for "allowing US attacks on Iranian territory," Iranian state television reported today. "The UAE's decision to allow the US to use its territory to strike Iran constituted an internationally wrongful act that implies state responsibility," he stressed, adding, "The UAE should provide compensation, including compensation for all material and moral damages inflicted on Iran."

"With regard to the Strait of Hormuz, all allies agree that it cannot remain closed, it must reopen as soon as possible, it is crucial for the world economy". Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte said this during a press point with the Romanian president. "The allies are having intensive discussions with each other, with the United States and with each other, on the best way to deal with this enormous security challenge. I am confident that the allies, as always, will do everything they can to support our common interest, so we will find a way forward," he added.

President Donald Trump's administration is considering deploying thousands of US troops to bolster operations in the Middle East as the US military prepares for possible next steps in its campaign against Iran, according to a US official and three people familiar with the matter. Reuters writes.

Trump considers an expansion of US operations, with the war against Iran now in its third week. Among the priorities is ensuring the safe passage of oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, a mission that would be accomplished primarily through air and naval forces, the sources said. But securing the Strait could also mean deploying US troops to the Iranian coast, said four sources, including two US officials. Reuters assured the sources of anonymity to talk about military planning. The Trump administration has also discussed the possibility of sending ground forces to the Iranian island of Kharg, a crucial hub for 90 per cent of the country's oil exports, according to three people familiar with the matter and three US officials. One of the officials said that such an operation would be very risky, since Iran is able to reach the island with missiles and drones.

A drone hit a second oil refinery in Kuwait, causing a fire. This was reported by the local authorities.

China called the killing of Iranian security chief Ali Larijani by Israel and other leaders 'unacceptable' and again called for an immediate ceasefire. "We have always opposed the use of force in international relations. Actions to assassinate Iranian leaders and attack civilian targets are even more unacceptable,' Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian told a press conference.

- Three Palestinians, including two women, were killed following an Iranian rocket attack near Hebron in the West Bank, the Red Crescent reported.

The Pentagon has asked the White House to approve a request to Congress for more than 200 billion dollars to finance the war in Iran. This was reported by the Washington Post citing sources who said that the amount exceeds the administration's costs to date in the operation against Iran. It is unclear whether the White House will eventually ask Congress for this amount. According to some administration officials, the sum requested by the Pentagon is unrealistic.

The Trump administration is considering sending thousands of US troops to the Middle East. Reuters reports this on its website, pointing out that one of the options being discussed is sending ground forces to the island of Kharg. Another alternative is the deployment of troops along the coast of Iran to ensure the safe passage of the Strait of Hormuz. The administration is also considering deploying forces to secure Iran's enriched uranium.

uS President Donald Trump has threatened to destroy Iran's huge South Pars gas field if Tehran again attacks the important Ras Laffan liquefied natural gas (LNG) production facility in Qatar.