The US–Israel war on Iran entered its ninth day on Sunday, March 8, amid intensifying military exchanges and mounting political tensions in Tehran, including expectations that Iran could soon announce its new Supreme Leader.
Israel launched strikes on fuel depots and energy facilities in Tehran, triggering large fires across the capital. Shortly afterwards, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) retaliated with missile attacks targeting an oil refinery in Haifa, marking a sharp escalation in the conflict.
According to Reuters, sources close to Iran’s leadership said clerical authorities are accelerating the process of selecting the country’s next Supreme Leader, with a decision possibly expected on Sunday.
Meanwhile, the Israeli military said it has carried out around 3,400 strikes across Iran since Israel and the United States launched their war against Tehran on February 28.
If you have just joined us, here are the major updates
- An Indian among two was killed after a projectile hit a residential building in Saudi Arabia
- Fresh Israeli raids in southern Lebanon
- President Donald Trump has made it very clear that Iran’s next leader would need Washington’s approval.
- Ukraine will provide of what it describes “expertise to help civilians and US soldiers” in the Middle East.
- Iraq’s oil production from its main southern fields has fallen by about 70 per cent
- IRGC said it has neutralised four radars linked to US THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defence) anti-missile defence systems over the past 24 hours.
- CENTOM urged civilians to remain indoors, alleging Iranian forces are ready to launch drones and missiles on densely populated areas.
- A member of the Leadership Council of Experts from Zanjan Governorate said the council is actively working to select the new Supreme Leader of Iran.
- The unites states Enery Secretary Chris Wright said that the Strait of Hormuz will operate soon
- Six injured in simultaneous blasts in Tel Aviv
- Israel denies targeting water desalination in Iran
- Pope Leo urged an end to the ongoing Middle East violence and called for dialogue.
- Israeli strikes have killed 394 people, including 83 children, in Lebanon, the Health Ministry released a statement
- 1,200 killed so far in last eight days: Iranian Ministry of Health
Follow our live updates here:
Israel kills 6 in southern Lebanon
10:12 pm IST: Six people were killed by the Israeli army after its soldiers attacked a house and car repair shop in southern Lebanon’s Nabatieh governorate, the National News Agency (NNA) reported.
Indian among two killed in Saudi attack
10:09 pm IST: An Indian has been killed after a projectile hit a residential building in Saudi Arabia. The other deceased is from Bangladesh. As many as 12 people have been wounded, the civil defence agency said in a post on X.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard said earlier it targeted radar systems in locations including Saudi Arabia’s al-Kharj, where the deaths were reported.
Atleast 2 killed in Saudi residential building attack
9:44 pm IST: Atleast two people have been reportedly killed and dozens injured in Saudi Arabia after a missile struck a residential building, the civil defence agency said.
Fresh Israeli raids in southern Lebanon
9:37 pm IST: There is fresh news of Israeli military raids in southern Lebanon, Al Jazeera reports
Oman Foreign Minister calls US-Israel actions ‘immoral’
9:36 pm IST: Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Albusaidi condemned the United States, Israel, and Iran’s military actions over the past week. “But the retaliation by Iran against its neighbours is also deeply regrettable and unacceptable. I call for restraint on all sides, a ceasefire, and an urgent return to diplomacy,” he said
Iran’s next leader requires our approval: Trump:
9:34 pm IST: President Donald Trump has made it very clear that Iran’s next leader would need Washington’s approval.
In an interview with ABC, Trump said that the US’s main goal is to prevent a situation where the international community would have to confront the same nuclear issue again in a few years. “We don’t want people coming back after five or 10 years to deal with the same problem and allow Iran to obtain a nuclear weapon,” he said.
He added that the United States would not oppose the selection of a new Iranian leader even if the individual had ties to the previous regime, noting that there were many qualified candidates.
Ukraine to send expertise to ‘assist’ civilians, American soldiers
9:27 pm IST: Ukraine will provide of what it describes “expertise to help civilians and US soldiers” in the Middle East. “We have received some messages regarding how to help civilians in the Middle East and how to help American soldiers deployed in certain countries,” President Volodymyr Zelenskyy shared on X, without elaborating on the nature of the messages. “We responded: we will send experts and provide everything needed to protect them.”
Iraq oil output drops 70 pc
9:17 pm IST: Iraq’s oil production from its main southern fields has fallen by about 70 per cent to around 1.3 million barrels per day, as crude exports through the Strait of Hormuz have been disrupted, Reuters reported.
Before the conflict, output from these fields stood at roughly 4.3 million barrels per day, sources said.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints, handling over 20 per cent of global oil supplies.
4 radars linked to THAAD hit in 24 hours: IRGC
9:12 pm IST: The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it has neutralised four radars linked to US THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defence) anti-missile defence systems over the past 24 hours.
The radars were hit by precision-guided missiles, state news agency IRNA reported
THAAD, known as Terminal High Altitude Area Defense systems, are a key US missile defence platform designed to detect and intercept ballistic missiles.
Major blasts heard across Tehran
9:07 pm IST: Heavy explosions have been heard in several parts of the Iranian capital, according to state media.
Israel says it struck IRGC space unit in Tehran
9:00 pm IST: Israel said that it carried a wave of strikes against Tehran, targeting its space agency and ammunition storage facilities. According to a statement, the strikes have “dismantled” the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Space Force headquarters.
Additional targets included roughly 50 bunkers holding ammunition, a paramilitary Basij base, and an IRGC compound.
CENTOM asks Iranians to remain indoors
8:10 pm IST: US Central Command (CENTOM) released a statement urging civilians to remain indoors, alleging Iranian forces are ready to launch drones and missiles on densely populated areas.
“This dangerous decision risks the lives of all civilians in Iran since locations used for military purposes lose protected status and could become legitimate military targets under international law,” it said in a statement.
“Iran’s terrorist regime is blatantly disregarding civilian lives by attacking Gulf partners while compromising the safety of their own people.”
No foreign interference: Araghchi on new Supreme Leader
7:52 pm IST: Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi dismissed Trump’s interest of personally selecting Iran’s new Supreme Leader. “A new supreme leader is going to be elected soon by the Assembly of Experts,” he said, adding it is an internal matter for the Iranian people.
Voting still underway, delay expected: Leadership Expert Council
7:08 pm IST: A member of the Leadership Council of Experts from Zanjan Governorate said the council is actively working to select the new Supreme Leader of Iran and that any delay in the process is undesirable.
He also dismissed reports claiming that voting has concluded or that a list of candidates has already been finalised, describing such claims as false, Al Jazeera Arabic reported.
Strait of Hormuz will operate soon: Washington
6:55 pm IST: The United States Secretary of Energy Christ Wright stated that the movement of oil ships will soon resume through the Strait of Hormuz.
Currently, the water passage, through which over 20 per cent of the world’s total oil and gas shipments pass, has been unofficially closed due to escalating conflict in the Middle East. Although Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh, on March 6, had refuted that the strait was closed.
2 Israeli soldiers killed in southern Lebanon: Army
6:45 pm IST: The Israeli military has confirmed that two of its soldiers have been killed in southern Lebanon. This is one of the army’s first-ever casualties since Israel started pounding on Lebanon to target Hezbollah.
The army did not immediately provide further details on the circumstances of the incident.
Akasa Air to operate select flights to Jeddah
6:27pm IST: Akasa Air has announced limited flights to and from Jeddah on March 9. These flight include Mumbai and Kochi. Here are the details:
- Mumbai – Jeddah | ETD – 19:20 (9:50 pm IST)
- Jeddah – Mumbai | ETD – 23:55 (2:25 am IST, next day)
- Kochi – Jeddah | ETD – 17:50 (8:20 pm IST)
- Jeddah – Kochi | ETD – 22:55 (1:25 am IST, next day)
“Akasa Air has resumed bookings for flights connecting Jeddah with Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Kochi and Kozhikode until March 31, enabling passengers to plan their travel in advance. For flight details and bookings,” the airline said in a statement.
Blasts in Tel Aviv, 6 injured
6:24 pm IST: Israel’s Tel Aviv was attacked by an Iranian missile, injuring six. Three people were injured, one in a serious condition. A 40-year-old man is serious, a 25-year-old man is in moderate condition, and a 56-year-old man has a minor injury, Al Jazeera reported.
Tehran skies filled with smoke
6:22 pm IST: Photos of smoke rise over Tehran after air attacks on oil depots
Etihad releases fresh flight update
6:17 pm IST: Etihad Airways released its fresh flight updates for March 8.
Israel denies targeting water desalination in Iran
5:49 pm IST: An Israeli military spokesperson has refuted claims that it struck or targeted a desalination plant in Iran, according to Reuters.
Aftermath of Israeli attack on village of Ghaziyeh
5:47 pm IST:
Talk, reject war: Pope Leo
5:45 pm IST: Pope Leo urged an end to the ongoing Middle East violence and called for dialogue. Speaking at the Angelus prayer in Saint Peter’s Square, he expressed deep concerns over the continued news from Iran and across. “Let us raise our humble prayer to the Lord that the roar of bombs may cease, that weapons may fall silent, and that space may be opened for dialogue in which the voices of peoples can be heard,” the pontiff said.
Lebanon death toll at 394
5:05 pm IST: Israeli strikes have killed 394 people, including 83 children, in Lebanon, the Health Ministry released a statement
At least 1,130 others have been wounded, it added.
Explosion heard in Erbil
5:00 pm IST: Al Jazeera has reported an explosion heard in Erbil, the capital of Iraq’s semi-autonomous Kurdistan region.
Switzerland condemns US-Israeli attacks on Iran
4:50 pm IST: Swiss Defence Minister Martin Pfister has called the US-Israel attack on Iran as a blatant violation of international law. “The Federal Council is of the opinion that the attack on Iran constitutes a violation of international law,” Pfister told SonntagsZeitung in an interview published today, referring to the Swiss cabinet.
“In our view it constitutes a violation on the prohibition of violence,” he added.
Earlier, Spain also denounced the US and Israeli bombings of Iran as reckless and illegal.
Video of destruction in Lebanon’s Sir al-Gharbiya
UAE death toll rises to 4: Ministry
The death toll in the UAE rose to four, according to the country’s Defence Ministry. The deceased are citizens of Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh.
“Since the start of the brazen Iranian aggression, the UAE has been targeted with 238 ballistic missiles, 1,422 drones and eight cruise missiles,” the ministry statement said on X.
“The UAE intercepted 17 ballistic missiles, with 16 destroyed and one falling into the sea. Additionally, 117 drones were detected, with 113 drones intercepted, while four fell inside the territory,” the statement read.
Who is Mojtaba Khamenei?
Mojtaba Khamenei, the second son of Ali Khamenei, has once again emerged as a potential successor to his father, who was reportedly killed on the first day of the US-Israeli attacks.
The 56-year-old has never held elected office or faced a public vote, but has long been considered an influential figure within the supreme leader’s inner circle, maintaining close ties with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
In recent years, Mojtaba Khamenei has increasingly been mentioned as a possible replacement for his father. Analysts say that if he were to assume the position, it could signal that hardline factions within Iran’s establishment continue to hold sway and may indicate limited appetite within the government for negotiations or a deal in the near term.
Oil depot in Karaj city attacked, 6 killed: Official
4:16 pm IST: An oil depot in Iran’s city of Karaj in the province of Alborz was attacked, leaving six people dead and 21 injured, Tasnim news agency reported.
Over 1,200 civilians killed: Iranian Ministry of Health
4:14 pm IST: The Iranian Ministry of Health released a statement saying that over the last eight days of war, the country has lost over 1,200 civilians and more than 10,000 were injured.
An Israeli soldier was killed in southern Lebanon
4:12 pm IST: The Israeli army announced the killing of an engineering soldier in southern Lebanon.
Iranian media claim new Supreme Leader elected
3:22 pm IST: Representative of the Supreme Leader in Khorasan Razavi province said the Assembly of Experts has already held an election on the issue of leadership and chosen a leader, Iranian Mehr News Agency reported.
Razavi added that the matter now rests with the Assembly’s secretary, Ayatollah Hosseini Bushehri, who is responsible for conveying and publicly announcing the body’s decision.
Qatar Airways operates limited flights
3:12 pm IST: Six Qatar Airways flights landed safely in Doha from Paris, Madrid, London, Frankfurt, Rome and Bangkok, since its airspace was closed following the conflict.
Qatar Airways also completed repatriation flights today from Doha to Amsterdam, Berlin, Frankfurt, London and Zurich.
On Tuesday, it plans to bring passengers whose final destination is Doha from Amsterdam, Berlin, Frankfurt, London, Zurich and Muscat.
Nearly 10,000 buildings destroyed in Iran: Red Crescent
2:40 pm IST: The Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS) says at least 9,669 buildings, including 7,943 residential and 1,617 commercial, have been destroyed in US-Israeli attacks on Iran.
19 killed in southern Lebanon
2:38 pm IST: At least 19 people, including children, were killed after Israel attacked a three-storey building, Lebanon’s National News Agency (NNA) reported. The attack took place in the southern Lebanese village of Sir el Gharbiyeh.
Nearly 2,000 hospitalised in Israel since Feb 28: Ministry
2:36 pm IST: In the past 24 hours, 157 are reported wounded, taking the total number of injuries to 1,929, since the start of the Iran war, according to the Israeli Ministry of Health.
Nine people are said to be in serious condition, 42 moderate and 70 minor. “A significant number of those arriving at hospitals are injured while descending to the protected areas,” the ministry added.
Oman Air cancels flights to several cities
1:57 pm IST: Oman Air announced the cancellation of flights to and from Amman, Dubai, Bahrain, Doha, Dammam, Kuwait, Copenhagen, Baghdad and Khasab from March 9 to March 15 due to continued regional airspace closures.
Iran warns of ‘toxic rain’ risk after fuel depot explosions
1:54 pm IST: The Iranian Red Crescent Society warned residents about the risk of “toxic rain” following explosions at fuel tanks, according to Al Jazeera.
The agency said contaminated rainfall could cause skin burns and lung damage, urging people to remain indoors during rain and avoid exposure. It advised those caught outside to seek shelter under solid roofs, rinse exposed skin with cold water and seal rain-soaked clothing in bags
Tehran cuts daily fuel quota after depot strikes
1:51 pm IST: Tehran residents’ fuel quota using personal cards has been reduced from 30 litres to 20 litres per day after attacks on oil facilities, the city’s governor said, according to Al Jazeera.
He said the restriction is temporary and supply disruptions are expected to be resolved within two to three days.
UAE lifts safety alert
1:39 pm IST: The UAE’s Ministry of Interior said the earlier safety alert has been lifted and the situation is now safe for residents to return to normal activities.
Authorities urged people to remain necessary precautions and continue following official instructions.
Kuwait Fire Force says two officers killed on duty
1:37 pm IST: Kuwait’s Fire Force said two of its officers were killed while performing their duties.
A statement posted on X did not provide details about the circumstances of their deaths.
Israel vows to target any successor to Iran’s Khamenei
1:22 pm IST: Israel’s military said it will continue to pursue any successor to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei if the new leadership maintains policies seen as hostile to Israel.
The warning comes as Iran moves closer to selecting a new leader following Khamenei’s assassination during the opening phase of the US-Israeli campaign.
Burning oil spills onto Tehran streets after depot strikes
1:15 pm IST: Oil leaking from fuel depots destroyed in Israeli strikes has entered parts of Tehran’s sewage system, creating what witnesses described as a “river of fire” along streets in the Iranian capital.
A video shared on X by the culture and arts account Living In Tehran showed flames burning along a stretch of road in the city.
Earlier, Iran’s Oil Ministry confirmed that fuel depots were struck in three locations, including Karaj in Alborz province, west of Tehran.
Australia considers Gulf request for protection from attacks
12:39 pm IST: Australia will consider a request from Gulf states for assistance in defending against Iranian drone and missile attacks, Foreign Minister Penny Wong said.
Speaking to national broadcaster ABC, Wong said several countries not involved in the conflict had been targeted and had asked Canberra for help.
She reiterated that Australia would not take part in offensive operations against Iran or deploy ground troops.
Bahrain says water supply unaffected after attack
12:34 pm IST: Bahrain said its water supplies were not affected after an Iranian attack targeted a desalination plant in the country on Sunday.
Israeli-US strikes in Isfahan kill 11
12:28 pm IST: Iran’s Tasnim news agency reported that US and Israeli warplanes attacked several manufacturing workshops and a horse-riding club in Isfahan province, killing at least 11 people.
The report added that several others were wounded in the strikes.
Drone interception debris damages sites in Kuwait
12:25 pm IST: Kuwait’s army said several civilian facilities were damaged after debris and shrapnel fell during operations to intercept hostile drones.
Iran will respond to attacks launched from neighbouring countries: Pezeshkian
12:07 pm IST: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Tehran would respond if any attack on the country is launched from a neighbouring state.
Speaking on state television on Sunday, Pezeshkian said Iran would be “forced to respond” if its enemies used another country to attack Iranian territory.
He stressed that such a response would not mean Iran was in conflict with that country or its people, but said it would be necessary to defend the nation.
Pezeshkian also said earlier remarks had been misinterpreted, reiterating that Iran seeks good relations with neighbouring countries despite the ongoing conflict.
Iranian drone attack damages Bahrain desalination plant
11:52 am IST: Bahrain’s interior minister said an Iranian drone attack caused material damage to a water desalination plant in the country.
Israel says strike destroyed F-14 jets at Iran’s Isfahan airport
11:49 am IST: The Israeli military said its forces carried out air strikes on an airport in Iran’s Isfahan on Saturday, destroying an unspecified number of F-14 fighter jets.
In a statement posted on Telegram, the military said detection and air defence systems that posed a threat to Israeli Air Force aircraft were also targeted.
It added that the strike followed another attack two days earlier that destroyed 16 aircraft linked to Iran’s Quds Force at Mehrabad airport in Tehran.
US, Israel discuss possible operation to seize Iran’s enriched uranium
11:31 am IST: The United States and Israel have discussed the possibility of deploying special forces to seize Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium, the US news website Axios reported.
The report said it remains unclear whether the mission would involve American, Israeli or joint forces.
According to Axios, such an operation would likely be considered at a later stage of the conflict if Iran’s military is no longer able to mount a serious defence.
Missile shrapnel injures three at Bahrain university
11:26 am IST: Three people were injured after missile shrapnel fell on a university building in Bahrain’s Muharraq area.The incident also caused material damage to the building.
Kuwait air defences respond to missile and drone attacks
11:14 pm IST: Kuwait’s army said its air defence systems responded to incoming missile and drone attacks.
Sirens activated across Bahrain
11:11 am IST: Bahrain’s Interior Ministry said sirens have been n̈ĵ across the country.
Authorities urged citizens and residents to remain calm and move to the nearest safe place.
Israeli strike in south Lebanon kills three
10:56 am IST: Three people were killed and four others injured after an Israeli strike hit the Tyre district in southern Lebanon on Sunday.
Saudi Arabia warns Iran over attacks on Kingdom
10:48 am Isat: Saudi Arabia has cautioned Iran that although Riyadh prefers a diplomatic resolution to Tehran’s conflict with the United States, further strikes on the kingdom or its energy infrastructure could trigger a response, sources familiar with the matter told Reuters.
The warning came ahead of a speech by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Saturday in which he apologised to neighbouring Gulf countries for Iran’s actions, in what appeared to be an effort to ease tensions following strikes that affected civilian areas.
Strikes hit Beirut’s southern suburb
10:38 am IST: Strikes targeted the southern suburb of Beirut on Sunday, AFPTV reported, after earlier attacks hit a hotel in the city.
India embassy in UAE warns nationals not to film incident sites
10:23 am IST: The Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi has urged Indian nationals in the UAE to avoid filming or sharing images of incident sites on social media amid the ongoing regional crisis.
The advisory follows a warning from UAE authorities that strict legal action will be taken against anyone filming restricted areas, incident locations or airport premises without authorisation.
The embassy also advised residents to move to a safe location upon hearing warning alerts and remain there until the all-clear is issued, while avoiding sharing images of projectile damage or debris online.
UAE air defences respond to missile threat
9:40 am IST: The UAE’s National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA) said air defence systems are responding to a missile threat.
Residents were urged to remain in safe locations and follow official channels for updates and instructions.
Iran says it can sustain war with US and Israel for six months
9:32 am IST: Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said the country can continue an intense war against the United States and Israel for at least six months, according to a statement carried by the Fars news agency.
“The Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran are capable of continuing at least a six-month intense war at the current pace of operations,” Guards spokesperson Ali Mohammad Naini said.
Riyadh airport issues travel advisory
9:25 am IST: Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport urged passengers to check directly with their airlines for the latest flight updates before heading to the airport.
In a statement on Sunday, the airport advised travellers to rely on official communication channels of airlines and the airport for accurate information and assistance due to ongoing regional developments.
Two Kuwaiti border security personnel killed while on duty
9:19 am IST: Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior confirmed that two members of the General Administration of Land Border Security were killed at dawn while performing their national duty.
Drone strike hits fuel tanks at Kuwait airport
9:03 am IST: Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) said firefighting teams are battling a fire in fuel tanks at Kuwait International Airport after they were targeted by a drone.
Sirens sound across Israel as missiles launched from Iran
8:59 am IST: Air raid sirens sounded across Israel early Sunday warning of incoming missiles from Iran, with no immediate reports of damage or casualties.
The Israeli military said air defence systems were responding to at least two waves of missiles launched from Iran.
Alerts were activated across northern Israel, including the port city of Haifa, with residents instructed to move to shelters or safe rooms.
Iran claims US soldiers captured
8:55 am IST: Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, said several American soldiers had been taken prisoner by Iran.
He added that the United States claims the soldiers were killed in action.
Israeli strike on Beirut hotel kills four
8:42 am IST: An Israeli strike on a hotel in central Beirut killed at least four people on Sunday, Lebanese officials said, underscoring the widening reach of the US-backed war against Iran.
China urges immediate halt to military actions
8:35 am IST: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi called for an immediate halt to ongoing military actions, saying the conflict should never have occurred and benefits no one.
Speaking at a press briefing in Beijing, he urged major powers to play a constructive role in helping de-escalate tensions and restore stability.
US warns of retaliation over threats to Americans
8:22 am IST: US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth issued a strong warning on X, threatening retaliation against anyone who harms or threatens Americans anywhere in the world.
Quoting a post shared by US Central Command, he said: “If you kill Americans, if you threaten Americans anywhere on earth, we will hunt you down without apology and without hesitation, and we will kill you.”
A 21-second video attached to the post showed “unclassified” footage of vehicles and structures being struck and destroyed by US military forces.
High-rise fire erupts in Kuwait City
8:15 am IST: A massive fire engulfed a high-rise building in Kuwait City early Sunday, lighting up the night sky, according to a report by the Associated Press.
The cause of the blaze was not immediately clear, but it occurred as Kuwait faced a wave of drone and missile attacks linked to Iran’s regional strikes amid the ongoing conflict.
CENTCOM rejects Iranian claims of US ‘deception’
8: 05 am IST: US Central Command (CENTCOM) dismissed Iranian claims that American “deception” diverted its drones and missiles from military targets.
“The Iranian regime recently claimed via its verified United Nations account that its missiles and drones were diverted from their course due to American effects and deceptions. Fake news,” CENTCOM said in a post on X.
It added that US forces worked alongside regional partners to repel what it described as Iran’s “deliberate, indiscriminate and irresponsible targeting of civilian airports, hotels and residential neighbourhoods.”
Kuwait intercepts three ballistic missiles in its airspace
8 am IST: Kuwait’s Ministry of Defence said it detected three hostile ballistic missiles that entered the country’s airspace and intercepted and destroyed them.
Saudi Arabia intercepts three drones east of Riyadh
7:55 am IST: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defence said air defence systems intercepted and destroyed three drones east of the capital, Riyadh.
Kuwait says air defences responding to missile and drone attacks
7:48 am IST: Kuwait’s Ministry of Defence said its air defence systems are currently responding to missile attacks and hostile drones, as sirens sounded across the country.
GCC condemns Iranian attacks on Bahrain and Kuwait infrastructure
7:40 am IST: The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General condemned the serious acts of aggression.
He added that such attacks threaten regional security and stability.
Australia receives requests from Gulf countries for protection against attacks
7:32 am IST: Australia has received requests from Gulf countries seeking protection against drone and missile attacks, Foreign Minister Penny Wong said.
Speaking to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Wong said Australia will not participate in any offensive action against Iran or deploy ground troops as part of the US–Israeli campaign.She added that Australia’s support for the US–Israeli offensive is in the national interest but will not extend to sending troops.
It added that Australia’s support for the US–Israeli offensive is in the national interest but will not extend to sending troops.
Israel claims strike on IRGC Quds Force commanders in Beirut
7:25 am ImST: The Israeli military said it carried out a “precise strike” targeting key commanders of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Quds Force’s Lebanon Corps who were operating in Beirut.
Drone attack targeting Riyadh’s diplomatic quarter foiled
7: 15 am IST: Saudi forces have foiled a drone attack targeting the capital’s diplomatic quarter, according to the kingdom’s Defence Ministry.
In a statement posted on X, the ministry said there was no material damage or civilian injuries from the attack.
The ministry earlier said its air defences had intercepted and shot down at least 15 drones that entered Saudi airspace.
Kuwait reports attack on Social Security building
7:10 am IST: Kuwait said there has been an attack on its Public Institution for Social Security.
The attack caused material damage to the institution’s main building, authorities said.
Kurdish forces intercept drone over northern Iraq
6:56 am IST: Kurdish Peshmerga forces shot down a drone over the Kurish region of Sulaimaniyah in northern Iraq amid a series of aerial attacks on the area, according to news outlet Rudaw.
Footage posted by Rudaw on X showed flames and smoke after Kurdish forces fired at an object in the sky.
Blast heard near US embassy in Oslo
6:50 am IST: Norwegian police said a loud blast was heard near the US embassy in the capital, Oslo.
It was not immediately clear what caused the explosion or who was involved, police said in a statement.
“The police are in dialogue with the embassy, and there are no reports of any injured persons,” the statement added.
Drone attack hits fuel tanks at Kuwait airport
6:45 am IST: Kuwait’s government said a drone attack targeted fuel tanks at Kuwait International Airport.
In a statement posted on X, the government said competent authorities and firefighting teams are responding to a fire at the site.
Iran launches missiles towards Israel
6:34 am IST: The Israeli military said several missiles were launched from Iran towards Israel, adding that air defence systems are operating to intercept the incoming projectiles .
Qatar intercepts most Iranian missiles
6:30 am IST: Qatar said its air defences intercepted most missiles launched from Iran in an attack on Saturday involving 10 ballistic missiles and two cruise missiles, with no casualties reported.
The Defence Ministry said forces intercepted six ballistic missiles, while two fell into Qatar’s territorial waters and two landed in an uninhabited area without causing damage or injuries. Both cruise missiles were also intercepted, it added.
Saudi Arabia intercepts 14 drones in its airspace
6:22 am IST: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defence said it intercepted and destroyed 14 drones that entered the kingdom’s airspace.
Eight drones were intercepted within Saudi airspace, while another six were shot down east of Riyadh, the ministry said in separate posts on its official X account.
Israeli strike destroys ambulance in Tehran
6:15 am IST: An ambulance was destroyed and engulfed in flames following an Israeli strike in the Iranian capital, Tehran, according to Fars, a news agency affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
A video posted by Fars on X showed a vehicle on fire as a person in an emergency suit attempted to extinguish the flames.
Mojtaba Khamenei injured in Israeli assassination attempt
6:10 am IST: Mojtaba Khamenei, son of slain Iranian leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was reportedly injured after surviving an Israeli assassination attempt during the launch of the “Lion’s Roar” military operation on February 28, which coincided with the United States’ Operation Epic Fury, according to media reports.
Mojtaba is widely seen as a leading candidate to succeed his father as the next leader of the Islamic Republic.
The reports added that his wife, Zahra Haddad Adel, was killed in the strikes.
