Iran’s armed forces have issued a strong warning stating that Israeli diplomatic missions across the globe could become targets if Israel attacks Iran’s mission in Lebanon.
Meanwhile, explosions were heard in Iran’s capital city Tehran, on Wednesday, March 4, as its war with the US and Israel entered a fifth day following earlier strikes on an Iranian nuclear site and retaliatory strikes by the Islamic Republic across the Gulf region.
Iranian state television reported explosions around Tehran at dawn. On the other hand, Israel said its air defences were activated due to incoming missile fire from Iran.
Five days into a war that US President Donald Trump suggested would last several weeks or longer, 1,045 people have been killed in Iran, including some whom Trump said he had considered as possible future leaders of the country.
If you have just joined us, here are the major updates
- Iran threatens to target Israeli embassies worldwide
- Air India Express operations to continue on March 5
- Emirates flights to and from Dubai remain suspended till March 7
- Sri Lanka has rescued at least 32 Iranian sailors from a distressed Iranian frigate, Iris Dena. As many as 87 bodies were recovered so far, while 61 remain missing.
- IRGC said it is prepared for “complete destruction of the region’s military and economic infrastructure.”
- US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth confirms sinking Iranian warship. He claimed the country has killed an Iranian leader behind an alleged plot to assassinate Trump.
- He indicated more attacks and said the US and Israel are “just getting started.”
- “We will soon have complete control of Iranian skies in a few days,” the defence secretary said.
- US Air Force General Dan Caine said its main target is to dismantle Iran’s ballistic missile system and navy.
- Hezbollah alleged it launched a swarm of attack drones at the Israeli Army General Staff headquarters, the Tel Hashomer base near Tel Aviv.
- All commercial flights to and from Abu Dhabi will remain suspended until March 6: Etihad.
Follow our live updates here:
US Embassy in Baghdad advises citizens to leave Iraq
As tensions in the Middle East rise sharply amid the intensifying war between the United States, Israel, and Iran, the United States Embassy in Baghdad has issued urgent safety guidance for American citizens in Iraq.
The embassy has urged its nationals to either depart Iraq as soon as it is safe to do so or to shelter in place until conditions improve.
US raises travel alerts across Middle East, Pakistan
11:30 pm IST: The United States has ordered the departure of non-emergency government personnel from several countries in the Middle East and Pakistan and has raised or reaffirmed travel advisories across the region amid rising tensions following hostilities with Iran.
The US State Department has updated travel advisories for Saudi Arabia, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates and Oman, raising them to Level 3 — Reconsider Travel, while Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar and Pakistan remain at the same level amid growing security concerns.
Iran threatens to target Israeli Embassies worldwide
11:12 pm IST: According to remarks made on live television, Abolfazl Shekarchi, spokesperson for Iran’s armed forces, said that any such action by Israel would be considered a serious offense. He warned that if Israel were to carry out an attack on Iran’s mission in Lebanon, Tehran would regard Israeli embassies worldwide as legitimate targets.
Israel Army claims large-scale airstrike on Iranian military complex
10:50 pm IST: The Israel Defense Forces announced that it carried out a major airstrike on a significant Iranian military facility located east of Tehran.
In a statement shared on X by Arabic-language military spokesperson Avichay Adraee, it was stated that Israeli fighter jets targeted a site described as containing command centres used by multiple branches of Iran’s security apparatus.
According to the Israeli military, the complex reportedly housed headquarters associated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the Quds Force, the Basij, military intelligence units, and other security divisions. The statement further claimed that Iranian personnel were present at the location during the strike.
President Masoud Pezeshkian says Iran had ‘no choice’
10:20 pm IST: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has addressed neighbouring countries stating that Iran had attempted to prevent conflict through diplomatic efforts but was compelled to respond following attacks by the United States and Israel.
In two separate posts shared in Arabic and Persian on X, the Iranian president said that Tehran respects the sovereignty of regional nations.
Pezeshkian said Iran had pursued diplomatic channels in an effort to avoid war. However, he said that the actions taken by the US and Israel left the country with no alternative but to retaliate.
Sirens heard inside US Embassy in Baghdad
10:11 pm IST: Sirens were heard inside the United States Embassy in Baghdad in the Iraqi capital, prompting heightened attention around the high-security diplomatic zone.
Photos of an unexploded projectile in Syria
9:51 pm IST: Here are photos of little shepard boys inspecting an unexploded projectile that landed on an open field in Eastern Syria
US Says It Has Struck or Sunk Over 20 Iranian Vessels
9:46 pm IST: US forces have struck or sunk more than 20 Iranian vessels, including a Soleimani-class warship, since the start of operations, the United States Central Command (CENTOM) released a fresh statement.
There was no immediate response from Iran.
Strait of Hormuz closed effect: Oil tanker traffic down by 90 pc
9: 41 pm IST: In the wake of the Strait of Hormuz’s official closure and ongoing conflict, oil tanker traffic has fallen by 90 per cent, according to the energy market intelligence firm Kpler.
The Strait of Hormuz is where one-fifth of the world’s crude oil supplies transit. “Unlike several other vessel segments where movements have largely ceased, some tankers are still travelling east and west through the strait with a number of voyages occurring under AIS blackouts,” Kpler analyst Matt Wright said, referring to the marine traffic tracking system.
Over 5,000 weapons released on Iran: Israel
9:06 pm IST: In a new statement, the Israeli military announced its air defence has dropped over 5,000 munitions in Iran since February 28.
Fighter jets continue to deepen air superiority throughout Iran with a particular focus on the Tehran area: the Israeli military X post read.
On the fifth day, around 1,045 Iranians have died since the start of the conflict, the state media said.
US releases footage of torpedo sinking Iranian ship
8:44 pm IST: Here is footage of the Iranian warship Idir Dana after it was hit by the United States
Projectile splash heard west of Dubai
8:42 pm IST: A container ship witnessed floating 20 nautical miles west of Dubai, UAE, witnessed a splash from an unknown projectile, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations said. No damage was reported.
New blasts heard over Jerusalem after missile alert
8:40 pm IST: Fresh reports of explosions in Jerusalem was reported. The blasts comes after sirens blarred acorss northern and central Israel: AFP
Cargo ship comes under attack, 24 crew members rescued
8:38 pm IST: Oman’s navy has rescued 24 crew members from a Malta-flagged cargo ship that came under fire from two missiles near the Strait of Hormuz. Oman News Agency said that the rescued were provided with medical care and are in “good health.”
Iranian warship sinking, 87 bodies recovered so far
8:32 pm IST: The Sri Lankan navy has so far recovered 87 sailor bodies, while 61 remain missing. “We have collected 87 bodies, and a search is still on for the others who are still missing,” a naval official told AFP on condition of anonymity.
As many as 32 have been rescued and are being treated at a hospital in the city of Galle.
At 5:08 early Wednesday morning, the Lankan Navy received a distress call from the Iranian ship IRIS Dena, located about 40 nautical miles off the southern port district of Galle. The Iranian ship recently participated in an international naval drill hosted by India.
Vatican warns ‘preventive wars’ risk setting world ablaze
8:23 pm IST: Vatican’s Secretary of State, Pietro Parolin, has strongly criticised the concept of “preventive wars” amid the ongoing conflict, warning that the continued erosion of international law is deeply troubling.
In an interview, he cautioned that if countries claim the right to launch preventive wars based on their own criteria, without a recognised supranational legal framework, it could ignite wider global instability. Parolin lamented what he described as a shift from the “force of law” to the “law of force,” warning against the belief that peace can only be achieved through the total destruction of an adversary.
Damage near Isfahan nuclear site, no radiation risk detected: IAEA
8:20 pm IST: The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has confirmed damage reported near the Isfahan nuclear site, although no radiation leak has been detected. Satellite imagery shows that two buildings have been damaged.
Sirens sound across Israel, Hezbollah targets Haifa naval base
8: 14 pm IST: Sirens rang in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and throughout central Israel after the military announced a new wave of incoming Iranian missiles.
The army released a statement saying it has identified a new barrage of Iranian missiles. “Defence systems are operating to intercept the threat. In the last few minutes, the Home Front Command has issued an advance alert directly to mobile phones in the relevant areas,” read its statement.
Earlier, Hezbollah announced it had launched a volley of missiles targeted Haifa naval base. The Israeli military responded that all attacks wereintercepted.
Etihad flights suspended till Friday till 7:30 am (IST)
8:03 pm IST: Etihad has said all commercial flights to and from Abu Dhabi will remain suspended until 6 am UAE time (7:30 am IST) on Friday, March 6.
Select services are available for sale on http://etihad.com for travel on 4 and 5 March, where approvals have been confirmed.
British Airways remains closed to Middle East: Update
8:00 pm IST: British Airways said that its services from Abu Dhabi, Amman, Bahrain, Doha, Dubai and Tel Aviv will remain.
“We have scheduled further flights from Oman (Muscat) to London Heathrow departing on 6 and 7 March. Flights are for BA customers with an existing booking who are in Oman or the UAE. If you wish to travel on one of these flights, please contact us via our dedicated phone line on +44 203 467 3854. Our teams will also be getting in touch with BA customers directly via email,” said a statement.
Warning sirens blare in Bahrain
7:58 pm IST: Bahrain received fresh siren sounds, with the government asking its citizens to remain calm and indoors.
Iran accuses the US-Israel of damaging its heritage sites
7:56 pm IST: Iran has again accused the United States and Israel of causing substantial damage to the 16th-century Golestan Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Tehran. Its Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei posted an image on X calling it “represents a heinous crime aimed at erasing the cultural heritage of Iran.”
Hezbollah claims it targeted Israeli base near Tel Aviv
7:46 pm IST: Hezbollah released a statement claiming it launched a swarm of attack drones at the Israeli Army General Staff headquarters, the Tel Hashomer base near Tel Aviv. “The attack was in response to the criminal Israeli aggression that targeted dozens of Lebanese cities and towns, including the southern suburbs of Beirut,” the statement read.
Imp points from US Airforce General address to the media
7:38 pm IST: US Airforce General Dan Caine also addressed the media giveing more information on the ongoing conflict. Here are some important points:
- Focussed target on dismantling Iran’s ballistic missile system and navy to ensure Iran cannot rapidly rebuild or reconstitute its combat capability.
- Our next stop is to expand inland, striking progressively deeper into Iranian territory and create additional freedom of manouevre for US forces, Caine said.
- United States Central Command (CENTOM) is transitioning from relying on long-range standoff strike packages, designed to hit targets from a distance without exposing forces, to conducting more direct, close-in precision strikes over Iranian territory. “This will allow the joint force to deliver significantly increased precision effects on the target. This will allow us to maintain consistent pressure on the adversary over the coming days, disrupt their timelines,” he said.
Iranian leader who plotted to kill Trump neutralised: Hegseth
7:31 pm IST: The Defence Secretary said that the United States has killed the Iranian leader behind an alleged plot to assassinate Trump.
US confirms sinking Iranian warship
7:20 pm IST: US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed America sank the Iranian frigate Iris Dena in international waters.
The warship sank outside Sri Lanka’s territorial waters. Thirty-two sailors were rescued but over 100 are reportedly missing.
In his address to the media, Hegseth said the United States and Israel are “just getting started with their attacks on Iran,” indicating more attack waves. “Fighting next to such a capable power is a true force multiplier and a breath of fresh air,” he said, adding that the US will use an unlimited stockpile of precision gravity bombs.
“We will soon have complete control of Iranian skies in a few days,” he said.
On an Iranian missile intercepted by Turkey in the eastern Mediterranean earlier in the day, the defence secretary said that the United States was aware of the incident, but had “no sense” that the incident could trigger NATO’s Article 5 on collective defence.
On negotiation talks between US and Iran, Hegseth accused Iran of having “negotiated in bad faith” while “scheming and preparing” an attack.
“We acted decisively,” reasoned Hegseth.
The Defence Secretary said that the United States has killed the Iranian leader behind an alleged plot to assassinate Trump.
IRGC threatens ‘complete destruction’
6:19 pm IST: Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard issued its most intense threat yet as the war in the Middle East, saying it was prepared for the “complete destruction of the region’s military and economic infrastructure.” “The continued mischief and deception by the United States in the region will come at the cost of the complete destruction of the region’s military and economic infrastructure,” it said.
Sri Lanka saves 32 sailors of Iranian warship
6:17 pm IST: Sri Lanka has rescued at least 32 Iranian sailors from a distressed Iranian frigate, Iris Dena with 180 on board in the southern waters. The island nation sent ships and air force planes on a rescue mission, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath said.
The survivors are being treated at the Galle National Hospital emergency unit.
Emirates flights to from Dubai remain suspended till March 7
5:59 pm IST: Emirates flights to and from Dubai would remain suspended until March 7, even as limited operations are being carried out. “Customers transiting in Dubai will only be accepted for travel if their connecting flight is operating,” read a statement from the airline.
Air India Express operations to continue on March 5
5:49pm IST: The latest on the UAE-India travel update, Air India Express announced it will continue operating flights to and from Muscat on March 5, along with additional flights between Muscat and Delhi and Mumbai. They are also operating special flights from Ras Al Khaimah connecting Delhi, Kochi, and Mumbai until March 7
Kuwait extends visit visas for one month
5:54 pm IST: Kuwait has decided to extend all visit visas for one month, with fees and fines waived. Ministry of Interior in Kuwait also granted an additional three-month absence permit for residents currently outside the country.
The Emergency, Crisis, and Disaster Management Team of Ras Al Khaimah is holding a meeting to review the current situation and enhance readiness and preparedness.
Iran fires ballistic missile at Turkey
5:44 pm IST: Turkiye intercepted an Iranian ballistic missile, successfully intercepted, Turkiye’s Defence Ministry said, adding that the downed missile fell near the Mediterranean, causing no casualties. “We remind you that we reserve the right to respond to any hostile act towards our country. Turkiye is capable of ensuring the security of its territory and citizens, regardless of who or where the threat comes from,” said a statement.
US Embassy in Qatar tells nationals to ‘leave now’
5:34 pm IST: The US embassy in Qatar has asked all its citizens to leave the country “now.”
“On March 3, the Department of State ordered non-emergency U.S. government employees and their family members to leave Qatar due to the threat of armed conflict. If safe to do so, Americans should leave Qatar now,” it said in a post on X.
“Qatari airspace and maritime routes remain closed. The Salwa land border crossing to Saudi Arabia is currently open.”
Iran death toll crosses over 1,000, No internet for 100 hours
5:29 pm IST: On Day 5 of the US-Israel attack on Iran, the death toll stands at 1,045, Tasnim news agency said.
Also, the Middle Eastern country has been off the internet for over 100 hours. According to the latest update from Netblocks, an internet connectivity watchdog, “Metrics show internet connectivity flatlining at 1 per cent of ordinary levels as the regional conflict escalates.”
Khamenei’s funeral ceremony postponed
4:52 pm IST: The funeral ceremony of slain leader Ali Khamenei has been postponed, according to Tasnim news agency. The funeral was supposed to take place on Wednesday evening.
An official cited logistical issues for the delay. New dates will be announced soon.
Drone strikes Kurdish headquaters in Iraq
4:45 pm IST: A drone struck an arms depot at the headquarters of an Iranian Kurdish group in Dekala of northern Iraq. Two fighters have been wounded. Iran has long alleged that the government there provides safe haven to armed groups accused of carrying out attacks against Tehran, and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has repeatedly struck what it describes as their bases.
UAE downs 3 missiles, 121 drones
4:30 pm IST: UAE’s forces have downed three ballistic missiles and 121 drones. Eight drones landed inside the country, its Defence Ministry said in a statement.
Qatar downs 10 drones, two missiles
4:30 pm IST: The Qatari Defence Ministry said since morning it has intercepted two Iranian missiles and ten drones.
Civilians in South Lebanon told leave houses
4:30 pm IST Israel’s military demanded Lebanese on the southern side to head north of the Litani River. “To ensure your safety, you must evacuate your homes at once and head north beyond the Litani River,” said the army’s spokesperson on X. “Be aware: any movement southward may put your life at risk.”
The Israeli Army has been advancing in several positions in southern Lebanon, where Hezbollah primilarily operates.
Syria closes borders with Lebanon, over 65,000 displaced
4:10 pm IST: Syria has closed its borders with Lebanon after receiving a warning from Israel. It will be opened to Syrians trying to flee Lebanon, according to local media.
Five residential buildings in Beirut, including on a hotel in Hazmieh, were levelled in Israel’s air strikes. The strikes came with prior warning.
According to Lebanese Social Affairs Minister, Haneen Sayed, 65,000 people have been displaced. In an interview with Al Jazeera, Sayed described the situation as “not good.” He said around 10,000 to 20,000 others who are yet not displayed but were “on the road” or sheltering with friends and family. She said the government had declared the military activities of Hezbollah illegal, and that its long-term plan was “establishing the authority of the state on all of its territories”.
The Times of Israel reports that sirens have gone off in several areas of northern Israel near the Lebanon border.
Photographs of 4 American soldiers killed released
3:55 pm IST: The United States has released the images of four American soldiers killed in the ongoing conflict
No to the war: Spain hits back at Trump
3:59 pm IST: Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez criticised the US and Israel’s military actions in Iran, standing firm against fresh trade threats from Washington and warning that the Iran war risked “playing Russian roulette” with millions of lives.
“We are not going to be complicit in something that is bad for the world and is also contrary to our values and interests, just out of fear of reprisals from someone,” Sanchez said in a televised address.
President Donald Trump on Tuesday threatened to end US trade with Spain because of Spain’s refusal to allow the US to use joint military bases in the country in its attacks on Iran. Despite Spain’s refusal, Trump said “We could use their base if we want,” referencing two military bases in southern Spain that the US and Spain share, but which remain under Spanish command. “We could just fly in and use it,” Trump said. “Nobody’s going to tell us not to use it, but we don’t have to.”
Hezbollah attacks military base in Israel
3:34 pm IST: Hezbollah has claimed it targeted an Israeli military base near Israel’s northern city of Safed. Israel yet to respond.
Saudi’s Aramco’s Ras Tanura refinery hit again
3:33 pm IST: Saudi Arabia’s Ras Tanura refinery was hit by a projectile, the second attack in a week, according to two sources cited by Reuters news agency. No damage was reported.
Ras Tanura refinery is the biggest domestic oil refinery operated by Saudi Aramco. On March 1, the refinery was shut down after a fire broke out that officials said was caused by debris from the interception of two drones.
ASEAN expresses serious concern
3:26 pm IST: The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has expressed “serious concern” over the expanding conflict in the Middle East.
In a statement, ASEAN said the US-Israeli attacks on Iran and the latter’s subsequent attacks on Gulf states “heighten tensions in the Middle East and pose a grave threat to the lives and safety of civilians, as well as to regional and global peace and stability”.
ASEAN is made up of Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste and Vietnam.
No intentions to negotiate: Senior Khamenei aide
3:24 pm IST: Mohammad Mokhber, a senior Iranian member and a close aide to the late Ayatollah, said the country has no intentions to negotiate with the US in any form.
Speaking to an Iranian state television, Mokhber said he did not trust the Americans and that Tehran could continue the war “as long as we want.”
Israel targets Khamenei’s son Mojtaba Khamenei, survives: Report
3:20 pm IST: Mojtaba Khamenei, a son of Iran’s late supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Hosseini Khamenei, has survived a US-Israeli attack, according to two Iranian sources cited by Reuters news agency.
Mojtaba is “widely viewed within the regime as a capable and forceful leader and manager who may someday succeed to at least a share of national leadership.”
Akasa Air announces limited flight from Abu Dhabi to India
3:11 pm IST: Akasa Air announced a flight from Abu Dhabi to Mumbai (QP 585 Abu Dhabi – Mumbai), which will take off on March 4 at 4:00 pm local time (5:30 pm IST).
The carrier’s flights to and from Doha, Kuwait, and Riyadh will remain suspended until March 5.
Select flights will be available to and from Jeddah to Ahmedabad and Bengaluru on March 4.
- QP 561 Mumbai – Jeddah I Departure at 7:20 pm local time (9:50 pm IST)
- QP 562 Jeddah – Mumbai I Departure at 11:55 pm local time (02:25 am next day, March 5)
- QP 563 Ahmedabad – Jeddah I Departure at 5:45 pm local time (IST)
- QP 564 Jeddah – Ahmedabad I Departure at 9:50 pm local time (00:20 am IST, next day, March 5)
On March 5
- QP 561 Mumbai – Jeddah I Departure at 7:20 pm local Indian time
- QP 562 Jeddah – Mumbai I Departure at 11:55 pm local time (02:25 am IST, next day – March 6)
- QP 550 Bengaluru – Jeddah I Departure at 6:25 pm local Indian time
- QP 551 Jeddah – Bengaluru I Departure at 11:30 pm (02:00 am IST, next day – March 6)
Iran Judiciary Chief warns of death penalty for backing US-Israeli strikes
2:57 pm IST: Iran’s Judiciary Chief Gholam Hosseini Mohseni Ejehei threatened “those who say or do anything” in support of the US-Israeli airstrike campaign now targeting the Islamic Republic. “Those who say or do anything in line with the will of America and the Zionist regime are on the enemy’s side and must be dealt with on revolutionary, Islamic principles and in accordance with the time of war,” he said, referring to January’s nationwide protests that Iran violently suppressed.
Five killed in Iran’s Isfahan province, 12 in Lebanon
2:52pm IST: Five people have been killed in an Israeli airstrike across Iran’s central Isfahan province, reports the Tasnim news agency. The attacks took place in Najafabad, Fereydan, Mobarakeh, Aran va Bidgol, Kashan and Shahreza. Fifteen residential buildings have been damaged.
Israel also shot down an Iranian jet over Tehran. Iran is yet to respond.
Meanwhile, the death toll in Lebanon has risen to 12. Here are some pictures of the damage caused after the attack
India launches emergency numbers for its citizens in Gulf
2:40 pm IST: The Ministry of External Affairs have set up Control Room for its citizens in Gulf countries. The Control Room will be opened from 9 am to 9 pm at the provided numbers.
- 1800118797 (Toll Free)
- +91 11 2301 2113
- +91 11 2301 4104
- +91 11 2301 7905
Emergency contact numbers for Indian Embassies are now live.
Not part of the conflict: UAE clarifies
2:42 pm IST: UAE clarified it has not participated in the ongoing conflict, nor has it permitted its territory, territorial waters or airspace to be used for any offensive operations against Iran.
In a statement, the UAE Foreign Ministry said that since February 28, it has faced more than 1,000 hostile attacks, successfully intercepted and neutralised. “We would defend the repeated attacks and continue as our right to self-defence under international law,” read the statement.
France fighter jets nullified Iranian drones over UAE
2:17 pm IST: France says its Rafale fighter jets neutralised Iranian drones targeting places in the UAE that host its navy, air force and army personnel. The country’s Foreign Minister, Jean-Noel Barrot said it has bases stationed at the Dhafra base near Abu Dhabi.
Earlier President Macron announced that France was sending its flagship aircraft carrier to the Mediterranean in response to the widening conflict.
Qatar Airways says flights remain suspended
2:02 pm IST: Qatar Airways has announced its flight operations “remain temporarily suspended due to the closure of Qatari airspace.”
“Qatar Airways will resume operations once the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority announces the safe reopening of Qatari airspace,” it said on X.
1:43 pm IST: US Navy Adm. Brad Cooper, the head of US Central Command, said Iran has launched more than 500 ballistic missiles and 2,000 drones so far. He described the American strikes in the opening hours of the campaign as “nearly double the scale” of the initial attacks during the 2003 US-led invasion of Iraq.
“We’ve already struck nearly 2,000 targets, with more than 2,000 munitions. We have severely degraded Iran’s air defences and destroyed hundreds of Iran’s ballistic missiles, launchers and drones,” Cooper said in a prerecorded message shared online Wednesday.
“In simple terms, we are focused on shooting all the things that can shoot at us,” he added.
1:37 pm IST: Israel military said it began a “broad wave of strikes” targeting Tehran’s governmental infrastructure.
1:34 pm IST: Israel’s military reportedly deployed a reserve division back to the Lebanon border in the Western region, after it was withdrawn in May, 2025. It also claimed to have carried out a series of attacks on the Basij and internal security command centers in Tehran.
“The targeted command centers were used by the Iranian regime to maintain control throughout Iran. The IDF also struck the regime’s missile launchers and other systems,” said the IDF in a statement.
IRGC says 17th wave of strikes launched against US, Israel, claims major damage to US bases
1:20 pm IST: Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) announced that it launched a 17th wave of strikes against US and Israeli positions, Press TV reported. According to the IRGC’s Public Relations office, its ground forces deployed over 230 assault drones targeting US bases in the Gulf region.
“Firing dozens of drones in several waves towards the US military bases in Erbil, and Kuwait, and destroying several terrorist groups’ headquarters in northern Iraq, were the first actions of brave soldiers of the IRGC against child-killing aggressors,” said the statement.
IRGC claimed that its retaliatory strikes caused significant damage to a major US base in Bahrain, with command centres reportedly destroyed.
Iran to hold 3-day state funeral for Khamenei
1:10 pm IST: The three-day ceremony to commemorate the late Khamenei will begin in Tehran tonight, as supporters will gather in the prayer hall of the Grand Mosalla at 10 pm, an Iranian news agency reported.
Sri Lanka rescues Iranian sailors off a distressed vessel
Sri Lanka has rescued at least 30 Iranian sailors from a distressed Iranian frigate in the southern waters of the island nation early Wednesday, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath said.
In response to a question raised in parliament, Herath said, “At 5.08 this morning, a message was received by the Sri Lanka Navy and the coastal guard on the sinking ship named ‘Iris Dena’ 40 nautical miles off the southern port district of Galle.”
“At least 30 of them were rescued while 180 of them are said to be on board”, Herath said.
Herath added the Sri Lankan Navy and the Air Force carried out a joint operation but the reason for the sinking had not yet been established.
Any successor to Khamenei will be a target for elimination: Israeli defence minister
1:02 pm IST: The Israeli defence minister, Israel Katz pledged to “eliminate” any Iranian leader to succeed Khamenei.
“Every leader appointed by the Iranian terror regime to continue and lead the plan to destroy Israel, to threaten the United States and the free world and the countries of the region, and to suppress the Iranian people—will be an unequivocal target for elimination. It does not matter what his name is or the place where he hides,” Katz said in a statement.
11-year-old dies due to falling shrapnel in Kuwait
12:29 pm IST: An 11-year-old girl died after sustaining injuries due to a falling shrapnel in a residential area of Kuwait, the Health Ministry stated in a post on X. “Resuscitation efforts were performed in the ambulance while transporting the child to the hospital, and attempts continued upon her arrival at Al-Amiri Hospital for approximately half an hour. However, she passed away due to her injuries.” the Ministry said in its statement.
US asks Non-emergency personnel in Pakistan to leave
12:18 pm IST: Nonemergency personnel working at US consulates in Pakistan’s Karachi and Lahore were asked to leave the country with their families by the US State Department. This comes after atleast 10 people were killed and 60 were injured during a protest outside the US Consulate in Karachi on Sunday in the aftermath of Khamenei’s assassination.
No evidence of Iran building nuclear bomb says IAEA DG
12:06 pm IST: Director General of International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Mariano Grossi said that while there has been was no evidence of Iran building a nuclear bomb, its large stockpile of near-weapons grade enriched uranium and refusal to grant IAEA’s inspectors full access are cause for serious concern.
“Unless and until Iran assists the @IAEAorg in resolving the outstanding safeguards issues, the Agency will not be in a position to provide assurance that Iran’s nuclear programme is exclusively peaceful.” Grossi said in a post on x.
Iran launches 40 missiles against US-Israel targets
11:59 am IST: Iran has launched over 40 missiles in the 17th wave of strikes against US and Israeli targets, Al Jazeera reported.
SpiceJet to operate eight flights from Fujairah in UAE
11:51 am IST: SpiceJet will operate eight special flights from Fujairah in the UAE on Wednesday to bring passengers who are stranded due to the Middle East crisis.
In a statement on Wednesday, the airline said it would operate four services to Delhi, three to Mumbai and one to Kochi from Fujairah.
On Tuesday, the carrier operated four special flights from Fujairah to Delhi, Mumbai and Kochi.
Drone shot down near Baghdad’s international airport
11:44 am IST: A drone was shot down near Baghdad’s international airport with no casualties or material damage reported, security sources told AFP. Similar attack drone attack was foiled the previous day.
The airport houses a military base that hosts a US diplomatic facility and previously housed US-led coalition troops.
Oil tanker sails through Strait of Hormuz in rare voyage
11:35 am IST: An oil tanker sailed through the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday, heading towards a United Araba Emirates port to load crude oil, Reuters reported. The tanker switched off its AIS tracker late on March 2 while approaching the Strait, and re-appeared on March 3 off Abu Dhabi.
IRGC claims ‘complete control’ over Strait of Hormuz
11:10 am IST: Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said they have “complete control” of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route for oil and gas, and any vessels seeking to pass through the waterway risk damage from missiles or stray drones AFP reported. US President Donald Trump had earlier said that the US Navy was ready to escort ships through the route.
Residential areas in Lebanon targeted, 10 killed
11:00 am IST: Explosions also hit Lebanon, where Israel said it is retaliating against Hezbollah militants. At least 10 people have been killed in attacks on residential buildings in Baalbek, Aramoun and Sadiyath.
US says it struck 2,000 targets across Iran since Feb 28
10:58 am IST: The US has said that it has struck nearly 2,000 targets across Iran since Saturday and has destroyed 17 Iranian ships, including a submarine.
Fire breaks out at US Consulate in Dubai after drone attack
10:10 am IST: The US Consulate in Dubai was reportedly struck by a drone on Tuesday, March 3, amid the US-Israel-Iran tensions. The fire was contained in a few hours and no injuries were reported from the incident, authorities confirmed.
“Dubai authorities have confirmed that a fire resulting from a drone-related incident near the US Consulate has been successfully contained. Emergency teams responded immediately. No injuries have been reported.” the Dubai Media office stated in a post on X.
Wall Street Journal reported that drone had struck the parking lot of the Consulate, quoting a US official.
The United Arab Emirates‘ Ministry of Defense on Tuesday said they had detected 186 ballistic missiles and intercepted 172, while 13 were impacted in the sea and one impacted within state territory. Additionally, 8 cruise missiles were detected and intercepted.
Meanwhile, 755 of the 812 detected Unmanned Aerial Vehicles were intercepted and 57 impacted within the state territory.
The US Embassy in Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh was also hit by two drones earlier on Tuesday, causing minor damage to the compound, Al Jazeera reported.
