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By Amanda Castro, Ellie Cook, Shane Croucher, John Feng, and Anna Commander

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The conflict in Iran widened again on Thursday as Israeli evacuation orders sent residents scrambling in Beirut, European governments rushed additional military assets into the Middle East, and global markets braced for further instability.

Six days into the U.S.–Israeli bombing campaign, the war is spilling rapidly across borders, reshaping regional politics and alarming world leaders. President Trump has also made the most direct call yet to shape Iran’s political future, declaring that the United States should have a say in choosing the country’s next leader and rejecting Mojtaba Khamenei as “unacceptable.”

In an interview with NBC News, the president said that he has a few names in mind for a "good leader" for Iran.

Read Newsweek's Iran Daily Briefing.

What To Know

• Israel ordered civilians to leave Hezbollah‑controlled southern Beirut, heightening fears of a major assault on Lebanon’s capital.
• Hezbollah’s weakened position after two years of fighting has emboldened the civilian government, deepening political fractures as the threat of Israeli strikes grows.
• Britain is sending four fighter jets to Qatar and counter‑drone helicopters to Cyprus; Italy is dispatching air‑defense support to Gulf states hit hardest by Iranian retaliation.
• Azerbaijan reported two Iranian drones landing in Nakhchivan; Iran denied responsibility and accused Israel of staging the incident.
• Ankara said NATO systems intercepted an Iranian missile headed toward its airspace; Iran rejected the claim.
• Energy and financial markets remain volatile as the conflict spreads beyond the Middle East.
• Top diplomat Kaja Kallas accused Iran of trying to expand the war and said EU ministers are discussing drone‑interceptor cooperation with Gulf states.
• Iran accused the U.S. of an “atrocity at sea” after a Navy submarine torpedoed an Iranian frigate near Sri Lanka, killing dozens.
• U.S. forces say they are destroying Iran’s mobile missile launchers; Iran continues targeting Kurdish groups it labels terrorists.
• Iran reports hundreds killed, including 175 children and teachers in a school bombing; Lebanon’s health ministry says at least 77 people have died there.
• Six U.S. service members have died in the conflict, with the Pentagon identifying additional casualties.
• The war is delaying peace talks with Russia and raising concerns in Kyiv about reduced Western military support.
• Civilian death toll has reached 1,114, according to the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency.
• U.S. military preparing deeper strikes into Iran to establish uncontested airspace with Israel.
• U.S. Senate blocked an effort to halt the war and require congressional authorization.
• Iran’s foreign minister says the U.S. will “bitterly regret” sinking the IRIS Dena near Sri Lanka, which killed at least 87 sailors.

This live blog is now closed.

Mar 05, 2026 at 11:08 PM EST

Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell says, "We have only just begun to fight."

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Mar 05, 2026 at 10:42 PM EST

Trump has “some people” in mind for new Iranian leadership

In an interview with NBC News, the president said that he has a few names in mind for a "good leader" for Iran.

"We want to go in and clean out everything," Trump told the outlet. "We don’t want someone who would rebuild over a 10-year period.

“We want them to have a good leader. We have some people who I think would do a good job,” he added without naming anyone.

Trump said that the people on his list are being watched to make sure they make it out of the war alive, NBC News reports.

"We are watching them, yeah," Trump said.

Mar 05, 2026 at 10:11 PM EST

State Department says first charter flight of Americans lands

In a post to X on Thursday, the State Department said that the first charter flight of Americans from the Middle East landed.

"Today, the first State Department charter flight of Americans from the Middle East arrived back in the U.S. Departure Assistance Information: http://mytravel.state.gov/s/crisis-intake State Department Contact: +1-202-501-4444," the post read.

Mar 05, 2026 at 10:00 PM EST

“Broad wave of strikes” against Tehran underway: IDF

The IDF said that it has initiated a "Wave of Strikes" on infrastructure in Tehran.

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Mar 05, 2026 at 09:30 PM EST

Israel carries out at least 11 airstrikes in Beirut

Israel has carried out at least 11 airstrikes overnight, targeting southern suburbs in Beirut, the AP reports.

Mar 05, 2026 at 09:11 PM EST

Hezbollah warns Israelis to evacuate near border

Israelis in northern settlements have been warned by Hezbollah to evacuate within 5 km of the border, the AP reports.

Hezbollah said in a post in Hebrew that the warning comes amid Israel's “aggression against Lebanese sovereignty and civilians” while promising a response, according to the AP.

Mar 05, 2026 at 08:59 PM EST

Video shows US military strike Iranian drone carrier

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Mar 05, 2026 at 08:45 PM EST

Iowa congressman says dignified transfer of fallen US soldiers happening Saturday

Congressman Zach Nunn said that the dignified transfer at Dover Air Force Base will take place on Saturday.

In a post to X on Thursday Nunn said: "My focus, as a combat veteran, dad, and Member of Congress is mission first: prioritizing Iowa service members forward deployed, supporting families on the homefront, and helping American citizens in harm's way get to safety. "

"Over the past several days, we've worked relentlessly alongside the 103rd Sustainment Command, CENTCOM, the Secretary of War, and the Joint Chiefs to get our WIA out of the theater and expedite notification for kin for our fallen soldiers. This Saturday, I will attend the dignified transfer at Dover Air Force Base to honor the brave Americans who were killed in action and stand with their families during this solemn moment."

Nunn later added, "Our prayers are with the families and our action is with our troops on the frontlines."

On Wednesday, the Pentagon released the final two names of the U.S. soldiers killed by a drone strike in Kuwait during the Iran war.

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According to the Associated Press, the soldiers have been identified as Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert Marzan, 54, of Sacramento, California, and Major Jeffrey O’Brien, 45, of Indianola, Iowa.

The other four U.S. troops killed in the attack were previously identified as:

Captain Cody A. Khork, 35, of Winter Haven, Florida

Sergeant 1st Class Noah L. Tietjens, 42, of Bellevue, Nebraska

Sergeant 1st Class Nicole M. Amor, 39, of White Bear Lake, Minnesota

Specialist Declan J. Coady, 20, of West Des Moines, Iowa

Officials said Marzan was believed to have died at the scene on Sunday but confirmation by a medical examiner is pending.

Mar 05, 2026 at 08:35 PM EST

Iran’s Araghchi says Tehran sees ‘no reason’ for talks, warns it is ready for U.S. ground fight

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in an interview with NBC Nightly News that Tehran has not requested a cease-fire and has no intention of returning to negotiations, insisting the country is prepared to confront a potential U.S. ground invasion if the conflict expands.

He said Iran sees “no reason” to come to the table after last week’s nuclear discussions in Oman collapsed when the U.S.–Israeli military campaign began.

Araghchi also noted that he has had no communication with President Donald Trump’s envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, since the talks were interrupted.

Mar 05, 2026 at 08:23 PM EST

Israel carries out overnight attacks in Lebanon

The Associated Press reports that Israel has carried out strikes in Beirut, targeting southern suburbs as well as other areas in eastern and southern portions of the country.

Residents in the densely populated areas were warned to evacuate by the Israeli Army, the AP notes.

There has been no immediate report of casualties.

Mar 05, 2026 at 08:22 PM EST

WATCH: Veteran injured while being removed from Senate during Iran War protest

Mar 05, 2026 at 08:08 PM EST

UNRWA chief warns Lebanon violence is forcing thousands to flee again

The head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees warned Thursday that escalating clashes in southern Lebanon are driving yet another wave of displacement, adding new pressure to communities already strained by months of unrest. Philippe Lazzarini, UNRWA’s commissioner‑general, said “spiraling violence” is pushing thousands from their homes as fighting intensifies along the border.

Lazzarini said UNRWA has opened emergency shelters and is coordinating with Lebanese authorities and civil society groups to support those fleeing, including Palestinian refugees, Lebanese families, and Syrians caught in the crossfire. He described the situation as a widening humanitarian crisis, with civilians once again forced to seek safety amid a conflict that shows no sign of easing.

Mar 05, 2026 at 07:54 PM EST

Erdogan warns Macron that prolonged Iran war could destabilize region and beyond

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan cautioned French President Emmanuel Macron in a phone call Thursday that an extended conflict in Iran risks destabilizing not only the Middle East but the wider international system.

According to the Turkish presidency, Erdogan stressed that the fallout from continued fighting would reverberate far beyond the region, affecting global security and economic stability.

Ankara is working “intensively” to push all sides back toward negotiations, Erdogan said, framing diplomacy as the only path to preventing a deeper crisis.

Mar 05, 2026 at 07:41 PM EST

Trump escalates criticism of Spain, calls country ‘hostile to NATO’ in new interview

Trump intensified his criticism of Spain on Thursday, telling The New York Post that he views the country as a “loser” and “very hostile to NATO,” while also expressing renewed frustration with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Trump argued that Spain has failed to meet NATO defense‑spending commitments and said the United States should not “be a team player with Spain either.”

His remarks come days after he threatened a trade embargo against Madrid over its refusal to allow U.S. forces to use Spanish bases for operations connected to the war in Iran. The White House attempted to ease tensions on Wednesday, with press secretary Karoline Leavitt claiming Spain had since agreed to cooperate with the U.S. military mission. Spanish officials immediately rejected that characterization.

Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares said in a radio interview that “our position has not changed,” reiterating that Spain would not support military actions outside the bounds of international law. The exchange underscores a widening rift between Washington and Madrid at a moment when European governments are already divided over the scope of the U.S.–Israeli campaign in Iran.

Mar 05, 2026 at 07:28 PM EST

Iranians continue crossing into Turkey as war drives unease at home

A steady flow of Iranians moved across the border into Turkey on Thursday after crossings were briefly suspended the day before, reflecting growing anxiety as the conflict in Iran deepens. Witnesses have described similar scenes in recent days, with hundreds entering Turkey at the Kapikoy gate as the U.S.–Israeli campaign expands and fear spreads in cities like Tehran.

Many of those arriving already had ties to Turkey. Elyar Akbari, a 22‑year‑old student from Tabriz who studies in Izmir, said he cut short a visit home but does not expect a mass exodus. “Only students or people who already work in Turkey will come for now,” he said. Others were shuttling family members to safety. Kadir Ozel, a Turkish citizen living in Tabriz, crossed the border to leave his children with relatives in Ankara before returning to Iran for work.

Some, like Fariba, who asked to use only her first name for security reasons, crossed to wait out the war with family already in Turkey. She said neighbors who lacked the money to travel remained trapped and frightened at home.

Mar 05, 2026 at 07:14 PM EST

EU’s Kaja Kallas says Middle East war stems from collapse of international law

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas warned in a speech in Zurich that the widening war in the Middle East is a direct consequence of the steady erosion of international law, arguing that major powers acting unilaterally have weakened the global system meant to prevent such crises. Speaking at the University of Zurich, she said the international order has been undermined by states “acting unilaterally,” pointing most sharply at Russia but also criticizing China and the United States for contributing to the breakdown.

Kallas said Russia’s invasion of Ukraine marked a turning point, emboldening other actors to operate with fewer constraints and encouraging a broader disregard for legal norms. She argued that this permissive environment has helped fuel the current turmoil across the Middle East, where the conflict has rapidly expanded and drawn in multiple regional and global powers.

Mar 05, 2026 at 07:00 PM EST

Sri Lanka moves Iranian crew to safety after U.S. submarine strike

Sri Lanka has evacuated 208 crew members from an Iranian naval vessel following the U.S. submarine strike that sank another Iranian frigate off the island’s coast. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said the sailors were brought ashore on Thursday as a precaution amid fears that the second ship could also be targeted.

The Sri Lankan navy will assume control of the vessel and relocate it to the northeastern port of Trincomalee, a more secure harbor than Colombo, to prevent it from becoming embroiled in further attacks. The move comes one day after the U.S. strike on the IRIS Dena, which killed dozens of Iranian sailors and escalated tensions in the Indian Ocean region.

Mar 05, 2026 at 06:47 PM EST

Sam Asghari says Iranians are ‘witnessing hope’ amid war, voices support for Reza Pahlavi

Iranian‑American actor and producer Sam Asghari spoke with CNN’s Sara Sidner on Thursday, describing a mix of anguish and hope as the conflict in Iran intensifies. Asghari, who was born in Tehran and still has family in the country, said the past week has been “absolutely brutal” for people on the ground but also represents a moment many Iranians have been “waiting for…for 47 years.”

Asghari said he has been in touch with relatives and friends in Iran as U.S. and Israeli strikes continue, calling the situation devastating but arguing that many Iranians see the current crisis as the only path toward political change. He described years of repression under the Islamic Republic and said Iranians inside and outside the country have long demanded basic rights that were met with violence.

He also voiced strong support for Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran’s last shah, saying his name has gained momentum among Iranians in recent months. Asghari described Pahlavi as a unifying figure and said he believes the U.S. administration should “look seriously into” backing him as a potential future leader. He cited personal meetings with Pahlavi and growing enthusiasm within the diaspora.

Asghari reflected on recent protests in the United States, where thousands of Iranian Americans rallied after the death of Iran’s supreme leader. He said the demonstrations were an effort to amplify the voices of Iranians who faced internet shutdowns and violent crackdowns at home.

Mar 05, 2026 at 06:33 PM EST

Sri Lanka takes Iranian naval crew into custody after U.S. torpedo strike

Sri Lankan President Anura Dissanayake said Thursday that his government had taken custody of the crew of a second Iranian naval vessel after the United States torpedoed an Iranian frigate off Sri Lanka’s coast a day earlier. The request came from the IRINS Bushehr, which asked permission to dock at a Sri Lankan port following the attack that destroyed the IRIS Dena and killed dozens of sailors.

According to Dissanayake, Sri Lankan officials decided to bring all 208 personnel from the Bushehr — including officers, cadets, and sailors — to Colombo for processing, while the ship itself was diverted to the eastern port of Trincomalee rather than Colombo, one of the region’s busiest commercial hubs. The move came as Sri Lanka weighed its response to Iran’s request for safe harbor amid heightened regional tensions.

The sinking of the Dena marked the first time since World War II that a U.S. submarine had destroyed an enemy vessel with a torpedo, a strike that has widened the conflict into the Indian Ocean and placed Sri Lanka in the middle of a fast‑moving geopolitical crisis.

Mar 05, 2026 at 06:20 PM EST

Oil prices hit highest level since early 2025 as market turmoil deepens

U.S. oil prices surged Thursday to their highest point since just before President Donald Trump’s second term began, adding new pressure to consumers and rattling financial markets already on edge. By late morning, U.S. crude was up 5.6% to $78.80 a barrel, after briefly touching $78.98, surpassing the previous highs reached during the current Middle East crisis. The last time oil traded this high was January 16, 2025, in the final days of the Biden administration.

The jump is already feeding through to consumers. Gasoline prices in the United States have climbed to 11‑month highs, a trend analysts expect to continue if crude remains elevated. Rising energy costs are also weighing heavily on Wall Street: the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell about 650 points, or roughly 1.3%, as investors reacted to the latest spike and braced for broader economic fallout.

Mar 05, 2026 at 06:06 PM EST

U.S. Embassy in Pakistan warns of possible unrest, restricts staff movement

The U.S. Embassy in Pakistan issued a security alert Thursday, warning of potential protests on Friday and imposing nationwide movement restrictions on its personnel.

The advisory did not specify what might trigger the demonstrations, but it follows days of violent unrest in Karachi and other cities, where crowds supportive of Iran attempted to storm a U.S. consulate.

Those clashes left 22 people dead, heightening concerns about further instability.

Mar 05, 2026 at 05:56 PM EST

Trump blasts Tucker Carlson for calling Iran war ‘disgusting and evil’

Trump sharply criticized Tucker Carlson on Thursday after the conservative commentator denounced the Iran war as “absolutely disgusting and evil.” In a conversation afterward, Trump said Carlson “has lost his way” and no longer represents the movement the former president claims as his political base.

“MAGA is saving our country. MAGA is making our country great again. MAGA is America First, and Tucker is none of those things,” Trump said, adding that Carlson is “not smart enough to understand that.”

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Mar 05, 2026 at 05:54 PM EST

Trump dismisses postwar concerns, says Iran is ‘decimated’ for a decade

Trump, in a late‑day phone interview, boasted about the scale and speed of the U.S. military campaign in Iran and brushed aside questions about what comes after the strikes. He repeatedly asked ABC News correspondent Jonathan Karl whether he was “impressed” by the operation, comparing its success to previous U.S. actions and calling the current campaign “even better.”

When Karl pressed him on concerns about the aftermath, Trump rejected the premise outright. “Forget about next,” he said, insisting Iran had been so thoroughly damaged that it would be “decimated for a 10‑year period before they could build it back.”

Mar 05, 2026 at 05:52 PM EST

Iran-aligned seedworm hackers breach multiple U.S. networks as regional conflict escalates

A wave of cyber activity linked to the Iranian threat group Seedworm has been detected across several U.S. organizations since early February, placing critical sectors on alert as the conflict between Iran, the United States, and Israel intensifies. Investigators say the group has maintained access to networks belonging to a U.S. bank, an airport, a Canadian nonprofit, and the Israeli branch of a U.S. software company, where analysts uncovered a previously unknown backdoor dubbed Dindoor. The same malware was also found inside the U.S. bank and Canadian nonprofit, suggesting coordinated targeting across multiple industries.

Seedworm—also known as MuddyWater—has long been tied to Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence and Security and typically conducts espionage operations. But its presence inside U.S. and Israeli networks before the latest military escalation puts the group in a position to launch more disruptive attacks. Analysts also identified a second backdoor, Fakeset, on the networks of the U.S. airport and nonprofit, signed with certificates previously used in Seedworm-linked malware. Attempts to exfiltrate data using Rclone to cloud storage were also observed, though it remains unclear whether the effort succeeded.

The activity comes as Iran and its allies face heightened tensions following U.S. and Israeli strikes that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Western cybersecurity agencies warn that Iranian state actors and affiliated hacktivist groups retain the capability to conduct destructive attacks, even amid disruptions to Iran’s domestic internet infrastructure. Groups such as Handala have already claimed breaches of Israeli and Gulf energy networks, while other Iranian-linked actors have recently targeted academics, NGOs, and government entities with spear‑phishing and credential‑harvesting campaigns.

Security researchers say organizations in the U.S., Israel, and allied countries should prepare for a mix of high‑visibility disruptions—such as DDoS attacks, defacements, and leak campaigns—and quieter intrusions aimed at establishing long‑term access. Critical infrastructure operators, defense contractors, transportation hubs, and energy providers are considered especially vulnerable as Iranian groups historically deploy wipers and other destructive tools during periods of geopolitical escalation.

Mar 05, 2026 at 05:48 PM EST

Israeli strikes level buildings in Beirut’s southern suburbs

A series of powerful Israeli airstrikes slammed into the southern suburbs of Beirut just after midnight Friday, marking the most intense bombardment since a 2024 cease-fire halted large‑scale fighting between Israel and Hezbollah. Explosions echoed across the capital as three buildings collapsed, sending debris through densely packed streets and jolting residents awake.

The strikes hit Dahiya, a commercial and residential district long considered a Hezbollah stronghold. Israel had warned earlier in the day that it would target the area, urging residents to flee immediately — an order that triggered gridlock and widespread panic as families attempted to escape.

By nightfall, hundreds of displaced people with nowhere left to go were sleeping on sidewalks in downtown Beirut, some gathering around small fires for warmth as new waves of explosions lit up the sky. The bombardment added to a growing humanitarian crisis across Lebanon, where mass displacement has surged amid escalating Israeli operations.

Mar 05, 2026 at 05:42 PM EST

U.S. says it has hit Iran’s space-linked military command

Adm. Brad Cooper, the head of U.S. Central Command, said Thursday that American forces have struck what he described as Iran’s equivalent of a Space Command.

Mar 05, 2026 at 05:39 PM EST

Donald Trump’s military actions compared to Barack Obama and Joe Biden

President Donald Trump returned to the White House in 2025 after promising to end U.S. involvement in “endless wars.” But just over a year into his second term, the United States has launched several major military operations abroad, raising questions about that pledge.

The latest came on February 28, when U.S. forces joined Israel in large-scale strikes against Iran, targeting sites linked to the country’s leadership and military infrastructure. The Trump administration has warned the campaign could expand further, with officials describing the initial strikes as “only the beginning.”

The escalation in Iran joins a series of military actions carried out by the United States during Trump’s second term, including operations in Venezuela, Nigeria, Somalia and Yemen.

Below is an overview of major military actions carried out during the presidencies of Donald Trump, Joe Biden, and Barack Obama.

Read more here.

Mar 05, 2026 at 05:36 PM EST

Hegseth rejects concerns over U.S. Munitions Supply in Iran war

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Thursday that the United States has ample weaponry to sustain its military campaign in Iran, pushing back on speculation that stockpiles were being depleted. Speaking at U.S. Central Command headquarters in Tampa, he said there is “no shortage of munitions,” describing both defensive and offensive reserves as strong enough to support operations “as long as we need to.”

Mar 05, 2026 at 05:27 PM EST

Trump’s Iran war approval outpaces disapproval in new Trafalgar poll

A new survey from the conservative‑leaning Trafalgar Group shows President Donald Trump receiving more support than opposition for his handling of the war with Iran, with 53.9% of likely voters approving of Operation Epic Fury and 40.6% disapproving. The findings land as U.S. and Israeli strikes in Iran have produced a rapidly rising death toll, with Iranian authorities reporting more than 1,200 fatalities since the operation began on February 28.

The conflict has widened across the region, with Israeli strikes on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon and Iranian missiles and drones reaching U.S. bases and prompting alerts in several Gulf states. The U.S. military has confirmed the deaths of six Americans, and embassies across the Middle East continue urging citizens to leave immediately as airspace closures and security risks intensify.

The Trafalgar poll also measured Trump’s overall job performance, finding 49.5% approval and 48% disapproval among respondents. Other surveys released this week paint a more divided picture: a Fox News poll reported that a majority of voters believe the United States is now less safe under Trump’s Iran strategy, while an OnMessage poll summarized by Politico’s Playbook showed support and opposition to the strikes essentially tied at 49% to 48%. A CNN/SSRS survey found 59% of Americans disapprove of taking military action in Iran and oppose sending ground troops.

Mar 05, 2026 at 05:26 PM EST

CENTCOM says Iran’s missile and drone attacks have plummeted

U.S. Central Command chief Adm. Brad Cooper said Thursday that Iran’s ability to strike has sharply deteriorated since the war began, citing steep drops in both missile and drone launches. According to Cooper, Iranian ballistic missile attacks are down 90 percent, drone attacks have fallen 83 percent, and more than 30 Iranian navy vessels have been sunk during the fighting.

Mar 05, 2026 at 05:20 PM EST

CENTCOM chief says U.S. strength growing as Iran’s capabilities erode

Adm. Brad Cooper, who oversees U.S. Central Command, said Thursday that American forces are gaining momentum in the war with Iran, declaring that “U.S. combat power is building as Iranian combat power declines.”

His assessment reflects the Pentagon’s view that sustained strikes have weakened Iran’s ability to launch and coordinate attacks, even as fighting continues across multiple fronts.

Mar 05, 2026 at 05:19 PM EST

Israel reports new Iranian missile barrage as residents sent to shelters

Iranian state media said late Thursday that a fresh wave of missiles was being launched toward Israel, prompting immediate shelter orders across parts of the country. Israeli authorities directed residents in affected areas to move into protected spaces as air‑defense systems engaged the incoming fire.

Just before midnight, the Israeli military said search‑and‑rescue teams were operating at several sites where projectiles were believed to have fallen. Officials later announced that people could leave shelters, though crews continued responding to impact reports across the country.

Mar 05, 2026 at 05:13 PM EST

Mass flight cancellations sweep Middle East as conflict disrupts air travel

Nearly 25,000 flights scheduled to operate in and out of the Middle East between Saturday and Thursday have been canceled, according to new data from aviation analytics firm Cirium. The figure represents more than half of the roughly 44,000 planned flights, underscoring the scale of the aviation shutdown triggered by the widening regional conflict.

FlightAware reported an additional 2,050 cancellations worldwide as of late Thursday morning, following more than 2,600 cancellations on Wednesday, as ripple effects spread far beyond the region’s borders. Dubai International Airport—one of the world’s busiest hubs—continued to experience the most severe disruptions, with hundreds of departures and arrivals scrubbed as airlines rerouted or grounded aircraft.

The closures stem from extensive airspace restrictions across the Middle East after U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran and subsequent Iranian retaliation. Major carriers have suspended service to multiple Gulf and Levant destinations, and aviation authorities warn that instability could continue to affect schedules for days.

Mar 05, 2026 at 05:06 PM EST

Hegseth makes first CENTCOM visit since start of Iran war

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth traveled to U.S. Central Command headquarters in Tampa on Thursday, his first visit there since the war with Iran began last weekend.

He received operational briefings on the expanding conflict and is set to appear alongside CENTCOM commander Adm. Brad Cooper for a news conference scheduled for late afternoon.

Mar 05, 2026 at 04:52 PM EST

House rejects measure to pull U.S. forces from Iran hostilities

The House on Thursday voted down a resolution directing President Trump to withdraw U.S. forces from what lawmakers described as unauthorized hostilities in Iran.

The measure, H.Con.Res. 38, failed on a 212–219 vote after a brief but closely watched floor debate.

Mar 05, 2026 at 04:49 PM EST

WHO halts operations at Dubai emergency hub amid escalating regional conflict

The World Health Organization has suspended all activity at its global emergency logistics hub in Dubai as the Middle East conflict disrupts airspace and threatens the safety of humanitarian operations. WHO Director‑General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the facility is “currently on hold due to insecurity,” underscoring how the war’s impact is now spilling into global health supply chains.

The Dubai hub is one of the WHO’s most important distribution centers, processing more than 500 emergency orders for 75 countries last year, according to Hanan Balkhy, the agency’s regional director for the Eastern Mediterranean. She warned that humanitarian health supply lines are now at risk as the conflict intensifies.

WHO officials say the suspension is driven by airspace closures, security threats, and restrictions on access to the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route. Medical supplies worth roughly $18 million are currently stranded at the site, with another $8 million in goods unable to reach the hub by sea.

Mar 05, 2026 at 04:36 PM EST

Rutte backs Trump’s Iran strikes but says NATO won’t join the fight

NATO Secretary‑General Mark Rutte offered strong support for President Donald Trump’s decision to strike Iranian targets, while firmly rejecting any suggestion that the alliance itself would take part in the widening conflict. In a video interview published Thursday, Rutte said the U.S. objective of dismantling Iran’s ballistic‑missile program was essential to regional security, adding that NATO “supports the president in taking out that capability.”

Rutte argued that Iran must never again be able to threaten its neighbors or Europe, framing the U.S. campaign as a necessary response to what he called Tehran’s export of instability. His comments came a day after Turkey reported that NATO air‑defense systems intercepted an Iranian missile headed toward its airspace—an incident Iran denies. Rutte called the interception “serious” and said it demonstrated NATO’s “360‑degree approach” to defending allied territory.

Despite his praise for Washington, Rutte stressed that NATO is not a participant in the war, drawing a clear line between political support and military involvement. He said individual allies were providing “key enabling support” to the United States, but insisted the alliance itself was not engaged in combat operations. At the same time, he emphasized that U.S. power projection depends heavily on European partners, saying the United States “would have found it very difficult” to act alone.

Mar 05, 2026 at 04:25 PM EST

Lebanon death toll rises as Israel strikes Beirut suburbs

Lebanon’s health ministry says 123 people have been killed and 683 wounded since fighting between Israel and Hezbollah sharply escalated on Monday. Officials did not clarify how many of the casualties were civilians, though earlier updates confirmed that seven children were among the dead.

The latest surge in violence came Thursday evening, when Israel struck Beirut’s southern suburbs shortly after ordering residents to evacuate “immediately.” The warning triggered a mass flight from the densely populated area as families rushed to find shelter.

Two hospitals in the district evacuated patients and staff ahead of the expected bombardment.

Mar 05, 2026 at 04:23 PM EST

Iran denies closing Strait of Hormuz, accuses U.S. of illegal naval attack

Iran’s mission to the United Nations rejected claims that Tehran shut down the Strait of Hormuz, calling the allegation “baseless and absurd” in a statement posted on X. The denial came after Iranian state media reported earlier in the week that the vital waterway was closed and that Iranian forces would fire on any ship attempting to pass.

In its message, Iran’s UN mission insisted the country remains committed to international law and the principle of freedom of navigation. It argued instead that the United States is responsible for destabilizing maritime security in the region.

Tehran also accused Washington of sinking the Iranian frigate Dena in international waters while the vessel was on a visit to India with 130 sailors aboard. Iranian officials say more than 100 crew members were killed in the attack, which they claim violated international law and the long‑standing protections afforded to naval vessels operating peacefully.

Mar 05, 2026 at 04:10 PM EST

State Department says 20,000 Americans have returned home amid Iran conflict

The U.S. State Department says roughly 20,000 American citizens have made it back to the United States since Washington and Israel began launching strikes on Iran on February 28. Many others have evacuated to third countries or are still en route, though officials have not provided specific numbers for those groups.

The department says it is expanding its network of charter flights and ground transportation, describing evacuation operations as an ongoing effort that will “continue to ramp up” as regional airspace remains volatile. U.S. officials have been coordinating departures from multiple Middle Eastern countries, where commercial flights have been disrupted or canceled due to the widening conflict.

The push to accelerate evacuations comes just days after the State Department urged Americans to leave more than a dozen countries across the region. That advisory has drawn criticism from stranded travelers and lawmakers who say the government has offered inconsistent guidance and limited clarity on what assistance is actually available.

Mar 05, 2026 at 04:04 PM EST

Israel says it is intercepting new missiles fired from Iran

The Israeli military reported that it detected a fresh round of missiles launched from Iran toward Israeli territory, prompting air‑defense systems to activate. In a brief statement, the army said it identified the incoming fire “a short while ago” and that defensive batteries were working to intercept the threat.

Mar 05, 2026 at 03:56 PM EST

Us–Israeli strikes kill more than 1,200 in Iran, state media says: What we know

Iran’s state-affiliated Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) says at least 1,230 people have been killed across the country since Saturday as U.S. and Israeli attacks intensified, surpassing the 1,190 deaths reported during a similar wave of strikes last June. The mounting toll comes amid growing international criticism of what analysts and several world leaders describe as a legally shaky military campaign.

Iranian officials say the latest barrage has struck “dozens of civilian centers”, including residential neighborhoods, hospitals, schools, and cultural landmarks stretching from Tehran to Minab. Foreign ministry spokesperson Ismaeil Baghai told IRNA that a “large number of civilian areas have been targeted” over the past five days.

• In Tehran, a children’s park and the UNESCO-listed Golestan Palace were damaged, according to IRNA.
• Gandhi Hospital in the capital was also hit earlier in the week.
• In Fars province, at least 35 people were killed in new strikes.
• In Maragheh, in the northwest, 27 civilians died in attacks on residential areas.
• A densely populated housing complex in Sanandaj was struck on Wednesday.

The single most lethal attack occurred Saturday in Minab, where at least 168 schoolgirls and 14 teachers were killed when a girls’ elementary school was hit, according to Iranian state media. The White House has not ruled out U.S. involvement in the strike but maintains that the United States “does not target civilians.”

Iran’s retaliatory strikes on neighboring countries have also killed dozens, including children, according to local authorities, widening the humanitarian impact of the conflict. The escalating civilian toll on both sides has intensified calls for an immediate halt to the attacks and a reassessment of the legal basis for the U.S.–Israeli campaign.

Mar 05, 2026 at 03:40 PM EST

Iran’s women’s team shifts from silence to singing amid wartime pressure

Iran’s women’s football team sang and saluted the national anthem before their Asian Cup match against Australia, reversing the silent stance they took earlier in the tournament as the conflict back home intensifies. Their opening match against South Korea had drawn global attention after the players stood in silence, a gesture widely interpreted as either quiet defiance or mourning as Iran faces sustained U.S. and Israeli attacks.

At Robina Stadium, the team sang “Mehr-e Khavaran” in heavy rain while sections of the crowd booed. Players and staff held salutes or placed hands over their hearts, a stark contrast to the stoic, unspeaking lineup seen days earlier.

Several players have spoken openly about the emotional strain of competing thousands of miles from home while their families remain under bombardment. In a press conference before the Australia match, striker Sara Didar grew visibly emotional as she described the difficulty of focusing on football amid fear and uncertainty.

Mar 05, 2026 at 03:26 PM EST

Iran says thousands of civilian sites damaged in U.S.–Israeli strikes

Iran’s Red Crescent says more than 3,600 civilian sites have been damaged since the start of U.S. and Israeli attacks, a level of destruction the organization has reported to international bodies for potential legal action. According to figures cited by the Iranian government, the aid group documented 3,643 affected locations, including 3,090 homes, 528 commercial centers, 13 medical facilities, and nine Red Crescent sites.

Officials said several major hospitals — including Khatam Hospital, Gandhi Hospital, and multiple rehabilitation and welfare centers — sustained damage when nearby structures collapsed during strikes. Some facilities, such as Valiasr Burn Hospital, were reportedly forced out of service.

Iranian authorities say patients were injured in the chaos as buildings shook or partially caved in, adding to concerns about the country’s already strained medical system. The Red Crescent said it has submitted documentation of the damage to the International Committee of the Red Cross and other international organizations as it weighs possible legal avenues.

Mar 05, 2026 at 03:21 PM EST

U.S. Embassy launches bus evacuation route for Americans leaving Israel

The U.S. Embassy in Israel has begun offering a bus service to help American citizens reach the Egyptian border as departure options inside the country remain severely limited.

The buses, announced publicly on Thursday, will depart from Jerusalem and Tel Aviv and transport U.S. nationals to the Taba crossing—currently the most reliable exit point as the war continues to disrupt commercial travel.

Mar 05, 2026 at 03:12 PM EST

U.S. oil prices surge as Iran shuts down Strait of Hormuz

U.S. oil prices spiked sharply as the conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran intensified, raising fears of a major supply shock. West Texas Intermediate jumped more than five percent to $78.88 per barrel, its highest level since January of last year, while international benchmark Brent crude climbed 3.6 percent to $84.34.

The surge reflects mounting anxiety after Iran effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow passageway that carries roughly one‑fifth of the world’s traded oil and large volumes of liquefied natural gas from Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. About 20 million barrels of oil a day move through the corridor, making it the most critical chokepoint in the global energy system.

Mar 05, 2026 at 03:07 PM EST

Europol says Middle East conflict is raising terror and cyber risks in EU

Europol is warning that the war in the Middle East is already heightening security risks across Europe, with the agency expecting a rise in terrorism threats, violent extremism, organized crime and cyberattacks. In comments to Spain’s EFE news agency, Europol spokesman Jan Op Gen Oorth said the conflict is creating immediate vulnerabilities that hostile actors are likely to exploit, both online and on the ground.

He said European infrastructure is likely to face more cyberattacks, along with a surge in online fraud schemes that exploit confusion and misinformation surrounding the conflict. Europol also cautioned that groups aligned with Iran—particularly those connected to the “Axis of Resistance” network operating in Iraq, Lebanon and Yemen—could attempt destabilizing actions inside the EU. Those activities could include terrorist attacks, intimidation efforts, financing operations and cybercrime.

According to Europol, the overall threat level for terrorism and violent extremism in the EU remains high. Officials are especially concerned about individuals acting alone or in small, self‑directed cells, a pattern that has become more common in recent years. The agency said the rapid spread of polarizing content online can accelerate radicalization, particularly within diaspora communities and among people already vulnerable to extremist messaging.

Mar 05, 2026 at 02:58 PM EST

Republicans dodge the ‘war’ label as Iran strikes escalate

Republicans on Capitol Hill spent the week struggling to explain the rapidly expanding U.S.–Israeli bombing campaign against Iran without calling it what President Trump already has: war. After Trump told reporters the United States was “doing very well on the war front,” GOP lawmakers immediately began searching for alternative terminology, describing the strikes as a “mission,” an “operation,” or “hostilities.”

Speaker Mike Johnson repeated the administration’s claim that Iran had “declared war on us,” but insisted the United States was not at war itself. Other Republicans leaned on narrow definitions, arguing that without ground troops or a longer timeline, the campaign does not meet the constitutional threshold for war — a position that conveniently avoids acknowledging that Trump launched the offensive without congressional approval.

The rhetorical contortions highlight the political risk for a party that has long criticized open-ended foreign conflicts and whose base remains wary of overseas entanglements. The strikes have already resulted in American casualties and remain deeply unpopular with the public, adding pressure on Republicans to downplay the scope of the fighting.

Democrats, meanwhile, have seized on the contradiction between Trump’s language and the GOP’s evasions, pointing to comments from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth promising escalating attacks that “rain down death and destruction.” They argue the administration is waging a war while refusing to admit it — and that Republicans are enabling it by refusing to use the word themselves.

As the Senate rejected efforts to require Trump to seek authorization, Republicans continued to insist the conflict is something short of war. Trump, however, has shown no such hesitation, telling reporters he needed to “go back and look at the war” as he left an event at the White House.

Mar 05, 2026 at 02:44 PM EST

War’s reach widens as evacuations accelerate and new flashpoints emerge: Where things stand

Escalating violence across the Middle East is prompting a surge in global evacuation efforts, even as the conflict shows growing signs of spilling beyond the region. A CNN team has now entered Iran — the first U.S. network to do so since the war began — as the country’s nationwide internet blackout stretches past 120 hours.

Iran continues to launch drones and missiles across multiple countries, hitting targets throughout the Middle East. Authorities in the United Arab Emirates say six Pakistani and Nepali nationals were injured in a strike on Abu Dhabi, while Qatar intercepted incoming missiles over Doha. Azerbaijan reported drone strikes on its territory for the first time, though Tehran denies involvement.

Israel issued sweeping evacuation warnings for entire neighborhoods in the southern suburbs of Beirut — a major escalation from earlier, more targeted orders. The area is a stronghold of Hezbollah, and the directive has triggered a new wave of displacement in a country already struggling with mass internal movement.

The Kurdistan Regional Government rejected claims that it is participating in a plan to arm Iranian Kurdish opposition groups for operations inside Iran. The denial follows reports that the CIA has explored arming Kurdish factions to foment unrest, a move that Kurdish officials say is “completely unfounded.”

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev called the drone attacks on his country “ugly, cowardly, and shameless,” after two people were injured and an airport terminal was damaged. Iran has denied launching the drones, blaming the incident on Israel.

France has authorized U.S. non‑combat aircraft to use a mainland airbase under strict conditions that they not participate in strikes on Iran. European nations are also reinforcing defenses in Cyprus, days after a British airbase there was hit by a drone. The U.K. is sending four additional Typhoon jets to Qatar as part of broader regional protection efforts.

Crowds filled the streets of Iranian cities late Wednesday, with women in black abayas and men carrying national flags mourning the death of the country’s supreme leader. The public displays come amid continued strikes, widespread damage, and a communications blackout that has left much of the country isolated.

Mar 05, 2026 at 02:30 PM EST

Iran says strikes are crippling key parts of its health system

Iran’s Health Ministry spokesman Hossein Kermanpour said Thursday that recent strikes have inflicted serious damage on critical parts of the country’s medical infrastructure, further straining a system already overwhelmed by mass casualties. In a post on X, he confirmed that several frontline medical workers have been killed, including an orthopedic resident, a radiology technician, a general practitioner, and an emergency medical technician.

Kermanpour said the attacks have also disrupted emergency services and ambulance operations, limiting the country’s ability to move the wounded and respond to new strikes. His comments add to a growing body of warnings from Iranian officials and international health organizations that the bombardment is eroding the country’s capacity to provide even basic care.

Mar 05, 2026 at 02:24 PM EST

American CEO describes harrowing escape from Tel Aviv as war erupted

Lily Vittayarukskul, the CEO of Waterlily, had traveled to Tel Aviv for her best friend’s wedding. By the morning of the ceremony, she and her partner were instead sheltering from missile fire, navigating red‑alert sirens, and ultimately plotting a days‑long escape route out of a city rapidly shutting down.

Vittayarukskul said she first realized the situation was spiraling early on the morning of the wedding, when their phones lit up with red‑alert warnings. Tensions had been rising for weeks, prompting the couple to shorten their trip, but the moment the alerts arrived, “it was clear this was not a routine security incident.” The wedding was canceled within hours, and their focus shifted entirely to safety.

The first sirens were disorienting. Staying in a hotel with sealed windows, the phone alerts reached them before the sounds outside did. “We had just woken up and were getting dressed, and suddenly we were trying to understand the alerts, the sirens, and the news all at once,” she said. “Within minutes, it went from confusion to urgency.”

The danger was close. One strike hit across from the wedding venue, roughly a 20‑minute walk from where they were staying, and they were only blocks from buildings still visibly damaged from earlier attacks. Seeing the destruction firsthand changed their understanding of sheltering. “It stopped feeling theoretical very quickly,” she said, adding that the reinforced room in a friend’s apartment “would not have protected us from a direct hit.”

They moved in with friends who had better access to a shelter. Days took on a surreal rhythm: normalcy punctured by sudden alerts that sent everyone scrambling. Nights were worse. “Because the alerts were so frequent, we basically slept in or next to the shelter,” she said. “The hardest part was the unpredictability—we never fully relaxed.”

At first, they hoped commercial flights might resume within a day or two. They booked and rebooked tickets, but cancellations mounted. “There was no reliable timeline,” she said. “Waiting felt riskier than finding another route out.” Through friends and local networks, they secured ground transport—crucially, a service that understood the shifting checkpoints, paperwork, and risks. “Without local guidance, I don’t think we would have attempted it.”

Crossing into Egypt was its own ordeal: long lines, multiple checkpoints, language barriers, and constant uncertainty. Even after entering Egypt, they faced repeated police stops on the drive to Sharm el‑Sheikh before finally catching a flight to Italy. “It was a long, exhausting process, and it only worked because we had people helping us navigate it step by step.”

Official guidance offered little help. Vittayarukskul said the most practical information came from friends and real‑time research. Embassy alerts confirmed the seriousness of the situation but didn’t answer the question she needed answered: how to leave safely with airports closed. She learned of the U.S. recommendation to evacuate from an Associated Press post before receiving any direct communication.

The most frightening part, she said, wasn’t a single moment but the accumulation of uncertainty—constant alerts, shifting conditions, and reliance on unfamiliar routes and people. “We didn’t really exhale until we landed in Bologna,” she said. “That was the first moment the fear actually started to lift.”

Now back in New York, she and her partner are still processing the experience. During the crisis, they downplayed the danger to reassure family, colleagues, and customers. “It quickly felt normal to run into shelter a dozen times a day,” she said. Only afterward did they recognize the toll: a week without sleeping in a bed, checking the news every five minutes, tensing at sounds that resembled sirens. “More than anything, the experience gave us a much deeper appreciation for how quickly physical insecurity becomes psychological strain—and how much we take ordinary safety for granted.”

Mar 05, 2026 at 02:16 PM EST

Charter flights begin moving Americans out of the Middle East

The State Department says multiple charter evacuation flights are now underway to move Americans out of the Middle East, as governments worldwide accelerate their own extraction efforts. Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott confirmed the operations in an interview with CNN, noting that officials cannot yet share details on routes or passenger numbers for security reasons.

The update follows confirmation that the first U.S.-facilitated evacuation flight departed the region yesterday, with more aircraft expected to launch as airspace and logistics allow. The department has not disclosed the origin or destination of the flights, citing operational constraints.

Pigott said 20,000 Americans have returned to the United States since the war began, and that 10,000 of them received direct assistance from the State Department’s 24/7 task force — including security guidance, transportation coordination, and help navigating closed or restricted airspace. A senior official added that teams have been providing “critical information” and connecting citizens with any viable travel options.

Pressed on why other countries managed to launch charter flights earlier, Pigott pointed to the rapid establishment of the State Department’s task force the same weekend the strikes on Iran began, but did not offer further explanation.

Mar 05, 2026 at 02:02 PM EST

State Department says nearly 20,000 Americans have returned home from the Middle East

The U.S. State Department says almost 20,000 American citizens have made it back to the United States from the Middle East since February 28, as evacuation operations accelerate amid the widening conflict. Officials note that this figure does not include those who have relocated to third countries or are still en route home.

Under Secretary Marco Rubio’s direction, the department has expanded its network of charter flights and ground transportation, with additional departures scheduled throughout the day. A newly established Crisis Intake Form is now available for Americans in Kuwait, Bahrain, the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Israel, allowing citizens to receive direct updates on evacuation options.

Through its 24/7 task force, the State Department says it has already assisted more than 10,000 Americans abroad, providing security guidance and travel support amid airspace closures and regional strikes that complicate travel.

Mar 05, 2026 at 01:48 PM EST

Iran’s missile barrage strategy tests regional nerves and finite defenses

For years, Iranian leaders warned they would saturate the Middle East with missile and drone fire if they believed the country’s survival was at stake. That threat has now materialized. Since the U.S. and Israel launched their joint offensive on Saturday, Iran has fired thousands of missiles and drones at Israel, U.S. bases, diplomatic sites, and energy infrastructure across the Gulf — a campaign designed to raise the political and economic cost of continued military action.

Tehran’s strategy hinges on instilling fear of a widening regional war, hoping U.S. partners will pressure Washington and Jerusalem to halt their operations. But analysts warn the approach could backfire by hardening regional resolve or drawing more states directly into the conflict. Iran’s arsenal — the largest and most diverse in the Middle East — gives it the capacity to sustain heavy fire, but not indefinitely.

A harsh reality underpins the confrontation: both sides are working with finite stockpiles. Iran’s missile and drone supplies are being depleted even as U.S., Israeli, and Gulf states burn through expensive interceptor systems at a rapid pace. Some assessments already point to declining Iranian launch rates as strikes degrade its infrastructure and operators face growing risks.

Mar 05, 2026 at 01:44 PM EST

Israel ramps up use of SPICE bombs as Iran’s air defenses crumble

Israel has increasingly relied on its domestically produced SPICE precision‑guided bombs in its latest strikes on Iran, shifting to the Rafael‑made munitions after earlier waves of long‑range attacks, Newsweek has learned. The intensified use of SPICE variants comes as Iran’s ability to defend its airspace continues to deteriorate under sustained U.S. and Israeli bombardment.

Iran’s remaining air‑defense systems are now operating only “very sporadically,” according to assessments shared with Newsweek. Before last June’s 12‑day war, Tehran fielded 128 ground‑based air‑defense systems, a number reduced to 80 after U.S. strikes that ended that conflict. Ahead of the current hostilities, Iran still had “dozens” of systems functioning, but many have been destroyed or disabled over the past six days as air defenses remain a primary target for both militaries.

Mar 05, 2026 at 01:35 PM EST

Israel’s evacuation order triggers mass flight from Beirut’s southern suburbs

Israel’s unprecedented order for residents to leave the southern suburbs of Beirut has set off a massive and chaotic exodus from one of the most densely populated areas of the Lebanese capital. The district, home to an estimated 400,000 people, was already reeling from earlier airstrikes, with smoke still rising from attacks earlier in the day.

Roads quickly became gridlocked as families attempted to flee, though there is little clarity on where such a large population can go on short notice. The order comes as Beirut is already absorbing waves of displaced people from farther south, where Israel has reiterated its directive for civilians to move north of the Litani River. According to the Lebanese government, at least 84,000 people have already fled southern Lebanon.

The scale of movement now expected from Beirut’s southern suburbs adds a new layer of strain to a country already struggling with widespread displacement. With limited shelter options and ongoing strikes, humanitarian groups warn that the situation could deteriorate rapidly as more families attempt to escape areas Israel has designated as potential targets.

Mar 05, 2026 at 01:22 PM EST

UN maritime agency says 35,000 people stranded in Gulf as war halts shipping

The UN’s International Maritime Organization says the war in the Gulf has left around 20,000 seafarers and 15,000 cruise‑ship passengers stranded as commercial traffic collapses under escalating attacks. IMO Secretary‑General Arsenio Dominguez told AFP that the agency is prepared to work with governments and industry to ensure the safety of those affected, calling the situation a growing humanitarian emergency.

According to the IMO, seven maritime incidents have been recorded since the conflict began on Saturday, resulting in two deaths and seven injuries. Dominguez condemned the strikes, saying that “no attack on innocent seafarers is ever justified,” and urged shipping companies to exercise maximum caution.

The disruption follows Iran’s effective shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint that normally carries a fifth of the world’s crude oil and major volumes of liquefied natural gas. With war‑risk insurance withdrawn and missile and drone attacks continuing, hundreds of vessels remain unable to move, deepening both the economic fallout and the humanitarian strain on crews and passengers.

Mar 05, 2026 at 01:12 PM EST

Macron says Lebanon will assume control of Hezbollah positions, urges both sides to halt escalation

President Emmanuel Macron said Thursday that he had spoken with Lebanon’s top leadership and received assurances that the Lebanese state will take control of positions currently held by Hezbollah. The French leader announced that France will deepen its support for the Lebanese Armed Forces, including providing armored vehicles along with operational and logistical assistance.

Macron also issued parallel warnings to both parties in the cross‑border conflict, insisting that Hezbollah must immediately stop firing into Israel, while Israel must avoid any ground incursion or large‑scale operation on Lebanese territory.

Mar 05, 2026 at 01:09 PM EST

Infographic shows sharp drop in vessel activity after Iran announces Strait of Hormuz blockade

A new AFP analysis, visualized in an infographic, shows how maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz shifted dramatically after Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps declared the waterway closed. Using data from the Sentinel‑1 radar satellite, the graphic maps the locations of floating objects—primarily boats and tankers—before and after the announcement, revealing a clear reduction in the number of detectable vessels.

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Mar 05, 2026 at 01:05 PM EST

Zelensky says U.S. has requested Ukrainian support against Iranian drones

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the United States has formally asked Kyiv for “specific support” to help defend against Iranian‑made drones now being used in the Middle East. He noted that Ukraine’s experience countering the same Shahed‑type drones deployed by Russia has become increasingly relevant as the conflict widens.

Zelensky wrote on social media that he has ordered Ukrainian agencies to provide the necessary equipment and to send specialists capable of strengthening U.S. defensive efforts. He framed the assistance as part of a broader principle of mutual support, saying Ukraine “helps partners who help ensure our security and protect the lives of our people.”

Mar 05, 2026 at 01:02 PM EST

Trump says he’ll accept Ukrainian help against Iranian drones

Trump said he is open to assistance from any partner nation after Ukraine revealed it had offered support to help U.S. forces counter Iranian‑designed drones in the Middle East. “I’ll take any assistance from any country,” Trump told Reuters when asked about President Volodymyr Zelensky’s offer.

Zelensky said earlier that Washington had requested “specific support” related to defending against Shahed‑type drones. In a post on X, he wrote that he had instructed Ukrainian officials to provide the necessary equipment and to deploy specialists capable of ensuring “the required security.”

Mar 05, 2026 at 12:55 PM EST

Who confirms more than a dozen attacks on Iran’s health system

The World Health Organization says it has verified 13 attacks on healthcare facilities in Iran since the start of the U.S.–Israeli air campaign, along with one additional attack in Lebanon. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the strikes have killed four health workers and injured 25 others, underscoring the growing toll on medical services already strained by the conflict.

A WHO official at the same briefing said four ambulances were also affected and that several hospitals and health sites sustained minor damage from nearby explosions. While most facilities remain operational, the organization warned that repeated strikes on health infrastructure threaten access to lifesaving care and violate international humanitarian protections.

Mar 05, 2026 at 12:51 PM EST

WHO’s Dubai Emergency Hub pauses operations amid regional insecurity

The World Health Organization has halted operations at its critical logistics hub in Dubai, citing insecurity, airspace closures, and restrictions affecting the Strait of Hormuz. The suspension disrupts one of WHO’s busiest supply centers, which last year processed more than 500 emergency orders for 75 countries. Dr. Hanan Balkhy, WHO’s regional director for the Eastern Mediterranean, said the pause is blocking access to $18 million in humanitarian health supplies, while another $8 million in shipments cannot reach the hub due to transport constraints.

Balkhy noted that Iran has not requested specific assistance, saying its health system is currently “withstanding the situation.” WHO is now assessing land‑based alternatives to keep aid flowing as the conflict continues to reshape regional logistics and humanitarian operations.

Mar 05, 2026 at 12:40 PM EST

Kurdish identity, longstanding grievances, and new tensions inside Iran

The Kurds are one of the largest ethnic groups in the Middle East without an independent state, numbering an estimated 25–45 million people across Iran, Iraq, Turkey, Syria and Armenia. Their population is difficult to measure precisely because many governments in the region do not record ethnicity in official censuses. Roughly half of all Kurds are believed to live in Turkey, where they form the country’s largest minority.

After the fall of the Ottoman Empire, the Allied powers briefly proposed a Kurdish state in what is now eastern Turkey, but the plan collapsed when the new Turkish government rejected it. Since then, Kurdish communities have maintained distinct religious, linguistic and cultural traditions, most being Sunni Muslim but with significant diversity across regions and dialects.

In Iran, Kurds make up an estimated 8% to 17% of the population. Kurdish regions in the west have long pushed for greater autonomy and expanded rights, citing decades of discrimination. Human rights groups, including Amnesty International, have documented restrictions on Kurdish language education, limits on registering Kurdish names, and widespread arbitrary detention of activists. Armed Kurdish groups have operated along the Iran–Iraq border for decades, maintaining bases and thousands of fighters.

The current conflict has added a volatile new dimension. Multiple sources familiar with U.S. planning say the CIA is working to arm Iranian Kurdish factions in hopes of sparking a broader uprising against Tehran. Several Kurdish groups have issued statements hinting at imminent action and urging Iranian military personnel to defect, signaling that the Kurdish question—long a domestic issue for Iran—may now become a central front in the regional crisis.

Mar 05, 2026 at 12:39 PM EST

Iran’s Araghchi tells Trump plan a failed,’ says chance for deal is gone

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi issued one of his sharpest public rebukes yet to Trump, declaring that Washington’s initial strategy for a swift military victory had already collapsed. In a message posted on X, Araghchi wrote, “Plan A for a clean rapid military victory failed, Mr. President. Your Plan B will be even bigger failure.”

He added that the opportunity for what he called a “unique deal” between the two countries was now “burned” after the most recent round of negotiations broke down. Araghchi closed with a pointed political message, arguing that “‘Israel First’ always means ‘America Last.'"

Mar 05, 2026 at 12:26 PM EST

Israeli President reportedly delivers firm message to Trump amid wartime tensions

Israeli President Isaac Herzog has conveyed pointed messages to Trump, according to reporting from Israeli journalist Tal Schneider.

He stressed that Israel will not consider pardons during wartime, that any legal matters must be resolved through Israel’s own judicial system, that Israel is a sovereign state, and that it will not accept internal or external pressure on its decision‑making.

View this post on X

Mar 05, 2026 at 12:26 PM EST

Iran’s security chief blames Trump for deadly strike on Minab School

Iran’s top security official, Ali Larijani, issued sharp criticism of President Donald Trump after a strike on an elementary school in southern Iran killed 168 people, many of them children. The Shajareh Tayyebeh school in Minab was hit during a series of airstrikes on Saturday, according to the town’s mayor, marking one of the deadliest incidents of the conflict.

Larijani, writing on X, said the attack had “stained” Trump’s foreign‑policy mantra of peace through strength, accusing the United States and Israel of responsibility for what he called the “mass martyrdom of innocent girls.” He questioned whether this was the “anthem” Trump had promised for freedom in Iran, adding that “God exposes deceivers by their own hands.”

No military has claimed responsibility for the strike. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the incident is under investigation, emphasizing that American forces “never target civilians.” The Israeli military has declined to comment.

The school bombing has intensified outrage inside Iran and added new pressure on Washington and Jerusalem as civilian casualties continue to mount.

Mar 05, 2026 at 12:12 PM EST

WATCH: Massie demands answers over Trump’s decision to enter war with Iran

Mar 05, 2026 at 11:58 AM EST

Starmer says UK has been on high alert for Iran conflict since January

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Britain has been operating in a “heightened state of readiness” for months as the conflict involving Iran deepens, revealing that the UK began moving military assets into the region well before the latest escalation. Speaking at Downing Street, he said the government started pre‑deploying forces in January and February, focusing on Cyprus and Qatar.

According to Starmer, those early deployments included fighter jets, air‑defense missile systems, advanced radar, and anti‑drone technology, all positioned in coordination with the United States and other allies. He framed the moves as part of a deliberate effort to ensure British forces were prepared for any rapid deterioration in regional security.

Mar 05, 2026 at 11:51 AM EST

Trump says he must help shape Iran’s succession, calls Mojtaba Khamenei ‘unacceptable’

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President Donald Trump said in an interview published Thursday that he believes he must play a direct role in determining Iran’s next supreme leader, drawing a parallel to his involvement in Venezuela’s political transition after the capture of Nicolás Maduro. Speaking to Axios in an eight‑minute phone call, Trump said Iran’s succession process cannot move forward without U.S. influence and dismissed Mojtaba Khamenei — the son of the assassinated supreme leader — as an unsuitable choice.

Trump acknowledged that Mojtaba Khamenei is widely viewed as the leading contender but argued that allowing him to take power would risk a return to conflict within years. He said Iran’s delay in announcing a successor would not change Washington’s position and insisted the United States would not accept a leader who continues the policies of Ali Khamenei, killed in U.S.–Israeli strikes on Saturday.

His comments add a new layer of uncertainty to a military campaign that U.S. officials have framed as targeting Iran’s missile, nuclear, and naval capabilities rather than pursuing regime change. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and other senior officials have repeatedly rejected the idea that the operation aims to reshape Iran’s political system, even as Trump has increasingly linked battlefield objectives to the country’s leadership vacuum.

Mojtaba Khamenei, a hardline cleric with close ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, has never held public office but has long been seen as a powerful figure within Iran’s political and religious establishment. The succession process was further disrupted this week when Israeli strikes hit a building in Qom used by the clerical body responsible for selecting the next supreme leader.

Mar 05, 2026 at 11:44 AM EST

US universities in the Gulf shift to remote instruction as State Department urges Americans to leave

American universities operating in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates have moved to remote instruction as the conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel intensifies across the Gulf. The shift comes after the U.S. State Department urged all Americans in the region to depart immediately, citing escalating missile and drone attacks.

In Qatar’s Education City — located about 40 kilometers from Al Udeid Air Base — several U.S. institutions have halted in‑person operations. Texas A&M University at Qatar said more than two dozen students traveling from the U.S. were diverted to Istanbul as the war began, and its Doha campus is now locked down with no access for students, staff or visitors. Georgetown University in Qatar has also moved fully online and suspended a graduate business program scheduled to begin in Dubai, working to bring students home.

At VCUarts Qatar, the dean told faculty and staff they may leave the country and teach remotely “in the interest of flexibility and personal safety,” a policy extended to all employees regardless of nationality. The school said there have been no reported injuries among its community.

In the UAE, New York University Abu Dhabi is assisting students who want to leave by arranging travel, though flight options remain limited. The university said the safety of its students and staff remains its top priority.

Mar 05, 2026 at 11:39 AM EST

Iran says it shot down multiple drones in joint Army–IRGC operation

Iran’s army says its air-defense units, working alongside the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, have shot down several incoming drones amid heightened regional tensions.

In a statement released Thursday, the military reported downing seven unmanned aircraft, identifying them as Hermes‑series and MQ‑9‑type drones.

Mar 05, 2026 at 11:30 AM EST

Morelle warns Iran war could cost U.S. ‘$1 billion a day’ as Pentagon withholds estimates

Rep. Joe Morelle, a Democrat from New York who sits on the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, said the Pentagon has been “completely unresponsive” to lawmakers seeking cost estimates for the ongoing U.S. military campaign against Iran — and suggested the price tag could reach $1 billion per day. His comments came during an interview on CNN This Morning with anchor Audie Cornish.

Morelle said members of Congress have repeatedly asked the Defense Department for projections but have received no formal response. Pressed on what he believes the operation might cost, he said he “wouldn’t be surprised” if daily expenses hit the billion‑dollar mark, emphasizing that such spending would fall squarely on American taxpayers.

He also warned that Congress cannot exercise its constitutional “power of the purse” if lawmakers simply accept the administration’s decisions without demanding clarity on objectives, duration, and strategy. Morelle argued that the White House has offered shifting explanations for the mission, leaving both Congress and the public uncertain about the rationale for continued strikes.

The congressman noted that Americans are already struggling with rising costs at home and will expect transparency before supporting massive new defense expenditures. He added that while some Republicans have echoed President Trump’s approach, others may begin raising concerns once formal funding requests reach the Appropriations Committee.

Morelle said the central question remains unanswered: what the mission is, how long it will last, and how the administration will define success — issues he believes the president has not clearly articulated.

Mar 05, 2026 at 11:21 AM EST

Bahrain says industrial site hit in Maameer as air-raid sirens sound nationwide

Bahraini authorities say an industrial facility in Maameer, a town south of the capital that hosts oil‑refinery infrastructure and several factories, was struck during the latest wave of regional attacks. Officials reported only limited damage, and the Interior Ministry said emergency crews quickly contained a fire that broke out at the site. No casualties were reported.

The incident unfolded as air‑raid sirens sounded across Bahrain earlier Thursday, prompting residents to shelter indoors amid what officials described as incoming threats linked to the wider conflict engulfing the region. The government has not publicly identified the source of the strike, but Bahrain has been repeatedly targeted in recent days as Iran and U.S.–Israeli forces exchange fire across multiple fronts.

Maameer, home to key industrial assets and energy‑related facilities, has been on heightened alert since the conflict escalated.

Mar 05, 2026 at 11:16 AM EST

Azerbaijan says four airport workers injured in Nakhchivan drone strike

Azerbaijan has raised the number of people injured in the Iranian drone strike on its Nakhchivan exclave, with the Prosecutor General’s Office reporting that four airport employees were wounded—double the initial figure. Officials said the attack caused “significant damage” to an administrative building at Nakhchivan Airport, forcing a flight from Baku to turn back for security reasons.

Baku sharply criticized Tehran’s denial of responsibility. The Defense Ministry said Iran launched four drones toward Nakhchivan, including one that targeted a school while classes were in session. It called Iran’s refusal to acknowledge the strike “unacceptable” and demanded an official apology.

Nakhchivan, a landlocked autonomous region bordering Iran, has been pulled into the widening conflict despite previously avoiding direct involvement. The incident has further strained relations between the two neighbors at a moment of heightened regional volatility.

Mar 05, 2026 at 11:06 AM EST

UAE says air defenses intercept new wave of Iranian missiles and drones

The United Arab Emirates said its air‑defense systems were actively engaging incoming missiles and drones launched from Iran, with loud blasts heard across parts of the country as interceptors detonated overhead. According to a statement from the UAE Ministry of Defence, the noises reported in multiple areas were the result of ballistic missiles being shot down and fighter jets intercepting drones and loitering munitions.

The announcement came shortly after the UAE reported intercepting six Iranian missiles and 131 drones over the course of the day, while acknowledging that one missile and six drones managed to land on Emirati territory. Authorities have not yet detailed the extent of any resulting damage.

Mar 05, 2026 at 11:04 AM EST

Azerbaijan demands answers from Iran, orders retaliatory measures

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev issued two forceful statements condemning what he called a “heinous terrorist act” by Iran and directing the country’s military to prepare a response. His remarks follow drone strikes on the Nakhchivan exclave that Azerbaijani officials say were launched from Iranian territory and targeted civilian sites, including the regional airport and a nearby school.

Aliyev said those responsible “must be brought to justice without delay” and insisted Tehran provide an official explanation and apology. He framed the attack as a direct assault on Azerbaijani sovereignty, echoing earlier government statements that described the strikes as an act of terror.

In a separate message, Aliyev announced that Azerbaijan’s armed forces had been instructed to “prepare and implement appropriate retaliatory measures,” signaling that Baku is weighing a military response amid escalating tensions. The Security Council convened under his leadership to assess the situation, with officials emphasizing that civilian infrastructure was deliberately targeted.

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Mar 05, 2026 at 11:03 AM EST

Iran War Briefing: US bases in crosshairs, cleric calls for Trump’s ‘blood’

As strikes across the Middle East continue for their sixth day, Iran said it targeted Israel and U.S. bases across the region, while Israel carried out fresh attacks on Tehran and Lebanon.

With little indication that strikes zigzagging across the region will soon halt, here's what you need to know on Thursday morning.

Israel Carries Out New Aerial Assaults

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said on Thursday the country had struck Iran and sites used by Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Among the targets were a "terrorist cell" operating in a Hezbollah command center in southern Lebanon and several other command centers in the capital, Beirut. Lebanese officials said at least 77 people had been killed so far as Israeli ground troops pushed through Lebanon.

The Israeli military also said it had carried out a "large-scale wave of strikes" in Tehran. Israel said its targets included an underground ballistic missile site and a loaded missile launcher being operated by Iranian personnel at the time it was attacked.

Iran's Fars news agency reported 1,230 people had been killed in Iran since Saturday and shared photographs of what it described as the aftermath of a strike on the Azadi Stadium in Tehran, showing smoke drifting from a destroyed building.

Newsweek could not independently verify this.

Read more in Newsweek's Iran Daily Briefing.

Mar 05, 2026 at 11:00 AM EST

Explosions reported across Tehran amid intensifying strikes

Multiple explosions were heard in several districts of Tehran, according to a brief alert circulated on a public Telegram channel.

The posts did not specify the cause of the blasts, but the reports come as the capital continues to face sustained U.S.‑Israeli airstrikes and retaliatory fire from Iranian forces.

Mar 05, 2026 at 10:59 AM EST

Israel says it killed Hamas commander in strike on Tripoli

Israel carried out a rare strike deep inside northern Lebanon, killing a Hamas commander in the coastal city of Tripoli, the Israel Defense Forces said. The military identified the target as Wasim Attallah Ali, describing him as the official responsible for training and exercises for Hamas’ military wing in Lebanon. The IDF said he had been working to advance attacks aimed at Israeli civilians and soldiers.

The strike hit the Beddawi Palestinian refugee camp on the outskirts of Tripoli, marking one of the farthest-reaching Israeli operations in Lebanon since the current regional conflict erupted. Local reports said the attack occurred early Thursday and was the first killing of a Hamas figure in Lebanon since U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran escalated tensions across the region.

Mar 05, 2026 at 10:56 AM EST

New warning on U.S. ground invasion threat

A senior Iranian official issued a stark new warning to Washington, claiming the United States is considering sending thousands of troops into Iran and vowing that any ground incursion would end in mass American casualties. In remarks circulated by state media, Ali Larijani said Iranian fighters were prepared to confront a U.S. invasion force and “disgrace those wicked American officials with several thousand killed and captured.”

Larijani framed the threat as both a deterrent and a declaration of national resolve, invoking the legacy of Iran’s revolutionary leaders and portraying the country as impenetrable to foreign armies. “The land of Iran is not a place for the dance of the damned,” he said, casting a potential U.S. operation as doomed from the outset.

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Mar 05, 2026 at 10:48 AM EST

UK to send four more Typhoon jets to Qatar, Starmer says

Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that Britain will deploy four additional Typhoon fighter jets to Qatar, expanding the UK’s defensive footprint in the Gulf as regional tensions continue to rise. Speaking from Downing Street, he said the aircraft will join existing UK forces already stationed in the country to reinforce what he described as a “robust defensive posture.”

Starmer noted that the UK had already moved air‑defence assets to Qatar in January and February, including systems designed to counter drones and missiles, to ensure British forces were in a heightened state of readiness ahead of any potential escalation. He added that the UK has been using aerial refuelling aircraft to support allied operations and is now reviewing further requests for assistance from regional partners.

Mar 05, 2026 at 10:46 AM EST

Lebannon death toll surpasses 100

Lebanon’s Ministry of Health says 102 people have been killed and 638 wounded since Israel began its latest bombing campaign on Monday, according to figures released through the state‑run National News Agency. Officials warned that the numbers are expected to climb as hospitals continue to receive casualties from strikes across the country.

Health authorities say medical facilities are under growing strain, with emergency rooms overwhelmed and rescue teams still working to reach affected neighborhoods. The ministry emphasized that many of the wounded remain in critical condition, raising fears that the death toll could increase in the coming hours.

Mar 05, 2026 at 10:34 AM EST

Starmer defends refusal to join initial strikes as he seeks to reassure a worried public

Prime Minister Keir Starmer used a press conference on Thursday to calm what he described as a public “worried sick” by the widening conflict, while firmly defending his decision not to join the initial U.S.–Israeli strikes on Iran. Starmer said he declined a request to allow American aircraft to use British bases for offensive operations, framing the move as an example of “calm, level‑headed leadership in the national interest.”

He stressed that standing by the U.K.’s principles meant resisting pressure “no matter the pressure to do otherwise,” a remark widely interpreted as a pointed reference to President Donald Trump. Starmer reiterated that Britain’s long‑held position is to pursue a negotiated settlement in which Iran abandons its nuclear ambitions, saying that was the basis for refusing to participate in the opening wave of strikes. “That decision was deliberate. It was in the national interest. And I stand by it,” he said.

The tone marked a shift from his earlier comments in Parliament, where he suggested the initial strikes lacked a viable plan and raised questions about their legality. On Thursday, he cast the choice squarely as a matter of policy rather than legality, underscoring his effort to project steadiness as the conflict continues to escalate.

Mar 05, 2026 at 10:19 AM EST

Global sports calendar thrown into turmoil as Middle East conflict spreads

Sports competitions across the world—particularly in the Gulf—are facing mounting disruption as the war in Iran triggers missile and drone attacks across the region. Events in Doha, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Manama and parts of Saudi Arabia have been forced into cancellations, postponements or emergency reviews after Iranian strikes, launched in retaliation for U.S. and Israeli attacks, repeatedly targeted major Gulf cities.

The instability has collided with one of the busiest stretches of the global sports calendar, leaving organizers scrambling and athletes uncertain about travel, safety and scheduling. Several tournaments have already been halted mid‑competition, while leagues in the region have suspended play indefinitely.

The ripple effects extend far beyond the Middle East. International federations are reassessing upcoming events, teams are reconsidering training bases, and broadcasters are preparing for further disruptions as the conflict shows no sign of easing.

Mar 05, 2026 at 10:05 AM EST

Catch up on missile strikes on Iran and regional escalation trigger new casualties and warnings: Latest developments

Missile strikes by the United States and Israel have hit two schools in the town of Parand, southwest of Tehran, as the bombardment across Iran enters its sixth day. Iranian authorities say the nationwide death toll from the attacks has climbed to 1,230..

Israeli media reported fresh explosions in central Israel after air‑defense systems intercepted missiles launched from Iran, marking another round of direct fire between the two countries. The spillover is intensifying on multiple fronts. In Lebanon, the Israeli military has warned residents of Beirut’s southern suburbs to evacuate immediately, while new airstrikes hit the southern towns of Harouf and Kfar Rumman, killing at least eight people.

Iran says it has launched drone attacks on U.S. forces at Camp Arifjan in Kuwait, widening the battlefield to one of Washington’s most strategically important bases in the Gulf. The United Arab Emirates reported that one missile and six drones fell inside its territory; authorities in Abu Dhabi said six people were injured by debris from intercepted drones.

Mar 05, 2026 at 09:57 AM EST

Israel says it has disabled more than 300 Iranian missile launchers

Israel’s military says its air force has destroyed or disabled over 300 ballistic missile launchers inside Iran since the start of the war, marking one of the most extensive strike campaigns of the conflict.

According to the IDF, the effort has centered on launch sites in western Iran, an area it views as critical to Tehran’s ability to fire missiles toward Israeli territory.

Mar 05, 2026 at 09:52 AM EST

Sicily on edge as Iran war fuels fears near U.S. and NATO bases

The war in Iran is rippling as far as Sicily, where anxiety has surged around the island’s major U.S. and NATO installations. Local authorities said residents were so tense that a minor earthquake on Mt. Etna’s slopes on Wednesday prompted calls to emergency services from people fearing the island had been bombed.

Italy’s foreign and defense ministers moved Thursday to calm lawmakers, stressing that the use of American bases on Italian soil remains governed by existing treaties. But they did not rule out future cooperation, aligning with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s announcement that Italy will deploy air‑defense assets to the region.

Defense Minister Guido Crosetto said Rome intends to send a “multi‑domain” package of anti‑drone and anti‑missile systems to bolster regional security, adding that Italy would consider any formal request to use its bases. Sicily hosts Naval Air Station Sigonella, a key NATO surveillance hub and home to more than 2,000 U.S. service members.

Lawmakers also pressed ministers on fears that Sicily itself could become a target, concerns that have already pushed some residents to leave for the mainland. Five Star MEP Giuseppe Antoci warned that the island “cannot be used as a base for aggression and conflict,” calling Sicily historically a place of “peace and dialogue.”

Mar 05, 2026 at 09:38 AM EST

Turkiye condemns drone strikes on Azerbaijan’s Nakhchivan exclave

Turkiye sharply condemned drone strikes that hit Azerbaijan’s Nakhchivan exclave, warning that attacks on third countries risk widening an already volatile regional war. The statement followed a call between Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and his Azerbaijani counterpart, Jeyhun Bayramov, during which Ankara urged all parties to avoid actions that could drag neighboring states deeper into the conflict.

Ankara reiterated “the need to stop attacks targeting third countries” and stressed that the spread of the war beyond its current fronts would be unacceptable. The comments came after Azerbaijan said two drones originating from Iran landed in Nakhchivan, with one striking an airport building. President Ilham Aliyev vowed that Baku would take “retaliatory measures.”

Iran’s armed forces denied involvement in the incident, dismissing claims that its drones crossed into Azerbaijani territory.

Mar 05, 2026 at 09:32 AM EST

Trump team touts ‘energy dominance’ as U.S. expands oil strategy and Gulf security measures

The White House is leaning heavily on its energy agenda as the conflict in the Gulf intensifies, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt saying Trump’s policies have kept the United States the world’s largest producer of crude oil and natural gas. In a statement posted on social media, she said the administration intends to “unleash American energy dominance” and continue tapping newly accessed Venezuelan oil supplies.

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Mar 05, 2026 at 09:29 AM EST

IDF says missiles launched from Iran as Israelis told to take shelter

Israel’s military said it detected a new round of missiles launched from Iran on Thursday, prompting air‑defense systems to engage incoming threats and triggering fresh alerts across parts of the country. According to the IDF, the Home Front Command sent advance instructions directly to mobile phones in areas expected to come under fire, urging residents to move immediately into protected spaces.

The military warned the public to remain in shelters until explicit clearance is issued, stressing that the guidance is lifesaving and must be followed without delay. Officials said people should not leave protected areas until they receive updated instructions from authorities.

Mar 05, 2026 at 09:29 AM EST

Iran denies role in drone strike on Azerbaijan’s Nakhchivan exclave

Iran’s foreign minister has told his Azerbaijani counterpart that Tehran was not responsible for the drone strike that hit Azerbaijan’s Nakhchivan exclave, rejecting Baku’s accusations as tensions rise along the shared border. In a phone call, Abbas Araghchi insisted that Iran had not fired any projectiles toward Azerbaijani territory and said the country’s armed forces were conducting a full investigation into the incident.

According to Iranian state‑aligned outlet Tasnim, Araghchi also suggested that Israel may be attempting to provoke regional friction, accusing it of trying to distort public opinion and undermine Iran’s relations with neighboring states. His comments come as Azerbaijan demands an apology after drones injured two people in Nakhchivan—an attack Iran has firmly denied.

Mar 05, 2026 at 09:26 AM EST

Qatar says 14 missiles, four drones fired at country amid expanding regional strikes

Qatar’s defense ministry said the country came under a major barrage of 14 ballistic missiles and four drones.

According to the ministry, air‑defense systems intercepted all four drones and 13 of the missiles, while the remaining missiles fell harmlessly into the sea off Qatar’s coast

Mar 05, 2026 at 09:25 AM EST

Gulf and EU ministers urge diplomacy in talks on Iran crisis

Foreign ministers from the Persian Gulf and the European Union held a joint videoconference on Thursday to assess the rapidly shifting situation in Iran and the wider Middle East, emphasizing that diplomacy must take precedence over further military escalation. In a statement released after the meeting, the ministers reaffirmed what they called their “unwavering commitment to dialogue and diplomacy as means to resolve the crisis,” while praising Oman for its “constructive role” in ongoing mediation efforts.

The discussions also focused heavily on the region’s economic importance, with European officials warning that instability in Iran and its neighbors could drive up global energy prices. As Europe braces for potential supply disruptions, Gulf states stressed the need to safeguard the flow of oil and gas and maintain cooperation with international partners.

Mar 05, 2026 at 09:20 AM EST

UN peacekeepers report ground fighting and airstrikes in southern Lebanon

U.N. peacekeepers say they have witnessed direct clashes in southern Lebanon as Israeli forces push further across the border, marking one of the most serious escalations since the conflict widened. According to UNIFIL spokesperson Tilak Pokharel, peacekeepers observed ground combat west of Kfar Kila overnight, including the exchange of gunfire between Israeli troops and armed groups in the area.

Further east, in the town of Khiyam, roughly five kilometers from the Israeli border, peacekeepers reported air attacks, flares and multiple explosions, underscoring how fighting is spreading across several points along the frontier. The mission has not reported casualties but described the situation as rapidly deteriorating.

Mar 05, 2026 at 09:12 AM EST

Pro-American Iranian Kurdish forces in Iraq prepare units for possible push into Iran

Pro‑American Iranian Kurdish factions based in northern Iraq are assembling armed units that could cross into Iran, according to Iraqi officials and senior Kurdish leaders, raising the prospect of a new front in a conflict already expanding across the region. The preparations come as U.S.‑Israeli strikes continue to hit Iranian military and government sites, including along the border where Kurdish groups have long operated.

People familiar with past U.S. efforts say the CIA has previously supplied small arms to these Kurdish groups as part of a covert campaign to pressure Tehran, though the White House insisted Wednesday that President Donald Trump has not approved any plan for the Kurds to launch an insurgency. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt called reports of such authorization “completely false.”

Inside Washington, officials are debating whether a Kurdish incursion could divert Iranian forces and create new openings for allied airstrikes. But current and former officials caution that Kurdish fighters lack the heavy weaponry needed to threaten Iran’s central government, and that most Iranians—particularly the Persian majority—would not support an armed Kurdish advance.

Iran has pressed Baghdad to prevent any cross‑border movement, and Iraqi Kurdish authorities have publicly maintained neutrality. Still, several Iranian Kurdish leaders say some factions are preparing to move ahead regardless, encouraged by the extensive damage U.S.‑Israeli strikes have inflicted on border posts, communications towers and security facilities in western Iran. Satellite imagery and verified videos show major destruction in cities such as Sanandaj, Marivan and Baneh.

Trump has recently spoken with senior Iraqi Kurdish leaders, including Massoud Barzani and Bafel Talabani, about the situation, according to Kurdish and Iraqi security officials. One Iranian Kurdish leader said Trump also held a call with Mustafa Hijri, head of the Kurdistan Democratic Party of Iran, to discuss the possibility of sending fighters over the border. The White House declined to comment on those conversations.

Kurdish groups themselves remain divided. Some leaders fear that aligning too closely with Washington could expose Kurdish civilians to retaliation if the effort fails. Others argue that the current conflict presents a rare opening after years of repression by Iran’s security forces, particularly in Kurdish regions that were among the most active during nationwide protests earlier this year.

Mar 05, 2026 at 09:07 AM EST

Israeli airstrike hits Beirut’s southern suburbs, local outlet says

An Israeli airstrike struck Beirut’s southern suburbs on Thursday, according to the Lebanese outlet Sawt Beirut International, which shared footage and reports of the blast.

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Mar 05, 2026 at 08:58 AM EST

Trump admin wants to buy Ukrainian weapons to fight Iran: Report

The Pentagon is talking with Ukraine about purchasing drone interceptors to use in the Iran war, according to the Financial Times, which cited unnamed Ukrainian industry sources.

Newsweek has contacted the Department of Defense for comment via email.

Ukrainian-made interceptors offer a much cheaper alternative for defense against Iranian drone attacks than the U.S.-made Patriot missile systems.

They have been developed using Ukraine's experience during years of drone-heavy warfare with Russia, which has relied on Iranian-made Shaheds for aerial attacks.

The Ukrainian interceptors cost thousands of dollars each, compared with millions for a Patriot missile.

Iran has fired drones and missiles at American assets across the Middle East, including military bases and embassies, since the U.S. and Israel launched an attack on February 28 and killed the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Read more here.

Mar 05, 2026 at 08:45 AM EST

IDF orders evacuation in southern Beirut

The Israeli military issued an "urgent alert" for residents of the Lebanese capital, Beirut, to evacuate from its southern suburbs immediately amid continued Israeli strikes on the city.

"Any southward movement could endanger your lives," the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) Arabic-language spokesperson, Avichay Avichay Adraee, said in a post to social media.

Southern Beirut is a known stronghold for Hezbollah, the Lebanon-based militant group backed by Iran. Adraee said the warning applied to four neighborhoods.

Mar 05, 2026 at 07:33 AM EST

US military denies reports of Iran shooting down fighter jet

U.S. forces in the Middle East have denied claims that Tehran had shot down a U.S. F-15E fighter jet early on Wednesday morning.

"Rumors circulating on social media of a U.S. F-15E crash in Iran early Wednesday are baseless and NOT TRUE," the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said in a statement on Thursday.

On Thursday, Iranian state media had shared comments from Tehran's military, claiming that Iranian air defense systems had caused an F-15E Strike Eagle to crash in southwestern Iran the previous day.

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