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By Amanda Castro, Brendan Cole, Shane Croucher, and Anna Commander

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U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told FOX Business on Friday that "As Secretary Hegseth, the General Caine, and the president have all said, tonight-tonight will be our biggest bombing campaign. And will do the most damage to the Iranian missile launchers, the factories that build the missiles, and we are substantially degrading them."

Iran said on Friday that it has not closed the Strait of Hormuz, but a senior military spokesman told state television that vessels linked to the United States or Israel will be blocked from transiting the waterway, according to reporting by Reuters journalist Ahmed Rasheed.

Read Newsweek's Iran Daily Briefing here.

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Day Seven: What To Know

• Israel said it is bombarding regime targets in the Iranian capital of Tehran and the militia Hezbollah in the Lebanese capital of Beirut early Friday morning, on day seven of an intensifying U.S.-led war that is spreading across the Middle East.
• Influential Iraqi cleric Ayatollah Jawad Al‑Khalisi issued a fatwa calling for jihad—a religious decree urging an Islamic holy war—to be waged against the U.S. and Israel across the world, Iranian state media reported—a sign of how the conflict might blow back onto the streets of Western cities.
• IDF waging large-scale strikes against "terror infrastructure" in Tehran and Beirut on Friday.
• Fresh barrage of Iranian missiles and drones fired at Israel—but U.S. says Tehran's missile supply running out.
• Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth says U.S. strikes against Iran “about to surge dramatically.”
• U.S-based Human Rights Activists News Agency puts civilian death toll at 1,168 so far.
• Deadly strike on Iranian girls' school in early hours of war likely conducted by U.S. military—Reuters report.
• Gulf states continue fighting off waves of Iranian drones and missiles Tehran says targeted at U.S. assets inside.

This live blog is now closed.

Mar 06, 2026 at 11:12 PM EST

Dubai says interception occurred

Officials in Dubai said, "a minor incident resulting from the fall of debris after an interception has been successfully contained," in a post on X in part.

The Associated Press reports that flights headed for Dubai International Airport circled a distance away before the interception occurred.

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Mar 06, 2026 at 10:39 PM EST

US military posts new video of Operation Epic Fury

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Mar 06, 2026 at 10:18 PM EST

Donald and Melania Trump to attend dignified transfer of fallen soldiers

In a post to Truth Social on Friday, the president said that he will be traveling to Dover Air Force Base on Saturday alongside First Lady Melania Trump for the dignified transfer of fallen U.S. troops.

"I will be going to Dover Air Force Base tomorrow, with the First Lady and Members of my Cabinet, to pay our Highest Respect to our Great Warriors, who are returning home for the last time. GOD BLESS THEM ALL! President DONALD J. TRUMP," the post said.

Iowa Representaitve Zach Nunn said on Thursday that the dignified transfer at Dover Air Force Base will take place on Saturday for the U.S. soldiers who were killed by a drone strike in Kuwait on March 1.

Mar 06, 2026 at 09:58 PM EST

John Bolton says Iran regime will not unconditionally surrender

President Trump's former national security adviser John Bolton reacted to the president's earlier demand on Friday of Iran's "unconditional surrender."

“There isn't going to be unconditional surrender from this regime. They're just not going to do it...It isn't going to happen anyway. So, I don't think there's much purpose in trying to define what he meant," Bolton told CNN's Kaitlan Collins.

"Regime change is going to be complicated," Bolton added.

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Mar 06, 2026 at 09:35 PM EST

State Department approves possible munitions sale of $151.8 million to Israel

In a news release on Friday from the State Department, Israel's government has requested to buy 12,000 BLU-110A/B general purpose, 1,000-pound bomb bodies. "U.S. Government and contractor engineering, logistics, and technical support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support" will also be included, the release says in part.

"The Secretary of State has determined and provided detailed justification that an emergency exists that requires the immediate sale to the Government of Israel of the above defense articles and defense services is in the national security interests of the United States, thereby waiving the Congressional review requirements under Section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act, as amended," the release notes in part.

The estimated cost of the possible sale is $151.8 million.

Mar 06, 2026 at 09:05 PM EST

US Central Command gives update on American aircraft carrier

In a post to X on Friday, U.S. Central Command said in part, "First the Iranian regime claimed and re-claimed (five days in a row) that it sank USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Now, the regime claims the aircraft carrier has miraculously resurfaced and 'left the battlefield' after 'encountering Iranian missiles and drones.' NEED WE SAY MORE?"

The post then said that the pictures attached are from today in the Arabian Sea.

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Mar 06, 2026 at 08:38 PM EST

Air Canada cancels select routes to Middle East

Air Canada announced on Friday that it has cancelled its route from Toronto to Tel-Aviv until May 2 and Toronto to Dubai until at least March 28.

"(1/2) Due to the military situation in the Middle East, we have now cancelled our Toronto-Tel Aviv flight until May 2, and Toronto-Dubai until at least March 28, both inclusive. We are monitoring the situation and will adjust our schedule accordingly," the first post said.

In a follow up, the airline said, "(2/2) Customers can go to http://aircanada.com for information. We continue adding capacity to Delhi to provide travellers with options to Canada."

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Mar 06, 2026 at 08:32 PM EST

WATCH: US admiral details latest developments in US war efforts against Iran

Mar 06, 2026 at 08:26 PM EST

Hegseth reacts to report Russia helping Iran

In an interview with CBS' "60 Minutes", Hegseth said that America is “tracking everything” when asked about the reports of Russia allegedly sharing intelligence with Iran that could help Tehran target U.S. military assets in the region.

“The American people can rest assured their commander-in-chief is well aware of who’s talking to who,” Hegseth said. “And anything that shouldn’t be happening, whether it’s in public or backchanneled, is being confronted and confronted strongly.”

The Associated Press reports that Hegseth then downplayed the possibility of Russian assistance putting Americans in danger.

“No one's putting us in danger. We’re putting the other guys in danger, and that’s our job. So, we’re not concerned about that,” Hegseth said.

“But the only ones that need to be worried right now are Iranians that think they’re gonna live,” said Hegseth.

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Mar 06, 2026 at 08:19 PM EST

UK says Iran’s military command is intact but weakened

Britain says Iran’s military command and control remains intact, though weakened, after almost a week of U.S. and Israeli airstrikes.

The Foreign Office says Iran’s governing system likely is resilient enough to continue operating in at least the short term.

In an assessment on Friday, the Foreign Office said Iranian missile and drone attacks are coming at a lower tempo than in the first days of the war, largely due to U.S.-Israeli success at taking out Iran’s missile launchers and air defenses. But Iran’s range of targets is diversifying, with an increasing focus on economic and energy-industry targets.

By The Associated Press

Mar 06, 2026 at 08:05 PM EST

Qatar calls Iran’s strikes a ‘blatant violation’ in call with Poland’s foreign minister

Qatar’s prime minister has condemned Iran’s attacks on Doha as a “blatant violation” of national sovereignty, telling Poland’s Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski that Tehran’s actions contradict the principles of good‑neighborliness and cannot be justified under any circumstances. The remarks were conveyed during a phone call on Friday, according to a readout from Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani stressed that Iran’s strikes on Qatari territory—including earlier missile and drone attacks—represent an unacceptable escalation at a moment of already heightened regional instability. Qatar has repeatedly warned that such actions threaten both its own security and broader Gulf stability.

Sikorski, for his part, expressed Poland’s concern over the rapidly intensifying conflict in the Middle East and urged a return to negotiations and the “rule of reason” to prevent further regional deterioration.

Mar 06, 2026 at 07:58 PM EST

Man convicted of Trump assassination plot said he thought Iran “responsible” for Butler shooting

Asif Merchant, 47, told FBI agent Jacqueline Smith that he thought Iran was responsible for the assassination attempt against President Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania.

Merchant, a Pakistani, was convicted on Friday for plotting to assassinate American politicians including Trump. Merchant allegedly said to Smith the Butler shooting "was the same thing he was sent here to do," Smith testified during Merchant's trial, Fox News reports.

The outlet says that Merchant said to the jurors that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) sent him on the "mission" to kill American politicians including Trump, former president Joe Biden and former Republican candidate for president, Nikki Haley.

One day before the Butler shooting, Merchant was arrested.

Mar 06, 2026 at 07:51 PM EST

Russia sends condolences to Iran after Khamenei’s killing

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Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko visited Iran’s embassy in Moscow to offer condolences following the assassination of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, marking one of the strongest public gestures of solidarity from Moscow since the strike. According to Russia’s Foreign Ministry, Rudenko conveyed the sympathies of Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and signed a book of condolences for Khamenei’s family and the Iranian people.

During the visit, Rudenko condemned what Moscow described as “unprovoked US‑Israeli aggression”, echoing Russia’s broader criticism of the strike that killed Khamenei, members of his family, and senior Iranian officials. He also emphasized that Russia remembers Khamenei as a “distinguished leader and friend”, underscoring the long‑standing political alignment between the two countries.

Rudenko met with Iran’s ambassador to Russia, Kazem Jalali, and expressed Moscow’s solidarity with the Iranian people as Tehran navigates the fallout from the attack.

Mar 06, 2026 at 07:39 PM EST

Britain says Iran’s military structure weakened but still functioning after week of strikes

Britain’s Foreign Office says Iran’s military command-and-control system remains intact, though significantly weakened, after nearly a week of U.S. and Israeli airstrikes. In an assessment released Friday, officials said Iran’s governing apparatus appears resilient enough to continue operating in the short term, even as key military assets have been degraded.

The report notes that Iran’s missile and drone attacks have slowed compared with the opening days of the war, a shift attributed to the success of U.S.–Israeli strikes in destroying missile launchers and air‑defense systems. At the same time, British officials warn that Iran is broadening its target set, increasingly directing attacks toward economic and energy‑sector infrastructure as its military options narrow.

Mar 06, 2026 at 07:25 PM EST

Russia shares intelligence with Iran as war expands, U.S. officials say

Russia has begun providing Iran with intelligence on the locations and movements of American troops, ships, and aircraft, according to multiple individuals familiar with U.S. intelligence assessments — the first clear indication that Moscow is now directly supporting Tehran’s war effort.

U.S. officials say much of the information being passed to Iran consists of satellite imagery drawn from Russia’s advanced network of military and intelligence satellites. One person briefed on the reports said the cooperation underscores that “Russia still likes Iran very much,” suggesting the partnership is deepening despite the risks of widening the conflict.

It remains unclear what Moscow is receiving in return, though Russia has long viewed Iran as a strategic partner — particularly as both countries face Western sanctions and increasingly align against U.S. interests in the Middle East. The Kremlin has not commented on the reports, and CNN has requested responses from Russian officials.

The intelligence-sharing revelation marks a significant escalation, signaling that the war is drawing in major global powers in ways that could reshape the regional balance and complicate U.S. military planning. As Washington weighs its next steps, analysts warn that Russia’s involvement could embolden Iran and increase the likelihood of miscalculation across an already volatile battlefield.

Mar 06, 2026 at 07:11 PM EST

Americans describe chaotic, costly evacuations as U.S. response draws sharp criticism

Americans stranded across the Middle East this week described frantic, improvised escapes as airspace closures, canceled flights, and limited U.S. government assistance left thousands scrambling for their own way out. Travel blogger Alyssa Ramos, who endured a 48‑hour journey across four continents after fleeing Kuwait, said she received no meaningful help from U.S. officials. “They keep going on the news and saying they’re doing everything they can,” she said after landing in Miami. “I know for a fact they’re not.”

Ramos said repeated messages to the U.S. Embassy in Kuwait led only to instructions to shelter in place and enroll in the Smart Traveler program. She is one of many Americans who reported similar experiences as they navigated shuttered airports and contradictory guidance. Chicago resident Susan Daley, who escaped the UAE on the first commercial flight from Dubai to San Francisco since the war began, said the State Department’s warnings to “get out immediately” came without any practical support.

With official guidance limited, travelers turned to WhatsApp group chats and social media to share real‑time tips on open routes, drivers, and border crossings. Ramos’ evacuation chats drew more than 2,200 members in three days, connecting people stuck in Dubai, Doha, and Kuwait. Others relied on strangers to coordinate rides, exchange currency information, and troubleshoot medical emergencies, including a diabetic toddler running out of medication.

Some Americans, like Cory McKane, opted to flee Dubai by car to Oman, where flights were still operating. He described taxi drivers charging up to $650 for rides to Muscat’s airport. “Quite frankly, the U.S. has not done a single thing in any capacity,” he said.

Mar 06, 2026 at 06:57 PM EST

India confirms it sheltered crew of Iranian warship Iris Lavan after distress call

Indian authorities say they provided refuge to 183 sailors from the Iranian warship IRIS Lavan after the vessel issued a distress request on February 28 — the same day the United States and Israel launched their ongoing military campaign against Iran. Government officials said the ship reported urgent technical problems and sought permission to dock at Kochi, where it has remained since March 4.

The disclosure comes as the Modi government faces criticism for its muted response to the U.S. torpedoing of IRIS Dena, another Iranian vessel that had participated in Indian‑hosted naval exercises. More than 80 sailors aboard the Dena were killed, dozens were rescued, and many remain missing — yet New Delhi has avoided publicly condemning Washington for the strike.

Mar 06, 2026 at 06:42 PM EST

Families flee Dahiya after evacuation orders leave them with nothing

Dozens of families from Dahiya, the Hezbollah stronghold in Beirut’s southern suburbs, remain scattered across the city after Israel ordered a sweeping evacuation of the area. Many fled late Thursday with only the clothes they were wearing, rushing out of one of Beirut’s busiest commercial and residential districts as strikes intensified.

On Beirut’s waterfront promenade, 50‑year‑old Sameer Hjoula sat with his four children, exhausted and empty‑handed. “Look at my eyes,” he said. “I have not slept since I left home. We have nothing.” Others described the same frantic escape — no time to gather belongings, no money for food or water, and no way to secure milk for their children.

Mar 06, 2026 at 06:29 PM EST

Kurdish dissidents say they won’t launch their own attack but would join a U.S. invasion

Kurdish Iranian dissident fighters based in northern Iraq say they are not preparing an imminent cross‑border assault on Iran, pushing back on reports earlier this week that suggested otherwise. Officials from the Kurdistan Freedom Party (PAK) told the Associated Press that while they have no plans to initiate an operation, they would join a U.S.-led ground invasion if Washington were to launch one.

PAK officials emphasized that Kurdish groups should not serve as the “spearhead” of any attack, but they acknowledged having armed members already inside Iran who could participate in an uprising if a broader conflict unfolds. They also said they have been in contact with both the United States and Israel, though they denied receiving material support from either.

Their comments appear aimed at reassuring Iraqi Kurdish authorities, who have repeatedly warned that they do not want dissident groups using Iraqi territory to launch attacks on Iran. The statements also follow days of heightened tension, including Iranian strikes on Kurdish opposition bases in northern Iraq and reports that some groups were preparing for possible cross‑border operations.

Mar 06, 2026 at 06:15 PM EST

Iranian conscripts describe chaos and abandonment after Khamenei’s killing

Conscripts stationed in western Iran say the country’s military has been thrown into disarray since the killing of former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, with confusion over who is in charge and growing fear of further U.S. and Israeli strikes. Several soldiers at a base in Lorestan province reported that parts of the command structure have effectively evaporated, leaving ordinary troops without guidance or protection.

According to messages shared by one soldier, multiple commanders abruptly left their posts in the days after the attack, apparently fearing that military sites could be targeted next. Their departure, he said, left conscripts alone in the barracks, unsure of orders and increasingly anxious about their safety.

Some troops have begun sleeping outside the base, choosing cold open fields over the risk of being inside a potential strike zone. The soldier described a sense of abandonment and said the conditions facing rank‑and‑file troops have received little attention from senior officials.

Mar 06, 2026 at 06:13 PM EST

Lockheed Martin agrees to quadruple critical munitions production

In a post to X on Friday, Lockheed Martin said, "We have agreed to quadruple critical munitions production. As a result of President @realDonaldTrump's leadership, we began this work months ago with @SecWar Hegseth and Deputy Secretary Feinberg."

A follow up post read, "We are committed to working with our industry partners to further strengthen the American military's unparalleled capability with the greatest munitions in the world. We are moving with urgency, and we will deliver."

The post comes after President Trump convened top U.S. defense contractors at the White House earlier on Friday.

Mar 06, 2026 at 06:02 PM EST

Canada says 3,500 citizens have requested help leaving Middle East

Canada’s Foreign Minister Anita Anand said Friday that roughly 3,500 Canadians have asked Ottawa for assistance in leaving the Middle East and Gulf region as the conflict continues to destabilize travel and security conditions. She noted that more than 108,000 Canadians in the region are currently registered with Global Affairs Canada, underscoring the scale of the government’s consular challenge.

Anand said Canada is offering three departure options depending on conditions on the ground: charter flights, block‑booked seats on commercial routes, and ground transportation when safe. She described the situation as “volatile and unpredictable,” warning that options may shift quickly as airspace closures and military activity continue.

The minister also stressed that Canada has “no intention to participate in Operation Epic Fury,” saying Ottawa was not consulted on the U.S.-led military operation and has not taken part. Her comments come as several allies face pressure to clarify their roles amid widening regional strikes.

With evacuation routes changing by the day, Anand urged Canadians to remain in contact with Global Affairs and to monitor official guidance closely as the government works to move citizens out of high‑risk areas.

Mar 06, 2026 at 06:00 PM EST

IDF announces “new wave of strikes”

The IDF announced on X that it has begun a "new wave of strikes" in Tehran, which is targeting infrastructure.

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Mar 06, 2026 at 05:51 PM EST

Trump’s treasury secretary says “biggest bombing campaign” to come

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told FOX Business on Friday that "As Secretary Hegseth, the General Caine, and the president have all said, tonight-tonight will be our biggest bombing campaign. And will do the most damage to the Iranian missile launchers, the factories that build the missiles, and we are substantially degrading them."

Bessent added that "our campaign... has been overwhelming."

Mar 06, 2026 at 05:48 PM EST

Iran says strikes on neighboring states are a consequence of U.S. bases, not hostility

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said Friday that Tehran regrets having to launch attacks on neighboring countries, arguing that the presence of U.S. military bases on their soil has forced Iran into a position it does not seek.

Speaking on state television, Baghaei insisted that Iran holds no hostility toward its regional neighbors and is targeting only American military infrastructure.

Mar 06, 2026 at 05:34 PM EST

Mansoureh Khojasteh Bagherzadeh lived and died in the shadows of Iran’s leadership

Mansoureh Khojasteh Bagherzadeh, the intensely private wife of Iran’s former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, spent her life almost entirely outside public view — a silence that persisted even in death. She died one day after her husband, succumbing to injuries from the same strike that destroyed their heavily guarded residence in central Tehran.

Born in Mashhad in 1947, Mansoureh married Khamenei in 1964 in a traditional family-arranged ceremony. The couple had six children, four born before the 1979 Revolution and two after. One daughter, Hoda, was killed in the attack that also fatally wounded her parents.

Her public presence was far more limited than that of other spouses of Iran’s ruling elite. For decades, she appeared so rarely that Iranian media struggled to find a verified photograph when her death was announced. Much of what is known about her comes from just two interviews in the 1980s and early 1990s, in which she described her marriage as arranged — “not a romantic thing” — and emphasized her role in maintaining the household while her husband pursued political and religious duties.

Her absence from public life reflected both personal preference and the political culture surrounding Iran’s leadership. Khamenei, a deeply traditional cleric, kept his family out of public view for religious, cultural, and security reasons. Even her symbolic status as the Supreme Leader’s spouse was rarely acknowledged; when another political spouse briefly used the title “First Lady,” conservative critics insisted it belonged to Khamenei’s household.

Mansoureh spent her last day in a coma at a Tehran hospital after the strike that killed her husband and devastated their compound. She will be buried beside him at the Imam Reza Shrine in Mashhad, according to state media.

Her death closes the chapter on one of the most private figures in Iran’s ruling family — a woman whose life, by design, unfolded almost entirely behind closed doors.

Mar 06, 2026 at 05:20 PM EST

Khamenei’s funeral plans shift repeatedly amid security fears and succession uncertainty

Funeral arrangements for Iran’s former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei have been revised several times this week, reflecting a mix of security concerns, foreign‑delegation hesitations, and unsettled succession politics. State media initially announced a three‑city procession through Tehran, Qom and Mashhad, but plans changed repeatedly after the death of Khamenei’s wife and as officials debated how—and where—to stage the ceremonies.

Iran is attempting to organize a state funeral during an active regional war, and Israeli officials have openly threatened to target whoever becomes the next Supreme Leader. That threat has made foreign dignitaries—especially figures tied to Hezbollah and the Houthis—wary of attending. Lower‑level delegations from China and Russia are expected, but many officials remain cautious.

The Assembly of Experts, responsible for choosing the next Supreme Leader, has not reached a decision. Some clerics argue that naming a successor before Khamenei is buried would be inappropriate, while others believe announcing a new leader during the funeral could project unity at a moment of national crisis. The debate has added another layer of delay and uncertainty.

Authorities appear anxious about crowd size. State media acknowledged efforts to bus supporters from other cities to create a “funeral attended by millions,” echoing the massive turnout for Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini in 1989. But replicating that scale amid war, public anger, and logistical challenges has proven difficult. Officials have postponed ceremonies multiple times as they reassess venues and crowd‑management plans.

Mar 06, 2026 at 05:13 PM EST

US military gives update on Operation Epic Fury

In a post to X, U.S. Central Command said that U.S. military forces have damaged or destroyed 43 Iranian ships and over 3,000 targets have been struck.

Types of targets include Iranian Navy ships, integrated air defense systems, command and control centers among others.

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Mar 06, 2026 at 05:06 PM EST

Trump meets defense CEOs as White House insists U.S. has ‘more than enough’ weapons

Trump is set to meet on Friday with the heads of several major U.S. defense contractors in a session the White House said had been planned weeks in advance, even as the war with Iran continues to raise questions about U.S. stockpiles. The administration reiterated that the United States has “more than enough” weapons for ongoing operations, echoing assurances the Pentagon has offered throughout the week.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump has remained focused on strengthening U.S. military capacity and would continue pressing defense firms to accelerate production of American‑made weapons. The CEOs attending the meeting included leaders from Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, RTX Corporation, Boeing, Honeywell, and L3Harris Technologies.

The gathering comes as the administration pushes industry to replenish munitions more quickly. Earlier reporting noted that Trump has been summoning top Pentagon contractors amid concerns about stockpile depletion as the conflict with Iran enters its second week.

The White House has framed the meeting as part of a long‑term effort to expand U.S. weapons production capacity, not a response to immediate battlefield needs. Still, the timing underscores the pressure on both the administration and the defense industry as the conflict continues.

Mar 06, 2026 at 05:04 PM EST

$100k Polymarket winner wagers on US forces entering Iran

A Polymarket user who earned $100,000 with a number of well-timed bets on the unfolding conflict in Iran has wagered that the U.S. will send troops into the country by the end of the month.

The account, “BulkeyBull”—a name that has reportedly changed many times—is currently sitting on a net profit of around $99,000 over the past week alone, having successfully predicted when the U.S. would first strike the country and the date that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei would be “out” as Iran’s supreme leader.

The accounts’ recent success led the prediction market analytics platform PredictFolio to label its owner a “suspected military insider,” and should U.S. forces enter Iran on any date this year, it estimates this could yield a payoff of $100,000.

The U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran—and the millions of dollars pocketed by those who have successfully predicted different outcomes in the conflict—have heightened scrutiny of prediction markets, particularly when it comes to wagers involving death and military activity, contracts that would likely have dozens of informed actors and reward those with privileged information.

Suspected insider trading on Polymarket already led to the arrest of two Israelis in early February, and legislative pressure in the U.S. is building for greater oversight of these platforms.

Nicolas Vaiman, CEO of the blockchain analytics platform Bubblemaps, told Newsweek that the risks of insider trading are elevated on prediction markets for a number of reasons, including those related to how the platforms operate but also the wide range of events on which users can wager.

Read more here.

Mar 06, 2026 at 04:51 PM EST

WATCH: US releases video showing strike on Iran’s Shiraz airbase

Mar 06, 2026 at 04:37 PM EST

Trump hardens war stance as allies signal caution and Iran mobilizes support: what we know

President Donald Trump sharpened his public position on the war with Iran on Friday, declaring there would be “no deal with Iran except UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER!” in a Truth Social post, a message consistent with his recent statements ruling out negotiations. He also told CNN that Iran’s leadership had been “neutered” and that he expected to help shape the country’s next government — even if that meant backing a religious, non‑democratic leader — adding a new layer of uncertainty to an already volatile conflict. CBS News

Developments inside Iran

In Tehran, thousands gathered after Friday prayers to mourn the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and denounce U.S.–Israeli strikes, reflecting the government’s ability to mobilize large crowds despite communications blackouts. Iranian authorities estimate that more than 100,000 people fled the capital in the first two days of the war, a figure humanitarian officials say may understate the scale of displacement.

Regional and international reactions

European leaders from the UK, France, Germany and Italy emphasized diplomacy, warning that Iran’s collapse or proxy conflicts could destabilize Europe through security, energy, and migration pressures. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the conflict’s ripple effects were already being felt.

Across the Gulf, Iran launched new drone attacks on U.S. bases in Kuwait, though no casualties were reported. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia said it intercepted a cruise missile east of Al‑Kharj as regional militaries brace for further escalation.

Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez — one of Europe’s most outspoken critics of the war — defended sending a warship to help protect Cyprus, calling it support for an EU member caught in the conflict’s path.

Economic and humanitarian fallout

Oil and gas prices surged sharply, rattling markets in New York and raising fears of renewed inflation. Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains largely halted, and U.S. officials say military escorts will resume only when conditions allow.

The State Department continues to face criticism over evacuation planning as Americans struggle to leave the region amid airspace closures and ongoing strikes. Hundreds have been killed in Iran and more than 200 in Lebanon since the conflict began, according to humanitarian and government tallies.

Mar 06, 2026 at 04:23 PM EST

Israel says 50 jets struck Khamenei’s underground command bunker in Tehran

Israel’s military said Friday that 50 fighter jets carried out a major strike on what it described as Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s underground emergency command bunker in central Tehran, a week after the Iranian supreme leader was killed. The facility, according to the Israel Defense Forces, sat beneath Iran’s leadership compound and contained multiple meeting rooms and numerous entry points designed for senior officials to use in wartime.

The military said the bunker was intended to serve as a secure command center for Khamenei, who was killed before he could use it. Israeli officials described the site as sprawling across several streets and reinforced to withstand heavy bombardment. The strike involved roughly 100 munitions, part of Israel’s ongoing campaign targeting Iran’s leadership infrastructure.

Mar 06, 2026 at 04:09 PM EST

State Department says nearly 24,000 Americans have returned from Middle East

The State Department said Friday that almost 24,000 Americans have made it back to the United States since U.S. and Israeli military operations against Iran began, triggering waves of Iranian retaliation across the region. Most travelers were able to leave on their own using commercial routes, but officials said the government has continued to run charter flights for those unable to secure passage home.

In a statement, the department said several flights have already brought “hundreds” of citizens back, with more departures planned “as security conditions allow.” It urged Americans in Bahrain, Israel, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE to complete the Crisis Intake Form to receive direct updates on evacuation options.

Officials noted that the tally does not include Americans who have temporarily relocated to third countries or those still en route to the U.S. The repatriation effort has expanded steadily since February 28, when the first U.S.–Israeli strikes on Iran set off widespread airspace closures and left thousands of travelers scrambling for exits.

Mar 06, 2026 at 03:54 PM EST

Video highlights unequal access to safety as regional strikes intensify

A new AJ+ post has drawn attention to the starkly different realities facing people across the region, showing Israelis partying inside bomb shelters even as Israeli attacks force Iranians, Lebanese and Palestinians to flee their homes. The clip has circulated widely amid escalating strikes and mass displacement.

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Mar 06, 2026 at 03:48 PM EST

Qatar says air defenses intercepted waves of Iranian drones

Qatar’s Ministry of Defence said its air‑defense systems were engaged from dawn until evening on Friday, intercepting multiple waves of Iranian drones launched toward the country.

According to the ministry, nine of the ten drones were successfully shot down, while the tenth crashed in an uninhabited area, causing no injuries or damage.

Mar 06, 2026 at 03:40 PM EST

Gulf states reassess U.S. investments as Iran war hits their economies

Oil‑rich Gulf allies of President Donald Trump are quietly reassessing major overseas investments as the war in Iran strains their economies, a Gulf official told CNN. The review comes less than a year after Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar collectively pledged around $3 trillion in U.S. investments during Trump’s first foreign trip as president.

According to the official, “a number” of Gulf governments have begun examining whether force majeure clauses can be invoked in foreign contracts to ease mounting financial pressure. The shift reflects a sharp squeeze on regional budgets as energy revenues fall amid disrupted exports and reduced production, while tourism, aviation and consumer activity slump under escalating attacks. Rising defense spending is adding further strain.

The Financial Times first reported that three of the four major Gulf economies — Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait and Qatar — are weighing such moves, though officials have not publicly confirmed which states are involved.

Mar 06, 2026 at 03:26 PM EST

NRC warns Israel’s evacuation orders in Lebanon could trigger massive humanitarian crisis

The Norwegian Refugee Council urged Israel to immediately reverse its mass evacuation orders in Lebanon, warning that the scale and speed of displacement risk unleashing a humanitarian disaster. The group estimates that about 300,000 people have fled their homes in less than 100 hours as Israeli airstrikes hit southern Lebanon, Beirut, and other regions.

NRC’s Lebanon country director, Maureen Philippon, said families who had only recently begun rebuilding after previous escalations were once again forced to flee, many leaving “in the middle of the night with nothing but the clothes they were wearing.” She stressed that civilians are bearing the brunt of the renewed bombardment and warned that if Israel fully implements its latest evacuation orders, the number of displaced people could surpass one million.

The organization said the evacuation zones now cover hundreds of villages across South Lebanon, parts of the Bekaa Valley, and the entire southern suburbs of Beirut, creating what it described as one of the most extensive displacement crises the country has faced in years.

Mar 06, 2026 at 03:19 PM EST

Iran says Strait of Hormuz open — but U.S. and Israeli ships barred

A senior Iranian military spokesman told state television that Iran has not closed the Strait of Hormuz, but warned that ships linked to the United States or Israel will not be allowed to pass. The comments, reported by Reuters journalist Ahmed Rasheed, mark Tehran’s latest attempt to assert control over the vital waterway without formally declaring a shutdown.

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Mar 06, 2026 at 03:13 PM EST

Iraq’s leaders reject strikes on their territory, call for unity amid regional turmoil

Iraq’s Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al‑Sudani and Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani held a phone call on Friday to address the widening security fallout from strikes reported across several Iraqi cities. Both leaders condemned attacks targeting locations throughout Iraq, including in the Kurdistan Region, according to a statement from Sudani’s office.

They emphasized that Iraqi territory must not be used as a launching point for attacks on neighboring countries, a position reiterated across multiple official readouts. The call focused on the spillover from the U.S.–Israel–Iran conflict, which has increasingly pushed violence into Iraqi territory and heightened fears of further destabilization.

Sudani and Barzani also stressed the importance of national unity and coordinated political messaging to confront current security challenges and safeguard Iraq’s stability, sovereignty, and national security. Their remarks reflect growing concern in Baghdad and Erbil that Iraq could once again become an arena for regional confrontation if political actors do not maintain a unified stance.

Mar 06, 2026 at 03:03 PM EST

Trump meets defense CEOs as White House warns of long war demands

President Donald Trump convened top U.S. defense contractors at the White House on Friday as concerns grow that a prolonged conflict with Iran could strain American weapons stockpiles. Executives from Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, RTX Corporation, Boeing, Honeywell, and L3Harris Technologies were summoned for the high‑level discussion.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump intends to press the companies to accelerate weapons production, even as the administration insists U.S. reserves remain robust.

“The U.S. military has more than enough munitions, ammo, and weapons stockpiles to continue demolishing the Iranian regime and achieve the goals of Operation Epic Fury,” Leavitt said in a statement. She added that the meeting had been planned “weeks ago” as part of Trump’s long‑standing push to expand U.S. military capacity.

Mar 06, 2026 at 03:00 PM EST

Iran War Briefing Day 7: Trump says no deal as Israel hits Tehran, Beirut

DEATH TOLL: Iran: 1,230 people Lebanon: 123. US: 6 troops.

President Trump announced Friday morning there will be "no deal with Iran except UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER!", seemingly scotching hints from Iran's president of mediation efforts being made.

On Day Seven of the war, Israel and Iran continued exchanging strikes with Israel launching a "new phase" in bombarding Tehran and Beirut.

On the War Front

ISRAEL: The IDF hammered strikes across southern Lebanon, on its capital Beirut and in the Bekaa Valley. Strikes on the southern coastal city of Sidon on Friday killed five people. Meanwhile attacks on Dahiyeh, the predominantly Shia Muslim suburb in southern Beirut have led to thousands of people fleeing the strike zone. Israel late on Thursday issued evacuation orders for the 500,000 people who live there.

Israel also launched 26 airstrikes on Tehran, saying it had sent 50 warplanes to again hit the ayatollah's bunker in the centre of the city, which it said was still being used by government officials. Explosions were also reported around Kermanshah, home to multiple missile bases.

U.S: Central Command said it struck an Iranian drone carrier IRIS Shahid Bagheri in an attack on the Iranian navy. It follows Wednesday's torpedoing of a warship off the coast of Sri Lanka, which killed at least 86 Iranian troops.

IRAN: Launched strikes on US bases in Saudi Arabia and Qatar, as well as Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). No casualties have been reported and most of the drones and missiles were intercepted.

• Qatar fended off a drone attack targeting the Al Udeid Air Base - the largest American military base in the Middle East.
• Saudi Arabia intercepted three ballistic missiles aimed at Prince Sultan Air Base south of Riyadh, which also hosts U.S. assets
• The UAE said it intercepted nine ballistic missiles and 109 drones
• Strikes targeted two hotels and a residential building in Bahrain but there were no casualties
• Meanwhile, missiles and drones breached in Kuwait's airspace; Tehran said it had targeted military bases there.

Read more in our Iran Daily Briefing.

Mar 06, 2026 at 02:47 PM EST

Trump claims ‘thousands’ are being evacuated quietly from the Middle East

President Donald Trump said in a new Truth Social post that the State Department is “moving thousands of people out of various countries throughout the Middle East,” describing the evacuations as happening “quietly, but seamlessly.” He also praised Secretary of State Marco Rubio for “doing a great job.”

The administration has faced scrutiny over its handling of evacuations after urging Americans earlier this week to leave more than a dozen countries in the region. The State Department said Thursday that 20,000 Americans have already returned home and that charter flights are being expanded, though officials have not released further details.

Mar 06, 2026 at 02:34 PM EST

WATCH: Trump invites pastors from across US to pray in Oval Office amid Iran War

Mar 06, 2026 at 02:20 PM EST

Merz signals caution on Iran war after earlier support for Trump

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz appeared to put distance between his government and the ongoing war with Iran on Friday, just days after publicly backing President Donald Trump during a visit to Washington.

In a statement released Friday afternoon, Merz said he was increasingly concerned about the risks the conflict poses to Israel and partners in the Gulf, warning that “an endless war is not in our interest.”

Mar 06, 2026 at 02:06 PM EST

Argentine tourists stranded in Israel turn to risky overland escape, rabbi says

Rabbi Axel Wahnish said Friday that around 260 Argentine tourists remain stranded in Israel, with families urgently pleading for help as the conflict keeps the country’s airspace effectively shut. He told Radio Rivadavia that both official guidance and informal advice now stress that “the safest thing” is to stay near shelters as missile alerts continue.

With all departures halted, Wahnish said the only viable exit is the Taba border crossing into Egypt, a route that requires a four‑hour drive through areas considered dangerous. Despite the risks, many Argentines are attempting the journey, and the Argentine Embassy is working to help coordinate evacuations along that path.

Mar 06, 2026 at 01:59 PM EST

Leavitt says U.S. reviewing possible successors to lead Iran

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Friday that the United States is examining potential candidates to lead Iran, a day after President Donald Trump declared that Washington must play a role in shaping the country’s post‑Khamenei future. Speaking to reporters, Leavitt declined to name individuals but confirmed that “a number of people” are being evaluated by U.S. intelligence agencies.

Her comments came as Trump hardened his stance on the conflict, insisting there would be “no deal with Iran except unconditional surrender.” Leavitt expanded on that position, saying the president’s demand reflects his view that Iran must be rendered incapable of threatening the United States or its allies before any end to the war can be recognized.

“When he, as Commander in Chief, determines that Iran no longer poses a threat to the United States of America, and the goals of Operation Epic Fury have been fully realized, then Iran will essentially be in a place of unconditional surrender — whether they say it themselves or not,” she said.

Mar 06, 2026 at 01:52 PM EST

Trump downplays rising gas prices, says Hormuz crisis will be ‘short-term’

President Donald Trump said he is not concerned about the jump in U.S. gasoline prices, telling CNN that the spike will be temporary even as the national average climbs to its highest level of his presidency. “That’s all right. It’ll be a short‑term time. It’ll go way down very quickly,” he said, insisting he has “already figured out” the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, where tanker traffic has been effectively choked off by the conflict.

Trump claimed U.S. and Israeli strikes have severely weakened Iran’s naval capabilities, saying, “When you knock out the navy, they can’t do what they wanted to be able to do… 25 ships are down.” He offered no evidence for the figure.

According to AAA, the national average for regular gasoline rose another seven cents Friday to $3.32 a gallon, surpassing the previous high of Trump’s two terms, set in April 2025 at $3.27. The surge comes as global oil prices continue to soar amid the de facto shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for Middle Eastern energy exports.

Mar 06, 2026 at 01:47 PM EST

IDF reports new missile launches from Iran, issues immediate shelter orders

Israel’s military says it has detected missiles fired from Iran toward Israeli territory, prompting air‑defense systems to engage incoming threats. According to the IDF, the Home Front Command pushed emergency instructions directly to mobile phones in areas expected to come under fire.

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Mar 06, 2026 at 01:45 PM EST

UN chief warns conflict is ‘spiraling’ as he urges immediate halt to fighting

United Nations Secretary‑General Antonio Guterres issued one of his starkest warnings yet on Friday, calling for an immediate end to hostilities and a return to “serious diplomatic negotiations” as the Middle East war widens.

In a message posted on X, Guterres said that “unlawful attacks in the Middle East and beyond are causing tremendous suffering and harm to civilians throughout the region”, adding that the violence now poses a grave threat to the global economy, especially for the world’s most vulnerable populations. He cautioned that the situation “could spiral beyond anyone’s control.”

“The stakes could not be higher,” he wrote, urging all parties to step back from further escalation and recommit to diplomacy.

Mar 06, 2026 at 01:38 PM EST

Trump says Iran’s leadership has been ‘neutered’ and signals openness to non-democratic successor

President Donald Trump said Iran is “not the same country it was a week ago,” claiming its leadership has been “neutered” after days of U.S. and Israeli strikes and insisting he intends to help shape who comes next. In a brief phone interview with CNN, Trump said he wants a new Iranian leader who will “treat the United States and Israel well,” adding that he would accept a religious figure in the role and is not insisting on a democratic system.

Trump again compared the effort to Venezuela, where he said the U.S. removed Nicolás Maduro and installed his deputy earlier this year, arguing that choosing Iran’s next leader would be similarly straightforward. He reiterated that he must be personally involved in the succession process.

Pressed on whether he believed Iran should become a democracy, Trump said his priority was a leader who is “fair and just” and aligned with U.S. and regional interests. He also touted his relationships with Middle Eastern governments, saying they are “fighting for us.”

Mar 06, 2026 at 01:24 PM EST

United Airlines warns jet fuel spike could soon push ticket prices higher

United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby said Friday that the cost of jet fuel has surged 58 percent since the start of the war, a jump he described as one of the most significant pressures now facing the industry. Fuel is typically the largest or second‑largest operating expense for major carriers, and the rapid rise is already reshaping financial forecasts across the sector.

Kirby said the airline has been absorbing the increases so far, but warned that fares may soon rise if fuel prices remain elevated. The conflict has disrupted global energy flows and pushed crude benchmarks sharply higher, feeding directly into the cost of aviation fuel.

Mar 06, 2026 at 01:08 PM EST

Israel says it destroyed underground bunker built for Iran’s leadership

Israel’s military said Friday it struck a major underground bunker in Iran that leaders in Tehran had planned to use in emergencies, describing the operation as one of its most extensive of the week. According to the IDF, more than 50 fighter jets and over 100 munitions were used to hit the site, part of a broader campaign targeting Iran’s hardened command infrastructure.

Iran has spent decades constructing fortified subterranean facilities for military, political, and continuity‑of‑government purposes. Many of those bunkers have been hit in recent days as Israel continues its strikes following the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several senior officials.

The IDF said its targets this week have included the Supreme National Security Council’s building, the meeting place for Iran’s top security leadership, as well as a Revolutionary Guard military academy. Israeli officials argue the strikes are aimed at dismantling the core of Iran’s security apparatus as the conflict widens.

Mar 06, 2026 at 12:54 PM EST

U.S. charters continue evacuating Americans — including flight operated on Patriots’ team plane

The State Department said Friday that more U.S.-chartered evacuation flights are landing daily with Americans fleeing the Middle East, including one aircraft bearing the New England Patriots’ logo. A senior public affairs official posted a photo of evacuees boarding the plane, noting it was at least the second Patriots-branded aircraft to arrive at Dulles International Airport outside Washington that day.

Despite the familiar livery, officials stressed the NFL franchise had no role in arranging or funding the mission. The aircraft was supplied by a private company contracted by the U.S. government that also manages the Patriots’ team plane.

“This flight was entirely paid for by the State Department,” the official said, adding that the Patriots organization “was not involved.”

Mar 06, 2026 at 12:53 PM EST

IRGC announces new wave of strikes as Israel reports incoming missiles

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has launched a new round of strikes, according to a statement carried by the semiofficial Tasnim news agency.

The announcement signals that Tehran is continuing its offensive operations nearly a week into the conflict, even as its missile capabilities have been heavily targeted by U.S. and Israeli forces.

Mar 06, 2026 at 12:38 PM EST

Portugal confirms two evacuation flights as it defends U.S. base access amid regional tensions

Portugal announced Friday that two repatriation flights from the Middle East had safely arrived on its territory, part of a broader effort to extract citizens as the regional conflict deepens. A TAP charter from Oman landed in the morning carrying 147 passengers, including 139 Portuguese nationals, Prime Minister Luís Montenegro said at a summit. A separate military flight brought home 24 Portuguese citizens and 15 foreign nationals, according to the government.

The arrivals come as Portugal’s role in the U.S.-led campaign against Iran draws heightened attention. Lisbon has authorized Washington to use the Lajes Air Base in the Azores for operations—an approach that stands in sharp contrast to neighboring Spain, which has refused U.S. access to its bases and ignited a diplomatic clash with the Trump administration.

Montenegro defended Portugal’s cooperation, citing the country’s longstanding strategic relationship with the United States and arguing that Iran’s actions constitute clear violations of international law. He said supporting allied operations was consistent with Portugal’s security commitments and its assessment of the threat posed by the conflict.

Mar 06, 2026 at 12:34 PM EST

Iran’s parliament speaker accuses Trump of igniting a crisis he ‘does not realize’

Iran’s parliament speaker, Mohammad‑Bagher Ghalibaf, delivered a blistering message on Friday, accusing U.S. President Donald Trump of failing to grasp the consequences of ordering the strike that killed former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

In a post on X, Ghalibaf said Trump had “brought [disaster] upon himself and American soldiers by turning our Imam into a martyr,” and warned that Washington could not dictate terms to Iran.

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Mar 06, 2026 at 12:25 PM EST

UNICEF warns of rising child deaths as strikes intensify across Iran

UNICEF said Friday it is “deeply concerned” about the escalating military campaign in Iran, reporting that around 180 children have been killed and many more injured since the conflict began. The agency called the mounting toll a stark reminder of how quickly children become casualties when violence spreads.

In a statement, UNICEF stressed that schools and children are protected under international humanitarian law, and warned that ongoing strikes across the region are exposing young people to growing danger. Damage to hospitals, schools, and other civilian infrastructure, it said, poses a direct threat to children’s wellbeing and their access to essential services.

The organization urged all parties to uphold their legal obligations and ensure civilians are protected as fighting continues. With communications across much of Iran disrupted, UNICEF said it is closely monitoring developments and remains prepared to support humanitarian operations as conditions allow.

Mar 06, 2026 at 12:20 PM EST

Army cancels major training exercise, prompting deployment speculation

The U.S. Army has abruptly canceled a major training exercise, a move that has intensified speculation inside the Pentagon that ground‑combat units may soon be sent to the Middle East.

Officials confirmed the cancellation but did not provide a public explanation, fueling concerns that the decision is linked to the escalating conflict with Iran.

Mar 06, 2026 at 12:12 PM EST

U.S. signals possible naval escorts as oil prices surge on Hormuz disruption

Energy Secretary Chris Wright said Friday that the U.S. military is prepared to escort commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz once conditions are “reasonable,” offering the strongest indication yet that Washington may intervene directly to stabilize global energy flows.

His comments, made in an interview with Fox News, come as tanker traffic through the vital waterway has collapsed amid escalating regional conflict.

Mar 06, 2026 at 11:59 AM EST

Wall Street slides as conflicting signals on jobs and inflation rattle investors

U.S. stocks dropped sharply at the opening bell Friday, with the S&P 500 falling 1.3% as traders confronted a pair of economic signals pulling in opposite directions.

Fresh labor‑market data pointed to a weakening jobs environment — the kind of slowdown that would normally push the Federal Reserve toward lower interest rates.

But that pressure was immediately countered by a sharp jump in oil prices, which revived fears that inflation could accelerate again and force the Fed to keep rates elevated.

Mar 06, 2026 at 11:48 AM EST

Israeli strike in Majdal Selm kills nine members of one family, NNA says

An Israeli airstrike on a home in the southern Lebanese town of Majdal Selm has killed nine members of the same family, Lebanon’s National News Agency reported on Friday.

The agency said most of the victims were women and children, though it did not release additional details about the strike or the identities of those killed.

Mar 06, 2026 at 11:46 AM EST

Oil prices hit $90 as Strait of Hormuz disruption alarms global markets

International oil prices climbed to $90 a barrel on Friday morning, a roughly 24 percent surge since the war began, as traders grow increasingly anxious about the near‑shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz, the world’s most critical energy chokepoint.

The sharp rise reflects mounting fears that the conflict is severely constraining the flow of crude and refined products out of the Persian Gulf, where a significant share of global supply is shipped.

Mar 06, 2026 at 11:33 AM EST

Iran strikes Kurdish opposition sites in northern Iraq amid fears of wider conflict

Iran has launched missile attacks on Kurdish armed opposition groups based in Iraq’s semi‑autonomous Kurdistan region, Iranian state television reported Friday.

The strikes targeted positions Tehran describes as anti‑Iran separatist factions, which have long operated from mountainous areas along the border.

Mar 06, 2026 at 11:19 AM EST

Iran withdraws from Winter Paralympics after lone athlete unable to travel

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Iran will not compete at the 2026 Winter Paralympics after its only qualified athlete, two‑time Paralympian Aboulfazl Khatibi Mianaei, was unable to travel safely to Italy, the International Paralympic Committee announced Friday. Khatibi had been scheduled to race in two para cross‑country skiing events next week, but escalating conflict and widespread disruptions inside Iran made his departure impossible.

With his withdrawal, Iran’s flag has been removed from the opening ceremony parade in Verona. IPC president Andrew Parsons called the situation “heartbreaking,” saying the organization had worked urgently with Games officials, Iran’s Paralympic committee and the national ski federation to find alternate travel routes. Those efforts failed as security risks mounted across the Middle East.

Parsons said communication with Iranian sports authorities has been severely hampered by nationwide outages, complicating coordination. Ultimately, Iran informed the IPC that safe passage to Milano Cortina was not achievable, forcing the delegation to pull out entirely.

Mar 06, 2026 at 11:05 AM EST

Gulf allies fault U.S. over lack of warning and protection as Iran strikes intensify

The Trump administration is facing growing anger from key Persian Gulf partners who say they were blindsided by the U.S.-Israeli strike that triggered Iran’s massive retaliation and left their countries absorbing waves of drones and missiles. Officials from two Gulf states said Washington gave no advance notice of the Feb. 28 attack on Iran, despite repeated warnings from the region that such an operation would unleash destabilizing consequences.

According to one senior official, Gulf governments are “frustrated and even angry” that the U.S. has not provided stronger defensive support as Iran targets their territory. He said there is a widespread belief that American efforts have focused on protecting Israel and U.S. forces, while Gulf states are left to fend for themselves with rapidly depleting interceptor stockpiles. All officials spoke anonymously due to the sensitivity of the discussions.

Public criticism has begun to surface as well. Former Saudi intelligence chief Prince Turki al‑Faisal told CNN that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had dragged President Trump into “his war,” reflecting a sentiment gaining traction among Gulf elites. Analysts say the frustration is compounded by Israel’s comparatively strong air‑defense performance, which has highlighted the vulnerabilities of neighboring states.

Iran has launched at least 380 missiles and more than 1,480 drones at Gulf countries since the conflict began, according to an Associated Press tally, killing at least 13 people and repeatedly striking civilian and energy infrastructure. The attacks have also hit U.S. positions, including a drone strike in Kuwait that killed six American soldiers at an operations center lacking hardened defenses.

Inside Washington, Pentagon leaders have acknowledged in closed‑door briefings that the U.S. cannot intercept many of the incoming Iranian drones, particularly the Shahed models, and lacks broad regional coverage to protect targets outside major bases. That shortfall has left Gulf capitals questioning the depth of U.S. planning before launching a strike they had urged Trump to avoid.

The White House has defended its approach, saying Iran’s missile attacks have dropped sharply due to ongoing U.S. operations and insisting President Trump remains in close contact with regional partners. But Gulf analysts warn that Washington underestimated Iran’s willingness to strike widely—and the degree to which Gulf states would bear the brunt of the fallout.

As the conflict grinds on, former U.S. officials say Gulf governments face a dilemma: they want Iran weakened, but fear the economic damage, instability, and open‑ended escalation now unfolding. “What comes next?” one former ambassador said. “The countries of the Gulf will have to bear the brunt of whatever that is.”

Mar 06, 2026 at 10:50 AM EST

Tel Aviv evacuee shares detailed account of overland escape to Egypt

Lily Vittayarukskul, CEO of Waterlily, says she never expected to navigate an international evacuation when she arrived in Tel Aviv for a wedding. But when red‑alert sirens began sounding across the city and Ben Gurion Airport abruptly shut down, she and her partner realized they might be stranded for weeks. With commercial flights repeatedly canceled and no clear timeline for reopening, they turned to an overland route that has become a lifeline for many trying to leave Israel during the escalation.

Vittayarukskul described to Newsweek a tense but surprisingly orderly journey: a four‑hour drive from Tel Aviv to the Taba border crossing, a crossing into Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula, and a second long drive to Sharm el‑Sheikh Airport, where they secured a flight to Italy before continuing on to New York. She said they used a company called Israel Unlimited, which arranged door‑to‑door transport, handled border paperwork, and coordinated an Egyptian driver on the other side. The cost—about $900 per person—was steep, she said, but felt justified given the uncertainty and the need for reliable guidance.

She noted that other travelers were using Abraham Tours, a lower‑cost group shuttle option with less individualized support. But with the border crowded and the situation fluid, she and her partner opted for the more hands‑on service.

The route itself required navigating Sinai’s special visa rules, which allow travelers to enter the peninsula but not continue to mainland Egypt. That meant booking a direct international flight out of Sharm el‑Sheikh rather than connecting through Cairo. Their eventual itinerary—Sharm to Bologna, then Rome, then New York—was chosen simply because it was available.

Vittayarukskul said the drive south was surreal: a professional tour guide behind the wheel, quiet highways, and constant awareness that rocket fire could force them to pull over and take cover. The border crossing, she said, was far smoother than expected thanks to pre‑arranged paperwork and on‑site assistance. Once in Sharm el‑Sheikh, they arrived hours before they were allowed into the terminal, prompting the company to arrange an apartment nearby where they could rest.

She emphasized that while the experience was stressful, the logistics were manageable with the right preparation. The companies facilitating these routes, she said, appeared to be moving dozens of people each day as the airport closure stretched on.

Mar 06, 2026 at 10:36 AM EST

Europe doubles down on diplomacy as leaders warn of risks from Iran conflict

European leaders reaffirmed their commitment to diplomacy on Friday as the conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel deepens, stressing that regional stability and Europe’s own security remain at stake. European Commission foreign affairs spokesperson Anouar El Anouni said EU governments are “firmly attached to diplomacy” as they navigate the fast‑moving crisis.

Leaders of the UK, France, Germany and Italy held talks the same day, agreeing that “intensive diplomacy and close military coordination” will be essential in the coming hours, according to a Downing Street readout. Officials across Europe have grown increasingly concerned that the conflict could spill over into a broader regional collapse.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned that a breakdown of Iranian state structures or proxy fighting on Iranian soil could have “far‑reaching consequences for Europe,” citing threats to security, energy supplies, and migration flows. Merz said Iranians “have the right to freely determine their own destiny,” adding that an endless war is not in Germany’s interest. He signaled that sanctions relief and economic support could be possible in the long term—but only if Iran meets strict conditions, including ending its nuclear and ballistic missile programs and restoring internal order.

European leaders also welcomed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s offer to share drone‑interception expertise with partners in the region, underscoring that support for Ukraine must continue “at scale” even as the Middle East crisis intensifies.

Mar 06, 2026 at 10:22 AM EST

Tehran resident says friend’s death shattered his hope for war-driven change

A man in Tehran who once believed a full‑scale war could help topple Iran’s ruling government says the death of his close friend in a bombing raid has upended that conviction. Speaking to CNN, he described spending years hoping for an external shock that might force political change, only to be confronted with the personal cost almost immediately.

He said he had “begged” for a conflict despite expecting “sadness and pain,” but did not imagine that someone close to him would be among the first casualties. His friend, a physician at a major hospital in the capital, was killed when an airstrike struck Enqelab Square, burying his car under rubble as he drove home after a long shift.

“He was my friend, and it destroyed me,” the resident said, describing the moment he learned of the death.

Even so, he insisted that the bombing campaign remains, in his view, “the price that we should pay to get rid of this monstrous regime."

Mar 06, 2026 at 10:12 AM EST

Israeli soldiers wounded in cross-border fire as Hezbollah steps up attacks

Five Israeli soldiers were severely wounded and three others lightly injured Friday after projectile fire struck near the Lebanese border, the Israeli military said.

The incident came amid a surge of Hezbollah operations, with the group claiming multiple rocket and drone attacks on Israeli forces in southern Lebanon and across the border into northern Israel.

Mar 06, 2026 at 10:11 AM EST

Iran says it struck U.S. forces at two Gulf bases

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard announced Friday that it had launched attacks on two U.S. military installations in the Gulf, according to Iranian state media. The strikes targeted Al Dhafra Air Base in the United Arab Emirates and Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait, both key hubs for American personnel and operations.

Tehran framed the attacks as part of its expanding retaliation against U.S. involvement in the regional conflict. The Revolutionary Guard did not provide details on the extent of damage or whether there were casualties, and U.S. officials have not yet commented publicly.

Both bases have been on heightened alert amid Iran’s broader campaign against American positions across the Gulf, which has included strikes in Bahrain, Qatar, and the UAE.

Mar 06, 2026 at 10:09 AM 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 06, 2026 at 09:59 AM EST

Lebanon reports 217 killed, nearly 800 wounded in Israeli strikes since Monday

Lebanon’s Health Ministry said Friday that 217 people have been killed and 798 wounded in Israeli attacks across the country since the start of the week, marking one of the deadliest stretches of the current escalation.

Mar 06, 2026 at 09:56 AM EST

Merz warns prolonged war could destabilize region and threaten Europe

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz cautioned that extending the current conflict risks undermining both regional stability and Europe’s long‑term security. He said a drawn‑out war would endanger Israel and its partners, while also creating conditions that could threaten Iran’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Merz argued that instability inside Iran carries direct consequences for Europe. He pointed to the continent’s reliance on energy flows from the region and warned that a deeper crisis could trigger large, uncontrolled migration toward Europe. According to Merz, neither regional actors nor European governments benefit from a conflict that continues to expand in scope and intensity.

Mar 06, 2026 at 09:43 AM EST

UNHCR warns of rapidly escalating displacement as Iran conflict spreads

The UN refugee agency is warning that the Middle East is sliding toward a major humanitarian emergency as Iran’s retaliation to U.S.-Israeli strikes triggers mass displacement inside the country and across the region. UNHCR spokesperson Babar Baloch said a “troubling displacement picture” is emerging as the conflict widens and civilian movement accelerates.

Iranian authorities estimate that more than 100,000 people fled Tehran in the first 48 hours of the war, though Baloch cautioned that the real figure is likely far higher. Internal displacement is growing across multiple provinces as strikes continue to hit cities and infrastructure.

The fallout is not confined to Iran. Baloch said the conflict has “overspilled to Lebanon,” where thousands are fleeing intensified Israeli bombardment. Current UNHCR assessments indicate roughly 96,000 people in Lebanon are now sheltering in over 440 collective sites, many of them makeshift and overcrowded.

The agency is also sounding the alarm over vulnerable refugee populations caught in the middle of the fighting. Iran still hosts 1.65 million Afghan refugees, many of whom have limited means to relocate or access assistance. At the same time, tens of thousands of Syrian refugees are leaving Lebanon for Syria despite having no safe destination on the other side of the border.

UNHCR has formally designated the situation a major humanitarian emergency and is expanding its operations, but Baloch stressed that the scale of displacement could grow dramatically without international support.

Mar 06, 2026 at 09:30 AM EST

Twenty killed in Shiraz as regional strikes intensify across Iran and Lebanon: catch up

U.S.-Israeli attacks have killed 20 people in the southern Iranian city of Shiraz, according to local officials, marking one of the deadliest single strikes since the latest round of fighting began. Iranian authorities say the casualties include civilians caught in overnight bombardments.

Strikes also continued across Tehran and parts of northwest Iran, where officials fear that Kurdish armed groups based in Iraqi Kurdistan could exploit the chaos to launch cross‑border operations. The sustained pressure on multiple fronts has heightened concerns inside Iran about a widening security vacuum.

Israel expanded its campaign in Lebanon, launching additional waves of attacks on Beirut’s Dahiyeh suburb and several towns in the south. In Sidon, local authorities reported five deaths after a series of strikes hit residential areas.

Iran, meanwhile, has kept up its own barrage. Drones and missiles have targeted countries across the Gulf, prompting Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and the UAE to announce fresh interceptions since Thursday night. The cross‑Gulf exchanges have raised fears of a broader regional conflict drawing in multiple states.

Energy markets are facing mounting strain. Qatar’s Energy Minister Saad al‑Kaabi warned that the war could “bring down the economies of the world,” saying Gulf producers may be forced to halt output within weeks if attacks continue to threaten critical infrastructure.

Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian said any diplomatic effort must confront those “who underestimated the Iranian people and ignited this conflict,” signaling that Tehran expects accountability before considering de‑escalation.

Mar 06, 2026 at 09:25 AM EST

Report claims Tehran strike targeted senior aide to Iran’s supreme leader

An Israeli strike in Tehran reportedly targeted Khajazi, identified in Israeli media as the deputy head of the Office of Iran’s Supreme Leader, according to journalist Hallel Bitton Rosen, who cited Hebrew‑language security sources.

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Mar 06, 2026 at 09:16 AM EST

Six Palestinians injured after beatings by Israeli forces in Al-Aqaba

Six Palestinians were wounded in the village of al‑Aqaba, east of Tubas in the northern occupied West Bank, after Israeli forces beat residents during an overnight raid, according to the Palestinian news agency Wafa. The Palestinian Red Crescent Society said its crews treated the injured at the scene and transported several to nearby medical facilities.

The confrontation followed what local officials described as an Israeli settler attack on the village, an incident that has become increasingly common amid rising tensions across the West Bank.

Mar 06, 2026 at 09:03 AM EST

Strikes reported in three areas of Qom amid Israeli warnings: Report

U.S.-Israeli attacks have struck three locations in Iran’s Qom province, according to a local official quoted by the state‑affiliated Noor News agency.

The official did not specify the exact sites hit or provide casualty figures, but described the strikes as part of a broader wave of operations targeting the region.

Mar 06, 2026 at 09:00 AM EST

Russia is giving Iran info on U.S. targets: report

Russia is giving Tehran information about U.S targets in the Middle East, according to the Washington Post, citing three officials familiar with the intelligence.

Russia is an ally of Iran with the latter helping Vladimir Putin’s military efforts in his full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Moscow has condemned the U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran.

The Post said that Russia has given Iran the locations of U.S. military assets, including warships and aircraft in what was described as a “pretty comprehensive effort” by the U.S. adversaries.

Iran has fired thousands of one-way attack drones and hundreds of missiles at U.S. interests which include military positions, embassies and civilians.

The Washington Post said that the extent of Russia’s assistance to Iran is not clear and Tehran’s ability to locate U.S. forces has been degraded during a week of war.

Mar 06, 2026 at 08:59 AM EST

Trump demands ‘unconditional surrender’ from Iran in new statement

Trump escalated his rhetoric toward Iran on Friday, declaring that the United States will not pursue any agreement with Tehran unless it offers what he called “UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER.” In a social‑media post, Trump said a future deal would only follow Iran’s capitulation and the installation of what he described as “a GREAT & ACCEPTABLE Leader(s).”

The message marks one of Trump’s most sweeping public conditions to date for any diplomatic path forward. He framed the demand as a prerequisite for what he said would be a broad, U.S.-led effort—alongside allies and partners—to rebuild Iran “from the brink of destruction” and make it “economically bigger, better, and stronger than ever before.”

Mar 06, 2026 at 08:45 AM EST

New Supreme Leader to be introduced in two days: Iranian lawmaker

A new supreme leader to replace the assassinated Ayatollah Ali Khameini, will be revealed in the next two days, Iranian lawmaker Mohsen Zangeneh has said.

Zangeneh, who represents Torbat-e Heydarieh, said the final two candidates were "reluctant” to accept the position, according to independent news outlet Iran International.

The Assembly of Experts comprising of top Iranian clerics are said to be nearing a decision on the country’s next supreme leader. In the running is Mojtaba Khamenei, the late leader’s second-oldest son.

Mar 06, 2026 at 08:30 AM EST

Exiled prince Reza Pahlavi condemns Iran’s regional strikes

Exiled opposition figure Reza Pahlavi has condemned Iranian missile strikes on Arab countries in an X post in which he called for the end of the Islamic Republic.

The son of the last shah of Iran and a figure around whom opposition forces in the country have rallied, condemned Iran’s strikes on the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Jordan, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia.

“This is who the Islamic Republic has always been,” he said on Friday,” and this is why it must end.”

He added that Iranians had asked him to lead a transition government and called on Arab governments to recognize.

“Iranians have made their choice at a very heavy cost," he wrote, “now I ask our friends in the Arab world to join us and prepare to recognize and engage with our transitional government.”

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Mar 06, 2026 at 08:15 AM EST

Trump could play the CIA Kurdish card, but it’s very dangerous

There are increasing reports of CIA efforts inside Iran to bring down the Iranian regime by providing support to Kurdish insurgents.

Iran, which has a huge population of several different ethnic groups has long battled to maintain harmony, and now with the regime weakened, the US and Israel are seeking to exploit those divisions.

When asked about a possible Iranian Kurdish offensive yesterday, President Trump said: “I think it’s wonderful that they want to do that, I’d be all for it.

He declined to confirm reports that CIA support has already reached rebel groups based in neighbouring Iraq.

Several Kurdish groups banded together post the protests among Iranians in January to pressure the regime.

But supporting these Kurdish rebels might not be the wisest move, analysts say. My colleague Tom O’Connor has reportedly extensively on this area and what help the U.S. might be giving these groups. Read his report here:

Mar 06, 2026 at 08:00 AM EST

Iran teases mediation talks with U.S.

Iran’s president Masoud Pezeshkian has posted on X that mediation talks with the U.S. should be directed at “those who ignited this conflict”.

"Let’s be clear: we are committed to lasting peace in the region yet we have no hesitation in defending our nation’s dignity and sovereignty,” Pezeshkian posted on X.

“Mediation should address those who underestimated the Iranian people and ignited this conflict,” he added in an apparent reference to the U.S. and described how some countries have started mediation efforts.

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Mar 06, 2026 at 07:30 AM EST

Spain’s prime minister Pedro Sanchez: “war is not the answer”

The Spanish prime minister Pedro Sanchez has condemned Operation Epic Fury as an “illegal war” which he said was “contrary to the interests of humanity.”

In an op-ed for The Economist released Friday, Sanchez reiterated his government’s opposition to the attacks on Iran launched by President Donald Trump as he compared the case for conflict with the one made in 2003 for the U.S-led invasion of Iraq.

“A war presented as a mission to spread democracy and peace delivered exactly the opposite,” Sanchez wrote, referring to the Iraq War, “today we face a similar situation.”

He said there are doubts over whether the war will contribute to the fall of the hardline regime in Tehran but that “what we do know is that its costs will be huge, and that they will not be borne by the ayatollahs alone. Iranian civilians will suffer them disproportionately.”

Spain would not authorize the United States to use the military bases located on its territory for this operation, he wrote. This position “does not stem from any antipathy towards the American administration, and even less from sympathy for Iran’s brutal regime.”

“War is not the answer,” he added, “that is why we are working with our European partners and several countries in the region to forge a consensus for de-escalation.”

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Mar 06, 2026 at 07:05 AM EST

Trump rejects prospect of U.S. troops on ground in Iran

More from that interview on Thursday that President Donald Trump gave NBC News in which he responded to the Iranian foreign minister Abbas Aragchi’s comment that Iran was ready for a ground invasion by American and Israeli forces.

Aragchi had told NBC that regarding a U.S. ground invasion, “we are confident that we can confront them, and that would be a big disaster for them."

But Trump told the same outlet such a move would be “a waste of time” as he added that Iran had lost their navy and “everything they can lose.”

Mar 06, 2026 at 06:45 AM EST

Bunker of the Ayatollah Ali Khamenei destroyed says Israel

The Tehran underground bunker of the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has been destroyed, according to the IDF.

The IDF said that even after his assassination, the complex was being used by senior Iranian officials but has now been destroyed following strikes by about 50 Israeli Air Force jets.

The IDF said that the underground network beneath several streets in central Tehran included multiple entry points and meeting rooms and was a central headquarters for Iran’s leadership.

Mar 06, 2026 at 06:29 AM EST

Iran’s missile bombardment of Israel slowing down

The number of missiles fired by Iran towards Israel is dwindling according to military estimates, cited by the Times of Israel.

The publication said that on the first day of Operation Epic Fury, Iran fired 90 ballistic missiles towards Israel, but this dropped to 60 the following day.

The numbers have now slowed to around 20 per day in recent days and Tehran has launched dozens more ballistic missiles at other countries in region.

Mar 06, 2026 at 06:15 AM EST

Israeli strike hits coastal Lebanon: report

An Israeli strike hit an apartment in the coastal Lebanese city of Sidon, according to Lebanese reports that come as the Israeli military said it is conducting new strikes on Beirut.

Lebanon’s health ministry said that five people had been killed and seven injured following the strike, according to the Associated Press. There was no immediate statement from the Israeli military.

The Israeli military has said it was striking Hezbollah infrastructure in the Dahieh area, a stronghold of the Iran-backed group.

The IDF has issued evacuation order for the south of Beirut, where civilians have been forced to flee. There has also been an evacuation warning by the IDF in Lebanon’s eastern Beqaa Valley.

The UN refugee agency (UNHCR) said nearly 100,000 people have been displaced within Lebanon, and described the situation in the region as a “major humanitarian emergency”.

The Lebanese Health Ministry has said that the death toll is 123 and that 683 have been injured.

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Mar 06, 2026 at 06:11 AM EST

Iranian MP wants ground conflict with U.S. “so we witness the burial of American soldiers”

Iranian lawmaker Mohammad Saleh Jokar has said that he wants Operation Epic Fury to extend into a ground war.

“I hope this war turns into a ground war so we witness the burial of American soldiers in the Persian Gulf region,” Jokar told the Iranian news agency Didban Iran

He said that Tehran has not yet used its “new tactics and technologies” in the fight and that “we will determine the final result on the battlefield, diplomacy is no longer enough.”

It comes as Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced the 22nd wave of its “True Promise 4” operation in which missiles were fired toward Israeli territory.

Mar 06, 2026 at 05:36 AM EST

More Israel strikes into Beirut

Israel has launched another series of strikes on Lebanon, home to Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah.

The IDF said it had carried out “a broad-scale wave” of 26 strikes in the Dahieh area—a densely residential and commercial area in the capital of Beirut. The Israeli said they were targeting “Hezbollah infrastructure” in the suburbs including a command center and drone facility.

In return, Hezbollah has warned those in northern Israel to evacuate near the Lebanese border, saying on Telegram: "Your military’s aggression against Lebanese sovereignty and safe citizens, the destruction of civilian infrastructure and the expulsion campaign it is carrying out will not go unchallenged."

Earlier on Thursday the IDG had issued evacuation orders for the city’s southern suburbs—home to more than half a million people—sparking chaos and huge traffic jams as panicked civilians tried to flee the impending bombs.

Since Iran’s ally Hezbollah joined the war on Monday, Israel has advanced with strikes into Lebanon, launching volleys this week which have killed at least 123 people and wounded 683 say Lebanese health authorities.

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Mar 06, 2026 at 05:20 AM EST

UN calls for swift investigation into deadly Iran school strike

Volker Türk, the UN high commissioner for human rights, has said the U.S. should move “very quickly” in its probe into the deadly strike on a school in Iran, which Tehran has blamed on the US and Israel.

Tehran said the attack on Shajareh Tayyebeh girls’ school in Minab last Saturday killed at least 165 students.

Pete Hegseth, the US defense secretary has said the strike was being investigated and that the U.S. does not attack civilian targets.

Türk told reporters in Geneva on Friday that the U.S. has asked for a prompt, transparent and impartial investigations,” adding that “we need this to happen very quickly and we need to also make sure that there is accountability as well as redress for the victims.”

Mar 06, 2026 at 05:04 AM EST

Deadly strike on Iranian girls’ school likely by U.S. military: report

U.S. forces are suspected to be responsible for the strike on a girls school in Iran in the early part of Operation Epic Fury, according to Reuters.

The agency said that a U.S. military investigation into the attack that took place on February 28 has pointed to the possibility of American responsibility for the missile striking Shajareh Tayebeh primary school, although the probe is ongoing.

The girl’s school in Minab was hit on the first day of the U.S.-Israel strikes, killing over 150 students, according to Iran's ambassador to the U.N. in Geneva, Ali Bahreini.

Reuters reported that the unnamed U.S. officials did not rule out new evidence emerging absolving the U.S. of responsibility. The agency also said it had no further details about the investigation, what evidence ‌there was for the tentative assessment, what type of munition was used, or why the U.S. might have struck the school.

The White House has not commented on the investigation, but press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement, “While the Department of War is currently investigating this matter, the Iranian regime targets civilians and children, not the United States of America.”

U.S. military’s Central Command spokesperson, Captain Timothy Hawkins, told Reuters it would inappropriate to comment given the incident is under investigation.

Mar 06, 2026 at 04:45 AM EST

Trump says he wants Iran to have a “good leader”

U.S. President Donald Trump weighed into the issue of the succession of the Supreme Leader who was assassinated last week, saying that he wants Iran’s leadership structure fully removed.

“We want to go in and clean out everything,” Trump told NBC , adding that he did not want someone who would “rebuild” Iran over the next decade, “we want them to have a good leader.”

Trump has not named anyone but has said that he wants to play a role in determining the next leader, “we have some people who I think would do a good job,” he added.

Iran faces a power vacuum and there are rumors that the Supreme Leader's Mojtaba Khamenei could take over.

Mar 06, 2026 at 04:32 AM EST

Iraqi ayatollah calls for revenge against Trump and U.S.

Iraqi Ayatollah Jawad al-Khalisi has issued a fatwa calling for jihad against US and Israel in response to Operation Epic Fury, according to Iranian official news agency, IRNA.

The religious decree urging an Islamic holy war follows calls made the previous day by Ayatollah Abdollah Javadi Amoli in Iran for “the shedding of Trump’s blood” in a television address.

In one of the few clerical pronouncements made since the U.S. started its attack on Iran, Amoli said, “we are now on the verge of a great test and we must be careful to fully preserve this unity.”

In a clip also posted on social media, he called for “the shedding of Zionist blood, the shedding of Trump’s blood and referred to a fight against “oppressive America.”

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Mar 06, 2026 at 04:16 AM EST

Tehran launches missiles on Tel Aviv as U.S. strikes Iranian targets

Iran has launched a new wave of missiles and drones targeting Tel Aviv on Friday morning, as U.S said Iranian targets were “being decimated” as the war enters the seventh day.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it was working to intercept new missiles launched towards the country and that the Home Front Command has sent "a precautionary directive" to cellphones to those under threat.

It comes as U.S. Central Command said Iranian targets were being hit hard by American forces “paving the way for continued delivery of overwhelming American military firepower.”

Meanwhile, other countries in the region reports strikes or warned of impending attacks.

Bahrain's Ministry of Interior said one hotel and two residential buildings in capital Manama had been hit although there were no reports of casualties. Saudi Arabia said it intercepted missile and drone attacks and a cruise missile was "intercepted and destroyed" near the city of Al-Kharj, south east of the capital Riyadh.

Meanwhile, residents in Dubai have received cellphone alerts warning of potential missile threats, according to Reuters witnesses, following strikes that have hit the city in recent days.

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