Israel and the U.S. vs Iran PHOTO / VIDEO / UPDATED

These live updates have now concluded. Follow further developments here.

On February 28, Israel and the United States launched a series of strikes on the territory of Iran. Major cities and military infrastructure facilities came under attack, including military bases and command centres. In response, Iran carried out missile strikes on the territory of Israel, as well as against a number of other countries in the region — including targets and airspace in the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Iraq, and Syria. Iranian state media reported that Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic, was killed in the strikes. According to official statements from Tehran, the attack occurred while he was at his working residence.

As of March 8, the situation in the region remains extremely tense. The parties continue to exchange statements, and new episodes of escalation are being reported. Information is being updated as new details emerge.

22:21

A member of Iran’s Assembly of Experts, responsible for selecting the country’s new Supreme Leader, announced that the surname of the new leader will remain the same as that of the late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, TASS reports, citing IRIB.

A council member told Al Hadath that a new leader of Iran had been chosen and added that the surname Khamenei would remain with the new Supreme Leader.

20:10

A nuclear facility in Isfahan Province sustained significant damage on Saturday as a result of strikes carried out by the United States and Israel, ISNA reports.

According to the report, the facility came under a missile attack on March 7, as a result of which it “suffered serious damage.” At the same time, no radiation contamination has been reported so far.

Israel and the United States believe that most of Iran’s nuclear fuel is stored in underground tunnels in Isfahan, while the remaining stockpiles have been distributed among bunkers in Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant and Natanz Nuclear Facility. In the first days of the current conflict, the United States and Israel also struck the entrances to underground tunnels in Isfahan and Fordo in an effort to block them and prevent Iranian authorities from removing the materials stored there.

19:13

The Israeli military has once again detected missile launches from Iran and has begun intercepting them, the army press service reports.

“A short while ago, the IDF identified missiles launched from Iran toward the territory of the State of Israel,” the statement said.

“Defensive systems are operating to intercept the threat,” the press service added.

19:07

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that during another wave of strikes on Tehran, it targeted the headquarters of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Aerospace Force and 50 ammunition bunkers.

“As part of the strikes, the IDF targeted and dismantled the Iranian terror regime’s IRGC Space Force headquarters. The headquarters served as a reception, transmission, and research center for the Iranian Space Agency, which is affiliated with the regime’s military. The site included research facilities as well as a command-and-control structure for the “Khayyam” satellite, which was launched in August 2022 and was used by the IRGC to advance terrorist activities and monitor the State of Israel and its residents,” the military press service said in a statement.

18:15

The United States must provide justification for its aggression before Iran agrees to consider a ceasefire, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated in an interview with NBC.

“They [the US and Israel] have to explain why they started this aggression before we come to the point to even consider a ceasefire,” Araghchi said.

17:44

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have suffered their first casualties in the ongoing operation against Hezbollah in Lebanon, as reported by the IDF press service.

Two soldiers were killed during the operation. One of them, 38-year-old Senior Sergeant Maher Khattar, a native of the Druze border village of Majdal Shams, died in combat in southern Lebanon. He served in the engineering corps.

Another soldier was fatally wounded in the same battle. His identity has not yet been released.

17:02

At least six people were injured as a result of an Iranian missile attack on central Israel, as reported by the national emergency medical service.

According to the service, one person is in critical condition, another is in moderate condition, while the rest sustained minor injuries.

Meanwhile, the Israeli police press service said that debris from intercepted missiles had fallen in several locations following the attack. Police officers and bomb disposal experts are currently working at the impact sites.

16:58

The air defence systems of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are currently intercepting rockets and drones launched from Iran, the UAE Ministry of Defence said on X. 

According to the statement, the explosions heard “are the result of intercepting rockets and drones.” 

16:56

An explosion occurred in the Tel Aviv area, as reported by the Israel Defense Forces. 

They suggested that the air defence system was activated. A few minutes before the explosion, the Israel Defense Forces recorded a salvo of rockets from Iran.

Air raid sirens went off in central Israel and Tel Aviv. No information has been reported yet about damage or casualties.

15:39

An Israeli airstrike on an oil storage facility in the city of Fardis, northern Iran, has killed six people and injured 21, Iranian media report, citing the Alborz provincial administration.

According to the reports, the strikes were carried out by the United States and Israel using fighter jets. Among the casualties are civilians living nearby.

Authorities noted that the energy supply system was not affected by the attack.

14:56

The Israeli Air Force carried out a large-scale wave of strikes over the past 24 hours targeting more than 400 sites in western and central Iran, according to the IDF press service, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported on its Telegram page. 

"Over the past day, the Israeli Air Force completed a broad wave of strikes in western and central Iran, during which numerous munitions were dropped on more than 400 military infrastructure targets belonging to the Iranian terror regime, including ballistic missile launchers and additional weapons production sites," the IDF added.

14:04

More than 9,600 civilian structures, including nearly 8,000 residential homes, have been damaged in Iran as a result of airstrikes by the United States and Israel, President of the Iranian Red Crescent Society (IFRC), Pir Hossein Kolivand, said.

“Airstrikes have damaged 9,669 civilian structures, including 7,943 residential homes and 1,617 commercial buildings,” the IFRC's press service said on Telegram.

The organization also noted that a number of medical and educational facilities were affected, impacting the lives of residents and the country’s economic infrastructure.

13:52

More than 9,600 civilian structures, including nearly 8,000 residential homes, have been damaged in Iran as a result of airstrikes by the United States and Israel, President of the Iranian Red Crescent Society (IFRC), Pir Hossein Kolivand, said.

“Airstrikes have damaged 9,669 civilian structures, including 7,943 residential homes and 1,617 commercial buildings,” the IFRC's press service said on Telegram.

The organization also noted that a number of medical and educational facilities were affected, impacting the lives of residents and the country’s economic infrastructure.

11:54

The naval forces of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) carried out a combined attack using drones and ballistic missiles on the U.S. military camp Al-Udayri in Kuwait, Iranian news agency Tasnim reported.

According to the statement, early in the morning, the IRGC targeted the U.S. helicopter base, striking helicopter maintenance facilities, fuel tanks, and the command centre.

Iranian officials claimed the facilities were “accurately hit and seriously damaged.”

11:45

A majority of members of Iran’s Assembly of Experts have reached a consensus on a candidate to succeed the country’s late Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

The announcement was made on Sunday by Assembly member Ayatollah Mohammad-Mehdi Mirbagheri, Mehr news agency reported.

According to him, despite the agreement on a candidate, “some obstacles” remain in the process and still need to be resolved.

Iranian media note that disagreements have emerged within the body responsible for appointing the Supreme Leader over a procedural issue. The dispute concerns whether the final decision must be approved during an in-person session of the Assembly of Experts or whether it can be announced without such a formal meeting.

11:15

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has said that the United States and Israel are attempting to create tension between the Islamic Republic and the Arab monarchies of the Persian Gulf, Al Mayadeen reported.

According to Pezeshkian, opponents of Iran have misrepresented his statements in a bid to provoke discord among neighbouring countries.

“They mistakenly believe we apologised, but we only expressed concern over the anxieties of people living under tension,” he said.

The president emphasised that Iran maintains friendly relations with all countries in the region. “They are our brothers, and we must stand together,” Pezeshkian added.

He also noted that Iran’s response to aggression continues, but it is not directed at neighbouring countries or their populations.

08:52

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has announced a missile attack on the Arifjan U.S. military base in Kuwait.

According to the INA news agency, the IRGC said in a statement that “several strikes were carried out with precision-guided missiles against the American contingent at the Arifjan base.”

No information has yet been provided regarding possible casualties or material damage.

08:43

Iranian authorities have developed an operation called “Madman” against the United States and Israel, as reported by The New York Times, citing unnamed sources.

According to the publication, the plan was prepared after the 12-day war, when the republic’s leadership began considering the possibility of a new confrontation.

Sources clarified that the goal of the operation is to make the conflict as costly as possible not only for Israel and the United States, but also for Arab countries in the region.

The report reads that the operation envisaged several stages. At the first stage, strikes against Israel were planned; at the second stage, attacks on U.S. military bases in Arab countries. At the third stage, Iran allegedly intended to strike civilian facilities, including airports, hotels and embassies.

The newspaper notes that Iran has already begun implementing this plan.

00:03

The US and Israeli air forces have struck an oil depot located in southern Tehran, the Fars news agency has reported.

“The oil depot in southern Tehran was targeted by American and Israeli fighter jets,” the report stated.

March 7, 23:31

Claims of Iran’s unconditional surrender are nothing but fantasies, President Masoud Pezeshkian said in an address to the nation.

“Claims that we would want to surrender unconditionally are merely fantasies—ones they should take with them to the grave,” the Tashim news agency quoted him as saying.

He also urged Iranians to defend the country and to set aside religious affiliation or social status in order to successfully overcome the conflict.

23:24

Iran has hit an oil refinery in Haifa, Israel, in response to an attack on oil facilities in Tehran.

According to Tashim, the statement was issued by the press service of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC, Iran’s elite military force).

“In response to the attack by the Zionist-American enemy on the oil refinery in Tehran, we struck the oil refinery in Haifa,” the IRGC said, as reported by the Iranian state broadcasting company.

22:29

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has warned that if the United States seeks to escalate the ongoing conflict, it will face the consequences.

“If Mr. Trump seeks escalation, it is precisely what our Powerful Armed Forces have long been prepared for, and what he will get,” Araghchi said in a statement, which he shared on his social media account.

21:32

A fire broke out in the capital of Bahrain during Iranian strikes.

According to the kingdom’s Ministry of Interior, the Civil Defence Service is working to extinguish it.

“The Iranian aggression caused a fire and material damage to a house and several surrounding buildings in Manama. Civil Defence is  taking the necessary measures to extinguish the fire,” the ministry said in a statement posted on its X account.

21:19

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that over the past 48 hours they have carried out more than 300 strikes on targets in Iran and an additional 170 strikes on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon.

“IOver the weekend, more than 300 targets belonging to Iranian terror regime were struck in Iran, and more than 170 Hezbollah terror targets were struck in Lebanon,” the army’s press service said.

According to the statement, 1,465 munitions were dropped on targets in Iran, and 180 on sites in Lebanon. “Dozens of extensive waves of strikes were completed in Tehran and additional areas in Iran, targeting,” the military added.

20:45

The United States is redeploying Merops anti-drone air defence systems from Europe to the Middle East to counter Iranian drones, The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reports, citing sources.

“The U.S. Army is rushing to the Middle East counterdrone systems that have been battle-tested in Ukraine, in an effort to thwart Tehran’s destructive attacks across the region,” the report states.

It is noted that only a small number of systems are being deployed for counter-drone operations.

20:29

Kuwait’s air defence systems have intercepted and neutralised 23 drones launched from Iranian territory over the past 48 hours.

A representative of the emirate’s Ministry of Defence said this during a briefing.

“Over the past 48 hours, we successfully detected the launch of 23 drones and neutralised them,” the official stated.

According to the ministry, since the beginning of the escalation, air raid sirens have sounded 67 times. Over the past week, air defence systems have detected the launch of 14 ballistic missiles, 12 of which were destroyed.

20:14

The Assembly of Experts of Iran will hold a session within 24 hours to discuss the appointment of a new Supreme Leader of the country, Fars News Agency reports, citing member Ayatollah Hossein Mozaffari.

“Members of the Assembly of Experts are eagerly waiting for the conditions to be met to hold a meeting, discuss, and elect the new Supreme Leader… We hope this will happen within the next 24 hours,” Mozaffari said.

According to him, the Assembly of Experts has not yet held any meetings on this matter. In this regard, the ayatollah urged the citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran not to spread deliberately false information about the election of a new Supreme Leader.

19:49

Iran has carried out strikes on a U.S. base in the Juffair area of Bahrain, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has reported.

“In response to the violent actions of American terrorists from the base in the Juffair area, this base was struck by high-precision Iranian missiles,” the statement said.

18:53

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said on its Telegram channel that it had destroyed airliners at Iran’s Mehrabad International Airport that were allegedly transporting weapons for the Lebanese Shia movement Hezbollah.

In a press release, the IDF specified that it had destroyed 16 aircraft belonging to the Quds Force. According to the statement, the weapons carried by these aircraft were allegedly supplied to Hezbollah.

“Mehrabad Airport was used by the Quds Force of the IRGC and served as a central hub for arming and funding the regime’s terrorist proxies in the Middle East,” the IDF claimed.

The IDF also added that several Iranian fighter jets were struck during the attack, as they posed a threat to Israeli Air Force aircraft operating in the airspace of the Islamic Republic.

18:51

The United States may soon begin escorting vessels through the Strait of Hormuz with ships from the United States Navy.

This was stated in an interview with Fox Business by the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent.

“I don't know whether it's a week or two weeks, but we are on track to get this solved,” he said.

Bessent added that the authorities would rely on assessments from the United States Central Command.

18:15

An Iranian drone attacked the oil tanker Louise P in the Persian Gulf, according to the state broadcasting company Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB).

The vessel, sailing under the flag of the Marshall Islands, was hit. It may have been one of the assets linked to the United States.

It is known that this is already the second strike on tankers today. Earlier on March 7, reports said that Iran had struck an oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz after it ignored a warning from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

17:28

The oil tanker Louise P, flying the Marshall Islands flag, was targeted by an Iranian drone in the Persian Gulf, TASS reports, citing Iranian state television (IRIB).

The tanker may have been linked to United States interests, according to the report.

16:16

An IDF Air Force fighter jet detected and intercepted a drone launched from Iran before it crossed into Israel.

Since the start of Operation “Roaring Lion,” the Israeli Air Force has detected and intercepted over 110 drones launched by Iran toward Israel.

15:26

The US President Donald Trump stated that American armed forces plan to strike areas of Iran that have not been targeted before.

"Today Iran will be hit very hard! Under serious consideration for complete destruction and certain death, because of Iran’s bad behavior, are areas and groups of people that were not considered for targeting up until this moment in time," he wrote on Truth Social.

14:57

Bahrain’s air defence systems intercepted 8 Iranian missiles and 19 drones today, BNA reports, citing the General Command of the Bahrain Defence Forces.

According to the agency, since the start of the hostilities, a total of 86 missiles and 148 drones targeting the kingdom have been intercepted and destroyed.

The command highly praised the combat readiness of its personnel, emphasising that their actions ensure the protection of Bahrain’s airspace.

Authorities also urged residents to stay at home, go out only if absolutely necessary, avoid areas where debris may fall, and rely on official sources rather than spreading unverified information.

14:43

Explosions have been reported in a mountainous area near the city of Khomeynishahr in Isfahan Province.

According to Israel’s Channel 12, no further details or information about possible consequences have yet been provided.

14:40

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has launched the 25th wave of Operation “True Promise-4,” Tasnim News Agency, citing the Corps’ press service.

According to the statement, the joint missile-and-drone operation, codenamed “O Ali ibn Abu Talib,” is aimed at US and Israeli military and auxiliary military facilities.

The operation reportedly involves the use of high-precision strategic missiles such as Fattah and Emad.

14:10

Over the past 24 hours, Iran’s integrated joint air defence command system has destroyed 13 attacking drones, IRIB reports, citing Statement No. 16 of the Army of Iran.

According to the statement, drones of the MQ-9 Reaper, Hermes, and Orbiter types were shot down. They were intercepted by missile and artillery systems operated by the army’s ground forces and air defence units, as well as forces of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

The operations were carried out in the north-western, western and southern regions of Iran, including Isfahan Province, Kerman Province, and Tehran Province.

The army added that since the start of the current conflict, the total number of drones shot down by the country’s air defence forces and the IRGC has reached 82.

13:59

This morning, an IRGC Navy drone unit carried out a massive strike on Al Dhafra Air Base, Khabar Fouri reports, citing an IRGC statement.

According to the agency, the base is one of the largest and most important US airbases in the region, serving as a command and control centre for forces in the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz. The IRGC stated that the targets were successfully hit.

The attack reportedly damaged the air operations centre, satellite communications centre, early warning radars, and fire control systems.

13:57

The IRGC Air Forces shot down another American MQ-9 drone over Hormozgan Province, according to Clash Report.

The use of Hellfire missiles clearly indicates that the target was an American MQ-9.

Earlier, IRGC forces had destroyed a Hermes-900 drone in the same area.

13:10

Satellite imagery reveals that at least five Iranian military aircraft were destroyed in an Israeli-American strike on Shahid Dastghaib Airfield in Shiraz, Mignews reports.

The destroyed aircraft include one Il-76 transport plane, two C-130 transports, and two Su-22 combat jets.

13:05

On the night of March 7, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) completed another series of strikes on missile sites, weapons depots, and other military targets of Hezbollah across southern Lebanon and the Beqaa valley, the IDF announced on Telegram.

“Additionally, yesterday (Friday), commanders of Hezbollah's ‘Radwan Force’ and two ‘Radwan Force’ command centres were struck in the area of Majdal Sel, in southern Lebanon.

The commanders who were struck operated recently to advance and carry out various terror attacks against IDF troops and Israeli civilians.

Prior to the strike, steps were taken to mitigate harm to civilians, including the issuing of advanced warning, the use of precise munitions, aerial surveillance, and additional intelligence,” the statement said.

13:01

On March 7, Bahraini forces intercepted two missiles and one drone, the Associated Press reports, citing the country’s Ministry of Defence.

Since the start of the US and Israel conflict with Iran, a total of 86 missiles and 148 drones have been intercepted over Bahrain.

12:55

An attack hit the Iranian Navy base in Bandar Abbas in southern Iran, according to foreign media.

Strikes also occurred in Isfahan and in Pakdasht in Tehran province.

12:52

Israel’s Channel 12 reports explosions near the airport on Kish Island following an Israeli strike.

12:33

Sirens blared across Bahrain on March 7, while a security alert was issued to mobile phones in Doha, Qatar, according to CNN.

“The security threat level is elevated,” the Qatari authorities stated in the alert. “Everyone is required to remain indoors, refrain from going out, and stay away from windows and exposed areas, in order to ensure public safety.”

Qatar’s Defence Ministry later confirmed that a ballistic missile attack from Iran had been intercepted.

“The security threat has been eliminated, and the situation has returned to normal,” officials added in a follow-up message.

Around the same time, Iranian state media reported that a combined missile and drone attack had been launched toward Qatar and Bahrain.

12:26

The Israeli Defense Forces have launched a large-scale wave of strikes against the infrastructure of the “Iranian terror regime” in Tehran and Isfahan, the IDF press service has reported.

11:50

Emirates Airlines has temporarily suspended flights to Dubai following an Iranian attack.

According to News.ru, passengers are being advised not to come to the airport due to heightened security measures.

11:34

Israel’s Channel 12 has reported a series of explosions in Tehran caused by an airstrike.

11:15

An Israeli reconnaissance drone, Orbiter 4, was intercepted and destroyed over Isfahan, IRIB reports.

11:11

Air defence systems of the IRGC Aerospace Forces destroyed a Hermes-900 drone off the coast of Hormozgan Province, according to ISNA.

11:07

The judicial complex in Tehran sustained heavy damage as a result of American and Israeli attacks, reports Israel’s Channel 12.

🇺🇸🇮🇱🇮🇷 Тяжёлые повреждения получил комплекс судебной власти в Тегеране в результате американо-израильских атак, сообщает 12-й канал Израиля. pic.twitter.com/dzv47LmKoQ

— Caliber (@Caliberaz) March 7, 2026

10:48

Today at 4:30 a.m., an IRGC missile unit struck positions of separatist groups in three districts of Iraqi Kurdistan, Tasnim reports, citing the Corps’ press service.

“A separatist formation that takes action against the territorial integrity of Iran will be destroyed,” said an IRGC spokesperson.

10:10

More than 80 Israeli Air Force fighter jets, acting under the guidance of IDF Intelligence Directorate, carried out an additional series of strikes against the infrastructure of the “Iranian terror regime” in Tehran and other areas of central Iran, the IDF press service said in a statement.

“As part of the strikes, the IDF struck several military sites belonging to the Iranian regime, including:

- The main Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps military university, the Imam Hossein University, which was used for the training of IRGC officers. In addition, the military university was being used as an emergency asset; and most recently as an IRGC assembly compound, particularly during Operation 'Rising Lion'. The university contained multiple military assets utilized by the IRGC. As such, the site constituted a lawful military objective under the law of armed conflict, by its nature, use, and purpose.

- A storage site of the Iranian missile unit in which military bunkers and launching infrastructure were located.

- An underground infrastructure used for storing ballistic missiles, where hundreds of regime operatives were operating. The site included military bunkers and command centers from which senior officials of the Iranian regime were operating.

Moreover, additional targets were struck, including launch sites that were identified in several areas in western and central Iran, in order to reduce the scope of fire directed at the territory of the State of Israel.

The combined effort to strengthen the impact on the Iranian regime's firing and defense capabilities is ongoing, alongside continued efforts to degrade the Iranian regime’s production infrastructure,” the statement reads.

09:56

“U.S. forces have struck over 3,000 targets in the first week of Operation Epic Fury, and we are not slowing down,” the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) stated on the social media platform X, as reported by Caliber.Az.

U.S. forces have struck over 3,000 targets in the first week of Operation Epic Fury, and we are not slowing down. pic.twitter.com/Nqn30feTQA

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 7, 2026

09:32

A senior Trump administration official has said that last night marked America's "biggest bombing campaign" in Iran, Sky News reports.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told Fox Business: "We'll do the most damage to the Iranian missile launchers, the factories that build the missiles. 

"And we are substantially degrading them. And, you know, our campaign has been overwhelming."

For several days, the White House has been warning that its attacks would intensify.

In a post on X overnight, US Central Command said its forces had struck more than 3,000 targets during the first week of Operation Epic Fury, adding: "We are not slowing down."

09:30

Footage showing Iranian missiles with cluster warheads over Tel Aviv is being circulated by Khabar Fouri.

09:26

Airstrikes were carried out on the Iranian capital early on Saturday morning, state media reported.

A video circulating on social media and geolocated by CNN shows Mehrabad International Airport in Tehran on fire following the strikes.

Iran’s state broadcaster also reported that explosions were heard and smoke was visible in the eastern and western parts of Tehran.

09:22

A third American aircraft carrier, the USS George H. W. Bush (CVN-77), will be deployed to the Middle East to take part in combat operations against Iran, Fox News reports.

The carrier recently completed exercises off Cape Hatteras and is expected to soon cross the Atlantic Ocean. The vessel will be stationed in the eastern Mediterranean.

The US command has already deployed the aircraft carriers USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) and USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) to the Middle East.

8:59

British helicopters equipped with counter-drone protection systems have begun arriving in Cyprus, the UK Ministry of Defence said on Friday, March 6, according to CNN.

The deployment follows an attack on a military base on the island. In response to the incident, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that Britain would send the HMS Dragon, a warship of the Royal Navy, as well as AW159 Wildcat helicopters to the region.

The Ministry of Defence also said that four additional Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets are expected to arrive overnight in Qatar to reinforce the UK’s regional military presence.

According to the ministry, the United Kingdom had already deployed aircraft the previous night to carry out air patrol missions over Qatar, Jordan, and the eastern part of the Mediterranean Sea.

Despite the reinforcements, Starmer has repeatedly stated that the United Kingdom will not participate alongside the United States and Israel in offensive military operations against Iran.

00:53

The U.S. administration believes that American military aviation has already achieved air superiority over Iran.

“The U.S. Armed Forces have impressively established dominance and superiority in the skies over Iran,” White House Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt said live on Fox News. However, a short time later, she expressed herself more cautiously on the matter in a conversation with reporters. “Yes, we are well on our way to doing so,” Leavitt said when asked to clarify whether the Pentagon’s previous forecasts that the U.S. would achieve undisputed air superiority over Iran within a week of operations still stand.

She also stated twice that it does not matter whether reports in the American media about Russia possibly providing intelligence to Iran are true. “It clearly is not making a difference with respect to the military operations in Iran because we are completely decimating them,” Leavitt said in the Fox News interview. When reporters later asked her to clarify these comments, she replied, it clearly doesn’t matter in terms of the progress of military operations in Iran. “Of course, we are achieving the objectives of this military operation,” the press secretary repeated. She did not specify whether Trump had called Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss such matters, saying she would let the president speak to that himself.

March 7, 00:26

The number of Iranian retaliatory missile strikes during the U.S.-Israeli military operation against Iran has decreased by 90%.

These figures were provided by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.

“Just 6 days in [of operations], the retaliatory ballistic missile strikes from Iran are now down 90%,” she told reporters. Additionally, Leavitt reminded that, according to Washington’s calculations, more than 30 Iranian ships and vessels have already been sunk. “ Their navy has been deemed [by the Pentagon] combat ineffective,” the White House representative said.

She confirmed that U.S. President Donald Trump is trying to influence who will become the next Supreme Leader of Iran. “He wants to take an interest in pursuing who the next leader of the Iranian country is going to be, and that has yet to be seen and the president is discussing it and deliberating it,” Leavitt stated.

23:27

The Islamic Republic of Iran Army reported that its naval forces launched an attack on the US aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln.

According to the army’s statement, “The missile system of the naval forces fired a shore-based missile at the USS Abraham Lincoln,” as reported by the state broadcaster.

23:23

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt explained President Donald Trump’s remark that the only possible agreement with Iran would be its “unconditional surrender.”

According to CNN, Leavitt said the statement refers to the moment when Trump, as Commander-in-Chief of the United States Armed Forces, determines that Iran no longer poses a threat to the country. She stressed that this would signify a de facto surrender, regardless of whether Tehran formally acknowledges it.

Leavitt added that during the “Epic Fury” operation, the United States and Israel eliminated over 50 leaders of the former regime, including the Supreme Leader.

“Frankly,” she went on, “they don’t have a lot of people to say that for them, because the United States and the State of Israel have completely wiped out near more than 50 leaders of the former terrorist regime, including the Supreme Leader himself.”

She also emphasised that Washington expects to achieve its objectives within 4–6 weeks and has sufficient stockpiles of weapons for operations against Iran.

21:32

The Israeli Air Force struck more than 400 targets across various regions of Iran on March 6.

According to Caliber.Az, the press service of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported this in a statement.

“Today (Friday), over 400 targets were struck in several areas in Iran, including ballistic missile launchers and Iranian UAVs storage facilities,” the statement said.

The military also noted that during the strikes, an Israeli Air Force aircraft detected a truck transporting an Iranian air defence system. “After identification, the Israeli Air Force struck the truck, destroying the system,” the press service added.

21:06

A representative of Iran’s central headquarters of the armed forces, Khatam al‑Anbiya Central Headquarters, stated that many US soldiers were killed as a result of a strike on an American base in Bahrain.

His remarks were reported by the Mehr News Agency.

“The attack on the location of US military personnel in Bahrain resulted in a large number of dead and wounded,” the statement said.

19:31

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced that in the 22nd phase of Operation “True Promise 4” against the United States and Israel, it carried out strikes on American military bases in the UAE, Kuwait, and Qatar, according to the IRGC press service.

A strike was conducted on Al-Dhafra Air Base in the UAE using various drones and precision-guided missiles, and on the US "terrorist" base Ali Al-Salem in Kuwait, per foreign media.

The statement detailed that at Al-Dhafra, hangars used for storing and maintaining advanced MQ-9 drones and the US U-2 reconnaissance aircraft were destroyed. At Ali Al-Salem, a “state-of-the-art early warning radar,” auxiliary structures, fuel tanks for US aircraft, and two runways were destroyed. At Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar, air traffic control facilities, satellite stations, and fuel storage tanks were also destroyed.

19:21

The Israeli military provided details of a large-scale strike on central Tehran targeting a major underground command bunker, an official army spokesperson, Brigadier General Effie Defrin, said at a briefing.

He stressed that around 50 Israeli Air Force fighter jets participated in the raid, dropping “over 100 munitions” on the facility, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

A 3D reconstruction of the bunker was shown, which had been built for Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who was killed on February 28 during the initial hours of bombings by Israeli and US forces.

“This was a secret bunker from which Khamenei was supposed to direct the war against Israel. It was neutralised before he could use it, but senior regime leaders continued to operate from it, believing it was secure. They were mistaken,” Defrin asserted.

18:26

Iran’s state broadcaster IRIB has reported that the country carried out a drone strike on another vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

The vessel had violated regulations previously announced by Iranian authorities, according to IRIB.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps of Iran had earlier stated that Tehran fully controls the Strait of Hormuz and that passage is prohibited for ships linked to Israel or the United States.

18:00

US President Donald Trump stated that there will be no deal with Iran.

According to Caliber.Az, Trump posted this on the social media platform Truth Social.

“There will be no deal with Iran except UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER! After that, and the selection of a GREAT & ACCEPTABLE Leader(s), we, and many of our wonderful and very brave allies and partners, will work tirelessly to bring Iran back from the brink of destruction, making it economically bigger, better, and stronger than ever before. IRAN WILL HAVE A GREAT FUTURE. ‘MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN (MIGA!)’,” the US president wrote.

17:31

Basra International Airport has been targeted by a drone, an Iraqi security source told Al Jazeera.

It was not immediately clear who launched the drone or whether there were casualties or damage at the facility.

17:13

In the past hour, Ilam Province in western Iran has been subjected to airstrikes, Israel’s Channel 12 reports.

17:09

The Israeli Defense Forces have launched the 15th wave of strikes against the infrastructure of the “Iranian terror regime” in Tehran and Isfahan, the IDF press service reports.

17:02

An Iranian military ship caught fire near Qeshm Island in the Persian Gulf, Israel’s Channel 12 reports.

16:51

A video recorded by a resident in Isfahan showed low-altitude flights by what appeared to be U.S. and Israeli fighter jets over the central Iranian city on March 6, Iran International reports.

A video recorded by a resident in Isfahan showed low-altitude flights by what appeared to be U.S. and Israeli fighter jets over the central Iranian city on Friday. pic.twitter.com/R4meaA818g

— Iran International English (@IranIntl_En) March 6, 2026

16:43

The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) stated that the combat capabilities of the US armed forces continue to grow, while Iran’s combat capabilities are, in the command’s assessment, declining.

According to Caliber.Az, CENTCOM posted this on its X social media account.

U.S. combat power is building as Iranian combat power declines. pic.twitter.com/KLxDstF2GV

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 6, 2026

16:35

American air forces have destroyed a missile factory in Tehran.

Footage has been published by Mignews.

16:00

A representative of the IRGC Central Command stated that an oil tanker belonging to the United States was attacked and set on fire off the coast of Kuwait, Iran International reports.

The company’s representative said the vessel was struck near Kuwaiti waters and caught fire, but no further details were provided.

15:53

American THAAD radars located in the UAE and Jordan, as well as the American over-the-horizon FPS-132 radar (Desert Eye) in Qatar, were destroyed by missile and drone units of the IRGC, Fars reports, citing the IRGC press service.

15:41

A short while ago, around 50 Israeli Air Force fighter jets, acting on precise intelligence from the IDF, struck an underground bunker belonging to Ali Khamenei in Tehran, the IDF press service reports.

“The underground military bunker, which was located beneath the regime's leadership compound in the center of Tehran, was intended to be used by the Supreme Leader of the Iranian regime as a secure emergency command center. Khamenei was eliminated before he could use the bunker during operation “Roaring Lion” but the compound continued to be used by senior Iranian regime officials.

The underground compound was created by the regime as a base for advancing military activities and its extremist ideologies against the State of Israel and the Western world.

It spanned multiple streets in the heart of Tehran and contained numerous entrances and meeting rooms for senior members of the Iranian terrorist regime.

The bunker was struck following a lengthy process of intelligence collection and research conducted by the IDF’s Intelligence Directorate.

The bunker was one of the Iranian leadership’s most important military command centers. Targeting the bunker further degrades the regime’s command and control capabilities,” the statement read.

15:33

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) reported the “complete success” of the 22nd wave of missile strikes under Operation “True Promise-4,” Fars reports.

According to the statement, the attack was conducted under the codename “Yahsin bin Ali, peace be upon him.” The operation employed Kheibar, Khorramshahr-4, and Fattah missiles. The IRGC claims that the strikes targeted American and Israeli assets—from the Gulf countries to Tel Aviv—in response to the deaths of Iranian children at a school in Minab.

It was noted that this wave included the use of the super-heavy Khorramshahr-4 missile, carrying a warhead weighing around two tons and reaching speeds of up to Mach 14. According to the IRGC, the strikes hit US and Israeli bases in Gulf countries, the Tel Aviv area, Ben Gurion Airport, and military sites in Haifa.

The Corps also stated that the successful missile launches from a network of missile bases on the seventh day of the conflict refute claims of Iran’s supposedly weakened defensive capabilities. The IRGC added that the country’s armed forces are prepared for further regional-scale confrontations.

15:30

A short while ago, the IDF identified missiles launched from Iran toward the territory of the State of Israel. Defensive systems are operating to intercept the threat, the military reports.

15:17

“Some countries have begun mediation efforts,” Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on the X social media platform.

“Let's be clear: we are committed to lasting peace in the region yet we have no hesitation in defending our nation's dignity & sovereignty. Mediation should address those who underestimated the Iranian people and ignited this conflict,” the Iranian president wrote.

14:55

Israeli military forces have ordered the evacuation of residents from four Lebanese towns in the Bekaa Valley region, Reuters reports.

14:53

Since the start of the Middle East crisis, Kuwaiti air defence systems have detected and intercepted 394 Iranian drones and 212 ballistic missiles aimed at the country.

According to Xinhua, this was announced by Saud Al-Atwan, an official spokesperson for the Kuwaiti Ministry of Defence, during a briefing at the Government Communications Centre.

Al-Atwan emphasised that the Kuwaiti military is at maximum combat readiness and is monitoring the situation around the clock in coordination with other military and security agencies.

He also noted that 67 Kuwaiti Armed Forces personnel have been injured in recent incidents.

14:51

An Iranian drone is flying towards a US base in Iraqi Kurdistan.

Footage was published by Khabar Fouri.

14:35

According to a statement from the IRGC, in recent hours, various types of strike drones from the Corps’ Ground Forces have carried out mass attacks on US military bases in Kuwait.

Ansaroollah reports that these attacks are expected to continue in the coming hours.

14:12

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has announced the start of the 22nd wave of Operation “True Promise-4”, codenamed “O Hussein, Son of Ali.”

According to ISNA, the operation involved the mass launch of Khorramshahr-4, Kheibar, and Fattah missiles.

🇮🇷Корпус стражей Исламской революции объявил о начале 22-й волны операции «Праведное обещание-4» под кодовым названием «О Хусейн, сын Али».

Как сообщает İSNA, в рамках операции были произведены массовые запуски ракет «Хорремшехр-4», «Хайбар» и «Фаттах». pic.twitter.com/vgdq3G7URX

— Caliber (@Caliberaz) March 6, 2026

14:05

“In response to Israel’s criminal aggression targeting dozens of Lebanese cities and villages, including the southern suburbs of Beirut, the fighters of the Islamic Resistance at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, March 6, 2026, attacked the newly established Balat base in southern Lebanon with a group of suicide drones, resulting in direct hits.”

According to the IRGC’s Telegram channel, this was stated in a statement by Hezbollah.

13:32

The US Central Command stated that Iranian targets are “being decimated” by American forces as operations press on.

“Iranian targets are being decimated by US forces, paving the way for continued delivery of overwhelming American military firepower,” CENTCOM said in a post on X.

Iranian targets are being decimated by U.S. forces, paving the way for continued delivery of overwhelming American military firepower. pic.twitter.com/wQUER9cXWw

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 6, 2026

13:17

Satellite images from March 5 show damage to oil facilities in Al-Fujairah, UAE, following an Iranian drone attack.

The footage was published by Yediot News.

13:12

The Israeli Defense Forces are striking Hezbollah infrastructure in the Dahiyeh area of Beirut, the IDF press service reports.

13:06

A newly released video shows the crash of another American fighter jet. According to sources, the pilot managed to eject, Fars reports.

An official report on the incident has not yet been published.

Previously, three American F-15 fighter jets were shot down in Kuwait.

12:57

The IRGC Ground Forces carried out strikes on “terrorist centres” in Iraqi Kurdistan, Tasnim reports.

The agency notes that the operations were aimed “at destroying terrorist infrastructure and strengthening security along the border with the Islamic Republic of Iran.”

🇮🇷🇺🇸🇮🇱 Cухопутные войска КСИР нанесли удары по «террористическим центрам» в Иракском Курдистане, сообщает Tasnim.

Агентство отмечает, что операции были направлены «на уничтожение инфраструктуры террористов и усиление безопасности на границе с Исламской Республикой Иран». pic.twitter.com/1TEHvIMDf3

— Caliber (@Caliberaz) March 6, 2026

12:40

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said Kheibar missiles have been fired toward Tel Aviv as part of the 21st wave of its “Operation True Promise 4," Reuters reports.

In a statement, the Revolutionary Guard said the new wave of attacks began with a combined missile and drone operation targeting sites in the heart of Tel Aviv.

12:21

This morning, the United States and Israel carried out airstrikes on the Iranian city of Isfahan, as well as on the nearby towns of Berhvar, Najafabad, and Lenjan.

According to Tasnim, residential buildings and vehicles were damaged in the attacks, and local civilians were among the injured.

12:19

In the Iranian city of Mahabad, several explosions occurred following airstrikes by the US and Israel, causing damage to various parts of the city.

Tasnim reports that the Red Crescent building, which provides humanitarian aid, was severely damaged. One staff member was injured, received first aid, and was transferred to a medical centre for further treatment.

12:17

A short while ago, the IDF detected rockets launched from Iran towards the territory of the State of Israel. Air defence systems are currently engaged to intercept the threat, the Israeli Defense Forces’ press service reports.

12:06

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) stated that it shot down an Israeli Heron drone flying over the city of Isfahan, Tehran Times reports.

#BREAKING
IRGC says Israeli Heron drone shot down flying over Isfahan in central Iran pic.twitter.com/sEQ360zgXr

— Tehran Times (@TehranTimes79) March 6, 2026

12:04

This is what the Dahiyeh area in Tehran looks like this morning after major IDF strikes yesterday.

Yediot News is sharing footage.

🇮🇱🇱🇧 Израильский портал Yediot News сообщает, что после ночных израильских ударов район Дахия, на юге Бейрута, серьёзно пострадал. pic.twitter.com/RdyQO63vvT

— Caliber (@Caliberaz) March 6, 2026

11:27

On March 5, Iran carried out missile strikes on the camps of the Kurdish opposition group Komala in Surdash, Iraqi Kurdistan.

According to sources cited by Iran International, families and civilians are residing in the camps.

11:23

Iran has launched the 21st wave of strikes against Israel, targeting the centre of Tel Aviv, ISNA reports per the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

11:09

Iranian media said the country's forces shot down two drones, including a U.S. MQ-9 and an Israeli Hermes 900, Reuters reports.

The report on March 6 said the MQ-9 drone was destroyed over Lorestan province in western Iran and the Israeli Hermes 900 drone was intercepted in the general area of Tehran.

The report described the downings as part of a “brilliant day for air defense".

11:03

On March 5, the Israeli Air Force, operating under the guidance of the Intelligence Directorate, destroyed six missile launchers just minutes before they were set to be fired toward the territory of the State of Israel, the Israel Defense Forces press service has reported.

“In addition, three advanced Iranian defense systems were dismantled.

The combined effort to deepen the impact on the Iranian regime’s firing and defense capabilities has been conducted systematically since the beginning of Operation Rising Lion,” the statement said.

11:00

Since Hezbollah joined the conflict on Monday, the IDF has struck over 500 targets in Lebanon, according to the military, The Times of Israel reports.

The targets have included top Hezbollah commanders, members of its elite Radwan Force, rocket launchers, command centers, weapon depots, as well as members of other terror groups and their infrastructure.

In southern Lebanon, the military says it estimates that some 420,000 Lebanese civilians have evacuated their homes after the IDF ordered everyone in the area to leave and head north of the Litani River.

10:55

During overnight attacks on the **Zibashahr in Shiraz, infrastructure intended for residential use was destroyed, Tasnim reports.

According to the report, the municipal building, emergency medical station, and a local park were damaged. Several local residents were reportedly affected, and significant personal property, including vehicles, was destroyed.

10:40

The Iraqi armed group Saraya Awliya al-Dam has claimed responsibility for a drone attack against a “vital” target in Jordan, Al Jazeera reports.

In a statement posted on the group’s Telegram channel earlier today, the group declared that the strike was in response to the killing of Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

The group did not provide further details, and Al Jazeera could not independently verify their claims.

Earlier on Friday, Al Jazeera Arabic reported that air raid sirens had sounded in the Jordanian city of Aqaba.

10:26

Saudi Arabia’s air defence forces shot down three drones east of Riyadh, the kingdom’s Ministry of Defense reported.

المتحدث الرسمي لـ #وزارة_الدفاع: اعتراض وتدمير 3 مسيّرات شرق منطقة الرياض. pic.twitter.com/pY62o3aiN4

— وزارة الدفاع (@modgovksa) March 6, 2026

10:19

The U.S. THAAD air defence radar system in Jordan was likely destroyed during the first days of the armed conflict with Iran, CNN reports, citing satellite imagery they analysed.

Additionally, buildings housing similar systems may have been hit at two other locations in the United Arab Emirates, though the network cannot confirm whether they sustained serious damage.

10:11

During the night, the Israeli Air Force, guided by intelligence from the IDF, carried out a large-scale wave of strikes on Hezbollah infrastructure in Beirut, the Israel Defense Forces press service reports.

“As part of the strikes, an executive council's command center and a facility storing UAVs utilized by Hezbollah for conducting attacks against the State of Israel were struck.

The command centers were intended to be used by Hezbollah to advance and carry out numerous terror attacks against IDF troops and the State of Israel.

Prior to the strikes, measures were taken to mitigate the risk of harm to civilians, including advance warnings, the use of precision munitions, and aerial surveillance.”

10:01

In the Islamic Republic of Iran, the fourth session of the Provisional Leadership Council was held, which includes President Masoud Pezeshkian, Chief Justice Gholam Hossein Mohseni-Eje’i, and Ayatollah Alireza Arafi, a representative of the Guardian Council, according to Khabar Fouri.

The Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council of Iran, Ali Larijani, briefed the council on the current situation and military operations. Members decided to provide significant support to the armed forces to strengthen them during the conflict.

The session also planned the creation of a Council of Experts for the leader and the presentation of the country’s future leader. The government was tasked with implementing the council’s decisions to meet the nation’s essential needs, including food and medical supplies.

09:45

Channel 12 released footage of an Israeli Air Force strike in Tehran, filmed early in the morning.

09:27

According to Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of the U.S. CENTCOM, over the past 24 hours, the number of Iranian attacks using ballistic missiles has decreased by 90%, while drone attacks have fallen by 83%.

At the same time, U.S. strikes against the Iranian navy “have intensified”: 30 ships have been sunk, and a drone-launching vessel was hit and is currently burning, CNN reports.

09:24

The U.S. Central Command has released new materials on Operation “Epic Fury”, including video footage showing the destruction of an Iranian ship used to launch drones.

According to the command, “ roughly the size of a WWII aircraft carrier, was struck and is now on fire.”

U.S. forces aren't holding back on the mission to sink the entire Iranian Navy. Today, an Iranian drone carrier, roughly the size of a WWII aircraft carrier, was struck and is now on fire. pic.twitter.com/WyA4fniZck

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 6, 2026

08:42

Iran has suspended the process of electing a new Supreme Leader for security reasons, The New York Times reports, citing two Iranian officials.

The decision was taken after representatives of the United States and Israel indicated the possibility of an attack on the new leader.

08:27

According to CBS News, citing U.S. official sources, three American MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial vehicles have been shot down during the operation against Iran.

The exact crash locations of the drones have not yet been determined, although one of them reportedly fell into waters off the Iranian coast.

It remains unclear how the drones were neutralised and who was responsible for destroying them.

In recent days, another incident has occurred: a U.S. MQ-9 Reaper drone was shot down. According to preliminary information, the cause was “friendly fire” from Qatari military forces, U.S. officials said.

The approximate cost of a drone of this model is about $34 million.

08:10

U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth stated that American forces involved in the operation against Iran will no longer be bound by what he described as “politically correct rules of warfare” that previously restricted their actions.

Past foolish, politically correct wars were the complete opposite of what we are doing here. They had vague goals and restrictive, minimalist rules for the use of force. That will not happen again. Our authorities, his authorities, the authorities of Central Command, granted by the president and by me, are being used to the fullest, Hegseth told Sky News.