The Iranian foreign minister has accused the US and Israel of contradicting the 10 day pause on energy strikes after fresh attacks on Iran’s energy infrastructure.
The Israeli military said it struck a heavy water plant and uranium enrichment facility in central Iran on Friday.
Abbas Araghchi alleged that Israel’s strikes on Iranian steel, power and nuclear sites were coordinated with the US and contracted “the President’s extended deadline for diplomacy”, in reference to the 10 day pause on energy.
It comes after US secretary of state Marco Rubio’s latest update on the war suggested a de-escalation as he affirmed the conflict would last “weeks, not months” and Iran had indicated a willingness to talk about “certain things”.
He also said that he believed the United States could achieve its goals in Iran without ground troops, despite reports from the Wall Street Journal that Donald Trump is considering sending another 10,000 troops to the Middle East, where they could be sent within striking distance of Kharg Island, a key oil export hub off in the Persian Gulf.
Meanwhile, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps closed the Strait of Hormuz, adding that any transit through the waterway will face “harsh measures”, according to state media.
Key Points
- Kuwait's main commercial port damaged in Iran attack
- Trump says peace talks with Iran 'going very well'
- Oil prices soar past $111 after Iran closes Strait of Hormuz
- Israel claims strikes on water plant and uranium facility in Iran
- Iran fired missiles at UAE and Kuwait this morning
- Analysis: The US would need a million troops to control Iran - not the few thousands currently on their way
Trump criticises Nato in praise for Middle Eastern allies
22:06 , Bryony GoochUS president Donald Trump has commended the likes of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait and Turkey in a criticism on Nato.
“I have to say that Bahrain and Kuwait, they were stand up more so than Nato,” he said. “Now they're a little closer to the action than Nato, and [often I have] been very disappointed with Nato, but I wasn't disappointed with our allies in the Middle East and others.
“We had tremendous support from countries that were not in the general area, but they were tremendously supportive.
“Turkey was fantastic, actually fantastic, and they stayed out of things that we asked them to.”
Trump says he's not calling Middle Eastern conflict a war for 'legal reasons'
22:05 , Bryony GoochUS president Donald Trump has said he’s not calling the ongoing conflict with Iran a war.
Speaking at the Future Investments Initiative, he responded to claims he was losing the MAGA base “because of the war.”
“See, I get into a war. Of course, they call it a war. I call it a military conflict, but there's a legal reason for that,” he said. “But you get into a war or a military operation or conflict for you.”
Watch: Moms at CPAC agree Barron Trump should serve in military if U.S. puts boots on the ground in Iran
22:00 , Bryony GoochTrump says Iran has to open the 'Strait of Trump'
21:47 , Bryony GoochUS president Donald Trump appeared to call the Strait of Hormuz the Strait of Trump in an apparent misspeak at the Future Investment Intiative.
“We're negotiating now, and be great if we could do something, but they have to open it up,” he said. “They have to open up the Strait of Trump. I mean, Hormuz.”
When the audience laughed, he joked: “Excuse me, I'm so sorry.
“Such a terrible mistake. The fake news will say he accidentally said... there's no accidents with me, not too many.
“If there were, we'd have a major story.”
Trump restates claims that Iran gifted the US 10 ships of oil out of Hormuz
21:45 , Bryony GoochPresident Donald Trump has said that Iran was negotiating through sending oil out of the Strait of Hormuz, which they closed on Friday.
Trump said at the Future Investment Initiative: “They were negotiating, which they admitted two days later, and in order to make up for their misstatement, they said we're going to send you eight ships of oil.
“I saw in one of the networks, very strange, there were eight ships of oil coming out of Iran, and then they actually said, we're going to add an extra two. And they added an extra two, so we had 10 ships.”
Trump: Iran is on the run
21:41 , Bryony GoochPresident Donald Trump has said Iran is “on the run” as he speaks at the Future Investment Initiative.
“For 47 years, Iran has been known as the bully of the Middle East, but they are not the bully any longer. They're on the run.”
Trump: United States has weapons nobody has ever seen before
21:40 , Bryony GoochPresident Donald Trump said the United States has weapons nobody has ever seen before as he speaks at the Future Investment Initiative.
“We have the most powerful military in the world, by far. I built it in my first term, remember I said a trillion dollars.
“They also, what do you mean? A trillion dollars? A trillion dollars every year, another trillion. The next another trillion.
“We have the best people. We have by far the best equipment. We have weapons that nobody's ever seen before. We have weapons that nobody even knows about except for a few of us.”
Trump: We're closer than ever to a free Middle East
21:39 , Bryony GoochSpeaking at the Future Investment Initiative, President Donald Trump has said the Middle East is closer than ever to being free from Iran’s “terror aggression”.
He said: “Tonight, we're closer than ever to the rise of the Middle East that is finally free, at last, from Iranian terror aggression and nuclear blackmail. That's what's happened.
“It was nuclear blackmail for years and years and beyond that there was blackmail period under my leadership, America is ending the threat posed by this radical regime, decimating Iran's capabilities.
“Operation Epic Fury is something that nobody's ever seen anything quite like it.
Elon Musk joined Trump’s call with Modi on war in Iran, says report
21:32 , Bryony Gooch
Elon Musk joined Trump’s call with Modi on war in Iran, says report
Iran says US attacks while calling for talks 'intolerable', response undecided
21:00 , Bryony GoochA senior Iranian official said on Friday US attacks on Iran while simultaneously calling for talks were "intolerable," adding Tehran had yet to decide whether to respond to a US proposal due to attacks on industrial and nuclear infrastructure.
Iran's response to US proposals had originally been expected to be delivered on Friday or Saturday, the official added.
Iran's response to US peace proposal expected Friday, source says
20:30 , Bryony GoochIran's response to a US peace proposal aimed at ending the war in the Middle East is expected on Friday, according to a source briefed on the matter.
US president Donald Trump and top White House officials have been told via interlocutors to expect Iran's counter-proposal then, the source said.
The war, which began when the US and Israel attacked Iran on February 28, has spread across the Middle East. Iran had been reviewing a 15-point proposal, sent via Pakistan, that included demands ranging from dismantling Iran's nuclear program to curbing its missile development and effectively handing over control of the Strait of Hormuz, according to sources and reports.
Iran has expressed willingness to talk about certain things in an exchange of messages, US secretary of state Marco Rubio told reporters after a G7 meeting in France on Friday.
"We're waiting for further clarification about who it is that we would be talking to, what we would be talking about, and when will we be talking," Rubio said. "It could happen in any moment. It could happen today. Could happen tomorrow."
Iranian foreign minister accuses US and Israel of attacking civilian targets
20:00 , Bryony GoochIranian foreign minister Abbas Araqchi has accused the United States and Israel of attacking civilian targets, including schools, hospitals, and historical sites in a phone call with his Russian counterpart.
Speaking to Sergei Lavrov, Aragchi said Iran would continue to decisively defend itself, according to state media.
Iran-US war mapped as more countries dragged into widening Middle East conflict
19:30 , Bryony Gooch
Iran-US war mapped as more countries dragged into widening Middle East conflict
Merz uncertain about US-Israeli goals of war in Iran
19:00 , Bryony GoochGerman chancellor Friedrich Merz on Friday expressed scepticism that the United States and Israel had a clear strategy to end the war in Iran but he said Germany would in principle be ready to take part in an international stabilisation mission after the end of hostilities.
"I'm just not convinced that what's happening right now - what Israel and America are doing - will actually lead to success," he said at a conference hosted by the FAZ newspaper.
Watch: Iran can't hold world economy 'hostage': Yvette Cooper
18:00 , Bryony GoochIsrael claims strikes on water plant and uranium facility in Iran
17:18 , Bryony GoochThe Israeli military has claimed two strikes on infrastructure in central Iran.
It says it struck a uranium extraction facility from ore, located in Yazd, and a heavy water plant in Arak.
UN to create new mechanism for Strait of Hormuz trade, spokesperson says
17:15 , Bryony GoochThe United Nations has created a task force to create a new mechanism for the Strait of Hormuz to facilitate fertiliser trade and movement of related raw materials, UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said on Friday.
Rubio: US can achieve goals without ground troops
16:57 , Bryony GoochUS secretary of state Marco Rubio has affirmed a believe that the United States can achieve its goals in Iran without ground troops.
Mr Rubio’s comments follow growing reports that a ground operation could be on the cards as an escalation in the war.
Rubio: Tolling system on Strait of Hormuz would be unacceptable
16:54 , Bryony GoochUS secretary of state Marco Rubio has said that it would be unacceptable if Iran began a tolling system to control transit through the Strait of Hormuz.
Following a G7 meeting on Friday, Mr Rubio said that Iran could set up a tolling system for the vital waterway after it announced a decision to close the strait.
Rubio: US waiting to see who they'll be speaking to in Iran negotiations
16:51 , Bryony GoochThe United States is waiting on further clarification on who they will be speaking to on behalf of Iran for negotiations, US secretary of state Marco Rubio has said.
Mr Rubio met with G7 foreign ministers in France on Friday and said there had been an exchange of “messages and indications” from Iran about a willingness to discuss “certain things”.
Earlier this week Iran denied being in negotiations with the United States, but said they had received a proposal to end the war.
Why is the Strait of Hormuz so important? How the US-Iran war created a global oil and gas crisis
16:50 , Maira ButtThe world is facing a major fuel crisis as Iran continues to retain a firm grip over the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route through which one fifth of the world’s oil and gas moves.
One month after the US and Israel launched strikes on Iran, countries across the globe have been affected with soaring costs and strained supplies. An energy emergency was declared in the Philippines on Wednesday as the government warned it had just 45 days until fuel ran out completely.
But despite American overtures towards peace talks and negotiations, Iran has insisted it will continue to stop ships from passing through the Strait.
Why is the Strait of Hormuz so important? How US-Iran war created global fuel crisis
Rubio expects Iran operation to conclude in weeks, not months
16:44 , Bryony GoochUS secretary of state Marco Rubio has affirmed that the United States expect the Iran operation to conclude in a matter of weeks, not months.
Mr Rubio he met with G7 foreign ministers in France on Friday.
He added that Iran may decide to set up a tolling system for the Strait of Hormuz, after the Tehran regime decided to close the waterway.
Full story: FBI director gets his personal email hacked by ‘Iran-linked group’ and shared online
16:30 , Maira ButtKash Patel had his personal email hacked by a group of Iran-backed hackers, who published photographs of the FBI director and other documents to the internet.
The group, Handala Hack Team, claimed responsibility for the security breach Friday and said Patel "will now find his name among the list of successfully hacked victims."
Among the material shared online by the group were old pictures of Patel smoking cigars and pulling silly faces while taking selfies, as well as what appeared to be a copy of his previous resumé.
Mike Bedigan reports:
FBI director gets personal email hacked by ‘Iran-linked group’ and shared online
Germany insists there is no disagreement with the US over Iran
16:10 , Maira ButtGermany’s foreign minister Johann Wadephul told reporters at a G7 meeting in France on Friday that the country has no disagreement with the United States over Iran.
President Donald Trump had hit out at Nato after German chancellor Friedrich Merz had insisted that the alliance would not be getting involved in the conflict.
“We are already feeling the economic repercussions everywhere, especially in Europe, quite significantly,” Wadephul said.
“That's why we discussed these issues very thoroughly, and there is absolutely no disagreement.”
He appeared to deny that Trump had asked for reinforcements or military support from Germany, adding: “There was and is no request from the United States, especially to us, to make a military contribution before the end of hostilities.”
Breaking: US-Israeli attacks target water facility in Iran
15:56 , Maira ButtThe United States and Israel have attacked the Khondab heavy water facility in Iran’s Markazi province in two separate strikes, according to state media.
No casualties have been reported.
It comes as President Donald Trump had reportedly agreed to a ceasefire on attacks on energy facilities this week.
Iran's response to US peace proposal expected later today, says source
15:49 , Maira ButtIran's response to a US peace proposal aimed at ending the war in the Middle East is expected later on Friday, according to a source briefed on the matter.
President Donald Trump and top White House officials have been told via interlocutors that Iran's counter-proposal would likely arrive later today, the source said.
America has said that negotiations have been taking place while Iran has publicly rejected the claims and insisted it will fight until “complete victory”, accusing the US of making the statements in order to ease oil prices.
G7 foreign ministers demand an end to attacks on civilians in Iran war
15:30 , Maira ButtThe foreign ministers of the G7 group of nations called on Friday for an immediate stop to attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure in the Iran war.
In a joint statement seen by Reuters and agreed on the second day of a G7 meeting in France - this year's host country - ministers wrote: “We focused on the value of diverse partnerships, coordination, and supporting initiatives, including to mitigate global economic shocks such as disruptions to economic, energy, fertilizer and commercial supply chains, which have direct impacts on our citizens.”
The ministers also reiterated the need to restore safe and toll-free freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
The G7 members are the United States, Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy and Japan, along with the European Union.
Comment: Finally, Donald Trump has realised he’s been played by Israel
15:06 , Maira ButtThe public spat between Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu about the conduct of the war with Iran has raised a familiar charge that both are now involved in “mission creep”.
That phrase – not heard much in this conflict so far – has been a favourite cliché in the commentary of most wars over the past 75 years, from Suez and Vietnam, to the decade-long international ventures in Iraq and Afghanistan this century.
Mission creep is when a military operation is extended beyond the original intent and scope – breaching the original mandate and budget.
Trump is furious, according to Israel’s Channel 12 television, about Benjamin Netanyahu’s call for a general insurrection across Iran following the assassination of the lead negotiator Ali Larijani, and the commander of the Basij public order militia, Gholamreza Soleimani.
Robert Fox reports:
Finally, Donald Trump has realised he’s been played by Israel
Protests erupt as Philippines declares energy emergency with only 45 days of fuel left amid Iran war
14:48 , Maira ButtProtests have erupted across the Philippines in response to the fuel crisis sparked by Iran’s hold of the Strait of Hormuz, which has largely halted oil and gas shipments.
The country declared an energy emergency on Wednesday amid fears that fuel will run out as the Iran war rages on.
On Tuesday, the country’s energy secretary Sharon Garin said the country had about 45 days of fuel supply left.
Taxi drivers have told Sky News that they are operating at losses if they go to work because the price of fuel has risen so high.
Iran hackers claim breach of FBI director's personal accounts
14:43 , James ReynoldsIran-linked hackers have publicly claimed the breach of FBI Director Kash Patel's personal inbox, publishing photographs of the director and his purported resume.
A Justice Department official confirmed to Reuters that Patel's emails were compromised but did not go into detail. The FBI did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
A DOJ official told Reuters that the material published by the Iran-linked hacker group appears authentic.
Analysis: The US would need a million troops to control Iran - not the few thousands currently on their way
14:34 , James ReynoldsPast wars have taught us that America’s threats of a few thousand ground troops for Iran are an empty and dangerous fantasy, says World affairs editor Sam Kiley:
The US need a million troops to control Iran – not the few thousand on their way
More than 1,900 people killed in Iran, says Red Cross
14:33 , James ReynoldsMaria Martinez, IFRC Head of Delegation for Iran, says that more than 1,900 people have been killed in Iran in the last month.
Attacks have been reported across 30 provinces, and around 3% of the population is internally displaced, she says in a press briefing.
According to the Iranian Red Crescent’s latest report from today, 17 Red Crescent centres have been struck, and nearly 100 ambulances were damaged or destroyed, she adds.
Watch: UNICEF warn Somali children are 'on the edge' as Iran war worsens aid crisis
14:00 , Maira ButtUS only certain it has destroyed 1/3 of Iran's missile capability, sources say
13:50 , James ReynoldsThe US can only say with certainty that it has destroyed about a third of Iran's vast missile arsenal, according to five people familiar with the US intelligence.
The status of around another third is less clear, but bombings likely damaged, destroyed or buried those missiles in underground tunnels and bunkers, four of the sources told Reuters.
One said the intelligence was similar for Iran's drone capability, saying there was some degree of certainty about a third having been destroyed.
The assessment, which has not been previously reported, shows that while most of Iran's missiles are either destroyed or inaccessible, Tehran still has a significant missile inventory and may be able to recover some buried or damaged missiles once fighting stops.
Breaking: Two Chinese container ships turned back after trying to pass through Strait of Hormuz
13:42 , Maira ButtTwo Chinese container ships have turned back after trying to exit the Gulf via the Strait of Hormuz, according to ship-tracking data seen by Reuters.
It comes as Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced that the Strait of Hormuz is closed and any transit through the waterway will face “harsh measures”, according to state media.
It added that shipping “to and from ports of allies and supporters of the Israeli-American enemies” is prohibited through any corridor or to any destination.
Three container ships of mixed nationalities were forced to turn back after warnings, it was reported earlier.
US concerned about dwindling Tomahawk supply amid reports of dwindling supply
13:28 , Maira ButtSome Pentagon officials are concerned about the “alarmingly low” supply of Tomahawk missiles remaining in the U.S. military’s arsenal after firing 850 of the weapons into Iran, according to a report.
The rate at which the U.S. military has used the Tomahawk missiles in President Donald Trump’s war in Iran, now in its fourth week, has prompted internal talks about increasing supplies, according to The Washington Post.
U.S. officials told the newspaper that the number of Tomahawks left in the Middle East was “alarmingly low.” Another official told the outlet that the U.S. supply of Tomahawks was closing in on “Winchester,” military slang that means almost out of ammunition.
Many of the Tomahawks, which can be launched from submarines and Navy warships, were used during the first days of the war, which began on February 28, people familiar with the matter told the Post. Each missile is estimated to cost more than $2 million.
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Oil prices soar past $110 a barrel again after Iran says Strait of Hormuz is closed
13:00 , Maira ButtThe cost of oil has surged again following Iran’s announcement that the Strait of Hormuz is “closed” and that any transit through the waterway will face “harsh measures”.
The price of Brent crude oil rose to $110 a barrel after the warning, the second highest level since the US begun its offensive against Iran last month.
The Strait of Hormuz provides the only passage from the Persian Gulf to the open ocean, making it a crucial point for the oil industry. Around 20 per cent of the world’s gas and oil is shipped through the waterway, with continued Iranian threats proving highly damaging for global trade.
Albert Toth reports:
Oil prices soar past $110 a barrel again after Iran says Strait of Hormuz is closed
Mother of child killed in Minab strike blames US at UN emergency meeting
12:39 , Maira ButtThe mother of two children killed on a strike in Minab, Iran on the first day of the war has blamed the US and Israel for being “the cause of this suffering” and called on the countries to be held to account, during a UN Human Rights Council debate on Friday.
“I call upon the Human Rights Council, its members, upon the responsible institutions, and upon all those who have a duty and ability to defend the lives of children, not to let this tragedy be forgotten,” the mother said via a video message.
She added: “No mother is prepared to hear the words 'your child isn't coming back'.”
UN rights chief urges US to conclude probe into deadly Iran school strike
11:57 , Maira ButtThe UN rights chief has urged Washington to conclude its investigation into a fatal strike on a primary school in Iran.
The statements came at an emergency debate at the Geneva council at a UN Human Rights Council meeting on Friday to discuss the attack on the Shajareh Tayyebeh School, which killed more than 175 children and teachers on the first day of the war, according to authorities.
US military investigators have reportedly been looking into the attacks, but a report has not yet been released.
UN Human Rights chief Volker Turk called for Washington to conclude its probe as soon as possible and publish the results.
"There must be justice for the terrible harm done," he said by video link after meetings with US officials in Washington this week.
Watch: Iran can't hold world economy 'hostage', says Yvette Cooper
11:45 , Maira ButtThree drones intercepted and destroyed in Riyadh, says Saudi defence ministry
11:24 , Maira ButtSaudi Arabia’s defence ministry has said that three drones were intercepted and destroyed in its capital of Riyadh, in a statement on Friday.
Sirens were heard this morning amid reports of drone attacks. The defence ministry said that debris fell in the vicinity of the military site but no injuries were reported.
Strikes on Iran to escalate and expand, says Israeli defence minister
10:58 , Maira ButtIsrael Katz, Israel’s defence minister, has warned that Iran will pay “heavy and increasing prices” for reportedly targeting Israeli civilians.
He promised that strikes on Tehran would escalate and expand to additional “targets and domains” that assist Iran in building and operating weapons against Israeli civilians.
More than 1,900 people killed in Iran, says Red Crescent
10:39 , Maira ButtThe Iranian Red Crescent has reported that more than 1,900 people have been killed since the war against Iran broke out on 28 February.
At least 20,000 people have been injured, it added in a statement on Friday.
UN calls for Lebanon's 'territorial integrity' to be respected
10:14 , Maira ButtA United Nations official has said on Friday that Lebanon’s territorial integrity must be respected as the conflict in the Middle East intensifies.
“What we really need is for Lebanon’s territorial integrity, Lebanon’s sovereignty to be fully respected,” a representative said.
“We have seen increasingly worrying rhetoric concerning activities in southern Lebanon by the Israeli army and authorities”.
Iran closes Strait of Hormuz, says state media
09:54 , Maira ButtIran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has announced that the Strait of Hormuz is closed and any transit through the waterway will face “harsh measures”, according to state media.
It added that shipping “to and from ports of allies and supporters of the Israeli-American enemies” is prohibited through any corridor or to any destination.
Three container ships of mixed nationalities were forced to turn back after warnings.
The passage, through which one fifth of the world’s oil and gas passes, has remained largely closed since hostilities broke out.
'Iran is talking': Trump, claims 'defeated' regime facing internal 'disaster'
09:20 , Maira ButtSaudia Arabia's Crown Prince urges Trump to intensify attacks against Iran in 'historic opportunity' to remake the Middle East, says Saudi intelligence official
09:11 , Maira ButtCrown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has urged President Donald Trump to not only continue his attacks on Iran but to intensify them, calling the campaign a “historic” opportunity to remake the Middle East, a Saudi intelligence source confirmed to The New York Times.
Trump told reporters on Tuesday that the prince was “a warrior.”
“He’s fighting with us,” he said.
Iran urges civilians to leave areas where US forces are stationed
08:51 , Maira ButtIran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps has urged civilians to leave areas where US forces are stationed on Friday, according to state media.
It follows comments by the Islamic Republic’s foreign minister today telling the United Nations Human Rights Council: “Our defence shall persist as long as needed”.
The forces accused the US and Israel of using civilians as human shields.
UK foreign minister Cooper says Iran 'holding global economy hostage' ahead of G7 meeting
08:31 , Maira ButtBritish foreign minister Yvette Cooper has condemned what she has called Iran’s “egregious aggression” towards its Gulf neighbours as she warned the Islamic Republic could not “hold the global economy hostage” over its hold over the Strait of Hormuz.
Her comments come ahead of a G7 meeting in Paris on Friday.
She added: “We are deeply concerned about the links between Russia and Iran” as she referred to reports that the countries had been assisting each other.
Saudi Arabia intercepting drones
08:09 , James ReynoldsSaudi Arabia says that it intercepted two drones in Riyadh and its eastern regions.
Watch: Starmer says Trump's harsh words won't change his Iran stance
07:45 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarIsrael claims strikes on munitions facility in Iran
07:31 , James ReynoldsIsrael claims to have struck an Iranian facility used to make missiles and sea mines in Yazd, Iran.
In a post on social media, the IDF says the site was used for the planning, development, assembly, and storage of advanced missiles, submarines, and helicopters.
Harvests and food prices at risk as Iran war triggers global fertiliser crunch
07:30 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarFrom India to Africa, farmers are bracing for a fertiliser shock as the Iran war disrupts vital supplies, pushing up costs and threatening harvests just as planting season begins.
Gas prices have shot up and fertiliser supplies are waning due to Tehran's near shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz in retaliation for US and Israeli bombing.
The fertiliser shortage is putting the livelihood of farmers in developing countries — already troubled by rising temperatures and erratic weather systems — further at risk, and could lead to people everywhere paying more for food.
More here.
Harvests and food prices at risk as Iran war triggers global fertiliser crunch
Iran and US delegations to meet soon, says Germany
07:19 , James ReynoldsGermany's foreign minister said on Friday that the United States and Iran have had indirect negotiations and that representatives from both sides plan to meet shortly in Pakistan.
"Based on my information there have been indirect contacts, and preparations have been made to meet directly. That would be very soon in Pakistan, apparently," minister Johann Wadephul told Deutschlandfunk radio.
Trump calls UK warships ‘toys’ as he lashes out at Starmer’s Iran war ‘mistake’
07:15 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarDonald Trump has launched a fresh tirade against the UK for its stance on his war against Iran, saying Sir Keir Starmer made “a big mistake” and denigrating UK warships as “toys”.
The US president denied that the transatlantic tensions would affect the King’s planned visit to the US.
Mr Trump said he was “very disappointed” by the Prime Minister’s “shocking” refusal to allow US forces to use RAF bases in the initial wave of attacks against Iran.
More here.
Trump calls UK warships ‘toys’ as he lashes out at Starmer’s Iran war ‘mistake’
Kuwait's main port damaged in Iran attack
07:00 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarKuwait this morning said its Shuwaikh Port in Kuwait City came under attack and sustained “material damage".
It said no one was hurt in the attack but offered no other details.
Meanwhile, Bahrain sounded its missile alert siren over an incoming Iranian attack. Qatar, which had not seen a major attack in days, also sounded its alerts this morning.
UAE willing to join international force to reopen Strait of Hormuz - report
07:00 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarThe United Arab Emirates has told Washington and other western allies that it would participate in a multinational maritime task force intended to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, the Financial Times reported, citing people familiar with the matter.
India cuts excise duties on petrol, diesel as global oil prices surge
06:46 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarIndia has slashed excise duties on petrol and diesel to protect consumers and rein in a potential spike in inflation, while imposing windfall taxes on aviation fuel and diesel exports, amid volatile global oil markets as a result of the Iran war.
Economists said the tax cuts will hit government finances. Global oil prices have surged past $100 per barrel after the near closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which serves as a conduit for 40 per cent of India's crude oil imports, since the US and Israel first struck Iran on 28 February.
India's finance ministry reduced the special excise duty on petrol to Rs3 ($0.0318) per litre from Rs13 earlier. It also cut the duty on diesel to zero from Rs10 per litre.
The government did not say how much the duty cuts would cost. The move comes ahead of elections next month in four Indian states and one federal territory with Indian voters known to be extremely sensitive to higher prices.
Iran forbids sports teams from travel to 'hostile' countries
06:45 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarIran has reportedly banned its sports teams from traveling to countries it considers "hostile" amid the ongoing war with US and Israel.
The announcement comes ahead of Traktor Sazi FC's scheduled football game in Saudi Arabia, Iranian state TV reported.
"The presence of national and club teams in countries that are considered hostile and are unable to ensure the security of Iranian athletes and team members is prohibited until further notice," the ministry said.
It singled out the Traktor game against Shabab Al Ahli of Dubai, set to be played in Saudi Arabia in April.
However, the ban announced by Iran's sports ministry did not mention the World Cup, scheduled to be held from 11 June in the US, Canada and Mexico.
Thai cargo ship 'runs aground' after Iran attack
06:30 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarA Thai-flagged cargo ship that came under attack from Iran in the Strait of Hormuz and was abandoned by its crew has run aground, Iranian media reported.
The Mayuree Naree came under attack on 11 March, with three of its mariners going missing and still not found.
The semiofficial Tasnim and Fars news agencies, believed to be close to Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, reported that the cargo ship ran aground near the village of Ramchah on Qeshm Island.
Aftermath of Israel attack on Lebanon
06:15 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
Watch: Trump says US could divert weapons from Kyiv to Middle East
06:02 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarIran could hit London with a missile, US defence secretary claims
06:00 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarUS defence secretary Pete Hegseth has claimed that Iran possesses the capability to strike London with missiles, underscoring what he described as the global threat posed by Tehran.
His remarks, made during a White House cabinet meeting, followed an incident last Friday where two missiles were fired at the joint UK-US military base on Diego Garcia, an island in the Indian Ocean which lies approximately 4,000km from Iran.
While the UK Government confirmed both missiles fell short of their intended target, the event has intensified concerns regarding the potential threat to Britain itself from Iran.
More here.
Iran could hit London with a missile, US defence secretary claims
Israel launches fresh bout of airstrikes on Iran
05:51 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarIsrael’s military said this morning that it had conducted a wave of strikes “in the heart of Tehran” while smoke was seen billowing in the Beirut skyline.
The attack comes even as US president Donald Trump delayed his threat to obliterate Iran’s energy plants over its effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
Mr Trump yesterday extended his deadline for Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz until 6 April, saying talks to end the war are “going very well.” Iran continues to publicly insist it is not negotiating with the White House.
UN to hold closed-door meeting today
05:45 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarThe UN security council has scheduled a closed consultation on Iran this morning.
Russia asked for the meeting on US-Israeli attacks on civilian infrastructure in the country, two UN diplomats told AP.
The US, which holds the security council presidency, scheduled the meeting.
Iran says ‘non-hostile’ South Korea requires approval for ships passing through Strait of Hormuz
05:30 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarThe Iranian ambassador to Seoul said Tehran sees South Korea as a “non-hostile” state but it would still need to coordinate with Iranian government and military authorities for its ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
Ambassador Saeed Koozechi, speaking at an event yesterday denouncing US and Israeli attacks, also said Tehran had requested Seoul to provide details of South Korean vessels stranded in waters near the strait, his embassy said.
He added that Iran, as a direct party in the war, has the right to sanction US and Israeli companies, but did not specify whether it would seek to block South Korean ships trading with the US.
South Korea says 26 of its vessels remain in waters around the Strait of Hormuz.
Israel fires fresh bout of missiles at Israel
05:10 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
Starmer says Trump's harsh words won't change his Iran stance
04:40 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarSir Keir Starmer has suggested Donald Trump's criticism of him is an attempt to push him to change his stance on the Iran war but vowed not to "buckle" under the pressure.
The prime minister said he had "core values and principles" that were "irreducible" and would not waver on his insistence that Britain will not be dragged into the "wider" conflict beyond defensive action.
It comes after the US president launched a fresh tirade against the UK for the extent of its involvement in the Middle East, saying Sir Keir made "a big mistake" and denigrating British warships as "toys".
Asked whether Mr Trump's repeated attacks had made him bristle, the prime minister told Sky News' Electoral Dysfunction podcast: "I think I understand what's happening, it's to put pressure on me in different ways.
"But, that pressure isn't going to make me waver. It's not going to make me abandon my principles or values, and that's just the way I am.
"That is not new. That isn't because of president Trump. I've got core values and principles I've held all my life, and they're irreducible."
Iran fires missiles at UAE and Kuwait
04:24 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarKuwait this morning said it shot down Iranian drones in an attack targeting the small, oil-rich nation.
The United Arab Emirates sounded a missile alert over Dubai around the same time, though there was no sound of an interception heard in the city-state as rain blanketed it.
Trump says peace talks with Iran 'going very well'
04:21 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarDonald Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff told a cabinet meeting earlier there were "strong signs" that Tehran was ready to negotiate, confirming publicly for the first time that Washington had passed a 15-point "action list" to Tehran through Pakistani officials.
"We will see where things lead, and if we can convince Iran that this is the inflection point with no good alternatives for them, other than more death and destruction," Mr Witkoff said.
The US president yesterday pushed back his deadline for strikes on Iran's energy assets to 6 April, saying the move came following a request from Tehran and that talks on ending the war were "going very well".
"As per Iranian Government request... I am pausing the period of Energy Plant destruction by 10 Days to Monday, April 6, 2026, at 8 P.M., Eastern Time," he posted.
Iran sends letter to UN over reported death threats against Araghchi
04:20 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarIran has sent a letter to the UN over claims that the country’s foreign minister and parliament speaker had been “targets for assassination".
The letter, dated Thursday and signed by ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani, focused on media reports that foreign minister Abbas Araghchi and speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf both had been spared for the time being by Israel and the US as negotiations to reach a ceasefire in the war go on.
“The reports indicate the existence of an operational framework contemplating the assassination of the highest-ranking political officials of the Islamic Republic of Iran,” the letter read.
It added that “the conditional nature of the purported ‘suspension’ further underscores that the threat remains real, deliberate and ongoing”.The letter called any such programme “state-sponsored terrorism".
CENTCOM shares photos of military equipment in 'Operation Epic Fury'
04:00 , Rachel DobkinUS Central Command has shared photos of equipment used in its military campaign against Iran, which it has dubbed “Operation Epic Fury”.
A U.S. Air Force F-15E takes off for a combat flight from a base in the Middle East during Operation Epic Fury. pic.twitter.com/umkwWE4efF
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 27, 2026
U.S. Army Soldiers maintain Patriot mobile interceptor missile systems, helping maintain the most extensive air defense umbrella in the Middle East. pic.twitter.com/RaPZ4pIJID
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 26, 2026
A U.S. Air Force F-35 Lightning II refuels mid-air while flying a combat mission during Operation Epic Fury, March 24. pic.twitter.com/rqyLWdwiYU
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 26, 2026
US senator thinks Trump is leaning toward putting boots on the ground in Iran
03:45 , Rachel DobkinUS Senator Richard Blumenthal has said he thinks President Donald Trump is leaning toward putting boots on the ground in Iran.
"I would say the dynamic is toward troops on the ground because the President of United States never sends armed forces to a region without some plan to use them”, the Connecticut Democrat told CNN.
The Pentagon is considering sending another 10,000 troops to the Middle East, The Wall Street Journal has reported, on top of the thousands of service members that have reportedly already been dispatched to the region.
Oil prices fall to $107 per barrel in early trade
03:38 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarOil prices fell in early trade this morning after US president Donald Trump said talks with Iran to end the war were going "very well" and announced he would pause attacks on the country's energy plants for 10 days.
Brent futures fell 90 cents, or 0.8%, to $107.11 per barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate futures lost 83 cents, or 0.88 per cent, to $93.65 per barrel.
The fall also comes after Mr Trump said Iran allowed 10 oil tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz this week as a “present” to the US.
Rubio calls Iraqi Kurdish leader
03:36 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarUS secretary of state Marco Rubio spoke with Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) prime minister Masrour Barzani, the state department said, adding he expressed "gratitude" to KRG for enabling oil from Iraq, including from Iraq's Kurdistan, to reach global markets.
The Iran war has raised oil prices and shaken global markets.
The state department said Mr Rubio "offered his condolences to the families of the Peshmerga killed in an Iranian missile attack on 24 March and wished a speedy recovery to those injured."
At least six Kurdish Peshmerga fighters were killed and 30 wounded in a rocket attack on their base north of Erbil in Iraqi Kurdistan, a Peshmerga statement said on Tuesday.
Former US congressman and Army veteran reacts to Trump droning on about pens amid Iran war
03:30 , Rachel DobkinPatrick Murphy, a former democratic US congressman and Army veteran, has reacted to President Donald Trump droning on about pens during a Cabinet meeting Thursday as the country is at war against Iran.
“It’s infuriating for those of us who wear the cloth of our country…are you really going to spend five minutes talking about a damn pen?” Murphy told CNN.
Watch Trump’s ramblings about pens here:
Trump spends two minutes ranting about pens while attacking Fed chair Jerome Powell
MAGA figure says ground invasion of Iran will make US 'poorer and less safe'
03:15 , Rachel DobkinMatt Gaetz, former Florida congressman turned One America News Network host, said Thursday a ground invasion of Iran will make the US “poorer and less safe”.
"A ground invasion of Iran will make our country poorer and less safe. It will mean higher gas prices, higher food prices. And I'm not sure we would end up killing more terrorists than we would create”, Gaetz said on the first day of the Conservative Political Action Conference.
Oil prices have surged since the US and Israel began striking Iran more than three weeks ago. Iran has effectively closed off the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway that carries about a fifth of the world’s oil.
US senator on Iran war: 'It's time to come home'
03:00 , Rachel DobkinSenator John Kennedy, a Louisiana Republican, believes the US should end the war in Iran, telling reporters, “It's time to come home”, per CBS News.
When asked how soon he’d like to see the US exit the war, Kennedy said, “I can’t answer that because I don’t know to what extent we've accomplished our mission”.
In an update Wednesday, Admiral Brad Cooper, the leader of U.S. Central Command, said American forces have hit more than 10,000 military targets since the war began more than three weeks ago.
Iran forbids its sports teams from traveling to 'hostile' countries
02:45 , APIran has banned its sports teams from travelling to countries it considers “hostile”, Iranian state TV reported Thursday ahead of Tractor FC's scheduled football game in Saudi Arabia.
The ban announced by Iran’s Ministry of Sports in Tehran didn't mention the World Cup, which starts June 11 in the US, Canada and Mexico.
The ministry's statement singled out the Tractor game against Shabab Al Ahli of Dubai that was set to be played in Saudi Arabia. It's a playoff game in the Asian Champions League Elite.
“The presence of national and club teams in countries that are considered hostile and are unable to ensure the security of Iranian athletes and team members is prohibited until further notice”, it said.
The Iran war has impacted the region, with nearly every country in the Middle East sustaining damage from missile hits, drone strikes or shrapnel.
Read more...
Iran forbids its sports teams from traveling to 'hostile' countries
Watch: Hegseth claims Iran has missiles that could reach London
02:30 , Bryony GoochUN Security Council to meet about Iran: report
02:17 , Rachel DobkinThe United Nations’ Security Council will hold a closed-door meeting Friday to discuss US-Israeli attacks on civilian infrastructure in Iran, two UN diplomats told the Associated Press.
Trump claimed Biden’s secretary of state supported his attacks on Iran. Antony Blinken says that didn’t happen
02:00 , Rachel DobkinUS President Donald Trump has publicly claimed Antony Blinken supported his attacks on Iran but the former secretary of state has denied that happened.
Blinken, who served during former President Joe Biden’s term, scrutinized comments that Trump made during a Republican fundraising dinner Wednesday night.
“I've heard that today Blinken made a statement that he should have done it. Thanks a lot Blinken, I appreciate it”, Trump said. “But he came out with the statement that they should have done it, they made a mistake”.
Blinken took to X Thursday, writing that Trump “cited me as supporting his attack on Iran and expressing regret we didn’t do it during the Biden Administration. Except I didn’t”.
Read more...
No press conference with Pete Hegseth scheduled this week
01:45 , Rachel DobkinThere will be no press conference with US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and General Dan Caine, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, this week, the Pentagon said, per The New York Times.
Admiral Brad Cooper, the leader of U.S. Central Command, did give a video update Wednesday, in which he said American forces have hit more than 10,000 military targets since the Iran war began more than three weeks ago.
In pictures: A woman holds a portrait of Iran's late Supreme Leader during a protest outside Iran's embassy in Beirut, Lebanon
01:30 , Bryony GoochIn pictures: A woman holds a portrait of Iran's late Supreme Leader during a protest outside Iran's embassy in Beirut, Lebanon
‘It’s Orwellian’: The information war being waged to keep the 'Dubai dream' alive
01:00 , Bryony GoochIt was the influencer capital of the world, a photogenic playground for the young, glamorous and wealthy. But as Iranian missiles fall on Dubai, the largest and most ostentatiously luxe city in the United Arab Emirates, the facade seems about to crack.
The city once touted as one of the safest places in the world is no longer a peaceful haven. And the UAE government has rushed to try and control the narrative, prompting a huge crackdown on anyone sharing photos of missile attacks and their aftermath. Instead, content creators have been posting uncannily similar photos and videos full of praise, parroting buzzwords about the city’s strong, stable leaders.
How can influencers continue to portray the “Dubai dream” online, when the whole world knows that the city has been mired in conflict? And what about the ordinary people who are being detained for sharing photos and videos that go against the official line?
Katie Rosseinsky has the story...
The ‘Orwellian’ information war being waged to keep the image of the ‘Dubai dream’
Trump considers sending another 10,000 troops to Middle East: report
00:45 , Rachel DobkinUS President Donald Trump is considering sending another 10,000 troops to the Middle East amid the Iran war, The Wall Street Journal reported Thursday night local time, citing US defense officials.
The potential deployment would probably include infantry and armored vehicles, according to the publication.
The Independent has reached out to the Pentagon for comment.
The US has already sent thousands of Marines and paratroopers to the region to help with the war effort.
JD Vance meeting with Qatar's prime minister: report
00:30 , Rachel DobkinUS Vice President JD Vance is currently meeting with Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, NewsNation White House Correspondent Libbey Dean has reported, citing an unnamed source.
“A range of foreign policy issues are expected to come up, including Iran and Gaza — with talks focused on defense cooperation, protecting energy infrastructure, and collaborating on freedom of navigation, per source”, Dean wrote on X Thursday night.
UK faces biggest hit to growth from Iran war of all major economies, OECD warns as inflation set to surge
00:00 , Bryony Gooch
UK faces biggest hit to growth from Iran war of all major economies, OECD warns
Pentagon prepares for massive 'final blow' of Iran war
Thursday 26 March 2026 23:01 , Bryony GoochThe Pentagon is developing military options for a "final blow" in Iran that could include the use of ground forces and a massive bombing campaign, two US officials and two sources with knowledge told Axios.
The news outlet reported four potential “final blow” options Trump could choose from:
- Invading or blockading Kharg Island, Iran's main oil export hub.
- Invading Larak, an island that helps Iran solidify its control of the Strait of Hormuz. The strategic outpost hosts Iranian bunkers, attack craft that can blow up cargo ships and radars that monitor movements in the strait.
- Seizing the strategic island of Abu Musa and two smaller islands, which lie near the western entrance to the strait and are controlled by Iran but also claimed by the UAE.
- Blocking or seizing ships that are exporting Iranian oil on the eastern side of the Hormuz Strait.
Trump lashes out at Nato again and claims alliance has done ‘absolutely nothing’ to help in Iran
Thursday 26 March 2026 22:00 , Bryony Gooch
Trump lashes out at Nato and claims it has done ‘absolutely nothing’ to help in Iran
Pictured: An Iraqi soldier stands guard at the site of a destroyed healthcare centre in the Habbaniyah military base,
Thursday 26 March 2026 21:30 , Bryony Gooch
US deploys uncrewed drone boats in conflict with Iran
Thursday 26 March 2026 21:30 , Bryony GoochThe United States has deployed uncrewed drone speedboats for patrols as part of its operations against Iran, the Pentagon said, the first time Washington has confirmed using such vessels in an active conflict.
The deployment of the vessels -- which can be used for surveillance or kamikaze strikes -- has not been previously reported. It comes despite a series of setbacks in the US Navy’s years-long effort to field a fleet of uncrewed surface vessels, Reuters reported last year.
Uncrewed vessels have risen to prominence in recent years after Ukraine used explosive-laden speedboats to inflict significant damage on Russia’s Black Sea Fleet.
Iran has used sea drones to attack oil tankers in the Gulf at least twice since the US and Israel began strikes nearly a month ago. There was no indication the US had used uncrewed vessels for offensive strikes.
Watch: Majority of Americans say military action has gone too far in Iran
Thursday 26 March 2026 21:00 , Bryony GoochIran bans sports teams from travelling to 'hostile' countries
Thursday 26 March 2026 20:30 , Jane DaltonIran has banned national and club sports teams from travelling to countries it considers hostile until further notice, Iranian media reports.
The sports ministry said the decision was due to concerns over the safety of Iranian athletes.
"The presence of national and club teams in countries considered hostile and unable to ensure the security of Iranian athletes and team members is prohibited until further notice," the ministry said.
The ministry added that the Football Federation and clubs were required to notify the Asian Football Confederation to relocate match venues.
Trump extends deadline to Iran until Monday
Thursday 26 March 2026 20:29 , Jane DaltonDonald Trump says he is extending his deadline to Iran to agree to negotiations, under threat of destroying its energy plants, by another three days.
The US president is giving the Tehran regime until Monday. The previous deadline had been tomorrow, Friday, after giving five days’ notice.
He wrote on Truth Social: “As per Iranian Government request, please let this statement serve to represent that I am pausing the period of Energy Plant destruction by 10 Days to Monday, April 6, 2026, at 8 P.M., Eastern Time.
“Talks are ongoing and, despite erroneous statements to the contrary by the Fake News Media, and others, they are going very well.”
Iran has denied taking part in peace talks.
Trump reveals ‘present’ he claims Iran gave him in negotiations to end war
Thursday 26 March 2026 20:00 , Bryony Gooch
Trump reveals ‘present’ he claims Iran gave him in negotiations to end war
Russia aiding Iran's military effort, says French foreign minister
Thursday 26 March 2026 19:30 , Bryony GoochFrance’s foreign minister Jean-Noel Barrot has said they believe Russia is aiding Iran’s military effort in a way that is being used against the US.
“Everything leads us to believe that Russia is aiding Iran's military effort that is being used against American targets,” he said on Thursday.
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky and reports from The Financial Times, citing western intelligence, have made similar allegations against Russia.
Watch: Trump reveals the mysterious 'gift' from Iran
Thursday 26 March 2026 19:00 , Bryony GoochRubio says Russia primarily concentrating on Ukraine war, not on helping Iran
Thursday 26 March 2026 18:30 , Bryony GoochUS secretary of state Marco Rubio said on Thursday he thinks Russia is primarily concentrating on its war with Ukraine rather than on aiding Iran.
Rubio was asked about Moscow's support for Tehran as he departed Washington for France, where he will meet counterparts from G7 countries for talks expected to include the wars in Ukraine and Iran.
Russia is backing Iran in attacks against American allies - while Trump attacks Nato
Thursday 26 March 2026 18:00 , Bryony Gooch
Russia is backing Iran in attacks against American allies - while Trump attacks Nato
Click here to read the full blog on The Independent's website
