In a stunning geopolitical twist amidst the ongoing US-Israel-Iran war, Palestinian armed group Hamas has taken the unprecedented step of publicly urging its primary military backer, the Islamic Republic of Iran, to stand down. 



In a stunning geopolitical twist amidst the ongoing US-Israel-Iran war, Palestinian armed group Hamas has taken the unprecedented step of publicly urging its primary military backer, the Islamic Republic of Iran, to stand down.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Netanyahu effect or Dubai Redline? Hamas publicly warns Iran, asks not to attack gulf countries and 'stand down'

As military strikes continue to echo across the Middle East, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is not just relying on intelligence briefings and tactical maps to justify the war against Iran. He is reaching for something far more powerful: biblical prophecy.



As military strikes continue to echo across the Middle East, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is not just relying on intelligence briefings and tactical maps to justify the war against Iran. He is reaching for something far more powerful: biblical prophecy.&nbsp;

'Purim Prophecy': Why Benjamin Netanyahu is framing Iran War as a religious crusade

Iran and China are finding out that their immediate goals are completely incompatible. Iran's primary objective is to weaponize the strait, inflicting maximum economic pain on the US and its allies by choking off 20% of the world's daily oil supply.



Iran and China are finding out that their immediate goals are completely incompatible. Iran's primary objective is to weaponize the strait, inflicting maximum economic pain on the US and its allies by choking off 20% of the world's daily oil supply.&nbsp;

'Trump's call': Why China could betray Iran and send warships to the Strait of Hormuz

US President Donald Trump on Saturday (Mar 14) said that the United States may carry out more strikes on Iran’s Kharg Island oil export hub “just for fun”. He made the statements while claiming once again that the US strikes had “totally demolished” most of Kharg Island. In a 30-minute telephonic interview to NBC News, he claimed that Tehran wants to make a deal to end the warbut he isn't ready as “the terms aren’t good enough yet.” About Kharg Island, he said, “we may hit it a few more times just for fun.” &nbsp;U.S. forces conducted a large-scale precision strike on Iran's Kharg Island on the night of March 13. Iran has threatened to reduce US-linked oil facilities in the region to a "pile of ashes." After the strike on Kharg Island, Trump said &nbsp;that the US had “totally obliterated every military target” on the island.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-war-iran-says-hormuz-will-not-be-reopened-to-us-ships-1773541752565/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-war-iran-says-hormuz-will-not-be-reopened-to-us-ships-1773541752565/embed</a>&nbsp;<h2>Where is Kharg Island and why is it important?</h2>Kharg Island is a small coral and rocky island, that falls under Iran's Bushehr Province. It is situated in the northern part of the Persian Gulf and functions as the country’s main oil export hub. Often referred to as Iran’s “crown jewel,” Kharg Island ships out roughly 90–95 per cent of the nation’s crude oil. The oil terminal here has the capacity to load around 7 million barrels per day and can service up to ten supertankers at once. The revenue generated from oil exported through Kharg Island is estimated at around $78 billion each year, making it a crucial financial pillar for the Iranian state.The island hosts facilities linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), including missile storage areas, naval mine depots, and air defence installations.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-as-a-sincere-friend-china-responds-after-trump-urges-countries-to-send-warships-to-secure-strait-of-hormuz-amid-iran-threat-1773524775265">'As a sincere friend...': China responds after Trump urges countries to send warships to secure Strait of Hormuz</a><h2>Trump rules out possibility of deal for now</h2>In the same interview, the POTUS ruled out any possibility of talks with the Iranians after claiming that Iran wants to make a deal. He also raised doubts about the wellbeing of Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, while also saying that reports of his death is a rumour. Trump said, “Iran wants to make a deal, and I don’t want to make it because the terms aren’t good enough yet.” He explained that the agreement would need to be “very solid” for Americans to agree with it.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-raises-doubts-about-supreme-leader-mojtaba-s-wellbeing-rules-out-iran-war-deal-for-now-1773538495777">Trump raises doubts about Mojtaba's wellbeing, rules out Iran war deal for now</a>&nbsp;About the health of new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, Trump said, “I don’t know if he’s even alive. So far, nobody’s been able to show him. I’m hearing he’s not alive, and if he is, he should do something very smart for his country, and that’s surrender.” However, within minutes the US president described reports of his death as “a rumour.” Days after stating that he has three good options for the future ruler of Iran, he hinted the same on Saturday, but did not reveal any names. "We have people that are living that would be great leaders for the future of the country,” Trump said.&nbsp;(Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.)

US President Donald Trump said Washington may strike Iran’s Kharg Island again “just for fun,” while claiming earlier attacks had demolished targets there. In an telephonic interview, he also ruled out a deal with Tehran for now

US President Donald Trump on Saturday (Mar 14) said that the United States may carry out more strikes on Iran’s Kharg Island oil export hub “just for fun”. He made the statements while claiming once again that the US strikes had “totally demolished” most of Kharg Island. In a 30-minute telephonic interview to NBC News, he claimed that Tehran wants to make a deal to end the warbut he isn't ready as “the terms aren’t good enough yet.” About Kharg Island, he said, “we may hit it a few more times just for fun.” U.S. forces conducted a large-scale precision strike on Iran's Kharg Island on the night of March 13. Iran has threatened to reduce US-linked oil facilities in the region to a "pile of ashes." After the strike on Kharg Island, Trump said that the US had “totally obliterated every military target” on the island. https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-war-iran-says-hormuz-will-not-be-reopened-to-us-ships-1773541752565/embed Where is Kharg Island and why is it important? Kharg Island is a small coral and rocky island, that falls under Iran's Bushehr Province. It is situated in the northern part of the Persian Gulf and functions as the country’s main oil export hub. Often referred to as Iran’s “crown jewel,” Kharg Island ships out roughly 90–95 per cent of the nation’s crude oil. The oil terminal here has the capacity to load around 7 million barrels per day and can service up to ten supertankers at once. The revenue generated from oil exported through Kharg Island is estimated at around $78 billion each year, making it a crucial financial pillar for the Iranian state. The island hosts facilities linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), including missile storage areas, naval mine depots, and air defence installations. Also Read: 'As a sincere friend...': China responds after Trump urges countries to send warships to secure Strait of Hormuz Trump rules out possibility of deal for now In the same interview, the POTUS ruled out any possibility of talks with the Iranians after claiming that Iran wants to make a deal. He also raised doubts about the wellbeing of Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, while also saying that reports of his death is a rumour. Trump said, “Iran wants to make a deal, and I don’t want to make it because the terms aren’t good enough yet.” He explained that the agreement would need to be “very solid” for Americans to agree with it. Also Read: Trump raises doubts about Mojtaba's wellbeing, rules out Iran war deal for now About the health of new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, Trump said, “I don’t know if he’s even alive. So far, nobody’s been able to show him. I’m hearing he’s not alive, and if he is, he should do something very smart for his country, and that’s surrender.” However, within minutes the US president described reports of his death as “a rumour.” Days after stating that he has three good options for the future ruler of Iran, he hinted the same on Saturday, but did not reveal any names. "We have people that are living that would be great leaders for the future of the country,” Trump said. (Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.)

US President Donald Trump said Washington may strike Iran’s Kharg Island again “just for fun,” while claiming earlier attacks had demolished targets there. In an telephonic interview, he also ruled out a deal with Tehran for now

'Just for fun...': Trump wants to hit Iran’s Kharg Island again despite 'totally obliterated target' claims

US President Donald Trump on Saturday (Mar 14) has ruled out any possibility of talks with the Iranians after claiming that Iran wants to make a deal. He also raised doubts about the wellbeing of Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, while also saying that reports of his death is a rumour. Once again, Trump suggested that he has people in mind who can lead the Islamic Republic but did not provide any names. This comes even as Iran said that it is not ready to talk to the Americans, accusing them of betrayal for attacking in the middle of the nuclear talks and stating clearly that its Supreme Leader was wounded but is now stable.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-war-iran-says-hormuz-will-not-be-reopened-to-us-ships-1773541752565/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-war-iran-says-hormuz-will-not-be-reopened-to-us-ships-1773541752565/embed</a>&nbsp;<h2>What Trump said about deal with Iran?</h2>In a phone interview to NBC News, Trump said, “Iran wants to make a deal, and I don’t want to make it because the terms aren’t good enough yet.” He explained that the agreement would need to be “very solid” for Americans to agree with it. When asked what should be the terms of the agreement, he responded, “I don’t want to say that to you,” he said. This comes after Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Mar 12, in a post on X, wrote that the war will only end after three conditions will be met - namely - recognition of Islamic Republic's legitimate rights, payment of reparations and firm international guarantees against future aggression. Trump had described Iran as a “tough country”, and declared victory in the war but provided no evidence of the claims.<h2>What Trump said about Mojtaba Khamenei?</h2>About the health of new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, Trump said, “I don’t know if he’s even alive. So far, nobody’s been able to show him. I’m hearing he’s not alive, and if he is, he should do something very smart for his country, and that’s surrender.” However, within minutes the US president described reports of his death as “a rumour.” Days after stating that he has three good options for the future ruler of Iran, he hinted the same on Saturday, but did not reveal any names. "We have people that are living that would be great leaders for the future of the country,” Trump said.&nbsp;Trump's remarks about new Iranian Supreme Leader comes after US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth on Friday (Mar 13) claimed, “Iranian leadership are desperate and hiding, gone underground, like that rat used to do. We know the new so-called, not-so-supreme leader (Mojtaba Khamenei) is wounded and likely disfigured.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-as-a-sincere-friend-china-responds-after-trump-urges-countries-to-send-warships-to-secure-strait-of-hormuz-amid-iran-threat-1773524775265">'As a sincere friend...': China responds after Trump urges countries to send warships to secure Strait of Hormuz</a><h2>What Iran said about Mojtaba's health?</h2>Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Saturday (Mar 14) said that there was "no problem" with the Islamic Republic's new Supreme Leader. "There is no problem with the new supreme leader. He sent his message yesterday, and he will perform his duties," Araghchi told MSNBC's Ayman Mohyeldin, AFP reported. On March 11, Yousef Pezeshkian, the son of President Masoud Pezeshkian, said that Mojtaba was “safe and sound.”&nbsp;Moreover, contrary to Western media reports about him being in coma, on Thursday (Mar 12), Mojtaba issued his first public speech. He said Iran will not hesitate to take revenge for the crimes committed by the enemy and mentioned the Minab school massacre. He warned the Gulf countries to close the American bases. He also said Iran had only targeted US bases in neighbouring countries and urged them to determine their position regarding the "aggressors and the killers of our people."&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-four-weeks-to-war-is-very-complete-to-not-won-enough-trump-contradicts-himself-about-endgame-of-iran-war-khamenei-dead-netanyahu-israel-1773117026231">From 'four weeks' to 'war is very complete' to 'not won enough': Trump contradicts himself about endgame of Iran war</a><h2>What Western media claimed about Mojtaba?</h2>A section of the western media claimed that Mojtaba, the new Supreme Leader is in a coma and lost one leg. The Sun, which first reported it, quoting a source in Tehran, and the UK media, which amplified it, claimed that it had gained information from the hospital - the Sina University Hospital - where Mojtaba is reportedly being treated after being injured in an US-Israeli airstrike. The report quoted the unnamed source saying that the section of the hospital building has been sealed off with huge security present at the scene. The source also named the doctor looking after him as Mohammad-Reza Zafarghandi, who is Iran's top trauma surgeon and also the Minister of Health, Treatment and Medical Education. “One or two of his legs have been cut off. His liver or stomach has also ruptured. He is apparently in a coma as well," The Sun reported.&nbsp;&nbsp;(Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.)&nbsp;

Donald Trump said he is not ready to strike a deal with Iran to end the war, calling the current terms insufficient. He also questioned whether Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is alive, while Tehran officials dismissed US claims that he was wounded or in hiding.

US President Donald Trump on Saturday (Mar 14) has ruled out any possibility of talks with the Iranians after claiming that Iran wants to make a deal. He also raised doubts about the wellbeing of Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, while also saying that reports of his death is a rumour. Once again, Trump suggested that he has people in mind who can lead the Islamic Republic but did not provide any names. This comes even as Iran said that it is not ready to talk to the Americans, accusing them of betrayal for attacking in the middle of the nuclear talks and stating clearly that its Supreme Leader was wounded but is now stable. https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-war-iran-says-hormuz-will-not-be-reopened-to-us-ships-1773541752565/embed What Trump said about deal with Iran? In a phone interview to NBC News, Trump said, “Iran wants to make a deal, and I don’t want to make it because the terms aren’t good enough yet.” He explained that the agreement would need to be “very solid” for Americans to agree with it. When asked what should be the terms of the agreement, he responded, “I don’t want to say that to you,” he said. This comes after Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Mar 12, in a post on X, wrote that the war will only end after three conditions will be met - namely - recognition of Islamic Republic's legitimate rights, payment of reparations and firm international guarantees against future aggression. Trump had described Iran as a “tough country”, and declared victory in the war but provided no evidence of the claims. What Trump said about Mojtaba Khamenei? About the health of new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, Trump said, “I don’t know if he’s even alive. So far, nobody’s been able to show him. I’m hearing he’s not alive, and if he is, he should do something very smart for his country, and that’s surrender.” However, within minutes the US president described reports of his death as “a rumour.” Days after stating that he has three good options for the future ruler of Iran, he hinted the same on Saturday, but did not reveal any names. "We have people that are living that would be great leaders for the future of the country,” Trump said. Trump's remarks about new Iranian Supreme Leader comes after US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth on Friday (Mar 13) claimed, “Iranian leadership are desperate and hiding, gone underground, like that rat used to do. We know the new so-called, not-so-supreme leader (Mojtaba Khamenei) is wounded and likely disfigured.” Also Read: 'As a sincere friend...': China responds after Trump urges countries to send warships to secure Strait of Hormuz What Iran said about Mojtaba's health? Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Saturday (Mar 14) said that there was "no problem" with the Islamic Republic's new Supreme Leader. "There is no problem with the new supreme leader. He sent his message yesterday, and he will perform his duties," Araghchi told MSNBC's Ayman Mohyeldin, AFP reported. On March 11, Yousef Pezeshkian, the son of President Masoud Pezeshkian, said that Mojtaba was “safe and sound.” Moreover, contrary to Western media reports about him being in coma, on Thursday (Mar 12), Mojtaba issued his first public speech. He said Iran will not hesitate to take revenge for the crimes committed by the enemy and mentioned the Minab school massacre. He warned the Gulf countries to close the American bases. He also said Iran had only targeted US bases in neighbouring countries and urged them to determine their position regarding the "aggressors and the killers of our people." Also Read: From 'four weeks' to 'war is very complete' to 'not won enough': Trump contradicts himself about endgame of Iran war What Western media claimed about Mojtaba? A section of the western media claimed that Mojtaba, the new Supreme Leader is in a coma and lost one leg. The Sun, which first reported it, quoting a source in Tehran, and the UK media, which amplified it, claimed that it had gained information from the hospital - the Sina University Hospital - where Mojtaba is reportedly being treated after being injured in an US-Israeli airstrike. The report quoted the unnamed source saying that the section of the hospital building has been sealed off with huge security present at the scene. The source also named the doctor looking after him as Mohammad-Reza Zafarghandi, who is Iran's top trauma surgeon and also the Minister of Health, Treatment and Medical Education. “One or two of his legs have been cut off. His liver or stomach has also ruptured. He is apparently in a coma as well," The Sun reported. (Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.)

Donald Trump said he is not ready to strike a deal with Iran to end the war, calling the current terms insufficient. He also questioned whether Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is alive, while Tehran officials dismissed US claims that he was wounded or in hiding.

'I’m hearing he’s not alive...': Trump raises doubts about Supreme Leader Mojtaba's wellbeing, rules out Iran war deal for now

North Korea conducted a major firepower drill using 600mm ultra-precision rocket launchers as tensions rise during US-South Korea Freedom Shield exercises. Kim Jong Un reiterated the need for a strong nuclear deterrent 

North Korea conducted a major firepower drill using 600mm ultra-precision rocket launchers as tensions rise during US-South Korea Freedom Shield exercises. Kim Jong Un reiterated the need for a strong nuclear deterrent&nbsp;

'Weapon will be used immediately...’: North Korea sends BIG message to US amid West Asia war, conducts drills with 600mm rocket launchers

Medtech giant Stryker faces a global crisis after an Iran-linked group wiped 200,000 devices on March 11, 2026. The attack impacts 56,000 staff and medical supply chains.

Medtech giant Stryker faces a global crisis after an Iran-linked group wiped 200,000 devices on March 11, 2026. The attack impacts 56,000 staff and medical supply chains.

‘Stryker cyber attack’: What the Handala wiper means for the 56,000 employees of the US giant

When Handala paralysed Stryker, they didn't just hit a corporate boardroom; they effectively bottlenecked the exact supply chain the US Armed Forces relies on to treat wounded soldiers and aging veterans.

When Handala paralysed Stryker, they didn't just hit a corporate boardroom; they effectively bottlenecked the exact supply chain the US Armed Forces relies on to treat wounded soldiers and aging veterans.

'Pentagon's soft target': How Stryker hack is hitting US military hospitals

Charlie Kirk’s tweet from April 2025 isn't just a political opinion; it reads like a chilling, prophetic blueprint of exactly why the Pentagon is currently failing. He correctly predicted the shortage, the economic drain, and the geographic trap of fighting Tehran.

Charlie Kirk’s tweet from April 2025 isn't just a political opinion; it reads like a chilling, prophetic blueprint of exactly why the Pentagon is currently failing. He correctly predicted the shortage, the economic drain, and the geographic trap of fighting Tehran.

'Catastrophic mistake': Charlie Kirk warned about Iran War! Here's what he said before his death

Donald Trump has ordered attacks or issued terrifying ultimatums to at least eight countries in just two years of his tenure as US president. A cover of the TIME magazine is going viral for being a depiction of his brutal actions in foreign countries, some of which had never been attacked before. The cover of the upcoming issue of the magazine accompanies the feature story “Trump's War” and talks about how his MAGA slogan has extended to his foreign policy. The picture shows eight red MAGA caps, but with the names of eight countries, including Iran, Venezuela, Nigeria, Iraq and Syria. The report says that Trump has ordered more individual airstrikes in just 2025 than the past presidents did over four years. The other three countries named on the illustration of the caps include Yemen, Ecuador and Somalia. In his second term as president, Trump has authorised attacks in eight nations.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-tricked-iran-into-believing-idf-was-on-holiday-then-missiles-from-space-killed-khamenei-1772780247757">Israel tricked Iran into believing IDF was on holiday. Then missiles from space killed Khamenei</a><h2>Donald Trump's military action against foreign countries</h2>This includes airstrikes on Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen and joint military operations in Ecuador in the name of hitting "designated terrorist organisations". His biggest operation in 2025 came against Venezuela when he captured President Nicolas Maduro. He ordered Operation Midnight Hammer in June 2025, as part of which Iran’s most critical nuclear sites - Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan - were targeted. On February 28, the US, together with Israel, launched attacks on Iran once again, this time killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Trump's policies have also targeted Somali immigrants, while the US conducted at least 111 airstrikes in Somalia. He also ordered aerial and naval strikes against Houthi radar systems, air defences, and launch sites in Yemen. In Syria, he authorised massive airstrikes comprising over 100 munitions in the first wave alone, targeting ISIS infrastructure. On December 25 and 26, 2025, the US military launched heavy airstrikes in northwest Nigeria, specifically targeting Sokoto State. Trump also authorised "selective military operations" against Iran-aligned militias within Iraq.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/iran-war-could-go-on-till-september-just-like-nostradamus-prophesied-seven-months-great-war-1772777018935">Iran war could go on till September, report suggests, just like Nostradamus prophesied - ‘Seven months great war’</a>&nbsp;https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-israel-war-with-iran-iraqi-oil-production-collapses-with-the-strait-of-hormuz-blocked-1773031485272/embed<h2>Trump's ‘no new wars’ promise</h2>The cover and the article are based on the premise that Trump based his presidential campaign on the promise of “no new wars” and then completely went against it. The TIME cover captures this duality. Meanwhile, the cover has been interpreted in a diametrically opposite manner by his followers and those against his actions. While MAGA supporters see it as a celebration of his accomplishments, others see his interference in eight foreign nations. A user wrote, "Trump delivers. Like him or not, you can’t say this about many other Presidents before him. Kudos to Trump." Another stated, "I love all of the MAGA Cult members who think TIME is praising him here."&nbsp;

Donald Trump has ordered military action against at least eight nations since returning as US president. This, after he promised that the country would not start any new wars under him. A magazine cover showing his duality has gone viral.

Donald Trump has ordered attacks or issued terrifying ultimatums to at least eight countries in just two years of his tenure as US president. A cover of the TIME magazine is going viral for being a depiction of his brutal actions in foreign countries, some of which had never been attacked before. The cover of the upcoming issue of the magazine accompanies the feature story “Trump's War” and talks about how his MAGA slogan has extended to his foreign policy. The picture shows eight red MAGA caps, but with the names of eight countries, including Iran, Venezuela, Nigeria, Iraq and Syria. The report says that Trump has ordered more individual airstrikes in just 2025 than the past presidents did over four years. The other three countries named on the illustration of the caps include Yemen, Ecuador and Somalia. In his second term as president, Trump has authorised attacks in eight nations. Also Read: Israel tricked Iran into believing IDF was on holiday. Then missiles from space killed Khamenei Donald Trump's military action against foreign countries This includes airstrikes on Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen and joint military operations in Ecuador in the name of hitting "designated terrorist organisations". His biggest operation in 2025 came against Venezuela when he captured President Nicolas Maduro. He ordered Operation Midnight Hammer in June 2025, as part of which Iran’s most critical nuclear sites - Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan - were targeted. On February 28, the US, together with Israel, launched attacks on Iran once again, this time killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Trump's policies have also targeted Somali immigrants, while the US conducted at least 111 airstrikes in Somalia. He also ordered aerial and naval strikes against Houthi radar systems, air defences, and launch sites in Yemen. In Syria, he authorised massive airstrikes comprising over 100 munitions in the first wave alone, targeting ISIS infrastructure. On December 25 and 26, 2025, the US military launched heavy airstrikes in northwest Nigeria, specifically targeting Sokoto State. Trump also authorised "selective military operations" against Iran-aligned militias within Iraq. Also Read: Iran war could go on till September, report suggests, just like Nostradamus prophesied - ‘Seven months great war’ https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-israel-war-with-iran-iraqi-oil-production-collapses-with-the-strait-of-hormuz-blocked-1773031485272/embed Trump's ‘no new wars’ promise The cover and the article are based on the premise that Trump based his presidential campaign on the promise of “no new wars” and then completely went against it. The TIME cover captures this duality. Meanwhile, the cover has been interpreted in a diametrically opposite manner by his followers and those against his actions. While MAGA supporters see it as a celebration of his accomplishments, others see his interference in eight foreign nations. A user wrote, "Trump delivers. Like him or not, you can’t say this about many other Presidents before him. Kudos to Trump." Another stated, "I love all of the MAGA Cult members who think TIME is praising him here."

Donald Trump has ordered military action against at least eight nations since returning as US president. This, after he promised that the country would not start any new wars under him. A magazine cover showing his duality has gone viral.

After a 'no new wars' campaign, Donald Trump ordered strikes on 8 countries in just 2 years

The Indian embassy in Riyadh on Monday (Mar 9) said that no Indian national was killed in the missile strike that hit a residential compound in Al Kharj city in Saudi Arabia. The clarification came after Indian Embassy reported the death of one Indian national when a military projectile fell on a residential area in the Al-Kharj governorate. The Embassy has said that he was injured and is currently undergoing treatment at a government hospital in Al Kharj. In a post on X, the mission said it was “a matter of relief that there has been no Indian fatality in the unfortunate incident at Al Kharj yesterday evening." The Embassy has been in touch with the concerned Saudi authorities regarding this issue and is monitoring the situation closely. It said that Counsellor Y Sabir visited Al Kharj last night and met the injured Indian national involved in this unfortunate incident. It informed that the injured national is currently receiving treatment at a government hospital in Al Kharj.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/live-blog-us-israel-iran-war-news-live-udates-west-asia-crisis-dubai-uae-qatar-gulf-trump-netanyahu-khamenei-mojtaba-dubai-hezbollah-hamas-china-russia-india-1773023367416?sksssss">US-Iran-Israel war LIVE Updates HERE</a>&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20260309/image-1773029736225.png"></figure> Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/trump-s-first-reaction-after-iran-appoints-mojtaba-khamenei-as-new-supreme-leader-iran-us-israel-war-1773028077192">'I am not...': Trump's first reaction after Iran appoints Mojtaba Khamenei as new Supreme Leader</a>&nbsp;Saudi authorities had on Sunday reported that an Indian national was among two people killed after a military projectile struck a residential compound in Saudi Arabia’s Al-Kharj. The incident also left 12 people injured and caused material damage to the residential facility. In a statement shared on social media, the Saudi Civil Defence confirmed that emergency teams responded after the projectile fell on a residential location belonging to a maintenance and cleaning company in the Al-Kharj Governorate.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-war-ayatollah-mojtaba-khamenei-chosen-as-iran-s-new-supreme-leader-1773030551786/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-war-ayatollah-mojtaba-khamenei-chosen-as-iran-s-new-supreme-leader-1773030551786/embed</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20260309/image-1773029642902.png"></figure>&nbsp;Meanwhile, India’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Suhel Ajaz Khan, held a virtual interaction with representatives of the Indian community in the Kingdom to address safety concerns. During the meeting, the ambassador reassured Indian nationals that the embassy remains prepared to provide all necessary assistance if required. The Indian mission in Saudi Arabia also issued an advisory for its citizens to continue to remain vigilant and adhere to safety guidelines and follow advisories issued by local authorities diligently. “In view of the prevailing situation in the region and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, all Indian Nationals currently in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are advised to continue to remain vigilant, strictly adhere to the safety guidelines prevalent in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and follow advisories issued by the local authorities and the Embassy,” the embassy said in a post on X.

The Indian Embassy in Riyadh confirmed that no Indian national was killed in the missile strike on a residential compound in Saudi Arabia’s Al Kharj city. One Indian was injured and is receiving treatment. The embassy is monitoring the situation 

The Indian embassy in Riyadh on Monday (Mar 9) said that no Indian national was killed in the missile strike that hit a residential compound in Al Kharj city in Saudi Arabia. The clarification came after Indian Embassy reported the death of one Indian national when a military projectile fell on a residential area in the Al-Kharj governorate. The Embassy has said that he was injured and is currently undergoing treatment at a government hospital in Al Kharj. In a post on X, the mission said it was “a matter of relief that there has been no Indian fatality in the unfortunate incident at Al Kharj yesterday evening." The Embassy has been in touch with the concerned Saudi authorities regarding this issue and is monitoring the situation closely. It said that Counsellor Y Sabir visited Al Kharj last night and met the injured Indian national involved in this unfortunate incident. It informed that the injured national is currently receiving treatment at a government hospital in Al Kharj. US-Iran-Israel war LIVE Updates HERE Also Read: 'I am not...': Trump's first reaction after Iran appoints Mojtaba Khamenei as new Supreme Leader Saudi authorities had on Sunday reported that an Indian national was among two people killed after a military projectile struck a residential compound in Saudi Arabia’s Al-Kharj. The incident also left 12 people injured and caused material damage to the residential facility. In a statement shared on social media, the Saudi Civil Defence confirmed that emergency teams responded after the projectile fell on a residential location belonging to a maintenance and cleaning company in the Al-Kharj Governorate. https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-war-ayatollah-mojtaba-khamenei-chosen-as-iran-s-new-supreme-leader-1773030551786/embed Meanwhile, India’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Suhel Ajaz Khan, held a virtual interaction with representatives of the Indian community in the Kingdom to address safety concerns. During the meeting, the ambassador reassured Indian nationals that the embassy remains prepared to provide all necessary assistance if required. The Indian mission in Saudi Arabia also issued an advisory for its citizens to continue to remain vigilant and adhere to safety guidelines and follow advisories issued by local authorities diligently. “In view of the prevailing situation in the region and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, all Indian Nationals currently in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are advised to continue to remain vigilant, strictly adhere to the safety guidelines prevalent in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and follow advisories issued by the local authorities and the Embassy,” the embassy said in a post on X.

The Indian Embassy in Riyadh confirmed that no Indian national was killed in the missile strike on a residential compound in Saudi Arabia’s Al Kharj city. One Indian was injured and is receiving treatment. The embassy is monitoring the situation&nbsp;

'Matter of relief...': No Indian killed in Saudi missile strike, injured person in hospital

US President Donald Trump reacted cautiously to Iran appointing Mojtaba Khamenei as the new Supreme Leader, saying he is “not happy” and will decide the war’s course with Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu. Israel has warned the new leader could be a “target” as the US-Iran conflict escalates.

US President Donald Trump reacted cautiously to Iran appointing Mojtaba Khamenei as the new Supreme Leader, saying he is “not happy” and will decide the war’s course with Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu. Israel has warned the new leader could be a “target” as the US-Iran conflict escalates.

'I am not...': Trump's first reaction after Iran appoints Mojtaba Khamenei as new Supreme Leader

Just before the Iran war started, two doomsday fish were seen on a beach in Mexico. They were still alive when two American sisters spotted them. This is the first sighting in 2026 after six oarfish made an appearance in the year 2025.

Just before the Iran war started, two doomsday fish were seen on a beach in Mexico. They were still alive when two American sisters spotted them. This is the first sighting in 2026 after six oarfish made an appearance in the year 2025.

Two doomsday fish seen on the same beach right before Iran war started - An ominous sign?

Amid raging war in West Asia, Norwegian police on Sunday (Mar 8) reported an explosion near the US embassy in the capital Oslo. No &nbsp;casualties has been reported in the incident so far and it is unclear if the blast is related to the conflict in West Asia. According to AFP, &nbsp;the explosion occurred around 1 am local time (0000 GMT). Oslo Police Department said in a statement that they had no information about the blast's cause or who was behind it. The police also said it was in contact with the embassy about the incident and that a large number of resources were on site.US embassies are on high alert amid attack from Iran and several embassies in West Asian countries have been shut with the US urging all Americans to leave the region as soon as possible.&nbsp;Oslo police said in a statement, "investigators were examining the scene, while dogs, drones, and helicopters were involved in the search for one or more potential perpetrators. Police view such incidents in public spaces as very serious, and are investigating the case with substantial resources and high priority.” Police commander Michael Dellemyr told TV2 police, “We're not connecting it to the conflict. It's far too early&nbsp;for that.” He also said that there was no indication as yet that the incident at the embassy in Oslo was connected to the conflict.&nbsp;Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

An explosion occurred near the US embassy in Oslo early Sunday, Norwegian police said, adding there were no casualties. Authorities are investigating the cause of the blast and have deployed significant resources at the site

Amid raging war in West Asia, Norwegian police on Sunday (Mar 8) reported an explosion near the US embassy in the capital Oslo. No casualties has been reported in the incident so far and it is unclear if the blast is related to the conflict in West Asia. According to AFP, the explosion occurred around 1 am local time (0000 GMT). Oslo Police Department said in a statement that they had no information about the blast's cause or who was behind it. The police also said it was in contact with the embassy about the incident and that a large number of resources were on site. US embassies are on high alert amid attack from Iran and several embassies in West Asian countries have been shut with the US urging all Americans to leave the region as soon as possible. Oslo police said in a statement, "investigators were examining the scene, while dogs, drones, and helicopters were involved in the search for one or more potential perpetrators. Police view such incidents in public spaces as very serious, and are investigating the case with substantial resources and high priority.” Police commander Michael Dellemyr told TV2 police, “We're not connecting it to the conflict. It's far too early for that.” He also said that there was no indication as yet that the incident at the embassy in Oslo was connected to the conflict. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

An explosion occurred near the US embassy in Oslo early Sunday, Norwegian police said, adding there were no casualties. Authorities are investigating the cause of the blast and have deployed significant resources at the site

Explosion near US embassy in Norway's Oslo, no clarity on links with Iran war

Iran’s security chief Ali Larijani claimed several US soldiers were captured, accusing Washington of hiding the truth. CENTCOM rejected the allegation as false. With casualties mounting and tensions escalating, the ongoing US–Iran conflict continues to intensify across the region.

Iran’s security chief Ali Larijani claimed several US soldiers were captured, accusing Washington of hiding the truth. CENTCOM rejected the allegation as false. With casualties mounting and tensions escalating, the ongoing US–Iran conflict continues to intensify across the region.

'American soldiers captured': Iran makes BIG claim amid raging war with US, Israel; CENTCOM says...

Trump said he sees no signs of Russia aiding Iran, while the Kremlin confirmed Tehran has not sought military help. However, reports claim Moscow may have shared intelligence on US positions. Washington downplayed Russia and China’s role as tensions around the conflict continue.

Trump said he sees no signs of Russia aiding Iran, while the Kremlin confirmed Tehran has not sought military help. However, reports claim Moscow may have shared intelligence on US positions. Washington downplayed Russia and China’s role as tensions around the conflict continue.

'Not doing a very good job': Trump breaks silence on reports of Russian help to Iran amid escalating war

The Iran crisis could trigger a global conflict that might turn into World War 3 and even lead to a nuclear war. Donald Trump has an escape plan ready in case any of this happens. The administration and defence activities will continue from secret bunkers.

The Iran crisis could trigger a global conflict that might turn into World War 3 and even lead to a nuclear war. Donald Trump has an escape plan ready in case any of this happens. The administration and defence activities will continue from secret bunkers.

As Iran crisis escalates, Donald Trump has an escape plan ready if World War 3 or nuclear war occur

Qatar has halted the liquefaction of natural gas and declared force majeure on exports after missile and drone strikes from Iran damaged key energy facilities amid the Islamic Republic’s ongoing conflict with the US and Israel. Qatar's gas production and supply shutdown coincides with disruptions to tanker traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, a key route handling about 20 per cent of global LNG trade, worsening the supply crunch.<h2>Qatar halts liquefaction of gas</h2>State-owned QatarEnergy shut down liquefaction operations on Wednesday (4 March) at Ras Laffan Industrial City, the world’s largest LNG export hub, and Mesaieed Industrial City following the Iranian attacks. Liquefaction is the industrial process of cooling natural gas to about -162 degrees Celsius to convert it into liquefied natural gas. LNG takes up about 1/600th the volume of gaseous natural gas, making it easier and more economical to store and transport using specialised ships to global markets.&nbsp;Qatar, one of the world’s largest LNG producers, relies heavily on the liquefaction process at facilities such as Ras Laffan Industrial City to export gas.<h2>Force majeure declared on Qatar gas supplies</h2>Force majeure is a standard mechanism in energy contracts used to handle “acts of God” or geopolitical crises. It is a legal clause that excuses a party from fulfilling its contractual obligations if an unforeseen and uncontrollable event such as war, natural disasters or strikes prevents it from doing so. QatarEnergy has formally notified buyers that it cannot deliver contracted LNG shipments due to external disruptions, without facing penalties or legal liability. Force majeure therefore allows the company to suspend LNG delivery obligations because of the extraordinary circumstances.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/breaking-qatar-begins-evacuating-residents-near-us-embassy-after-iranian-strikes-1772683204311/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/breaking-qatar-begins-evacuating-residents-near-us-embassy-after-iranian-strikes-1772683204311/embed</a><h2>Qatar gas supply halt will hit India, Pakistan and Bangladesh hard</h2>Qatar supplies nearly half of India’s annual LNG imports of around 27 million tonnes. India’s city gas distribution sector, which relies on LNG for compressed natural gas (CNG) and piped cooking gas, could face a crisis with supply cuts of up to 40 per cent if alternatives are not secured fast enough. India is seeking cargoes from the spot market, where prices have surged by up to 50 per cent and shipping rates have doubled to about $200,000 per tanker. If the situation persists, inflation and disruption to industrial output could follow.Bangladesh depends on Qatar and the UAE for nearly 72 per cent of its LNG imports. Severe shortages could lead to prolonged power outages in the country and greater use of coal. Bangladesh may also need to import more electricity from India to mitigate the impact.Nearly all of Pakistan’s LNG imports come from Qatar and the UAE, making it extremely vulnerable to supply disruptions from Gulf producers. Increasing domestic natural gas production and reducing regasification demand are possible responses. Greater use of solar energy could help prevent daytime power cuts, but overall shortages could still lead to outages and economic strain for Pakistan.Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/meanwhile-us-oil-production-surpasses-saudi-russia-combined-natural-gas-output-crosses-total-of-russia-china-and-iran-1772641899332"> Meanwhile, US oil production surpasses Saudi, Russia combined; natural gas output crosses total of Russia, China and Iran</a><h2>How global LNG supplies will be hit by Qatar moves</h2>The shutdown will be a major shock to global energy markets as Qatar supplies roughly 20 per cent of the world’s LNG. The crisis has already pushed up gas prices in Europe and Asia by as much as 93 per cent.Asia, which accounts for nearly 82 per cent of Qatar’s LNG exports, will be the hardest hit, particularly Japan, South Korea and China besides India, Pakistan and Bangladesh.European buyers including the UK, Italy and Belgium also face supply pressure and higher prices.Analysts said other major producers such as the US and Australia, have limited spare capacity to quickly replace Qatar’s lost exports.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-has-25-days-of-fuel-stock-japan-refiners-plead-to-open-strategic-reserves-oil-importing-nations-scramble-as-iran-conflict-causes-supply-woes-1772715167936">India has 25 days of fuel stock, Japan refiners plead to open strategic reserves: Oil-importing nations scramble as Iran conflict causes supply woes</a><h2>When is Qatar LNG supply likely to resume?</h2>The halt in liquefaction is intended to allow initial repairs and safety checks at the affected production facilities. Reports say this process is expected to take at least two weeks.&nbsp;Another two weeks will likely be required to restore full production after liquefaction resumes. In total, the supply disruption could last around one month or longer.Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos. &nbsp;

Amid the Iran conflict, Qatar halted LNG production and declared force majeure on gas trade. The shutdown threatens global supply, sending prices soaring and hitting major importers in Asia and Europe. India, Pakistan and Bangladesh are among countries that would be hit hard

Qatar has halted the liquefaction of natural gas and declared force majeure on exports after missile and drone strikes from Iran damaged key energy facilities amid the Islamic Republic’s ongoing conflict with the US and Israel. Qatar's gas production and supply shutdown coincides with disruptions to tanker traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, a key route handling about 20 per cent of global LNG trade, worsening the supply crunch. Qatar halts liquefaction of gas State-owned QatarEnergy shut down liquefaction operations on Wednesday (4 March) at Ras Laffan Industrial City, the world’s largest LNG export hub, and Mesaieed Industrial City following the Iranian attacks. Liquefaction is the industrial process of cooling natural gas to about -162 degrees Celsius to convert it into liquefied natural gas. LNG takes up about 1/600th the volume of gaseous natural gas, making it easier and more economical to store and transport using specialised ships to global markets. Qatar, one of the world’s largest LNG producers, relies heavily on the liquefaction process at facilities such as Ras Laffan Industrial City to export gas. Force majeure declared on Qatar gas supplies Force majeure is a standard mechanism in energy contracts used to handle “acts of God” or geopolitical crises. It is a legal clause that excuses a party from fulfilling its contractual obligations if an unforeseen and uncontrollable event such as war, natural disasters or strikes prevents it from doing so. QatarEnergy has formally notified buyers that it cannot deliver contracted LNG shipments due to external disruptions, without facing penalties or legal liability. Force majeure therefore allows the company to suspend LNG delivery obligations because of the extraordinary circumstances. https://www.wionews.com/videos/breaking-qatar-begins-evacuating-residents-near-us-embassy-after-iranian-strikes-1772683204311/embed Qatar gas supply halt will hit India, Pakistan and Bangladesh hard Qatar supplies nearly half of India’s annual LNG imports of around 27 million tonnes. India’s city gas distribution sector, which relies on LNG for compressed natural gas (CNG) and piped cooking gas, could face a crisis with supply cuts of up to 40 per cent if alternatives are not secured fast enough. India is seeking cargoes from the spot market, where prices have surged by up to 50 per cent and shipping rates have doubled to about $200,000 per tanker. If the situation persists, inflation and disruption to industrial output could follow. Bangladesh depends on Qatar and the UAE for nearly 72 per cent of its LNG imports. Severe shortages could lead to prolonged power outages in the country and greater use of coal. Bangladesh may also need to import more electricity from India to mitigate the impact. Nearly all of Pakistan’s LNG imports come from Qatar and the UAE, making it extremely vulnerable to supply disruptions from Gulf producers. Increasing domestic natural gas production and reducing regasification demand are possible responses. Greater use of solar energy could help prevent daytime power cuts, but overall shortages could still lead to outages and economic strain for Pakistan. Also read: Meanwhile, US oil production surpasses Saudi, Russia combined; natural gas output crosses total of Russia, China and Iran How global LNG supplies will be hit by Qatar moves The shutdown will be a major shock to global energy markets as Qatar supplies roughly 20 per cent of the world’s LNG. The crisis has already pushed up gas prices in Europe and Asia by as much as 93 per cent. Asia, which accounts for nearly 82 per cent of Qatar’s LNG exports, will be the hardest hit, particularly Japan, South Korea and China besides India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. European buyers including the UK, Italy and Belgium also face supply pressure and higher prices. Analysts said other major producers such as the US and Australia, have limited spare capacity to quickly replace Qatar’s lost exports. Also read: India has 25 days of fuel stock, Japan refiners plead to open strategic reserves: Oil-importing nations scramble as Iran conflict causes supply woes When is Qatar LNG supply likely to resume? The halt in liquefaction is intended to allow initial repairs and safety checks at the affected production facilities. Reports say this process is expected to take at least two weeks. Another two weeks will likely be required to restore full production after liquefaction resumes. In total, the supply disruption could last around one month or longer. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Amid the Iran conflict, Qatar halted LNG production and declared force majeure on gas trade. The shutdown threatens global supply, sending prices soaring and hitting major importers in Asia and Europe. India, Pakistan and Bangladesh are among countries that would be hit hard

How India, Pakistan, Bangladesh will be affected as Qatar halts gas liquefaction and declares force majeure in LNG trade

An Irish businessman, who was staying at Fairmont The Palm Hotel in Dubai when it was struck by Iran, recounted his nerve-wracking” experience. This comes after the US and Israeli military launched strikes on Iran on Saturday (Feb 28), killing Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei and several other top Iranian officials. The operation was named ‘Epic Fury’ by the US and ‘Lion’s Roar’ by Israel. The attacks came amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran and ongoing talks over Iran’s nuclear program. In retaliation, Iran launched attacks on Israel and US military bases in the region, including in Bahrain, Kuwait, the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan.Stuart Carson described hearing loud bangs on Saturday morning, which he initially assumed to be coming from construction nearby. However, later he saw Iranian missiles and drones being intercepted in the sky. Following the attack, the iconic hotel was set on fire, as visuals shared on social media revealed.Carson, from Holywood in County Down, detailed that he was inside the hotel building at the time of the drone attack, which caused his “whole room to completely shake”.“It was very nerve-wracking,” he told BBC News NI's Evening Extra programme. “The drone struck close to one of my friends’ rooms.”He added, “He was there with his son. He called me and said, we’ve been attacked in some way, shape, or form.”He described the chaotic scenes in the lobby of the hotel, “The front doors were damaged, and one of the bell boys was being pulled away. At that point, we just didn’t know what to do.” Carson, a father of two, said that they immediately took shelter at a nearby beach and later spent the evening in the basement of the hotel.“Once dawn broke, we started to feel a bit more comfortable with the situation and just gathered our thoughts and had breakfast in the hotel,” he said. “We decided just to get out of there. So we headed north and booked into a hotel where it was a lot quieter.”As many flights in the region were cancelled due to the war, Carson resorted to booking a number of flights after his original flight with British Airways was cancelled. He managed to arrive at Belfast City Airport in Northern Ireland on Tuesday evening.“We were looking at all options but we wanted to just focus on trying to get as close to home as possible,” he said. “When we were watching the map on the flight, we knew we were kind of out of the danger zone.”“So after the first hour, we started to feel relief.”

An Irish businessman described a “nerve-wracking” ordeal after an Iranian drone struck a Dubai hotel where he was staying, shaking his room and sparking panic as Middle East airspace closures stranded travelers.

An Irish businessman, who was staying at Fairmont The Palm Hotel in Dubai when it was struck by Iran, recounted his nerve-wracking” experience. This comes after the US and Israeli military launched strikes on Iran on Saturday (Feb 28), killing Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei and several other top Iranian officials. The operation was named ‘Epic Fury’ by the US and ‘Lion’s Roar’ by Israel. The attacks came amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran and ongoing talks over Iran’s nuclear program. In retaliation, Iran launched attacks on Israel and US military bases in the region, including in Bahrain, Kuwait, the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan. Stuart Carson described hearing loud bangs on Saturday morning, which he initially assumed to be coming from construction nearby. However, later he saw Iranian missiles and drones being intercepted in the sky. Following the attack, the iconic hotel was set on fire, as visuals shared on social media revealed. Carson, from Holywood in County Down, detailed that he was inside the hotel building at the time of the drone attack, which caused his “whole room to completely shake”. “It was very nerve-wracking,” he told BBC News NI's Evening Extra programme. “The drone struck close to one of my friends’ rooms.” He added, “He was there with his son. He called me and said, we’ve been attacked in some way, shape, or form.” He described the chaotic scenes in the lobby of the hotel, “The front doors were damaged, and one of the bell boys was being pulled away. At that point, we just didn’t know what to do.” Carson, a father of two, said that they immediately took shelter at a nearby beach and later spent the evening in the basement of the hotel. “Once dawn broke, we started to feel a bit more comfortable with the situation and just gathered our thoughts and had breakfast in the hotel,” he said. “We decided just to get out of there. So we headed north and booked into a hotel where it was a lot quieter.” As many flights in the region were cancelled due to the war, Carson resorted to booking a number of flights after his original flight with British Airways was cancelled. He managed to arrive at Belfast City Airport in Northern Ireland on Tuesday evening. “We were looking at all options but we wanted to just focus on trying to get as close to home as possible,” he said. “When we were watching the map on the flight, we knew we were kind of out of the danger zone.” “So after the first hour, we started to feel relief.”

An Irish businessman described a “nerve-wracking” ordeal after an Iranian drone struck a Dubai hotel where he was staying, shaking his room and sparking panic as Middle East airspace closures stranded travelers.

‘Nerve-wracking’: Irish businessman recalls horror at Dubai hotel after Iranian drone strike

Several Gulf countries spend around $3.7 million per Patriot missile to stop Iranian drones that cost approximately $35,000. This cost asymmetry creates a massive financial burden.

Several Gulf countries spend around $3.7 million per Patriot missile to stop Iranian drones that cost approximately $35,000. This cost asymmetry creates a massive financial burden.

How cheap Iranian drones are costing Gulf countries millions to intercept

Azerbaijan warned Tehran of retaliation after Iranian drones hit the airport amid rising tensions in the region. According to media reports, a drone launched from Iranian territory struck an airport building in Nakhichevan, injuring two people, while another fell near a school in the village of Shakarabad. Videos shared on social media showed smoke rising from the airport.&nbsp;“We strongly condemn these drone attacks launched from the territory of the Islamic Republic of Iran, which resulted in damage to the airport building and injuries of two civilians,” the statement said.“One drone fell on the terminal building of Nakhichevan Airport, while another drone fell near a school building in the village of Shekerabad,” the ministry said.Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">BREAKING: Iranian drone have reportedly struck near Nakhchivan Airport in Azerbaijan. <a href="https://t.co/ykhH48jikN">pic.twitter.com/ykhH48jikN</a>&mdash; Hananya Naftali (@HananyaNaftali) <a href="https://twitter.com/HananyaNaftali/status/2029479171349508434?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">BREAKING: Iran have attacked Azerbaijan, explosion seen near Nakhchivan Airport. <a href="https://t.co/BKBL3becYo">pic.twitter.com/BKBL3becYo</a>&mdash; Open Source Intel (@Osint613) <a href="https://twitter.com/Osint613/status/2029473983351906428?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>‘Attack will not go unanswered’</h2>“Azerbaijan is preparing the necessary retaliatory measures to protect the territorial integrity and sovereignty of our country and to ensure the safety of civilians and civilian infrastructure,” the defence ministry said."These acts of attack will not go unanswered," it added.<h2>Azerbaijan summons Iranian envoy</h2>In response to the drone incident at the airport and near a school, Azerbaijan summoned Iranian envoy in Baku to express “strong protest” over the attack, which “contradicts the norms and principles of international law and contributes to rising tensions in the region.”The ministry warned, “Azerbaijan reserves the right to take appropriate retaliatory measures.”<h2>Tensions flare in West Asia</h2>This comes after the US and Israeli military launched strikes on Iran on Saturday (Feb 28), killing Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei and several other top Iranian officials. The operation was named ‘Epic Fury’ by the US and ‘Lion’s Roar’ by Israel. The attacks came amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran and ongoing talks over Iran’s nuclear program. In retaliation, Iran launched attacks on Israel and US military bases in the region, including in Bahrain, Kuwait, the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan.Khamenei’s death was confirmed on March 1, with Iran vowing strong revenge over the killing of its supreme leader and warning that US bases in the region would be treated as American territory. Gulf states have cautioned against further escalation, even as Washington and Tel Aviv signal that operations could continue for weeks.As the conflict escalates, Iran-aligned groups have joined the fight. International leaders have called for de-escalation as some condemned the US-led action, while most NATO allies voiced support for Washington.Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Azerbaijan accused Iran of launching drones that struck Nakhichevan airport and near a school, injuring two people. Baku condemned the attack, summoned Iran’s envoy, and warned the strikes would not go unanswered.

Azerbaijan warned Tehran of retaliation after Iranian drones hit the airport amid rising tensions in the region. According to media reports, a drone launched from Iranian territory struck an airport building in Nakhichevan, injuring two people, while another fell near a school in the village of Shakarabad. Videos shared on social media showed smoke rising from the airport. “We strongly condemn these drone attacks launched from the territory of the Islamic Republic of Iran, which resulted in damage to the airport building and injuries of two civilians,” the statement said. “One drone fell on the terminal building of Nakhichevan Airport, while another drone fell near a school building in the village of Shekerabad,” the ministry said. Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media.

Azerbaijan accused Iran of launching drones that struck Nakhichevan airport and near a school, injuring two people. Baku condemned the attack, summoned Iran’s envoy, and warned the strikes would not go unanswered.

Azerbaijan to enter war? Iranian drones hit airport, govt warns of retaliation | VIDEO

Iranian forces on Thursday (Mar 5) denied firing any missile towards Turkey, saying that it respects the sovereignty of its neighbouring and friendly country, according to a statement carried by state media. This comes after Turkish officials said on Wednesday that a ballistic missile launched from Iran towards its airspace via Iraq and Syria was destroyed by NATO air defence systems.In a call with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that Iran was only targeting US and Israeli bases and facilities in the region “used to plan and execute aggressive operations against Iran,” according to IRIB, Iran’s state broadcaster.This comes after the Turkish defence ministry said on Wednesday that a missile fired by Iran towards the country had been “engaged and neutralised by NATO air-and-missile defence assets deployed in the eastern Mediterranean.”The fragments of the interceptor used to neutralise “the threat in the air” fell in the Dortyol district in southern Turkey, near the Syrian border, the officials said. No casualties were reported in the incident.A Turkish official told AFP that the missile had been “aimed at a base in Greek Cyprus but veered off course”.‘Unacceptable’Reacting to the incident, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a call with Fidan “that attacks on Turkey’s sovereign territory were unacceptable and pledged full support from the United States,” according to State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott.NATO also condemned the incident, saying, “NATO stands firmly with all allies, including Turkiye, as Iran continues its indiscriminate attacks across the region.”“Our deterrence and defence posture remains strong across all domains, including when it comes to air and missile defence,” NATO spokeswoman Allison Hart said.This comes after the US and Israeli military launched strikes on Iran on Saturday (Feb 28), killing Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei and several other top Iranian officials. The operation was named ‘Epic Fury’ by the US and ‘Lion’s Roar’ by Israel. The attacks came amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran and ongoing talks over Iran’s nuclear program. In retaliation, Iran launched attacks on Israel and US military bases in the region, including in Bahrain, Kuwait, the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan.Khamenei’s death was confirmed on March 1, with Iran vowing strong revenge over the killing of its supreme leader and warning that US bases in the region would be treated as American territory. Gulf states have cautioned against further escalation, even as Washington and Tel Aviv signal that operations could continue for weeks.As the conflict escalates, Iran-aligned groups have joined the fight. International leaders have called for de-escalation as some condemned the US-led action, while most NATO allies voiced support for Washington.Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Iran denied firing any missile towards Turkey after Ankara’s claim that a ballistic missile from Iran was intercepted by NATO air defences after crossing Iraq and Syria.

Iranian forces on Thursday (Mar 5) denied firing any missile towards Turkey, saying that it respects the sovereignty of its neighbouring and friendly country, according to a statement carried by state media. This comes after Turkish officials said on Wednesday that a ballistic missile launched from Iran towards its airspace via Iraq and Syria was destroyed by NATO air defence systems. In a call with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that Iran was only targeting US and Israeli bases and facilities in the region “used to plan and execute aggressive operations against Iran,” according to IRIB, Iran’s state broadcaster. This comes after the Turkish defence ministry said on Wednesday that a missile fired by Iran towards the country had been “engaged and neutralised by NATO air-and-missile defence assets deployed in the eastern Mediterranean.” The fragments of the interceptor used to neutralise “the threat in the air” fell in the Dortyol district in southern Turkey, near the Syrian border, the officials said. No casualties were reported in the incident. A Turkish official told AFP that the missile had been “aimed at a base in Greek Cyprus but veered off course”. ‘Unacceptable’ Reacting to the incident, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a call with Fidan “that attacks on Turkey’s sovereign territory were unacceptable and pledged full support from the United States,” according to State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott. NATO also condemned the incident, saying, “NATO stands firmly with all allies, including Turkiye, as Iran continues its indiscriminate attacks across the region.” “Our deterrence and defence posture remains strong across all domains, including when it comes to air and missile defence,” NATO spokeswoman Allison Hart said. This comes after the US and Israeli military launched strikes on Iran on Saturday (Feb 28), killing Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei and several other top Iranian officials. The operation was named ‘Epic Fury’ by the US and ‘Lion’s Roar’ by Israel. The attacks came amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran and ongoing talks over Iran’s nuclear program. In retaliation, Iran launched attacks on Israel and US military bases in the region, including in Bahrain, Kuwait, the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan. Khamenei’s death was confirmed on March 1, with Iran vowing strong revenge over the killing of its supreme leader and warning that US bases in the region would be treated as American territory. Gulf states have cautioned against further escalation, even as Washington and Tel Aviv signal that operations could continue for weeks. As the conflict escalates, Iran-aligned groups have joined the fight. International leaders have called for de-escalation as some condemned the US-led action, while most NATO allies voiced support for Washington. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Iran denied firing any missile towards Turkey after Ankara’s claim that a ballistic missile from Iran was intercepted by NATO air defences after crossing Iraq and Syria.

Did Iran fire missile at Turkey? Tehran responds after NATO shoots down ‘air threat’

The United States forces marked the 100 hours of Operation Epic Fury against Iran on Thursday (Mar 5), sharing dramatic visuals from the military strikes. Since the operation began on Saturday (Feb 28), the military conflict has spread across the Middle East region. As the fighting continued on the 5th day, Iran launched a fresh wave of missiles at Israel on Thursday, triggering alerts in several areas, including Tel Aviv. Following this, explosions were heard in Tehran as the US and Israeli forces continue their operation against the Islamic regime.Sharing the video, the US Central Command wrote in caption, “‘100 Hours’ of Operation Epic Fury.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">&quot;100 Hours&quot; of Operation Epic Fury. <a href="https://t.co/XW5ZnRAJJL">pic.twitter.com/XW5ZnRAJJL</a>&mdash; U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) <a href="https://twitter.com/CENTCOM/status/2029345177819574525?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The effort to eliminate the Iranian regime&#39;s mobile missile launch capabilities continues. We are finding and destroying these threats with lethal precision. <a href="https://t.co/AkGRYOjnOz">pic.twitter.com/AkGRYOjnOz</a>&mdash; U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) <a href="https://twitter.com/CENTCOM/status/2029412335916376164?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

In another post, CENTCOM said that US forces have sunk more than 20 vessels of the Iranian regime vessels with overwhelming firepower from air, land, and sea. It added that US forces have reduced Iranian drone launches by 73 per cent and ballistic missile launches by 86 per cent.CENTCOM also claimed, “While the Iranian regime indiscriminately targets civilians with missiles and drones, US forces continue to aggressively hunt and destroy Iranian missile launchers with precision.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">While the Iranian regime indiscriminately targets civilians with missiles and drones, U.S. forces continue to aggressively hunt and destroy Iranian missile launchers with precision. <a href="https://t.co/1RIhMcg0Jm">pic.twitter.com/1RIhMcg0Jm</a>&mdash; U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) <a href="https://twitter.com/CENTCOM/status/2029240947666551179?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

This comes after the US and Israeli military launched strikes on Iran on Saturday (Feb 28), killing Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei and several other top Iranian officials. The operation was named ‘Epic Fury’ by the US and ‘Lion’s Roar’ by Israel. The attacks came amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran and ongoing talks over Iran’s nuclear program. In retaliation, Iran launched attacks on Israel and US military bases in the region, including in Bahrain, Kuwait, the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan.Khamenei’s death was confirmed on March 1, with Iran vowing strong revenge over the killing of its supreme leader and warning that US bases in the region would be treated as American territory. Gulf states have cautioned against further escalation, even as Washington and Tel Aviv signal that operations could continue for weeks.As the conflict escalates, Iran-aligned groups have joined the fight. International leaders have called for de-escalation as some condemned the US-led action, while most NATO allies voiced support for Washington.Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

The US marked 100 hours of Operation Epic Fury against Iran, releasing strike visuals as fighting spread across the Middle East. Iran launched missiles at Israel while US-Israeli forces continued attacks on Iranian targets.

The United States forces marked the 100 hours of Operation Epic Fury against Iran on Thursday (Mar 5), sharing dramatic visuals from the military strikes. Since the operation began on Saturday (Feb 28), the military conflict has spread across the Middle East region. As the fighting continued on the 5th day, Iran launched a fresh wave of missiles at Israel on Thursday, triggering alerts in several areas, including Tel Aviv. Following this, explosions were heard in Tehran as the US and Israeli forces continue their operation against the Islamic regime. Sharing the video, the US Central Command wrote in caption, “‘100 Hours’ of Operation Epic Fury.”

The US marked 100 hours of Operation Epic Fury against Iran, releasing strike visuals as fighting spread across the Middle East. Iran launched missiles at Israel while US-Israeli forces continued attacks on Iranian targets.

100 hours of Operation Epic Fury: CENTCOM shares dramatic footage of strikes against Iran – WATCH

The Middle East crisis has once again brought to the fore prophecies made by several mystics about the jarring world situation. Nostradamus, the French psychic who is said to have predicted major world events like 9/11 and Princess Diana's death, talked about a "swarm of bees" in his book "Les Propheties", written in 1555. Those who believe in his prophecies say that this prediction is linked to the Iran war, where the "swarm of bees" refers to the drones playing an active role in the Middle East conflict. The passage named Quatrain I:26 reads, "The great swarm of bees will arise… by night the ambush…". It remained vague till before the war between the US, Israel and Iran started. Earlier, his followers linked the prophecy to the growth of world leaders, like Putin and Trump. But seeing how deadly drones are being used in the conflict, the bees seem to be a reference to the unmanned vehicles. Further, these are one-way drones, which detonate after they striking, similar to honeybees who die after stinging.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/flying-at-only-80-feet-altitude-iranian-planes-almost-hit-largest-american-air-base-in-middle-east-1772680709567">Flying at only 80 feet altitude, Iranian planes almost hit largest American air base in Middle East: Report</a><h2>Drone attacks in the Iran-US war</h2>The US is using drones that are part of Task Force Scorpion, America's first Kamikaze drone unit. Each drone costs $35,000 and is a rip-off of the Iranian Shahed drones. United States Central Command Admiral Brad Cooper said in a statement that they have been using "countless one-way attack drones". The US had been watching the Shahed drones for years, and over the years, worked on the technology and "made it better" to develop their own loitering drones. The Shahed and Task Force Scorpion drones are suicide drones equipped with a warhead. They linger over the site, set their target and then crash into them. Their cost makes them an effective tool for wreaking destruction before fighter jets can go in for the kill.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kurdish-fighters-launch-ground-offensive-in-iran-call-between-iranian-fm-and-iraqi-kurds-leader-trump-backs-kurds-israel-helps-kurdish-forces-1772677428233">FACT CHECK: Did Kurdish fighters really launch ground offensive in Iran?</a><h2>How long could the Iran war last?</h2>Nostradamus also talked about a long war, which his followers think is about the current conflict. "Seven months great war, people dead through evil / Rouen, Evreux the King will not fail," the psychic wrote in his book. Iran has been hitting US bases in several Gulf countries, such as the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. Canada hinted on Thursday that the country could join the war against Iran. Prime Minister Mark Carney said that he couldn’t rule out military participation in the Middle East crisis. "One can never categorically rule out participation. We will stand by our allies,” he said at a conference with his Australian counterpart, Anthony Albanese, in Canberra. &nbsp;

Two Nostradamus prophecies have resurfaced amid the ongoing Iran war. One of them is being linked to the extensive use of drones in the conflict, while the other talks about how long the war could last. The French psychic wrote the predictions in his book “Les Propheties”. 

The Middle East crisis has once again brought to the fore prophecies made by several mystics about the jarring world situation. Nostradamus, the French psychic who is said to have predicted major world events like 9/11 and Princess Diana's death, talked about a "swarm of bees" in his book "Les Propheties", written in 1555. Those who believe in his prophecies say that this prediction is linked to the Iran war, where the "swarm of bees" refers to the drones playing an active role in the Middle East conflict. The passage named Quatrain I:26 reads, "The great swarm of bees will arise… by night the ambush…". It remained vague till before the war between the US, Israel and Iran started. Earlier, his followers linked the prophecy to the growth of world leaders, like Putin and Trump. But seeing how deadly drones are being used in the conflict, the bees seem to be a reference to the unmanned vehicles. Further, these are one-way drones, which detonate after they striking, similar to honeybees who die after stinging. Also Read: Flying at only 80 feet altitude, Iranian planes almost hit largest American air base in Middle East: Report Drone attacks in the Iran-US war The US is using drones that are part of Task Force Scorpion, America's first Kamikaze drone unit. Each drone costs $35,000 and is a rip-off of the Iranian Shahed drones. United States Central Command Admiral Brad Cooper said in a statement that they have been using "countless one-way attack drones". The US had been watching the Shahed drones for years, and over the years, worked on the technology and "made it better" to develop their own loitering drones. The Shahed and Task Force Scorpion drones are suicide drones equipped with a warhead. They linger over the site, set their target and then crash into them. Their cost makes them an effective tool for wreaking destruction before fighter jets can go in for the kill. Also Read: FACT CHECK: Did Kurdish fighters really launch ground offensive in Iran? How long could the Iran war last? Nostradamus also talked about a long war, which his followers think is about the current conflict. "Seven months great war, people dead through evil / Rouen, Evreux the King will not fail," the psychic wrote in his book. Iran has been hitting US bases in several Gulf countries, such as the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. Canada hinted on Thursday that the country could join the war against Iran. Prime Minister Mark Carney said that he couldn’t rule out military participation in the Middle East crisis. "One can never categorically rule out participation. We will stand by our allies,” he said at a conference with his Australian counterpart, Anthony Albanese, in Canberra.

Two Nostradamus prophecies have resurfaced amid the ongoing Iran war. One of them is being linked to the extensive use of drones in the conflict, while the other talks about how long the war could last. The French psychic wrote the predictions in his book “Les Propheties”.&nbsp;

People think THIS Nostradamus prophecy is linked to suicide drones being used in US-Iran war

US CENTCOM shared dramatic visuals of fighter jets launching from the USS Gerald R. Ford in the Mediterranean, as the carrier strike group supports Operation Epic Fury and intensifies US military pressure on Iran from the sea.

US CENTCOM shared dramatic visuals of fighter jets launching from the USS Gerald R. Ford in the Mediterranean, as the carrier strike group supports Operation Epic Fury and intensifies US military pressure on Iran from the sea.

CENTCOM shares dramatic USS Gerald R. Ford strike visuals amid Iran war – PICS

Amid reports that the US may consider supporting Kurdish forces against Tehran, a new report on Thursday (Mar 5) claimed that hundreds of Kurdish fighters have begun ground activity in areas near the Iraq-Iran border. This comes even as Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held a telephonic conversation with Bafel Talabani, the head of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) in Iraq amid reports of CIA's help to the group. The two pledged “cooperation” against "terrorist activity" along the shared border. Kurdish leader extended condolences to Araghchi on the demise of Iran Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. However, reports of ground offensive by Kurdish fighters surfaced soon after the call. Clarifying on the report soon, the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) of Iraq said it is not true.&nbsp;Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/rubio-contradicts-trump-on-why-us-entered-iran-war-backtracks-on-israeli-plans-remark-netanyahu-smirks-is-america-confused-1772615320319"> Is America confused on why US entered Iran war?</a><h2>What reports say about Kurdish forces on ground?</h2>According to a report on The Jerusalem Post, Israeli and American officials confirmed that Kurdish forces have launched offensive on ground near the Iraqi border. The report claimed, quoting sources, that the strategy concept behind the activity is that fighting along the border areas would force the Iranian regime to divert military and security resources there, which in turn would make it easier for Israeli and American forces to attack Iranian cities. Moreover, the report claimed that there has been contacts and discussions between US President Donald Trump and Kurdish leaders in Iraq about possibility of attack in certain areas by Kurdish forces that would destabilize the Iranian regime. However, there has been no official confirmation about the same from any Israeli, American or Iranian authority.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/khamenei-s-top-aide-larijani-rules-out-negotiations-with-us-after-trump-says-i-have-agreed-to-talk-what-s-next-for-iran-1772424924420/amp">Khamenei's top aide Larijani rules out negotiations with US after Trump says ‘I have agreed to talk’</a><h2>What Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) of Iraq said?</h2>An official in the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) of Iraq said that the region rejects the use of its territory to launch attacks against neighboring countries, while emphasizing that decisions regarding such matters fall under the authority of the federal government in Baghdad. The Deputy Chief of Staff of Iraqi Kurdistan, Aziz Ahmad has called the reports fake and said, “Not a single Iraqi Kurd has crossed the border.”<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20260305/image-1772684809401.png"></figure><h2>What Iran said?</h2>Iran’s Tasnim news agency, quoted by Reuters, says its reporters in three border provinces deny the reports. Channel 12 reporter Barak Ravid, who earlier cited a US official confirming the offensive, updates that there are “conflicting reports” and says that a senior official in one of the Iranian-Kurdish factions also denies that a ground offensive has begun. Meanwhile, IRNA&nbsp;news agency reported that Iran has targeted headquarters of Kurdish groups in Iraqi Kurdistan.<h2>What was the conversation between Iran FM and Kurdish leader?</h2>Iraqi Kurdish leader and Iranian foreign minister spoke after reports of CIA arming Iranian Kurds. "During the conversation, Bafel Talabani expressed his condolences and sympathy over the martyrdom of the Supreme Leader (Ayatollah Ali Khamenei) and all those killed in the American-Zionist crime," the ministry said in a statement. The statement added that Araghchi also referred to "terrorist movements" along the shared border and stressed the need to strengthen cooperation to safeguard border security in line with bilateral security understandings.&nbsp;

Iraqi Kurdish President and Iran’s Foreign Minister discussed cooperation as reports claim CIA-backed support for Iranian Kurdish fighters. Hundreds of Kurdish forces have reportedly begun ground operations near the Iran-Iraq border, amid speculation Donald Trump may back anti-regime groups.

Amid reports that the US may consider supporting Kurdish forces against Tehran, a new report on Thursday (Mar 5) claimed that hundreds of Kurdish fighters have begun ground activity in areas near the Iraq-Iran border. This comes even as Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held a telephonic conversation with Bafel Talabani, the head of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) in Iraq amid reports of CIA's help to the group. The two pledged “cooperation” against "terrorist activity" along the shared border. Kurdish leader extended condolences to Araghchi on the demise of Iran Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. However, reports of ground offensive by Kurdish fighters surfaced soon after the call. Clarifying on the report soon, the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) of Iraq said it is not true. Also Read: Is America confused on why US entered Iran war? What reports say about Kurdish forces on ground? According to a report on The Jerusalem Post, Israeli and American officials confirmed that Kurdish forces have launched offensive on ground near the Iraqi border. The report claimed, quoting sources, that the strategy concept behind the activity is that fighting along the border areas would force the Iranian regime to divert military and security resources there, which in turn would make it easier for Israeli and American forces to attack Iranian cities. Moreover, the report claimed that there has been contacts and discussions between US President Donald Trump and Kurdish leaders in Iraq about possibility of attack in certain areas by Kurdish forces that would destabilize the Iranian regime. However, there has been no official confirmation about the same from any Israeli, American or Iranian authority. Also Read: Khamenei's top aide Larijani rules out negotiations with US after Trump says ‘I have agreed to talk’ What Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) of Iraq said? An official in the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) of Iraq said that the region rejects the use of its territory to launch attacks against neighboring countries, while emphasizing that decisions regarding such matters fall under the authority of the federal government in Baghdad. The Deputy Chief of Staff of Iraqi Kurdistan, Aziz Ahmad has called the reports fake and said, “Not a single Iraqi Kurd has crossed the border.” What Iran said? Iran’s Tasnim news agency, quoted by Reuters, says its reporters in three border provinces deny the reports. Channel 12 reporter Barak Ravid, who earlier cited a US official confirming the offensive, updates that there are “conflicting reports” and says that a senior official in one of the Iranian-Kurdish factions also denies that a ground offensive has begun. Meanwhile, IRNA news agency reported that Iran has targeted headquarters of Kurdish groups in Iraqi Kurdistan. What was the conversation between Iran FM and Kurdish leader? Iraqi Kurdish leader and Iranian foreign minister spoke after reports of CIA arming Iranian Kurds. "During the conversation, Bafel Talabani expressed his condolences and sympathy over the martyrdom of the Supreme Leader (Ayatollah Ali Khamenei) and all those killed in the American-Zionist crime," the ministry said in a statement. The statement added that Araghchi also referred to "terrorist movements" along the shared border and stressed the need to strengthen cooperation to safeguard border security in line with bilateral security understandings.

Iraqi Kurdish President and Iran’s Foreign Minister discussed cooperation as reports claim CIA-backed support for Iranian Kurdish fighters. Hundreds of Kurdish forces have reportedly begun ground operations near the Iran-Iraq border, amid speculation Donald Trump may back anti-regime groups.

FACT CHECK: Did Kurdish fighters really launch ground offensive in Iran?

Mysterious earthquakes near the US military’s base close to Area 51 have sparked speculations about whether the United States is conducting nuclear tests amid war with Iran. The Tonopah Test Range in Nevada, which is also referred to as Area 51, is known for stockpiling nuclear weapons. The region has seen over 100 seismic events in the last week amid military escalation in the Middle East, according to reports.&nbsp;In recent days, the range has experienced several tremors, from small to slightly significant ones according to the US Geological Survey. The mysterious earthquakes began on Sunday (Mar 1) at Area 52, which is about three hours northeast of Las Vegas and close to Area 51. For decades, the remote region has been believed to be a site where the US military carries out experimental aircraft testing and nuclear weapons research.On Sunday, the USGS detected 16 moderate tremors, all stronger than 2.5 magnitude, near the Tonopah Test Range. Over the last week, scientists have detected tremors ranging from a minor 1.0 and 1.9 magnitude earthquakes to stronger than 3.0, which could be felt by anyone on the ground nearby.The strongest of these quakes was recorded on Sunday at 11.37 am ET, when a magnitude 4.3 earthquake struck the remote region of the Nevada desert, roughly 48 miles northeast of Tonopah. The tremors were reportedly felt by residents as far away as Carson City, over 180 miles to the west, and Las Vegas, 175 miles south.No official confirmation or cause of the earthquakes have been provided by the US authorities.This comes after the US and Israeli military launched strikes on Iran on Saturday (Feb 28), killing Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei and several other top Iranian officials. The operation was named ‘Epic Fury’ by the US and ‘Lion’s Roar’ by Israel. The attacks came amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran and ongoing talks over Iran’s nuclear program. In retaliation, Iran launched attacks on Israel and US military bases in the region, including in Bahrain, Kuwait, the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan.Khamenei’s death was confirmed on March 1, with Iran vowing strong revenge over the killing of its supreme leader and warning that US bases in the region would be treated as American territory. Gulf states have cautioned against further escalation, even as Washington and Tel Aviv signal that operations could continue for weeks.As the conflict escalates, Iran-aligned groups have joined the fight. International leaders have called for de-escalation as some condemned the US-led action, while most NATO allies voiced support for Washington.Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

More than 100 small earthquakes near the Tonopah Test Range, close to Area 51 in Nevada have triggered speculation about possible US nuclear testing.

Mysterious earthquakes near the US military’s base close to Area 51 have sparked speculations about whether the United States is conducting nuclear tests amid war with Iran. The Tonopah Test Range in Nevada, which is also referred to as Area 51, is known for stockpiling nuclear weapons. The region has seen over 100 seismic events in the last week amid military escalation in the Middle East, according to reports. In recent days, the range has experienced several tremors, from small to slightly significant ones according to the US Geological Survey. The mysterious earthquakes began on Sunday (Mar 1) at Area 52, which is about three hours northeast of Las Vegas and close to Area 51. For decades, the remote region has been believed to be a site where the US military carries out experimental aircraft testing and nuclear weapons research. On Sunday, the USGS detected 16 moderate tremors, all stronger than 2.5 magnitude, near the Tonopah Test Range. Over the last week, scientists have detected tremors ranging from a minor 1.0 and 1.9 magnitude earthquakes to stronger than 3.0, which could be felt by anyone on the ground nearby. The strongest of these quakes was recorded on Sunday at 11.37 am ET, when a magnitude 4.3 earthquake struck the remote region of the Nevada desert, roughly 48 miles northeast of Tonopah. The tremors were reportedly felt by residents as far away as Carson City, over 180 miles to the west, and Las Vegas, 175 miles south. No official confirmation or cause of the earthquakes have been provided by the US authorities. This comes after the US and Israeli military launched strikes on Iran on Saturday (Feb 28), killing Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei and several other top Iranian officials. The operation was named ‘Epic Fury’ by the US and ‘Lion’s Roar’ by Israel. The attacks came amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran and ongoing talks over Iran’s nuclear program. In retaliation, Iran launched attacks on Israel and US military bases in the region, including in Bahrain, Kuwait, the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan. Khamenei’s death was confirmed on March 1, with Iran vowing strong revenge over the killing of its supreme leader and warning that US bases in the region would be treated as American territory. Gulf states have cautioned against further escalation, even as Washington and Tel Aviv signal that operations could continue for weeks. As the conflict escalates, Iran-aligned groups have joined the fight. International leaders have called for de-escalation as some condemned the US-led action, while most NATO allies voiced support for Washington. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

More than 100 small earthquakes near the Tonopah Test Range, close to Area 51 in Nevada have triggered speculation about possible US nuclear testing.

US testing nuclear bombs amid Iran war? Over 100 mysterious quakes rattle military base near Area 51

Senior Shiite religious leaders in Iran have issued fatwas calling Muslims across the world to seek revenge for the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The Supreme Leader died in a US-Israeli strike on Saturday (February 28), which has now spiralled into a bigger war with Tehran hitting several Middle Eastern countries. Abdollah Javadi Amoli, an Iranian Twelver Shi'a Marja, has said it is an “obligation” of all Muslims to “shed the blood of Donald Trump.” Grand Ayatollah Hossein Nouri Hamedani and Grand Ayatollah Naser Makarem Shirazi have also called on followers to avenge his death. Nouri Hamedani said in a written response to the praesidium of the Assembly of Seminary Students and Scholars in Qom that all Muslims are religiously obliged to do so. Makarem Shirazi issued a fatwa that all Muslims should fight “until the evil of these criminals is eradicated from the world.” He identified the United States and Israel as the "main perpetrators".. A fatwa is a religious order issued by top Islamic clerics that calls on followers to perform a certain act.<h2>Sleeper cells could be activated following the fatwa&nbsp;</h2>The fatwas have led to fears that sleeper cells and lone terrorists could stage attacks in the West. Embassies and other institutions with ties to Israel are at risk of terror strikes. Before the war began, US and Western officials had warned that Iran could get its proxies to carry out such attacks. They intercepted terrorist communications, which showed "some level of attack planning and coordination" was happening. In the recent past, Iranian agents have been accused of carrying out bomb and assassination plots. Intelligence agencies in the US, Europe and Britain have been keeping a close watch on Iranian sleeper cells, fearing retaliation.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/flying-at-only-80-feet-altitude-iranian-planes-almost-hit-largest-american-air-base-in-middle-east-1772680709567">Flying at only 80 feet altitude, Iranian planes almost hit largest American air base in Middle East: Report</a>&nbsp;https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-war-nato-intercepts-iranian-missile-heading-toward-turkey-1772681368940/embed<h2>Kurdish forces take position for ground offensive in Iran</h2>Meanwhile, reports suggest that hundreds of Kurdish fighters have started a ground offensive inside Iran. An official from the Coalition of Political Forces of Iranian Kurdistan (CPFIK) stated that fighters affiliated with the Kurdistan Free Life Party (PJAK) were taking combat positions. "The ground military movements by Kurdish forces against Iran have already started since the midnight of March 2," the CPFIK official said, &nbsp;The Caspian Post reported. The move would open an additional front against Tehran in the war. The ground offensive aims to pressure Iranian security forces. Experts say that the Iranian regime would have to divert military and security resources to the border areas.&nbsp;

Iranian clerics have issued fatwas in the wake of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's death. They say it is the religious duty of all Muslims to avenge his killing. Meanwhile, reports suggest that Kurdish forces have started ground offernsive in Iran.

Senior Shiite religious leaders in Iran have issued fatwas calling Muslims across the world to seek revenge for the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The Supreme Leader died in a US-Israeli strike on Saturday (February 28), which has now spiralled into a bigger war with Tehran hitting several Middle Eastern countries. Abdollah Javadi Amoli, an Iranian Twelver Shi'a Marja, has said it is an “obligation” of all Muslims to “shed the blood of Donald Trump.” Grand Ayatollah Hossein Nouri Hamedani and Grand Ayatollah Naser Makarem Shirazi have also called on followers to avenge his death. Nouri Hamedani said in a written response to the praesidium of the Assembly of Seminary Students and Scholars in Qom that all Muslims are religiously obliged to do so. Makarem Shirazi issued a fatwa that all Muslims should fight “until the evil of these criminals is eradicated from the world.” He identified the United States and Israel as the "main perpetrators".. A fatwa is a religious order issued by top Islamic clerics that calls on followers to perform a certain act. Sleeper cells could be activated following the fatwa The fatwas have led to fears that sleeper cells and lone terrorists could stage attacks in the West. Embassies and other institutions with ties to Israel are at risk of terror strikes. Before the war began, US and Western officials had warned that Iran could get its proxies to carry out such attacks. They intercepted terrorist communications, which showed "some level of attack planning and coordination" was happening. In the recent past, Iranian agents have been accused of carrying out bomb and assassination plots. Intelligence agencies in the US, Europe and Britain have been keeping a close watch on Iranian sleeper cells, fearing retaliation. Also Read: Flying at only 80 feet altitude, Iranian planes almost hit largest American air base in Middle East: Report https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-war-nato-intercepts-iranian-missile-heading-toward-turkey-1772681368940/embed Kurdish forces take position for ground offensive in Iran Meanwhile, reports suggest that hundreds of Kurdish fighters have started a ground offensive inside Iran. An official from the Coalition of Political Forces of Iranian Kurdistan (CPFIK) stated that fighters affiliated with the Kurdistan Free Life Party (PJAK) were taking combat positions. "The ground military movements by Kurdish forces against Iran have already started since the midnight of March 2," the CPFIK official said, The Caspian Post reported. The move would open an additional front against Tehran in the war. The ground offensive aims to pressure Iranian security forces. Experts say that the Iranian regime would have to divert military and security resources to the border areas.

Iranian clerics have issued fatwas in the wake of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's death. They say it is the religious duty of all Muslims to avenge his killing. Meanwhile, reports suggest that Kurdish forces have started a ground offensive in Iran.

Iranian clerics issue fatwas to avenge Khamenei's death - 'Shedding the blood of...'

A ‘cause and effect’ analysis has suggested that President Donald Trump may have indirectly hit China through the US joint military operations with Israel targeting Iran, as the Asian giant now stands to lose another source of cheap oil. This is the second such blow for China, as Trump has also removed the leader of another source of fuel for China, namely Venezuela. The analysis, published in Newsweek, argued that the Iran strike is part of a broader geopolitical strategy aimed not just at the Middle East, but at pressuring China, the main global adversary of the US. Both Iran and Venezuela were close friends and strategic allies of China, having supplied it with oil on favourable terms.Madi Kapparov, head of research at the London-based Centre for Information Defence and Strategies, told the website that the US objective was to “choke out the primary source of cheap oil to China”.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/did-china-s-hq-9b-fall-short-in-iran-how-us-israel-airstrikes-broke-through-tehran-s-air-defence-network-1772366608613">Did China’s HQ-9B fall short in Iran? How US–Israel airstrikes broke through Tehran’s air defence network</a><h2>How the US may have targeted China’s energy lifeline</h2>China’s energy security is central to its rivalry with the US, having bought more than 80 per cent of Iran’s shipped oil in 2025, according to analytics firm Kpler. Kapparov noted that estimates of China’s Iranian oil imports range “from 0 to 18 per cent” of its total imports, since Beijing stopped reporting Iran deliveries since 2022. Reuters news agency estimated that about 13 per cent of China’s seaborne crude came from Iran, often through covert ship-to-ship transfers, including off Malaysia.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-flying-jigsaw-with-hidden-pieces-as-us-iran-conflict-slides-on-slippery-oil-russia-and-china-remain-critical-1772531721841">A flying jigsaw with hidden pieces: As US-Iran conflict slides on slippery oil, Russia and China remain critical</a> Meanwhile, Venezuela supplied about 4 per cent of China’s oil needs until January, when the US removed its leader, Nicolas Maduro. China may have expected that Iranian imports would offset Venezuelan losses, a hope which now appears dashed.Even though China has invested heavily in coal and renewables, a military cannot run on coal or renewables, Kapparov noted. Disrupting Iranian oil supplies for China could therefore directly affect Beijing’s defence readiness.<h2>A broader ‘authoritarians’ domino effect' theory</h2>Speaking to Newsweek, Ross Babbage, CEO of Strategic Forum, suggested that the Iran strike fits into a wider strategic pattern, implying that another authoritarian leader had fallen.“The countries that have been authoritarian strongholds…are falling over. The partners that Beijing and Moscow have are reducing in number and in strategic weight,” Babbage was quoted as saying.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-intel-on-us-deployment-aids-iran-as-talks-hover-between-war-peace-1772126951959/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-intel-on-us-deployment-aids-iran-as-talks-hover-between-war-peace-1772126951959/embed</a><h2>Is China a reliable partner?</h2>Assessing the relatively slow and tepid reaction of China to US interventions in Venezuela and Iran, Babbage argued that these events raise doubts about the reliability of China as a partner. Despite grandiose rhetoric about allied regimes, he said, “when push comes to shove, what have they done to support Venezuela against the United States? The answer is they really couldn’t do anything. And I think it’s the same…with Iran.”Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Trump’s Iran strikes, just a month after Venezuela military operation, may have indirectly hit China by choking yet another source of cheap oil supplies. This could affect the energy security of China, the key adversary of the US

A ‘cause and effect’ analysis has suggested that President Donald Trump may have indirectly hit China through the US joint military operations with Israel targeting Iran, as the Asian giant now stands to lose another source of cheap oil. This is the second such blow for China, as Trump has also removed the leader of another source of fuel for China, namely Venezuela. The analysis, published in Newsweek, argued that the Iran strike is part of a broader geopolitical strategy aimed not just at the Middle East, but at pressuring China, the main global adversary of the US. Both Iran and Venezuela were close friends and strategic allies of China, having supplied it with oil on favourable terms. Madi Kapparov, head of research at the London-based Centre for Information Defence and Strategies, told the website that the US objective was to “choke out the primary source of cheap oil to China”. Also read: Did China’s HQ-9B fall short in Iran? How US–Israel airstrikes broke through Tehran’s air defence network How the US may have targeted China’s energy lifeline China’s energy security is central to its rivalry with the US, having bought more than 80 per cent of Iran’s shipped oil in 2025, according to analytics firm Kpler. Kapparov noted that estimates of China’s Iranian oil imports range “from 0 to 18 per cent” of its total imports, since Beijing stopped reporting Iran deliveries since 2022. Reuters news agency estimated that about 13 per cent of China’s seaborne crude came from Iran, often through covert ship-to-ship transfers, including off Malaysia. Also read: A flying jigsaw with hidden pieces: As US-Iran conflict slides on slippery oil, Russia and China remain critical Meanwhile, Venezuela supplied about 4 per cent of China’s oil needs until January, when the US removed its leader, Nicolas Maduro. China may have expected that Iranian imports would offset Venezuelan losses, a hope which now appears dashed. Even though China has invested heavily in coal and renewables, a military cannot run on coal or renewables, Kapparov noted. Disrupting Iranian oil supplies for China could therefore directly affect Beijing’s defence readiness. A broader ‘authoritarians’ domino effect' theory Speaking to Newsweek, Ross Babbage, CEO of Strategic Forum, suggested that the Iran strike fits into a wider strategic pattern, implying that another authoritarian leader had fallen. “The countries that have been authoritarian strongholds…are falling over. The partners that Beijing and Moscow have are reducing in number and in strategic weight,” Babbage was quoted as saying. https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-intel-on-us-deployment-aids-iran-as-talks-hover-between-war-peace-1772126951959/embed Is China a reliable partner? Assessing the relatively slow and tepid reaction of China to US interventions in Venezuela and Iran, Babbage argued that these events raise doubts about the reliability of China as a partner. Despite grandiose rhetoric about allied regimes, he said, “when push comes to shove, what have they done to support Venezuela against the United States? The answer is they really couldn’t do anything. And I think it’s the same…with Iran.” Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Trump’s Iran strikes, just a month after Venezuela military operation, may have indirectly hit China by choking yet another source of cheap oil supplies. This could affect the energy security of China, the key adversary of the US&nbsp;

Did Trump also hit China via Iran strikes? Cheap oil sources choked for the second time after Venezuela

Media reports from Iran and Israel appeared to suggest that the US and Israel bombed a building which houses the Assembly of Experts, the body tasked with electing the nation's Supreme Leader. The reports claimed that the bombing of the building in Qom occurred on Tuesday (Mar 2), two days after Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in an air strike in a joint US-Israel operation. That strike had killed dozens of other leaders in the clerical and military echelons of Iran.<h2>Assembly of Experts building attacked</h2>The semi-official Tasnim news agency of Iran said in a report: “The American-Zionist criminals attacked the Assembly of Experts building in Qom.” Tasnim news agency is affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Footage circulated on Iranian state channels and social platforms showed the building, which houses the Assembly of Experts secretariat, &nbsp;severely damaged.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-israel-war-fresh-wave-of-strikes-across-iran-key-sites-in-tehran-hit-1772552675534/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-israel-war-fresh-wave-of-strikes-across-iran-key-sites-in-tehran-hit-1772552675534/embed</a><h2>If the Assembly of Experts building was destroyed, what does that mean?</h2>If the US and Israel indeed bombed and destroyed the Qom building, the message is clear: they would not allow the selection of another Supreme Leader of Iran after Ali Khamenei.Sources cited in Israeli media claimed that the strike targeted the building while members were meeting to discuss or begin the successor selection process, aiming to disrupt it.At the time of writing, there is no Iranian confirmation as to whether clerics of the Assembly of Experts were actually present or gathering for a session when the attack happened.Some Israeli officials speaking to outlets such as Axios, and some Telegram channels like Zed TV, claimed this to be the case, with potential casualties among members.Iran's Mehr News Agency and Fars News downplayed the reports, saying the Qom site is an "old, secondary structure" no longer used for meetings.Casualties could not be immediately confirmed, with no verified reports of mass deaths among Assembly members.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/live-blog-live-blog-us-israel-attack-iran-live-updates-trump-khamenei-hezbollah-attack-us-idf-lebanon-india-russia-china-netanyahu-hamas-nkorea-middleeast-oman-1772505411085">US-Israel-Iran war LIVE | Netanyahu says continuing to strike Iran 'with force'</a><h2>Why the Assembly of Experts is important</h2>The Assembly of Experts, or the Majles-e Khobregan-e Rahbari, is a deliberative body of the Islamic Republic consisting of 88 senior mujtahids, or Shia Islamic jurists. They are all approved by the Guardian Council before being elected by direct public vote for eight-year terms.Filled mainly with principlists and conservative figures loyal to the regime, the clerics are experts in Islamic jurisprudence, or fiqh.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/photos-from-iran-satellite-image-shows-damage-at-natanz-nuclear-facility-1772521792737">Satellite image shows damage at Natanz nuclear facility | Photos from Iran</a> The most recent election to the Assembly of Experts was in 2024 for its sixth term, set to end in 2032.The body has convened to elect Iran's Supreme Leader only once in its history, in 1989, when it selected Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to succeed Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini after Khomeini's death.For the rest of the time, it has functioned in a supervisory role, theoretically having the power to dismiss or replace the Leader.Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

US and Israel reportedly bombed Iran's Assembly of Experts building in Qom, days after Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in their joint strike. If it happened, this could have been aimed as a disruption of the election of the next Supreme Leader. Here is what reports say

Media reports from Iran and Israel appeared to suggest that the US and Israel bombed a building which houses the Assembly of Experts, the body tasked with electing the nation's Supreme Leader. The reports claimed that the bombing of the building in Qom occurred on Tuesday (Mar 2), two days after Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in an air strike in a joint US-Israel operation. That strike had killed dozens of other leaders in the clerical and military echelons of Iran. Assembly of Experts building attacked The semi-official Tasnim news agency of Iran said in a report: “The American-Zionist criminals attacked the Assembly of Experts building in Qom.” Tasnim news agency is affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Footage circulated on Iranian state channels and social platforms showed the building, which houses the Assembly of Experts secretariat, severely damaged. https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-israel-war-fresh-wave-of-strikes-across-iran-key-sites-in-tehran-hit-1772552675534/embed If the Assembly of Experts building was destroyed, what does that mean? If the US and Israel indeed bombed and destroyed the Qom building, the message is clear: they would not allow the selection of another Supreme Leader of Iran after Ali Khamenei. Sources cited in Israeli media claimed that the strike targeted the building while members were meeting to discuss or begin the successor selection process, aiming to disrupt it. At the time of writing, there is no Iranian confirmation as to whether clerics of the Assembly of Experts were actually present or gathering for a session when the attack happened. Some Israeli officials speaking to outlets such as Axios, and some Telegram channels like Zed TV, claimed this to be the case, with potential casualties among members. Iran's Mehr News Agency and Fars News downplayed the reports, saying the Qom site is an "old, secondary structure" no longer used for meetings. Casualties could not be immediately confirmed, with no verified reports of mass deaths among Assembly members. Also read: US-Israel-Iran war LIVE | Netanyahu says continuing to strike Iran 'with force' Why the Assembly of Experts is important The Assembly of Experts, or the Majles-e Khobregan-e Rahbari, is a deliberative body of the Islamic Republic consisting of 88 senior mujtahids, or Shia Islamic jurists. They are all approved by the Guardian Council before being elected by direct public vote for eight-year terms. Filled mainly with principlists and conservative figures loyal to the regime, the clerics are experts in Islamic jurisprudence, or fiqh. Also read: Satellite image shows damage at Natanz nuclear facility | Photos from Iran The most recent election to the Assembly of Experts was in 2024 for its sixth term, set to end in 2032. The body has convened to elect Iran's Supreme Leader only once in its history, in 1989, when it selected Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to succeed Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini after Khomeini's death. For the rest of the time, it has functioned in a supervisory role, theoretically having the power to dismiss or replace the Leader. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

US and Israel reportedly bombed Iran's Assembly of Experts building in Qom, days after Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in their joint strike. If it happened, this could have been aimed as a disruption of the election of the next Supreme Leader. Here is what reports say

Did the US, Israel bomb Assembly of Experts building, where Iran's new Supreme Leader is selected? Reports claim…

Satellite images from Iran show that a nuclear facility was damaged in the strikes carried out by the United States and Israel. Vantor released more images showing the compound where Khamenei was killed, among other places.

Satellite images from Iran show that a nuclear facility was damaged in the strikes carried out by the United States and Israel. Vantor released more images showing the compound where Khamenei was killed, among other places.

Satellite image shows damage at Natanz nuclear facility | Photos from Iran

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