Tensions in the Israel-US-Iran conflict continue to escalate as Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf questions the claims made by Israel and the United States regarding the war. Tehran has rejected calls for a ceasefire, insisting that the “aggressor must be punished” and warning of continued retaliation.

Israel-US War: Ghalibaf Questions Israel, US Claims on Iran War 

The US-Iran war is proving far costlier than initial estimates, with expenses surging as the conflict intensifies. Reports suggest the United States has already spent billions within days of the war, driven by high-cost munitions, troop deployments, and sustained military operations.


US-Iran War: Conflit Costs Surge Beyond Estimates as Conflict with Iran Escalates 

The Israel-Iran War continues to intensify as Israel launches its first strikes in northern Iran since the war began. The escalation marks a significant shift in the conflict, expanding beyond traditional targets and regions.


Israel-Iran War: Israel Conducts First Strikes in Northern Iran Since War Outbreak

Issuing first response after the killing of Iran's top officials by Israel, China on Thursday (Mar 19) said that it is “unacceptable" and added it is it opposes “use of force.” Addressing a press conference, China’s foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian straightforwardly said, “We have always opposed the use of force in international relations. The acts of killing Iranian state leaders and attacking civilian targets are even more unacceptable.”&nbsp;China's response came after Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu was seen talking on a call with Israel's Defence Minister, Israel Katz seated beside him. "Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and I have authorised the IDF to eliminate any senior Iranian official for whom the intelligence and operational circle has been closed, without the need for additional approval," Katz said while sharing the image. Netanyahu also shared a video from the high-security 'Kirya' command centre and said that he was ordering the killing of two "terrorist chieftains" — Iran's security chief Ali Larijani and Gholamreza Soleimani. In the video, he was flanked by the heads of Mossad and the Air Force. Iran questioned if the UN and other international organisations are allowing the killing of leaders openly.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-war-not-ours-but-cost-is-global-global-envoys-push-for-new-global-order-at-wion-world-pulse-1773821038409">'War not ours, but cost is global': Global envoys push for new global order at WION World PULSE</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">I&#39;m here with Israel&#39;s Defense Minister, our Chief of Staff, the head of the Mossad, the Chief of Air Force, our senior commanders. In the past 24 hours, we knocked out two of the terrorist chieftains, the top terrorist chieftains of this tyranny. Our aircraft are hitting the… <a href="https://t.co/lFJKEMvgxR">pic.twitter.com/lFJKEMvgxR</a>&mdash; Benjamin Netanyahu - בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) <a href="https://twitter.com/netanyahu/status/2034021266861003258?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;In this week alone, Israel killed three top Iranian officials — security chief Ali Larijani, Basij forces chief Gholamreza Soleimani, and Intelligence Minister Esmail Khatib — marking some of the most high-profile deaths since the US-Israeli strikes began, following the earlier killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-major-nuclear-threat-to-us-besides-china-russia-and-n-korea-tulsi-gabbard-tells-senate-1773856393463">Pakistan major nuclear threat to US besides China, Russia and N Korea, Tulsi Gabbard tells Senate</a><h2>China-US ties amid Iran war</h2>Last week, on Trump's request of help in Strait of Hormuz, Chinese Embassy in Washington said that Beijing “wants an immediate cession of hostilities,” and that “all parties have the responsibility to ensure stable and unimpeded energy supply.” “As a sincere friend and strategic partner of Middle Eastern countries, China will continue to strengthen communication with relevant parties, including parties to the conflict, and play a constructive role for de-escalation and restoration of peace," China said.&nbsp;&nbsp;China's stance in the Iran war may prove to be a deciding factor on Trump's Beijing visit scheduled for March last week. Trump has already hinted that it may be delayed for a month or so while expressing his desire to for Chinese help in securing the Strait of Hormuz. There's also an ongoing allegation that Beijing is secretly helping Iran by providing satellite technology. While the US president has maintained that he shares a good relationship with his Chinese counterpart, issues like Taiwan and now Iran have complicated ties between the two countries, at least for the time being.&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;

China condemned Israel’s killing of top Iranian officials, calling it “unacceptable” and opposing force. As Benjamin Netanyahu ramps up strikes, tensions grow, complicating US-China ties amid the ongoing Iran war.

Issuing first response after the killing of Iran's top officials by Israel, China on Thursday (Mar 19) said that it is “unacceptable" and added it is it opposes “use of force.” Addressing a press conference, China’s foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian straightforwardly said, “We have always opposed the use of force in international relations. The acts of killing Iranian state leaders and attacking civilian targets are even more unacceptable.” China's response came after Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu was seen talking on a call with Israel's Defence Minister, Israel Katz seated beside him. "Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and I have authorised the IDF to eliminate any senior Iranian official for whom the intelligence and operational circle has been closed, without the need for additional approval," Katz said while sharing the image. Netanyahu also shared a video from the high-security 'Kirya' command centre and said that he was ordering the killing of two "terrorist chieftains" — Iran's security chief Ali Larijani and Gholamreza Soleimani. In the video, he was flanked by the heads of Mossad and the Air Force. Iran questioned if the UN and other international organisations are allowing the killing of leaders openly. Also Read: 'War not ours, but cost is global': Global envoys push for new global order at WION World PULSE

China condemned Israel’s killing of top Iranian officials, calling it “unacceptable” and opposing force. As Benjamin Netanyahu ramps up strikes, tensions grow, complicating US-China ties amid the ongoing Iran war.

'The acts of killing...': China issues first response after Israel kills top Iran officials including Ali Larijani

Former United States counterterrorism chief Joe Kent on Wednesday (Mar 18) claimed that "key decision makers" in the Trump administration were not able to express their opinions about the war to US President Donald Trump. Kent said the situation remains the same till the day claiming that key decision makers are "not allowed to come and express their opinion” to President Trump.&nbsp;Speaking to former Fox News host and conservative podcaster Tucker Carlson in his first interview since his resignation, he said, "In the lead up to this last iteration, good deal of key decision makers were not allowed to come and express their opinion to the president." He also added that there was “robust debate” preceding US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites last year. But he claimed that the intelligence community’s ability to offer a “sanity check” when briefing the president “was largely stifled in this second iteration." "They had that discussion, you know, behind closed doors, and there wasn’t a chance for any dissenting voices to come,” he said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/-iran-was-not-closer-to-building-a-nuclear-weapon-joe-kent-s-claims-after-resignation-trump-lied-to-americans-for-israel-1773888030940">'Iran was NOT close to building a nuclear weapon': Kent's MASSIVE claims</a>&nbsp;This comes after the White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt clarified that Kent ‘was not involved in any discussions related to the Iran operation’, distancing him from key decision-making. Additionally, a report by the New York Post quoted former deputy chief of staff Taylor Budowich claiming that Kent had been linked to security leaks and conflicts within the chain of command, suggesting his exit may not have been voluntary. Kent resigned as counterterror chief last week over Iran war claiming that the US started the war due to “pressure from Israel.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-joe-kent-had-no-role-in-iran-strikes-white-house-clarifies-amid-leak-claims-1773853098477">‘Joe Kent had no role in Iran strikes’: White House clarifies amid leak claims</a><h2>Kent's other claims in the podcast</h2>In the same interview, Kent has said that late Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei had been “moderating” Islamic Republic's nuclear program ahead of his death. Kent said that he is not a fan of late Khamenei but he was the one preventing Iran from getting a nuclear weapon. Though he agreed that Iran was not going to give up its nuclear programme, he said that they weren't at the verge of getting a nuclear weapon either. He also revealed that he directly spoke with the POTUS prior to his departure from the administration, calling the president “very respectful” and “very kind” in their conversation. "I spoke with him before I departed the administration…It went great. I mean, not the best conversation ever. You know, I told him why I was leaving. He heard me out.” Kent added that he believes he and the president “departed personally on good terms.”

Former US counterterror chief Joe Kent claimed key decision-makers were sidelined from advising Donald Trump on Iran, stifling dissent. His remarks, after resigning over the war, add to growing controversy over US decision-making and internal rifts.

Former United States counterterrorism chief Joe Kent on Wednesday (Mar 18) claimed that "key decision makers" in the Trump administration were not able to express their opinions about the war to US President Donald Trump. Kent said the situation remains the same till the day claiming that key decision makers are "not allowed to come and express their opinion” to President Trump. Speaking to former Fox News host and conservative podcaster Tucker Carlson in his first interview since his resignation, he said, "In the lead up to this last iteration, good deal of key decision makers were not allowed to come and express their opinion to the president." He also added that there was “robust debate” preceding US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites last year. But he claimed that the intelligence community’s ability to offer a “sanity check” when briefing the president “was largely stifled in this second iteration." "They had that discussion, you know, behind closed doors, and there wasn’t a chance for any dissenting voices to come,” he said. Also Read: 'Iran was NOT close to building a nuclear weapon': Kent's MASSIVE claims This comes after the White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt clarified that Kent ‘was not involved in any discussions related to the Iran operation’, distancing him from key decision-making. Additionally, a report by the New York Post quoted former deputy chief of staff Taylor Budowich claiming that Kent had been linked to security leaks and conflicts within the chain of command, suggesting his exit may not have been voluntary. Kent resigned as counterterror chief last week over Iran war claiming that the US started the war due to “pressure from Israel.” Also Read: ‘Joe Kent had no role in Iran strikes’: White House clarifies amid leak claims Kent's other claims in the podcast In the same interview, Kent has said that late Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei had been “moderating” Islamic Republic's nuclear program ahead of his death. Kent said that he is not a fan of late Khamenei but he was the one preventing Iran from getting a nuclear weapon. Though he agreed that Iran was not going to give up its nuclear programme, he said that they weren't at the verge of getting a nuclear weapon either. He also revealed that he directly spoke with the POTUS prior to his departure from the administration, calling the president “very respectful” and “very kind” in their conversation. "I spoke with him before I departed the administration…It went great. I mean, not the best conversation ever. You know, I told him why I was leaving. He heard me out.” Kent added that he believes he and the president “departed personally on good terms.”

Former US counterterror chief Joe Kent claimed key decision-makers were sidelined from advising Donald Trump on Iran, stifling dissent. His remarks, after resigning over the war, add to growing controversy over US decision-making and internal rifts.

'No chance for dissenting voices': Insider reveals what happened in Trump's meetings before Iran war

The Israeli military announced that it had destroyed an aircraft linked to Iran's late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in an overnight strike at the Mehrabad International Airport. Mehrabad is one of Tehran's oldest and busiest airports and is used as both a civilian and military asset. The flight targeted was a Boeing 747 and belonged to the Iranian Air Force and was used by Iran's late ​Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, and other senior leaders and military figures. &nbsp;Iran did not confirm the claims neither reported any civilian casualties associated with the strike.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">חיל האוויר השמיד את מטוסו של מנהיג משטר הטרור האיראני בשדה התעופה ״מהאראבד״ שבטהרן צה״ל השמיד הלילה באופן ממוקד את המטוס של מנהיג משטר הטרור האיראני בשדה התעופה ״מהאראבד״ שבטהרן. המטוס שימש את עלי ח׳אמנהאי, מנהיג משטר הטרור האיראני, בכירים נוספים ממשטר הטרור וגורמים בצבא… <a href="https://t.co/pLximHkbJV">pic.twitter.com/pLximHkbJV</a>&mdash; צבא ההגנה לישראל (@idfonline) <a href="https://twitter.com/idfonline/status/2033451517596868648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/keir-starmer-denies-rift-trump-uk-hormuz-operation-1773661379152">Keir Starmer denies rift with Donald Trump, says UK won’t be drawn into wider war</a>The IDF claimed in a social media post that the flight was being used by senior Iranian officials and military figures for coordination, military procurement domestically and internationally with the “axis of resistance”. The aircraft was associated with the Late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and had symbolic and strategic importance.&nbsp;&nbsp;IDF claimed that the damage to the flight will hinder the capacity of the Iran to coordinate with other leaders of the axis of resistance and will significantly decrease its logistical capabilities. IDF described the operation as precise strikes and asserted that it will continue to target this infrastructure. The operation was part of a broader aerial campaign in which Israel reported striking over 200 targets across western and central Iran, including missile production sites and defence installations.In a separate strike, the IDF claimed to have destroyed a centre that was used by Iran to develop anti-satellite capabilities in space. The centre that was attacked was used to develop military space programs, including the development of the 'Shamran 1' satellite. It was built by the Iranian Ministry of Defence's Electronics Industries and launched into space in October 2024. IDF also claimed another attack at the space research centre of the Iranian Space Organisation in Tehran, last Friday. &nbsp;

The Israeli military says it destroyed an Iranian Air Force Boeing 747 linked to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei at Tehran’s Mehrabad Airport as part of a wider campaign targeting military and space facilities.

The Israeli military announced that it had destroyed an aircraft linked to Iran's late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in an overnight strike at the Mehrabad International Airport. Mehrabad is one of Tehran's oldest and busiest airports and is used as both a civilian and military asset. The flight targeted was a Boeing 747 and belonged to the Iranian Air Force and was used by Iran's late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, and other senior leaders and military figures. Iran did not confirm the claims neither reported any civilian casualties associated with the strike.

The Israeli military says it destroyed an Iranian Air Force Boeing 747 linked to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei at Tehran’s Mehrabad Airport as part of a wider campaign targeting military and space facilities.

Israel claims strike on aircraft linked to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei at Tehran’s Mehrabad airport

After his call for international support to secure the Strait of Hormuz received a cold response, the US president walked back on his plan, saying 'we don't need it' as America is the largest producer of oil in the world.

After his call for international support to secure the Strait of Hormuz received a cold response, the US president walked back on his plan, saying 'we don't need it' as America is the largest producer of oil in the world.

'Maybe we shouldn't be there at all': Trump reconsiders plans to 'secure' Strait of Hormuz after calls for help go unanswered

Israel's Arrow 3 and Arrow 2 systems are designed to intercept Iran's Sejjil missile. While the Sejjil's solid-fuel engine reduces early warning times, Israel's exo-atmospheric shield uses hit-to-kill technology to safely destroy it in space.


Israel's Arrow 3 and Arrow 2 systems are designed to intercept Iran's Sejjil missile. While the Sejjil's solid-fuel engine reduces early warning times, Israel's exo-atmospheric shield uses hit-to-kill technology to safely destroy it in space.

Can Israel’s advanced air defence systems intercept Iran’s Sejjil ballistic missile?

The war between Israel and Iran has entered a new and dangerous phase, with Israeli officials accusing Tehran of increasingly using cluster munitions in missile attacks. According to the Israeli military, a significant portion of the ballistic missiles launched by Iran carry cluster warheads that disperse dozens of smaller explosive bomblets over a wide area.


Israel‑Iran Conflict: Iran Launches Ballistic Missiles with Cluster Warheads

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards on Sunday (Mar 15) vowed to assassinate Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu amid the war with Israel and the United States. In a statement, the IRGC said that if Netanyahu is alive, they will “pursue and kill him”. This comes following the rumours claiming that Netanyahu was assassinated or missing during the West Asia war. However, the Israeli PM’s office dismissed the reports as “fake news”, saying that the “Prime Minister is fine.”


Netanyahu Death Rumours: Israeli PM’s Office Rejects Viral Claims 

Israel-Iran War: Iran Increasingly Using Cluster Bombs to Attack Israel 

Amid the escalating conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has accused the United States of using drones to carry out strikes in several Arab countries. Araghchi claimed that Washington is deploying drones similar to Iran’s Shahed-type systems in attacks across the region in an attempt to damage Tehran’s relations with neighbouring Arab nations.


US-Iran War: Araghchi Says US Using Drones to Target Arab Nations 

The war between Israel and Iran has intensified, with Tehran launching a massive wave of missiles and drones toward Israeli territory. According to security assessments, more than 290 missiles and over 500 drones have been fired at Israel during the ongoing conflict.


Israel-Iran War: Iran Unleashes 290 Missiles, 500 Drones on Israel Amid War

The conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran has taken a new turn after Tehran warned the United Arab Emirates about possible strikes targeting American military “hideouts” in the Gulf nation. Iranian officials claimed that facilities in UAE cities such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi were used to support attacks on Iran’s strategic Kharg Island oil hub.


US-Iran War: Iran Warns UAE About Possible Attack on US Military Hideouts

Subrahmanyam Jaishankar has said that coordination and dialogue are the best way to resolve ongoing tensions with Iran amid the escalating West Asia conflict. The Indian External Affairs Minister emphasised that diplomacy and engagement can help address issues such as maritime security and regional stability.


S. Jaishankar Comments on India-Iran Talks; Says Its Better That We Coordinate & Get a Solution

Israel-Iran War: Tehran Fires 290 Missiles & 500 Drones At Israel Alone 

Airlines around the world are introducing fuel surcharges as oil prices surge amid the escalating conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. The sharp rise in crude oil and aviation turbine fuel prices has forced carriers to pass on higher operating costs to passengers through additional charges on flight tickets.


US-Iran War: Airlines Add Fuel Surcharges as Oil Prices Spike 

The conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran continues to escalate, with Gulf nations intercepting hundreds of missiles and drones launched across the region. Air defence systems in Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait have reportedly shot down large numbers of incoming projectiles aimed at military bases and strategic infrastructure.


US-Israel War With Iran: Gulf States Intercept Hundreds of Missiles, Drones 

An Israeli analyst, Shlomo Mizrahi, warned that if the war continues for more than a month, Israel could begin to collapse piece by piece. Especially if it expands on multiple fronts like Iran, Hezbollah in Lebanon, Syria and Gaza. Israel could face severe internal strain and ultimately would collapse within a month. Alon Mizrahi wrote a series of posts on Social media platforms claiming that the first sign of internal strain has already emerged.Reports are circulating in Israeli and US media that Israel has run out of interceptor missiles. US officials have said that they have previously predicted such a scenario. He also pointed out that the Israeli army is confused about its progress and the situation on the northern front with Hezbollah. Further adding that the Israeli army appears unable to carry out a large-scale ground offensive.&nbsp;He also highlighted growing criticism of Israeli leadership in television debates over the failure to fulfil earlier promises and a distrust of the country’s political leadership. There are signs of economic disruptions and mobilisation fatigue. Further, a faultline has opened up with the growing resentment among secular and religious-Zionist reservists over the exemption of ultra-Orthodox.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-china-trade-talks-paris-trump-xi-summit-1773569985483">US-China launch trade talks in Paris to pave way for Trump-Xi summit amid Iran war</a>Over 70 per cent of the public reportedly supported military operations for security reasons, and only 30 per cent expressed confidence in the government. Similar claims were made by Retired Israeli Major General Yitzhak Brik, who previously warned that prolonged wars against groups like Hamas or Hezbollah could push Israel toward collapse within a year due to military overstretch and internal divisions. In a piece with Haaretz, he mentioned that “The country really is galloping towards the edge of an abyss.” However, Israel has somehow emerged relatively less perturbed compared to its opponents in Hamas and Hezbollah. Though there are reports of exhaustion, burnout, mental health crisis, social and economic strain.&nbsp;&nbsp;Mizrahi added that if the war continues at the current pace, Israel could begin to break apart “within a month or slightly more.” Israel is facing a much stronger enemy in Iran and Hezbollah together. He claims that the regional balance of power in West Asia is changing, and US dominance is coming to an end in the region.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Israeli analyst warns Israel could begin collapsing within a month if the war expands to Iran, Hezbollah in Lebanon, Syria and Gaza, citing military strain, economic pressure and political divisions.

An Israeli analyst, Shlomo Mizrahi, warned that if the war continues for more than a month, Israel could begin to collapse piece by piece. Especially if it expands on multiple fronts like Iran, Hezbollah in Lebanon, Syria and Gaza. Israel could face severe internal strain and ultimately would collapse within a month. Alon Mizrahi wrote a series of posts on Social media platforms claiming that the first sign of internal strain has already emerged. Reports are circulating in Israeli and US media that Israel has run out of interceptor missiles. US officials have said that they have previously predicted such a scenario. He also pointed out that the Israeli army is confused about its progress and the situation on the northern front with Hezbollah. Further adding that the Israeli army appears unable to carry out a large-scale ground offensive. He also highlighted growing criticism of Israeli leadership in television debates over the failure to fulfil earlier promises and a distrust of the country’s political leadership. There are signs of economic disruptions and mobilisation fatigue. Further, a faultline has opened up with the growing resentment among secular and religious-Zionist reservists over the exemption of ultra-Orthodox. Also Read: US-China launch trade talks in Paris to pave way for Trump-Xi summit amid Iran war Over 70 per cent of the public reportedly supported military operations for security reasons, and only 30 per cent expressed confidence in the government. Similar claims were made by Retired Israeli Major General Yitzhak Brik, who previously warned that prolonged wars against groups like Hamas or Hezbollah could push Israel toward collapse within a year due to military overstretch and internal divisions. In a piece with Haaretz, he mentioned that “The country really is galloping towards the edge of an abyss.” However, Israel has somehow emerged relatively less perturbed compared to its opponents in Hamas and Hezbollah. Though there are reports of exhaustion, burnout, mental health crisis, social and economic strain. Mizrahi added that if the war continues at the current pace, Israel could begin to break apart “within a month or slightly more.” Israel is facing a much stronger enemy in Iran and Hezbollah together. He claims that the regional balance of power in West Asia is changing, and US dominance is coming to an end in the region.

Israeli analyst warns Israel could begin collapsing within a month if the war expands to Iran, Hezbollah in Lebanon, Syria and Gaza, citing military strain, economic pressure and political divisions.

Why Israeli analysts fear a multi-front war could overwhelm Israel?

As the US‑Israel war with Iran disrupts Gulf shipping routes and elevates risk premiums, oil freight rates have surged dramatically, with tanker charter costs spiking as owners demand higher compensation for navigating the conflict‑affected Strait of Hormuz and surrounding waters. The surge reflects war‑risk insurance hikes and reduced tanker availability, impacting global energy logistics and trade costs.


US-Israel War with Iran: Oil Freight Rates Double As Gulf Conflict Escalates

Lebanon is reportedly preparing to form a delegation to engage in potential peace talks with Israel as regional tensions rise amid the ongoing US‑Israel war with Iran. Officials say the move aims to reduce hostilities along the border and explore diplomatic solutions, though Lebanon has stressed that a ceasefire should be in place before negotiations.


Lebanon to Form Delegation for Potential Talks with Israel 

Rumours claiming Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was assassinated or missing during the West Asia war are false. His office dismissed the viral claims as fake news. The speculation grew after a video showing an alleged “six-finger” frame triggered AI deepfake rumours online.

Rumours claiming Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was assassinated or missing during the West Asia war are false. His office dismissed the viral claims as fake news. The speculation grew after a video showing an alleged “six-finger” frame triggered AI deepfake rumours online.

'The PM is...': Netanyahu’s office debunks 'fake news' over his whereabouts

The war between the United States, Israel and Iran continues to escalate as U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth revealed that joint American and Israeli forces have struck more than 15,000 targets across Iran since the conflict began. According to the Pentagon, the strikes have focused on Iranian missile sites, drone infrastructure, air defenses and military facilities as part of the ongoing campaign.


US-Iran War: Hegseth Claims 15,000 Iranian Targets Hit by US-Israel Strikes

Amid the escalating US-Israel war with Iran, some Greek-owned commercial ships are continuing to sail through the highly volatile Strait of Hormuz despite rising military threats. Shipping companies are reportedly taking the risk as freight rates surge due to reduced maritime traffic and soaring insurance premiums.


US-Israel in War with Iran: Greek Ships Risk Hormuz Passage for Gains

US-Iran War | Hegseth: US-Israel Strikes Hit Over 15000 Targets in Iran War 

Tensions across the Gulf region are escalating as the war between the United States, Israel and Iran intensifies, raising fears of a wider and deadlier regional conflict. Fresh strikes, missile attacks and threats to global oil routes have put Gulf nations on high alert.


US-Israel War With Iran: Gulf Region Braces for Bigger and Deadlier Regional War

Breaking update on the ongoing Israel‑Iran war: Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has fired multiple ballistic missiles with heavy warheads toward Israel, marking a significant escalation in direct attacks. Israeli and U.S. air defenses continue intercepting incoming projectiles as conflict spreads across the region.


Israel-Iran War | IRGC: 30 Warhead Missiles Fired Towards Israel 

As Tehran has made it clear that the war will end on its own terms, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu conceded that people of Iran may not bring down the Masoud Pezeshkian-led government. In open defiance of U.S. and Israel, thousands of Iranians hit the streets for the annual Quds day. This came despite Israel and U.S. intensifying their strikes on Iran.


Israel-Iran War: Netanyahu Frustrated by Absence of Uprising in Tehran

#Gravitas In just two weeks since the war began on February 28, Russia has earned roughly 6.5 billion U.S. dollars by selling fossil fuels to global buyers.  


Russia Earns $6.5 Billion From Fossil Fuel Exports Since Start of West Asia War

In the ongoing Israel‑Iran war, Iranian missiles have reportedly managed to penetrate parts of Israel’s multi‑layered air defence systems, sounding sirens and briefly striking targets despite extensive interception efforts. Israeli forces continue to deploy systems such as the Iron Dome, Arrow and David’s Sling to counter incoming barrages, but footage and reports indicate that some missiles have broken through defences, underscoring the intense and evolving nature of the conflict.


Israel-Iran War: Iranian Missiles Break Through Israel's Defences 

Public opinion in Israel shows a sharp divide over the ongoing Iran–Israel conflict. While many Jewish Israelis believe military objectives are close to being achieved, other communities remain skeptical and worried about escalation. Recent polls show overwhelming support among Jewish Israelis for strikes against Iran and confidence in weakening Tehran’s capabilities, while Arab Israelis largely oppose the campaign and favor diplomacy. The debate highlights deep social and political divisions as the war continues to reshape the Middle East


Iran-Israel War: Citizens Divided, Jewish Population Optimistic on Goals 

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