US Vice President JD Vance on Monday (Mar 16) found himself walking a political tightrope in the Oval Office, defending President Donald Trump's war in Iran while pushing back against questions about his past opposition to foreign military interventions. Standing beside Donald Trump, Vance was asked whether he fully supported the ongoing conflict with Tehran. Before becoming Trump's VP, Vance built much of his political identity around scepticism of US involvement in overseas conflicts, particularly after his brief deployment in Iraq as a Marine.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-iran-war-trump-wants-to-delay-trip-to-china-summit-with-xi-for-a-month-or-so-here-s-why-1773697685355">Trump wants to delay trip to China, summit with Xi for ‘a month or so’. Here's why</a><h2>Vance accuses the press of trying to drive a wedge between him and Trump</h2>When asked about his opinion on Operation Epic Fury and the US-Israel war on Iran, Vance responded with a jab at the press.“I know what you’re trying to do,” Vance told a reporter, accusing journalists of trying to drive a wedge between him and the president. “You’re trying to drive a wedge between members of the administration, between me and the president.”<h2>Then vs Now: 'One big difference' in US wars</h2>Defending Trump, Vance, who earlier reports suggested was not in favour of the US-Israel-Iran war, claimed there was "one big difference" in US wars now vs before.“One big difference" between now and the past is that "we have a smart president,” Vance said. “In the past, we’ve had dumb presidents.” Trump, seated nearby, smiled and even winked toward someone in the room as the vice president said this.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/did-trump-snub-putin-s-plan-to-tranfer-iran-s-uranium-as-us-and-israel-weigh-special-ops-raids-to-seize-450kg-of-nuclear-material-report-1773439671375">Did Trump snub Putin’s plan to transfer Iran's 450kg nuclear material to Russia? Here's what reports suggest</a><h2>Vance's U-turn on war</h2>A war veteran within the Republican Party, Vance has long been seen as a leading anti-interventionist. As recently as 2023, he praised Trump’s reluctance to start new wars, describing that restraint as “the enduring legacy of Mr Trump’s first term.”But the conflict with Iran has forced a shift in tone. Vance now argues the situation is fundamentally different because of Iran’s nuclear ambitions. “What the president has said consistently, going back to 2015, and I agreed with him, is that Iran should not have a nuclear weapon,” he said.Reports last week suggested that Vance privately urged a more aggressive military strategy against Iran. Allies of the vice president quickly pushed back, insisting he had expressed concerns behind closed doors about a wider war.His relative silence on social media during the early days of the strikes also caught the attention of supporters who expected him to weigh in quickly. Vance now insists the conflict will not turn into another “forever war,” a phrase often used to describe the long US campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan.&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.

JD Vance accused reporters of trying to "drive a wedge" between him and President Donald Trump before asserting that the Iran War is different because "we have a smart president" compared to "dumb" predecessors. Here's what he said.

US Vice President JD Vance on Monday (Mar 16) found himself walking a political tightrope in the Oval Office, defending President Donald Trump's war in Iran while pushing back against questions about his past opposition to foreign military interventions. Standing beside Donald Trump, Vance was asked whether he fully supported the ongoing conflict with Tehran. Before becoming Trump's VP, Vance built much of his political identity around scepticism of US involvement in overseas conflicts, particularly after his brief deployment in Iraq as a Marine. Also read | Trump wants to delay trip to China, summit with Xi for ‘a month or so’. Here's why Vance accuses the press of trying to drive a wedge between him and Trump When asked about his opinion on Operation Epic Fury and the US-Israel war on Iran, Vance responded with a jab at the press. “I know what you’re trying to do,” Vance told a reporter, accusing journalists of trying to drive a wedge between him and the president. “You’re trying to drive a wedge between members of the administration, between me and the president.” Then vs Now: 'One big difference' in US wars Defending Trump, Vance, who earlier reports suggested was not in favour of the US-Israel-Iran war, claimed there was "one big difference" in US wars now vs before. “One big difference" between now and the past is that "we have a smart president,” Vance said. “In the past, we’ve had dumb presidents.” Trump, seated nearby, smiled and even winked toward someone in the room as the vice president said this. Also read | Did Trump snub Putin’s plan to transfer Iran's 450kg nuclear material to Russia? Here's what reports suggest Vance's U-turn on war A war veteran within the Republican Party, Vance has long been seen as a leading anti-interventionist. As recently as 2023, he praised Trump’s reluctance to start new wars, describing that restraint as “the enduring legacy of Mr Trump’s first term.” But the conflict with Iran has forced a shift in tone. Vance now argues the situation is fundamentally different because of Iran’s nuclear ambitions. “What the president has said consistently, going back to 2015, and I agreed with him, is that Iran should not have a nuclear weapon,” he said. Reports last week suggested that Vance privately urged a more aggressive military strategy against Iran. Allies of the vice president quickly pushed back, insisting he had expressed concerns behind closed doors about a wider war. His relative silence on social media during the early days of the strikes also caught the attention of supporters who expected him to weigh in quickly. Vance now insists the conflict will not turn into another “forever war,” a phrase often used to describe the long US campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan. 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.

JD Vance accused reporters of trying to "drive a wedge" between him and President Donald Trump before asserting that the Iran War is different because "we have a smart president" compared to "dumb" predecessors. Here's what he said.

Vance accuses press of 'driving a wedge' between him and Trump; defends Iran war, blasts 'dumb' predecessors

Amid the escalating war in West Asia, hundreds of Indian nationals have crossed out of Iran into neighbouring countries, Armenia and Azerbaijan, with assistance from authorities, as the conflict enters its 17th day since the US and Israel began their military operation in the Islamic Republic by launching joint strikes on February 28.&nbsp;A total of 550 Indian nationals have crossed into Armenia through the land border, while 90 Indians travelled into Azerbaijan from Iran via land border, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed during an inter-ministerial briefing on recent developments in West Asia.&nbsp;"The Indian embassy in Tehran facilitated these movements, assisting citizens with necessary visas and immigration formalities. This group of 550 individuals who crossed from Iran into Armenia includes 284 pilgrims. While some members of the group have already returned to India, others currently remain in Armenia and Azerbaijan and are expected to fly home within the next few days."Jaiswal added. &nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-us-allowing-iranian-oil-tankers-through-strait-of-hormuz-to-maintain-global-supply-says-scott-bessent-1773664766747">'US allowing Iranian oil tankers through Strait of Hormuz to maintain global supply', says Scott Bessent</a>&nbsp;Indian students, who were living in Iran, have been relocated to safer cities outside Tehran as a precautionary measure. The MEA confirmed that the Indian embassy in Tehran remains fully operational despite difficulties.&nbsp;"Our embassy in Tehran, in spite of all the difficulties, continues to be fully functional. For the last few days, they have also been able to relocate students who were outside Tehran to cities that are safer for them," the MEA official said.&nbsp;Meanwhile, air travel arrangements are being coordinated for those seeking to return home. An official said that 45 flights are scheduled on Monday from destinations including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Qatar to India.&nbsp;Around 2,20,000 Indians have returned to the country since the start of the war in West Asia on February 28, the government said. &nbsp;

A total of 550 Indian nationals have crossed into Armenia through the land border, while 90 Indians travelled into Azerbaijan from Iran via land border, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed during an inter-ministerial briefing on recent developments in West Asia.

Amid the escalating war in West Asia, hundreds of Indian nationals have crossed out of Iran into neighbouring countries, Armenia and Azerbaijan, with assistance from authorities, as the conflict enters its 17th day since the US and Israel began their military operation in the Islamic Republic by launching joint strikes on February 28. A total of 550 Indian nationals have crossed into Armenia through the land border, while 90 Indians travelled into Azerbaijan from Iran via land border, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed during an inter-ministerial briefing on recent developments in West Asia. "The Indian embassy in Tehran facilitated these movements, assisting citizens with necessary visas and immigration formalities. This group of 550 individuals who crossed from Iran into Armenia includes 284 pilgrims. While some members of the group have already returned to India, others currently remain in Armenia and Azerbaijan and are expected to fly home within the next few days."Jaiswal added. Also Read: 'US allowing Iranian oil tankers through Strait of Hormuz to maintain global supply', says Scott Bessent Indian students, who were living in Iran, have been relocated to safer cities outside Tehran as a precautionary measure. The MEA confirmed that the Indian embassy in Tehran remains fully operational despite difficulties. "Our embassy in Tehran, in spite of all the difficulties, continues to be fully functional. For the last few days, they have also been able to relocate students who were outside Tehran to cities that are safer for them," the MEA official said. Meanwhile, air travel arrangements are being coordinated for those seeking to return home. An official said that 45 flights are scheduled on Monday from destinations including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Qatar to India. Around 2,20,000 Indians have returned to the country since the start of the war in West Asia on February 28, the government said.

A total of 550 Indian nationals have crossed into Armenia through the land border, while 90 Indians travelled into Azerbaijan from Iran via land border, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed during an inter-ministerial briefing on recent developments in West Asia.

Indians in Iran move into Armenia, Azerbaijan amid West Asia war as MEA facilitates land-border transit

Iranian missiles shattered the calm in the nearly always peaceful Bahrain on Saturday (Feb 28). The US Embassy in Manama issued a stark warning to American citizens, hinting that they're not safe even if the missiles and drones from Iran are intercepted. The stark security alert warned of a potential “imminent drone/missile attack in Bahrain,” urging American citizens to immediately shelter in place as tensions escalate across the Gulf region. The warning came even as videos shared on social media purportedly showed Iranian missile attacks on Bahrain.<h2>Why Bahrain is on high alert</h2>Citing "media reported threats of missiles/drones over Bahrain,” the Embassy in Manama urged U.S. citizens in Bahrain to &nbsp;review security plans in the event of an attack, and to stay alert in case of additional future attacks.”&nbsp;The warning comes after Israel-US strikes on Iran led to retaliation by the Islamic Repblic.The use of drones and missile systems targeting Gulf states hosting US military assets has now become a possibility.Bahrain, a key US ally in the Gulf, hosts the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet.Bahrain has long been considered strategically significant in regional security dynamics.&nbsp;Past escalations between Iran and US-aligned countries in the region have raised fears of retaliatory or proxy attacks targeting critical infrastructure and military facilities.While authorities have not confirmed a specific launch or impact, the embassy’s language suggests officials are treating the threat as credible and likely.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-us-strike-on-iran-24-girl-students-killed-in-school-attack-wion-1772281754785/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-us-strike-on-iran-24-girl-students-killed-in-school-attack-wion-1772281754785/embed</a><h2>‘Even if intercepted’: Falling debris a major risk</h2>In unusually blunt language, the embassy said that the US missle defence and interception systems may not eliminate danger to civilians.“Be aware that even if the incoming missile or drone is intercepted, falling debris represents a significant risk,” the statement cautioned.Defence systems in the region have previously intercepted incoming projectiles, but falling fragments have caused damage and injuries in past incidents.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/-uae-saudi-arabia-qatar-and-more-6-countries-under-attack-as-us-israel-launch-strike-against-iran-1772274204593">'UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and more': 6 countries under attack as US-Israel launch strikes against Iran</a><h2>What residents are being told to do in Bahrain</h2>The embassy outlined detailed protective measures for US citizens and other residents in the event of explosions or sirens.“If you hear a loud explosion, or if sirens are activated, immediately seek cover,” it said.“If in a home or building, go to the lowest level of the structure with the fewest exterior walls, windows, and openings; close any doors and sit near an interior wall, away from any windows or openings.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/live-blog-israel-strikes-iran-live-updates-explosions-rock-tehran-tel-aviv-declares-emergency-donald-trump-us-1772260923371">US, Israel strike Iran LIVE updates: ‘Hit hundreds of Iranian military targets, including missile launchers,’ says Israel Army</a>&nbsp;“If you are outdoors, immediately seek cover in a hardened structure; if that is not possible, lie down and cover your head with your hands,” the embassy added.“After the attack, stay away from any debris, and monitor major news outlets for official guidance.”The advisory underscored the seriousness of the perceived threat.In the coming days, the entire Gulf region is likely see instability as drone and missile warfare has increasingly become a feature of regional conflicts.

The US Embassy in Manama issued a stark warning on ‘imminent’ drone or missile attacks on Bahrain. It urged Americans to shelter in place. It cautioned that even if intercepted, strikes still pose risks. Here is what the security alert says, in case you are in Bahrain


Iranian missiles shattered the calm in the nearly always peaceful Bahrain on Saturday (Feb 28). The US Embassy in Manama issued a stark warning to American citizens, hinting that they're not safe even if the missiles and drones from Iran are intercepted. The stark security alert warned of a potential “imminent drone/missile attack in Bahrain,” urging American citizens to immediately shelter in place as tensions escalate across the Gulf region. The warning came even as videos shared on social media purportedly showed Iranian missile attacks on Bahrain. Why Bahrain is on high alert Citing "media reported threats of missiles/drones over Bahrain,” the Embassy in Manama urged U.S. citizens in Bahrain to review security plans in the event of an attack, and to stay alert in case of additional future attacks.” The warning comes after Israel-US strikes on Iran led to retaliation by the Islamic Repblic. The use of drones and missile systems targeting Gulf states hosting US military assets has now become a possibility. Bahrain, a key US ally in the Gulf, hosts the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet. Bahrain has long been considered strategically significant in regional security dynamics. Past escalations between Iran and US-aligned countries in the region have raised fears of retaliatory or proxy attacks targeting critical infrastructure and military facilities. While authorities have not confirmed a specific launch or impact, the embassy’s language suggests officials are treating the threat as credible and likely. https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-us-strike-on-iran-24-girl-students-killed-in-school-attack-wion-1772281754785/embed ‘Even if intercepted’: Falling debris a major risk In unusually blunt language, the embassy said that the US missle defence and interception systems may not eliminate danger to civilians. “Be aware that even if the incoming missile or drone is intercepted, falling debris represents a significant risk,” the statement cautioned. Defence systems in the region have previously intercepted incoming projectiles, but falling fragments have caused damage and injuries in past incidents. Also read: 'UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and more': 6 countries under attack as US-Israel launch strikes against Iran What residents are being told to do in Bahrain The embassy outlined detailed protective measures for US citizens and other residents in the event of explosions or sirens. “If you hear a loud explosion, or if sirens are activated, immediately seek cover,” it said. “If in a home or building, go to the lowest level of the structure with the fewest exterior walls, windows, and openings; close any doors and sit near an interior wall, away from any windows or openings. Also read: US, Israel strike Iran LIVE updates: ‘Hit hundreds of Iranian military targets, including missile launchers,’ says Israel Army “If you are outdoors, immediately seek cover in a hardened structure; if that is not possible, lie down and cover your head with your hands,” the embassy added. “After the attack, stay away from any debris, and monitor major news outlets for official guidance.” The advisory underscored the seriousness of the perceived threat. In the coming days, the entire Gulf region is likely see instability as drone and missile warfare has increasingly become a feature of regional conflicts.

The US Embassy in Manama issued a stark warning on ‘imminent’ drone or missile attacks on Bahrain. It urged Americans to shelter in place. It cautioned that even if intercepted, strikes still pose risks. Here is what the security alert says, in case you are in Bahrain &nbsp;

'Even if intercepted…’: US embassy’s eerie warning to citizens in Bahrain on Iranian drone, missile strikes

Islamabad did not just condemn the US and Israel; it explicitly legitimised Tehran's military response. The Pakistani Foreign Office released a statement emphasising that “Iran has the legitimate right to defend itself under the UN Charter.”



Islamabad did not just condemn the US and Israel; it explicitly legitimised Tehran's military response. The Pakistani Foreign Office released a statement emphasising that “Iran has the legitimate right to defend itself under the UN Charter.”<h3>&nbsp;</h3>

Brothers in terrorism? Pakistan defies US, backs Iran's 'Right to Retaliate' amid its own bombing campaign against Afghanistan

The US and Israel launched 'Operation Epic Fury', targeting key sites with massive bunker-buster bombs. Following the initial bombardment, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei survived the assault and was immediately evacuated to a highly secure, undisclosed location.

The US and Israel launched 'Operation Epic Fury', targeting key sites with massive bunker-buster bombs. Following the initial bombardment, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei survived the assault and was immediately evacuated to a highly secure, undisclosed location.

Khamenei escapes first wave of US‑Israel bombing: 5 places where he could be hiding right now

Israeli officials assess that the commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Gen. Mohammad Pakpour, was likely killed in the strikes on Iranian targets Saturday morning, reported Times of Israel.Pakpour became head of the IRGC after Israel killed his predecessor, Hossein Salami, at the start of the June 2025 war.&nbsp;The Israeli officials also assess that Iran’s minister of defence and chief of intelligence were also likely killed in the strikes; however, the assessments have yet to be confirmed by Iran or by the IDF.&nbsp;Several top Iranian regime and military commanders were targeted in the strikes on Saturday morning, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian. The results of the strikes currently remain unclear until confirmed.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/houthis-to-resume-attacks-on-shipping-routes-and-israel-tonight-say-officials-of-rebel-group-1772274065602">Houthis to resume attacks on shipping routes and Israel ‘tonight’, say officials of rebel group</a>&nbsp;<h2>Pro-Iran Iraqi militia accuses US of bombing it, threatens attacks on American bases</h2>&nbsp;Meanwhile, a pro-Iran Iraqi militia has accused the United States of bombing it and vowed a response against American bases.Kataeb Hezbollah blamed the US for a strike that targeted an Iraqi military base that houses the pro-Iran militia.The Iraqi group says it will “soon start assaulting American bases in response to their attacks.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/afghanistan-warns-of-decisive-action-if-pakistan-continues-war-1772196518103">‘Our hand can reach their necks’: Afghanistan warns of ‘decisive’ action if Pakistan continues war</a><h2>National Security Council tells Israelis abroad to take precautions</h2>&nbsp;Israel’s National Security Council has called on Israelis abroad to exercise enhanced awareness and to take all necessary precautionary measures after the joint US and Israeli strikes on Iran.&nbsp;“The escalation with Iran increases the likelihood that the Iranian regime will intensify efforts to carry out terrorist attacks abroad against Israeli/Jewish targets, starting immediately,” it said.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-israel-planned-strikes-on-iran-for-months-despite-ongoing-talks-what-we-know-1772277999902">US, Israel planned strikes on Iran for months despite ongoing talks? What we know</a>&nbsp;“In addition, and based on past experience, the motivation to harm Israelis abroad may also increase among other terrorist elements, alongside local initiatives (including lone attackers),” the NSC warned.&nbsp;It also urges Israelis to not share real-time travel details on social media, avoid events identified with Israel or Judaism that are not secured, pay close attention to surroundings when in areas identified with Israel or Judaism, report any threat or attack to local security forces, and avoid areas known for hostility toward Israelis and Jews.

Israeli forces said several top Iranian regime and military commanders were targeted in the strikes on Saturday morning, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian. The results of the strikes currently remain unclear.

Israeli officials assess that the commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Gen. Mohammad Pakpour, was likely killed in the strikes on Iranian targets Saturday morning, reported Times of Israel. Pakpour became head of the IRGC after Israel killed his predecessor, Hossein Salami, at the start of the June 2025 war. The Israeli officials also assess that Iran’s minister of defence and chief of intelligence were also likely killed in the strikes; however, the assessments have yet to be confirmed by Iran or by the IDF. Several top Iranian regime and military commanders were targeted in the strikes on Saturday morning, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian. The results of the strikes currently remain unclear until confirmed. Also Read: Houthis to resume attacks on shipping routes and Israel ‘tonight’, say officials of rebel group Pro-Iran Iraqi militia accuses US of bombing it, threatens attacks on American bases Meanwhile, a pro-Iran Iraqi militia has accused the United States of bombing it and vowed a response against American bases. Kataeb Hezbollah blamed the US for a strike that targeted an Iraqi military base that houses the pro-Iran militia. The Iraqi group says it will “soon start assaulting American bases in response to their attacks.” Also Read: ‘Our hand can reach their necks’: Afghanistan warns of ‘decisive’ action if Pakistan continues war National Security Council tells Israelis abroad to take precautions Israel’s National Security Council has called on Israelis abroad to exercise enhanced awareness and to take all necessary precautionary measures after the joint US and Israeli strikes on Iran. “The escalation with Iran increases the likelihood that the Iranian regime will intensify efforts to carry out terrorist attacks abroad against Israeli/Jewish targets, starting immediately,” it said. Also Read: US, Israel planned strikes on Iran for months despite ongoing talks? What we know “In addition, and based on past experience, the motivation to harm Israelis abroad may also increase among other terrorist elements, alongside local initiatives (including lone attackers),” the NSC warned. It also urges Israelis to not share real-time travel details on social media, avoid events identified with Israel or Judaism that are not secured, pay close attention to surroundings when in areas identified with Israel or Judaism, report any threat or attack to local security forces, and avoid areas known for hostility toward Israelis and Jews.

Israeli forces said several top Iranian regime and military commanders were targeted in the strikes on Saturday morning, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian. The results of the strikes currently remain unclear.

Israeli officials believe IRGC chief Mohammad Pakpour killed in strikes

On 28 February 2026, President Donald Trump confirmed the launch of 'Operation Epic Fury', a major military campaign against Iran, Iran retaliated by launching ballistic missiles at the US Navy's Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain, sharply escalating the conflict across the Persian Gulf.


On 28 February 2026, President Donald Trump confirmed the launch of 'Operation Epic Fury', a major military campaign against Iran, Iran retaliated by launching ballistic missiles at the US Navy's Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain, sharply escalating the conflict across the Persian Gulf.

‘Bombardment across Gulf’: Iran targets US base in Bahrain with maximum power

Western intelligence agencies have long monitored Iran's civilian space program, noting that the technology required to launch a satellite into orbit (Space Launch Vehicles, or SLVs) is virtually identical to the technology needed to build an ICBM. 



Western intelligence agencies have long monitored Iran's civilian space program, noting that the technology required to launch a satellite into orbit (Space Launch Vehicles, or SLVs) is virtually identical to the technology needed to build an ICBM.&nbsp;<h3>&nbsp;</h3>

'Hypersonic': Can Iran attack Washington DC in retaliation with its ballistic missiles?