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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

Italian historian Ivan Malara was going through the pages of Ptolemy’s Almagest, published in 1551, when he came across some handwritten notes. The text from the second century backed the theory of geocentrism, that Earth lies at the centre of the universe. The notes in the book were written by none other than Galileo Galilei, the greatest name in astronomy, who first stated that the Sun is at the centre of the solar system. Leading Galileo scholars have confirmed that the writing Malara found in the Almagest was the work of the astronomer. The National Central Library of Florence, Italy, announced the discovery. A paper on this finding will be submitted to the Journal for the History of Astronomy. Malara wrote for Il Sole 24 Ore that the finding shows that “Galileo, who was not only an astute reader of the Almagest but also a profound connoisseur of Ptolemy’s sophisticated mathematical demonstrations.”<h2>Galileo prayed before reading the Almagest</h2>According to analysts, Galileo wrote the notes around 1590. He owned this particular book 20 years before he discovered four moons of Jupiter, which are still referred to as the Galilean moons. Galileo was placed under house arrest in 1633 was for heresy, specifically saying that Earth orbits the Sun (heliocentrism) and our planet is not at the centre of the universe. He is also credited with discovering Saturn’s rings. The sign that Galileo owned the book was found in the form of a transcription of Psalm 145, Malara told Science. Notably, some historical records state that the famed astronomer “prayed each time he sat down with the Almagest.”Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/nostradamus-prophecy-on-us-iran-war-suicide-drones-1772686098998">People think THIS Nostradamus prophecy is linked to suicide drones being used in US-Iran war</a><h2>Handwriting and annotation style matched Galileo's</h2>Handwriting specialists at the Galileo Museum and Florence’s central library also went through the writing and confirmed that it matched the astronomer’s annotating styles, writing and abbreviations. In the notes, he also had a few negative comments on Ptolemy’s ideas, something that was also found in his later works. The National Central Library of Florence said that Galileo was familiar with Ptolemy’s geocentric system and his earliest writings show his “thorough knowledge of Ptolemy’s mathematical demonstrations and even [claimed] to have composed a commentary on the Almagest.” James Evans, a historian of astronomy at the University of Puget Sound, told Science that historians did not think that the reason Galileo rejected geocentrism was because of math. They called him “big-picture sort of guy”. Malara says the finding shows Ptolemy’s mathematical demonstrations, along with Copernicus’s heliocentric view of the universe, together worked to help Galieleo make his evolutionary contributions to modern astronomy.&nbsp; &nbsp;

A book from 1551 that was owned by Galileo has been found. Ptolemy’s Almagest has some notes written in a corner, which gave away the fact that he was the owner of the book long before he was jailed for saying that the Sun was at the centre of the solar system.

Italian historian Ivan Malara was going through the pages of Ptolemy’s Almagest, published in 1551, when he came across some handwritten notes. The text from the second century backed the theory of geocentrism, that Earth lies at the centre of the universe. The notes in the book were written by none other than Galileo Galilei, the greatest name in astronomy, who first stated that the Sun is at the centre of the solar system. Leading Galileo scholars have confirmed that the writing Malara found in the Almagest was the work of the astronomer. The National Central Library of Florence, Italy, announced the discovery. A paper on this finding will be submitted to the Journal for the History of Astronomy. Malara wrote for Il Sole 24 Ore that the finding shows that “Galileo, who was not only an astute reader of the Almagest but also a profound connoisseur of Ptolemy’s sophisticated mathematical demonstrations.” Galileo prayed before reading the Almagest According to analysts, Galileo wrote the notes around 1590. He owned this particular book 20 years before he discovered four moons of Jupiter, which are still referred to as the Galilean moons. Galileo was placed under house arrest in 1633 was for heresy, specifically saying that Earth orbits the Sun (heliocentrism) and our planet is not at the centre of the universe. He is also credited with discovering Saturn’s rings. The sign that Galileo owned the book was found in the form of a transcription of Psalm 145, Malara told Science. Notably, some historical records state that the famed astronomer “prayed each time he sat down with the Almagest.” Also Read: People think THIS Nostradamus prophecy is linked to suicide drones being used in US-Iran war Handwriting and annotation style matched Galileo's Handwriting specialists at the Galileo Museum and Florence’s central library also went through the writing and confirmed that it matched the astronomer’s annotating styles, writing and abbreviations. In the notes, he also had a few negative comments on Ptolemy’s ideas, something that was also found in his later works. The National Central Library of Florence said that Galileo was familiar with Ptolemy’s geocentric system and his earliest writings show his “thorough knowledge of Ptolemy’s mathematical demonstrations and even [claimed] to have composed a commentary on the Almagest.” James Evans, a historian of astronomy at the University of Puget Sound, told Science that historians did not think that the reason Galileo rejected geocentrism was because of math. They called him “big-picture sort of guy”. Malara says the finding shows Ptolemy’s mathematical demonstrations, along with Copernicus’s heliocentric view of the universe, together worked to help Galieleo make his evolutionary contributions to modern astronomy.

A book from 1551 that was owned by Galileo has been found. Ptolemy’s Almagest has some notes written in a corner, which gave away the fact that he was the owner of the book long before he was jailed for saying that the Sun was at the centre of the solar system.

Historian says this 470-year-old book was owned by Galileo. His habit of praying was a dead giveaway

US President Donald Trump could lose a pivotal "race against time" with Iran if America runs out of interceptors first, warned a former top US military commander, even as he postulated that the US-Israel joint strikes on Iran may be because of the POTUS's hubris. Talking to The Times, James Alexander "Sandy" Winnefeld Jr. the former vice-chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said that the high-risk attacks on Tehran could be a "desperation move" ahead of the US midterm elections. Here's what he said.<h2>Trump saving himself from impeachment?</h2>Winnefeld told The Times that Operation Epic Fury could be Trump's attempt to boost his plummeting public approval ratings ahead of the crucial midterm elections. The former US military commander, who happens to be the most senior figure yet to speak out critically about the war, noted that if Trump loses control of Congress in the midterms, it could potentially lead to the POTUS's early ejection from the White House via impeachment.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-race-against-time-can-us-s-patriot-thaad-missiles-outlast-iran-s-shahed-drone-swarms-top-military-commander-warns-1772691101439">Can US' Patriot interceptors outlast Iran’ Shahed drones? Top Cmdr warns...</a>"This could be a bit of a desperation move in order to try to galvanise the American public behind him," he said. "It is entirely possible that if he loses the midterms, he will be a lame duck president, and he won’t be able to accomplish as much as he wants to on his agenda."Winnefeld stated that it was "also a real threat to him personally". He noted that there was "no question" that "there will be new investigations opened up, potentially a long, drawn-out path towards a third impeachment." This, he said, was the "last thing that Donald Trump wants".Calling the ongoing US-Israel war on Iran a "risk," the former US commander said, Trump was "taking risks with inflation if oil prices maintain a high level. He’s taking a chance with his own political base, who actually elected him on a platform of no foreign wars."Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/fact-check-is-united-states-using-indian-naval-bases-to-attack-iran-under-operation-epic-fury-1772684291682">Fact-check: Is United States using Indian naval bases to attack Iran?</a><h2>Trump could end the war, but only if...</h2>The former top US military commander said that the US-Israel-Iran war was bound to end sooner rather than later, with a "some kind of a nuclear deal to save face".According to him, one way that might happen is with mediators coming up with a way for Trump to "declare victory before he runs out of ammunition"."One way you could envision this ending is that Oman and Qatar, both of whom are close to the Iranians, step in and negotiate something where Trump is allowed to declare victory before he runs out of ammunition. Iran agrees to not enrich or export anything that it’s already enriched".

Is Donald Trump risking a wider war with Iran to save his political future?

Former US commander Sandy Winnefeld suggests the Iran strikes could be a “desperation move” before midterm elections, warning the US may face a race against time. Scroll down to read more.

US President Donald Trump could lose a pivotal "race against time" with Iran if America runs out of interceptors first, warned a former top US military commander, even as he postulated that the US-Israel joint strikes on Iran may be because of the POTUS's hubris. Talking to The Times, James Alexander "Sandy" Winnefeld Jr. the former vice-chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said that the high-risk attacks on Tehran could be a "desperation move" ahead of the US midterm elections. Here's what he said. Trump saving himself from impeachment? Winnefeld told The Times that Operation Epic Fury could be Trump's attempt to boost his plummeting public approval ratings ahead of the crucial midterm elections. The former US military commander, who happens to be the most senior figure yet to speak out critically about the war, noted that if Trump loses control of Congress in the midterms, it could potentially lead to the POTUS's early ejection from the White House via impeachment. Also read | Can US' Patriot interceptors outlast Iran’ Shahed drones? Top Cmdr warns... "This could be a bit of a desperation move in order to try to galvanise the American public behind him," he said. "It is entirely possible that if he loses the midterms, he will be a lame duck president, and he won’t be able to accomplish as much as he wants to on his agenda." Winnefeld stated that it was "also a real threat to him personally". He noted that there was "no question" that "there will be new investigations opened up, potentially a long, drawn-out path towards a third impeachment." This, he said, was the "last thing that Donald Trump wants". Calling the ongoing US-Israel war on Iran a "risk," the former US commander said, Trump was "taking risks with inflation if oil prices maintain a high level. He’s taking a chance with his own political base, who actually elected him on a platform of no foreign wars." Also read | Fact-check: Is United States using Indian naval bases to attack Iran? Trump could end the war, but only if... The former top US military commander said that the US-Israel-Iran war was bound to end sooner rather than later, with a "some kind of a nuclear deal to save face". According to him, one way that might happen is with mediators coming up with a way for Trump to "declare victory before he runs out of ammunition". "One way you could envision this ending is that Oman and Qatar, both of whom are close to the Iranians, step in and negotiate something where Trump is allowed to declare victory before he runs out of ammunition. Iran agrees to not enrich or export anything that it’s already enriched".

Is Donald Trump risking a wider war with Iran to save his political future?Former US commander Sandy Winnefeld suggests the Iran strikes could be a “desperation move” before midterm elections, warning the US may face a race against time. Scroll down to read more.

Is Operation Epic Fury a 'desperation move' by Trump to win the US midterms? Ex US commander says...

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

Chinese professor Xueqin Jiang hosts a popular YouTube channel, Predictive History, where he analyses past world events to predict the future geopolitical scene. He said in a 2024 lecture that Trump would return as president and fight a war with Iran. He also said the US would lose.

China 'Nostradamus' called Trump's win and the Iran war. He knows what's next

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’

In what is being described as a "miracle", a child declared dead after drowning in a pool in Arizona came back to life five hours later. Physicians were shocked when they started showing signs of life long after being pronounced dead. The incident happened on February 8 when the child drowned in a backyard pool in Gilbert, Arizona. The Gilbert Police Department (GPD) received a call about the drowning at 5:35 pm local time, KGW 8 reported. Emergency responders gave the child CPR, and soon rushed him to the hospital, where they was declared dead at 6:20 pm. However, the GPD was told nearly five hours later, at around 11:30 pm, that the child was showing signs of life. They were flown to another hospital and are undergoing treatment, and showing positive signs.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/scary-patent-on-controlling-human-mind-through-tv-and-computer-screens-revealed-1772084810424">Scary patent on controlling human mind through TV and computer screens revealed</a><h2>Doctors call for caution when declaring a child dead</h2>The incident has left everyone in shock, with experts calling it a miracle and something they have never seen happen before. Emergency medicine physician Dr Frank LoVecchio told AZFamily that the case highlights the need for the healthcare workers to be "overly sensitive" when declaring a child dead. "You want to be absolutely sure — make sure the temperature was adequate, that there is no heartbeat, no movement, no blood pressure,” he said. The doctor believes the reason why no pulse could be detected possibly lies in the fact that they were very cold at the time, making it faint and hard to find. LoVecchio said that this particular case is “absolutely a miracle,” but “somewhat hard to believe,” adding that "something’s missing from the story."Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/scientist-claims-heaven-lies-in-the-physical-universe-and-tells-its-exact-location-1771939781638">Scientist claims heaven lies in the physical universe, and tells its EXACT location</a>&nbsp;"Maybe — never say never in medicine, never say never and never say always, right?" he said. It is not known whether the child was shifted to the morgue, where they showed signs of life at 11:30 pm, or if the GPD was informed about it at this time. An investigation into the matter has been initiated, while the child's identity has not been released. &nbsp;

After drowning in a pool, the child was declared dead nearly an hour later. But things took a turn hours later when the child returned to life, shocking the doctors. The case is being investigated, and experts have called for caution while declaring a child dead.

In what is being described as a "miracle", a child declared dead after drowning in a pool in Arizona came back to life five hours later. Physicians were shocked when they started showing signs of life long after being pronounced dead. The incident happened on February 8 when the child drowned in a backyard pool in Gilbert, Arizona. The Gilbert Police Department (GPD) received a call about the drowning at 5:35 pm local time, KGW 8 reported. Emergency responders gave the child CPR, and soon rushed him to the hospital, where they was declared dead at 6:20 pm. However, the GPD was told nearly five hours later, at around 11:30 pm, that the child was showing signs of life. They were flown to another hospital and are undergoing treatment, and showing positive signs. Also Read: Scary patent on controlling human mind through TV and computer screens revealed Doctors call for caution when declaring a child dead The incident has left everyone in shock, with experts calling it a miracle and something they have never seen happen before. Emergency medicine physician Dr Frank LoVecchio told AZFamily that the case highlights the need for the healthcare workers to be "overly sensitive" when declaring a child dead. "You want to be absolutely sure — make sure the temperature was adequate, that there is no heartbeat, no movement, no blood pressure,” he said. The doctor believes the reason why no pulse could be detected possibly lies in the fact that they were very cold at the time, making it faint and hard to find. LoVecchio said that this particular case is “absolutely a miracle,” but “somewhat hard to believe,” adding that "something’s missing from the story." Also Read: Scientist claims heaven lies in the physical universe, and tells its EXACT location "Maybe — never say never in medicine, never say never and never say always, right?" he said. It is not known whether the child was shifted to the morgue, where they showed signs of life at 11:30 pm, or if the GPD was informed about it at this time. An investigation into the matter has been initiated, while the child's identity has not been released.

After drowning in a pool, the child was declared dead nearly an hour later. But things took a turn hours later when the child returned to life, shocking the doctors. The case is being investigated, and experts have called for caution while declaring a child dead.

Declared dead, child comes back to life 5 hours later — 'Absolutely a miracle'

A former top US military commander has warned that Washington could lose a critical "race against time" with Iran if American interceptor missile stocks begin to run dry. Speaking to The Times, James Alexander "Sandy" Winnefeld Jr. said that the outcome of the conflict could depend on a simple question: Which side runs out of weapons first? The former vice-chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff warned that the US could run out of interceptor stocks in "a matter of days". What does it mean for the US-Israel joint military operation against Iran? All you need to know.<h2>'A race against time'</h2>Appearing on The Times’s The General &amp; The Journalist podcast, Winnefeld, who happens to be the most senior figure yet to speak out critically about the war warned that the US was engaged in a "race against time".Iran, he said, is relying heavily on cheap drones and missile barrages aimed at US bases and allied targets in the region. The United States, meanwhile, must rely on far more expensive air defence interceptors to shoot them down.The imbalance, he suggested, could become a serious problem. "It’s the sophisticated air defence munitions that I would be worrying about right now — the Patriots, the AMRAAM missiles that are out there," he said."Do we have enough of those in a race against Iran’s inventory of Shahed drones and ballistic missiles? Who runs out first? It’s a race against time."<h2>The cost of shooting down drones</h2>According to the US’s Central Command (Centcom), till Wednesday (Mar 4), Iran had launched more than 500 missiles and 2,000 drones. This includes the Shahed drone, which, according to Winnefeld cost somewhere around $20,000 compared to the interceptors used to destroy them, such as the Patriot missile system, which can cost millions."There is also an economic disparity between shooting down a $20,000 Shahed drone with a $4 million missile," he noted."You start to run out very quickly," he said. "You’ll run out of those Patriots probably before Iran runs out of Shaheds."Notably, before the war, Tehran was believed to possess roughly 4,000 short and long-range missiles along with tens of thousands of Shahed drones.<h2>American stockpile dwindling</h2>Reports suggest that the issue had already been raised inside the Pentagon by top US generals. During a closed-door briefing on Capitol Hill Tuesday, top military officials led by the chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen Dan Caine, told lawmakers that Iran has been deploying large numbers of one-way attack drones in recent days. As per The Guardian, they warned that while US defences can destroy most of them, stopping every single drone may not be possible for the US military.American stockpiles had already been strained in recent years. The US used large numbers of interceptors to defend Israel during last year's 12-day war with Iran and has also supplied significant weapons shipments to Ukraine.<h2>White House pushes back</h2>Despite the concerns, the Trump administration insists that US stockpiles remain strong. Trump wrote on social media earlier this week that American reserves of “medium and upper medium grade” munitions were “virtually unlimited,” dismissing reports of shortages.At a press briefing on Wednesday, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt echoed that message.“We have weapon stockpiles in places that many in this world don’t even know about,” she said, adding that the United States has more than enough weapons to sustain a prolonged 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. &nbsp;

Is the US at risk of running out of interceptor missiles in the war with Iran? Former top US commander Sandy Winnefeld has warned it could become a “race against time,” as cheap Iranian drones face costly US interceptors. 

What does it mean for the US? Scroll down to read more.

A former top US military commander has warned that Washington could lose a critical "race against time" with Iran if American interceptor missile stocks begin to run dry. Speaking to The Times, James Alexander "Sandy" Winnefeld Jr. said that the outcome of the conflict could depend on a simple question: Which side runs out of weapons first? The former vice-chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff warned that the US could run out of interceptor stocks in "a matter of days". What does it mean for the US-Israel joint military operation against Iran? All you need to know. 'A race against time' Appearing on The Times’s The General & The Journalist podcast, Winnefeld, who happens to be the most senior figure yet to speak out critically about the war warned that the US was engaged in a "race against time". Iran, he said, is relying heavily on cheap drones and missile barrages aimed at US bases and allied targets in the region. The United States, meanwhile, must rely on far more expensive air defence interceptors to shoot them down. The imbalance, he suggested, could become a serious problem. "It’s the sophisticated air defence munitions that I would be worrying about right now — the Patriots, the AMRAAM missiles that are out there," he said. "Do we have enough of those in a race against Iran’s inventory of Shahed drones and ballistic missiles? Who runs out first? It’s a race against time." The cost of shooting down drones According to the US’s Central Command (Centcom), till Wednesday (Mar 4), Iran had launched more than 500 missiles and 2,000 drones. This includes the Shahed drone, which, according to Winnefeld cost somewhere around $20,000 compared to the interceptors used to destroy them, such as the Patriot missile system, which can cost millions. "There is also an economic disparity between shooting down a $20,000 Shahed drone with a $4 million missile," he noted. "You start to run out very quickly," he said. "You’ll run out of those Patriots probably before Iran runs out of Shaheds." Notably, before the war, Tehran was believed to possess roughly 4,000 short and long-range missiles along with tens of thousands of Shahed drones. American stockpile dwindling Reports suggest that the issue had already been raised inside the Pentagon by top US generals. During a closed-door briefing on Capitol Hill Tuesday, top military officials led by the chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen Dan Caine, told lawmakers that Iran has been deploying large numbers of one-way attack drones in recent days. As per The Guardian, they warned that while US defences can destroy most of them, stopping every single drone may not be possible for the US military. American stockpiles had already been strained in recent years. The US used large numbers of interceptors to defend Israel during last year's 12-day war with Iran and has also supplied significant weapons shipments to Ukraine. White House pushes back Despite the concerns, the Trump administration insists that US stockpiles remain strong. Trump wrote on social media earlier this week that American reserves of “medium and upper medium grade” munitions were “virtually unlimited,” dismissing reports of shortages. At a press briefing on Wednesday, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt echoed that message. “We have weapon stockpiles in places that many in this world don’t even know about,” she said, adding that the United States has more than enough weapons to sustain a prolonged 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.

Is the US at risk of running out of interceptor missiles in the war with Iran? Former top US commander Sandy Winnefeld has warned it could become a “race against time,” as cheap Iranian drones face costly US interceptors.&nbsp;What does it mean for the US? Scroll down to read more.

'Race against time': Can US's Patriot, THAAD missiles outlast Iran’s Shahed drone swarms? Top military commander warns...

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

US Attorney General Pam Bondi is being compelled to testify in the ongoing US investigation into Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. The House Oversight committee on Wednesday (Mar 4) voted 24-19 to approve a motion to subpoena US President Donald Trump's AG. Notably, the motion introduced by Republican representative Nancy Mace received the backing of five Republicans. The motion comes amid growing criticism across party lines over the Bondi-led Department of Justice's failures regarding the notorious Epstein Files. This, incidentally, includes the DoJ accidentally releasing the names and nudes of survivors, while identifying information of powerful figures like Trump was duly redacted.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/epstein-files-debacle-doj-exposes-nude-victims-in-catastrophic-file-dump-but-remembers-to-redact-trump-s-face-1770021222053">Shocking Epstein Files debacle: DOJ exposes nude victims in catastrophic file dump, but remembers to redact Trump's face</a><h2>Americans want answers</h2>Announcing the subpoena against Pam Bondi, Mace on X wrote, "The American people want answers on the Epstein files, and so do we".Meanwhile, Representative Ro Khanna, a Democrat member of the House Committee, wrote in a post, "we can hold the Epstein class accountable if we are willing to cross the aisle and build a coalition of accountability".<h2>Bondi's controversial congressional testimony</h2>Previously, on February 11, Bondi refused to apologise to survivors of Jeffrey Epstein's nefarious underage sex racket, even after being pressed to do so at a House Judiciary Committee hearing. Bondi rebuffed Representative Pramilla Jayapal's request to turn around and address the victims of the convicted sex offender, and instead triggered a shouting match, accusing the Democrat lawmaker of "theatrics".Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/epstein-hearing-turns-tense-as-pam-bondi-refuses-to-apologise-to-survivors-says-she-won-t-get-in-the-gutter-1770873842476">Epstein hearing turns tense as Pam Bondi refuses to apologise to survivors, says she won’t 'get in the gutter'. Watch!</a>At the hearing, Bondi also faced accusations of lying under oath to protect US President Donald Trump. &nbsp;The volatile congressional hearing also saw California Democratic Rep. Ted Lieu shame Bondi for failing to hold the paedophile's co-conspirators accountable. “Shame on you. If you had any decency, you would resign right after this hearing," he said.Lieu had questioned Bondi over Trump's tie to the deceased sex trafficker Epstein. He said that there was evidence that, like the disgraced British Royal Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, Trump too attended parties with Epstein. "I want to know, were there any underage girls at that party or any party that Trump attended with Jeffrey Epstein?" he asked. However, Bondi was quick to dismiss his question as ridiculous and insisted it was merely an attempt to "deflect" from the great things Trump claims to have achieved. "There is no evidence that Donald Trump has committed a crime. Everyone knows this," a visibly exasperated Bondi said.&nbsp;

Why is the US Attorney General being forced to testify in the Epstein investigation? Lawmakers have voted to subpoena Pam Bondi as scrutiny grows over how the Jeffrey Epstein files were handled.

What triggered the move and what could Bondi be questioned about? Scroll down to read more.

US Attorney General Pam Bondi is being compelled to testify in the ongoing US investigation into Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. The House Oversight committee on Wednesday (Mar 4) voted 24-19 to approve a motion to subpoena US President Donald Trump's AG. Notably, the motion introduced by Republican representative Nancy Mace received the backing of five Republicans. The motion comes amid growing criticism across party lines over the Bondi-led Department of Justice's failures regarding the notorious Epstein Files. This, incidentally, includes the DoJ accidentally releasing the names and nudes of survivors, while identifying information of powerful figures like Trump was duly redacted. Also read | Shocking Epstein Files debacle: DOJ exposes nude victims in catastrophic file dump, but remembers to redact Trump's face Americans want answers Announcing the subpoena against Pam Bondi, Mace on X wrote, "The American people want answers on the Epstein files, and so do we". Meanwhile, Representative Ro Khanna, a Democrat member of the House Committee, wrote in a post, "we can hold the Epstein class accountable if we are willing to cross the aisle and build a coalition of accountability". Bondi's controversial congressional testimony Previously, on February 11, Bondi refused to apologise to survivors of Jeffrey Epstein's nefarious underage sex racket, even after being pressed to do so at a House Judiciary Committee hearing. Bondi rebuffed Representative Pramilla Jayapal's request to turn around and address the victims of the convicted sex offender, and instead triggered a shouting match, accusing the Democrat lawmaker of "theatrics". Also read | Epstein hearing turns tense as Pam Bondi refuses to apologise to survivors, says she won’t 'get in the gutter'. Watch! At the hearing, Bondi also faced accusations of lying under oath to protect US President Donald Trump. The volatile congressional hearing also saw California Democratic Rep. Ted Lieu shame Bondi for failing to hold the paedophile's co-conspirators accountable. “Shame on you. If you had any decency, you would resign right after this hearing," he said. Lieu had questioned Bondi over Trump's tie to the deceased sex trafficker Epstein. He said that there was evidence that, like the disgraced British Royal Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, Trump too attended parties with Epstein. "I want to know, were there any underage girls at that party or any party that Trump attended with Jeffrey Epstein?" he asked. However, Bondi was quick to dismiss his question as ridiculous and insisted it was merely an attempt to "deflect" from the great things Trump claims to have achieved. "There is no evidence that Donald Trump has committed a crime. Everyone knows this," a visibly exasperated Bondi said.

Why is the US Attorney General being forced to testify in the Epstein investigation? Lawmakers have voted to subpoena Pam Bondi as scrutiny grows over how the Jeffrey Epstein files were handled.What triggered the move and what could Bondi be questioned about? Scroll down to read more.

Pam Bondi subpoenaed: House oversight committee forces Trump's AG to testify on DOJ's alleged Epstein files 'cover-up'

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.

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

As the war in West Asia rages on, US media reports claimed that India has allowed the United States permission to use its naval bases to attack Iran amidst the ongoing Iran-US conflict. Rubbishing the claims, India's Ministry of External Affairs on Wednesday (Mar 4) said that the reports were "baseless and fabricated". Here's all you need to know.<h2>What did the US reports claim?</h2>During an interview with a US-based channel, One America News Network, former US Army Colonel Douglas MacGregor claimed that the US was using Indian ports to launch its attack against Iran under Operation Epic Fury.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-denies-mojtaba-khamenei-named-supreme-leader-tehran-slams-fake-reports-on-succession-1772615770404">Iran denies Mojtaba Khamenei named supreme leader: Tehran slams 'fake' reports on succession</a>"All of our bases have been destroyed. Our harbour installations are destroyed. We are actually having to fall back on India and Indian ports, which is less than ideal; that is what the navy says," Macgregor told One America News Network.However, the MEA in a post on X said that claims about the US using Indian ports were "fake and false". The ministry further cautioned against "such baseless and fabricated comments". Also posting the fact check on the PIBFactCheck page, India reiterated that "This claim is #FAKE".

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Fake News Alert! Claims being made on OAN, a US based channel that Indian ports are being used by the US Navy are fake and false. We caution you against such baseless and fabricated comments. <a href="https://t.co/xiFWnkoXBk">pic.twitter.com/xiFWnkoXBk</a>&mdash; MEA FactCheck (@MEAFactCheck) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAFactCheck/status/2029233689570492805?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">Claim: On a US-based channel, One America News Network (<a href="https://twitter.com/OANN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@OANN</a>), former U.S. Army Colonel Douglas Macgregor made a statement suggesting that the United States is using Indian naval bases to attack Iran, amidst the ongoing Iran-US conflict.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PIBFactCheck?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PIBFactCheck</a>: ❌This claim is <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FAKE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FAKE</a>… <a href="https://t.co/nzcXCi7yT9">pic.twitter.com/nzcXCi7yT9</a>&mdash; PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) <a href="https://twitter.com/PIBFactCheck/status/2029253516385239101?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 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/trump-weighs-arming-militias-to-overthrow-iran-regime-wants-somebody-from-within-report-1772599622355">Trump’s 'Operation Epic Fury' targets Tehran: Is a US-backed militia the key to ending the Iran war?</a><h2>US-Israel-Iran war</h2>Thursday (Mar 5) marks the sixth day of the war between the US, Israel, and Iran. The ongoing conflict in West Asia began on February 28 after the US and Israel launched coordinated airstrikes on Iran. On March 1, US President Donald Trump confirmed that the joint operation referred to as Operation Lion’s Roar by Israel, and Operation Epic Fury by Washington, had assassinated Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.India has meanwhile expressed "deep concern" at the conflict in the Middle East, urging all sides to "exercise restraint, avoid escalation, and prioritise the safety of civilians".&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.

Did India allow the US to use its naval bases to strike Iran? A viral claim by former US colonel Douglas MacGregor suggested American forces were using Indian ports during the Iran conflict. Is there any truth to the claim? Scroll down to read more.

As the war in West Asia rages on, US media reports claimed that India has allowed the United States permission to use its naval bases to attack Iran amidst the ongoing Iran-US conflict. Rubbishing the claims, India's Ministry of External Affairs on Wednesday (Mar 4) said that the reports were "baseless and fabricated". Here's all you need to know. What did the US reports claim? During an interview with a US-based channel, One America News Network, former US Army Colonel Douglas MacGregor claimed that the US was using Indian ports to launch its attack against Iran under Operation Epic Fury. Also read | Iran denies Mojtaba Khamenei named supreme leader: Tehran slams 'fake' reports on succession "All of our bases have been destroyed. Our harbour installations are destroyed. We are actually having to fall back on India and Indian ports, which is less than ideal; that is what the navy says," Macgregor told One America News Network. However, the MEA in a post on X said that claims about the US using Indian ports were "fake and false". The ministry further cautioned against "such baseless and fabricated comments". Also posting the fact check on the PIBFactCheck page, India reiterated that "This claim is #FAKE".

Did India allow the US to use its naval bases to strike Iran? A viral claim by former US colonel Douglas MacGregor suggested American forces were using Indian ports during the Iran conflict. Is there any truth to the claim? Scroll down to read more.

Fact-check: Is United States using Indian naval bases to attack Iran under Operation Epic Fury?

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

One of the key arguments whenever the US becomes involved in a Middle East conflict is that “it’s about the oil”. However, over the past decade, the US has quietly shifted from being an importer to one of the world’s largest producers of oil and natural gas. As the country becomes embroiled in yet another Middle East conflict, this time with Iran, the latest production data is striking.<h2>US oil production has now surpassed that of Saudi Arabia and Russia combined</h2>US oil production has reached 24 million barrels per day, exceeding the combined output of Saudi Arabia (10.9 million) and Russia (10.5 mn), according to March 2026 data from the US Energy Information Administration (EIA).The surge in oil and gas production has largely been driven by shale innovation.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-has-50-days-of-oil-supply-amid-global-tensions-govt-sources-1772554455350/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-has-50-days-of-oil-supply-amid-global-tensions-govt-sources-1772554455350/embed</a><h2>US natural gas production now matches Russia, Iran and China combined</h2>Since exporting its first cargo in 2016, the US has become the world’s largest LNG exporter now. Exports have recently averaged 15–16 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d). US natural gas output has surpassed 110 Bcf/d as of March 2026. The US remains the world’s leading producer of dry natural gas, a position it has held since around 2009.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-hits-oil-tanker-with-15-indian-crew-members-in-strait-of-hormuz-4-injured-1772367871326">Iran hits oil tanker with 15 Indian crew members in Strait of Hormuz; 4 injured</a>&nbsp;Recent estimates place US annual gas production at roughly 1 trillion cubic metres. Russia ranks second at 618–642 billion cubic metres, followed by Iran and China. US production is roughly 1.5 to 1.7 times higher than Russia’s.In daily terms, US dry natural gas production averaged around 107–108 Bcf/d in 2025, a record at the time. The EIA's Febatruary 2026 Short-Term Energy Outlook projects dry production rising to about 110 Bcf/d in 2026, with marketed production reaching approximately 120 Bcf/d in 2026 and 122 Bcf/d in 2027.This exceeds rivals’ combined output of roughly 117 Bcf/d, including traditional LNG leader Qatar.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-kuwait-could-stop-oil-exports-in-days-3-3-million-barrels-per-day-of-crude-supply-to-be-hit-if-iran-vs-israel-us-conflict-drags-on-1772630833266">Iraq, Kuwait could stop oil exports in days; 3.3 million barrels per day of crude supply to be hit if Iran vs Israel-US conflict drags on</a><h2>Is Trump’s ‘drill, baby, drill’ policy paying off?</h2>One could argue that it is, despite the environmental consequences. Since his first term, Trump has emphasised energy deregulation. Some estimates suggest energy output rose by 60 per cent during his 2016–2020 term. While sharing the new data, the US Interior Secretary Doug Burgum credited Trump’s “American Energy Dominance” agenda.He contrasted this with Biden-era resource restrictions and strengthening economic security and geopolitical influence through expanded drilling on federal lands.

US oil output has surpassed Saudi Arabia and Russia combined, while gas production leads globally. New data makes one wonder if the US energy dominance is a result of Trump’s ‘drill baby drill’ push

One of the key arguments whenever the US becomes involved in a Middle East conflict is that “it’s about the oil”. However, over the past decade, the US has quietly shifted from being an importer to one of the world’s largest producers of oil and natural gas. As the country becomes embroiled in yet another Middle East conflict, this time with Iran, the latest production data is striking. US oil production has now surpassed that of Saudi Arabia and Russia combined US oil production has reached 24 million barrels per day, exceeding the combined output of Saudi Arabia (10.9 million) and Russia (10.5 mn), according to March 2026 data from the US Energy Information Administration (EIA). The surge in oil and gas production has largely been driven by shale innovation. https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-has-50-days-of-oil-supply-amid-global-tensions-govt-sources-1772554455350/embed US natural gas production now matches Russia, Iran and China combined Since exporting its first cargo in 2016, the US has become the world’s largest LNG exporter now. Exports have recently averaged 15–16 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d). US natural gas output has surpassed 110 Bcf/d as of March 2026. The US remains the world’s leading producer of dry natural gas, a position it has held since around 2009. Also read: Iran hits oil tanker with 15 Indian crew members in Strait of Hormuz; 4 injured Recent estimates place US annual gas production at roughly 1 trillion cubic metres. Russia ranks second at 618–642 billion cubic metres, followed by Iran and China. US production is roughly 1.5 to 1.7 times higher than Russia’s. In daily terms, US dry natural gas production averaged around 107–108 Bcf/d in 2025, a record at the time. The EIA's Febatruary 2026 Short-Term Energy Outlook projects dry production rising to about 110 Bcf/d in 2026, with marketed production reaching approximately 120 Bcf/d in 2026 and 122 Bcf/d in 2027. This exceeds rivals’ combined output of roughly 117 Bcf/d, including traditional LNG leader Qatar. Also read: Iraq, Kuwait could stop oil exports in days; 3.3 million barrels per day of crude supply to be hit if Iran vs Israel-US conflict drags on Is Trump’s ‘drill, baby, drill’ policy paying off? One could argue that it is, despite the environmental consequences. Since his first term, Trump has emphasised energy deregulation. Some estimates suggest energy output rose by 60 per cent during his 2016–2020 term. While sharing the new data, the US Interior Secretary Doug Burgum credited Trump’s “American Energy Dominance” agenda. He contrasted this with Biden-era resource restrictions and strengthening economic security and geopolitical influence through expanded drilling on federal lands.

US oil output has surpassed Saudi Arabia and Russia combined, while gas production leads globally. New data makes one wonder if the US energy dominance is a result of Trump’s ‘drill baby drill’ push

Meanwhile, US oil production surpasses Saudi, Russia combined; natural gas output crosses total of Russia, China and Iran

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has said that a torpedo from a US submarine sank an Iranian warship in the Indian Ocean on Tuesday (Mar 3). This is a signal that the US would neutralise Iranian naval threats beyond the Persian Gulf or the Strait of Hormuz amid the ongoing conflict involving Iran and Israel. Here is why the sinking is significant.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-everything-has-been-knocked-out-in-iran-donald-trump-1772557096000">'EVERYTHING HAS BEEN KNOCKED OUT IN IRAN': Donald Trump</a><h2>What happened to IRIS Dena in the Indian Ocean?</h2>IRIS Dena, a Moudge-class frigate of the Iranian Navy, sank nearly 40 nautical miles (74 kilometres) south of Galle off the coast of Sri Lanka in the Indian Ocean. The sinking followed a distress call and a massive explosion leading to rapid flooding of the ship, which disappeared from radar within minutes. Sri Lankan Navy and defence sources described it as a “classic submarine torpedo attack”.At the time of writing this, at least 80 bodies have been recovered by Sri Lanka and some 100 are missing and presumed dead, according to reports.The ship had recently participated in India’s naval exercise, MILAN 2026. It was reportedly returning to Iran when the incident occurred.&nbsp;It is being reported that there were two other Iranian warships in the area. Another warship has taken refuge at the Colombo port.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-war-hits-china-hard-strait-of-hormuz-crisis-disrupts-oil-trade-1772634564917/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-war-hits-china-hard-strait-of-hormuz-crisis-disrupts-oil-trade-1772634564917/embed</a><h2>What did US defence secretary say about the submarine sinking of the Iranian ship?</h2>Hegseth said: “An American submarine sank an Iranian warship that thought it was safe in international waters. Instead it was sunk by a torpedo, a quiet death – the first sinking of an enemy ship by a torpedo since the Second World War.&nbsp;"Like in that war, back when we were still the War Department, we are fighting to win.”&nbsp;The US defence secretary said the Iranian navy “rests at the bottom of the Persian Gulf” and is “ineffective, decimated, destroyed… pick your adjective, it is no more”.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/trump-to-pick-iran-s-new-leader-after-khamenei-death-us-president-says-he-has-3-good-choices-reza-pahlavi-mojtaba-ali-larijani-abbas-aragchi-1772430896517">'Let's get the job done': Trump to pick Iran's new leader? US president says he has 3 'good choices'</a><h2>US submarine-launched torpedoes make a comeback</h2>US submarine-launched torpedoes include Mark 48 torpedo ADCAP variants. These are wire-guided, homing torpedoes designed for stealthy, quiet operation with acoustic homing.They can carry large warheads of around 295 kgs of explosives. Their range exceeds 20 to 30 nautical miles (37 to 56 kms), depending on speed settings.The torpedoes are deployed from US attack submarines, including Virginia-class submarine and Los Angeles-class submarines worldwide. The submarines operate in the Indo-Pacific and Indian Ocean regions as part of routine patrols and deterrence.<h2>US torpedoes were used extensively in the Second World War</h2>During World War 2, the Mark 14 torpedo and Mark 15 torpedo sank millions of tonnes of shipping.Hegseth highlighted the attack on Iranian ship as the first confirmed enemy surface ship sinking by torpedo since the Second World War.&nbsp;<h2>Why the sinking of the Iranian ship matters</h2>This is the first major naval casualty in the Indian Ocean amid the broader war. Such attacks can disrupt freedom of navigation. The sinking also brings back submarine warfare after decades of dominance by anti-ship missiles and air power in wars. The attack underscores the vulnerability of even modern frigates to stealthy submarine strikes, reviving memories of World War II era submarine campaigns.The attack is a rare modern instance of a submarine torpedo attack successfully sinking a surface warship in open ocean waters.It also marks the first time the ongoing US–Israel–Iran conflict has spilled over into the Indian Ocean, which is also India’s maritime backyard.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.

A torpedo from a US submarine sank Iranian warship IRIS Dena in the Indian Ocean. This is a rare strike marking the first confirmed enemy ship sinking by torpedo since WWII.

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has said that a torpedo from a US submarine sank an Iranian warship in the Indian Ocean on Tuesday (Mar 3). This is a signal that the US would neutralise Iranian naval threats beyond the Persian Gulf or the Strait of Hormuz amid the ongoing conflict involving Iran and Israel. Here is why the sinking is significant. Also read: 'EVERYTHING HAS BEEN KNOCKED OUT IN IRAN': Donald Trump What happened to IRIS Dena in the Indian Ocean? IRIS Dena, a Moudge-class frigate of the Iranian Navy, sank nearly 40 nautical miles (74 kilometres) south of Galle off the coast of Sri Lanka in the Indian Ocean. The sinking followed a distress call and a massive explosion leading to rapid flooding of the ship, which disappeared from radar within minutes. Sri Lankan Navy and defence sources described it as a “classic submarine torpedo attack”. At the time of writing this, at least 80 bodies have been recovered by Sri Lanka and some 100 are missing and presumed dead, according to reports. The ship had recently participated in India’s naval exercise, MILAN 2026. It was reportedly returning to Iran when the incident occurred. It is being reported that there were two other Iranian warships in the area. Another warship has taken refuge at the Colombo port. https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-war-hits-china-hard-strait-of-hormuz-crisis-disrupts-oil-trade-1772634564917/embed What did US defence secretary say about the submarine sinking of the Iranian ship? Hegseth said: “An American submarine sank an Iranian warship that thought it was safe in international waters. Instead it was sunk by a torpedo, a quiet death – the first sinking of an enemy ship by a torpedo since the Second World War. "Like in that war, back when we were still the War Department, we are fighting to win.” The US defence secretary said the Iranian navy “rests at the bottom of the Persian Gulf” and is “ineffective, decimated, destroyed… pick your adjective, it is no more”. Also read: 'Let's get the job done': Trump to pick Iran's new leader? US president says he has 3 'good choices' US submarine-launched torpedoes make a comeback US submarine-launched torpedoes include Mark 48 torpedo ADCAP variants. These are wire-guided, homing torpedoes designed for stealthy, quiet operation with acoustic homing. They can carry large warheads of around 295 kgs of explosives. Their range exceeds 20 to 30 nautical miles (37 to 56 kms), depending on speed settings. The torpedoes are deployed from US attack submarines, including Virginia-class submarine and Los Angeles-class submarines worldwide. The submarines operate in the Indo-Pacific and Indian Ocean regions as part of routine patrols and deterrence. US torpedoes were used extensively in the Second World War During World War 2, the Mark 14 torpedo and Mark 15 torpedo sank millions of tonnes of shipping. Hegseth highlighted the attack on Iranian ship as the first confirmed enemy surface ship sinking by torpedo since the Second World War. Why the sinking of the Iranian ship matters This is the first major naval casualty in the Indian Ocean amid the broader war. Such attacks can disrupt freedom of navigation. The sinking also brings back submarine warfare after decades of dominance by anti-ship missiles and air power in wars. The attack underscores the vulnerability of even modern frigates to stealthy submarine strikes, reviving memories of World War II era submarine campaigns. The attack is a rare modern instance of a submarine torpedo attack successfully sinking a surface warship in open ocean waters. It also marks the first time the ongoing US–Israel–Iran conflict has spilled over into the Indian Ocean, which is also India’s maritime backyard. 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.

A torpedo from a US submarine sank Iranian warship IRIS Dena in the Indian Ocean. This is a rare strike marking the first confirmed enemy ship sinking by torpedo since WWII.

'Quiet death': Why a torpedo destroying Iranian warship, the first such US sinking since World War 2, is significant

If the conflict involving Iran and the Gulf states, resulting from the Israel-US joint operation and retaliatory strikes by Tehran, does not stop by Friday, there could be a supply cut of 3.3 million barrels per day of crude oil. The warning from JP Morgan came amid disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, the strategic waterway between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, which is the world’s key oil transit chokepoint. The strait carries nearly a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas flows.<h2>Iran Revolutionary Guards claim to have taken total control of Strait of Hormuz</h2>The situation escalated amid Iranian media reports that the Islamic Revolutionary Guards have closed the Strait of Hormuz and that Iran would fire on any ship attempting to pass. If the waterway is closed for long, &nbsp;the losses could escalate to 3.8 million bpd around day 15 since the start of the conflict on February 27. By day 18, it could reach 4.7 million bpd, JP Morgan said in a note.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-war-can-israel-us-replenish-interceptors-faster-than-iran-makes-drones-1772607562517/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-war-can-israel-us-replenish-interceptors-faster-than-iran-makes-drones-1772607562517/embed</a><h2>Iraq, Kuwait would be forced to shut oil production</h2>If oil tankers cannot move freely through the strait, production will have to be cut by countries with low storage capacity. Iraq will be forced to reduce oil production by more than 3 million bpd within a few days in such a scenario, Reuters news agency reported, citing Iraqi oil officials.Iraq can hold roughly three days of storage before it is forced to halt exports through the strait, making it most vulnerable due to its limited onshore storage capacity.&nbsp;Iraq has reportedly already begun partial shut-ins, with around 1.5 million bpd affected so far.Kuwait, meanwhile, could continue for roughly 14 days before it is also forced to halt production.Saudi Arabia has more storage facilities, possibly sufficient for 30 days.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/live-blog-us-israel-iran-war-live-updates-donald-trump-benjamin-netanyahu-ali-khamenei-mojtaba-khamenei-new-supreme-leader-assembly-of-experts-march-2026-1772584866186">US-Israel-Iran war LIVE updates: 'We can sustain this fight easily', says Hegseth</a><h2>Storage capacity could be exhausted in 25 days if crude does not move across the Strait&nbsp;</h2>The combined onshore crude storage capacity across seven major Gulf producers – Saudi Arabia, UAE, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman and Iran – is estimated at about 343 million barrels.This equates to nearly 22 days of stranded production buffer, though additional offshore and empty tanker capacity could add a few more days, extending it to around 25 days.After this, widespread mandatory production shut-ins would have to begin, simply because there would be no place to store the crude oil.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-struck-covert-underground-nuclear-site-in-iran-used-for-secret-weapons-development-says-israel-1772573229766">'Struck ‘covert underground’ nuclear site in Iran used for secret weapons-development', says Israel</a><h2>A chain reaction that could increase crude oil prices</h2>Production shut-ins could raise oil prices, with Brent potentially reaching 100–120 dollars per barrel in severe, prolonged cases, according to reports.The Strait of Hormuz normally handles 16–20 million bpd of crude equivalent under typical conditions. The JP Morgan note emphasised that “speed and decisiveness” in response are critical, as delays quickly translate into forced shut-ins, particularly for lower-storage countries such as Iraq.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.

If the Strait of Hormuz is disrupted by Iran, countries like Iraq and Kuwait could cut 3.3 million bpd of crude oil production. This risks Gulf crude supply losses and a sharp spike in global oil prices

If the conflict involving Iran and the Gulf states, resulting from the Israel-US joint operation and retaliatory strikes by Tehran, does not stop by Friday, there could be a supply cut of 3.3 million barrels per day of crude oil. The warning from JP Morgan came amid disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, the strategic waterway between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, which is the world’s key oil transit chokepoint. The strait carries nearly a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas flows. Iran Revolutionary Guards claim to have taken total control of Strait of Hormuz The situation escalated amid Iranian media reports that the Islamic Revolutionary Guards have closed the Strait of Hormuz and that Iran would fire on any ship attempting to pass. If the waterway is closed for long, the losses could escalate to 3.8 million bpd around day 15 since the start of the conflict on February 27. By day 18, it could reach 4.7 million bpd, JP Morgan said in a note. https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-war-can-israel-us-replenish-interceptors-faster-than-iran-makes-drones-1772607562517/embed Iraq, Kuwait would be forced to shut oil production If oil tankers cannot move freely through the strait, production will have to be cut by countries with low storage capacity. Iraq will be forced to reduce oil production by more than 3 million bpd within a few days in such a scenario, Reuters news agency reported, citing Iraqi oil officials. Iraq can hold roughly three days of storage before it is forced to halt exports through the strait, making it most vulnerable due to its limited onshore storage capacity. Iraq has reportedly already begun partial shut-ins, with around 1.5 million bpd affected so far. Kuwait, meanwhile, could continue for roughly 14 days before it is also forced to halt production. Saudi Arabia has more storage facilities, possibly sufficient for 30 days. Also read: US-Israel-Iran war LIVE updates: 'We can sustain this fight easily', says Hegseth Storage capacity could be exhausted in 25 days if crude does not move across the Strait The combined onshore crude storage capacity across seven major Gulf producers – Saudi Arabia, UAE, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman and Iran – is estimated at about 343 million barrels. This equates to nearly 22 days of stranded production buffer, though additional offshore and empty tanker capacity could add a few more days, extending it to around 25 days. After this, widespread mandatory production shut-ins would have to begin, simply because there would be no place to store the crude oil. Also read: 'Struck ‘covert underground’ nuclear site in Iran used for secret weapons-development', says Israel A chain reaction that could increase crude oil prices Production shut-ins could raise oil prices, with Brent potentially reaching 100–120 dollars per barrel in severe, prolonged cases, according to reports. The Strait of Hormuz normally handles 16–20 million bpd of crude equivalent under typical conditions. The JP Morgan note emphasised that “speed and decisiveness” in response are critical, as delays quickly translate into forced shut-ins, particularly for lower-storage countries such as Iraq. 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.

If the Strait of Hormuz is disrupted by Iran, countries like Iraq and Kuwait could cut 3.3 million bpd of crude oil production. This risks Gulf crude supply losses and a sharp spike in global oil prices

Iraq, Kuwait could stop oil exports in days; 3.3 million barrels per day of crude supply to be hit if Iran vs Israel-US conflict drags on

It is very clear that Iran of 2026 is not Iraq of 2003. No large groups of protesters against the regime have gathered in Tehran's Azadi Square with claims to form the next government, five days after US-Israeli bombing. There is no sign of a new government, other than the Islamic Republic. At best, people are confused, afraid and keeping a low profile. &nbsp;As Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said, the US and Israel have bombed out the entire negotiating table, leaving nobody to take charge of the nation. The US is appealing to ethnic groups such as the Kurds to take the fight forward in their respective regions against the still-entrenched Iranian forces to help complete the transition into a new regime. But how good is that idea?&nbsp;<h2>Best alternatives to current Iranian leadership are already gone in Israeli strikes</h2>US President Donald Trump himself said that the second and third options for leadership transition are gone. This is because, the first day of the current conflict saw Israel “take out” much of the leadership of Iran, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. This could frustrate any future efforts to bring in a semblance of security, safety and stability. Added to this is the Israeli threat that any new Supreme Leader would also be a target for assassination.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-war-cia-reportedly-plans-to-use-kurds-for-regime-change-in-iran-1772625570340/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-war-cia-reportedly-plans-to-use-kurds-for-regime-change-in-iran-1772625570340/embed</a><h2>Iran is not a simple puzzle to crack, it's a vast nation&nbsp;</h2>Iran is a vast nation with huge resources, including oil. With its control over much of the Strait of Hormuz, Iran has long played a key role in global commerce. Surprisingly, Iran is still standing in spite of the decapitation strikes by the US and Israel. Reza Pahlavi, the son of the last Shah, repeatedly said he is ready to take Iran into a new phase of transition, but neither Trump nor Israel appears interested in backing him. Even the last Shah’s widow urged caution and warned against plunging the country into chaos, saying Iran must not be allowed to descend into bloodshed and fragmentation.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-weighs-arming-militias-to-overthrow-iran-regime-wants-somebody-from-within-report-1772599622355">Trump’s 'Operation Epic Fury' targets Tehran: Is a US-backed militia the key to ending the Iran war?</a><h2>Iran today is not like Iraq in 2003: Not many cheering for the US or Israel or the fall of a regime</h2>When the US invaded Saddam Hussein’s Iraq in 2003, many people there rejoiced. But in Iran today, there is no comparable atmosphere. The large, sustained protest movements of late 2025 did draw millions into the streets initially. However, before the February 27 bombardment, the Iranian system had already brutally suppressed the protests, with killings, mass arrests and an internet blackout. This may be why, after the US–Israel strike, there is no unified rival government claiming authority or occupying major Iranian cities. Perhaps the discontent, though serious, was not nationwide as projected in some sections of the media earlier; it was concentrated in pockets of Iranian society.Thousands of protesters were reportedly killed amid curfews, arrests and show trials. Tehran residents might be too fearful now to suddenly come out and attempt a physical overthrow of the government or its officials.In short, there is no revolution.Iran’s permanent UN envoy has said that Tehran has not contacted Washington about peace talks and is sceptical about resuming official negotiations after the hostilities. With possible intermediaries such as Qatar, Oman and the UAE also drawn into the conflict by Iranian retaliatory strikes, even indirect talks have been disrupted.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/live-blog-us-israel-iran-war-live-updates-donald-trump-benjamin-netanyahu-ali-khamenei-mojtaba-khamenei-new-supreme-leader-assembly-of-experts-march-2026-1772584866186">US-Israel-Iran war LIVE updates: Iran postpones state funeral for Khamenei: state TV</a><h2>From Kurds to Baluchs to Arabs and others: What are the US options for a proxy takeover?</h2>Reports say that the US has been in discussions with Iranian Kurdish militia leaders about potential military operations in western Iran. The idea is for Kurdish forces to weaken Iranian security forces in border regions. The US appears ready to arm the Kurds and provide intelligence cooperation.Long fighting the Islamic Republic, the Kurds are battle-hardened and familiar with the territory in western Iran that have seen opposition to Tehran. Kurdish groups have formed alliances and articulated political aims beyond simply supporting protests too.But there are downsides. If they are entertained too much, the Kurds may push for secession. Many Kurdish groups have long sought autonomy or self-determination rather than reintegration into a centralised Iranian state.US engagement with Kurdish forces could inflame ethnic tensions, trigger wider regional conflict and draw in neighbours such as Turkey, which hosts a volatile Kurdish community that has only recently scaled down armed attacks on Turkish state targets.&nbsp;US arming of Kurdish groups could lead to a never-ending civil war situation, similar to what Syria experienced for over a decade after the so-called Arab Spring revolutions.This could, in essence, lead to the Balkanisation of Iran into ethnic strongholds and pockets.&nbsp;<h2>Other than the Kurds, what options does the US have in Iran?</h2>The Baluch minority in south-eastern Iran is another group the US is believed to be in contact with, according to intelligence reports. These are largely Sunni groups that have long sought greater autonomy or independence and have a history of armed resistance against the Iranian state.The Arab minority in Khuzestan province is another group in Iran’s south-west that has engaged in protests and clashes with security forces in past years and remains politically significant.&nbsp;Feelers have also been sent to moderate regime officials and dissidents inside Iran. The US may be talking to ‘friendly figures’ within Iran’s military and government, offering conditional support to those willing to break with hardliners.US strategists are also said to be engaging civil society actors, local leaders and influencers inside Iran who might provide political legitimacy or leadership in a transition period, not necessarily as armed groups.<h2>Can exile groups run Iran?</h2>There is a multitude of Iranian opposition groups in exile, such as the Iran National Council, which bring together secular and pro-democracy factions, including supporters of Reza Pahlavi. However, there has been no direct high-level US coordination with them in the context of the current crisis.Iran-focused opposition organisations based in the West or the US are part of the broader opposition ecosystem and often influence Washington policy debates. The Organisation of Iranian American Communities (OIAC), an advocacy group that supports ending the Islamic Republic’s rule and a democratic transition, is one such, with historical links to the People’s Mojahedin Organisation of Iran (MEK).However, none of these groups appears capable of handling a wholesale political or governmental transition inside Iran at present.In short, there is no consolidated internal interim government or group capable of providing broad national leadership to Iranians.In essence, if continuity is not ensured, the US and Isreael run the risk of leaving behind a major power vacuum in Iran.&nbsp;Continuity of governance, at present, can only come from remnants of the Islamic Republic.US leveraging of any other group, without a cohesive and broadly supported governance plan, risks internal fragmentation, ethnic conflict, Balkanisation and possible civil war, rather than a smooth transition.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.

After US–Israel decapitatation of Iran’s leadership, there's no sign of an alternative form of government emerging. Former anti-regime protesters are not cheering on the streets for a revolution. The US is talking with Kurds, Baluch, Arab groups and dissidents. Has Iran's fragmentation begun?

It is very clear that Iran of 2026 is not Iraq of 2003. No large groups of protesters against the regime have gathered in Tehran's Azadi Square with claims to form the next government, five days after US-Israeli bombing. There is no sign of a new government, other than the Islamic Republic. At best, people are confused, afraid and keeping a low profile. As Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said, the US and Israel have bombed out the entire negotiating table, leaving nobody to take charge of the nation. The US is appealing to ethnic groups such as the Kurds to take the fight forward in their respective regions against the still-entrenched Iranian forces to help complete the transition into a new regime. But how good is that idea? Best alternatives to current Iranian leadership are already gone in Israeli strikes US President Donald Trump himself said that the second and third options for leadership transition are gone. This is because, the first day of the current conflict saw Israel “take out” much of the leadership of Iran, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. This could frustrate any future efforts to bring in a semblance of security, safety and stability. Added to this is the Israeli threat that any new Supreme Leader would also be a target for assassination. https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-war-cia-reportedly-plans-to-use-kurds-for-regime-change-in-iran-1772625570340/embed Iran is not a simple puzzle to crack, it's a vast nation Iran is a vast nation with huge resources, including oil. With its control over much of the Strait of Hormuz, Iran has long played a key role in global commerce. Surprisingly, Iran is still standing in spite of the decapitation strikes by the US and Israel. Reza Pahlavi, the son of the last Shah, repeatedly said he is ready to take Iran into a new phase of transition, but neither Trump nor Israel appears interested in backing him. Even the last Shah’s widow urged caution and warned against plunging the country into chaos, saying Iran must not be allowed to descend into bloodshed and fragmentation. Also read: Trump’s 'Operation Epic Fury' targets Tehran: Is a US-backed militia the key to ending the Iran war? Iran today is not like Iraq in 2003: Not many cheering for the US or Israel or the fall of a regime When the US invaded Saddam Hussein’s Iraq in 2003, many people there rejoiced. But in Iran today, there is no comparable atmosphere. The large, sustained protest movements of late 2025 did draw millions into the streets initially. However, before the February 27 bombardment, the Iranian system had already brutally suppressed the protests, with killings, mass arrests and an internet blackout. This may be why, after the US–Israel strike, there is no unified rival government claiming authority or occupying major Iranian cities. Perhaps the discontent, though serious, was not nationwide as projected in some sections of the media earlier; it was concentrated in pockets of Iranian society. Thousands of protesters were reportedly killed amid curfews, arrests and show trials. Tehran residents might be too fearful now to suddenly come out and attempt a physical overthrow of the government or its officials. In short, there is no revolution. Iran’s permanent UN envoy has said that Tehran has not contacted Washington about peace talks and is sceptical about resuming official negotiations after the hostilities. With possible intermediaries such as Qatar, Oman and the UAE also drawn into the conflict by Iranian retaliatory strikes, even indirect talks have been disrupted. Also read: US-Israel-Iran war LIVE updates: Iran postpones state funeral for Khamenei: state TV From Kurds to Baluchs to Arabs and others: What are the US options for a proxy takeover? Reports say that the US has been in discussions with Iranian Kurdish militia leaders about potential military operations in western Iran. The idea is for Kurdish forces to weaken Iranian security forces in border regions. The US appears ready to arm the Kurds and provide intelligence cooperation. Long fighting the Islamic Republic, the Kurds are battle-hardened and familiar with the territory in western Iran that have seen opposition to Tehran. Kurdish groups have formed alliances and articulated political aims beyond simply supporting protests too. But there are downsides. If they are entertained too much, the Kurds may push for secession. Many Kurdish groups have long sought autonomy or self-determination rather than reintegration into a centralised Iranian state. US engagement with Kurdish forces could inflame ethnic tensions, trigger wider regional conflict and draw in neighbours such as Turkey, which hosts a volatile Kurdish community that has only recently scaled down armed attacks on Turkish state targets. US arming of Kurdish groups could lead to a never-ending civil war situation, similar to what Syria experienced for over a decade after the so-called Arab Spring revolutions. This could, in essence, lead to the Balkanisation of Iran into ethnic strongholds and pockets. Other than the Kurds, what options does the US have in Iran? The Baluch minority in south-eastern Iran is another group the US is believed to be in contact with, according to intelligence reports. These are largely Sunni groups that have long sought greater autonomy or independence and have a history of armed resistance against the Iranian state. The Arab minority in Khuzestan province is another group in Iran’s south-west that has engaged in protests and clashes with security forces in past years and remains politically significant. Feelers have also been sent to moderate regime officials and dissidents inside Iran. The US may be talking to ‘friendly figures’ within Iran’s military and government, offering conditional support to those willing to break with hardliners. US strategists are also said to be engaging civil society actors, local leaders and influencers inside Iran who might provide political legitimacy or leadership in a transition period, not necessarily as armed groups. Can exile groups run Iran? There is a multitude of Iranian opposition groups in exile, such as the Iran National Council, which bring together secular and pro-democracy factions, including supporters of Reza Pahlavi. However, there has been no direct high-level US coordination with them in the context of the current crisis. Iran-focused opposition organisations based in the West or the US are part of the broader opposition ecosystem and often influence Washington policy debates. The Organisation of Iranian American Communities (OIAC), an advocacy group that supports ending the Islamic Republic’s rule and a democratic transition, is one such, with historical links to the People’s Mojahedin Organisation of Iran (MEK). However, none of these groups appears capable of handling a wholesale political or governmental transition inside Iran at present. In short, there is no consolidated internal interim government or group capable of providing broad national leadership to Iranians. In essence, if continuity is not ensured, the US and Isreael run the risk of leaving behind a major power vacuum in Iran. Continuity of governance, at present, can only come from remnants of the Islamic Republic. US leveraging of any other group, without a cohesive and broadly supported governance plan, risks internal fragmentation, ethnic conflict, Balkanisation and possible civil war, rather than a smooth transition. 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.

After US–Israel decapitatation of Iran’s leadership, there's no sign of an alternative form of government emerging. Former anti-regime protesters are not cheering on the streets for a revolution. The US is talking with Kurds, Baluch, Arab groups and dissidents. Has Iran's fragmentation begun?

Iran 2026 is not Iraq 2003: With top leaders gone, US talks to Kurds and other ethnic groups, but who will run Tehran?

Iran on Wednesday (Mar 4) rubbished reports that Mojtaba Khamenei has been named as the nation's Supreme Leader after his father Ayatollah Khamenei's assassination in joint United States-Israel strikes. Issuing a statement via the Consulate General in Mumbai, the Iranian Government on X dismissed media reports on the supposed succession.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-no-matter-where-he-hides-israeli-defence-minister-threatens-to-assassinate-any-successor-to-iran-s-khamenei-new-supreme-leader-mojtaba-khamenei-1772613368778">'No matter where he hides': Katz threatens to 'assassinate' Khamenei's successor</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Reports circulating on media regarding potential candidates for leadership selected by Iran’s Assembly of Experts have no official source and are officially denied.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Iran?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Iran</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AssemblyOfExperts?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AssemblyOfExperts</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FactCheck?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FactCheck</a> <a href="https://t.co/g9b9znt8j8">pic.twitter.com/g9b9znt8j8</a>&mdash; Consulate General of the I.R. Iran in Mumbai (@IRANinMumbai) <a href="https://twitter.com/IRANinMumbai/status/2029075963708096547?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Mojtaba Khamenei to succeed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei?</h2>Earlier, media reports suggested that Mojtaba Khamenei had been selected to succeed his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. However, now the Iranian government, in an X post made via its Consulate General in Mumbai, rubbished the succession claims. It said that the "reports circulating on media regarding potential candidates for leadership selected by Iran's Assembly of Experts have no official source and are officially denied."&nbsp;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.

Has Iran already chosen its next supreme leader after Ali Khamenei was killed? Reports claimed Mojtaba Khamenei had been selected, but Tehran has now strongly denied it. 

Scroll down to read more.

Iran on Wednesday (Mar 4) rubbished reports that Mojtaba Khamenei has been named as the nation's Supreme Leader after his father Ayatollah Khamenei's assassination in joint United States-Israel strikes. Issuing a statement via the Consulate General in Mumbai, the Iranian Government on X dismissed media reports on the supposed succession. Also read | 'No matter where he hides': Katz threatens to 'assassinate' Khamenei's successor

Has Iran already chosen its next supreme leader after Ali Khamenei was killed? Reports claimed Mojtaba Khamenei had been selected, but Tehran has now strongly denied it.&nbsp;Scroll down to read more.

Iran denies Mojtaba Khamenei named supreme leader: Tehran slams 'fake' reports on succession

Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz on Wednesday (Mar 4) threatened to assassinate ant Iranian leader that may be picked to succeed supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in US-Israeli strikes on Tehran. Katz's threat comes amid reports that Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of former Iran Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has been selected to assume the leadership left vacant after Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's assassination.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-no-matter-where-he-hides-israeli-defence-minister-threatens-to-assassinate-any-successor-to-iran-s-khamenei-new-supreme-leader-mojtaba-khamenei-1772613368778">'No matter where he hides': Katz threatens to 'assassinate' Khamenei's successor</a><h2>What did Israel Katz say?</h2>In a post on X, the Israeli Defence Minister warned that any leader "appointed by the Iranian terror regime to continue and lead the plan to destroy Israel, to threaten the United States and the free world and the countries of the region, and to suppress the Iranian people" will be assassinated. He said that any potential leader will find themselves “an unequivocal target for elimination. It does not matter what his name is or the place where he hides.”&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-weighs-arming-militias-to-overthrow-iran-regime-wants-somebody-from-within-report-1772599622355">Is Trump betting on armed militia to end war, overthrow Iran regime? All we know</a>"The Prime Minister and I have instructed the IDF to prepare and act by all means to carry out the mission as an integral part of the objectives of Operation 'Lion's Roar',” he said.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">כל מנהיג שימונה ע&quot;י משטר הטרור האיראני כדי להמשיך ולהוביל את התוכנית להשמדת ישראל, לאיים על ארה&quot;ב והעולם החופשי ומדינות האזור, ולדכא את העם האירני - יהיה יעד חד משמעי לחיסול. לא חשוב מה שמו והמקום בו יסתתר. רה&quot;מ ואני הנחינו את צה&quot;ל להיערך ולפעול בכל האמצעים למימוש המשימה כחלק…&mdash; ישראל כ”ץ Israel Katz (@Israel_katz) <a href="https://twitter.com/Israel_katz/status/2029080566872580134?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Who will be Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's successor?</h2>According to an Iran International report, citing sources in the know, Iran's Assembly of Experts had elected the 56-year-old cleric to assume the leadership left vacant after Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's assassination. His succession, as per the report, was pushed by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. "The IRGC heavily pressured the assembled group of clerics to select Mojtaba as the regime’s new leader," the outlet reported. There has been no immediate confirmation from Iranian state authorities.56-year-old Mojtaba Khamenei is the second-eldest son of the late leader and has for years been viewed by observers as a potential successor, despite holding no formal public office. However, he is believed to have effectively managed much of the Office of the Supreme Leader.&nbsp;

Israel has issued a chilling warning after reports that Iran may soon name a new supreme leader. Defence Minister Israel Katz said any successor to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei would become a “certain target for assassination.”

Who is the likely successor? Scroll down to read more.

Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz on Wednesday (Mar 4) threatened to assassinate ant Iranian leader that may be picked to succeed supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in US-Israeli strikes on Tehran. Katz's threat comes amid reports that Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of former Iran Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has been selected to assume the leadership left vacant after Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's assassination. Also read | 'No matter where he hides': Katz threatens to 'assassinate' Khamenei's successor What did Israel Katz say? In a post on X, the Israeli Defence Minister warned that any leader "appointed by the Iranian terror regime to continue and lead the plan to destroy Israel, to threaten the United States and the free world and the countries of the region, and to suppress the Iranian people" will be assassinated. He said that any potential leader will find themselves “an unequivocal target for elimination. It does not matter what his name is or the place where he hides.” Also read | Is Trump betting on armed militia to end war, overthrow Iran regime? All we know "The Prime Minister and I have instructed the IDF to prepare and act by all means to carry out the mission as an integral part of the objectives of Operation 'Lion's Roar',” he said.

Israel has issued a chilling warning after reports that Iran may soon name a new supreme leader. Defence Minister Israel Katz said any successor to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei would become a “certain target for assassination.”Who is the likely successor? Scroll down to read more.

'No matter where he hides': Israeli Defence Minister threatens to 'assassinate' any successor to Iran's Khamenei

US President Donald Trump is considering whether to support armed groups inside Iran to overthrow Iran's ruling establishment, though no final decision has been made, suggest reports. This comes, as Iranian media reported that Iran's Assembly of Experts has elected Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of former Iran Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as the country's Supreme Leader.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-mojtaba-khamenei-iran-elects-new-supreme-leader-to-replace-ayatollah-ali-khamenei-1772587904561">Who is Mojtaba Khamenei? Iran elects new Supreme Leader to replace Ayatollah Ali Khamenei: Reports</a><h2>Trump to back militias against Iran?</h2>According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, Trump is considering whether to support armed groups seeking to overthrow Iran’s ruling establishment. Citing US officials, the report said the administration is weighing the possibility of providing assistance such as arms, training, or intelligence to anti-regime militias.For now, the idea remains under discussion within the White House. Officials stressed that the president has not signed off on any plan. The debate comes as Washington continues military operations against Tehran following recent strikes that targeted key figures in Iran’s leadership.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pentagon-identifies-four-soldiers-killed-in-kuwait-attack-all-we-know-about-them-cody-a-khork-noah-l-tietjens-nicole-m-amor-declan-j-coady-1772591385160">Pentagon identifies four soldiers killed in Kuwait attack: All we know</a><h2>Trump wants 'somebody from within'</h2>Trump has already spoken to "many regional partners," White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told the publication. However, as per the report, Trump is yet to decide on what type of help the US would provide. As per Axios, Trump has spoken to the leaders of Masoud Barzani and Bafel Talabani, the two main Kurdish factions in Iraq.&nbsp;Previously, speaking to reporters at the White House on Tuesday, Trump said he would prefer "somebody from within" to be Iran's next leader. However, he added that, "Most of the people we had in mind are dead," referring to senior Iranian figures killed during the recent escalation.<h2>The ‘Venezuela model’</h2>According to the report, behind closed doors, Trump has also floated what aides describe as the "Venezuela model." Under that approach, a successor from within the existing political structure could step in to maintain stability after the top leader is removed.

Will the US back militias to topple Iran’s regime? Reports say President Donald Trump is weighing support for armed groups inside Iran amid the reported rise of Mojtaba Khamenei. 

What options is Washington considering? Scroll down to read more. 

US President Donald Trump is considering whether to support armed groups inside Iran to overthrow Iran's ruling establishment, though no final decision has been made, suggest reports. This comes, as Iranian media reported that Iran's Assembly of Experts has elected Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of former Iran Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as the country's Supreme Leader. Also read | Who is Mojtaba Khamenei? Iran elects new Supreme Leader to replace Ayatollah Ali Khamenei: Reports Trump to back militias against Iran? According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, Trump is considering whether to support armed groups seeking to overthrow Iran’s ruling establishment. Citing US officials, the report said the administration is weighing the possibility of providing assistance such as arms, training, or intelligence to anti-regime militias. For now, the idea remains under discussion within the White House. Officials stressed that the president has not signed off on any plan. The debate comes as Washington continues military operations against Tehran following recent strikes that targeted key figures in Iran’s leadership. Also read | Pentagon identifies four soldiers killed in Kuwait attack: All we know Trump wants 'somebody from within' Trump has already spoken to "many regional partners," White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told the publication. However, as per the report, Trump is yet to decide on what type of help the US would provide. As per Axios, Trump has spoken to the leaders of Masoud Barzani and Bafel Talabani, the two main Kurdish factions in Iraq. Previously, speaking to reporters at the White House on Tuesday, Trump said he would prefer "somebody from within" to be Iran's next leader. However, he added that, "Most of the people we had in mind are dead," referring to senior Iranian figures killed during the recent escalation. The ‘Venezuela model’ According to the report, behind closed doors, Trump has also floated what aides describe as the "Venezuela model." Under that approach, a successor from within the existing political structure could step in to maintain stability after the top leader is removed.

Will the US back militias to topple Iran’s regime? Reports say President Donald Trump is weighing support for armed groups inside Iran amid the reported rise of Mojtaba Khamenei.&nbsp;What options is Washington considering? Scroll down to read more.&nbsp;

Trump’s 'Operation Epic Fury' targets Tehran: Is a US-backed militia the key to ending the Iran war?

The United States Department of Defense on Wednesday (Mar 4) identified four of the six US Army Reserve soldiers killed in a drone strike in Kuwait earlier this week, as the conflict between Washington, Tel Aviv and Tehran continues to escalate.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-mojtaba-khamenei-iran-elects-new-supreme-leader-to-replace-ayatollah-ali-khamenei-1772587904561">Who is Mojtaba Khamenei? Iran elects new Supreme Leader</a><h2>Who are the four US soldiers killed in Kuwait?</h2>According to a press release by the US Army Reserve, the four fallen soldiers are: Capt. Cody A. Khork, 35, Sgt. 1st Class Noah L. Tietjens, 42, Sgt. 1st Class Nicole M. Amor, 39, and Sgt. Declan J. Coady, 20.The four soldiers were killed on March 1 at a US military site in Port Shuaiba during an unmanned aircraft system attack. "All Soldiers were assigned to the 103rd Sustainment Command, Des Moines, Iowa," reads the statement, adding that the incident remains under investigation.Two other American service members who died during what US officials have called Operation Epic Fury have not yet been publicly identified.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">It is with heavy hearts that we announce the deaths of four U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers supporting Operation Epic Fury on March 1st. “We honor our fallen Heroes, who served fearlessly and selflessly in defense of our nation.” said Lt. Gen. Robert Harter, Chief of Army Reserve. <a href="https://t.co/r4zBm3hfyt">pic.twitter.com/r4zBm3hfyt</a>&mdash; U.S. Army Reserve (@USArmyReserve) <a href="https://twitter.com/USArmyReserve/status/2029010189928603974?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Capt. Cody A. Khork</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HCh9T_hXwAAPUKb?format=jpg&amp;name=900x900" alt="Capt. Cody Khork"></figure>According to the press release, Khork, a resident of Lakeland, Florida had served in uniform for more than a decade. He enlisted in the National Guard in 2009 and was commissioned as a Military Police Officer in the Army Reserve in 2014. He was deployed to Saudia Arabia in 2018, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, in 2021, and Poland in 2024.His awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Superior Unit Award, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korea Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Army Reserve Component Overseas Training Ribbon, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with 10 Year Device and “M” Device, and the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-drone-hits-near-us-consulate-in-dubai-no-injuries-reported-1772571823266">WATCH | Drone hits near US consulate in Dubai, no injuries reported</a><h2>Sgt. 1st Class Noah L. Tietjens</h2><img src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HCh9yEuXoAEAWED?format=jpg&amp;name=900x900" alt="Sgt 1st Class Noah Teitjans"> Noah L. Tietjens, a resident of Bellevue, Nebraska, joined the Army Reserve in 2006 as a wheeled vehicle mechanic. Over the years, he earned several honours, including the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, and the Armed Forces Reserve Medal With “M” Device.<h2>Sgt. 1st Class Nicole M. Amor</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HCh9jLzXoAAWQOY?format=jpg&amp;name=900x900" alt="Sgt 1st Class Nicole Amor"></figure>Sgt. 1st Class Nicole M. Amor, a resident of White Bear Lake, Minnesota, began her military in 2005 when she enlisted in the National Guard as an automated logistics specialist. A year later she transferred to the Army Reserve. She deployed to Kuwait and Iraq in 2019 and also received the Army Commendation Medal along with several other awards.Over the years, she earned several honours, including the Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, and the Armed Forces Reserve Medal with “M” Device.&nbsp;<h2>Sgt. Declan J. Coady</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HCh-BAKXwAApkyK?format=jpg&amp;name=900x900" alt="Sgt Declan Coady"></figure>Coady was the youngest among the four. He enlisted in the Army Reserve in 2023 as an information technology specialist. After his death, he was posthumously promoted from specialist. His decorations include the Army Service Ribbon, National Defense Service Ribbon and the Overseas Service Ribbon.

Who are the US soldiers killed in the Kuwait drone strike? The Pentagon has identified four Army Reserve troops who died in the attack as tensions with Iran escalate.

Who were they and where were they stationed? Scroll down to read more.

The United States Department of Defense on Wednesday (Mar 4) identified four of the six US Army Reserve soldiers killed in a drone strike in Kuwait earlier this week, as the conflict between Washington, Tel Aviv and Tehran continues to escalate. Also read | Who is Mojtaba Khamenei? Iran elects new Supreme Leader Who are the four US soldiers killed in Kuwait? According to a press release by the US Army Reserve, the four fallen soldiers are: Capt. Cody A. Khork, 35, Sgt. 1st Class Noah L. Tietjens, 42, Sgt. 1st Class Nicole M. Amor, 39, and Sgt. Declan J. Coady, 20. The four soldiers were killed on March 1 at a US military site in Port Shuaiba during an unmanned aircraft system attack. "All Soldiers were assigned to the 103rd Sustainment Command, Des Moines, Iowa," reads the statement, adding that the incident remains under investigation. Two other American service members who died during what US officials have called Operation Epic Fury have not yet been publicly identified.

Who are the US soldiers killed in the Kuwait drone strike? The Pentagon has identified four Army Reserve troops who died in the attack as tensions with Iran escalate.Who were they and where were they stationed? Scroll down to read more.

Pentagon identifies four soldiers killed in Kuwait attack: All we know about them

Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has reportedly been selected as the country's next top authority, according to reports. The claim has now been denied by the Iranian Consulate General in Mumbai. According to an Iran International report, citing sources in the know, Iran's Assembly of Experts had elected the 56-year-old cleric to assume the leadership left vacant after Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's assassination in joint United States-Israel strikes on Iran. Who is Mojtaba Khamenei? Here's all we know about him.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-iran-will-not-automatically-fall-after-khamenei-s-death-farah-pahlavi-1772554447794">'Iran will not 'automatically' fall after...': Farah Pahlavi's BIG statement</a><h2>Who is Mojtaba Khamenei?</h2>56-year-old Mojtaba Khamenei is the second-eldest son of the late leader and has for years been viewed by observers as a potential successor, despite holding no formal public office. However, he is believed to have effectively managed much of the Office of the Supreme Leader. Analysts often refer to him as a power broker operating out of sight.A mid-ranking cleric, Mojtaba, reportedly served during the Iran-Iraq war and is said to maintain close ties with the Guard. He has largely stayed out of the public eye, rarely giving speeches and seldom appearing in state media.&nbsp;According to Iran International, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps pushed for Mojtaba's succession. "The IRGC heavily pressured the assembled group of clerics to select Mojtaba as the regime’s new leader," the outlet reported. There has been no immediate confirmation from Iranian state authorities.<h2>A controversial succession</h2>A father-to-son handover would not be without controversy. Since the 1979 revolution, the Islamic Republic has framed itself as an alternative to monarchy, rejecting hereditary rule. A dynastic-style transition could test that claim and invite scrutiny, both inside Iran and abroad.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/did-the-us-israel-bomb-assembly-of-experts-building-where-iran-s-new-supreme-leader-is-selected-reports-claim-1772551975479">Did the US, Israel bomb the site where Iran's new Supreme Leader is selected?</a><h2>Who is the Supreme Leader? Why is the post important?</h2>The Supreme Leader stands at the centre of Iran's political system, with the final say on foreign policy, defence and key state matters. The Supreme Leader also serves as the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, including the Revolutionary Guard, which was designated a terrorist organisation by the United States in 2019. &nbsp;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.

Who is Mojtaba Khamenei? Reports say Mojtaba Khamenei, son of Ali Khamenei, has been chosen to succeed him as Iran’s next supreme leader. What do we know about the cleric and the controversy around a possible dynastic shift? 

Scroll down to read more.

Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has reportedly been selected as the country's next top authority, according to reports. The claim has now been denied by the Iranian Consulate General in Mumbai. According to an Iran International report, citing sources in the know, Iran's Assembly of Experts had elected the 56-year-old cleric to assume the leadership left vacant after Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's assassination in joint United States-Israel strikes on Iran. Who is Mojtaba Khamenei? Here's all we know about him. Also read | 'Iran will not 'automatically' fall after...': Farah Pahlavi's BIG statement Who is Mojtaba Khamenei? 56-year-old Mojtaba Khamenei is the second-eldest son of the late leader and has for years been viewed by observers as a potential successor, despite holding no formal public office. However, he is believed to have effectively managed much of the Office of the Supreme Leader. Analysts often refer to him as a power broker operating out of sight. A mid-ranking cleric, Mojtaba, reportedly served during the Iran-Iraq war and is said to maintain close ties with the Guard. He has largely stayed out of the public eye, rarely giving speeches and seldom appearing in state media. According to Iran International, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps pushed for Mojtaba's succession. "The IRGC heavily pressured the assembled group of clerics to select Mojtaba as the regime’s new leader," the outlet reported. There has been no immediate confirmation from Iranian state authorities. A controversial succession A father-to-son handover would not be without controversy. Since the 1979 revolution, the Islamic Republic has framed itself as an alternative to monarchy, rejecting hereditary rule. A dynastic-style transition could test that claim and invite scrutiny, both inside Iran and abroad. Also read | Did the US, Israel bomb the site where Iran's new Supreme Leader is selected? Who is the Supreme Leader? Why is the post important? The Supreme Leader stands at the centre of Iran's political system, with the final say on foreign policy, defence and key state matters. The Supreme Leader also serves as the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, including the Revolutionary Guard, which was designated a terrorist organisation by the United States in 2019. 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.

Who is Mojtaba Khamenei? Reports say Mojtaba Khamenei, son of Ali Khamenei, has been chosen to succeed him as Iran’s next supreme leader. What do we know about the cleric and the controversy around a possible dynastic shift?&nbsp;Scroll down to read more.

Who is Mojtaba Khamenei? Iran elects new Supreme Leader to replace Ayatollah Ali Khamenei: Report

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…

The global shipping industry is facing tens of billions of dollars in estimated costs and losses per day after just three days of regional conflict arising from the US-Israel attack on Iran and Tehran's retaliatory strikes on Gulf nations, coupled with disruptions at the Strait of Hormuz. Freight charges have surged given security risks, with some reports citing increases of up to $400,000 per day. The Strait of Hormuz handles roughly 20 per cent of global seaborne oil, approximately 20–21 million barrels per day before the conflict began. It also handles a similar share of LNG exports, primarily from Qatar.<h2>At least 750 ships hit by congestion</h2>As Iran effectively shut down the Strait of Hormuz, nearly 750 ships are reportedly impacted by congestion in and around the waterway,. Only a few tankers were transiting compared with the normal 130 per day, as ship traffic through the strait plunged by about 86 per cent. Hundreds of vessels are queued on either side.Some 100 container ships, representing about 10 per cent of the global container fleet, are caught in the backups and unable to transit normally because insurers have withdrawn war-risk coverage and carriers are avoiding the area.<h2>Maersk and other major carriers suspend operations</h2>Maersk, one of the world’s largest container carriers, suspended acceptance of new bookings on key routes in and out of the Middle East, including Gulf states like UAE and Oman, and has paused some operations to safeguard cargo and crews. Other major carriers such as MSC, CMA CGM, Hapag-Lloyd, and COSCO have also stopped transits through the Strait of Hormuz or rerouted services to avoid the affected waters.<h2>From freight rates to war-risk premiums, shipping costs shoot through the roof</h2>Freight rates for oil tankers have surged to record highs, reportedly up to $400,000 per day in the case of Very Large Crude Carriers or VLCCs transporting crude from the Middle East to China due to route disruptions and elevated risk. LNG tanker rates have surged more than 40 per cent, with some routes reaching $41,000–$61,500 per day according to reports.Shipping companies have introduced emergency conflict surcharges of up to $4,000 per container to offset added risks and expenses. War-risk insurance premiums have risen sharply or been cancelled entirely for vessels in the region, forcing carriers to either pay much higher insurance or avoid the strait altogether.<h2>Ripple effect: A sharp rise in oil and gas prices</h2>The fuel transit disruption, along with Iran’s attacks on oil and gas facilities in producer nations like Qatar and Saudi Arabia, has contributed to sharply rising oil and gas prices, which in turn increase operating costs for ships worldwide. Brent crude futures spiked nearly 10–13 per cent in direct response to the conflict, trading nearly $77–$85 per barrel, with fears of $100 or even $200 per barrel in prolonged disruption scenarios.Indirect costs include higher freight rates, insurance surcharges, longer detour routes, and idle vessels, potentially amounting to tens of billions of dollars.&nbsp;All these factors point to mounting economic stress across the shipping and freight industry.More than 150 oil and LNG tankers and other vessels are currently stranded or forced to anchor outside the strait due to the escalating conflict and safety concerns. Idling loaded LNG vessels also incur significant boil-off losses, which could be up to 100 tonnes per day per large vessel, impacting fuel and cargo value.<h2>Longer routes bleed the shipping industry</h2>There is a de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz despite no official full blockade by Iran. Direct attacks on vessels, threats to close the strait, and GPS jamming have led to the rerouting of vessels, often around the Cape of Good Hope, or anchoring in safer waters. These developments have contributed to a near-total halt in commercial traffic, with tanker and bulk traffic dropping by 80 per cent or more.<h2>A dire prognosis: Strait of Hormuz could be disrupted for weeks. Another oil shock in the making?</h2>Analysts warn that if the strait remains disrupted for weeks, costs to global goods and energy markets could grow larger. Some estimates suggest global oil supply disruptions equivalent to 20 per cent of daily world consumption. A one-day full blockade of Hormuz could spike potentially double the oil prices in extreme scenarios, translating to billions in daily global economic costs. Clearly, the clock is ticking as stranded ships, surcharges, higher insurance and rate spikes are leading to mouting costs &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;&nbsp;

Global shipping costs have gone up since the US-Israel attacks on Iran, its retaliatory strikes on Gulf nations and the Strait of Hormuz disruptions. Maersk and other carriers suspended operations, freight rates are soaring, war-risk insurance spiking, and vessels stranded.

The global shipping industry is facing tens of billions of dollars in estimated costs and losses per day after just three days of regional conflict arising from the US-Israel attack on Iran and Tehran's retaliatory strikes on Gulf nations, coupled with disruptions at the Strait of Hormuz. Freight charges have surged given security risks, with some reports citing increases of up to $400,000 per day. The Strait of Hormuz handles roughly 20 per cent of global seaborne oil, approximately 20–21 million barrels per day before the conflict began. It also handles a similar share of LNG exports, primarily from Qatar. At least 750 ships hit by congestion As Iran effectively shut down the Strait of Hormuz, nearly 750 ships are reportedly impacted by congestion in and around the waterway,. Only a few tankers were transiting compared with the normal 130 per day, as ship traffic through the strait plunged by about 86 per cent. Hundreds of vessels are queued on either side. Some 100 container ships, representing about 10 per cent of the global container fleet, are caught in the backups and unable to transit normally because insurers have withdrawn war-risk coverage and carriers are avoiding the area. Maersk and other major carriers suspend operations Maersk, one of the world’s largest container carriers, suspended acceptance of new bookings on key routes in and out of the Middle East, including Gulf states like UAE and Oman, and has paused some operations to safeguard cargo and crews. Other major carriers such as MSC, CMA CGM, Hapag-Lloyd, and COSCO have also stopped transits through the Strait of Hormuz or rerouted services to avoid the affected waters. From freight rates to war-risk premiums, shipping costs shoot through the roof Freight rates for oil tankers have surged to record highs, reportedly up to $400,000 per day in the case of Very Large Crude Carriers or VLCCs transporting crude from the Middle East to China due to route disruptions and elevated risk. LNG tanker rates have surged more than 40 per cent, with some routes reaching $41,000–$61,500 per day according to reports. Shipping companies have introduced emergency conflict surcharges of up to $4,000 per container to offset added risks and expenses. War-risk insurance premiums have risen sharply or been cancelled entirely for vessels in the region, forcing carriers to either pay much higher insurance or avoid the strait altogether. Ripple effect: A sharp rise in oil and gas prices The fuel transit disruption, along with Iran’s attacks on oil and gas facilities in producer nations like Qatar and Saudi Arabia, has contributed to sharply rising oil and gas prices, which in turn increase operating costs for ships worldwide. Brent crude futures spiked nearly 10–13 per cent in direct response to the conflict, trading nearly $77–$85 per barrel, with fears of $100 or even $200 per barrel in prolonged disruption scenarios. Indirect costs include higher freight rates, insurance surcharges, longer detour routes, and idle vessels, potentially amounting to tens of billions of dollars. All these factors point to mounting economic stress across the shipping and freight industry. More than 150 oil and LNG tankers and other vessels are currently stranded or forced to anchor outside the strait due to the escalating conflict and safety concerns. Idling loaded LNG vessels also incur significant boil-off losses, which could be up to 100 tonnes per day per large vessel, impacting fuel and cargo value. Longer routes bleed the shipping industry There is a de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz despite no official full blockade by Iran. Direct attacks on vessels, threats to close the strait, and GPS jamming have led to the rerouting of vessels, often around the Cape of Good Hope, or anchoring in safer waters. These developments have contributed to a near-total halt in commercial traffic, with tanker and bulk traffic dropping by 80 per cent or more. A dire prognosis: Strait of Hormuz could be disrupted for weeks. Another oil shock in the making? Analysts warn that if the strait remains disrupted for weeks, costs to global goods and energy markets could grow larger. Some estimates suggest global oil supply disruptions equivalent to 20 per cent of daily world consumption. A one-day full blockade of Hormuz could spike potentially double the oil prices in extreme scenarios, translating to billions in daily global economic costs. Clearly, the clock is ticking as stranded ships, surcharges, higher insurance and rate spikes are leading to mouting costs 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.

Global shipping costs have gone up since the US-Israel attacks on Iran, its retaliatory strikes on Gulf nations and the Strait of Hormuz disruptions. Maersk and other carriers suspended operations, freight rates are soaring, war-risk insurance spiking, and vessels stranded.&nbsp;

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