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As West Asia is embroiled in conflict, US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth reiterated that Iran should give up its nuclear mission. Referencing Donald trump’s vision after in conclusive nuclear deal negotiations between US and Iran mediated by Oman in Geneva, he said “Iran has ability to project power against us and our allies in ways that we can't, we can't tolerate.” During those February rounds, the U.S. demanded a total cessation of uranium enrichment, a demand Ali Khamenei rejected, asserting that “nuclear energy is our undeniable right.”&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-iran-war-new-waves-of-attacks-devastates-key-us-base-in-bahrain-1772589570933/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-iran-war-new-waves-of-attacks-devastates-key-us-base-in-bahrain-1772589570933/embed</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;This isn’t America’s first attack on Iran, in June 2025, US B-2 bombers struck Iranian nuclear facilities viz. Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan during Operation Midnight Hammer. Following that mission, President Trump stated that the sites used for creating nuclear weapons had been “obliterated.” Addressing the current 2026 operations, Hegseth continued: “Ultimately, their nuclear ambitions, which never ceased, must be addressed. We are ensuring they can no longer use a conventional shield of missiles and drones to provide an umbrella for their nuclear pursuits.”&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/traffic-camera-tracking-led-to-khamenei-s-assassination-reveals-israeli-intelligence-officer-1772558494210">Traffic camera tracking led to Khamenei's assassination, reveals Israeli intelligence officer</a>&nbsp;He added, “And ultimately, though this tying it back to Midnight Hammer, the president has been willing to make a deal. You can't have a nuclear bomb. Radical Islamists can't have a nuclear bomb that they wield against the world. He gave them every single opportunity. Then we precisely took it away. And even then after that, they didn't have that; they didn't come to the table with a willingness to give it away.”

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth warns Iran to end its nuclear mission as Operation Epic Fury intensifies. Reviewing the 2025 B-2 strikes and the failed 2026 Geneva talks, the US vows to dismantle Iran's "conventional shield."

As West Asia is embroiled in conflict, US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth reiterated that Iran should give up its nuclear mission. Referencing Donald trump’s vision after in conclusive nuclear deal negotiations between US and Iran mediated by Oman in Geneva, he said “Iran has ability to project power against us and our allies in ways that we can't, we can't tolerate.” During those February rounds, the U.S. demanded a total cessation of uranium enrichment, a demand Ali Khamenei rejected, asserting that “nuclear energy is our undeniable right.” https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-iran-war-new-waves-of-attacks-devastates-key-us-base-in-bahrain-1772589570933/embed This isn’t America’s first attack on Iran, in June 2025, US B-2 bombers struck Iranian nuclear facilities viz. Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan during Operation Midnight Hammer. Following that mission, President Trump stated that the sites used for creating nuclear weapons had been “obliterated.” Addressing the current 2026 operations, Hegseth continued: “Ultimately, their nuclear ambitions, which never ceased, must be addressed. We are ensuring they can no longer use a conventional shield of missiles and drones to provide an umbrella for their nuclear pursuits.” Also read: Traffic camera tracking led to Khamenei's assassination, reveals Israeli intelligence officer He added, “And ultimately, though this tying it back to Midnight Hammer, the president has been willing to make a deal. You can't have a nuclear bomb. Radical Islamists can't have a nuclear bomb that they wield against the world. He gave them every single opportunity. Then we precisely took it away. And even then after that, they didn't have that; they didn't come to the table with a willingness to give it away.”

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth warns Iran to end its nuclear mission as Operation Epic Fury intensifies. Reviewing the 2025 B-2 strikes and the failed 2026 Geneva talks, the US vows to dismantle Iran's "conventional shield."

'Can't have a nuclear bomb to wield against the world': Pete Hegseth issues sharp warning to Iran

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

The Israeli military on Tuesday (March 3) said that it carried out a strike on what it described as an underground nuclear facility in Iran, alleging the site was being used for secret weapons-related development. According to the Israeli military, the target was located on the eastern outskirts of Tehran. Officials said intelligence services had tracked the movements of nuclear scientists operating at the location.&nbsp;"IDF intelligence continued to follow the scientists' activities and located their new location at this site in a manner that enabled a precise strike on the covert underground compound," the military said, while displaying a map identifying the facility. "In the site, a group of nuclear scientists operated covertly to develop a key component for nuclear weapons," it said, adding the scientists had been working at the underground location, identified as "Minzadehei," after Israel struck several Iranian nuclear sites during the previous war in June. The Israeli military did not immediately provide additional details regarding the extent of the damage or possible casualties.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-free-flow-of-energy-to-the-world-trump-orders-navy-escort-for-oil-tankers-in-strait-of-hormuz-1772572518751">'Free flow of energy to the world': Trump orders navy escort for oil tankers in Strait of Hormuz</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">🎯 NUCLEAR WEAPONS DEVELOPMENT SITE STRUCK The covert ‘Minzadehei’ compound was used by a group of nuclear scientists who operated to develop a key component for nuclear weapons. Using intelligence, the IDF tracked the activities at this new location, removing a key component… <a href="https://t.co/xwXQud49gN">pic.twitter.com/xwXQud49gN</a>&mdash; Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) <a href="https://twitter.com/IDF/status/2028906946783580421?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Dismantled around 300 Iranian missile launchers since Saturday: Israel Army</h2>The Israeli military said that its strikes had disabled around 300 missile launchers in Iran since the US and Israel conducted a joint attack on Iran. "Since the start of Operation 'Roaring Lion', the Israeli Air Force has dismantled approximately 300 Iranian missile launchers. This is the result of more than 1,600 sorties and a systematic, around-the-clock effort to locate and target launchers and missile stockpiles in order to reduce fire toward the Israeli home front," the army said in a statement.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-lebanon-war-israel-vows-to-expand-lebanon-strikes-after-hezbollah-fire-1772572461995/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-lebanon-war-israel-vows-to-expand-lebanon-strikes-after-hezbollah-fire-1772572461995/embed</a>&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.

'Struck ‘covert underground’ nuclear site in Iran used for secret weapons-development', says Israel

The Israeli military on Tuesday (March 3) said that it carried out a strike on what it described as an underground nuclear facility in Iran, alleging the site was being used for secret weapons-related development. According to the Israeli military, the target was located on the eastern outskirts of Tehran. Officials said intelligence services had tracked the movements of nuclear scientists operating at the location. "IDF intelligence continued to follow the scientists' activities and located their new location at this site in a manner that enabled a precise strike on the covert underground compound," the military said, while displaying a map identifying the facility. "In the site, a group of nuclear scientists operated covertly to develop a key component for nuclear weapons," it said, adding the scientists had been working at the underground location, identified as "Minzadehei," after Israel struck several Iranian nuclear sites during the previous war in June. The Israeli military did not immediately provide additional details regarding the extent of the damage or possible casualties. Also Read: 'Free flow of energy to the world': Trump orders navy escort for oil tankers in Strait of Hormuz

Israel says it struck a covert underground nuclear site near Tehran, alleging scientists were developing a key weapons component

President Donald Trump announced that he has directed the United States International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) to provide political risk insurance and financial guarantees for ships traveling through the Gulf, as tensions escalate around the Strait of Hormuz. In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote, “Effective IMMEDIATELY, I have ordered the United States Development Finance Corporation (DFC) to provide, at a very reasonable price, political risk insurance and guarantees for the Financial Security of ALL Maritime Trade, especially Energy, traveling through the Gulf. This will be available to all Shipping Lines.” He added, "If necessary, the United States Navy will begin escorting tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, as soon as possible. No matter what, the United States will ensure the FREE FLOW of ENERGY to the WORLD. The United States’ ECONOMIC and MILITARY MIGHT is the GREATEST ON EARTH, More actions to come."&nbsp;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>

The announcement follows threats from Iran to target vessels passing through the strategic waterway. Several tankers have already reported attacks in the region. Maritime insurers including Skuld, Steamship Mutual, and North Standard have notified clients that they are ending coverage for war-related risks in nearby waters, leaving ship operators exposed to potential losses.&nbsp;Tom Kloza, an independent oil analyst who advises Gulf Oil, told CNN: “I don’t think Iran can shut down the Strait of Hormuz, but insurance companies and vessel operators can.” Trump’s initiative is designed to fill the insurance gap, offering financial protection to vessels that have lost commercial coverage.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-lebanon-war-israel-vows-to-expand-lebanon-strikes-after-hezbollah-fire-1772572461995/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-lebanon-war-israel-vows-to-expand-lebanon-strikes-after-hezbollah-fire-1772572461995/embed</a>&nbsp;Shipping traffic has already declined sharply. Data from S&amp;P Global Commodities at Sea shared with CNN shows only two oil and chemical tankers transited the strait on Monday, compared with a typical daily average of around 60 vessels. The corridor normally carries about 20% of global oil flows.&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.

'Free flow of energy to the world': Trump orders navy escort for oil tankers in Strait of Hormuz

President Donald Trump announced that he has directed the United States International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) to provide political risk insurance and financial guarantees for ships traveling through the Gulf, as tensions escalate around the Strait of Hormuz. In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote, “Effective IMMEDIATELY, I have ordered the United States Development Finance Corporation (DFC) to provide, at a very reasonable price, political risk insurance and guarantees for the Financial Security of ALL Maritime Trade, especially Energy, traveling through the Gulf. This will be available to all Shipping Lines.” He added, "If necessary, the United States Navy will begin escorting tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, as soon as possible. No matter what, the United States will ensure the FREE FLOW of ENERGY to the WORLD. The United States’ ECONOMIC and MILITARY MIGHT is the GREATEST ON EARTH, More actions to come." Also Read: WATCH | Drone hits near US consulate in Dubai, no injuries reported

US President Donald Trump orders DFC insurance for Gulf shipping and signals possible US Navy tanker escorts amid Iran threats in Strait of Hormuz

Marco Rubio confirmed on Tuesday that a drone struck near the US Consulate in Dubai, adding that all American personnel are safe and accounted for. The confirmation followed an official statement saying a drone-related incident triggered a fire close to the diplomatic mission. In a post on X, the Dubai Media Office said authorities had successfully contained the blaze resulting from the incident near the US Consulate.&nbsp;Residents living nearby told Agence France-Presse (AFP) that they heard a loud explosion. One witness reported seeing flames near the consulate shortly afterward. Police in plain clothes sealed off surrounding streets and asked bystanders to leave the area. Emergency response teams were dispatched immediately, and officials said no injuries were reported.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-once-warned-against-war-with-iran-now-he-s-leading-one-1772568494664">Trump once warned against war with Iran, now he’s leading one</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">WATCH: The moment of Iranian kamikaze drone attack on U.S. Consulate in Dubai. <a href="https://t.co/QrULsd95xR">https://t.co/QrULsd95xR</a> <a href="https://t.co/49JgzIu9jc">pic.twitter.com/49JgzIu9jc</a>&mdash; Clash Report (@clashreport) <a href="https://twitter.com/clashreport/status/2028923245143974373?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The Dubai incident occurred amid escalating regional tensions, with Gulf cities facing attacks since Saturday following intensified US-Israeli strikes on Iran and retaliatory actions. Earlier on Tuesday, Saudi Arabia’s defense ministry reported that two drones caused a minor fire at the Embassy of the United States, Riyadh. A day earlier, the U.S. Embassy in Kuwait City was also reportedly targeted by drones.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-israel-at-war-with-iran-how-mossad-s-camera-hack-crippled-tehran-s-security-1772571564355/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-israel-at-war-with-iran-how-mossad-s-camera-hack-crippled-tehran-s-security-1772571564355/embed</a>&nbsp;Videos circulating on social media appear to show the moment of impact and smoke rising near the consulate, though the footage has not been independently verified. Earlier in the day, residents reported hearing fighter jets over Dubai, heightening tensions in the region.&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.

WATCH | Drone hits near US consulate in Dubai, no injuries reported

Marco Rubio confirmed on Tuesday that a drone struck near the US Consulate in Dubai, adding that all American personnel are safe and accounted for. The confirmation followed an official statement saying a drone-related incident triggered a fire close to the diplomatic mission. In a post on X, the Dubai Media Office said authorities had successfully contained the blaze resulting from the incident near the US Consulate. Residents living nearby told Agence France-Presse (AFP) that they heard a loud explosion. One witness reported seeing flames near the consulate shortly afterward. Police in plain clothes sealed off surrounding streets and asked bystanders to leave the area. Emergency response teams were dispatched immediately, and officials said no injuries were reported. Also Read: Trump once warned against war with Iran, now he’s leading one

Drone struck near US Consulate in Dubai; fire contained, no injuries reported, amid rising Gulf tensions and regional drone attacks

As American forces press ahead with bombing missions inside Iran, US President Donald Trump finds himself directing a conflict that contrasts sharply with years of his own public warnings about US intervention abroad. Long before entering the White House, Trump repeatedly accused then-President Barack Obama of preparing to ignite a confrontation with Tehran for political advantage. He argued that such a move would needlessly cost American lives and serve electoral interests rather than national security. In January 2012, speaking on Sean Hannity’s radio program, Trump said of Obama: “I say that he starts a war in Iran before the election, which will make it very hard for the Republican to win. He’ll start a war, you know, lives will be wasted for no reason.”&nbsp;Hannity responded at the time by calling the idea of bombing Iran “the most chilling abuse of power, is what you’re describing, in American history.” “Yeah, I think it’s going to happen,” Trump replied. “There’ll be some kind of a war started. Instead of working it out, which you can do very easily. And not from weakness, hey look, you know, it’s called be a tough negotiator. You have a lot of strength. But you know, rather than doing that, I predict that he will start some kind of a war/skirmish or conflict.”&nbsp;There was no public evidence then that the Obama administration was planning military action against Iran, and no such war took place during his presidency. Still, Trump returned to the claim throughout 2011 and 2012. In April 2012, he told Fox host Jeannine Pirro: “I think that he would do it. I do believe he will do it, whether he does it under the guise of Israel or not, but I do believe he would do it.”&nbsp;In a 2011 video blog later deleted, Trump declared: “Our president will start a war with Iran because he has absolutely no ability to negotiate. He’s weak, and he’s ineffective. So the only way he figures that he’s going to get reelected, as sure as you’re sitting there, is to start a war with Iran.” Speaking on “The Laura Ingraham Show” in April 2012, he again predicted conflict: “I happen to think that the president is going to start a war with Iran. I think it’ll be a short-term popular thing to do. And I think he’s going to do that for political reasons.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gulf-countries-could-exhaust-air-defences-within-days-amid-relentless-iranian-missile-barrage-1772566477387">Gulf countries could exhaust air defences within days amid relentless Iranian missile barrage</a>&nbsp;More than a decade later, Trump is presiding over an expanding military campaign against Iran, the most significant foreign conflict of his presidency. The administration has confirmed that at least six US service members have been killed and others seriously wounded. In a recent address, Trump acknowledged the losses and warned that further casualties are possible as operations continue. The development also highlights past positions taken by several of Trump’s top national security officials.&nbsp;During the 2024 campaign, Vice President J.D. Vance downplayed concerns about Trump’s rhetoric, saying, “Mean tweets and world peace has a pretty nice ring to it.” In an October 2024 interview with comedian Tim Dillon, Vance warned against a war with Tehran: “Our interest I think very much is in not going to war with Iran. It would be a huge distraction of resources it would be massively expensive to our country.”&nbsp;“I don’t want America to be the policeman of the world,” he added. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard similarly built her political profile around opposition to interventionist wars. As a Democratic candidate for Congress in 2018, she said, “Every dollar spent on interventionist regime-change wars is a dollar not spent on education, health care, infrastructure and a myriad of other needs so desperately needed right here at home.”&nbsp;In 2019, she said on Fox News, “Currently, Iran does not pose a direct threat to the United States.” After the 2020 killing of Iranian Gen. Qasem Soleimani, Gabbard warned of severe consequences, writing: “War with Iran would make Iraq/Afghanistan wars seem like a picnic. #StandWIthTulsi #NoWarWithIran.” She added at the time: “It will be far more costly in lives, American lives, and American taxpayer dollars.”&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-hezbollah-war-israel-says-it-will-continue-to-attack-hezbollah-in-lebanon-1772568879651/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-hezbollah-war-israel-says-it-will-continue-to-attack-hezbollah-in-lebanon-1772568879651/embed</a>&nbsp;Joe Kent, now serving as National Counterterrorism Center Director, also entered politics criticizing what he called “endless wars” and the influence of the “military industrial complex.” In a 2021 radio interview, he said, “Let’s not start a new war with Iran.” The White House maintains that the current campaign is necessary to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon and to counter what officials describe as a direct and imminent threat to American forces in the Middle East. Administration spokespeople argue that previous presidents spoke about confronting Tehran but lacked the resolve to act.&nbsp;For Trump, however, the widening conflict presents a stark contrast with the message that propelled his rise: that American strength should be measured not by new wars abroad, but by avoiding them.

Trump once warned against war with Iran, now he’s leading one

As American forces press ahead with bombing missions inside Iran, US President Donald Trump finds himself directing a conflict that contrasts sharply with years of his own public warnings about US intervention abroad. Long before entering the White House, Trump repeatedly accused then-President Barack Obama of preparing to ignite a confrontation with Tehran for political advantage. He argued that such a move would needlessly cost American lives and serve electoral interests rather than national security. In January 2012, speaking on Sean Hannity’s radio program, Trump said of Obama: “I say that he starts a war in Iran before the election, which will make it very hard for the Republican to win. He’ll start a war, you know, lives will be wasted for no reason.” Hannity responded at the time by calling the idea of bombing Iran “the most chilling abuse of power, is what you’re describing, in American history.” “Yeah, I think it’s going to happen,” Trump replied. “There’ll be some kind of a war started. Instead of working it out, which you can do very easily. And not from weakness, hey look, you know, it’s called be a tough negotiator. You have a lot of strength. But you know, rather than doing that, I predict that he will start some kind of a war/skirmish or conflict.” There was no public evidence then that the Obama administration was planning military action against Iran, and no such war took place during his presidency. Still, Trump returned to the claim throughout 2011 and 2012. In April 2012, he told Fox host Jeannine Pirro: “I think that he would do it. I do believe he will do it, whether he does it under the guise of Israel or not, but I do believe he would do it.” In a 2011 video blog later deleted, Trump declared: “Our president will start a war with Iran because he has absolutely no ability to negotiate. He’s weak, and he’s ineffective. So the only way he figures that he’s going to get reelected, as sure as you’re sitting there, is to start a war with Iran.” Speaking on “The Laura Ingraham Show” in April 2012, he again predicted conflict: “I happen to think that the president is going to start a war with Iran. I think it’ll be a short-term popular thing to do. And I think he’s going to do that for political reasons.” Also Read: Gulf countries could exhaust air defences within days amid relentless Iranian missile barrage More than a decade later, Trump is presiding over an expanding military campaign against Iran, the most significant foreign conflict of his presidency. The administration has confirmed that at least six US service members have been killed and others seriously wounded. In a recent address, Trump acknowledged the losses and warned that further casualties are possible as operations continue. The development also highlights past positions taken by several of Trump’s top national security officials. During the 2024 campaign, Vice President J.D. Vance downplayed concerns about Trump’s rhetoric, saying, “Mean tweets and world peace has a pretty nice ring to it.” In an October 2024 interview with comedian Tim Dillon, Vance warned against a war with Tehran: “Our interest I think very much is in not going to war with Iran. It would be a huge distraction of resources it would be massively expensive to our country.” “I don’t want America to be the policeman of the world,” he added. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard similarly built her political profile around opposition to interventionist wars. As a Democratic candidate for Congress in 2018, she said, “Every dollar spent on interventionist regime-change wars is a dollar not spent on education, health care, infrastructure and a myriad of other needs so desperately needed right here at home.” In 2019, she said on Fox News, “Currently, Iran does not pose a direct threat to the United States.” After the 2020 killing of Iranian Gen. Qasem Soleimani, Gabbard warned of severe consequences, writing: “War with Iran would make Iraq/Afghanistan wars seem like a picnic. #StandWIthTulsi #NoWarWithIran.” She added at the time: “It will be far more costly in lives, American lives, and American taxpayer dollars.” https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-hezbollah-war-israel-says-it-will-continue-to-attack-hezbollah-in-lebanon-1772568879651/embed Joe Kent, now serving as National Counterterrorism Center Director, also entered politics criticizing what he called “endless wars” and the influence of the “military industrial complex.” In a 2021 radio interview, he said, “Let’s not start a new war with Iran.” The White House maintains that the current campaign is necessary to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon and to counter what officials describe as a direct and imminent threat to American forces in the Middle East. Administration spokespeople argue that previous presidents spoke about confronting Tehran but lacked the resolve to act. For Trump, however, the widening conflict presents a stark contrast with the message that propelled his rise: that American strength should be measured not by new wars abroad, but by avoiding them.

Trump’s Iran offensive clashes with years of anti-war rhetoric from him and key aides, testing the core promise to avoid foreign conflicts

Gulf nations could run dangerously low on air defence interceptors within days if Iran maintains its current pace of missile and drone attacks, defence experts have warned. Tehran has launched widespread strikes across the Middle East, firing hundreds of ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and kamikaze drones following attacks by the United States and Israel. While many incoming threats have been intercepted using advanced American-made systems, the sustained defence effort is rapidly depleting costly munitions stockpiles in Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates.&nbsp;Fabian Hoffmann, a missile specialist at the University of Oslo, told The Wall Street Journal that the current rate of interceptor use is unsustainable. “The intensity of interceptor usage that we have seen over the last couple of days can’t be maintained for more than another week, probably a couple of days at most,” he said, warning that shortages could soon be felt. By Monday evening, the United Arab Emirates reported it had faced 174 ballistic missiles, eight cruise missiles and 689 drones over a three-day period. Officials said none of the missiles and 44 drones had struck their targets. Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar have also endured heavy bombardment, with Bahrain alone confronting around 70 incoming ballistic missiles. Iranian drones have struck the US embassy in Kuwait and Qatar’s primary liquefied natural gas facility.&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>&nbsp;Despite deploying sophisticated systems such as the Patriot missile defence platform and the THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defence) system, intercepting ballistic missiles often requires two or three interceptors per incoming threat, dramatically accelerating stockpile depletion. Gulf nations have also used Patriot systems to counter Iran’s cheaper Shahed drones, adding further strain. Iran is believed to possess more than 2,000 missiles capable of reaching Gulf targets. Although US and Israeli forces have reportedly destroyed dozens of launchers in an effort to limit Tehran’s operational capacity, intelligence officials say Iran retains substantial reserves.&nbsp;Exact interceptor stockpile numbers remain classified. However, analysts estimate the UAE may hold fewer than 1,000 interceptors, while Kuwait and Bahrain may possess roughly 500 and 100 respectively. The escalation has also raised questions about American munitions reserves. President Donald Trump has asserted that US supplies are strong, describing them as “virtually unlimited” on social media, though he acknowledged certain high-end weapons inventories are below desired levels.&nbsp;Reports from South Korean media suggest Washington is considering redeploying air defence systems originally positioned to counter China in East Asia to the Middle East. Assets that could be moved include Patriot and THAAD batteries, along with surveillance platforms such as MQ-9 Reaper drones based at Gunsan Air Base. A prolonged Gulf conflict may also affect Ukraine’s access to Western air defence systems. President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that sustained military operations in the Middle East could influence global weapons supply chains. Although the US has significantly reduced direct military aid to Kyiv since Trump returned to office, weapons sales financed by European allies continue.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-war-us-consulate-in-erbil-has-been-attacked-by-multiple-drone-waves-1772567066288/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-war-us-consulate-in-erbil-has-been-attacked-by-multiple-drone-waves-1772567066288/embed</a>&nbsp;Zelensky said he discussed military assistance with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz ahead of Merz’s planned meeting with Trump in Washington. Meanwhile, security concerns have extended beyond the Gulf. A drone strike targeted RAF Akrotiri, the British airbase in Cyprus, on Sunday. All six Royal Navy Type 45 destroyers, which specialise in air defence, are currently in UK waters. France is reportedly considering sending additional air defence assets to Cyprus in response. Defence analysts warn that if the conflict intensifies or drags on, the strain on regional and Western air defence networks could deepen significantly.

Gulf countries could exhaust air defences within days amid relentless Iranian missile barrage

Gulf nations could run dangerously low on air defence interceptors within days if Iran maintains its current pace of missile and drone attacks, defence experts have warned. Tehran has launched widespread strikes across the Middle East, firing hundreds of ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and kamikaze drones following attacks by the United States and Israel. While many incoming threats have been intercepted using advanced American-made systems, the sustained defence effort is rapidly depleting costly munitions stockpiles in Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates. Fabian Hoffmann, a missile specialist at the University of Oslo, told The Wall Street Journal that the current rate of interceptor use is unsustainable. “The intensity of interceptor usage that we have seen over the last couple of days can’t be maintained for more than another week, probably a couple of days at most,” he said, warning that shortages could soon be felt. By Monday evening, the United Arab Emirates reported it had faced 174 ballistic missiles, eight cruise missiles and 689 drones over a three-day period. Officials said none of the missiles and 44 drones had struck their targets. Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar have also endured heavy bombardment, with Bahrain alone confronting around 70 incoming ballistic missiles. Iranian drones have struck the US embassy in Kuwait and Qatar’s primary liquefied natural gas facility. Also Read: 'EVERYTHING HAS BEEN KNOCKED OUT IN IRAN': Donald Trump Despite deploying sophisticated systems such as the Patriot missile defence platform and the THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defence) system, intercepting ballistic missiles often requires two or three interceptors per incoming threat, dramatically accelerating stockpile depletion. Gulf nations have also used Patriot systems to counter Iran’s cheaper Shahed drones, adding further strain. Iran is believed to possess more than 2,000 missiles capable of reaching Gulf targets. Although US and Israeli forces have reportedly destroyed dozens of launchers in an effort to limit Tehran’s operational capacity, intelligence officials say Iran retains substantial reserves. Exact interceptor stockpile numbers remain classified. However, analysts estimate the UAE may hold fewer than 1,000 interceptors, while Kuwait and Bahrain may possess roughly 500 and 100 respectively. The escalation has also raised questions about American munitions reserves. President Donald Trump has asserted that US supplies are strong, describing them as “virtually unlimited” on social media, though he acknowledged certain high-end weapons inventories are below desired levels. Reports from South Korean media suggest Washington is considering redeploying air defence systems originally positioned to counter China in East Asia to the Middle East. Assets that could be moved include Patriot and THAAD batteries, along with surveillance platforms such as MQ-9 Reaper drones based at Gunsan Air Base. A prolonged Gulf conflict may also affect Ukraine’s access to Western air defence systems. President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that sustained military operations in the Middle East could influence global weapons supply chains. Although the US has significantly reduced direct military aid to Kyiv since Trump returned to office, weapons sales financed by European allies continue. https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-war-us-consulate-in-erbil-has-been-attacked-by-multiple-drone-waves-1772567066288/embed Zelensky said he discussed military assistance with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz ahead of Merz’s planned meeting with Trump in Washington. Meanwhile, security concerns have extended beyond the Gulf. A drone strike targeted RAF Akrotiri, the British airbase in Cyprus, on Sunday. All six Royal Navy Type 45 destroyers, which specialise in air defence, are currently in UK waters. France is reportedly considering sending additional air defence assets to Cyprus in response. Defence analysts warn that if the conflict intensifies or drags on, the strain on regional and Western air defence networks could deepen significantly.

Experts warn Gulf air defences could run low within days as Iran’s missile and drone barrage strains costly US-made interceptor stockpiles

Iran’s Ali Khamenei was killed as US and Israel launched strikes on Tehran. In the latest report it has surfaced that the traffic cameras in the capital were tracked to trace the movement of bodyguards of the supreme leader, details of which were reported by the news outlet Financial Times. In a major intelligence coup, the Mossad hijacked Iran’s domestic surveillance apparatus to dismantle the regime's security from within. By leveraging a compromised camera that overlooked the parking zone for Khamenei's guards, Israeli intelligence spent years cataloging the addresses, schedules, and roles of the Supreme Leader's personal protectors, turning a tool of state oppression into a tactical advantage for the current conflict.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/-iran-war-will-not-be-endless-top-us-official-reinstates-iran-ready-to-continue-fight-1772554491222/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/-iran-war-will-not-be-endless-top-us-official-reinstates-iran-ready-to-continue-fight-1772554491222/embed</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;“We knew Tehran like we know Jerusalem. And when you know (a place) as well as you know the street you grew up on, you notice a single thing that’s out of place,” an Israeli intelligence official told the Financial Times.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-woke-up-to-explosion-sounds-indian-expat-in-dubai-notes-people-are-calm-away-from-fear-mongering-1772442572603">'Woke up to explosion sounds': Indian expat in Dubai notes people are calm, away from fearmongering</a>&nbsp;To finalise the operation on Tehran’s Pasteur Street, the US and Israel executed a sophisticated digital blockade, severing cellular service in the immediate vicinity of the strike. This tactical blackout ensured that any frantic attempts to warn Ayatollah Khamenei’s security detail resulted only in busy signals, effectively isolating the Supreme Leader and his inner circle in their final moments.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-s-nuclear-weapons-program-should-be-totally-dismantled-says-exiled-prince-reza-pahlavi-1772436592402">Iran's nuclear weapons program should be 'totally dismantled', says exiled prince Reza Pahlavi</a>&nbsp;Reports suggest that the assassination of Ayatollah Khamenei was the result of a massive, years-long data-mining operation. Israel utilised proprietary AI tools and sophisticated algorithms largely developed by the IDF's Unit 8200 to process "mountains of data" gathered on the Iranian leadership. This digital dragnet allowed intelligence analysts to build a "pattern-of-life" for Khamenei, identifying his specific travel habits, security routines, and the exact timing of his attendance at the Saturday morning meeting where he was struck.&nbsp;Crucially, while the AI provided the predictive map, a CIA human source allegedly provided the final "green light," confirming that the high-level meeting was proceeding as scheduled and that senior officials were physically on-site.

"We knew Tehran like Jerusalem." An Israeli official reveals how hacked traffic cameras and AI "pattern-of-life" tracking led to the assassination of Ayatollah Khamenei on Pasteur Street. 

Iran’s Ali Khamenei was killed as US and Israel launched strikes on Tehran. In the latest report it has surfaced that the traffic cameras in the capital were tracked to trace the movement of bodyguards of the supreme leader, details of which were reported by the news outlet Financial Times. In a major intelligence coup, the Mossad hijacked Iran’s domestic surveillance apparatus to dismantle the regime's security from within. By leveraging a compromised camera that overlooked the parking zone for Khamenei's guards, Israeli intelligence spent years cataloging the addresses, schedules, and roles of the Supreme Leader's personal protectors, turning a tool of state oppression into a tactical advantage for the current conflict. https://www.wionews.com/videos/-iran-war-will-not-be-endless-top-us-official-reinstates-iran-ready-to-continue-fight-1772554491222/embed “We knew Tehran like we know Jerusalem. And when you know (a place) as well as you know the street you grew up on, you notice a single thing that’s out of place,” an Israeli intelligence official told the Financial Times. Also read: 'Woke up to explosion sounds': Indian expat in Dubai notes people are calm, away from fearmongering To finalise the operation on Tehran’s Pasteur Street, the US and Israel executed a sophisticated digital blockade, severing cellular service in the immediate vicinity of the strike. This tactical blackout ensured that any frantic attempts to warn Ayatollah Khamenei’s security detail resulted only in busy signals, effectively isolating the Supreme Leader and his inner circle in their final moments. Also read: Iran's nuclear weapons program should be 'totally dismantled', says exiled prince Reza Pahlavi Reports suggest that the assassination of Ayatollah Khamenei was the result of a massive, years-long data-mining operation. Israel utilised proprietary AI tools and sophisticated algorithms largely developed by the IDF's Unit 8200 to process "mountains of data" gathered on the Iranian leadership. This digital dragnet allowed intelligence analysts to build a "pattern-of-life" for Khamenei, identifying his specific travel habits, security routines, and the exact timing of his attendance at the Saturday morning meeting where he was struck. Crucially, while the AI provided the predictive map, a CIA human source allegedly provided the final "green light," confirming that the high-level meeting was proceeding as scheduled and that senior officials were physically on-site.

"We knew Tehran like Jerusalem." An Israeli official reveals how hacked traffic cameras and AI "pattern-of-life" tracking led to the assassination of Ayatollah Khamenei on Pasteur Street.&nbsp;

Traffic camera tracking led to Khamenei's assassination, reveals Israeli intelligence officer

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

US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday (March 3) that the United States and Israel have inflicted significant damage on Iran in their military campaign, telling reporters as he met German Chancellor Friedrich Merz that “just about everything’s been knocked out,” and that operations were progressing successfully. Trump claimed that he believed Iran was preparing to strike before he acted, appearing to step back from Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s earlier statement that Israel had initiated the conflict.&nbsp;"I think they were going to attack first, and I didn't want that to happen. So, if anything, I might have forced Israel's hand," Trump told reporters. Trump also discussed what he described as a worst-case outcome of military action against Iran, suggesting it could result in a successor similar to the country’s late supreme leader, Ali Khamenei. "I guess the worst case would be, we do this, and then somebody takes over who's as bad as the previous person, right?" he said during the meeting with Merz. "That could happen. We don't want that to happen."&nbsp;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 Khamenei's death': Farah Pahlavi</a>&nbsp;Trump also said he was not happy with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who has not joined the US-Israeli attack on Iran but did let US forces use UK bases. "I'm not happy with the UK," Trump said as he met German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the White House. "It's taken three, four days for us to work out where we can land," Trump said. "This is not Winston Churchill that we're dealing with."&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-hypersonic-missiles-breach-iron-dome-strike-israel-1772558060364/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-hypersonic-missiles-breach-iron-dome-strike-israel-1772558060364/embed</a>&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.

'EVERYTHING HAS BEEN KNOCKED OUT IN IRAN': Donald Trump

US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday (March 3) that the United States and Israel have inflicted significant damage on Iran in their military campaign, telling reporters as he met German Chancellor Friedrich Merz that “just about everything’s been knocked out,” and that operations were progressing successfully. Trump claimed that he believed Iran was preparing to strike before he acted, appearing to step back from Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s earlier statement that Israel had initiated the conflict. "I think they were going to attack first, and I didn't want that to happen. So, if anything, I might have forced Israel's hand," Trump told reporters. Trump also discussed what he described as a worst-case outcome of military action against Iran, suggesting it could result in a successor similar to the country’s late supreme leader, Ali Khamenei. "I guess the worst case would be, we do this, and then somebody takes over who's as bad as the previous person, right?" he said during the meeting with Merz. "That could happen. We don't want that to happen." Also Read: 'Iran will not 'automatically' fall after Khamenei's death': Farah Pahlavi Trump also said he was not happy with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who has not joined the US-Israeli attack on Iran but did let US forces use UK bases. "I'm not happy with the UK," Trump said as he met German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the White House. "It's taken three, four days for us to work out where we can land," Trump said. "This is not Winston Churchill that we're dealing with." https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-hypersonic-missiles-breach-iron-dome-strike-israel-1772558060364/embed Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

US President Donald Trump said the US-Israel strikes on Iran have knocked out nearly all targets and are going well, as he met with German Chancellor Merz on Tuesday

The death of Ali Khamenei is ‘historically significant’ but will not ‘automatically’ bring down Iran’s political system, Farah Pahlavi was quoted as saying to the news agency AFP on Tuesday (March 3). “The passing of a man, however central he may be to the architecture of power, does not automatically mean the end of a system,” said Pahlavi, who has lived in exile in Paris since being forced out during the 1979 revolution. “What will be decisive,” she said, was “the ability of the Iranian people to unite around a peaceful, orderly and sovereign transition to a state governed by the rule of law”, adding that her son Reza Pahlavi “is in the process of preparing”.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-iran-israel-war-dow-falls-2-2-as-geopolitical-fear-grip-us-markets-1772552287532">Iran-Israel war: Dow falls 2.2% as geopolitical fear grip US markets</a><h2>Reza Pahlavi urges unity from ethnic minorities</h2>Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran’s last shah, urged national unity among the country’s ethnic minorities on Tuesday as war spread across the Middle East. Positioning himself as an alternative should the Islamic republic collapse, the US-based figure sought to rally support across Iran’s diverse population. In a post on X, Pahlavi aimed to reassure minorities that they would not face discrimination under his leadership and appeared to caution against using the current regional conflict to push for separatism.&nbsp;"We stand at the threshold of this regime's fall. Yet we must remain vigilant and prepared, and deny opportunistic forces, those who have long cast covetous eyes on Iran's soil, the chance to exploit this moment," he said. "You are an inseparable part of Iran's historical and cultural fabric... I am confident that you will remain steadfast in this covenant," he added. "I firmly believe that through national unity and shared resolve, a bright future awaits you and every Iranian."&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-israel-war-democrats-trump-s-iran-war-without-approval-of-congress-1772554479773/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-israel-war-democrats-trump-s-iran-war-without-approval-of-congress-1772554479773/embed</a>&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.

'Iran will not 'automatically' fall after Khamenei's death': Farah Pahlavi

The death of Ali Khamenei is ‘historically significant’ but will not ‘automatically’ bring down Iran’s political system, Farah Pahlavi was quoted as saying to the news agency AFP on Tuesday (March 3). “The passing of a man, however central he may be to the architecture of power, does not automatically mean the end of a system,” said Pahlavi, who has lived in exile in Paris since being forced out during the 1979 revolution. “What will be decisive,” she said, was “the ability of the Iranian people to unite around a peaceful, orderly and sovereign transition to a state governed by the rule of law”, adding that her son Reza Pahlavi “is in the process of preparing”. Also Read: Iran-Israel war: Dow falls 2.2% as geopolitical fear grip US markets Reza Pahlavi urges unity from ethnic minorities Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran’s last shah, urged national unity among the country’s ethnic minorities on Tuesday as war spread across the Middle East. Positioning himself as an alternative should the Islamic republic collapse, the US-based figure sought to rally support across Iran’s diverse population. In a post on X, Pahlavi aimed to reassure minorities that they would not face discrimination under his leadership and appeared to caution against using the current regional conflict to push for separatism. "We stand at the threshold of this regime's fall. Yet we must remain vigilant and prepared, and deny opportunistic forces, those who have long cast covetous eyes on Iran's soil, the chance to exploit this moment," he said. "You are an inseparable part of Iran's historical and cultural fabric... I am confident that you will remain steadfast in this covenant," he added. "I firmly believe that through national unity and shared resolve, a bright future awaits you and every Iranian." https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-israel-war-democrats-trump-s-iran-war-without-approval-of-congress-1772554479773/embed 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.

Farah Pahlavi says Ali Khamenei’s death is historic but won’t automatically end Iran’s system; change depends on a united, lawful transition

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…

Wall Street stocks fell sharply early on Tuesday (March 3), extending a global market sell-off as investors grew concerned that a prolonged Middle East conflict could drive oil prices higher and fuel inflation. Around 20 minutes after the opening bell, the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 2.2 per cent to 47,837.16. The broad S&amp;P 500 declined 1.9 percent to 6,749.42, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite slid 2.0 percent to 22,300.67.&nbsp;US equities had also opened lower on Monday but recovered through the session, as traders initially wagered that tensions would ease quickly without causing sustained increases in energy costs. By Tuesday (March 2), sentiment had shifted. "Overnight, what we realized was that this is not going away so quickly" and is "meeting the standards of having a broad geopolitical impact," said Steve Sosnick of Interactive Brokers.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-too-late-for-iran-to-trump-says-tehran-s-military-and-leadership-eliminated-1772545595964">'TOO LATE for Iran to...': Trump says Tehran's military and leadership eliminated</a>&nbsp;Oil prices climbed again after Iran targeted additional energy infrastructure. Drones hit a fuel tank in Oman, while debris from an intercepted drone struck an oil storage area in the UAE. The Strait of Hormuz, a vital global shipping route for crude, remained largely empty.&nbsp;"US investors can only trust their positive psychology to some extent before they realize that, 'Wait a minute, if this is a problem for everyone else in the world, maybe this should be a problem here too,'" Sosnick said. We're talking about "something that could have an important inflationary impact," he added.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-israel-war-us-embassy-in-riyadh-warns-of-a-fresh-attack-1772551781542/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-israel-war-us-embassy-in-riyadh-warns-of-a-fresh-attack-1772551781542/embed</a>&nbsp;Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

US-Iran-Israel war: Dow falls 2.2% as geopolitical fear grip US markets

Wall Street stocks fell sharply early on Tuesday (March 3), extending a global market sell-off as investors grew concerned that a prolonged Middle East conflict could drive oil prices higher and fuel inflation. Around 20 minutes after the opening bell, the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 2.2 per cent to 47,837.16. The broad S&P 500 declined 1.9 percent to 6,749.42, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite slid 2.0 percent to 22,300.67. US equities had also opened lower on Monday but recovered through the session, as traders initially wagered that tensions would ease quickly without causing sustained increases in energy costs. By Tuesday (March 2), sentiment had shifted. "Overnight, what we realized was that this is not going away so quickly" and is "meeting the standards of having a broad geopolitical impact," said Steve Sosnick of Interactive Brokers. Also Read: 'TOO LATE for Iran to...': Trump says Tehran's military and leadership eliminated Oil prices climbed again after Iran targeted additional energy infrastructure. Drones hit a fuel tank in Oman, while debris from an intercepted drone struck an oil storage area in the UAE. The Strait of Hormuz, a vital global shipping route for crude, remained largely empty. "US investors can only trust their positive psychology to some extent before they realize that, 'Wait a minute, if this is a problem for everyone else in the world, maybe this should be a problem here too,'" Sosnick said. We're talking about "something that could have an important inflationary impact," he added. https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-israel-war-us-embassy-in-riyadh-warns-of-a-fresh-attack-1772551781542/embed 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.

Wall Street sinks as the ongoing Middle East tensions lift oil prices, raising fears of prolonged conflict and renewed inflation pressures

Iran-Israel war: Dow falls 2.2% as geopolitical fear grip US markets

Amid fears of prolonged disruptions to Middle Eastern oil, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and liquefied natural gas (LNG), Russia has offered to continue its energy supply to India. Diplomatic sources say, "Russia ready to full fill India's energy demands in case of continued disruption on energy supplies due to the West Asia crisis."&nbsp;But that comes with Trump's threats. Tariffs were imposed on India last year for importing Russian energy. In early 2026, Trump announced a trade deal framework slashing tariffs on Indian imports from 50% to 18%, contingent on India halting or significantly reducing Russian oil purchases and shifting toward US energy sources. A US Supreme Court ruling striking down elements of Trump's tariff authority has left the deal in limbo, easing constraints on resuming Russian supplies.&nbsp;Meanwhile, India is undertaking up contingency measures to safeguard its economic security as escalating conflict in West Asia disrupts vital supply routes. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) expressed deep concern over the intensification of the crisis, which has seen attacks on merchant shipping in the region. "Our trade and energy supply chains also traverse this geography. Any major disruption has serious consequences for the Indian economy," the MEA said. "As a country whose nationals are prominent in the global workforce, India is also firmly opposed to attacks on merchant shipping. Already, some Indian nationals have lost their lives or are missing as a result of such attacks in the last few days."&nbsp;The conflict, involving strikes in the Gulf region and threats to the Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint for roughly half of India's crude imports, has prompted swift domestic action. Trade Minister Piyush Goyal chaired a key meeting in Delhi, leading to emergency trade support measures. These include export flexibilities and the formation of an inter-ministerial group to monitor supply chains, aimed at mitigating the economic fallout from the West Asia war.

Meanwhile, India is undertaking up contingency measures to safeguard its economic security as escalating conflict in West Asia disrupts vital supply routes

Amid fears of prolonged disruptions to Middle Eastern oil, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and liquefied natural gas (LNG), Russia has offered to continue its energy supply to India. Diplomatic sources say, "Russia ready to full fill India's energy demands in case of continued disruption on energy supplies due to the West Asia crisis." But that comes with Trump's threats. Tariffs were imposed on India last year for importing Russian energy. In early 2026, Trump announced a trade deal framework slashing tariffs on Indian imports from 50% to 18%, contingent on India halting or significantly reducing Russian oil purchases and shifting toward US energy sources. A US Supreme Court ruling striking down elements of Trump's tariff authority has left the deal in limbo, easing constraints on resuming Russian supplies. Meanwhile, India is undertaking up contingency measures to safeguard its economic security as escalating conflict in West Asia disrupts vital supply routes. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) expressed deep concern over the intensification of the crisis, which has seen attacks on merchant shipping in the region. "Our trade and energy supply chains also traverse this geography. Any major disruption has serious consequences for the Indian economy," the MEA said. "As a country whose nationals are prominent in the global workforce, India is also firmly opposed to attacks on merchant shipping. Already, some Indian nationals have lost their lives or are missing as a result of such attacks in the last few days." The conflict, involving strikes in the Gulf region and threats to the Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint for roughly half of India's crude imports, has prompted swift domestic action. Trade Minister Piyush Goyal chaired a key meeting in Delhi, leading to emergency trade support measures. These include export flexibilities and the formation of an inter-ministerial group to monitor supply chains, aimed at mitigating the economic fallout from the West Asia war.

Meanwhile, India is undertaking up contingency measures to safeguard its economic security as escalating conflict in West Asia disrupts vital supply routes

Moscow ready to fulfil India's energy needs if West Asia war persists

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;

$400,000 freight rate for large vessels, hundreds of ships stranded: Shipping, freight industries face rude shock from Israel-US vs Iran conflict

US-Israel-Iran war LIVE | The war in West Asia has entered Day 4. Iran is attacking US bases in its neighbourhood after having declared that it will be treated as American territory. US President Donald Trump has warned that larger strikes are yet to come. The regional stability has risen after the United States and Israel bombed Iran on Feb 28. Israel named the operation Lion's Roar and it was called Operation Epic Fury by the US. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei was killed in the attack, triggering widespread protest across the world by Shia community. Iran vowed to avenge his assassination and has resorted to launch missiles towards Israel and many neighbouring nations including Qatar, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Saudi.The bombings are still continuing, with Israel now attacking Hezbollah in Lebanon. International community has urged all sides for immediate ceasefire with Russia, China and North Korea slamming America for its “pre-emptive attack.” Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken to several leaders in the Gulf including Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu and urged peace. However, Iran has ruled out any possibility of negotiation even as Trump said that he is ready for talks. Iran's tarnsition government has also started the process of choosing new Supreme Leader.While US president said that the war will continue for at least four weeks or so, it remains to be seen the outcome of it. The primary question that hovers amid fast-changing scenario is how the Iran-US relations pan out and what it will mean for regional security and world peace? All updates and analysis on the ongoing situation as Israel-US war on Iran continues

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel was continuing to hit Iran and promised to hit Hezbollah with increasing force as the war in the Middle East entered fourth day. "We continue to strike Iran with force. Our pilots are over the skies of Iran and Tehran, and also over the skies of Lebanon. Hezbollah made a very big mistake when it attacked us. We have already responded forcefully, and we will respond with even greater force," Netanyahu said at an air force base in central Israel, according to a statement from his office.

US-Israel-Iran war LIVE | Netanyahu says continuing to strike Iran 'with force'

Israel Defense Forces onTuesday said that its air force carried out strikes on industrial facilities across Iran that were allegedly used to manufacture weapons, including ballistic missiles. The announcement came on the fourth day of a coordinated military campaign involving both United States and Israel against the Islamic Republic

US-Israel-Iran war LIVE | Israel says hit ballistic missile production sites across Iran

Israeli and US strikes on Tuesday targeted a building in Tehran associated with the body responsible for selecting Iran’s next supreme leader, according to local media reports. The Tasnim news agency stated that “American-Zionist criminals attacked the Assembly of Experts building in Qom,” located south of Tehran. Footage broadcast by local outlets showed the structure heavily damaged following the strikes.

US-Israel-Iran war LIVE | Israel, US strikes hit building of body to elect new Iran supreme leader: Iranian media

Amid the ongoing conflict between US-Israel and Iran, Dr Abdul Majid Hakeem Ilahi, representative of the late Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, in an interview to news agency ANI, said, "Iran is ready for negotiations but with dignity"

US-Israel-Iran war LIVE | 'Iran is ready for negotiations but with dignity', says Dr Abdul Majid Hakeem Ilahi

According to reports, India currently maintains around 25 days of crude oil inventory and an additional 25 days of petrol and diesel stocks, amounting to a total of nearly eight weeks of combined crude oil and petroleum product reserves. Approximately 40% of India’s crude oil imports transit through the Strait of Hormuz, while the remaining supplies are sourced through alternative routes and diversified suppliers.India continues to import Russian crude under existing contractual arrangements. Overall, the country remains in a comfortable position regarding energy security, including adequate availability of LPG and LNG. The government is closely monitoring the evolving situation in the Middle East.

US-Israel-Iran war LIVE | India has 25 days of crude oil and refined oil stocks: Reports

Qatar’s military foiled attempted strikes on Hamad International Airport, the Gulf nation’s foreign ministry spokesman said Tuesday, as Iran intensified its retaliatory campaign across the region. “There were attempts to target Hamad International Airport, but they were all thwarted,” spokesman Majed al-Ansari told a press conference. “The missiles were intercepted by our defense systems, and none reached the airport.” He added that Qatar had not been in contact with Iran since the strikes began.

US-Israel-Iran war LIVE | Qatar says thwarted Iran attacks on airport

IRAN - 787 KILLED, 747 INJURED US - 6 KILLED , 5 INJURED ISRAEL- 9 KILLED, 40 INJURED IRAQ- 2 KILLED, 3 INJURED SYRIA- 5 KILLED, 3 INJURED LEBANON - &nbsp;52 &nbsp;KILLED, 154 INJURED UAE - 3 KILLED, &nbsp;58 INJURED BAHRAIN- 1 KILLED, 2 INJURED KUWAIT- 1 KILLED, 32 INJURED QATAR- 16 INJURED OMAN - 1 KILLED, 4 INJUREDThe toll is till 3pm IST

US-Israel-Iran war LIVE | Death toll in West Asia

Oil prices surged on Tuesday as the war with Iran disrupted global supplies, effectively shutting down the crucial Strait of Hormuz and damaging key energy facilities. Brent North Sea crude, the international benchmark, soared more than eight percent to $85.12 per barrel, its highest level since July 2024. Meanwhile, the main US benchmark, West Texas Intermediate, climbed over seven percent to $76.47 a barrel.

US-Israel-Iran war LIVE | Brent oil price tops $85 for first time since July 2024

Loud explosions were heard across the Iranian capital on Tuesday, according to AFP journalists, as the war between Iran, the United States and Israel entered its fourth day, with blasts reported in central Tehran and no immediate clarity on what was hit.

US-Israel-Iran war LIVE | Loud explosions in Iranian capital

Amid escalated tensions, Iran's Guards warned on Tuesday (March 3) that “gates of hell will open more and more” on the US and Israel.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Iran Guards warn 'gates of hell will open more and more' on US, Israel

Israel army said that it struck Iran's presidential office, security council building amid the escalated tensions on Tuesday (March 3).&nbsp; &nbsp;

Israel strucks Iran's presidential office, security council building: IDF

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said on Tuesday (March 3) that as per the fresh satellite images, the entrance of the Iran’s underground Natanz Fuel Enrichment Plant has suffered some recent damage by Israeli strikes.

IAEA confirms damage to entrance buildings at Iran’s Natanz nuclear site

UAE Authorities said that they have brought a fire under control at the Fujairah Oil Industry Zone after debris from a downed drone ignited flames. In a statement on X, officials in Fujairah said emergency teams have been moved

US-Israel-Iran war LIVE: Fire at UAE’s Fujairah port 

The Directorate General of Shipping said that at least three Indian seafarers on board foreign-flagged vessels were killed and one was injured in the West Asia region

US-Israel-Iran war LIVE: Three Indian seafarers killed amid West Asia tensions

US Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, said that there are "VERY LIMITED options" for Americans who are currently residing in Israel. He said that at present, it is best to utilise the Israeli Ministry of Tourism shuttle bus to Taba, Egypt and from there, the Americans must get flights to Cairo and then back to the US.

US-Israel-Iran war LIVE: US ambassador to Israel says Americans have ‘very limited options’ to leave

Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz said "Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and I have authorized the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to advance and take control of additional strategic positions in Lebanon in order to prevent attacks on Israeli border communities."

US-Israel-Iran war LIVE: Israel defence minister tells troops to seize new positions in Lebanon

A 4.3 magnitude earthquake struck the city of Gerash in southern Iran, United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported. It added that the quake occurred at a depth of 10 kilometers below the surface. &nbsp;

US-Israel-Iran war LIVE: 4.3 magnitude earthquake in Iran 

Iranian officials were quoted by the ISNA agency saying the process to select Supreme Leader “will not be lengthy”

Selection of new supreme leader ‘will not be lengthy’, Iranian official said

United States troops opened fire on protesters in Pakistan’s Karachi over the weekend amid protest over Khamenei's killing, according to a Reuters report. The incident marks a rare use of force at a diplomatic mission&nbsp;

US-Israel-Iran war LIVE: Troops opened fire on protesters who stormed Karachi, Pakistan - Reuters

Trump on Truth Social said that US stocks of "medium and upper medium grade" munitions, adding that wars "can be fought 'forever'... using just these supplies".<figure class="image"><img></figure>

US-Israel-Iran war LIVE: US has enough weapons stocked for 'forever' war, says Trump

Due to ongoing regional tensions, the U.S. Embassy in Kuwait will be closed until further notice. &nbsp;We have canceled all regular and emergency consular appointments. &nbsp;We will communicate when the embassy returns to normal operations.

US-Israel-Iran war LIVE: US Embassy in Kuwait shut 'until further notice'

Citing the current security situation in the region , the Board, in a notice said that the decision affects students at CBSE-affiliated schools in Bahrain, Iran, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. In its notice, CBSE Controller of Examinations Dr Sanyam Bhardwaj said the Board will review the situation on Tuesday, March 3, and announce new exam dates&nbsp;

US-Israel-Iran war LIVE: CBSE postpones board exams 2026 for Classes 10th, 12th across West Asia

The US Embassy in Riyadh has announced the cancellation of all its services across several missions in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20260303/image-1772518784398.png"></figure>

US-Israel-Iran war LIVE: US cancels all consular services in Saudi Arabia

US-Israel-Iran war LIVE: Qatar Airways says its flight operations remain temporarily suspended

Iran’s Shargh newspaper reported that an area near Iran’s old parliament building has been hit by air strikes.

US-Israel-Iran war LIVE: Strikes hit downtown Tehran, near Iran’s old parliament building: Report

“We are deeply alarmed by attacks on civilians, including civilian infrastructures, schools, and hospitals. Schools and hospitals must not be attacked,” the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, Vanessa Frazier, and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence Against Children, Najat Maalla M’jid, said in a joint statement.

US-Israel-Iran war LIVE: UN ‘deeply alarmed’ by attacks on civilians, schools and hospitals

US State Department has ordered its 'non-emergency' staff in Bahrain, Jordan, Iraq to leave immediately amid raging tensions in West Asia

US-Israel-Iran war LIVE: US State Department orders 'non-emergency' staff to leave Bahrain, Jordan, Iraq

US CENTCOM says that it has destroyed IRGC command and control facilities, Iranian air defense capabilities, missile, drone launch sites, military airfields during sustained operations

US-Israel-Iran war LIVE: CENTCOM says IRGC command and control facilities destroyed

The IDF has said that it downed two drones launched from Lebanon. Suspected drone infiltration sirens sounded in several northern towns near the Lebanon border. The IDF Home Front Command later declared the incident “over.”

US-Israel-Iran war LIVE: IDF says it downed 2 drones launched from Lebanon

The US State Department has called on all American nationals in the Middle East to leave as soon as possible through commercial means. Assistant Secretary for Consular Affairs, Mora Namdar, issued a list of several locations. "DEPART NOW from the countries below using available commercial transportation, due to serious safety risks."<ol><li>Bahrain</li><li>Egypt</li><li>Iran</li><li>Iraq</li><li>Israel</li><li>Palestine - Gaza and the occupied West Bank</li><li>Jordan</li><li>Kuwait</li><li>Lebanon</li><li>Oman</li><li>Qatar</li><li>Saudi Arabia</li><li>Syria</li><li>The United Arab Emirates</li><li>Yemen</li></ol>

US issues 'DEPART NOW' notice for Americans in West Asia - Full list here

US-Israel-Iran war LIVE: Iran's Guards say targeted US air base in Bahrain: state media

US-Israel-Iran war LIVE:Iran's Guards say targeted US air base in Bahrain: state media

Pakistani authorities have imposed a three-day curfew in the cities of Gilgit and Skardu following violent protests over the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

US-Israel-Iran war LIVE: Pakistan imposes curfew in Gilgit-Baltistan amid protest on Khamenei's death

The Israeli military has issued new evacuation orders for dozens of locations in Lebanon, including a warning for residents in two southern Beirut neighbourhoods to stay away from several buildings

US-Israel-Iran war LIVE: Israeli military issues evacuation orders in several areas in Lebanon

UNESCO World Heritage Site Iran’s Golestan Palace has been damaged in the aftermath of a US-Israeli strike, according to semi-official agency Mehr News Agency.

US and Israeli strike damages UNESCO-listed palace in Tehran, state media says

Bahrain’s air defenses intercepted 70 Iranian ballistic missiles &amp; 59 drones targeting the Kingdom. Bahrain Ambassador to US said, “Attacks on civilian sites are a grave violation of sovereignty &amp; int’l law. We reserve full right to respond.”

Bahrain’s air defenses intercepted 70 Iranian ballistic missiles 

Vice President JD Vance in an interview with Fox News said that the goal of the operation is to change the Iranian “mindset” so that they agree never to pursue a nuclear weapon.

US Vice President says war aimed at changing Iran’s ‘mindset’ so that they abandon pursuit of nukes

The US embassy in Islamabad has announced the cancellation of all visa appointments citing “current security situation” in the country.

US-Israel-Iran war LIVE: US cancels all visa appointments in Pakistan

Iranian media reported quoting an Iranian Revolutionary Guards senior official that the Strait of Hormuz is closed and Iran will fire on any ship trying to pass. "The strait (of Hormuz) is closed. If anyone tries to pass, the heroes of the Revolutionary Guards and the regular navy will set those ships ablaze," Ebrahim Jabari, a senior adviser to the Guards commander-in-chief, said in remarks carried by state media.

 US-Israel-Iran war LIVE: Iran vows attack after closing Strait of Hormuz

US embassy in Saudi Arabia issues shelter in place&nbsp;

US-Israel-Iran war LIVE: US embassy in Saudi Arabia issues shelter in place notification for citizens in Jeddah, Riyadh and Dhahran

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in an interview with Fox News said that US and Israeli strikes on Iran won't be "an endless war," but could take "time." Earlier, Trump had said that ops will continue for at least 4 weeks

US-Israel-Iran war LIVE: Netanyahu says Iran conflict won't be 'endless war'

Saudi Arabia's defence ministry said &nbsp;that it had intercepted more than half a dozen drones near capital Riyadh and the city of Al-Kharj.

US-Israel-Iran war LIVE: Saudi defence ministry says 8 drones intercepted near Riyadh, Al-Kharj

An Israeli strike hit the south Beirut office of Al-Manar TV, which is affiliated with Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah

US-Israel-Iran war LIVE: Israel bombs Hezbollah affiliated Al Manar TV in Beirut

Australia’s Defence Minister Richard Marles said that Iranian forces struck Al Minhad Air Base where Australian troops are stationed

US-Israel-Iran war LIVE: Australia accuses Iran of hitting its base near Dubai

Qatar’s Ministry of Defence says it has intercepted the vast majority of Iranian projectiles fired at the country since the attacks began&nbsp;

US-Israel-Iran war LIVE: Qatar intercepts Iranian missiles and drones

After attack on US Embassy in Riyadh, US President Donald Trump said, “You’ll find soon what the retaliation will be for the attack on the U.S. embassy in Riyadh and for the US service members killed.”

US-Israel-Iran war LIVE: Trump warns of consequences after Riyadh US Embassy attack

An explosion occurred at the US Embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. AFP reported that Saudi Arabia's Riyadh's diplomatic quarter, home to foreign embassies in the Saudi capital and residences of foreign diplomats was under attack and cloud of smoke was seen.

US-Israel-Iran war LIVE: Drone attack on US embassy in Saudi Arabia

The US-Israel-Iran war enters Day 4 with Iran striking US bases and Gulf nations after Khamenei’s killing. Israel hits Hezbollah in Lebanon as Trump warns the conflict may last weeks. Tehran rules out talks, global powers call for ceasefire, and regional tensions surge.

US-Israel-Iran war LIVE | The war in West Asia has entered Day 4. Iran is attacking US bases in its neighbourhood after having declared that it will be treated as American territory. US President Donald Trump has warned that larger strikes are yet to come. The regional stability has risen after the United States and Israel bombed Iran on Feb 28. Israel named the operation Lion's Roar and it was called Operation Epic Fury by the US. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei was killed in the attack, triggering widespread protest across the world by Shia community. Iran vowed to avenge his assassination and has resorted to launch missiles towards Israel and many neighbouring nations including Qatar, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Saudi. The bombings are still continuing, with Israel now attacking Hezbollah in Lebanon. International community has urged all sides for immediate ceasefire with Russia, China and North Korea slamming America for its “pre-emptive attack.” Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken to several leaders in the Gulf including Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu and urged peace. However, Iran has ruled out any possibility of negotiation even as Trump said that he is ready for talks. Iran's tarnsition government has also started the process of choosing new Supreme Leader. While US president said that the war will continue for at least four weeks or so, it remains to be seen the outcome of it. The primary question that hovers amid fast-changing scenario is how the Iran-US relations pan out and what it will mean for regional security and world peace? All updates and analysis on the ongoing situation as Israel-US war on Iran continues

The US-Israel-Iran war enters Day 4 with Iran striking US bases and Gulf nations after Khamenei’s killing. Israel hits Hezbollah in Lebanon as Trump warns the conflict may last weeks. Tehran rules out talks, global powers call for ceasefire, and regional tensions surge.

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