Israel launched missile and drone attacks on Hezbollah-controlled southern suburbs of Beirut in Lebanon on Monday and ordered evacuations as the conflict spilled further across the Middle East.
Israeli forces launched heavy strikes after the Iran-backed group launched missiles and drones towards Israel to avenge the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
The British Ministry of Defence has confirmed that it is responding to a suspected Iranian drone strike at a British military base in Cyprus.
“Our Armed Forces are responding to a suspected drone strike at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus at midnight local time,” a spokesperson told The Independent. “Our force protection in the region is at the highest level and the base has responded to defend our people.”
It comes as the US confirmed its first casualties in the conflict. Three American troops have been killed and five are seriously injured, the US military said.
Donald Trump suggested the conflict with Iran could go on for the next four weeks after the US president earlier said that operations are “ahead of schedule”.
In Iran, at least 201 people have been killed by US-Israeli strikes, including 165 at a girls’ primary school, Iranian authorities said.
Read MoreTrump’s attack on Iran is the biggest moment in world history since 9/11
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Trump-Iran latest: Key Points
- Iranian drone strikes US navy base, report says
- Iran conflict could go on for four weeks, says Trump
- Starmer gives Trump permission to use UK bases for action against Iran
- At least 165 killed in strike on girls' primary school in Iran, authorities say
- Three US service members killed, US Central Command says
Live view of Doha as several blasts heard in Qatari capital
06:07 , Shweta SharmaBreaking: Smoke seen rising from vicinity of US embassy in Kuwait
06:06 , Shweta SharmaSmoke was seen rising from near the US embassy compound in Kuwait City on Monday, according to an AFP correspondent at the scene.
The cause of the smoke was not immediately clear, and there was no immediate comment from US officials.
We will bring you more on this.
US deploys world's largest aircraft carrier in the Mediterranean Sea
05:59 , Shweta SharmaThe United States has deployed the USS Gerald R Ford aircraft carrier to support ongoing military operations in the Middle East, according to US Central Command.
The USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) — the world’s largest aircraft carrier — is now operating in the eastern Mediterranean Sea and launching aircraft as part of Operation Epic Fury, CENTCOM said.
The deployment marks a significant show of force as US-backed operations continue amid escalating regional tensions.
Australia says it will not take part in US military operations in Iran
05:53 , Shweta SharmaAustralia said today that it would not take part in any military operations in Iran, ruling out deploying troops to the Middle East if the conflict escalates, as Israel launched fresh strikes on Tehran and Iran responded with further missile attacks.
Australian foreign minister Penny Wong said Canberra would not become involved in the fighting.
“Australia is not central to the issues in the Middle East. We didn’t participate in these strikes and we wouldn’t anticipate participating in the future,” she told Channel Nine.
Wong said the government was in discussions with airlines to assist Australians stranded in the region, but acknowledged that evacuation efforts would be challenging while airspace across much of the Middle East remains closed.
“We understand how distressing and challenging this time is, and we will do all that we can to provide you with information and to support you. The situation is very challenging,” Ms Wong earlier told reporters in Canberra.
It comes after the UK said it has agreed to a US request to allow use of British military bases for "defensive" strikes on Iranian missile sites, Sir Keir Starmer has said.
Iran fires new wave of missiles as explosions heard in Jerusalem and Doha
05:43 , Shweta SharmaIran has fired a new barrage of missiles toward Israel on Monday, Israel’s military said.
“Defense systems are operating to intercept the threat,” said the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
It added that preliminary alerts have been sent to mobile phones in affected areas.
Explosions have been reported in Jerusalem and Doha, according to reports.
AFP and Reuters journalists reported loud blasts in Doha, the capital city and main financial hub of Qatar.
Israel's major issues urgent warning to Lebanon residents
05:40 , Shweta SharmaThe Israeli military has issued an urgent evacuation warning to residents in parts of Lebanon, saying Hezbollah’s activity is forcing it to act.
In a statement, Lt Cl Ella Waweya said the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) did not intend to harm civilians but urged those in the areas identified by the military to leave immediately.
“For your safety, you must evacuate at once and move at least 1,000 metres away from the villages towards open areas,” the statement said.
It added that anyone located near Hezbollah operatives, infrastructure or weapons was putting their life at risk.
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IDF vows strikes 'intensity will increase'
05:34 , Shweta SharmaIsrael’s Northern Command chief, Major General Rafi Milo, said the military had launched a broad wave of strikes across Lebanon following rocket fire from Hezbollah, warning that the group would “pay a heavy price”.
“Hezbollah chose the Iranian regime over the State of Lebanon and initiated an attack on our civilians,” Milo said after the first wave of strikes. “We were prepared – and they will pay a heavy price.”
He said Israeli forces were operating in both defensive and offensive modes and had significantly reinforced troop deployments along the northern border.
“My message to the residents of the north: we will continue to protect you,” he said. “We have strengthened our forces along the border and are prepared to receive additional troops. We will not evacuate you.”
🔴 In response to projectile fire toward northern Israel, the IDF is striking Hezbollah targets across Lebanon.
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) March 2, 2026
Hezbollah is operating on behalf of the Iranian regime, opening fire against the Israeli civilians, and bringing ruin to Lebanon.
IDF troops have prepared for such a…
According to Milo, Israeli forces launched a broad initial wave of strikes in Beirut and southern Lebanon shortly after Hezbollah’s rocket fire, targeting senior operatives, command headquarters and what he described as terrorist infrastructure.
He added that the military was also working to facilitate the evacuation of civilians in southern Lebanon ahead of further strikes.
“The strikes continue – and their intensity will increase,” he said.
Operations resume at UAE’s Jebel Ali port
05:23 , Shweta SharmaDubai’s DP World said on Monday that operations at the UAE’s Jebel Ali port have resumed.
The brief notice said the operations have been resumed but did not provide further details on the cause or duration of the earlier disruption.
Iran refuses to negotiate with the US
05:09 , Shweta SharmaIran’s security chief Ali Larijani, who also served as an adviser to the country’s former Supreme Leader, said in a post on X on Monday that Tehran would not negotiate with the United States.
"We will not negotiate with the United States,” he said.
His comments came in response to reports that Iran was seeking to revive talks with Washington.
In another post, he referred to casualties confirmed by the US military.
"Trump plunged the region into chaos with his 'delusional fantasies' and now fears more American troop casualties," Larijani said.
Britain's RAF base in Cyprus to temporarily relocate non-essential staff-statement
05:06 , Shweta SharmaAuthorities at Britain’s RAF base in Akrotiri, Cyprus, have planned the temporary dispersal of non-essential personnel as a precautionary measure following an incident involving an unmanned drone overnight, the Sovereign Base Areas Administration said.
Other British facilities on the island will continue to operate normally, it added.
It comes after the British ministry of defence reported a suspected Iranian drone strike at a British military base in Cyprus.
Two fighter jets struck by Israeli forces in western Iran right before takeoff
04:48 , Shweta SharmaWith Ayatollah Khamenei dead, what will it take for Iran’s regime to collapse?
04:42 , Shweta SharmaWith Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei dead, the Rubicon has been crossed. He was the ultimate constitutional and symbolic centre of gravity in the Islamic Republic. A battered, bruised Islamic Republic will struggle to retain coherence in the face of Khamenei’s death. Domestic legitimacy, already brittle after years of repression and economic decline, will come under further strain.
What seems to be emerging, instead, is an expectation that sustained strikes and pressure will weaken the Islamic Republic’s key pillars, from military-security networks to senior clerical authority and the executive and judicial machinery, creating space for an alternative governing arrangement to consolidate from within Iran. That remains speculative, and it is a very large gamble.
One fascinating report to have emerged overnight in The Atlantic alleges that “an Iranian network” is ready to act from within. Jaber Rajabi, an exile who spent the better part of two decades as a loyal servant of the Islamic Republic before turning on the regime, claimed that there are only “about 10 people who need to be eliminated” at the top of the regime for it to be toppled by infiltrators. Speaking a month ago, he said: “If someone from inside the system opens the window, it will open.”
Read Dr Burcu Ozcelik’s opinion piece.
What will it take for Iran’s regime to collapse?
US central command releases video of projectile hitting target
04:40 , Shweta SharmaUS central command released a video that showed projectiles hitting an aircraft at unknown locations.
“US forces are taking bold action to eliminate imminent threats posed by the Iranian regime. Strikes continue,” it said in a post.
U.S. forces are taking bold action to eliminate imminent threats posed by the Iranian regime. Strikes continue. pic.twitter.com/z1x07D7APl
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 2, 2026
Lebenon prime minister condemns 'irresponsible' Hezbollah strikes
04:30 , Shweta SharmaLebanese prime minister Nawaf Salam described the firing of projectiles from southern Lebanon as irresponsible, calling it a suspicious act that jeopardised the country’s security.
He said that the “strikes are a reckless and suspicious act that endangers Lebanon’s security” and provides Israel with pretexts to continue its attacks on it.
Lebanon’s presidency said it had been told by the US ambassador that Israel would not escalate against Lebanon as long as there were no hostile acts from the Lebanese side.
Cyprus says drone that hit British military base caused 'limited damage'
04:20 , Shweta SharmaCyprus' government spokesperson said an "incident" that happened at a British air base on the island nation's southern coastline involved an "unmanned drone which caused limited damage."
Spokesperson Constantinos Letymbiotis said the incident at RAF Akrotiri occurred shortly after midnight Monday.
He said "information received through various channels" indicated a drone strike.
He didn't specify what kind of drone, where it was launched from or the extent of damage.
Letymbiotis said Cypriot authorities have enacted security protocols and are monitoring the situation in coordination with the UK and its two military bases in Cyprus.
The suspected drone strike occurred after British prime minister Keir Starmer said the UK would help the US in the war against Iran.
Evacuations in Lebanon as Israel launches strikes
04:10 , Shweta SharmaPictures show long traffic snarls in Beirut and Sion as people tried to leave after Israel issued an evacuation warning.
It is currently 6am in Lebanon and people have begun leaving their homes.
Israel strikes Beirut's southern suburbs after Hezbollah attacks
04:00 , Shweta SharmaIsrael carried out airstrikes on Hezbollah-controlled southern suburbs of Beirut early on Monday after the Iran-backed group launched missiles and drones towards Israel, saying it was avenging the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei.
More than a dozen explosions shook Beirut in what residents described as the most intense bombardment of the southern suburbs since the 2024 war between Israel and Hezbollah.
People fled on foot and by car, clogging roads after the strikes began at around 2.400am (0040 GMT).
The violence marked a further widening of the conflict that has spread across the Middle East since the United States and Israel attacked Iran on Saturday. Hezbollah, a Shi’ite Muslim group founded by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards in 1982, is one of Tehran’s principal regional allies.
The Israeli military said it had begun striking Hezbollah targets across Lebanon, including senior members of the group in the Beirut area. Lebanese security sources said several areas in the southern suburbs, known as Dahiyeh, were hit.
“Hezbollah opened a campaign against Israel overnight and is fully responsible for any escalation,” Israel’s Chief of the General Staff, Eyal Zamir, said in a statement.
The Israeli military also issued evacuation warnings to residents of dozens of villages in southern and eastern Lebanon.
Israel said several projectiles fired from Lebanon landed in open areas and one was intercepted by the Israeli air force. “No injuries or damage were reported,” it said.
Hezbollah said it had targeted an Israeli missile defence facility south of Haifa in revenge for “the pure blood” of Khamenei and in response to what it described as repeated Israeli attacks. It said it was the first such operation since the 2024 war.
“The resistance leadership has always emphasised that the continuation of Israeli attacks and the assassination of our leaders, youth and people gives us the right to defend ourselves and respond at the appropriate time and place,” the group said in a statement.
The Israeli military said it would act against Hezbollah’s “decision to join the campaign” and would not allow the group to pose a threat to Israel.
Trump tells Iranians to 'take back your country'
03:30 , Mike BediganIn his video message Sunday, Trump urged Iranian citizens to capitalize on the moment following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
“I call upon all Iranian patriots who yearn for to seize this moment to be brave, be bold, be heroic and take back to your country. America is with you,” the president said.
ICYMI: Amazon's cloud unit reports fire after objects hit UAE data center
03:26 , Shweta SharmaAmazon’s cloud computing unit, AWS, said on Sunday that power to one of its data centres in the United Arab Emirates was temporarily shut down after objects struck the facility, causing sparks and a fire.
The UAE has been reeling from Iran’s retaliatory missile and drone strikes following US and Israeli attacks on Iran. The Iranian strikes have hit airports, ports and residential areas across the country and the wider Gulf region.
When asked by Reuters whether the incident at the data centre was connected to the strikes, AWS neither confirmed nor denied any link.
“At around 4.30am PST, one of our Availability Zones (mec1-az2) was impacted by objects that struck the data centre, creating sparks and fire,” AWS said in a statement.
According to the company’s website, an Availability Zone consists of one or more connected physical data centres. These zones are separate, isolated locations within each AWS Region.
AWS said the fire department cut power to the facility while crews worked to extinguish the blaze. The company added that it could take several hours to restore connectivity in the affected zone, though other Availability Zones in the UAE continue to operate normally.
Ro Khanna calls Trump's strikes a 'betrayal' of the MAGA base
03:10 , Mike BediganCalifornia Rep. Ro Khanna has said that Donald Trump’s airstrikes in Iran are a “betrayal of a decent chunk of the MAGA base,” and that many Republicans do not want to see America dragged into another foreign war.
"Donald Trump said that the Iraq War was a disaster,” Khanna said, appearing on NBC’s Meet the Press Sunday.
“He said Libya was a disaster. He ran because a big part of the MAGA base did not want another war in the Middle East... I believe this is a betrayal of a decent chunk of the MAGA base."
Khanna added he was confident that a vote on a War Powers Resolution, to strip the president of unauthorized military authority, would be successful.
The Democrat has pushed for the vote along with GOP Rep. Thomas Massie.
Oil prices surge to record levels in months
03:07 , Shweta SharmaOil prices surged to their highest levels in months on Monday after the US and Israel launched weekend strikes on Iran, intensifying conflict in the Middle East and disrupting shipments from the key oil-producing region.
Brent crude jumped about 7% as attacks between Iran and Israel escalated, damaging tankers and fuelling fears of wider supply disruptions. The spike in crude prices rattled global markets, sending airline stocks sharply lower amid concerns over rising fuel costs and prolonged travel chaos.
Shares in Hong Kong’s Cathay Pacific, Australia’s Qantas Airways, Singapore Airlines and Japan Airlines fell more than 5%, while Qantas dropped as much as 10.4% at the open before trimming losses.
Other Asian carriers, including ANA Holdings, Air China, China Southern Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, AirAsia X, China Airlines and EVA Airways, also declined at least 4%.
Surge in oil prices comes as two vessels have been hit and a third was reported to have had an “unknown projectile” explode very close to it, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations Centre (UKMTO) said.
Iran has also warned ships not to transit the Strait of Hormuz — a crucial waterway through which about 20 per cent of the world’s oil and gas supplies pass.
Israeli military orders residents of Lebanese towns to evacuate, spokesperson says
02:56 , Shweta SharmaThe Israeli military on Monday ordered residents of at least 55 Lebanese towns to move 1km away from their homes, a military spokesperson said.
Residents of Beirut woke up to the sounds of blasts at 3am on Monday as Israel carried out heavy airstrikes in response to Iran-backed Hezbollah’s drone and missile strikes.
Israeli military struck three different locations in the southern suburbs of the capital as explosions shook windows.
An Israeli military spokesperson has issued evacuation orders for 55 different villages and towns across Lebanon, asking people to move 1,000 metres away.
Comment: Trump’s attack on Iran is the biggest moment in world history since 9/11
02:50 , Mike BediganThe great wheel of history is turning, says Peter Frankopan, and not since the fall of the Berlin Wall or the Twin Towers have I seen the world so utterly changed at such a breakneck pace.
Read the full piece here:
Trump’s attack on Iran is the biggest moment in world history since 9/11
Rubio to brief US House and Senate leaders
02:45 , Shweta SharmaUS secretary of state Marco Rubio will brief leaders of the US Senate and the House of Representatives at 4pm ET today, according to his public schedule.
The briefing comes on the third day of joint US–Israeli strikes on Iran.
ICYMI: MOD confirms strike on UK base in Cyprus
02:30 , Mike BediganThe Ministry of Defence has confirmed that it is responding to a suspected Iranian drone strike at a British military base in Cyprus.
“Our Armed Forces are responding to a suspected drone strike at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus at midnight local time,” a spokesperson told The Independent. “Our force protection in the region is at the highest level and the base has responded to defend our people.”
The spokesperson added that the situation was “live” and that further information would be provided “in due course.”
It is understood that there were no casualties in the strike, which took place in the early hours of Monday morning, but that “minor damage” had been caused.
Sirens sound in Jerusalem as explosions heard
02:15 , Graeme MassieTrump suggests conflict with Iran could go on for four weeks
02:00 , Mike BediganDonald Trump has suggested the conflict with Iran could go on for the next four weeks, after the US president earlier said that operations are “ahead of schedule”.
"It's always been a four-week process,” the president said, per The Daily Mai.
“We figured it will be four weeks or so. It's always been about a four-week process so - as strong as it is, it's a big country, it'll take four weeks - or less.”
At least 115 killed, most likely children, in strike on Iranian school: report
01:39 , Mike BediganAt least 115 people, most of them likely to be children, were killed during U.S.-Israeli airstrikes on a girls school in Iran Saturday, according to new reports.
The strike on Shajarah Tayyebeh school in the southern town of Minab is believed to be the deadliest attack so far in the ongoing Operation Epic Fury.
Videos and images verified by The New York Times showed that at least half of the institution was destroyed in the bombardment.
Watch: Trump says US has hit hundreds of Iran targets
01:20 , Mike BediganNew: MOD confirms suspected Iranian drone strike on RAF base in Cyprus
01:13 , Mike BediganThe Ministry of Defence has confirmed that it is responding to a suspected Iranian drone strike at a British military base in Cyprus.
“Our Armed Forces are responding to a suspected drone strike at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus at midnight local time,” a spokesperson told The Independent.
Read more here:
MOD confirms suspected Iranian drone strike on RAF base in Cyprus
Further details about three dead U.S. service members shared
01:04 , Mike BediganNew details have emerged about the three U.S. service members who were killed as part of U.S. operations in Iran.
The trio were all part of a sustainment unit in Kuwait and served in the Army, sources told The Washington Post.
It is not certain where the troops were killed, with U.S. Central Command previously saying it was waiting to notify their families before releasing further information.
“The situation is fluid, so out of respect for the families, we will withhold additional information, including the identities of our fallen warriors, until 24 hours after next of kin have been notified,” CENTCOM said.
Israel begins more 'large-scale strikes' on Tehran
00:51 , Mike BediganIsrael has reportedly begun carrying out more “large-scale strikes” Monday in Tehran, two days on since the start of bombardment carried out with U.S. forces.
“The Israeli Air Force... has begun an additional wave of strikes against the Iranian terror regime at the heart of Tehran,” the Israeli military said in a statement, per Agence France-Presse.
Top Trump offcials to brief Congress Tuesday
00:41 , Mike BediganTop members of Donald Trump’s administration will reportedly brief Congress on Operation Epic Fury and ongoing action in the Middle East on Tuesday.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Joint Chiefs Chairman Dan Caine and CIA Director John Ratcliffe will be the four officials conducting the briefings, CBS News reports.
The four will brief the Senate and House in two separate sessions, a source close to the matter told the outlet.
Trump tells Iranian leaders to lay down arms 'or face certain death'
00:25 , Mike BediganIn a new video message posted Sunday night, Donald Trump urged Iranian military leaders to lay down their arms “or face certain death,” warning them “it will not be pretty.”
“For almost 50 years, these wicked extremists have been attacking the United States while chanting the slogan, ‘death to America,’ or ‘death to Israel,’ or both,” he said, referring to Iranian leaders.
“They are the world's number one state sponsor of terror. We are the world's greatest and most powerful nation. So we can do something about what they do. These intolerable threats will not continue any longer.
“I once again urge the Revolutionary Guard, the Iranian military police to lay down your arms and receive full immunity or face certain death.
“It will be certain death, it won't be pretty.”
Simon Calder | Thousands of flights disrupted as travel chaos deepens after Iran hits airports
00:10 , Alex CroftUS military strikes more than 1,000 Iranian targets
Sunday 1 March 2026 23:53 , Alex CroftThe US military has carried out strikes against over 1,000 Iranian targets so far since starting its campaign on Saturday, US Central Command (CENTCOM) said on Sunday.
In a fact sheet, CENTCOM, said the following sites have been struck by US projectiles:
- Command and Control Centers
- IRGC Joint Headquarters
- IRGC Aerospace Forces Headquarters
- Integrated Air Defense Systems
- Ballistic Missile Sites
- Iranian Navy Ships
- Iranian Navy Submarines
- Anti-ship Missile Sites
- Military Communication Capabilities
Sirens sound in northern Israel after projectiles launched from Lebanon
Sunday 1 March 2026 23:40 , Alex CroftThe Israeli military said on Monday (Sunday UK time) that projectiles launched from Lebanon resulted in sirens sounding in several areas in northern Israel.
We’ll bring you more as we get it.
UK agrees to US using British military bases to strike Iranian missile sites, Starmer confirms
Sunday 1 March 2026 23:26 , Alex Croft'Security threat' declared at UK bases in Cyprus amid reports of explosions
Sunday 1 March 2026 23:03 , Alex CroftA “security threat” has been declared at British bases in Cyprus, sources have told local outlet Cyprus Mail.
Personnel were told to “return to your homes and stay inside until further notice”.
They were also told to “move away from windows and take cover behind of beneath substantial, solid furniture”, and to afterwards await further instruction.
It comes amid online reports of explosions being heard at the RAF Akrotiri base in Limassol, Cyprus.
Iranian drones send oil tanker up in flames in Strait of Hormuz
Sunday 1 March 2026 22:42 , Alex CroftEU naval mission to be reinforced, says Kallas
Sunday 1 March 2026 22:24 , Alex CroftThe EU’s naval mission Aspides for the Red Sea, Gulf and Indian Ocean will be reinforced with additional ships, the bloc's foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said on Sunday.
"Our naval mission, Aspides, has seen a sharp rise in protection requests, and we will reinforce it with additional ships to bolster maritime security in the region," Ms Kallas said in a statement.
The statement was issued following a videoconference with European foreign ministers, adding that she also plans to convene a meeting with Gulf countries.
Polanski and Farage react to Starmer’s announcement on bases
Sunday 1 March 2026 22:10 , Alex CroftOur political editor David Maddox reports:
Green Party leader Zack Polanski has blasted Sir Keir for caving in to Donald Trump, after the UK prime minister announced he would allow the US to use RAF bases to launch attacks on Iranian military sites.
He told The Independent: “It took just one phone call from Donald Trump for Starmer to jump into yet another Middle East illegal war, failing to learn the lessons of the tragedies of Iraq, Libya and Syria.”
But, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who had condemned Starmer for not allowing the US to use the bases earlier, told The Independent: “Better late than never. We have a follower not a leader.”
Iran conflict could go on for four weeks, says Trump
Sunday 1 March 2026 21:55 , Alex CroftDonald Trump suggested the conflict with Iran could go on for the next four weeks, the Daily Mail is reporting.
"It's always been a four-week process. We figured it will be four weeks or so. It's always been about a four-week process so - as strong as it is, it's a big country, it'll take four weeks - or less," the Mail quoted Trump as saying.
Trump told the newspaper he remained open to more talks with the Iranians, but did not say if that would happen "soon”.
"I don't know," Trump said, according to the report. "They want to talk, but I said you should have talked last week, not this week," he added.
Trump says US has hit hundreds of Iran targets
Sunday 1 March 2026 21:55 , Alex CroftTrump warns conflict could continue until objectives achieved
Sunday 1 March 2026 21:46 , Alex CroftDonald Trump has warned that combat operations in Iran would continue until all objectives are achieved.
In a video posted on Truth Social, the US president warned that three US service members had been killed and said there would likely be more American casualties.
He reiterated his call for Iranians to use this moment to topple the Tehran regime.
Iranian drone strikes US navy base, report says
Sunday 1 March 2026 21:39 , Alex CroftAn Iranian drone has reportedly struck a US navy base in Bahrain as Tehran retaliates to ongoing US-Israeli strikes across the country.
A senior Bahraini official told the BBC that the drone hit the US Navy’s 5th fleet base at around 7:30pm GMT (10:30pm local time), causing a major fire.
It struck near an adjoining UK naval facility, but there were no casualties as the area had preciously been evacuated.
Starmer gives Trump permission to use RAF bases for defensive action against Iran
Sunday 1 March 2026 21:37 , Alex CroftOur political editor David Maddox reports:
Keir Starmer has dramatically changed his mind over giving the Americans permission to use RAF bases in Cyprus to tackle the growing threat from Iran.
In a late statement on Sunday evening, the prime minister insisted he was giving permission for the “limited specific defensive purpose” of defending UK and US allies across the Middle East as Iran continues to lash out.
It follows defence secretary John Healey revealing that two Iranian missiles were aimed in the direction of Cyprus where the UK has bases.
But it follows severe criticism from Tories and Reform over the UK refusing to allow the US to use RAF bases and standing aside in taking direct action the conflict.
Starmer gives Trump permission to use RAF bases for defensive action against Iran
Comment | Trump’s attack on Iran is the biggest moment in world history since 9/11
Sunday 1 March 2026 21:21 , Alex CroftIt is always difficult – perhaps even wrong – to try to assess the significance of events in real time. History, of course, provides comfortable breathing space that allows us to put things in context calmly, free from the challenges of rushing into judgements that do not stand up to the test of time.
There have been three times in my life when I immediately understood that what I was witnessing had epic significance even as it unfolded. The first was the evening of 9 November 1989, when crowds gathered at news that border crossings were to open in Berlin – and the wall began to fall that night. The second, of course, was on 11 September 2001, when it was obvious as we all watched what happened after the coordinated hijacking of four passenger planes that the world was going to change forever.
Peter Frankopan writes:
Trump’s attack on Iran is the biggest moment in world history since 9/11
EU calls for 'maximum restraint' in Iran conflict
Sunday 1 March 2026 21:03 , Alex CroftThe EU has called for "maximum restraint" and full respect for international law in the Iran conflict, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said.
"We call for maximum restraint, protection of civilians and full respect of international law, including the principles of the United Nations Charter, and international humanitarian law," said a statement issued by Ms Kallas on behalf of all EU members.
The statement came after an emergency video conference of EU foreign ministers on Sunday, called after the United States and Israel launched military strikes on Iran, and Tehran responded with strikes on Israel, US forces and Gulf countries.
"Iran's attacks and violation of sovereignty of a number of countries in the region are inexcusable. Iran must refrain from indiscriminate military strikes," the EU statement said.
Israeli strikes hit Tehran hospital, witnesses say
Sunday 1 March 2026 20:45 , Alex CroftIsraeli strikes hit a hospital in Tehran’s Gandhi Street area, two witnesses said on Sunday.
Speaking to Reuters news agency, the witnesses said the hospital was badly damaged and patients were being taken out.
Iran crisis will drive up cost of fuel, energy and inflation, says analyst
Sunday 1 March 2026 20:29 , Alex CroftRising tensions in the Middle East, provoked by US and Israeli strikes on Iran, could drive up petrol prices, energy bills and inflation in the UK, a geopolitical analyst has said.
Jorge Leon, senior vice president and head of geopolitical analysis at energy intelligence firm Rystad Energy, said that, if the strait was blocked, the resulting spike in oil prices could directly impact consumers in the UK.
The Strait of Hormuz sees between 15 million barrels of crude oil pass through its waters each day, amounting to around a third of the global crude trade, Mr Leon said.
Qatar, on the Persian Gulf, is one of the world’s biggest exporters of liquified natural gas, and closing the strait could also impact these shipments, he added.
Disruptions in the liquid natural gas markets could drive up gas prices, which Mr Leon said were closely linked to the price of electricity.
He said: “A higher electricity price will feed through the global economy, and, in particular in the UK, (lead to) higher inflation.
“We have a direct effect – which is higher prices at the pump and higher electricity bills, but also a secondary effect, which is things will get more expensive because inflation might increase.”
UK prepares emergency evacuation plan for Britons stuck in Middle East
Sunday 1 March 2026 20:14 , Alex CroftThe UK has launched a huge operation to support hundreds of thousands of British nationals in the Middle East as Iranian missile strikes rock the region.
Officials at the Foreign Office are understood to be working on plans for potential evacuation routes should airspace in the Gulf remain closed.
Iran has launched strikes at countries across the Middle East in retaliation to US-Israeli airstrikes which have killed hundreds of people in major cities including Tehran. Three US service members have been killed as part of Trump’s military action against Iran, and five seriously wounded, while several people have been killed in Israel.
British nationals are currently being advised to stay where they are and follow the instructions of local authorities and monitor the Foreign Office’s travel advice, which officials expect to change rapidly.
Read the full report here:
UK prepares emergency evacuation plan for Britons stuck in Middle East
Footballing legend Graeme Souness stranded in Abu Dhabi amid strikes from Iran
Sunday 1 March 2026 20:01 , Alex CroftAt least 165 people dead after strike on girls' primary school, say Iranian authorities
Sunday 1 March 2026 19:50 , Alex CroftThe death toll of an attack on a girls’ primary school in southern Iran has hit 165, according to Iranian authorities.
Iran has blamed the US and Israel for the attack, with president Masoud Pezeshkian calling the incident a “barbaric act”.
US Central Command spokesperson Tim Hawkins told US media: “We take these reports seriously. The protection of civilians is of utmost importance, and we will continue to take all precautions available to minimise the risk of unintended harm.”
The Israeli military said it was not aware of operations in the area.
Israel working to undermine Iranian regime to point of collapse, official says
Sunday 1 March 2026 19:33 , Alex CroftIsrael is working undermine the Iranian regime to the point of toppling it, an Israeli official said on Sunday, adding that Israel "is acting in its own ways" to get Iranians to take to the streets.
The official, who was speaking on condition of anonymity, did not elaborate on what tactics Israel might be using to encourage Iranians to protest against the regime.
