An Iranian drone has reportedly struck a US Navy base in Bahrain as Tehran retaliates to ongoing US-Israeli strikes across the country.
The drone hit the US Navy’s 5th fleet base at around 7:30pm GMT (10:30pm local time) causing a major fire, a senior Bahraini official told the BBC.
It struck near an adjoining UK naval facility, but there were no casualties as the area had preciously been evacuated.
Meanwhile, a suspected Iranian drone attacked the UK’s RAF Akrotiri base in Cyprus, while Israel and Hezbollah traded fresh strikes.
Donald Trump suggested the conflict with Iran could go on for the next four weeks, the Daily Mail is reporting, 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. Iran’s retaliation has killed at least nine people in Israel and three US service members.
Read MoreTrump confirms killing of ‘evil’ Iran leader Khamenei in US-Israeli air strikes
Mapped: Where strikes and explosions have been heard across the Middle East as Iran retaliates
I’m an expert on Iran. Here’s what could come next after US strikes targeting Ayatollah Ali Khamenei
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
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.
Full report: UK fighter jet shoots down Iranian drone flying towards Qatar
Sunday 1 March 2026 19:21 , Alex CroftA Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter jet has shot down an Iranian drone heading towards Qatar, the UK’s Defence Ministry has said.
It is believed to be the first drone shot down by a UK fighter jet since the US and Israel began a conflict with Iran on Saturday, prompting Iranian retaliation.
A squadron of Typhoons was deployed to Qatar earlier this year.
“On 1 March 2026, a Royal Air Force Typhoon operating from Qatar as part of the joint UK-Qatar Typhoon Squadron, successfully took out an Iranian drone heading towards Qatari territory,” the Defence Ministry said in a statement.
Read the full report here:
UK fighter jet shoots down Iranian drone flying towards Qatar
Third ship attacked near Strait of Hormuz, say UK authorities
Sunday 1 March 2026 19:07 , Alex CroftA third ship is reported to have been attacked with an “unknown projectile” near the Strait of Hormuz, the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) Centre has said.
The UKMTO said it had received a report of “an incident 35NM (nautical miles) west of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates”.
The body added: “It has been reported that an unknown projectile has exploded in very close proximity to a vessel. All crew are safe and well.
“Authorities are investigating.”
Iran's national TV and radio HQ in Tehran hit
Sunday 1 March 2026 18:51 , Alex CroftParts of Iran's national radio and television headquarters were hit in strikes on the capital Tehran on Sunday, state media reported.
They added that broadcasting is continuing as usual.
Pope Leo makes plea for peace and warns Trump amid strikes on Iran
Sunday 1 March 2026 18:35 , Alex CroftRAF jet shoots down Iranian drone heading for Qatar
Sunday 1 March 2026 18:21 , Alex CroftBritain's Defence Ministry has said a Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter jet operating from Qatar took out an Iranian drone heading towards Qatari territory.
This the first drone shot down by a UK fighter jet since the US and Israel began their strikes on Saturday.
A squadron of Typhoons was deployed to Qatar earlier this year.
US sinking Iran's Navy, Trump says
Sunday 1 March 2026 18:09 , Alex CroftDonald Trump said on Sunday that the US military was sinking Iran's Navy, destroying nine Iranian warships so far and "going after the rest."
"They will soon be floating at the bottom of the sea, also! In a different attack, we largely destroyed their Naval Headquarters," Trump said in social media post.
"Other than that, their Navy is doing very well!"
UK terror threat level under review amid Iran strikes, defence secretary says
Sunday 1 March 2026 17:55 , Alex CroftThe terror threat level in the UK is under review, amid concerns about Iranian retaliation to a volley of US and Israeli strikes, the Defence Secretary has said.
John Healey accused Iran on Sunday of “lashing out in an increasingly indiscriminate and widespread way” after it fired retaliatory missiles and drones at targets across the Middle East including the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Israel.
The current threat level is set at substantial, which means an attack is ‘likely’. This is the third out of five levels set by the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre (JTAC): severe would mean an attack is ‘highly likely’, and critical means an attack is ‘highly likely in the near future’.
Mr Healey was asked by Sky News on Sunday morning whether the threat level was being reviewed, to which he responded: “Absolutely”.
Read the full report here:
UK terror threat level under review amid Iran strikes, Healey says
Iran will leave enemies 'hopeless', president says after US and Israel strikes kill Khameini
Sunday 1 March 2026 17:41 , Alex CroftNetanyahu says Tehran strikes 'set to escalate further'
Sunday 1 March 2026 17:28 , Holly BancroftIsrael’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said that Israel will “escalate” strikes on Iran further in the coming days.
Speaking from the roof of the Kirya in Tel Aviv, Mr Netanyahu said: "We have eliminated the tyrant Khamenei and dozens of senior figures of the oppressive regime. Our forces are now striking at the heart of Tehran with increasing intensity, set to escalate further in the coming days."
He added: “And yet, these are painful days. Yesterday here, in Tel Aviv, and now in Beit Shemesh, we lost dear people. My heart goes out to the families, and on behalf of all of you, citizens of Israel, I send my wishes for a speedy recovery to the wounded.”
Iranian officials say at least 153 people dead after strike on school
Sunday 1 March 2026 17:16 , Holly BancroftIran officials have said that at least 153 people including children have died after a reported strike on a school in southern Iran.
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.”
Iranian forces strike British oil tanker in Strait of Hormuz
Sunday 1 March 2026 17:08 , Alex CroftIranian forces say they have struck a British oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz.
Three US and UK tankers were hit in the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial shipping lane for global crude oil trade, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said according to state media.
We’ll bring you more as we get it.
UK transport secretary: 'I realise how stressful the situation is'
Sunday 1 March 2026 16:55 , Holly BancroftUK’s transport secretary Heidi Alexander has said that she realised “how stressful the situation is for travellers” as thousands of Britons remain stranded abroad due to global flight cancellations.
Ms Alexander said in a statement on X: “The UK’s immediate priority is the safety of UK nationals in the Middle East, but I also realise how stressful the situation is for travellers facing delays and disruption.
“We’re closely monitoring the situation for UK aviation and shipping and working closely with UK airlines.”
