Iraq blackout hits entire country as NATO intercepts Iranian missile

This live blog will follow the updates for the fifth day of the US-Israel war on Iran.

•    Iran postpones Khamenei state funeral expecting unprecedented Tehran turnout Wednesday
•    Canada PM, France's Macron: US-Israel Iran strikes violate international law
•    Iran Guards claim complete control of Strait of Hormuz
•    France sends aircraft carrier to Mediterranean amid Iran war fears
•    US hit nearly 2,000 Iran targets in largest Mideast buildup ever

Trump says US in 'very strong position' against Iran 

Published March 5, 2026 | 19:57 GMT

President Donald Trump said the United States and Israel were in a strong position in their war with Iran, vowing that they would "continue forward" against the Islamic republic, AFP reported.

Trump said prospective replacements for slain Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei "end up dead" and that Tehran's arsenal of ballistic missiles was being "wiped out rapidly."

"We're doing well on the war front, to put it mildly. Somebody said on a scale of 10, where would you rate it? I said about a 15," Trump told a gathering of tech bosses at the White House.

"We're in a very strong position now, and their leadership is just rapidly going. Everybody that seems to want to be a leader, they end up dead."

Speaking on the fifth day of the war, Trump repeated his justifications for attacking Iran, saying Tehran was on its way to obtaining a nuclear weapon.

"When crazy people have nuclear weapons, bad things happen," Trump added.

Rubio says attacks on Turkey 'unacceptable' after Iran missile launch

Published March 5, 2026 | 19:57 GMT

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that attacks on NATO ally Turkey's sovereignty were "unacceptable" after the alliance shot down an Iranian missile, which a Turkish official said had veered off course, AFP reported.

In a call with Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Rubio said "that attacks on Turkey's sovereign territory were unacceptable and pledged full support from the United States," State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott said.

Spain denies White House claim of military cooperation on Iran

Published March 5, 2026 | 19:57 GMT

The Spanish foreign minister denied that Madrid had dropped its opposition to Washington's use of its bases against Iran, after the White House said Spain agreed to "cooperate with the US military".

"I categorically deny any change... our position on the use of the bases, on the war in the Middle East, on the bombardment of Iran, has not changed at all," Jose Manuel Albares told Cadena SER radio.

Trump 'actively considering' US role in Iran after war: White House

Published March 5, 2026 | 19:57 GMT

President Donald Trump is "actively considering" a US role in Iran after the American-Israeli operation against the country concludes, the White House said, according to AFP.

"I think it's something the president is actively considering and discussing with his advisors and his national security team," Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said of any post-war US role.

Israel army says it has begun new wave of strikes on Tehran

Published March 5, 2026 | 19:57 GMT

The Israeli military announced it had launched a new wave of strikes in Tehran, saying they were targeting military infrastructure belonging to the "Iranian regime," AFP reported.

"The IDF has begun an additional wave of strikes targeting military infrastructure belonging to the Iranian regime across Tehran," the military said in a statement.

UN says 100,000 fled Tehran in first two days of war

Published March 5, 2026 | 19:19 GMT

The United Nations says an estimated 100,000 people fled Tehran in the first two days of the US and Israeli strikes on Iran over the weekend.

“In Iran, an estimated 100,000 people left Tehran in the first two days following the attacks,” UNHCR, the UN refugee agency, said in a situation report.

Two drones shot down near Baghdad airport, no casualties reported

Published March 4, 2026 | 18:47 GMT 

AFP sources said Wednesday evening that Iraqi forces intercepted two drones near Baghdad International Airport, which hosts a US diplomatic facility. No casualties or damage were reported, following earlier attacks on the facility.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards launch fresh missile, drone attacks on Israel

Published March 4, 2026 | 18:44 GMT

Iranian media reported the Revolutionary Guards carried out a new wave of missile and drone strikes targeting Israel in retaliation for recent US-Israeli strikes on Iran.

Iraq suffers nationwide blackout, authorities investigate cause

Published March 4, 2026 | 18:37 GMT

Iraq’s electricity ministry said Wednesday that the country’s power grid had completely shut down, affecting all provinces. Restoration efforts have begun, though the ministry did not confirm the cause of the outage amid ongoing regional attacks.

NATO intercepts Iranian missile heading toward region

Published March 4, 2026 | 18:35 GMT

Türkiye reported that a ballistic missile fired from Iran over Iraq and Syria was destroyed by NATO air defense systems. Turkish officials told AFP the missile appeared intended for a base in Greek Cyprus but went off course.

Jebel Ali port terminals operating normally after temporary suspension

Published March 4, 2026 | 18:38 GMT 

Dubai’s DP World confirmed Wednesday that operations at the Jebel Ali port have resumed and are running normally, following brief suspensions amid regional Iranian attacks that affected Gulf shipping lanes.

Sri Lanka's navy has recovered 87 bodies of sailors from an Iranian warship that was sunk on Wednesday by a US submarine off the island's southern coast, police and defense officials said.

Published March 4,2026 | 15:00 GMT 

"We have collected 87 bodies, and a search is still on for the others who are still missing," a navy official told AFP on condition of anonymity.

Police and navy spokesmen said 61 sailors were still missing. Some 32 have been rescued and are being treated at a hospital in the city of Galle, according to officials.

New blasts heard over Jerusalem after missile alert
Published March 4, 2026 | 14:26 GMT

New blasts were heard overhead in Jerusalem on Wednesday, AFP journalists reported, after the Israeli military warned of incoming Iranian missiles.

The blasts came around two hours after a previous salvo of missiles was detected and sirens blared.

Hezbollah says targeted military base near Tel Aviv with drone swarm
Published: March 4, 2026 | 14:19 GMT

Hezbollah said Wednesday it had targeted an Israeli military base near Tel Aviv in central Israel and a naval base in Haifa in the north with swarms of attack drones.

The announcements by the group came shortly after Israel activated air raid sirens following what it said were launches from Iran and Lebanon.

The Israeli military said "several launches... from Lebanon toward Israeli territory were successfully intercepted after sirens sounded in central Israel".

Israel army says two soldiers injured by anti-tank fire in south Lebanon
Published: March 4, 2026 | 14:12 GMT

The Israeli military said anti-tank fire in south Lebanon injured two of its soldiers on Wednesday, after Hezbollah said it had struck two Israeli military vehicles.

"Earlier today (Wednesday), two IDF soldiers were moderately injured as a result of an anti-tank fire toward IDF troops operating in southern Lebanon," the military said in a statement, adding they had been evacuated to hospital for treatment.

US defense chief dismisses Russia, China as not a 'factor' in Iran war
Published: March 4, 2026 | 13:51 GMT

The US defense chief on Wednesday dismissed China and Russia as non-factors in Washington's decision making when it comes to the war against Iran.

"I don't have a message for them, and they're not really a factor here, and our issue is not with them," Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told a press conference, adding that the US focus was purely on ending what he called "the nuclear ambitions of Iran."

Russia and China have longstanding diplomatic and trade ties with Iran, while Russia has close military links to the country. Both Moscow and Beijing have criticized the US-Israeli war to topple the Iranian government and destroy its military.

US submarine torpedoed Iranian warship in Indian Ocean: Pentagon
Published: March 4, 2026 | 13:45 GMT

A US submarine sank an Iranian frigate in the Indian Ocean with a torpedo strike, the first such enemy ship sinking since World War II, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced.

He touted the "quiet death" as proof of US global reach in the US-Israeli war on Iran, launched Saturday to dismantle its navy.

Sri Lankan rescuers saved 32 crew from IRIS Dena after a dawn distress call 40 km south of Galle, but 148 are missing with low survival hopes. A few bodies were found amid an oil patch. The wounded received hospital care under heightened security as searches continue per international obligations.

US submarine sank Iran warship in Indian Ocean: Pentagon chief
Published: March 4, 2026 | 13:24 GMT

A US submarine torpedoed and sank an Iranian warship in the Indian Ocean, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Wednesday.

"An American submarine sunk an Iranian warship that thought it was safe in international waters. Instead, it was sunk by a torpedo," Hegseth told reporters.

New flights evacuate travelers stranded by Middle East war
Published March 4, 2026 | 13:20 GMT

More relieved passengers arrived home from the Gulf region on Wednesday as further flights resumed five days into the war triggered by US-Israeli attacks on Iran.

As airlines resumed limited flights out of hubs including Dubai and Riyadh, governments also chartered planes to bring home citizens affected by the turmoil, which stranded tens of thousands of travelers worldwide.

Passengers touching down at airports in Australia, France, Germany, India, Russia, Taiwan and beyond told of sleepless nights and days-long ordeals to get out of the Middle East when war erupted.

Türkiye 'not target of missile' launched from Iran: Turkish source
Published: March 4, 2026 | 13:07 GMT

Türkiye "was not a target" of a missile launched from Iran, heading toward Turkish airspace that was destroyed by NATO air-defense systems, a Turkish official told AFP on Wednesday.

"We believe it aimed at a base in Greek Cyprus but veered off course," the official said wishing to remain anonymous.

Starmer says US planes flying out of UK bases 'special relationship in action'
Published: March 4, 2026 | 12:52 GMT

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Wednesday defended his handling of the US-Israeli air campaign against Iran after President Donald Trump launched a scathing attack over his initial refusal to allow allow the Americans to use UK air bases.

"American planes are operating out of British bases. That is the special relationship in action," he told parliament.

"British jets are shooting down drones and missiles to protect American lives in the Middle East on our joint bases. That is the special relationship in action, sharing intelligence every day to keep our people safe," he added.

Iran Guards say targeted opposition groups in Iraqi Kurdistan 
Published: March 4, 2026 | 12:50 GMT

Iran's Revolutionary Guards said on Wednesday they had targeted armed opposition groups hostile to Tehran in the autonomous Kurdish region of neighbouring Iraq.

"Bases and headquarters of Komala and anti-revolutionary groups were hit with success by three missiles" launched at 11:00 am (0730 GMT), the Guards said in a statement.

Multiple Kurdish opposition groups exiled in Iraq announced a political coalition last month aimed at overthrowing the Islamic republic and achieving self-determination.

Hezbollah says struck two Israeli army vehicles in south Lebanon
Published: March 4, 2026 | 12:46 GMT

Hezbollah said on Wednesday it had struck two Israeli military vehicles in the southern Lebanese village of Houla, as Israel's army reportedly advances over the border.

In a statement, the group said it struck an armored personnel carrier in Houla with "appropriate weapons, achieving a direct hit".

In a separate statement, Hezbollah said it had also struck a Merkava tank in Houla "achieving a direct hit".

Israel army says begins strikes in southern Lebanon
Published: March 4, 2026 | 12:40 GMT

Israel's military said on Wednesday it had begun striking southern Lebanon after issuing a call to evacuate all areas south of the country's Litani river.

"The (Israeli military) has begun a wave of strikes in the southern Lebanon area", the military said in a statement.

Türkiye warns Iran after missile intercepted: ministry source
Published: March 4, 2026 | 12:24 GMT

Türkiye warned Tehran against any steps that could spread the war after a missile launched from Iran heading toward Turkish airspace was destroyed by NATO air-defense systems, a foreign ministry source said.

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan told his Iranian counterpart in a phone call that "any steps that could lead to the spread of conflict should be avoided", the source added.

Sirens sound in Jerusalem after Iran missile alert
Published: March 4, 2026 | 12:10 GMT

Two rounds of air raid sirens blared in quick succession in Jerusalem on Wednesday, AFP journalists reported, after the military said it had detected two missile barrages incoming from Iran.

It said air defense systems were "operating to intercept the threat."

In a separate statement shortly after the first salvo was announced, the military said that "several launches... from Lebanon toward Israeli territory were successfully intercepted after sirens sounded in central Israel.

Lebanon was dragged into the regional war on Monday when the pro-Iran Hezbollah group launched an attack on Israel, saying it wanted to "avenge" the killing of Iranian supreme leader Ali Khamenei during US-Israeli strikes, sparking Israeli retaliation.

Israel planning at least "one or two" more weeks of Iran ops: media
Published: March 4, 2026 | 11:50 GMT

Israel's military is planning at least one or two more weeks of operations in Iran, Israeli media reported on Wednesday after briefings to military reporters.

"The Israeli military is planning for at least one or two more weeks of operations in Iran, during which it aims to hit thousands more Iranian regime targets," the Times of Israel reported.

Israeli news website Ynet reported in a headline story that "within the (Israeli military), it is expected that there will be at least two additional weeks of bombardments in Iran."

Türkiye says NATO intercepted ballistic missile from Iran
Published: March 4, 2026 | 11:45 GMT 

A ballistic missile launched from Iran and traveling through Iraqi and Syrian airspace toward Türkiye was intercepted and neutralized by NATO air and missile defense forces deployed in the Eastern Mediterranean, the country’s Ministry of National Defense said Wednesday.

Fragments from the munition fell in the Dörtyol district of Hatay province, authorities said, confirming that the debris came from the air defense system used in the interception. No casualties or injuries were reported.

“All necessary steps for the defense of our land and airspace will be taken decisively and without hesitation,” the statement said. “We reserve the right to respond to any hostile act directed against our country.”

The ministry called on all parties to avoid actions that could escalate conflicts in the region and said consultations with NATO and other allies will continue.

Nearly 150 missing after Iranian warship sinks off Sri Lanka
Published: March 4, 2026 | 11:17 GMT

Nearly 150 people were missing and several dead after an Iranian warship sank Wednesday off Sri Lanka following what crew members reported as an explosion, officials said.

Sri Lanka's navy rescued 32 sailors from the frigate IRIS Dena but hopes were fading for 148 other sailors, the island's Foreign minister and defence officials said.

The source was unclear of the reported explosion involving the frigate, which was traveling after reportedly attending a military exercise in India's eastern port of Viskhapatnam.

Israel army says identified missiles launched from Iran
Published: March 4, 2026 | 11:58 GMT

The Israeli military said Wednesday it detected missiles launched from Iran.

"A short while ago, the IDF identified missiles launched from Iran toward the territory of the State of Israel", the military said in a statement, adding aerial defense was working to intercept them.

A cellphone message was sent to members of the public urging them to seek shelter.

Bahrain opens door for volunteers to aid in wartime efforts
March 4, 2026 | 11:47 GMT 

Bahrain said on Wednesday that residents could register as volunteers to aid war efforts in sectors including health, engineering, logistics and administration, as Iran pressed on with its Gulf retaliation campaign.

"Those wishing to volunteer can register for the "Bahrain is Safe... As Long as You Are Its People" campaign through the National Volunteer Platform [website]," the statement published on the Bahrain News Agency said.

Sri Lanka navy says recovers 'a few bodies' after Iran warship sinking
Published: March 4, 2026 | 11:17 GMT

Sri Lanka's navy has recovered "a few bodies" of Iranian sailors on board a frigate that sank off the island's southern coast after what crew members reported as an explosion, a spokesman said Wednesday.

"We have found a few bodies from the area where the ship had gone down," local navy spokesman Buddhika Sampath told reporters in Colombo, adding that the search for others was continuing.
Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath told parliament earlier Wednesday that 180 people were aboard the IRIS Dena, which sank after issuing a distress message following an apparent explosion.

UAE and Qatar say intercepted drone, missile barrages

Published: March 4, 2026 | 10:39 GMT

The United Arab Emirates and Qatar separately said Wednesday they had intercepted drone and missile barrages as Iran pressed its campaign targeting its neighbors into a fifth day.

The UAE's ministry of defense said its air defenses "successfully engaged Wednesday with 3 ballistic missiles and detected 129 drones, of which 121 drones were intercepted while 8 fell on state territory".

Qatar's military said it was targeted "at dawn today, by 10 drones and 2 cruise missiles coming from the Islamic Republic of Iran," with all of the projectiles intercepted by its forces.

Israel army tells residents south of Lebanon's Litani river to move north
Published: March 4, 2026 | 10:25 GMT

The Israeli military told residents living south of Lebanon's Litani river to immediately head north on Wednesday, warning that the army was "compelled to take military action" against Hezbollah in the area.

"For your own protection, you must vacate your homes immediately. Anyone located near Hezbollah operatives, facilities, or weapon is putting their life at risk," one of the military's Arabic-language spokesman Avichay Adraee posted on X, adding that "any building or home utilized by Hezbollah for military purposes is a legitimate target and may be engaged."

"Residents of southern Lebanon – you must move immediately to areas north of the Litani River," the post said.

Rocket fired at Iranian Kurdish fighters in Iraq, one killed: exiled group source
Published: March 4, 2026 | 10:11 GMT

A Kurdish-Iranian fighter was killed on Wednesday in a rocket attack on the exiled Kurdistan Freedom Party (PAK) in northern Iraq, a party source told AFP, requesting anonymity.

"The rocket hit a PAK position" in the northern autonomous Kurdistan region, which hosts camps and rear bases operated by several Iranian Kurdish rebel groups.

Saudi Arabia intercepts drone attack targeting huge refinery: defense ministry
Published: March 4, 2026 | 9:55 GMT

Saudi Arabia intercepted a drone attack in targeting its massive Ras Tanura refinery, the defense ministry said Wednesday, following an earlier hit on the complex along its Gulf coast this week.

"Initial estimates indicate that the attack was carried out by a drone and did not result in any damage," the ministry said in a statement posted on X.

Tanker struck off Emirati coast by 'unknown projectile' debris: UK maritime agency
Published: March 4, 2026 | 09:45 GMT

A tanker was hit off the coast of the United Arab Emirates by "debris from an unknown projectile", a British maritime security agency reported Wednesday, as Iran presses its retaliation campaign in the Gulf.

The incident occurred early Wednesday, 10 nautical miles east of the Emirati city of Fujairah, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO).

"The tanker experienced a loud blast and debris from an unknown projectile was found on the deck. The funnel of the tanker sustained minor damage but no major damage has been observed," it said, adding that all crew were safe and accounted for.

Hezbollah says targeted the headquarters of Israel Aerospace Industries
Published: March 4, 2026 | 9:45 GMT

Hezbollah said on Wednesday it had targeted the headquarters of Israel Aerospace Industries, in central Israel, overnight with a drone attack while also saying it launched a missile at a drone control base.

In a statement the Lebanon-based group said it had "struck the headquarters of the Israeli Aerospace Industries (IAI) company in central occupied Palestine with a swarm of attack drones" at 2:00 am local time (0000GMT) on Wednesday, "in response to the criminal Israeli aggression that targeted dozens of Lebanese cities and towns".

In a separate statement Hezbollah said it had struck a "drone control base" in northern Israel with a "precision-guided missile" shortly before dawn.

Israeli army enters south Lebanon town Khiam, about six km from border: state media
Published: March 4, 2026 | 09:42 AM GMT

Lebanese state media reported on Wednesday that the Israeli army entered the southern Lebanese town of Khiam, about six kilometers from the Lebanon-Israel border.

"The town of Khiam is witnessing continuous artillery shelling, while the Israeli enemy army penetrated into the town," state media said.

A Lebanese military source told AFP on Tuesday that Israel had launched a ground incursion into a border area in southern Lebanon, in parallel with its campaign of airstrikes.

Israel military says Iran still has significant capacity to fire missiles
Published: March 4, 2026 | 9:40 GMT

The Israeli military said Wednesday that Iran still has significant capacity to launch missiles at Israel, even as it continues to strike missile launchers at Iran.

"We have destroyed dozens of missile launchers that posed significant threats to the Israeli front," military spokesman Brigadier General Effie Defrin said in a televised briefing. "We will continue to strike the missile launchers and reduce the firing, but the regime still has significant capacity, and I would like to remind you that our defense is not impenetrable."

Kuwait military says detected inbound missiles, drones
Published: March 4, 2026 | 9:24 GMT

Kuwait's military said it detected incoming projectiles on Wednesday and was working to intercept them, with Iran pressing its campaign targeting Gulf states into a fifth day.

"The armed forces are currently dealing with a wave of missiles and drones that have been detected in the airspace of the State of Kuwait, and are carrying out their missions to confront and intercept them," the army said in a statement as an AFP reporter said sirens sounded in Kuwait City.

Israel army says struck Iranian ballistic missile facility in Isfahan
Published: March 4, 2026 | 09:18 GMT

The Israeli military said it had struck overnight a facility "for the storage, production, and launch of ballistic missiles — including Ghadr missiles — in Isfahan in western Iran."

EU says 'ready' to defend interests after Trump Spain threat
Published: March 4, 2026 | 9:15 GMT

The European Commission said Wednesday it was "ready" to defend EU interests after President Donald Trump threatened to sever trade with Spain for refusing to allow US use of its bases to attack Iran.

"We stand in full solidarity with all member states and all its citizens and, through our common trade policy, stand ready to act if necessary to safeguard EU interests," said commission spokesman Olof Gill in a statement issued in response to Trump's threats.

Iran won't negotiate with US, can 'continue the war': senior adviser to Khamenei
Published: March 4, 2026 | 08:47 GMT

Iran has no intention of negotiating with the United States and can continue the Middle East war for as long as needed, Mohammad Mokhber, a senior aide to the late supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei told state TV.

Canada PM says Israeli-US strikes on Iran 'inconsistent with international law'

Published: March 4, 2026 | 07:51 GMT 

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Wednesday that US-Israeli strikes on Iran had been "inconsistent with international law", calling for a rapid de-escalation of the conflict.

Speaking at a gathering of the Lowy Institute think tank in Sydney, Carney said Canada welcomed steps to change Iran's form of government -- which he said represented the "principal source of instability and terror" in the Middle East.

But, he said, the action "would appear, prima facie, not to be consistent or to be inconsistent with international law".

"It's a judgment for others to make," he added.

"I'm not a lawyer, let alone an international legal expert."

US says non-emergency staff granted permission to leave Cyprus

Published: March 4, 2026 | 05:51 GMT 

The US State Department has given its non-emergency personnel and their families in Cyprus permission to leave, the US embassy said Wednesday.

The department "authorized non-emergency US government employees and US government employee family members to leave Cyprus due to the safety risks."

Iran Guards say have 'complete control' of Strait of Hormuz

Published: March 4, 2026 | 04:49 GMT

Iran's Revolutionary Guards said Wednesday they control the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route for oil and gas, and any vessels seeking to pass through the waterway risk damage from missiles or stray drones.

"Currently, the Strait of Hormuz is under the complete control of the Islamic Republic's Navy," said Guards Navy official Mohammad Akbarzadeh in a statement issued on Fars news agency.

US President Donald Trump said Tuesday the US Navy was ready to escort oil tankers through the crucial Gulf shipping route.

Israeli strike hits Beirut hotel

Published: March 4, 2026 | 04:29 GMT 

An explosion was heard by an AFP journalist in the Lebanese capital Beirut shortly after midnight on Wednesday, as Israel and Hezbollah traded strikes and rocket fire.

Lebanon's health ministry said Israeli strikes on two towns south of Beirut — outside of Iran-backed Hezbollah's traditional strongholds — killed six people and wounded eight.

Later on Wednesday Lebanese state media said Israeli strikes hit a hotel in the Beirut suburb of Hazmieh and a four-story building in the eastern city of Baalbek.

Saudi Arabia says intercepted two cruise missiles

Published: March 4, 2026 | 03:47 GMT 

The Saudi defence ministry said two cruise missiles were intercepted on Wednesday over an area south of the capital Riyadh, and state media reported a separate drone attack was thwarted.

"Two cruise missiles were intercepted and destroyed in Al-Kharj" district, a defense ministry statement said, while the official Saudi Press Agency cited a ministry spokesman as saying "nine drones were intercepted and destroyed immediately upon entering the Kingdom's airspace". The statements did not say who may be behind the attacks.

Macron says US, Israel acted 'outside international law' in Iran strikes

Published: March 4, 2026 | 03:17 GMT 

French President Emmanuel Macron said that the United States and Israel's military operations in Iran were conducted "outside international law," but placed primary blame on the Islamic Republic.

"The United States of America and Israel decided to launch military operations, conducted outside international law, which we cannot approve of," said Macron.

But "the Islamic Republic of Iran bears primary responsibility for this situation," Macron added, citing their "dangerous" nuclear program, support for regional proxies, and orders to shoot "its own people" during protests in January.

Israel strikes building in Baalbek, east Lebanon: Report

Published: March 4, 2026 | 02:22 GMT 

An Israeli airstrike hit a four-story building in the city of Baalbek in eastern Lebanon, state media reported.

Lebanon's state-run National News Agency said that "enemy aircraft targeted a four-story building at dawn" inside a residential complex in Baalbek, an area where Hezbollah holds sway.

The NNA reported "a number of martyrs and work is underway to rescue families from under the rubble".

France sends aircraft carrier to Mediterranean over Iran war

Published: March 4, 2026 | 02:22 GMT

French President Emmanuel Macron said France was sending an aircraft carrier to the Mediterranean in response to the widening conflict in the Middle East, AFP reported.

"I have ordered the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, its air assets, and its escort of frigates to set course for the Mediterranean," he said in a televised speech a day after he warned of the risk of the conflict spilling over Europe's borders.

Macron said he was also sending air defense capacities to Cyprus a day after Iranian-made drones hit the Mediterranean island's British air base at Akrotiri.

"I have also decided to send additional air defense assets and a French frigate, the Languedoc, which will arrive off the coast of Cyprus this evening," he said.

Israel warns residents to leave 16 south Lebanon towns ahead of attacks

Published: March 4, 2026 | 02:16 GMT

The Israeli military called on people to leave 16 towns and villages in southern Lebanon, in an "urgent warning" before using force against Hezbollah fighters.

"For your safety, you must evacuate your homes immediately" and head to "open areas", said a statement shared by the military's Arabic-language spokesman Avichay Adraee, listing 16 locations near the border.

US says 2,000 targets hit in Iran 

Published: March 4, 2026 | 02:00 GMT

The US military has hit nearly 2,000 targets since attacking Iran alongside Israel, targeting ballistic missiles and "all the things that can shoot at us", said Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of US Central Command.

"These forces bring a massive amount of firepower, representing the largest buildup by the US in the Middle East in a generation," he said in a video message, describing the first day's barrage as bigger than the so-called "shock and awe" against Saddam Hussein's Iraq in 2003.

Trump insists he struck Iran on his own terms

Published: March 4, 2026 | 01:32 GMT

President Donald Trump and his team scrambled to reclaim the narrative on why he decided to attack Iran, after his top diplomat suggested the US struck only after learning of an imminent Israeli strike.

"No, Marco Rubio didn't claim that Israel dragged Trump into war with Iran," White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt posted Tuesday on X.

At an Oval Office meeting later with Germany's chancellor, Trump went further, saying that "Based on the way the negotiation was going, I think they (Iran) were going to attack first. And I didn't want that to happen."

"So, if anything, I might have forced Israel's hand."

Loud explosion heard in Beirut: Report

Published: March 4, 2026 | 00:13 GMT

A loud explosion was heard by an AFP journalist in the Lebanese capital, Beirut, shortly after midnight on Wednesday, as Israel and Hezbollah traded strikes and rocket fire.

Tehran-backed Hezbollah reprised its rocket and drone attacks on Israel on Monday after a long hiatus in retaliation for the killing of Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a wave of joint US-Israeli strikes.

Israel says it has launched 'broad wave' of strikes on Iran

Published: March 4, 2026 | 00:10 GMT

Israel's military said it has launched a "broad wave of strikes" on targets in Iran, after the Islamic Republic launched three separate missile barrages at Israeli territory in recent hours.

The military said the targets of its latest strikes include "launch sites, aerial defense systems, and additional infrastructure."

Iranian missile hits US base at Al-Udeid: Qatar defense ministry

Published: March 4, 2026 | 00:05 GMT

An Iranian ballistic missile hit the United States' military base at Al-Udeid, Qatar's defense ministry said, as Tehran struck targets across the Gulf in retaliation for US-Israeli attacks.

The ministry said Qatar was targeted by two missiles, adding: "Air defense systems successfully intercepted one of the missiles, while the second missile struck Al-Udeid Qatari Base without causing any casualties."

This live blog will continue to be updated with confirmed developments, official statements, and casualty assessments as they emerge.