The United States and Israel’s war in Iran has now entered its eighth day, with no sign of tensions easing so far. The conflict, which began on 28 February and targeted key Iranian leaders, including its military and naval forces, has plunged the Middle East region into a renewed military confrontation. The US-Israel strike on Iran resulted in the killing of several top leaders of Tehran, including the country’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Following Khamenei’s death, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian vowed that Tehran would avenge his death, with the country now deciding on his successor to lead the position.
Here are the top updates in the US-Israel, Iran conflict:
1. On Saturday, fresh blasts were reported across the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with the country stating that it intercepted 15 ballistic missiles and 119 drones as Iran ramped up attacks on its Gulf neighbours. In a post on X, the UAE’s Defence Ministry said the noises reported in several parts of the country were caused by air defence systems intercepting ballistic missiles, while fighter aircraft engaged drones and loitering munitions in the air. The ministry added that security forces were actively responding to missile and drone threats originating from Iran.
2. Earlier today, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian apologised to Iran’s Arab neighbours, stating that Tehran would stop striking them unless any attacks on Iran originated from those countries. In a video message, Pezeshkian said, “The temporary leadership council approved yesterday that neighbouring countries should no longer be targeted and missiles should not be fired unless an attack on Iran originates from those countries.” The Iranian President added that the country’s armed forces so far had acted with a ‘fire at will’ kind of authority, but they have now been notified that they must not attack neighbouring countries or target them with missiles and drones.
3. Following Pezeshkian’s statement, US President Donald Trump issued a warning to Iran, claiming that the country ‘will be hit very hard today.’ Vowing “complete destruction, death,” Trump, in a post on Truth Social, said that Tehran is no longer a “bully” of the Middle East but instead is “the loser of the Middle East.”
4. Addressing the Shield of Americas Summit on Saturday, Trump claimed that the US knocked out 42 of Iran’s Navy ships, their Air Force, and all communications amid the ongoing conflict. He further claimed “they are bad,” and that the strikes “had to be done.”
5. In his first public comments since Iran launched strikes at Gulf nations, UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan said that his country was in a time of war. In a message to its enemies, the UAE president warned that it was “no easy prey.” He added, “The UAE has thick skin and bitter flesh – we are no easy prey. We will carry out our duty towards our country, our people, and our residents, who are also part of our family.”
6. The Israeli military claimed that it struck 16 Iranian aircraft at Tehran’s Mehrabad International Airport. According to an AFP report, the Israeli military added that the country’s air force overnight completed a broad wave of strikes across Tehran.
7. According to an AP report citing sources, Russia has provided Tehran with information that could help them strike American warships, aircraft, and other assets in the region, making it the first indication that Moscow has sought to get involved in the war.
