Iran LIVE: US jets will provide 'extensive air cover' for rebel invasion of Iran

Pete Hegseth says the United States 'has just begun to fight'

Pete Hegseth said on Thursday that Iran was making a mistake if it believed that the United States could not sustain the ongoing war, adding that Washington had just begun to fight.

The Secretary of War said: "Iran is hoping that we cannot sustain this, which is a really bad miscalculation."

"There's no expansion in our objectives. We know exactly what we're trying to achieve."

Donald Trump says Cuba is 'a question of time'

President Donald Trump said he wants to finish the war in Iran first, "but that will be just a question of time before you and a lot of unbelievable people are going to be going back to Cuba."

Earlier today, he told Politico: "Cuba’s going to fall, too.

“We cut off all oil, all money, or we cut off everything coming in from Venezuela, which was the sole source. And they want to make a deal."

House of Representatives rejects attempt to stop war on Iran 

The US House of Representatives rejected an effort on Thursday to stop President Donald Trump's air war on Iran and require that any hostilities against Iran be authorized by Congress, backing the Republican President's military campaign on the sixth day of the expanding conflict.

The vote was 219 to 212 in the House, where President Trump's fellow Republicans control a narrow majority of seats.

Arab leaders to hold crunch meeting on Sunday

Foreign ministers of Arab League member states will hold an emergency meeting on Sunday to discuss Iran's attacks on several countries in the region, the Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday, citing Arab officials familiar with the matter.

The meeting was requested by Saudi Arabia and will be held via video conference, the Journal added.

US shuts embassy in Kuwait

​The United States had shut its embassy in Kuwait following strikes by Iran.

Kuwait’s army said earlier it had shot down Iranian missiles and drones on Thursday.

Kaja Kallas says Iran is 'an exporter of war'

Iran is seeking to escalate the conflict in the Middle East by attacking other countries in the region indiscriminately, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said this evening.

"Iran is an exporter of war," Kallas told reporters at a press conference with Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis during a visit to Zurich. "Right now, the regime tries to drag as many countries into this war as possible."

Asked whether she thought Iran was trying to suck Nato into the conflict and whether the EU had a strategy to avoid getting drawn in, Kallas said Tehran was trying to "sow chaos" in the region and attacking other countries "indiscriminately".

Both Nato and the EU had mechanisms enabling members to decide on whether they needed to call for help, she said. This had not been the case so far, she added.

Kallas said Tehran had been considerably weakened, and that she saw a chance for the Iranian people to "determine their own future."

The EU was continuing to work through diplomatic channels to pursue de-escalation in the region, she added.

Israel chose to kill Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in November

Israel took the decision to kill Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in November and was planning to carry out the operation around six months later, Defence Minister Israel Katz has confirmed.

Khamenei was killed in the first hours of the US-Israeli air campaign that began on Saturday in the first assassination of a country's top ruler by an airstrike.

The joint air assault is nearing the end of its first week after opening salvos killed the country's leaders and set off a regional war, with Iranian attacks in Israel, the Gulf and Iraq, and Israeli attacks against Iran's ally Hezbollah in Lebanon.

"Already in November we were convened with the prime minister in a very tight forum and the prime minister (Benjamin Netanyahu) set the goal of eliminating Khamenei," Katz told Israel's N12 TV new

Donald Trump 'not concerned' about rising petrol prices

President Donald Trump said he was not concerned about rising US petrol prices driven by the widening Iran conflict.

When asked about the higher prices for motorists at the pump, he said: "I don't have any concern about it.

"They'll drop very rapidly when this is over, and if they rise, they rise, but this is far more important than having gasoline price go up a little bit."

Trump has outlined a four-to-five-week timeline for the military campaign against Tehran.

However, political and military experts have questioned it, noting that the US government has yet to articulate its end goal while the conflict continues to spread to the region and beyond.

John Healey refuses to rule out British aircraft taking part in Iran strikes

Defence Secretary John Healey has declined to rule out UK aircraft taking part in strikes on Iran.

He was asked during a trip to Cyprus whether he would rule out getting involved in strikes on Iran in an offensive capacity.

During an interview with Sky News, he said: "As circumstances in any conflict change, you’ve got to be willing to adapt the action you take.

"I’m doing that by bringing in anti-drone helicopters in overnight. I’m doing that in the next couple of weeks to bring in the Type 45 air defence destroyer.

"I’m doing that by bringing in the top planners to help … co-ordinate the sort of contribution that other nations are now starting to make … the German frigate in the area, and Greek ships also now joining."

WATCH: Zia Yusuf rips into Keir Starmer's response on the war in Iran - 'Inexcusable!'

Donald Trump reiterates call to pardon Benjamin Netanyahu

President Donald Trump has once again called on Israel's President Isaac Herzog to grant Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a pardon for corruption charges.

President Trump, referring to Mr Netanyahu by his nickname 'Bibi', said in an interview with Israel's N12 television news: "President Herzog must give Bibi a pardon today.

"I don't want there to be anything troubling Bibi other than the war with Iran...Herzog is a disgrace...he promised me five times to give Bibi a pardon."

President Isaac Herzog's office did not respond to Mr Trump's reported remarks.

Donald Trump insists he has to be 'involved' in appointing next Iranian leader

President Donald Trump has insisted he needs to be personally involved in selecting Iran's next leader.

In an interview with Axios, the President said: "Khamenei's son is unacceptable to me. We want someone that will bring harmony and peace to Iran.

"I have to be involved in the appointment."

Major lenders hike mortgage rates amid Iran crisis

HSBC and Coventry Building Society have become the first major high street lenders to raise fixed mortgage rates following the outbreak of the Iran war.

The banking giant confirmed its new pricing will take effect from tomorrow, while Coventry's increases come into force on Monday.

The move marks a significant shift for borrowers who had been enjoying falling costs in recent months.

Both institutions stated the rises would apply across their product ranges, though neither has disclosed the precise scale of the increases.

Our Personal Finance Reporter Temi Laleye has the full story here.

Sir Keir Starmer says conflict could continue 'for some time'

Sir Keir Starmer has warned the conflict in Iran could go on for "some time."

The Prime Minister told a press conference: "I want you to know that your Government is resolute in our response, at home and abroad.

"We will do everything we can to protect British lives, uphold British values and safeguard the national interest."

Airspace closed over southern Azerbaijan 

Azerbaijan has closed part of its airspace in the south after it said four Iranian drones flew across its border.

The airspace will remain closed for 12 hours, according to a notice to airmen (NOTAM) issued by Baku.

World Health Organisation says 13 health facilities in Iran 

The World Health Organization chief said that the group has verified 13 attacks on health infrastructure in Iran amid a US-Israeli campaign and it was checking reports that four medics were killed and 25 others injured.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told a press conference: "[We have] verified 13 attacks on health care in Iran and one in Lebanon" without attributing blame or giving details.

Dr Hanan Balkhy added at the same briefing that four ambulances in Iran were also affected and that hospitals and other health sites suffered minor damage due to strikes nearby, citing Iranian authorities.

One of these hospitals in the capital Tehran was evacuated as a result, the UN health agency previously said.

WATCH: Keir Starmer grilled by GB News on UK's speed of asset deployment and defence spending

Sir Keir Starmer encourages unity whilst warning the conflict could go on 'for some time' 

Concluding his brief to the nation, the Prime Minister said the nation "should come together in this moment".

He said: "Those citizens that are stuck in the region, scared and in need of help, come from all backgrounds - the armed forces who protect them come from all backgrounds too.

"We are united in our common humanity and our love for this country."

He warned the conflict could continue "for some time", but reassured that the Government is "resolute in its response".

"We will do everything to protect British lives", he said.

Prime Minister says repatriation efforts 'many times bigger' than Afghanistan

Sir Keir Starmer said the repatriation efforts is a "huge undertaking".

He drew comparisons to when the UK had to evacuate people from Afghanistan in 2021, where 15,000 people were removed from the country.

The Prime Minister said: "This is many times bigger than the evacuation from Afghanistan.

"It's not going to happen overnight, but we will not stop until our people our safe."

Over 140,000 people in region have registered their presence in Middle East to UK Government 

As of today, more than 140,000 people in the region have registered their presence, allowing the Government to coordinate support efforts, the Prime Minister has confirmed.

Rapid deployment teams have been sent to Oman and Saudi Arabia.

Despite airspace closures, officials say they are working “around the clock” with airlines and governments to secure safe routes home, he said in his address.

Around 4,000 people have already been repatriated, including those identified as most vulnerable.

Repatriation flight from Oman has taken off, confirms Prime Minister 

The Prime Minister has confirmed the first charter flight from Oman has taken off today.

This follows the flight initially being cancelled due to technical difficulties on Wednesday night.

He said: "We are working as fast as possible to get our people out."

Prime Minister confirms drone intercepted was headed for base hosting British personnel 

Sir Keir Starmer has confirmed that one of the drones shot down by RAF jets was heading for a base that was hosting British military personnel.

He has further confirmed four additional Typhoon jets to join the squadron in Qatar in the region.

As well as helicopters arriving in Cyprus tomorrow.

The World Health Organisation says healthcare being 'jeopardised' in Middle East 

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has said it has identified 13 attacks on healthcare in Iran during a conference call, Reuters reports.

It has identified one attack on healthcare in Lebanon.

Humanitarian and health supply chains are now being "jeopardised" in the Middle East, due to the military conflict, the UN agency concluded.

Keir Starmer to address the nation over Middle East war as EU countries join the defence of Cyprus 

Sir Keir Starmer will provide an update on the unfolding conflict in the Middle East as Defence Secretary John Healey met his counterpart in Cyprus to ease tensions about Britain’s response to drone attacks on the island.

The Prime Minister will hold a press conference in Downing Street at 2pm today to address the nation.

It comes as Sir Keir and the Labour government have been slammed for their lackluster response to the conflict after the British base in Cyprus, RAF Akrotiri, was struck by Iranian drones.

Follow the story here.

Foreign Secretary currently in Cobra meeting

PICTURED: The Foreign Secretary's absence in the Commons was due to her being in a Cobra meeting

MPs were told that Foreign Secretary, Yvette Cooper, is currently in a ministerial Cobra meeting discussing the situation in the Middle East, after she was criticised for not appearing in the Commons to deliver a statement.

In her absence, Hamish Falconer, represented the Foreign Office.

He did not say who else was attending the Cobra meeting.

Foreign Office minister says UK air force 'resupplying' after carrying out overnight mission 

Hamish Falconer, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Middle East, Afghanistan and Pakistan, has said the UK is resupplying its air defence missiles on Thursday, following a mission overnight.

The Foreign Office minister told the Commons: “Further missions were flown overnight with Typhoons defending Qatar, in particular, and F35s defending our other regional partners.

“We are resupplying our air defence missiles today.

“Wildcat helicopters with anti-drone capabilities will be in the eastern Mediterranean this week.

“HMS Dragon will shortly be deployed to the Mediterranean.

“As the Prime Minister has set out, RAF Akrotiri is not being used by US bombers.”

Iran used remote controlled boat to strike Bahamian oil tanker

Iran's Revolutionary Guard have claimed they used a remoted controlled boat loaded with explosives to strike the Bahamas-flagged crude oil tanker, Sonangol Namibe, which was anchored in Iraqi waters.

This is the first recorded attack inside Iraq's exclusive economic zone waters and poses as a warning that commercial ships might be targeted as the situation escalates in the Middle East.

It is not yet known if the vessel has sunk, but the Revolutionary Guard reported it was on fire and Sonangol Marine Services reported earlier that it was taking on water.

Such attacks on oil tankers could further disrupt the oil supply chain, in which markets will see prices rise.

European leaders agree to deploy military assets to Cyprus and the eastern Mediterranean 

France, Italy and Greece have agreed to a coordinated deployment of military assets to Cyprus and the eastern Mediterranean.

According to sources close to the French president, Emmanuel Macron held phone calls this morning with Italian Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, and Greek Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, French media outlet Le Parisien reports.

The discussions, the sources said, focused on coordinating the deployment of military forces to Cyprus and the Eastern Mediterranean and collaborating to ensure freedom of navigation in the Red Sea.

US airpower allowed to use French bases in the Middle East 

The French military confirmed on Thursday that American aircraft have been permitted to operate “on a temporary basis” from French bases in the Middle East.

A spokesperson for the Joint Chiefs of Staff told French media outlet, AFP, that as part of France’s partnership with the United States, the deployment of these planes is temporary and intended to support the protection of allied forces in the Gulf.

Iranian Foreign Ministry accuses Israel and US of targeting civilians

PICTURED: Esmaeil Baqaei, spokesman for the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Writing on X, Esmaeil Baqaei, a spokesman for the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, accused Israel and the US of "deliberately" attacking civilian areas across Iran.

He wrote: "This savage, unprovoked, and utterly unjustified aggression against the Islamic Republic of Iran extends far beyond the battlefield.

"It reverberates through global markets, driving up energy prices, destabilizing currencies, and eroding the purchasing power of ordinary people around the world.

"Yet for us Iranians, the cost is immeasurably higher: our people are being brutally slaughtered as the aggressors deliberately target civilian areas and any location they believe will inflict the maximum possible suffering and loss of life."

Six injured from falling drone debris in Abu Dhabi 

Abu Dhabi authorities have reported that six foreign nationals sustained injuries after debris fell in two separate locations following the interception of drones by the city’s air defence systems.

In a statement, the Abu Dhabi Media Office confirmed that the victims, comprising Pakistani and Nepali nationals, suffered minor to moderate injuries.

Spain to send frigate to Cyprus

Spain's Defence Minister has said it will send its Christopher Columbus frigate to Cyprus, joining France's Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier and other Greek navy ships.

The vessel, used for air defence, is expected to reach Crete around March 10.

Bahamian oil tanker hit on coast of Iraq

A blast has likely breached the hull of the Bahamas-flagged crude oil tanker, Sonangol Namibe, while it was anchored near Khor Al Zubair Port in Iraq, according to Sonangol Marine Services.

The company said the vessel’s port ballast tank is losing water, indicating hull damage, though the tanker remains afloat. Shortly before the explosion, an unidentified small vessel reportedly approached the tanker’s port side.

Kemi Badenoch calls for OFFENSIVE action in Middle East 

Kemi Badenoch has said the UK should take offensive action against Iran after UK bases were attacked.

The Conservative Party leader said on BBC Radio 4: “We need to do what we can to stop the ability for these attacks to take place.

“I think that we should look at what our allies in the region are saying. Even if we’re not talking about Iran, Cyprus feels that we have not been helpful.

"It is extraordinary that Bahrain and Kuwait in the UAE are publicly criticising us - they think that we’re abandoning them.”

“If your principle is, we will only wait until we are attacked rather than dealing with imminent threats properly, then we will be in a lot of trouble.”

Asked about concern over her enthusiasm for British involvement in the bombing of Iran, Mrs Badenoch said: “Being realistic is not gung ho. I don’t want a wider war.

“But sometimes the best way to de-escalate a situation is to try and finish it quickly, rather than let it drag out because you don’t want to get involved."

Turkey closely following Iranian Kurdish PJAK militant group

PICTURED: Mazlum Haftan, commander of the Party of Free Life of Kurdistan (PJAK)

Turkey said it is monitoring the activities of the Iranian Kurdish militant group PJAK, stating that the group’s actions pose a threat to Iran’s security and to regional stability.

The statement comes amid reports of talks between Iranian Kurdish militias and the United States concerning the US-Israel-led war against Iran.

On Tuesday, sources told Reuters that Iranian Kurdish militias had discussed with the United States whether, and how, they might target Iranian security forces in the country’s western regions.

The Kurdistan Free Life Party (PJAK) is an armed Kurdish militant group that has carried out an intermittent insurgency against the government of Iran since 2004, seeking greater autonomy for Kurds in the country’s western regions - often referred to by Kurdish groups as Eastern Kurdistan or Rojhelat.

Two injured after Iranian missile attacks in Azerbaijan 

Two civilians have been injured in a set of Iranian missile attacks on the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, an enclave of Azerbaijan.

The Azerbaijani Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that two drones hit the country, one hitting the terminal building of the Nakhchivan International Airport and another exploding next to a school building in the village of Shekarabad, which is adjacent to the airport.

In a press release the Ministry wrote: "We strongly condemn these drone attacks carried out from the territory of the Islamic Republic of Iran, which resulted in damage to the airport building and the injury of two civilians.

"This attack on Azerbaijani territory contradicts the norms and principles of international law and serves to increase tensions in the region.

"We demand that the Islamic Republic of Iran clarify the above issue within a short period of time, provide an explanation, and take the necessary and urgent measures to prevent such incidents from recurring in the future.

"The Azerbaijani side reserves the right to take appropriate retaliatory measures."

Azerbaijan has summoned Iran's ambassador.

Missile hits Azerbaijan near Iranian border

Reports are coming in of strike attacks occurring in Azerbaijan, particularly near the northern Iranian border.

Local media has reported a drone from Iran has hit near the Nakhchivan International Airport, with a video showing a missile explode near a car park.

Also, a video on social media shows smoke pluming from the airport, however, it is not yet confirmed what has caused the fire.

Nakhchivan is the capital of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, a landlocked exclave of Azerbaijan, surrounded by Armenia and Iran.

Abu Dhabi airport reopens for limited flight schedule 

Zayed International airport in Abu Dhabi, UAE has resumed a limited flight schedule.

After the airport suspended flights due to the evolving situation in the Middle East, some flights will now start to leave the country.

This comes as more than 4,000 flights were cancelled across the region since the weekend, leaving roughly 300,000 Britons stranded in the Middle East.

Italy to send air defence aid to Gulf states, Prime Minister Meloni confirms

Giorgia Meloni, the Prime Minister of Italy, has said they will join the UK, France and Germany in sending assistance to Gulf countries.

Speaking on Italian radio, RTL 102.5, she said: "Like the United Kingdom, France and Germany, Italy intends to send assistance to Gulf countries, specifically in the field of defence and in particular air defence.

"This is not only because they are friendly nations, but above all because tens of thousands of Italians live in the region and around 2,000 Italian troops are deployed there – people we want, and must, protect."

Repatriation flight from Oman to UK cancelled due to 'technical issues', says Foreign Office

The Foreign Office has said the UK Government’s chartered evacuation flight from Oman is now expected to depart later today after it failed to leave as scheduled on Monday.

A spokesman said: “The UK government charter flight was not able to depart from Oman yesterday as planned due to technical issues. The flight is now expected to depart later today.”

The aircraft had been due to leave Muscat at 11pm local time on Monday but did not take off.

One passenger waiting to board on Monday described the situation as a “total s***show”.

US 'bracing for conflict to go on for more than 100 days' 

US Central Command has reportedly asked for additional military officers to be sent to its Florida headquarters to help support Operation Epic Fury for at least 100 days, according to Politico.

The Pentagon is said to have received the request, which would mark the first call for extra personnel since the conflict erupted on Saturday morning.

However, Donald Trump insisted on Tuesday that US military operations could last between four and five weeks.

Australia sends 'military assets' to Middle East, PM confirms

Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has confirmed military assets have been sent to the Middle East to help repatriate Australians stranded in the region.

The mission, known as Operation Beech, is intended to assist an estimated 24,000 Australian nationals currently in the United Arab Emirates who are struggling to return home.

Two aircraft have so far been sent as part of the operation.

Despite the deployment, the Australian government has continued to urge citizens to take commercial flights where they remain available.

Mr Albanese thanked those taking part in the effort, saying: “I thank those Australians going into a dangerous situation in order to help their fellow Australians.”

Iran 'launches strikes' on Iraqi Kurds after ground offensive reports

Tehran has launched three missiles targeting the headquarters of Kurdish organisations in Iraqi Kurdistan, Iran’s state news agency IRNA has reported.

The strike follows reports on Wednesday evening that Kurdish groups based in Iraq were preparing for a ground offensive into the Islamic Republic's territory.

Iranian authorities have long accused Kurdish factions in the region of destabilising activity along the border, with previous cross-border operations targeting similar sites in Iraqi Kurdistan.

Earlier this week, reports suggested the CIA had been supplying weapons to Kurdish forces in an attempt to spark an uprising against the Islamic Republic's regime.

However, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt dismissed the claims on Wednesday.

While confirming that Donald Trump had spoken with Kurdish leaders about the American military base in northern Iraq, she rejected suggestions that any arms deal had been agreed.

"Any report suggesting that the president has agreed to any such plan is completely false and should not be written," Ms Leavitt said.

'Total s***show!' Chartered flight evacuating Britons from Oman fails to take off

The Government’s chartered flight to evacuate Britons from the Middle East has been rescheduled, according to reports.

The aircraft had been due to depart Muscat, Oman, at 11pm local time on Monday but failed to leave the runway and has now been delayed until later today.

One passenger due to leave on the flight described the situation as a “total s***show”.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

Ed Miliband 'spearheaded' Labour rebellion to US action in Iran after pushing 'pacifist' case

Ed Miliband is said to have spearheaded Labour's rebellion against US military action in Iran after reportedly pushing a “pacifist” case against Britain’s involvement.

Opposition to British participation in the conflict - including preventing the US from using RAF bases and the joint US-UK facility at Diego Garcia - was backed by Mr Miliband, Rachel Reeves and Yvette Cooper.

The Energy Secretary allegedly voiced strong objections to the impending US strikes during a National Security Council meeting on Friday, which had been called to discuss the potential impact of the conflict on Britain’s energy supply.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

Jerusalem rocked by blasts after residents warned of incoming attack

Jerusalem was rocked by a series of explosions on Thursday as Iran launched missile strikes on the city.

Sirens warning of incoming projectiles sounded three times in less than two hours, sending residents rushing to shelters as blasts echoed across the Israeli capital.

Israeli emergency services later confirmed that no one was injured in the attacks.

Authorities have since given the all-clear for residents to leave shelters, with officials reporting no significant damage to infrastructure or property.

RECAP: Rebels launch ground offensive in Iran after US 'hatches plan for covert uprising'

Thousands of Iraqi Kurdish rebels have launched a ground offensive in Iran, several US officials have claimed.

Fighters are said to have began taking positions within Iranian territory, according to Israeli network I24, who state they have moved in near the southern mountains in western Iran.

There had been reports that the CIA had been locked in negotiations with rebels to mount an offensive while the US and Israel continue with their aerial bombardment of Iran.

However, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt denied Donald Trump had agreed to arm Kurdish forces.

“I can comment on the fact that the President has held many calls with partners, allies and leaders in the region, in the Middle East,” Ms Leavitt said.

Ms Leavitt did confirm, though, that the US President had held discussions with Kurdish leaders ahead of tonight's onslaught.

She added: “He did speak to Kurdish leaders with respect to our base that we have in northern Iraq.

"But as for any report suggesting that the president has agreed to any such plan is completely false and should not be written.”

However, Fox News was told that rebels had entered Iran after CNN reported the CIA was "advancing a covert plan to arm Iranian Kurdish forces".

It comes as Hezbollah vowed not to surrender "no matter the sacrifices" after the death of the Ayatollah.

Despite Lebanese president Joseph Aoun announcing a ban on military activity, Naim Qassem, the head of Iranian proxy force, said: "We are facing aggression... our choice is to confront it until the ultimate sacrifice, and we will not surrender."

US deploys cutting-edge laser weapons to halt Islamic Republic missiles

The US has deployed an array of cutting-edge weapons in Operation Epic Fury in a bid to halt Iran's missiles and drones from hitting their targets.

Among the systems in use is the High-Energy Laser with Integrated Optical Dazzler and Surveillance (HELIOS) mounted on a US Navy destroyer stationed off the Iranian coast.

Footage released by US Central Command shows the laser weapon directing an "intense, tightly focused beam" of energy to destroy drones.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

Pentagon identifies latest US troops killed in conflict

The Pentagon has named the final two US service members killed in a suspected Iranian drone attack on a military command centre in Kuwait on Sunday.

Chief Warrant Officer Robert Marzan, 54, and Major Jeffrey O'Brien, 45, were confirmed as the remaining victims among the six soldiers killed in the strike.

The US Department of War said Officer Marzan was "believed to be the individual who perished at the scene" of the attack.

A medical examiner is expected to provide formal confirmation of the identifications.

The drone strike targeted American personnel stationed at the Kuwait facility.

Qatar orders evacuation near US embassy as 'precautionary measure' 

Qatari authorities have ordered the evacuation of residents living near the US embassy in Doha as a "precautionary measure", the country’s interior ministry has announced.

A statement from the department said: "Suitable accommodation has been provided for them as part of necessary preventive measures."

UAE threatens to JAIL influencers who post 'misinformation' about Iran war

Content creators in Dubai have been warned they could face jail or hefty fines for posting "misinformation" about the ongoing Iran conflict.

United Arab Emirates (UAE) authorities said any content deemed harmful to "public order", "national unity" or the country's reputation could result in severe penalties, including prison sentences and fines of up to $77,000 (£58,000).

One lifestyle influencer with millions of Instagram followers told The Telegraph she deleted footage of burning debris filmed outside her flat after an Iranian missile was intercepted overhead on Saturday.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

Oil spills into sea off Kuwait after tanker explosion

Crew aboard an oil tanker off the coast of Kuwait reported an explosion on the side of their vessel before a small craft was seen leaving the area, the UK Maritime Trade Operations said.

The maritime monitoring agency said oil had begun leaking into the sea, raising concerns about potential environmental damage.

It added that water had also started flooding into the vessel.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, though all crew members are reported to be safe.

Islamic Republic launches drone attack on Amazon data centre in Bahrain

Iranian state media has reported that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has launched a drone strike on an Amazon data centre in Bahrain.

Fars News Agency said the attack was carried out to assess the facility’s capability to store military and intelligence data belonging to Western adversaries.

Amazon Web Services said the strike caused “physical impacts to our infrastructure" at the site.

It added: “These strikes have caused structural damage, disrupted power delivery to our infrastructure, and in some cases required fire suppression activities that resulted in additional water damage."

Two Amazon facilities in the UAE have also reportedly come under fire from Iranian drones.