Riyadh expels Iranian diplomats; no reports of damage to Israeli Dimona nuclear research center after Iranian attack | LIVE

An Israeli strike hit Qatrani (Jezzine), according to the state-run National News Agency.

Israel's Netanyahu vows to keep striking enemies after 'very difficult evening'

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed Saturday to continue striking Iran after what he called a "very difficult evening," as two direct missile hits in southern Israel left scores wounded.

"This is a very difficult evening in the battle for our future," Netanyahu said in a statement. "We are determined to continue striking our enemies on all fronts."

Iranian attack on Arad leaves 64 injured

A new toll from the Iranian missile strike on Arad puts the number of injured at at least 64, including 7 in serious condition, according to Reuters and Haaretz.

Iranian missile strike on second south Israel town wounds 30

Israeli firefighters said a "direct hit" by an Iranian missile on the southern Israeli Arad on Saturday caused extensive damage, with medics reporting around 30 people wounded, according to AFP.

Israeli media showed badly damaged buildings in Arad, about 25 kilometers northeast of Dimona, struck hours earlier near its nuclear facility.

"In both Dimona and Arad, interceptors were launched that failed to hit the threats, resulting in two direct hits by ballistic missiles with warheads weighing hundreds of kilograms," firefighters said.

The local fire service said there was "extensive damage," with three buildings affected and a blaze sparked in one of them.

Dozens wounded in new Iranian missile strike on southern Israel

Around 30 people were wounded Saturday evening after a new Iranian missile strike on southern Israel, Israeli emergency services said.

After an initial missile hit the city of Dimona, home to a key nuclear research facility in the Negev desert, another struck Arad, about 25 kilometers to the northeast, police said.

About 30 people were injured, according to an initial toll, as early images from local media showed heavy destruction in a residential area of Arad.

WHO sends first overland medical convoy to Beirut

The World Health Organization said it dispatched its first overland convoy of medical supplies to Beirut from its global logistics hub in Dubai, Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus announced.

The shipment includes 22 tons of “life-saving medicines, trauma and emergency supplies,” enough to treat 50,000 patients, including 40,000 surgical procedures, he said on X.

“This is the first overland convoy using a multinational land corridor from WHO’s global logistics hub in Dubai, which has established a new route to ensure continuity of supply deliveries despite growing logistical disruptions in the Middle East,” Tedros said.

The convoy is expected to arrive in Beirut within a week. Lebanon was drawn into the conflict when Hezbollah began firing rockets at Israel on March 2 following the killing of Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in Israeli-U.S. strikes.

Trump administration weighs potential peace talks with Iran

The U.S. began preliminary discussions on the next phase of the conflict and the possible framework for peace talks with Iran, a U.S. official and another informed source told Axios.

Saudi Arabia expels Iranian diplomats

Saudi Arabia ordered Iran’s military attaché and four other embassy staff to leave the kingdom within 24 hours after declaring them persona non grata, the Saudi Foreign Ministry said Saturday, citing what it described as continued Iranian attacks on Saudi territory, according to Reuters.

IAEA says no damage reported at Israel's Dimona nuclear site after Iranian attack

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said on Saturday it was aware of reports that a projectile had struck Dimona in Israel but had received no indication of damage to the Negev nuclear research center there.

The agency said regional authorities reported no abnormal radiation levels following the incident and that it was closely monitoring the situation and would continue to seek further information.

Hezbollah claimed responsibility for an attack, carried out at 5:20 p.m., on Israeli army vehicles and soldiers in the Maasra neighborhood of Maroun al-Ras (Bint Jbeil), using artillery fire.

Israeli attacks on Nabatieh and Marjayoun districts

An Israeli airstrike once again targeted Khiam, while two strikes hit Deir Siryan (Marjayoun).

Another Israeli strike targeted Mayfadoun (Nabatieh), and the missiles landed in an uninhabited area.

Additionally, rockets were fired from Lebanon toward Israel, according to our correspondent, who did not provide further details.

Israel claims to have struck university laboratory in Tehran linked to Iran's nuclear program

The Israeli military claimed to have struck a university facility in Tehran linked to Iran's “military nuclear program.”

“The ‘Malek-Ashtar University’ facility was used by the regime's military industries (...) and by the ballistic missile program to develop nuclear components and weapons,” the military stated.

Iranian strikes on Dimona injure 39

Israel's military said an Iranian missile on Saturday struck Dimona, home to a nuclear facility, after medics reported 39 people injured by shrapnel.

It told AFP there was a "direct missile hit on a building" in the settlement in the Negev desert, in southern Israel.

Dimona hosts a facility just outside the main town, widely believed to possess the Middle East's sole, if undeclared, nuclear arsenal.

Hezbollah claims several attacks on Israel

Hezbollah said it targeted the air defense system of the Israeli settlement of Maalot-Tarshiha with a barrage of rockets at 6 p.m.

At the same time, it attacked the Shomera base, also with a barrage of rockets. The party said it carried out an attack at 4:05 p.m. against the Israeli city of Haifa using exploding drones.

Trump says US considering 'winding down' Iran war

U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. was considering "winding down" its military operation against Iran, as Iran and Israel traded attacks on Saturday and Iranian media said the nuclear enrichment facility in Natanz had been attacked.

In a social media post, Trump said the U.S. was close to meeting its goals but insisted that other countries should take the lead in policing the vital shipping lane of the Strait of Hormuz, whose near-closure threatens a global energy shock.

Trump and his administration have sent mixed messages about U.S. goals throughout the war, now entering its fourth week, leaving traditional U.S. allies struggling to respond.

Trump has suggested the war could wind down as the Iranian threat was being eliminated, while at the same time, U.S. Marines and heavy landing craft head to the region on a mission whose goals are not immediately clear.

Israeli strikes on Lebanon kill 1,024

Israeli attacks on Lebanon have killed over 1,024 people, including 118 children, and injured 2,704 others since March 2, according to the Health Ministry.

Israeli strikes on several villages in southern Lebanon

Israeli artillery fire targeted the Houra area, between Kfar Kila and Deir Mimas (Marjayoun), as well as Ghandourieh (Bint Jbeil).

Two Israeli airstrikes targeted Bayada, south of Sour. Two other strikes hit Kafra (Bint Jbeil) and Majdal Selm (Sour).

South Lebanon: Hezbollah targets Israeli army positions inside Lebanese territory

Hezbollah is carrying out strikes on Israeli army positions inside Lebanese territory in southern Lebanon using rocket launchers, according to our correspondent, without further details on the targeted areas.

An Israeli airstrike also targeted Qatrani in the Jezzine district.

Clashes between Hezbollah and the Israeli army near Khiam, Naqoura and Taybeh

Hezbollah is engaged in fighting with the Israeli army on three fronts in southern Lebanon, where Israeli forces are attempting to invade, according to our correspondent.

1- In Khiam (Marjayoun), the Israeli army is attempting to seize the northern neighborhoods through flanking maneuvers from the northeast and southeast, from the abandoned detention center and Khiam's municipality, toward the town center.

2- Israeli soldiers are attempting to advance along the Alma al-Shaab/Dhaira-Naqoura axis to take control of Naqoura.

3- An attempt to enter and seize Taybeh (Marjayoun) from the Masharih Taybeh area, which overlooks the locality.

In Saida, 13,295 displaced people in 26 shelters

Saida's municipality said the city received 13,295 people displaced by Israeli attacks and threats between March 2 and 21, hosted in 26 shelters.

According to a statement, these centers are operating at 32.31 percent above capacity, reflecting heavy pressure on existing infrastructure.

The municipality also said it needs cleaning and hygiene products for displaced people, with current coverage not exceeding 34.95 percent, according to local authorities.

Food needs, at one meal per day, are covered at 90.63 percent. Needs for milk and diapers are covered at 83.15 percent, while basic supplies are covered at 73.27 percent, the municipality added.

Hezbollah strikes Nahariya

Hezbollah said it struck, at 5 p.m., the Israeli settlement of Nahariya, "as part of the warnings" issued to residents of certain border areas.

South Lebanon updates

Israeli artillery shelling targeted Aita al-Shaab, Ramieh and Qaouzah in the Bint Jbeil district.

Another Israeli airstrike hit the Shrafiyat area, near Abbassieh (Sour), before Israeli artillery bombarded Wadi Slouki and Burj Qalaway (Bint Jbeil).

Israeli air strikes on Khiam, fighting intensity decreases

Two Israeli air strikes hit Khiam (Marjayoun), following a drop in the intensity of fighting with Hezbollah, after fierce clashes on the southeastern and northeastern fronts of the town, according to our correspondent in southern Lebanon.

Iran considers closing the Red Sea after shutting the Strait of Hormuz

An unidentified Iranian military source told Tasnim that insecurity in other straits, notably Bab al-Mandeb and the Red Sea, is among the options available to the "axis of resistance," Reuters reported.

Hezbollah attacks two Israeli settlements

Hezbollah said it attacked, at 3 p.m., Israeli soldiers stationed at Hadabat al-Ejel, north of Kfar Yoval, for the second time.

In a statement, it also said it launched rockets at the Israeli settlement of Avivim, "as part of the warnings issued by the Islamic resistance to several settlements in northern occupied Palestine."

Tourism minister visits two centers for displaced people in Beirut

Tourism Minister Laura Khazen Lahoud visited two schools converted into shelters for people displaced by Israeli attacks, in the Beirut area, San Félix 1 and Burj Hammoud 3, according to a statement from the state-run National News Agency (NNA).

Israeli strikes on Nabatieh and Bint Jbeil districts

Israeli air strikes hit Zawtar Gharbieh (Nabatieh), Aita al-Shaab and Kafra (Bint Jbeil).

Israel also hit Kafra with artillery fire, as well as Yater and the Wadi Maryamin area, in the same district.

Hezbollah targets Israeli soldiers in Khiam and carries out multiple attacks

Hezbollah struck, at 4 p.m., Israeli soldiers in Khiam (Marjayoun), according to a statement from the party.

Hezbollah said it struck, at 2:45 p.m. and for the second time that day, the Israeli Dado army base north of Safed with a salvo of rockets.

Another statement said the group targeted a Merkava tank at 2:15 p.m. near Naqoura using a guided missile. The Israeli army is working to recover the vehicle under a thick cloud of smoke, the statement added.

Another strike, at 2:30 p.m., targeted soldiers at the Israeli al-Marj site, opposite the Markaba (Marjayoun), with a salvo of rockets.

At the same time, Hezbollah attacked Israeli soldiers in Kiryat Shmona, opposite Houla, using exploding drones. A second strike targeted the same settlement at 3:15 p.m.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards say they targeted Israeli F-16

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said Saturday they targeted an Israeli F-16 fighter jet flying over central Iran.

“An enemy F-16 fighter jet belonging to the Zionist regime was hit at 3:45 a.m. in central Iran,” the Guards said on their Sepah News website.

The Israeli army had earlier said a surface-to-air missile was fired at an Israeli aircraft during an “operational activity” in Iran, without specifying the type of aircraft. It added that “no damage was caused to the aircraft.” It was not immediately clear whether the Iranian and Israeli statements referred to the same incident.

Iranian media also broadcast an image showing smoke in the sky, claiming another aircraft had been targeted, without specifying its type or whether it belonged to Israel or the United States.

UAE orders closure of Iranian-linked hospital in Dubai

The United Arab Emirates has ordered the closure of a hospital linked to the Iranian state in Dubai, three employees told AFP, as ties between the two neighbors deteriorate amid Tehran’s air campaign against Gulf states.

Since the United States and Israel began striking Iran on Feb. 28, Tehran has launched waves of missiles and drones at Gulf countries, with more than 2,000 attacks on the UAE alone. The strikes have strained relations, prompting Abu Dhabi to recall its ambassador to Iran and close its diplomatic mission. Entities linked to Iran, including schools, have also been shut down despite longstanding economic and community ties.

“The government asked all of us to leave,” one hospital employee told AFP, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive matters. “The hospital administration told us it was because of Iran’s attacks on the UAE,” the employee added.

The Iranian hospital, which employs more than 700 people, is run by the Iranian Red Crescent Society. It is one of the oldest health care facilities in the UAE.

An Emirati official told AFP that “certain institutions directly linked to the Iranian regime and the Revolutionary Guards will be closed as part of targeted measures” after being found in violation of UAE laws. “These measures are administrative in nature and will be implemented in an orderly manner to ensure continuity of essential services,” the official added.

At least three staff members said they were informed of the decision during a meeting last Saturday and were asked to leave the premises in the coming days.

“We did not expect this to happen so quickly,” a doctor told AFP. “There were officials and security personnel inside the complex when I arrived at work Tuesday.” Patients have been transferred to other facilities in Dubai, employees said, while the hospital’s website has been taken offline.

At least four Iranian schools have also been closed in Dubai, according to members of the Iranian community. Signage for the Towheed Iranian School in Dubai has been removed, and a security guard at the site told AFP the school was closed. The Iranian Club in Dubai, also linked to Tehran, said it had suspended activities in a statement on Instagram Monday, citing “current circumstances.”

Some hospital staff said they fear their lives will be upended as the conflict pits their home country against their host country. “We came here to escape the situation in our country,” said a doctor who has worked at the hospital for more than 10 years. “It is heartbreaking that our lives are being affected in this way,” they said.

Fighting ongoing in Khiam, missile explosions heard

Clashes are continuing in the town of Khiam in the Marjayoun district, in the eastern neighborhood and on the eastern side of the northern area, according to a correspondent.

The sound of fighting and missile explosions can be heard in the area.

Update on the situation in southern Lebanon

• An Israeli tank was targeted near the municipality of Naqoura (Sour), security sources told a correspondent in southern Lebanon.
• Israel struck Arnoun and Zawtar al-Sharqieh in the Nabatieh district.
• Israeli artillery fire targeted the Solaileh plain, south of Sour, according to a correspondent.

Israel says it struck missile production sites in Tehran

The Israeli army said it struck overnight in Tehran facilities used for the production of ballistic missiles by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, AFP reported, on the 22nd day of the conflict in the Middle East.

“During the night, the Israeli air force carried out a large-scale strike operation in Tehran,” the army said in a statement.

“As part of the operation, facilities used to produce essential components for the development of ballistic missiles, belonging to the Iranian regime’s security apparatus, were targeted,” it said.

The sites struck included a complex dedicated to the production and development of ballistic missile components, a storage facility, and a site belonging to Iran’s Defense Ministry responsible for producing missile fuel.

“These strikes significantly reduce the Iranian regime’s ability to continue producing essential components for ballistic missiles at these sites,” the army said.

Bahrain: Explosions heard in the capital

Several explosions were heard in Bahrain’s capital, Manama, an AFP journalist reported, as Iran continues its campaign against Gulf countries.

Two missiles were seen intercepted in the sky, and several blasts shook the city after warning sirens were activated.

Tehran has been targeting Bahrain and other neighboring countries in retaliatory strikes since the U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran.

US military says it has ‘reduced’ Iran threat in Strait of Hormuz

The U.S. military said it has “reduced” Iran’s ability to threaten navigation in the Strait of Hormuz by bombing an underground facility this week that housed cruise missiles, AFP reported.

“We not only destroyed the facility, but also eliminated intelligence sites and missile radar systems used to monitor ship movements,” said Adm. Brad Cooper, head of U.S. Central Command, in a video posted on X.

CENTCOM had said Tuesday that the strike targeted Iran’s coast using bunker-buster bombs designed to penetrate deeply buried targets.

“The Iranian regime used this reinforced underground facility to store anti-ship cruise missiles, mobile launchers and other equipment posing a serious threat to international navigation,” Cooper said.

With the strike, “Iran’s ability to threaten freedom of navigation in and around the Strait of Hormuz has been reduced, and we will continue to pursue these targets,” he added.

Hezbollah targets Israeli bases

Hezbollah said it targeted at 1:30 p.m. the “headquarters of the Israeli army’s Northern Command (Dado base), north of the occupied city of Safed, with a salvo of rockets.” Safed is located about 20 kilometers from Lebanon’s southern border.

The group also said it targeted at 1 p.m. the “Golani Junction base west of Lake Tiberias with a salvo of rockets.”

Hezbollah also said it targeted at 12:15 p.m. the “Naftali base west of Lake Tiberias with a salvo of rockets.”

National Litani River Authority began restoration works on the central administration offices in Beirut

For the second time within a week, the National Litani River Authority has begun restoration works on the central administration offices in Beirut, “following damage sustained to the building’s façade due to blast effects resulting from attacks,” the Authority said in a statement.

“After the first strike on the Bachoura building on March 12,the Authority had fully completed restoration work on its offices. However, damages recurred following a second strike on the same building on March 18, which led to damage affecting the Authority’s offices located in the Bourj Abi Haidar-Bachoura area. Accordingly, the Authority resumed restoration work today, reaffirming the continued operation of public facilities and institutions, and ensuring the continuity of government functions despite exceptional circumstances and the expansion of attacks,” the statement said.

“The Authority also confirms that its facilities continue to operate around the clock, and it continues to utilize the Litani River for hydroelectric power generation, with current production exceeding 70 megawatts. This contributes to feeding the public grid and providing a minimum level of stability in electricity supply for vital facilities and citizens,” the Authority concluded.

Kabalan says Lebanese Army 'willing to fight,' but political decision prevents it

Lebanon’s Jaafarite mufti, Ahmad Kabalan, said in a statement marking Eid al-Fitr that the Lebanese army is “willing to engage in a sovereign battle, but the political decision prevents it and even orders it to withdraw from positions it holds near border villages, which are currently fighting for national honor to defend Lebanon’s sovereignty.”

“The resistance and the army form the foundation of Lebanon’s sovereignty, the symbol of defending its existence and the guarantee of its survival and independence. Without the army and the resistance, Lebanon has no shield, and the political leadership must prove its patriotism in the face of a crisis that undermines its credibility,” he added.

He also said Israel continues its attacks in Lebanon despite agreements and claimed it is acting with U.S. support, while Lebanese authorities lack an adequate defense strategy.

Moscow condemns 'irresponsible' strikes on Natanz nuclear site

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova on Saturday described U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran’s Natanz nuclear site, as reported by Tehran, as “irresponsible.”

“The international community, including the leadership of the United Nations and the IAEA, has a duty to immediately provide an objective and uncompromising assessment of these irresponsible actions, which pose real risks of catastrophe across the Middle East and are clearly aimed at further undermining peace, stability and security in the region,” she said in a statement posted on Telegram.

Israeli army spokesperson questions Hezbollah over losses

The Arabic-language spokesperson for the Israeli army, Avichay Adraee, said Hezbollah is suffering “heavy setbacks affecting its leadership and members.”

“Why is it hiding the acknowledgment of losses it once claimed to be proud of when it was engaged on the so-called road to Jerusalem? Is Hezbollah’s leadership ashamed of its members and their results on the ground, or does it fear a collapse in the morale of its remaining fighters?” he said, adding that the truth cannot be hidden.

The spokesperson accompanied his post with a screenshot of an article published by the pan-Arab newspaper Asharq al-Awsat, which reported yesterday that Hezbollah had lost 350 fighters since March 2.

Clashes and strikes in southern Lebanon

Clashes between Hezbollah and Israeli forces are taking place on the outskirts of Naqoura, on the side of Alma al-Shaab and Labbouneh in the Sour district. The area is also under Israeli artillery bombardment.

An airstrike targeted the town of Qantara and another hit Qabrikha, both in Marjayoun.

An airstrike hit the area between Hanniyeh and Qleileh, south of Sour.

Another airstrike struck the area between Burj al-Chemali and Bazourieh in the Sour region.

Two strikes targeted the hills of Rihan in Jezzine.

Hezbollah said it targeted at 1 p.m. a gathering of Israeli soldiers east of Naqoura with rocket barrages and artillery shells.

The group also said its fighters had been engaged in clashes with Israeli forces in Khiam since 10 a.m., using “light and medium weapons as well as rocket-propelled projectiles.”

Hezbollah also said that at 1 a.m. it targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers at “the recently established Blat site in southern Lebanon.” The Blat site is one of five positions occupied by the Israeli army following the 2024 war. It is located near the village of Ramiyé in the Bint Jbeil district, on Lebanese territory.

U.K. source says Iran attempted ‘unsuccessful’ strike on Diego Garcia base

Iran attempted to strike the U.S.-British base of Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean on Friday “without success,” an official British source told AFP today.

According to the source, the failed attempt took place before the British government announced Friday it would allow the United States to use some of its bases to strike Iranian sites used to target ships in the Strait of Hormuz.

The Wall Street Journal reported that Iran fired two ballistic missiles toward the base, but neither hit its target. One failed in flight and the other was intercepted, according to U.S. officials.

Bahrain says Patriot system involved in March 9 explosion over residential area

A Patriot air defense system was involved in intercepting an Iranian drone over a residential area in Bahrain on March 9, the Bahraini government told Reuters on Saturday, describing an incident that left civilians wounded.

According to a spokesperson, the interception prevented a drone strike and saved lives.

The U.S. military had previously said that an Iranian drone struck a residential neighborhood on March 9, wounding civilians.

Israel reports strikes on Safed, Metula and Rishon Lezion

Israel’s N12 news channel reported that Hezbollah strikes hit the Israeli cities of Safed and Metula without causing casualties.

It added that the city of Rishon Lezion, on Israel’s central coastal strip, was hit by eight projectiles from different directions.

Hezbollah claims drone and rocket attacks on Israeli troops

Hezbollah said it carried out a suicide drone attack at 1 a.m. Saturday targeting a gathering of Israeli soldiers at the “newly established Nemr al-Jamal position,” opposite Alma al-Shaab (Sour). It said it “directly hit” its targets.

In its 13th statement of the day, Hezbollah also said it fired volleys of rockets at 11:30 a.m. at a group of Israeli soldiers in Labbouneh (Sour).

Hezbollah says it launched rockets at Israeli troops in Metula, Taybeh and Khiam

Hezbollah said in three separate statements it fired volleys of rockets on Saturday at 12:15 p.m., 12:20 p.m. and 12:45 p.m., targeting a group of Israeli soldiers in the Israeli town of Metula, another group of soldiers and their vehicles in the Taybeh compound, and a gathering of Israeli soldiers in the eastern district of Khiam (Marjayoun).

Burj Rahal municipality urges residents to stay indoors after Israeli threats

The municipality of Burj Rahal and the Al-Rissala Scouts Rescue Association called on residents of the town in the Sour district to remain strictly inside their homes, avoid movement or gatherings, and exercise maximum caution.

The warning follows Israeli threats reportedly directed at Hassan Hammoud calling for the evacuation of the village, according to a statement obtained by a correspondent in southern Lebanon.

Residents were urged to report any suspicious activity and act responsibly. “It is strictly prohibited to publish photos or share any information concerning the town on social media, in order to ensure public safety,” the statement said, adding that “anyone who chooses to remain assumes full responsibility for their personal safety.”

“Your safety is our priority. We thank you for your cooperation and understanding in these critical circumstances,” the statement added.

No increase in radiation levels reported after strike on Natanz, IAEA says

Iran informed the International Atomic Energy Agency that the Natanz nuclear enrichment site was attacked, the agency said in a post on X.

No increase in radiation levels outside the site has been reported, the IAEA said.

IAEA calls for “military restraint” after reported attack on Natanz

The IAEA called for “military restraint” after Iran reported an attack on the Natanz nuclear site, AFP reported.

Katz says strikes on Iran to “increase significantly” in coming days

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned that the intensity of strikes on Iran will “increase significantly” in the coming days, AFP reported.

Iraq: Officer killed in drone attack on intelligence services in Baghdad

An officer was killed today in a drone attack targeting Iraqi intelligence services in a residential neighborhood in central Baghdad, the agency said in a statement.

“One officer was killed as a martyr,” the statement said, denouncing “a terrorist attack carried out by outlaw elements.”

A security official and an Iraqi civil defense source also said another officer was wounded.

Trump signals reduction in military effort against Iran, as more U.S. Marines head to Middle East, AP reports

“We are very close to achieving our objectives as we consider reducing our major military efforts in the Middle East regarding the terrorist Iranian regime,” U.S. President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social last evening.

However, The Associated Press reported Saturday that a U.S. official confirmed that the USS Boxer and two other amphibious assault ships, along with about 2,500 Marines, are heading to the Middle East from their home port in San Diego.

Two other U.S. officials told AP that the ships were deploying, without specifying their destination. All three spoke on condition of anonymity and cited “sensitive military operations.”

During a news conference, Trump also declined to comment on reports that he could consider occupying or blocking Kharg Island, a strategic site through which most of Iran’s crude oil exports pass, saying: “I may have a plan, and I may not.”

Hezbollah attacks against Israeli troops in southern Lebanon

• Hezbollah said it targeted at 10:45 a.m. a gathering of Israeli soldiers near the Khiam detention center (Marjayoun) with “a barrage of rockets.”
• It also reported ground clashes at 9:30 a.m. “with an Israeli force attempting to infiltrate toward the municipality of Naqoura (Sour), using light and medium weapons.”
• Hezbollah also said it targeted at 2:30 a.m. a gathering of Israeli soldiers and vehicles at the Marj site, opposite the border town of Markaba (Marjayoun), with a barrage of rockets.
• Hezbollah fighters also targeted at 6:20 a.m. a gathering of Israeli soldiers and vehicles in the Khallit al-Aqsa area, on the outskirts of the border town of Odaisseh, with a precision missile.
• At 6:30 a.m., an Israeli force and vehicles were targeted in Taybeh with a precision missile.

Israeli army continues targeting towns in southern Lebanon

• Israeli warplanes carried out an airstrike targeting a valley on the outskirts of Tiri in the Bint Jbeil district.
• Two airstrikes targeted the town of Mansouri in the Sour district, hitting homes near the village’s main square.
• Israeli warplanes carried out several airstrikes on Naqoura in the Sour district.

Clashes ongoing between Israeli army and Hezbollah in Khiam

Heavy clashes between the Israeli army and Hezbollah are ongoing in Khiam (Marjayoun), with exchanges of fire heard, according to a correspondent.

Gatherings of Israeli troops are being targeted by rocket fire from Hezbollah. The area is also being shelled with phosphorus munitions, according to a correspondent in southern Lebanon.

Natanz uranium enrichment facility targeted in U.S.-Israeli strike

The U.S. military and Israel launched an attack on the Natanz uranium enrichment facility early this morning, Iran’s Tasnim news agency said.

No radioactive leak occurred and nearby residents were not exposed to danger, Tasnim added.

Deputy Basij commander killed in strike in Tehran

Azim Esmaili, a senior commander in Iran’s Revolutionary Guards and the Basij paramilitary force, was killed in an airstrike in Tehran on March 16, Iranian media reported Wednesday.

According to the Asr-e-Iran news agency, citing state radio and television, a statement from the Revolutionary Guards in Khuzestan said Esmaili was killed in an airstrike in Tehran at dawn on March 16.

“He spent his blessed and honorable life in the green uniform of the Guards, sincerely serving the Islamic Republic of Iran, and in the end he received the reward for these efforts, which is the great victory of martyrdom,” the statement said.

Updates from southern Lebanon

• Israeli warplanes bombed Bint Jbeil and Deir Serian, according to a correspondent in southern Lebanon.
• Israeli artillery fire targeted the outskirts of Ghandourieh, Qalawieh and Burj Qalawieh in the Bint Jbeil district.

Iraq: drone attack in residential area of Baghdad

A drone attack struck a residential neighborhood in central Baghdad on Saturday morning, a security official told AFP on condition of anonymity.

The attack targeted “the telecommunications building” of an Iraqi security service that cooperates with U.S. military advisers involved in counter-jihadist operations in Iraq, the official said.

A second drone, which was filming the operation, crashed on the grounds of a sports club popular with Iraq’s elite and diplomats, according to the same source.

Iran fires missiles at U.S.-U.K. base on Diego Garcia

Iran fired two medium-range ballistic missiles at “Diego Garcia,” a joint U.S.-British military base in the Indian Ocean, The Wall Street Journal reported.

The targeting of the base, located about 4,000 kilometers from Iran, suggests the missiles have a longer range than previously announced by Tehran, U.S. officials cited by the newspaper said.

An Israeli official told the outlet the strike demonstrates Iran’s “ability to hit Europe and the United States.”

Israeli army says it killed Hezbollah members in southern Lebanon

The Israeli army said it killed Hezbollah members in ground fighting in southern Lebanon, according to its Arabic-language spokesperson Avichay Adraee.

“During a targeted ground operation carried out last night in southern Lebanon, forces from the Givati Brigade identified a number of Hezbollah operatives and killed one of them in a ground clash,” Adraee wrote on X.

He added that Israeli aircraft then “targeted other operatives who had opened fire on the forces,” and that troops later “killed three additional operatives with tank fire.”

The spokesperson also said the Israeli air force “struck Hezbollah bases” in Beirut’s southern suburbs overnight.

Agriculture minister inspects shelters in Choueifat hosting displaced families

Agriculture Minister Nizar Hani and Choueifat Mayor Nidal Jerdi inspected a shelter at the Choueifat public high school, where they met displaced families and assessed conditions alongside local officials.

Hani described Choueifat as “a model in managing shelter centers,” noting that basic needs are largely being met, with improvements underway, particularly in remote education.

Jerdi said the municipality has been providing essential services since the start of the crisis, including water, electricity, medicine and internet, with ongoing monitoring by a crisis unit. He said about 1,700 displaced people are currently housed in schools despite limited capacity, more than 7,000 families are staying in homes, and overcrowding persists at the high school, where about 500 people are staying in a facility designed for 200.

Israeli strikes reported in Tehran

The Israeli army said it launched strikes this morning against “regime targets” in Tehran, after reporting several waves of Iranian missiles fired toward Israel, AFP reported.

Iran says it is ready to assist Japanese vessels

In an interview with Japan’s Kyodo News, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Iran is ready to help Japanese ships cross the Strait of Hormuz, AFP reported.

Japan is the world’s fifth-largest oil importer; 95 percent of its oil comes from the Middle East and 70 percent passes through the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran denies having closed.

Kuwait targeted by drones and missiles

Kuwait’s army said Saturday it was responding to drone and missile attacks, AFP reported.

“If explosions are heard, it is the result of intercepting hostile attacks by the air defense system,” the army said on X.

Hezbollah fires rocket barrage at Israeli base

At 2:05 a.m., Hezbollah said in a statement it launched a barrage of rockets targeting the Filon base, south of Rosh Pinna, opposite the Lebanese town of Houla (Marjayoun).

Municipality bans filming inside Jdeidet Marjayoun

The municipality of Jdeidet Marjayoun said yesterday it was banning journalists and media from filming inside the town “to preserve public safety and that of residents.”

It also called on residents not to film or share footage, warning that publishing such material from inside the town is strictly prohibited and could lead to legal action.

The move comes as ground fighting continues between Hezbollah and the Israeli army, which is attempting to advance in southern Lebanon and take control of several border towns.

Overnight deadly strikes in southern Lebanon

• Israeli artillery fire targeted Bint Jbeil and Aita al-Shaab after 10 p.m.
• Israeli warplanes also struck several homes in the Bir al-Salasil area of Khirbet Selm, causing major destruction to houses, shops and vehicles and blocking roads with debris. Civil defense teams and firefighters worked to clear rubble and reopen roads.
• An airstrike also hit a house on the main road between Ansar and Zrarieh, near the municipal building, but the missile did not explode.
• Artillery fire targeted Naqoura after 11 p.m.
• Airstrikes also hit Kafra and the Hoch area, where ambulances transported several wounded.
• After midnight, a strike on a house in Ghandourieh killed one person and wounded two others.
• Artillery fire continued in Yater, Beit Lif and Naqoura.
• After 2 a.m., a large explosion was heard in Khiam, likely due to the demolition of homes in the eastern district.
• At 3 a.m., heavy artillery fire targeted residential neighborhoods in Khiam, according to a local correspondent.

36 villages in southern Lebanon targeted yesterday

The Israeli army carried out strikes on 36 villages in southern Lebanon on Friday, targeting homes and buildings and causing widespread destruction, according to a correspondent.

17 towns were subjected to heavy artillery bombardment throughout the day.

Hezbollah issued 55 military statements yesterday, the highest number since March 2, reporting operations against Israeli movements along the southern border and attacks on military positions, bases and settlements in northern Israel.

Israeli army says it struck Hezbollah targets in Beirut overnight

The Israeli army said overnight it was “striking targets of the Hezbollah terrorist organization in Beirut,” according to a brief statement.

The strikes came after the army reissued an evacuation warning for Beirut’s southern suburbs.

Welcome to our live coverage

Welcome to our live coverage of the war in the Middle East, particularly the escalation on the Lebanese front, now in its 16th day and with more than 1,000 people killed.

We will follow developments in Lebanon, where the Israeli army carried out overnight strikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs, as well as across the region, including Iranian strikes on energy infrastructure in Gulf countries.