Last updated: Tuesday, March 4, 2026 | 09:15 UTC
09:06 UTC — Israel Launches Strikes Across Iran After Missile Fire
The Israel–Iran security escalation intensified after the Israeli military said it carried out a broad wave of airstrikes across Iran. The operation followed what Israel described as a barrage of ballistic missiles aimed at Israeli territory.
Authorities in Israel said missiles hit parts of central Israel. Emergency services reported no immediate injuries and said teams were assessing damage.
Iranian media reported that Daoud Ali Zadeh, described as a Quds Force Lebanon Corps commander, was killed in Tehran. The report has not been independently verified.
08:37 UTC — US Orders Partial Evacuation of Pakistan Consulates
The US State Department directed non-emergency staff and family members to leave its consulates in Lahore and Karachi.
Officials cited security concerns but did not provide details. Pakistani authorities have not publicly responded to the decision.
08:31 UTC — Israeli Defense Minister Warns Iranian Leadership
Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz said any new leader appointed under Iran’s current system would be considered a target.
In a post on X, Katz said Israel would continue operations with the United States against Iranian military capabilities. Israeli officials also claimed Iran’s former Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, had been killed. Iranian authorities have not confirmed that claim.
08:29 UTC — Israeli Military Reports Strikes in Tehran
The Israeli military said it struck several internal security facilities in Tehran. The targets included sites linked to the Basij militia and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
According to the statement, Israeli forces also targeted missile launchers and logistics centers. Iranian officials have not released a detailed response. The claims remain unverified.
08:25 UTC — Iraqi Group Claims Drone Attacks on US Positions
An Iraqi armed group, Saraya Awliya al-Dam, claimed it launched drone attacks against US positions in Iraq and Jordan, according to Iran’s ISNA news agency.
The group said it targeted a base near Erbil airport and a residence used by US personnel in Erbil. It also claimed a strike in Jordan. US officials have not confirmed the attacks.
08:18 UTC — US Commander Says Operations Progressing
A senior US military commander said operations against Iran were moving ahead of schedule.
The statement followed reports that Israeli and US forces targeted missile launch sites and air defense systems inside Iran. Iranian officials also reported strikes in parts of the Gulf region, though details remain limited.
Airlines reported more than 20,000 flight cancellations as the crisis expanded. Several governments began repatriation efforts for citizens stranded in the region.
08:12 UTC — Saudi Arabia Reports Drone Interception
Saudi Arabia’s Defense Ministry said it intercepted and destroyed a drone over the Eastern Province.
Officials did not identify the drone’s origin. They reported no casualties or damage.
08:05 UTC — Missile Debris Falls in Central Israel
Israeli emergency services said debris fell in a central Israeli city after Iran launched another volley of ballistic missiles.
Sirens sounded across central Israel. Fire and Rescue Services reported no injuries at the time of the update.
07:58 UTC — US Identifies Soldiers Killed in Drone Strike
The US military identified four Army Reserve soldiers killed in a drone strike on a US facility in Port Shuaiba, Kuwait.
The soldiers served with the 103rd Sustainment Command in Des Moines, Iowa. US officials said six American service members have died since the operation began.
07:45 UTC — Qatar Arrests Suspects Linked to IRGC
Qatar’s State Security Service said it arrested 10 people accused of working on behalf of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
The Qatar News Agency reported that seven suspects gathered intelligence on key sites. Authorities said three others prepared acts of sabotage. Iran has not commented on the arrests.
07:30 UTC — Exchanges Continue Along Israel–Lebanon Border
Israeli and Lebanese sources reported continued cross-border fire involving Israeli ground forces in southern Lebanon and rocket launches toward northern Israel.
Officials on both sides urged civilians to follow security instructions. Independent verification of developments on the ground remains limited.
