Last updated: Wednesday, March 4, 2026 | 12:45 UTC
The Iran–Israel security escalation has entered its fifth day, as missile launches, airstrikes and diplomatic responses continue across the Middle East. Meanwhile, regional governments have activated air defenses, and international leaders have issued statements as the situation develops.
Leadership Developments Inside Iran
12:42 UTC — Senior cleric says leadership decision ‘close’
Ayatollah Ahmad Khatami, a member of Iran’s Assembly of Experts, said the body is close to selecting the country’s next supreme leader. Iranian state television aired his remarks.
“The options have become clear,” Khatami said. In addition, other Iranian officials have indicated that a decision may come soon.
Air Alerts and Cross-Border Launches
12:38 UTC — Sirens sound in multiple Israeli cities
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Air raid sirens sounded in Jerusalem and other areas after Israeli authorities reported launches from Iran and Lebanon.
Earlier, Israeli military spokesperson Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin said Israel has seen a decline in launches from Iran as operations move into a fifth day. However, authorities continue to monitor incoming threats.
Iraq Contacted Over Border Security
12:34 UTC — Iran seeks Iraqi action against opposition groups
An Iraqi official said Ali Bagheri, deputy secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, asked Iraq to prevent Iranian opposition groups from crossing the border.
According to Iraqi authorities, Bagheri made the request during a call with National Security Advisor Qassim al-Araji. Iraqi officials did not provide further details.
Revolutionary Guard Issues Warning
12:27 UTC — Guard threatens regional military and economic infrastructure
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard warned of the “complete destruction of the region’s military and economic infrastructure,” according to a statement broadcast on state television.
The statement accused the United States of continued involvement and alleged, without presenting evidence, that U.S. forces used civilian facilities as cover. These claims have not been independently verified.
NATO Missile Interception
12:22 UTC — Defense systems intercept missile toward Turkey
Turkey’s Defense Ministry said NATO defense systems intercepted a ballistic missile launched from Iran after it crossed Iraqi and Syrian airspace.
Officials said the interception occurred before the missile entered Turkish airspace. Debris fell in Hatay province near the Syrian border, and authorities reported no casualties. The ministry added that it will respond decisively to any threat against Turkish territory.
Casualty Figures Update
12:18 UTC — Iranian agency reports 1,045 deaths
An Iranian government agency said at least 1,045 people have died since hostilities began.
The Associated Press reported the figure, citing official Iranian sources. However, independent verification remains unavailable.
Naval Incident Near Sri Lanka
12:14 UTC — Sri Lanka rescues sailors from distressed warship
Sri Lanka’s navy rescued 32 sailors from the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena off the island’s southern coast.
Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath told Parliament the ship carried 180 personnel when it signaled distress. Dr. Anil Jasinghe said one rescued sailor remains in critical condition. Authorities have not confirmed how the vessel sustained damage.
Evacuation Orders in Southern Lebanon
12:05 UTC — Israel orders villages north of Litani River
The Israeli military ordered residents in dozens of villages in southern Lebanon to move north of the Litani River.
An Arabic-language statement warned that remaining south of the river could put lives at risk. Lebanese authorities previously said they cleared the area of Hezbollah military presence.
Hezbollah Targets and Israeli Response
11:58 UTC — Israel reports 250 strikes in Lebanon
Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin said Israeli forces struck more than 250 Hezbollah targets in the past 48 hours.
He said Hezbollah launched rockets overnight and added that Israel will continue operations until it removes what it describes as the threat.
Energy Infrastructure Targeted
11:52 UTC — Attempted attack reported at Ras Tanura refinery
Saudi Arabia’s Defense Ministry reported an attempted strike on the Ras Tanura oil refinery.
Officials said the refinery was targeted earlier this week as well. Authorities have not released a detailed damage assessment.
Strike on Missile Facility
11:45 UTC — Israel reports strike in Isfahan
The Israeli military said it struck a missile storage and production site in Isfahan overnight.
Iranian authorities have not issued a public response to the claim.
Regional Civil Defense Measures
11:32 UTC — Bahrain urges residents to remain indoors
Bahrain’s military said it has destroyed 74 missiles and 95 drones launched from Iran since the escalation began.
The General Command urged residents to stay indoors and avoid approaching damaged sites.
Air Combat Reported Over Tehran
11:25 UTC — Israel says it downed Iranian aircraft
The Israeli military said one of its F-35 fighter jets shot down a piloted Iranian YAK-130 aircraft over Tehran.
Israel described it as its first reported air-to-air combat involving a piloted aircraft in the current escalation. Iranian authorities have not commented.
Evacuation Flights Announced
11:19 UTC — UK to charter flight from Oman
The British government said it will send a chartered flight from Oman to evacuate U.K. nationals in the Gulf.
The Foreign Office said more than 130,000 British nationals in the region have registered their presence since the escalation began.
Religious and Political Reactions
11:12 UTC — Iraqi cleric condemns airstrikes
Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, speaking from Najaf, condemned what he described as military aggression against Iran.
He said attacking a United Nations member state without U.N. approval violates international law. Furthermore, he warned that the conflict could trigger prolonged instability.
11:05 UTC — Canadian prime minister comments on global order
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said the escalation reflects a breakdown in international norms.
Speaking at the Lowy Institute in Sydney, Carney said determining whether the airstrikes violated international law is “a judgment for others to make.”
More updates to follow.
