US-Israel vs Iran War News Live Updates: No problem with Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, Iranian FM says after Hegseth’s ‘disfigured’ claim
US-Israel vs Iran War Live News Updates: The conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran has surged into a perilous new phase Saturday, marking the third week of a war that is now rapidly redrawing the security map of the Middle East. In a major escalation, President Donald Trump announced that US forces have “obliterated” military targets on Kharg Island, Iran’s primary oil export terminal.
While the President claimed energy infrastructure was spared for “reasons of decency”, he issued a chilling ultimatum: any further interference with the Strait of Hormuz, where one-fifth of global oil transit is currently paralysed, will result in the total “wiping out” of Iran’s oil network.
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The theatre of war expanded geographically today as Iran’s joint military command issued a direct threat to the United Arab Emirates. Accusing the UAE of allowing US strikes to be launched from its territory, Tehran called for the immediate evacuation of Jebel Ali, Khalifa, and Fujairah ports. This marks the first time since the outbreak of hostilities on February 28 that Iran has explicitly targeted the commercial assets of a neighbouring Arab state.
On the ground, the chaos is mounting. A missile strike hit a helipad within the US Embassy compound in Baghdad, while intercepted drone debris sparked fires at an oil facility in the UAE. Meanwhile, the Pentagon is doubling down on its regional footprint; an additional 2,500 Marines and the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli are now steaming toward the Middle East, joining the largest American naval buildup in decades.
5 key developments:
Kharg Island raid: President Trump confirmed US Central Command destroyed naval mine storage and missile bunkers on Iran’s “crown jewel” export hub. Tehran claims the oil facilities remain functional despite 15 massive explosions.
Threats to global trade: Iran has warned it will strike any regional energy infrastructure with “American shares,” specifically naming Dubai’s Jebel Ali, the Middle East’s busiest port, as a potential target.
Baghdad embassy strike: A helipad inside the massive US diplomatic compound in Iraq was struck Saturday. While no group has claimed responsibility, Washington has blamed Iran-aligned militias.
15,000 target milestone: US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth revealed that over 15,000 targets have been struck inside Iran since the war began, averaging more than 1,000 strikes per day under Operation Epic Fury.
Lebanon’s humanitarian toll: Israeli airstrikes targeting Hezbollah continue to pummel Beirut and the south. Health officials report the displacement of 850,000 people as the “Axis of Resistance” braces for a long war of attrition.
The Indian Express Global Desk remains committed to rigorous verification. Follow our live blog below for real-time tracking of Operation Epic Fury, regional airspace status, and diplomatic efforts to contain the escalation.
Live Updates