The authorities of the United Arab Emirates have temporarily closed their airspace.
State media emphasized that this decision was made as a "special precautionary measure" to ensure flight safety and protect the country's territory.
The UAE Ministry of Defense stated the necessity of this step in response to new Iranian missile and drone attacks.
In a phone conversation, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud discussed the situation in the region with UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
According to information from the Saudi Press Agency, the ministers discussed "unjustified" Iranian aggression against Arab countries in the Persian Gulf and joint actions to improve regional security.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps reports attacks on Israel and the Al-Udeid base in Qatar.
In its statement, the IRGC announced the completion of the "57th operation called 'True Promise 4'.
They confirmed that they struck targets in Israel, including strategically important command and missile defense system facilities.
It was also reported that the Al-Udeid base, where American troops are stationed, was subjected to missile and drone fire.
The Qatari Ministry of Defense previously stated that its air defense systems successfully intercepted 13 out of 14 ballistic missiles launched from Iran, as well as several drones. One of the missiles fell in a desert area and caused no damage.
The US Embassy in Baghdad was attacked by a drone.
According to Reuters and Agence France-Presse (AFP), the US Embassy in Baghdad was targeted by drones and rockets.
Iraqi security services reported that this was "the most powerful attack since the beginning of the assaults."
Just six hours prior, the embassy issued a warning to US citizens, noting that "Iran-backed groups have attacked the International Zone" in central Baghdad several times.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian noted that Tehran did not initiate a war with the US and Israel, claiming that the defense of the country is a "natural right".
"It is necessary to stop using American bases in the region to undermine our relations with neighbors," Pezeshkian wrote on X, adding that he discussed this issue with French President Emmanuel Macron.
"Achieving peace and stability in the region is impossible without considering the Zionist and US invasion of our country. The Islamic Republic of Iran will not capitulate to aggressors."
He expressed hope for condemnation of the invasion by the international community and called for "convincing the invaders to adhere to international norms," adding that starting a war based on false premises is a "medieval act of the 21st century."
"Talks about ending the war make no sense until there is a guarantee that new attacks will not occur on our territory."
According to statements from American military officials, the number of injured American soldiers has risen to about 200, with at least 13 fatalities.
According to an Iranian organization operating outside the country, more than 3,000 people have died in the Middle East since the start of the conflict between the US and Israel with Iran on February 28, including 1,351 civilians and 1,126 military personnel, according to the HRANA agency.
In Lebanon, the Ministry of Health reports 886 fatalities, including 67 women and 111 children.
Casualties related to the war have also been reported by the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Oman.
Senator sharply criticizes Trump for creating "chaos" in the Middle East.
The Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized President Trump for his suggestion to turn to China for help in ensuring maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz amid the US-Israel war with Iran.
"Donald Trump talks about hoping for China's help in clearing the Strait of Hormuz. Are you serious?" Schumer wrote on X.
The Democratic senator accused Trump of creating "chaos" in the Middle East, adding that he has no plan to resolve the situation.
Brief overview of the main events of the past day:
- The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps of Iran warned that it is ready to strike US-linked facilities in the Middle East and urged citizens to evacuate.
- US President Donald Trump warned that NATO faces a "very bad future" if allies do not help open the Strait of Hormuz by deploying naval forces.
- Japan, Australia, Germany, Greece, the UK, Italy, the Netherlands, and the EU confirmed that they will not participate in the war against Iran.
- Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that the Strait of Hormuz is open, but "closed to enemies," denying rumors of contacts with US envoy Steve Vitkoff.
- Iranian Army Major General Abolfazl Shekarchi warned against a new attack on the island of Kharg after the US stated possible strikes on military facilities on this island.
According to US Central Command, around 200 American servicemen were injured during the war with Iran, of which 10 sustained "serious injuries."
Major powers express concern over a possible Israeli ground offensive in Lebanon and call for Hezbollah's disarmament.
Leaders of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, and the UK in a joint statement expressed "serious concern about the escalation of violence in Lebanon" and called for immediate de-escalation of the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.
Representatives of these five countries urged Israel and Lebanon to "find a sustainable political solution" through constructive dialogue.
The leaders stated that "Hezbollah's attacks on Israel and assaults on civilians must cease, and it must disarm." They also condemned Hezbollah's decision to support Iran in military actions, noting that this jeopardizes peace and security in the region.
Furthermore, they warned against a possible escalation of ground operations, stating that "a significant ground offensive by Israel could lead to devastating humanitarian consequences and a protracted conflict that must be avoided."
The leaders again called on all parties to strictly adhere to UN Security Council Resolution 1701 and expressed support for the Lebanese government's efforts to "disarm Hezbollah and cease its military activities," also expressing support for the people of Lebanon who have become embroiled in the conflict.
Iranian Army representative, Brigadier General Abolfazl Shekarchi, warned against a potential attack on Kharg Island, days after the US reported strikes on military facilities on this island.
"American military officials are again stating their intention to attack Kharg Island," the statement published by the Iranian news agency Tasnim said.
"If the US commits aggression and attacks Kharg Island and its oil facilities, we will ruthlessly destroy all oil and gas installations of the country involved in the aggression," Shekarchi added, as reported by Tasnim.
Recently, Trump threatened new strikes on Kharg Island, which is a key route for Iranian oil exports, after the US had already attacked military targets on this island, prompting retaliatory actions from Tehran.
"Most of Israel's territory has been affected by the war."
Author: Nur Odeh
Report from Ramallah, occupied West Bank.
Israelis are struggling to feel safe, as alarm sirens can sound at any time.
Today, alarm sirens were heard in northern Israel, occupied East Jerusalem, and near the Israeli parliament and the Prime Minister's office.
In Tel Aviv, instances of falling shrapnel have been recorded. Almost all of Israel has been subjected to attacks.
Israeli military officials find it difficult to assert that movement restrictions can be eased, which mayors across the country have been discussing for the past 48 hours, and this is now being confirmed.
The Israeli army reported several weeks of confrontation with Iran and a significantly longer conflict with Hezbollah in Lebanon, causing concern among the population.
"An attack on Iran prevented World War III," Trump stated.
US President Donald Trump criticized Congresswoman Ilhan Omar in the Oval Office, then turned to the topic of the war with Iran.
Here are some of his statements:
- Trump claimed that if he had not "destroyed" Iran's nuclear program, "they would have obtained nuclear weapons within a month after the bombings and would have used it first against Israel and then against the entire Middle East."
- "A nuclear war that would have escalated into World War III, and, more importantly, a war after which nothing would remain," Trump stated, adding that "we did a great job."
- "Iran must not possess nuclear weapons. They have no fleet, no air force, no anti-aircraft weapons, and no leadership."
"My main problem is that I have no idea who we are negotiating with, as no one knows any of these people; they are all dead."
"We accomplished a task for the whole world, not for ourselves, but for the whole world."
Trump's call for sending Chinese warships touches a sensitive topic for Xi Jinping — Bloomberg.
The US president's demand to send military vessels to the Strait of Hormuz is likely to be firmly rejected by Beijing. Nevertheless, it indirectly touches on the discussion among Chinese foreign policy experts about whether Xi Jinping should deploy his armed forces to influence global politics.
China has not participated in major military conflicts for nearly half a century, and there are no signs of readiness to engage in an operation so risky that even US allies are avoiding participation. Although Trump threatened to postpone the upcoming summit in Beijing if Xi does not make concessions, Chinese state media dismissed his demands as an attempt to shift the blame for "the war that Washington started and cannot finish."
"What if Iran attacks the US Navy but accidentally hits Chinese ships?" asked Wu Xinbo, a scholar from Fudan University. "Why should we get involved in this? The risk is too great."
Nevertheless, Wu Xinbo and others see a rare opportunity to shape a world order more aligned with China's interests, as Trump dismantles the rules-based system established by the US after World War II.
While most experts strive for a multilateral system centered on the UN that provides greater influence to developing economies, some are beginning to express disagreements about the extent to which Beijing should apply its economic, diplomatic, and military power to protect its interests abroad.
Supporters of a more active Chinese foreign policy are calling on Xi Jinping to increase military presence, reconsider the principle of non-interference in other countries' affairs, and take more decisive steps to ultimately subdue Taiwan.
The article "War in Iran: Trump criticizes NATO, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps threatens to attack American companies in the Middle East, UAE closes its airspace" was first published on the K-News website.
