US & ‘Israel’ at war with Iran | Day 13 coverage
The 2026 war between ‘Israel’, the United States, and Iran started on February 28 with the launch of Operation Epic Fury, a joint US-‘Israeli’ military campaign. Nearly 900 coordinated strikes were executed within the initial 12 hours, targeting Iranian missile systems, air defenses, military infrastructure, and senior leadership figures across multiple sites.
The operation resulted in the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and numerous other high-ranking officials, with explicit objectives of preventing nuclear weapon development, dismantling ballistic missile capabilities, and advancing leadership change.
Iran initiated large-scale retaliatory missile and drone attacks against ‘Israeli’ settlements, US bases, and allied targets throughout the Middle East.
The escalation also encompassed disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, where Iranian forces shut it down; heightening risks to global energy supplies.
Subsequent phases featured intensified ‘Israeli’ airstrikes on Iranian fuel depots and energy facilities in Tehran and surrounding provinces, complemented by US efforts to neutralize naval assets and remaining missile infrastructure.
The war produced over 2,000 reported deaths across Iran, ‘Israel’, and Lebanon.
Economic effects have included sharp increases in oil prices and interruptions to international shipping, prompting releases from strategic petroleum reserves to stabilize markets.
Iran warns Arabs against hosting US personnel in hotels
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard intelligence reportedly stated that the United States is seeking to use Arab countries as human shields and warned that Americans in the region could be monitored and targeted.
The report, carried by Tasnim news agency, advised Arab nations against hosting US personnel in hotels or being near their locations, urging caution amid rising regional tensions.
Video shows damage after shrapnel hit building in Dubai Creek Harbour
US embassy urges citizens to consider leaving Iraq
United States Embassy in Iraq has warned American citizens of increasing security risks in the country, urging them to review their safety measures.
In a statement, the embassy said many citizens face a real threat of kidnapping and advised them to avoid areas that could make them targets. Officials emphasized that leaving Iraq may be the safest option for many Americans amid rising tensions and security concerns.
Alert period ends in Jordan
Alert period ends in Jordan minutes after warning sirens were sounded.
Sirens sound in Jordan amid tensions
Sirens sound in Jordan amid tensions.
‘Israel’ launches new wave of airstrikes on Tehran
The ‘Israel’ military announced the start of a new and intensive wave of airstrikes targeting Iran’s capital, Tehran.
In a statement, a military spokesperson said the large-scale attack aims to strike vital facilities linked to the Iranian government as part of a significant military escalation intended to undermine the country’s strategic capabilities.
The development comes as tensions continue to surge, with loud explosions reported across the capital amid reports that command centers and weapons depots were among the targets.
“We have achieved major gains that will shift the balance in the Middle East”: Netanyahu
'Israeli' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the ongoing operation against Iran is continuing, describing the moment as “historic days” for the region.
In his remarks, Netanyahu said 'Israel' has achieved major gains that could shift the balance of power in the Middle East.
He also warned that the greatest threat facing 'Israel' originates from Iran, accusing Tehran of planning to destroy the country using ballistic missiles while attempting to develop a nuclear bomb.
Netanyahu added that Hezbollah would “pay a heavy price” for what he described as its aggression against 'Israel' as tensions across the region continue to rise.
Iranian air defenses intercept targets over Tehran
Iranian air defenses intercepted aerial targets over the capital Tehran, according to Iran’s Tasnim news agency.
Sirens sound in Bahrain
The Ministry of Interior in Bahrain has sounded the siren, warning citizens and residents to remain calm and proceed to the nearest safe location. Authorities are advising the public to follow safety protocols as precautionary measures amid regional tensions.
UAE intercepts missiles and drones in ongoing Iranian attacks
The United Arab Emirates’ air defenses intercepted 10 ballistic missiles and 26 drones coming from Iran on March 12, 2026, the Ministry of Defense reported.
Since the start of the ongoing Iranian assault, UAE defenses have neutralized a total of 278 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles, and 1,540 drones.
The attacks have resulted in six deaths, involving Emirati, Pakistani, Nepali, and Bangladeshi nationals, and 131 injuries ranging from minor to moderate among citizens of more than 25 nationalities, including Emirati, Egyptian, Sudanese, Ethiopian, Filipino, Pakistani, Iranian, Indian, Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan, Azerbaijani, Yemeni, Ugandan, Eritrean, Lebanese, Afghan, Bahraini, Comorian, Turkish, Iraqi, Nepali, Nigerian, Omani, Jordanian, Palestinian, Ghanaian, and Indonesian.
The Ministry of Defense emphasized that UAE forces remain fully prepared to respond to any threats, ensuring national security, protecting sovereignty, and safeguarding critical infrastructure and resources.
Saudi defense intercepts drone targeting oil field
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defense reported that it intercepted and destroyed a drone in the Rub’ al Khali desert that was headed toward the Shaybah oil field.
Trump says Iran shouldn't come to World Cup for 'own life and safety'
US President Donald Trump said Thursday that Iran should not participate in the upcoming World Cup in North America, just days after telling FIFA's chief they would be welcome despite the Middle East war.
"The Iran National Soccer Team is welcome to The World Cup, but I really don't believe it is appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety," Trump said on his Truth Social platform.
Iran's new supreme leader calls on regional countries to close US bases
Iran's new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei on Thursday called on regional countries to shut down any US bases that they host.
"I recommend that they close those bases as soon as possible, because they must have realised by now that the claim of establishing security and peace by America was nothing more than a lie," Khamenei said in a statement read by a news anchor on state TV.
Will US-‘Israel’-Iran conflict lead to World War III?
A new analysis by the viral Professor Jiang Xueqin uses game theory to break down the confrontation between Iran, the US, and ‘Israel’.
IRGC launches 42nd wave under slogan “At your service, Khamenei”
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps says it has carried out the 42nd wave of its Operation True Promise 4 under the slogan “At your service, Khamenei.”
It added that it used Emad, Qadr, Kheibar Shekan, and Fattah missiles along with suicide drones.
The commander of the IRGC Navy also declared that Iran will keep the Strait of Hormuz closed in response to orders from Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, warning that the force will deliver what he described as the “strongest strikes” against the attacking enemy.
Iran leader vows vengeance until achieved
Iran supreme leader said that vengeance is priority 'until fully achieved'.
IRGC fires wave #41 of “Operation True Promise IV”
Handout footage released by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) shows what it says was the "launch of wave #41 of Iranian missiles".
US military images of strikes on Iranian planes
Handout footage released by the US Central Command (CENTCOM) on its X account shows what it says are US forces striking several Iranian planes.
Major destruction after heavy ‘Israeli’ strikes on south Beirut
Massive destruction after heavy overnight ‘Israeli’ strikes on Beirut's southern suburbs. The ‘Israeli’ military claimed it had carried out strikes on Beirut's southern suburbs overnight against Hezbollah, which had announced a major new operation against ‘Israel’.
Mojtaba Khamenei: "We have foiled attempts to divide the country"
Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei said Thursday that they “have foiled attempts to divide the country,” in his first statement since assuming the leadership role following his father’s death in US-‘Israeli’ strikes.
Mojtaba Khamenei called for keeping Hormuz Strait closed, and called on regional countries to close US bases.
"We believe in friendship with neighboring states, but we are compelled to continue targeting US bases located there."
"We were attacked from enemy bases in neighboring countries, and we are forced to respond,” Mojtaba Khemenei said.
