US & ‘Israel’ at war with Iran | Day 16 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 arrests 500 over alleged intelligence leaks to 'enemies'
Iran’s police chief, Ahmadreza Radan, announced that 500 people have been detained on accusations of sharing intelligence with enemies. According to Radan, half of the cases involved serious incidents, including supplying information for attacks or sending footage of strike locations.
Semi-official media reported multiple regional arrests on Sunday. In northwestern Iran, 20 people were detained for allegedly sending details on military and security sites to Israel. In northeastern provinces, 10 people were arrested, some accused of collecting information on sensitive locations and economic infrastructure.
Gulf-UK statement affirms right to defend against Iran
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states and the United Kingdom issued a joint statement affirming that member states have the right to defend themselves against hostile actions, specifically citing threats from Iran.
Officials emphasized that security in the Gulf is directly tied to the safety of the UK and broader international stability.
The statement also welcomed the UK’s decision to bolster defense capabilities in the region, highlighting ongoing cooperation to address regional threats and enhance deterrence.
'Israeli' army strikes 200 targets in Iran in 24 hours
The ‘Israeli’ military announced that it attacked 200 targets in Iran over 24 hours, hitting a combination of defense systems, command headquarters, and weapons production sites.
Qatar intercepts Iranian drones targeting the country
Qatar Ministry of Defence said Sunday that the country’s air defense systems intercepted and destroyed several drones launched from Iran that were targeting Qatari territory.
In a statement posted on X, the ministry said the armed forces successfully neutralized the drones before they reached their intended targets.
Saudi Arabia intercepts drone over Eastern Province
Saudi authorities announced that their air defence systems successfully intercepted and destroyed a drone over the Eastern Province.
The government confirmed the operation on X, emphasizing that there were no injuries or damage from the incident.
Drone strike hits Kuwait base used by US, Italy
A drone strike struck Ali Al Salem airbase in Kuwait, a facility hosting American and Italian personnel, Italian military officials confirmed.
Chief of the Defence General Staff Luciano Portolano said the drone hit a shelter used by the Italian Task Force Air, destroying a remotely piloted aircraft stationed at the base. “At the time of the attack, all personnel were safe and uninjured,” the statement said.
Iran deploys long-range Sejjil missile in ongoing war
Netanyahu shares video from coffee shop amid death rumors
Amid viral rumors claiming that 'Israeli' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had died, he posted a video on his Twitter account showing him at a coffee shop, dismissing the reports and addressing his supporters.
In the video, Netanyahu joked about his need for coffee before turning to matters of state.
“I am dying for my people and how they behave – fantastic!” he said, emphasizing his ongoing attacks. He referenced sensitive military work in Iran and Lebanon without providing details and encouraged listeners to follow official guidance closely.
Netanyahu’s appearance comes after social media circulated unverified claims about his death, prompting widespread attention and speculation.
Italian drone destroyed in attack on Kuwait’s Ali Al Salem base
The Italian military reported that Kuwait’s Ali Al Salem Air Base, which hosts Italian and American forces, was targeted by a drone attack on Sunday.
General Luciano Portolano, head of Italy’s Joint Defense Staff, said the strike destroyed a shelter containing an Italian Air Task Force drone.
No injuries were reported.
Iran FM sees no reason for talks after Trump says it wants a deal
Iran FM sees no reason for talks after Trump says it wants a deal.
War with US, ‘Israel’ to end when Iran “certain” it cannot be repeated: FM
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in an interview published on Sunday that the war pitting his country against the United States and ‘Israel’ will only end when Tehran can be certain it will not be restarted.
"This war will end when we are certain it will not be repeated and that reparations will be paid. We experienced this last year: Israel attacked, then the United States... they regrouped and attacked us again," Araghchi told Arabic-language news outlet Al-Araby Al-Jadeed, referring to Iran's war with ‘Israel’ and the US in June 2025.
VIDEO - CCTV captures Iranian cluster munition hitting Tel Aviv
CCTV footage released by the ‘Israeli’ police shows the moment of a missile attack on the Tel Aviv area, carried out using cluster munitions, according to authorities.
Iran women football players withdraw asylum bids in Australia
- The asylum requests followed fears of reprisals after the team refused to sing Iran’s national anthem, prompting international concern for the players’ safety.
Two Iranian female footballers and a member of their support staff have withdrawn asylum requests in Australia, officials confirmed, ending a high-profile standoff that raised international safety concerns. The three had initially sought asylum after the team refused to sing Iran’s national anthem at the Women’s Asian Cup, sparking fears of reprisals at home.
Iranian state broadcaster IRIB reported that the trio “gave up on their asylum application in Australia and are currently heading to Malaysia,” posting photos of the women allegedly boarding a plane. Australia’s Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke confirmed the news, stating that the players decided to join the rest of the team on their return journey to Iran after being offered repeated chances to review their options.
The asylum bids drew global attention after the Iranian players were labeled “traitors” by IRIB following their anthem protest. FIFPRO, the global organization representing professional footballers, had called on FIFA and the AFC to ensure the players’ safety amid reports they were being monitored by Iranian officials in Australia.
Earlier this week, five players, including team captain Zahra Ghanbari, had sought asylum in Australia, with a sixth player and a staff member doing the same before the rest of the team left Sydney. One player, Mohadese Zolfigol, withdrew her claim earlier and reunited with teammates in Kuala Lumpur before the group’s planned return to Tehran.
Iran’s football governing body has accused Australia of coercing the players to abandon their homeland, framing the withdrawals as a resolution to the tense situation.
VIDEO - Destruction in Tel Aviv after Iranian missile strike
Emergency services attend the scene of an Iranian missile strike in the centre of Tel Aviv, where multiple vehicles were destroyed.
‘Israel’ has been targeted daily by Iranian ballistic missile fire, with 12 people having been killed by missiles or falling debris, according to a tally of ‘Israeli’ figures.
VIDEO - US warplanes take off from British airbase
US warplanes take off from RAF Fairford, a British airbase in Southern England, as the UK government says it is vital to de-escalate the conflict in the Middle East.
VIDEO - ‘Israel’ says no direct talks planned with Lebanon to stop war
‘Israeli’ Foreign Minister Gideon Saar tells reporters that no direct talks were planned with Lebanon to end the war, a day after a Lebanese official said Beirut was preparing a delegation to negotiate with ‘Israel’.
Alert period ends in Jordan
Jordanian authorities sound sirens signaling the end of the alert period.
Sirens sound in Jordan
Sirens sound in Jordan signaling danger amid regional tensions.
Iran army says targeted police unit in ‘Israel’ with drone attack
Iran's army said on Sunday it had targeted a police unit and a satellite communications centre in ‘Israel’ with drone strikes.
In a statement, carried by the official IRNA news agency, the army said "it has targeted the security centres and police headquarters of the Zionist terrorist regime, including the regime's special police unit called 'Lahav 433' and the 'Gilat Defence' satellite communications centre with powerful drone attacks".
Bahrain says intercepted hundreds of missiles, drones from Iran
Bahrain’s army said Sunday that its air defense systems successfully intercepted multiple waves of Iranian attacks over the almost 16 days of war so far.
The statement said that since the start of Iranian attacks, Bahraini forces have destroyed 125 ballistic missiles, and 211 suicide drones.
