All you need to know about Day 10 of US-Israeli war on Iran

This live blog follows updates for Day 10 of the US-Israel war on Iran

Macron arrives in Cyprus to discuss security amid Mideast war
No imminent oil supply shortage in Europe: EU
Israel says begun 'wide-scale' strikes on Tehran, Isfahan, southern Iran
Thousands gather in Tehran to pledge allegiance to new leader: AFP journalists
US urges citizens to leave southeast Türkiye

Trump says Iran war 'going to be ended soon'

Published March 9, 2026 | 22:50 GMT

US President Donald Trump said that the war on Iran would end soon, without setting a date, as he claimed the US-Israeli attack had achieved objectives.

"It's going to be ended soon, and if it starts up again, they'll be hit even harder," Trump told a news conference.

Trump says will remove some oil sanctions, will hit Iran 'much, much harder' if it blocks oil supplies

Published March 9, 2026 | 22:48 GMT

US President Donald Trump said that he will waive some sanctions on oil due to market turmoil over his attack with Israel on Iran.

"We're also waiving certain oil-related sanctions to reduce prices," Trump told reporters after talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin and as he mentioned Chinese President Xi Jinping.

"We're going to take those sanctions off till this straightens out."

The US president also threatened a larger attack on Iran if it blocks supplies of oil, whose prices have spiked over the Middle East war.

"I will not allow a terrorist regime to hold the world hostage and attempt to stop the globe's oil supply. And if Iran does anything to do that, they'll get hit at a much, much harder level," Trump told a news conference in Florida.

Trump says Iran school strike 'being investigated' by US

Published March 9, 2026 | 22:46 GMT

The United States is investigating a deadly strike on a school in the opening days of the US-Israeli war on Iran, President Donald Trump said.

"That's being investigated right now," Trump said of the strike on an elementary school in the southern city of Minab, which Iran said killed more than 150 people.

"Whatever the report shows, I'm willing to live with that report," Trump said, adding he did not "know enough about" the strike while also suggesting Iran may have used a Tomahawk missile — a weapon it does not possess — to hit the school itself.

Putin and Trump discuss Iran and Ukraine wars: Kremlin

Published March 9, 2026 | 21:56 GMT

Russia's President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump discussed the Iran war and Ukraine conflict during a "frank and constructive" telephone call, the Kremlin said.

Putin and Trump held a one-hour call in their first talks since December and Washington sought the discussion, Putin's diplomatic advisor Yuri Ushakov was quoted as saying by Russian news agencies.

"The accent was placed on the situation surrounding the conflict with Iran and the bilateral negotiations underway with the representatives of the United States on settling the Ukrainian question," Ushakov said.

Ushakov said Putin called for a "quick political and diplomatic settlement" to the US-Israeli war against Iran, which has been a key ally for Russia.

The Russian leader also gave Trump "a description of the current situation on the line of contact where Russian troops are progressing with a lot of success", he added, referring to the Ukraine war.

Putin "positively evaluated the mediation efforts undertaken" by Trump in the Ukraine conflict, the advisor said.

Ushakov said Washington had wanted to "discuss a series of extremely important questions linked to the current international situation."

"The conversation was serious and constructive," he added.

Iran's Pezeshkian talks with Turkey's Erdogan after missile intercept: Report

Published March 9, 2026 | 21:50 GMT

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian spoke by phone with his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday, after an incoming Iranian missile was intercepted in Turkey's airspace.

"The Islamic Republic of Iran has always declared its readiness to reduce tension in the region; provided that the airspace, soil and waters of our neighbours are not used to attack the Iranian people," Pezeshkian said in a statement about the call.

The missile was the second fired from Iran to be shot down in Turkish airspace in five days.

Israeli military says launched new wave of 'broad strikes' on Tehran

Published March 9, 2026 | 21:21 GMT

The Israeli military said on Monday it had launched a wave of "broad strikes" on Tehran, the second of the day.

"For the second time today: the IDF (Israeli military) has begun a broad wave of strikes in Tehran... against terror targets," the military said in a statement.

Pope expresses 'deep sadness' over 'innocent' Middle East victims : Report

Published March 9, 2026 | 20:23 GMT

Pope Leo XIV has expressed "deep sorrow" for victims of the Middle East war, including "many innocent people" and a Lebanese Maronite priest, the Vatican press office told AFP.

The US pope “is following events with concern and praying for a swift end to hostilities,” Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said in a statement.

Trump says Iran war 'pretty much' over: CBS

Published March 9, 2026 | 19:56 GMT

President Donald Trump said in an interview with CBS that the US-Israeli war with Iran was "pretty much" over, without giving details of any solution to the conflict still raging in the Middle East.

"I think the war is very complete, pretty much. They have no navy, no communications, they've got no air force," Trump told CBS News by phone, repeating battle damage assessments that he has given in previous days.

Trump told the US broadcaster that the United States was "very far" ahead of his initially stated war time frame of four or five weeks.

Shipping giant MSC halts Gulf exports amid war risks

Published March 9, 2026 | 19:05 GMT

Global shipping company MSC announced Monday it was formally halting certain export shipments from the Gulf due to the Middle East war and that "all affected cargo will be discharged".

"In light of the ongoing and exceptional security situation in the Middle East... it is necessary to declare an 'End of Voyage' for certain export shipments" from Gulf ports, "whether located ashore or already onboard", the shipping giant said in a customer advisory.

France, allies preparing bid to 'gradually' reopen Strait of Hormuz

Published March 9, 2026 | 19:00 GMT

France and its allies are preparing a "defensive" mission to reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, President Emmanuel Macron said Monday as the Middle East war entered its second week.

Macron said during a visit to Cyprus earlier in the day that the Hormuz mission would be aimed at escorting container ships and tankers in order to gradually reopen the strait "after the end of the hottest phase of the conflict".

"This is essential for international trade, but also for the flow of gas and oil, which must be able to leave this (Gulf) region once again," Macron said during a visit to the island to discuss regional security.

Hezbollah says targeted Israeli base near Tel Aviv with missiles

Published March 9, 2026 | 18:50 GMT

Hezbollah said on Monday that it had targeted the Israeli Home Front Command base in Ramla, near Tel Aviv, with "advanced missiles" as the war between the pro-Iranian group and Israel hit the one-week mark.

In a statement, the group said it had targeted the base with a "salvo of advanced missiles" in response to "the criminal Israeli aggression that has struck dozens of Lebanese cities and towns and the southern suburbs of Beirut".

Israeli tank fire kills priest in south Lebanon's Qlayaa

Published March 9, 2026 | 18:00 GMT

A south Lebanon parish lost its priest on Monday when Father Pierre al-Rai of Al-Qlayaa died of wounds sustained from Israeli tank fire, according to state media and a medical source.

The border village had not previously been caught up in the conflict between Hezbollah and Israel.

The National News Agency (NNA) reported that a house in the Christian town was "hit twice in succession by artillery shelling from a hostile Merkava tank" on Monday.

The first strike wounded the homeowner and his wife, according to NNA. After several neighbours, including Rai, and Red Cross paramedics rushed to the scene, the house was hit a second time, wounding Rai and three others.

The priest later died of his wounds, a medical source told AFP.

UAE 'will not partake in any attacks' on Iran: ambassador

Published March 9, 2026 | 16:12 GMT

The United Arab Emirates decried Monday that it was being targeted "in a very unwarranted manner" in the Middle East war, stressing it would "not partake in any attacks against Iran".

"We've been very clear before and leading up to the current events we are witnessing in the region that as the UAE we will not partake in any attacks against Iran from our territory, and that we will not be involved in such a conflict," the UAE ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva, Jamal Al Musharakh, told reporters.

Iran security chief says Strait of Hormuz unsafe as long as war goes on

Published March 9, 2026 | 16:00 GMT

Iran's security chief, Ali Larijani, said Monday that security in the strategic Strait of Hormuz cannot be restored as long as the war with the United States and Israel continues.

"It is unlikely that any security can be achieved in the Strait of Hormuz amid the fires ignited by the United States and Israel in the region," said Larijani in a post on X, after France said it and its allies were preparing a "defensive" mission to reopen the waterway.

Erdogan warns Iran against 'provocative steps' after second missile intercepted

Published March 9, 2026 | 15:57 GMT

Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday again warned Tehran against taking "provocative steps" after NATO defence systems intercepted a second Turkey-bound ballistic missile launched from Iran.

"Despite our sincere warnings, extremely wrong and provocative steps continue to be taken that will jeopardise Turkey's friendship. One should not engage in such behaviour," he said, adding: "Persistence and stubbornness in wrongdoing should be avoided".

Hezbollah pledges allegiance to new Iran supreme leader

Published March 9, 2026 | 14:15 GMT

Hezbollah on Monday welcomed the selection of Mojtaba Khamenei as Iran's new supreme leader, pledging allegiance after his predecessor and father, Ali Khamenei, was killed in US-Israeli attacks.

"We in Hezbollah extend our warmest congratulations and blessings on this occasion. We renew our pledge of loyalty to this blessed approach and our steadfastness on the path of allegiance," the group said in a statement.

Hezbollah entered the Middle East war a week ago by attacking Israel in response to the killing of Ali Khamenei.

Russia sends congratulatory message to newly elected supreme leader

Published March 9, 2026 | 13:15 GMT

Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a congratulatory message to the newly elected Supreme Leader of Iran Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei, said the Russian Foreign Ministry on its X.

“I am confident that you will unite the Iranian people in the face of the severe trials ahead”, said the statement.

Zelensky says 11 countries asked Ukraine for drone help against Iran

Published March 9, 2026 | 13:30 GMT

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Monday that 11 countries had tapped Kyiv for help in how to counter Iranian drones, being launched by Tehran across the Middle East as retaliation for US-Israeli strikes.

Ukraine touts itself as having world-class drone defence capabilities, built up through fending off nightly barrages of Iran-style attack drones launched by Russia, an ally of Tehran

"As of now, there are 11 requests from countries neighbouring Iran, European states, and the US. There is clear interest in Ukraine's experience in protecting lives, relevant interceptors, electronic warfare systems, and training," Zelensky said.

NATO intercepts second Iran missile in Turkish airspace: Ankara

Published March 9, 2026 | 13:30 GMT

Ankara on Monday confirmed a second ballistic missile was shot down by NATO defences in Turkish airspace, as Washington urged all of its citizens to leave southeast Turkey over security concerns.

It referenced a State Department travel advisory saying: "Americans in southeast Turkey are strongly encouraged to depart now."

"A ballistic munition launched from Iran and entering Turkish airspace was neutralised by NATO air and missile defence assets in the eastern Mediterranean," it said in a statement.

Israel says begun 'wide-scale' strikes on Tehran, Isfahan, southern Iran

Published March 9, 2026 | 12:30 GMT

The Israeli military said it had launched new "wide-scale" strikes on Tehran, Isfahan, and southern Iran on Monday, shortly after one man was killed in Israel following missile launches from Iran.

"The IDF has just begun a wide-scale wave of strikes against the infrastructure of the Iranian terror regime across Tehran, Isfahan, and southern Iran," the military said in a statement.

Macron arrives in Cyprus to discuss security amid Mideast war

Published March 9, 2026 | 11:52 GMT

French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Cyprus on Monday to discuss regional security, while Paris deployed warships to the Mediterranean and the US-Israeli war on Iran stretched into a second week.

Macron, who landed in Paphos earlier on Monday, met Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis for talks.

European Union member Cyprus was targeted last week by Iranian-made drones, leading Macron to order France's Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier to the Mediterranean, as well as a frigate and air defence units to the island nation.

Macron was scheduled to visit the Charles de Gaulle on Monday afternoon. France's flagship is currently stationed off the coast of Crete, according to the Elysee.

The Elysee has said the visit aims to show "solidarity" and detail moves to "strengthen security around Cyprus and in the eastern Mediterranean". Macron said he had spoken to his US and Iranian counterparts on Sunday ahead of the trip.

Macron also spoke on Monday morning to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about the situation in the Middle East and Lebanon, the Elysee said. He had already spoken with Netanyahu last week for the first time since the summer of 2025.

No imminent oil supply shortage in Europe: EU

Published March 9, 2026 | 11:40 GMT

The EU insisted Monday there was "no imminent oil supply" shortage in Europe as the Middle East war sent energy prices soaring.

The benchmark price for a barrel of crude has soared beyond $100 for the first time since Russia's invasion of Ukraine four years ago.

"There is no imminent oil supply shortage in Europe. Per our rules, all member states must have the 90-day emergency stocks," European Commission spokeswoman Anna-Kaisa Itkonen said.

Thousands gather in Tehran to pledge allegiance to new leader: AFP journalists

Published March 9, 2026 | 11:35 GMT

Thousands of people flocked on Monday to a central square in the Iranian capital to pledge allegiance to the Islamic republic's new leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, AFP journalists said.

The crowds that gathered in Tehran's Enghelab Square saw many carrying the Iranian flags and portraits of Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of the late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who was assassinated in US and Israeli strikes on Feb. 28.

US urges citizens to leave southeast Türkiye

Published March 9, 2026 | 11:35 GMT

Washington has advised non-essential staff to leave its consulate near the southern Turkish city of Adana near a key NATO base and ordered US citizens to leave "southeast Turkey", the US embassy to Ankara said Monday.

"On March 9, 2026, the Department of State ordered non-emergency US government employees and US government employee family members to leave Consulate General Adana due to the safety risks," it said on X, referencing a travel advisory saying: "Americans in southeast Turkey are strongly encouraged to depart now".

Iran war's effects already a reality in Europe: EU chief

Published March 9, 2026 | 11:30 GMT

The ripples from war in the Middle East are already being felt in Europe, with rising energy prices and NATO allies targeted, EU chief Ursula von der Leyen said Monday.

Oil prices soared Monday peaking just short of $120 a barrel as the US-Israeli war against Iran continued into a second week, with Tehran launching fresh retaliatory strikes in the Gulf.

"We are now seeing a regional conflict with unintended consequences. And the spillover is already a reality today," the European Commission president told EU ambassadors, ahead of a midday call with Middle Eastern leaders.

"Our citizens are caught in the crossfire. Our partners are being attacked," she said, citing an Iranian-made drone hitting a British base on EU-member Cyprus, trade disruptions and the "displacement of people".

Iran security chief says election of new leader caused US, Israel 'despair'

Published March 9, 2026 | 11:30 GMT

Iran's security chief Ali Larijani said on Monday that the election of Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei to succeed his father had left Israel and the United States in "despair."

"Your selection by the Assembly of Experts as the leader of the Islamic Republic system has caused the hostile and warmongering enemies to despair," said Larijani in a post on X.

Lebanon postpones parliamentary elections by two years

Published March 9, 2026 | 11:30 GMT

Lebanon's parliament on Monday postponed legislative elections by two years, according to a statement from the parliament speaker, due to the war between Israel and Hezbollah.

"Parliament approved the extension of its term for two years," a statement from parliament speaker and key Hezbollah ally Nabih Berri read, after the polls were initially due to be held in May.

Putin offers 'unwavering support' to new Iran supreme leader

Published March 9, 2026 | 10:20 GMT

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday pledged "unwavering support" to Iran's new supreme leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, appointed after his father and predecessor was assassinated in US-Israeli strikes.

"I would like to reaffirm our unwavering support for Tehran and solidarity with our Iranian friends," Putin said in a message to Khamenei, adding that "Russia has been and will remain a reliable partner" to Iran.

"At a time when Iran is confronting armed aggression, your tenure in this high position will undoubtedly require great courage and dedication," the Russian leader said.

Iran says European countries helped create conditions for US, Israeli attacks

Published March 9, 2026 | 10:16 GMT

Iran on Monday accused European countries including France of creating the conditions that led to the United States and Israel attacking the Islamic republic and triggering a war.

"European countries have unfortunately helped create these conditions," said foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei during a weekly press briefing.

"Instead of insisting on the rule of law, instead of standing up to the bullying and excesses of the United States, they spoke and agreed with them at the UN Security Council regarding the discussion on restoring sanctions, and all these things together emboldened the American and Zionist parties to continue committing their crimes."

One killed by shrapnel in Israel after Iran fires missiles: First responders

Published March 9, 2026 | 10:06 GMT

Israel's first responders said one person was killed by shrapnel as several blasts rocked central Israel Monday, shortly after the military reported detecting new missiles launched from Iran.

"After performing resuscitation efforts, we had to pronounce the death of a man, approximately 40 years old," Magen David Adom said in a statement, adding that the death occurred at a construction site in central Israel.

It added that another man was seriously injured and evacuated for treatment, with both casualties having sustained "several shrapnel injuries to their bodies".

Blasts rock central Israel after Iran missiles detected

Published March 9, 2026 | 10:06 GMT

Several blasts rocked central Israel on Monday, seriously injuring at least two people, emergency services said, shortly after the military reported it had detected new missiles launched from Iran.

Paramedics were "searching a number of scenes and treating two unconscious males in serious condition", the Magen David Adom emergency service said in a statement.

The military said there were reports of several impact sites from the missiles.

"Defensive systems are operating to intercept the threat," the military had earlier said.

Qatar arrests 313 for sharing attacks footage, 'rumors': Interior ministry

Published March 9, 2026 | 09:15 GMT

Qatari authorities have arrested more than 300 people for sharing images and "misleading information" during days of attacks by Iran, the interior ministry said on Monday.

The people arrested "filmed and circulated video clips and published misleading information and rumors that could stir public opinion", a statement said.

Explosions hit Iranian capital: AFP journalists

Published March 9, 2026 | 09:10 GMT

Heavy explosions rocked the Iranian capital on Monday, AFP journalists said, as the war with Israel and the United States raged.

It was not immediately clear what was targeted in Tehran but the blasts were heard across several parts of the city, the reporters said.

Iran says to confiscate assets of Iranians abroad who 'cooperate' with Israel, US

Published March 9, 2026 | 07:35 GMT

Iranian authorities will confiscate the properties and impose penalities of members of the Iranian diaspora who "cooperate" with Israel and the United States, the judiciary said on Monday.

"Iranians abroad who align, accompany and cooperate with the American-Zionist aggressor enemy will face confiscation of all their property and other legal penalties in accordance with the law," the judiciary's Mizan Online website said, quoting the prosecutor general's office.

Mizan cited a law adopted after the 12-day war in June with Israel, which saw the United States briefly joining with strikes.

China says opposes any targeting of new Iran leader

Published March 9, 2026 | 07:33 GMT

China said on Monday it opposes any targeting of Iran's new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, after threats by the Israeli military against a successor to his assassinated father, Ali Khamenei.

"China opposes interference in other countries' internal affairs under any pretext, and Iran's sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity should be respected," foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun told a press conference.

"China opposes interference in other countries' internal affairs under any pretext, and Iran's sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity should be respected," he said when asked about the threats against the new leader.

European gas prices surge 30% on Mideast war

Published March 9, 2026 | 07:33 GMT

European gas prices soared as much as 30% on Monday as the Middle East war roiled energy markets and spurred fears of prolonged supply disruptions.

The Dutch TTF natural gas contract, considered the European benchmark, jumped to 69.50 euros, before paring gains slightly.

Despite the surge, the price remained below the level it reached in 2022 at the outbreak of the war in Ukraine.

Türkiye deploys six F-16s to Northern Cyprus: Defense ministry

Published March 9, 2026 | 07:19 GMT

Türkiye's defense ministry on Monday said it had deployed six F-16 fighter jets to Northern Cyprus as a security measure, days after the island was targeted by a drone attack.

"In light of recent developments in our region, six F-16 fighter aircraft and air defence systems have been deployed to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) as of today," it said in a statement.

Bahrain's Bapco declares force majeure after Iran strikes: Statement

Published March 9, 2026 | 06:42 GMT

Bahrain's state-owned energy company Bapco declared force majeure after waves of Iranian strikes targeted the country's energy installations, the company said in a statement on Monday.

Bapco "hereby serves notice of force majeure on its group operations which have been affected by the ongoing regional conflict in the Middle East and the recent attack on its refinery complex", said a statement posted by the company.

Bahrain says Iranian strike on oil complex causes fire, damage: State media

Published March 9, 2026 | 06:30 GMT

A strike targeting Bahrain's sprawling Al Ma'ameer oil facility caused a fire at the complex along with material damage, state media said on Monday, in the latest attack against Gulf energy installations.

"Outbreak of a fire due to the Iranian aggression targeting a facility in Al Ma'ameer, with material damage reported but no casualties recorded, and the competent authorities have begun firefighting procedures," Bahrain News Agency said in a post on X.

Israel claims hitting Iran internal security sites, missile launchers

Published March 9, 2026 | 06:30 GMT

Israel's military said it struck targets in central Iran on Monday, including internal security command centers and missile launch sites, in the first raid since the Islamic republic appointed a new supreme leader.

"The Israeli Air Force... completed an additional wave of strikes on infrastructure across Iran belonging to the Iranian regime," a military statement said.

The targets included "a rocket engine production facility and several long-range ballistic missiles launch sites" that threatened Israel, it claimed.

The internal security headquarters in the central city of Isfahan, a police headquarters and other facilities used by the Revolutionary Guards and paramilitary Basij force were also hit, according to the military.

It added that the latest strikes were part of "deepening the damage to the core arrays and foundations of the Iranian regime".

Saudi Arabia condemns 'reprehensible' Iranian attacks on Gulf

Published March 9, 2026 | 05:35 GMT

Saudi Arabia lambasted Iran on Monday, calling Tehran's attacks targeting the kingdom and their Gulf neighbors "reprehensible", according to a statement from the foreign ministry.

Saudi Arabia "renews the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's categorical condemnation of the reprehensible Iranian aggressions against the Kingdom, the Gulf Cooperation Council states, a number of Arab and Islamic countries, and friendly nations, which cannot be accepted or justified under any circumstances," the statement posted on the ministry's official X account read.

Hezbollah officials claim downing Israeli helicopter

Published March 9, 2026 | 05:20 GMT

Hezbollah said on Monday it was fighting Israeli forces who landed in eastern Lebanon by helicopter across the Syrian border, the second such operation since the outbreak of the latest conflict with Israel.

Israel, which has kept up strikes targeting Hezbollah despite a 2024 ceasefire, launched multiple waves of strikes last week across Lebanon and sent ground troops into border areas.

In a statement on Monday, Hezbollah said it detected "the infiltration of approximately 15 Israeli enemy helicopters" from the Syrian side of the border in eastern Lebanon, an area where Hezbollah holds sway.

The group said its fighters "engaged the helicopters and the infiltrating force with appropriate weapons, and the confrontation" was ongoing.

Lebanon's state-run National News Agency (NNA) earlier reported "fierce clashes... towards the outskirts of the town of Nabi Sheet to repel Israeli forces that carried out a landing by helicopters" in the area.

Two Hezbollah officials in the Bekaa region, where Nabi Sheet is located, told AFP that an Israeli helicopter was downed.

The Israeli army did not immediately comment on the incident.

China's Middle East envoy urges war de-escalation during Saudi talks

Published March 9, 2026 | 05:07 GMT

China's envoy to the Middle East urged de-escalation in the conflict-ridden region and called for attacks on civilians to be condemned during talks with Saudi Arabia's foreign minister, Beijing said Monday.

The war, triggered by US and Israeli strikes on Iran, has threatened global energy security and trade, as well as China's oil supplies.

Beijing is a close partner of Tehran and condemned the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, but it has also criticized Iranian strikes against several Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia, since the outbreak of the conflict.

Dozens wounded in Bahrain as Gulf suffers missile, drone attacks

Published March 9, 2026 | 05:00 GMT

Bahrain said Monday that an Iranian drone attack on the island of Sitra injured 32 people overnight, as Gulf nations reported new attacks with Tehran pressing its retaliatory strikes across the region.

All of the wounded were Bahraini citizens and there were four "serious cases", including children, the health ministry said in a statement carried by the state news agency.

The wounded included a 17-year-old girl who suffered severe head and eye injuries, and a two-month-old baby, according to the ministry.

Several explosions were also heard Monday in the Qatari capital Doha, AFP journalists said, as Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait all reported new attacks.

Saudi Arabia says intercepted drone attack targeting oil field

Published March 9, 2026 | 03:35 GMT

The Saudi defence ministry said Monday it had thwarted a drone attack targeting an oil field in the kingdom's east, near the Emirati border.

"Four drones heading towards the Shaybah oil field were intercepted and destroyed," a defence ministry statement said.

UAE says air defenses responding to missile attack

Published March 9, 2026 | 03:29 GMT

Authorities in the United Arab Emirates reported a missile attack early Monday that its air defence systems were responding to, as Iran continues its retaliatory strikes across the Gulf.

"Air defence systems are currently responding to a missile threat," the country's National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority said in a post on X.

Israel says striking 'regime infrastructure' in central Iran

Published March 9, 2026 | 02:18 GMT

The Israeli military said it launched a wave of strikes targeting "regime infrastructure" in central Iran on Monday, the first such announcement since the Islamic Republic appointed a new supreme leader.

Israeli forces have "begun an additional wave of strikes on Iranian terror regime infrastructure in central Iran", the military said in a brief statement, shortly after announcing strikes on Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Iran drone attack on Bahrain leaves 32 civilians wounded: health ministry

Published March 9, 2026 | 02:36 GMT

Bahrain's ministry of health said that an Iranian drone attack, which targeted the Gulf nation's island of Sitra overnight, wounded 32 civilians.

All of the wounded were Bahraini citizens, and there were four "serious cases", including children, said the ministry in a statement carried by the Gulf nation's state news agency.

Israel military says struck Hezbollah targets in Beirut

Published March 9, 2026 | 02:15 GMT

Israel's military said it struck the Beirut area early Monday, targeting Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah.

Israeli forces "struck infrastructure belonging to the Hezbollah terrorist organisation in Beirut", the military said in a brief statement.

An AFP correspondent heard a loud explosion in the Lebanese capital's southern suburbs, a Hezbollah stronghold.

Kuwait says air defenses intercepting missile, drone attack

Published March 9, 2026 | 01:43 GMT

Kuwait's defense ministry said the country's air defenses were working to intercept a new missile and drone attack on the Gulf nation, as Iran continues its retaliatory strikes in its war with the United States and Israel.

"Kuwaiti air defenses are currently dealing with missile and hostile drone attacks," the ministry said.

Iran fires first missiles at Israel after supreme leader chosen: Report

Published March 9, 2026 | 00:57 GMT

Iran fired its first missiles towards Israel after the appointment of the Islamic republic's new supreme leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, state broadcaster IRIB said.

"Iran fires first wave of missiles under Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei towards occupied territories," IRIB said on its Telegram channel.

It posted a picture of a projectile bearing the slogan "At Your Command, Sayyid Mojtaba," a Shiite religious reference.

Hezbollah says fighting Israeli forces who landed in east Lebanon

Published March 9, 2026 | 00:21GMT

Hezbollah said it was engaging Israeli forces who landed in eastern Lebanon, the second such operation since the outbreak of the latest conflict with Israel.

In a statement, the Iran-backed group said it detected "the infiltration of approximately 15 Israeli enemy helicopters" from the Syrian side of the border in eastern Lebanon, an area where Hezbollah holds sway.

The group said its fighters "engaged the helicopters and the infiltrating force with appropriate weapons, and the confrontation" was ongoing.

US orders embassy staff to leave Saudi Arabia due to Iran war

Published March 9, 2026 | 00:19 GMT

The United States said that it was ordering embassy staff to leave Saudi Arabia as Iran strikes the kingdom in retaliation for the attacks by Washington and Israel.

The State Department said in a travel advisory it had "ordered non-emergency US government employees and US government employee family members to leave Saudi Arabia due to safety risks."

Trump says oil price spike on Iran war a 'small price to pay'

Published March 9, 2026 | 00:01 GMT

US President Donald Trump dismissed the war-related spike in oil prices as a "small price to pay" for removing the threat of Iran's nuclear program.

"Short-term oil prices, which will drop rapidly when the destruction of the Iran nuclear threat is over, is a very small price to pay for USA, and World, Safety and Peace. ONLY FOOLS WOULD THINK DIFFERENTLY!" he wrote on his Truth Social platform.

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