This live blog follows updates for Day 8 of the US-Israel war on Iran

Jordan accuses Iran of targeting key installations
UAE says intercepted 15 ballistic missiles, 119 drones
Israeli military says found no remains of missing airman in Lebanon operation
Trump says Iran 'will be hit very hard', threatens to expand targets
Air raid sirens sound, blasts heard in Jerusalem: AFP journalists

Trump suggests US troops could be sent to secure Iran's uranium

Published March 7, 2026 | 23:45 GMT

US President Donald Trump evoked Saturday the idea of sending ground troops into Iran to secure the country's stockpiles of enriched uranium, as part of efforts to dismantle Tehran's nuclear program.

"At some point maybe we will. That would be a great thing," he told reporters during a briefing aboard Air Force One.

"We haven't gone after it but it's something we could do later," he said.

Asked about the use of ground troops in general, Trump did not rule it out, saying: "Could there be? Possibly, for a very good reason -- it'd have to be a very good reason."

Iran military warns Azerbaijan to expel Israeli presence

Published March 7, 2026 | 20:55 GMT

Iran's military called on its neighbour Azerbaijan to "expel the Zionists" from its territory on Saturday in order to preserve its security, a day after Baku accused Tehran of plotting attacks on its territory.

"We declare to Iran's neighbouring country, the Republic of Azerbaijan, as a Muslim country, to expel the Zionists from that country in order to prevent the spread of insecurity in the region and not to endanger the security of its people and Islamic Iran," a military spokesman said in a statement.

Türkiye ‘closely’ monitoring terrorist groups movement, Erdogan tells Kurdish leader

Published March 7, 2026 | 20:00 GMT

Turkish Foreign Ministry has said that President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan spoke with Iraqi Kurdish Regional Government (IKRG) President Nechirvan Barzani.

During the telephonic conversation, both sides addressed the trajectory of the conflict-ridden process in the region and the latest developments.

President Erdoğan stated that Türkiye stands with Iraq during this critical process, as per the statement on X, noting that Ankara will continue its efforts against “steps that could plunge the region into disaster for many years to come.”

Erdoğan said that “recent movements” within terrorist organizations and certain affiliated groups are being closely monitored.

Both sides emphasized the importance of the "terror-free Türkiye" process.

Dubai authorities confirm death of Pakistani in Al Barsha
Published March 7, 2026 | 19:50 GMT

A Pakistan citizen was killed after the debris from an aerial interception fell onto a vehicle in the Al Barsha area, the Dubai Media Office reported citing confirmation from the authorities.

“Authorities confirm that debris from an aerial interception fell onto a vehicle in the Al Barsha areas, resulting in the death of a Pakistani driver”, said the media office on its X.

Netanyahu says Israel will carry on Iran war 'with all our force'

Published March 7, 2026 | 19:40 GMT

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Saturday that Israel would continue its war with Iran "with all our force", and alongside the United States had almost total control of Iranian skies after a week of strikes.

"We have a systematic plan to eradicate the Iranian regime and achieve many other objectives," Netanyahu said in a televised address.

Rocket attack intercepted over US embassy in Baghdad: security sources

Published March 7, 2026 | 19:05 GMT

Air defense systems intercepted rockets fired at the US embassy in Baghdad, security sources told AFP.

"Four rockets were launched... toward the embassy," a security official said, adding that air defences intercepted three, while one fell in an open area in the embassy's airbase.

Two other security sources confirmed the rocket attack, with one saying that all rockets were downed, including the one that fell in the airbase.

Turkey warns efforts to stir civil war in Iran 'extremely dangerous': foreign minister

Published March 7, 2026 | 19:04 GMT

Turkey on Saturday warned against efforts to stir up a civil war inside Iran in a bid to bring about regime change, saying it would be a 'historic' mistake.

"We are against all scenarios that aim to instigate a civil war in Iran, that target ethnic or religious fault lines. This is the most dangerous scenario," Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan warned after US President Donald Trump expressed support for an offensive by Iranian Kurdish fighters to back the US-Israeli campaign in Iran.

Series of blasts heard by AFP journalists in Jerusalem

Published March 7, 2026 | 18:59 GMT

Around a dozen blasts were heard Saturday in Jerusalem, after air raid sirens sounded in several areas of Israel and the occupied West Bank following warnings of missiles fired from Iran, AFP journalists said.

Emergency responders said there were no immediate reports that anyone had been hurt.

Explosions heard in Baghdad: AFP

Published March 7, 2026 | 18:17 GMT

Explosions were heard on Saturday night in Iraq's capital Baghdad, AFP journalists reported.

The cause of the loud bangs was still unknown.

Several drones have been intercepted near Baghdad airport since the start of the war in the Middle East.

Iran Guards say struck US base in Bahrain in response to desalination plant bombing

Published March 7, 2026 | 17:38 GMT

Iran's Revolutionary Guards Corps said on Saturday it had struck the United States' Juffair base in Bahrain, adding that it had been used to attack an Iranian desalination plant earlier in the day.

"In response to the aggression of American terrorists from the Juffair base against the Qeshm desalination plant, this American base was immediately struck by precision-guided solid-fuel and liquid-fuel missiles of the IRGC," the Guards said on their website.

Missile targeting Saudi base falls 'in uninhabited area': ministry

Published March 7, 2026 | 17:30 GMT

Saudi Arabia said a missile that had targeted one of its air bases fell "in an uninhabited area" on Saturday as Iran continued its strikes across the Gulf.

"A ballistic missile fell in an uninhabited area after being launched towards Prince Sultan Air Base," the defense ministry said.

Fire erupts in Bahrain's Manama after 'Iranian aggression': ministry

Published March 7, 2026 | 17:12 GMT

An Iranian attack on Saturday caused a fire in Bahrain's capital of Manama, damaging a house and other buildings, the interior ministry said without specifying if there were casualties.

"The Iranian aggression caused a fire and material damage to a house and several surrounding buildings in Manama," the ministry said. "Civil Defence is taking the necessary measures to extinguish the fire."

Loud explosion heard in Dubai: AFP journalists

Published March 7, 2026 | 16:49 GMT

A loud explosion was heard in Dubai on Saturday evening, AFP journalists said, while Iran continued to launch missiles and drones at targets across the Gulf.

The Emirates had earlier reported "incoming missile and drone threats from Iran".

UAE will emerge 'stronger' after war: president

Published March 7, 2026 | 16:35 GMT

The United Arab Emirates will emerge "stronger" after the Middle East war, the president told Abu Dhabi TV in a rare address on Saturday, as Iran continued its retaliatory strikes across the Gulf.

The UAE "is in a period of war", Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan told the TV channel, but "we will emerge stronger".

Iran vows to continue attacking neighbors aiding enemies

Published March 7, 2026 | 16:33 GMT

Iran's hardline judiciary chief said the Islamic republic would continue targeting regional neighbors offering its enemies "points... used in aggression against our country".

"Evidence from Iran's armed forces shows that the geography of some countries in the region is openly and covertly at the disposal of the enemy," said Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, who is also a member of the interim leadership council.

"The heavy attacks on these targets will continue," he added.

Qatar says intercepted missile after explosions heard in Doha

Published March 7, 2026 | 16:06 GMT

Qatar said on Saturday it had intercepted a missile, shortly after AFP journalists heard explosions and sirens sounding in central Doha.

"Armed forces intercepted (a) missile attack which targeted (the) State of Qatar," the defence ministry said.

Explosions heard in Doha: AFP journalists

Published March 7, 2026 | 16:02 GMT

Several explosions were heard on Saturday in the Qatari capital Doha, AFP journalists reported, as Iran continued its retaliatory strikes across the Gulf.

AFP journalists said they also heard sirens sounding in central Doha.

Trump says US hit 42 Iranian ships as Tehran vows restraint

Published March 7, 2026 | 15:53 GMT

US President Donald Trump said American forces have destroyed dozens of Iranian naval vessels and severely damaged Iran’s air capabilities during ongoing military operations.

Speaking to Latin American leaders at the Shield of Americas Summit in Florida, Trump said US strikes had dealt a major blow to Iran’s naval forces.

“We are doing very well in Iran, you see the result,” he said. “It’s been amazing, we’ve knocked out 42 navy ships, some of them very large, in three days. That was the end of the navy.”

In a separate post on Truth Social, Trump warned that additional Iranian officials could be targeted as the conflict continues.

“Today Iran will be hit very hard!” he wrote.

The US president also referenced remarks earlier in the day by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, who apologized to neighboring countries over Tehran’s recent attacks.

UAE reports new Iran drone and missile attacks

Published March 7, 2026 | 15:30 GMT

The United Arab Emirates reported new missile and drone attacks on Saturday as Iran continued its retaliatory strikes across the Gulf.

"UAE air defenses are currently responding to incoming missile and drone threats from Iran," the defense ministry said. "Sounds heard are the result of the Air Defense Systems intercepting missiles and drones."

Loud explosions heard in Bahrain's Manama: AFP journalist

Published March 7, 2026 | 15:17 GMT

Loud explosions were heard Saturday in Bahrain's capital Manama, two AFP journalists reported, as Iran continued its retaliatory strikes across the Gulf.

One of the journalists said they heard at least five blasts in the city.

Iran FM accuses US of attacking desalination plant on Gulf island

Published March 7, 2026 | 14:49 GMT

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused the United States on Saturday of attacking a desalination plant on a Gulf island, saying it had set a precedent.

"The US committed a blatant and desperate crime by attacking a freshwater desalination plant on Qeshm Island," said Araghchi in a post on X.

"Water supply in 30 villages has been impacted. Attacking Iran's infrastructure is a dangerous move with grave consequences. The US set this precedent, not Iran."

Iran Guards say targeted Marshall Islands-flagged tanker in Gulf

Published March 7, 2026 | 14:37 GMT

Iran's Revolutionary Guards said its forces have targeted a Marshall-islands flagged oil tanker on Saturday in the Gulf as the war with Israel and the United States raged.

"An oil tanker with the trade name 'Louise P' with the flag of the Marshall Islands, one of the assets of the terrorist America, was hit by a drone in the middle of the Persian Gulf," the Guards said on their website Sepah News.

Dubai airport briefly closed as Iran barrage hits Gulf

Published March 7, 2026 | 13:53 GMT

Dubai's main airport, a key global transport hub, was forced to briefly close on Saturday as Iran launched missiles and drones at targets across the Gulf.

The barrage came despite Iran's president apologizing to neighboring countries for its attacks, saying they would no longer be targeted unless strikes were launched from their territory.

Attacks were reported on Saturday in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Kuwait, with the Emirates saying it was targeted with 16 ballistic missiles and more than 120 drones.

One unidentified object was intercepted near Dubai airport, the world's busiest for international traffic, forcing it to briefly suspend operations.

Israeli strike on town in east Lebanon kills 6, including 4 children: ministry

Published March 7, 2026 | 12:43 GMT

An Israeli air strike on a town in eastern Lebanon killed six people, including four children, the Lebanese health ministry said, in a separate incident from a nearby commando operation.

"The Israeli enemy raid on the town of Shmistar in the Baalbek district at dawn resulted in the killing of six citizens, including four children and a woman," the ministry said in a statement.

The state-run National News Agency said that the six killed were from the same family, displaced from the city of Baalbek during the ongoing war between Israel and Hezbollah.

Jordan accuses Iran of targeting key installations

Published March 7, 2026 | 11:51 GMT

Jordan accused Iran on Saturday of directly targeting sites in the kingdom, firing 119 missiles and drones in the week since US-Israeli strikes triggered a regional war.

Jordanian military spokesman Brigadier General Mustafa Hayari told a news conference that 108 of the projectiles had been intercepted.

"These missiles and drones were targeting vital installations inside Jordan and were not passing through our territories," he said.

UAE says intercepted 15 ballistic missiles, 119 drones

Published March 7, 2026 | 11:51 GMT

The United Arab Emirates said it intercepted 15 ballistic missiles and 119 drones on Saturday as Iran kept up its attacks on its Gulf neighbor.

"UAE air defense systems detected today, Saturday 7th March 2026, 16 ballistic missiles, of which, 15 were intercepted and destroyed, while one ballistic missile fell into the sea," the ministry of defense said in a post on X.

"Air defense systems also detected 121 UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles), of which 119 were intercepted, while two fell within the territory of the UAE."

Israeli military says found no remains of missing airman in Lebanon operation

Published March 7, 2026 | 11:45 GMT

Israel's military said Saturday it had carried out an operation in Lebanon to find remains of airman Ron Arad, but failed to uncover any trace of the navigator missing since 1986.

"As part of IDF activities in Lebanon, IDF special forces operated overnight in an attempt to locate findings related to the missing navigator Ron Arad. No IDF injuries were reported," the Israeli army said in a statement.

"No findings related to him were located at the search site."

Hezbollah said earlier Saturday it had confronted Israeli troops that infiltrated an east Lebanon town overnight by helicopter, with Lebanese authorities reporting at least 16 killed in Israeli strikes on the area.

Air force navigator Arad has been missing since he was captured after he ejected from his combat jet over Lebanon in 1986 as the aircraft went down.

Arad is presumed dead, though his remains have never been returned.

Trump says Iran 'will be hit very hard', threatens to expand targets

Published March 7, 2026 | 11:35 GMT

President Donald Trump suggested on Saturday the United States would hit Iran "very hard" and threatened to expand strikes to include new targets.

"Today Iran will be hit very hard!" Trump posted on his Truth Social media platform.

"Under serious consideration for complete destruction and certain death, because of Iran's bad behavior, are areas and groups of people that were not considered for targeting up until this moment in time."

Air raid sirens sound, blasts heard in Jerusalem: AFP journalists

Published March 7, 2026 | 10:47 GMT

Explosions were heard and air raid sirens sounded in Jerusalem on Saturday, AFP journalists said, as the US-Israeli war with Iran entered a second week.

AFP journalists heard three blasts in the sky over Jerusalem shortly after the military said its air defence was working to intercept projectiles from Iran.

The Israeli authorities gave the all clear shortly afterwards and the country's first responders agency Magen David Adom said no injuries were reported in the immediate aftermath.

Overall the Israeli military said it detected 11 launches from Iran towards Israel in the past 24 hours.

Army spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani said on Friday that there had been a "real decrease" in the number of launches from Iran after almost a week of barrages.

He added that more than 60% of Iranian launchers had been destroyed in the US-Israeli bombing campaign.

Iran says launched 'massive' drone strikes at Israel, US bases

Published March 7, 2026 | 10:40 GMT

Iran's army said Saturday its navy had launched a wave of drone attacks targeting Israel as well as US bases in the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait, as the regional war raged into its second week.

"The Iranian Navy targeted American bases and occupied territories with a massive wave of drone attacks," the army said in a statement carried by the official IRNA news agency.

It said the targets included the UAE's Al-Minhad base and another in Kuwait, as well as a "strategic facility" in Israel.

Later, the Revolutionary Guards said their forces also targeted Al-Dhafra air base in the UAE.

"In this attack, the American terrorists' air warfare centre, satellite communication centre, early warning radars, and fire control radars were hit," the Guards said in a statement, according to Tasnim news agency.

UN coordinator for Lebanon calls for talks with Israel

Published March 7, 2026 | 10:35 GMT

The United Nations special coordinator for Lebanon on Saturday urged Lebanon and Israel to enter talks to negotiate an end hostilities after the outbreak of a renewed Israel-Hezbollah war.

"As bad as things are today, they are set to get even worse," Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert said.

"Talks between Lebanon and Israel can be the game changer needed to save future generations from going, time and again, through the same nightmare".

Hezbollah says confronted Israeli commando operation in east Lebanon

Published March 7, 2026 | 10:35 GMT

Hezbollah on Saturday said it confronted Israeli troops that infiltrated an east Lebanon town overnight, with Lebanese authorities reporting at least 16 killed in Israeli strikes on the area.

In a statement, Hezbollah said its fighters had "observed the infiltration of four Israeli enemy army helicopters from the Syrian direction".

After landing and disembarking, the advancing troops "were engaged" by a group of Hezbollah fighters as they reached a cemetery in the town of Nabi Sheet, Hezbollah said.

"The clash escalated after the enemy force was exposed," it added, saying the Israeli troops launched intense strikes before evacuating.

There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military.

Israel military says hit Hezbollah in south and east Lebanon

Published March 7, 2026 | 10:35 GMT

Israel's military said Saturday it had struck Hezbollah targets in Lebanon's south and east, killing commanders from the Lebanese armed group, and hitting military sites including command centers.

The Israeli military said it had "completed an additional wave of strikes targeting rocket launchers, weapons storage facilities, and additional military sites belonging to the Hezbollah terrorist organization in various areas in southern Lebanon and in the Beqaa valley".

"Additionally, yesterday, commanders of Hezbollah's 'Radwan Force' and two 'Radwan Force' command centers were struck in the area of Majdal Sel, in southern Lebanon", the military added, without identifying casualties from Hezbollah's elite fighting unit.

Dubai airport says 'partially' reopens operations

Published March 7, 2026 | 08:55 GMT

Dubai airport, the world's busiest for international traffic, said Saturday it was partially resuming services shortly after it suspended operations.

"We have partially resumed operations from today, 7 March, with some flights operating out of DXB and DWC," it said, referring to Dubai's main airport as well as the city's Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International Airport.

"Please do not travel to the airport unless you have been contacted by your airline that your flight is confirmed, as schedules continue to change," it told passengers, after an aerial interception in the area during attacks from Iran forced the airport to suspend operations.

Israel military says began new strikes on Iran's Tehran, Isfahan

Published March 7, 2026 | 08:50 GMT

Israel's military began a new wave of air strikes on the Iranian cities of Tehran and Isfahan, it said Saturday, as the US-Israeli attack against the Islamic republic entered its second week.

"The IDF has begun a broad wave of strikes toward infrastructure of the Iranian terror regime in Tehran and Isfahan," a military statement said.

The military said earlier Saturday that 80 fighter jets had completed another wave of strikes on Tehran and central Iran.

Emirates suspends all flights to and from Dubai until further notice

Published March 7, 2026 | 08:50 GMT

Emirates, the largest airline in the Middle East, announced on Saturday that it was suspending all flights to and from Dubai until further notice, after an aerial interception took place over Dubai airport during attacks from Iran.

"Please do not go to the airport," the airline said in a statement on X.

Flights had partially resumed on Monday from Dubai's main airport, the world's busiest for international traffic, despite daily drone attacks targeting sites in the United Arab Emirates.

Dubai airport suspends operations: authorities

Published March 7, 2026 | 08:40 GMT

Dubai airport, the world's busiest for international traffic, said on Saturday that it had suspended operations after an object was intercepted by air defense over the area.

"For the safety of passengers, airport staff, and airline crew, operations at Dubai International (DXB) have been temporarily suspended. All procedures are being managed in line with established safety protocols," the government's Dubai Media Office said.

Death toll from Israeli strikes on east Lebanon town rises to 16: Ministry

Published March 7, 2026 | 08:40 GMT

Lebanon's health ministry on Saturday said Israel's strikes on Nabi Sheet in east Lebanon a day prior killed at least 16 people, with Hezbollah saying Israeli troops infiltrated the town from the air.

In a statement, the ministry said "the series of raids launched by the Israeli enemy on the town of Nabi Sheet in the Baalbek district resulted in a preliminary toll of 16 killed and 35 wounded".

Iran Guards say targeted oil tanker in Gulf

Published March 7, 2026 | 08:35 GMT

Iran's Revolutionary Guards said Saturday they had targeted an oil tanker in the Gulf in their conflict with Israel and the United States.

"This morning, an oil tanker with the trade name Prima was hit by an exploding drone after ignoring repeated warnings from the IRGC naval forces regarding the prohibition of traffic and the insecurity of the Strait of Hormuz," the Guards said in a statement carried by Tasnim news agency.

Iran president says will not target neighboring countries unless attacked from there

Published March 7, 2026 | 07:55 GMT

Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian said Saturday that the country's neighbours will not be targeted unless attacks are launched from them during the war with Israel and the United States.

"The interim leadership council agreed yesterday that no more attacks will be made on neighbouring countries and no missiles will be fired unless an attack on Iran originates from those countries," said Pezeshkian in a speech broadcast on state TV.

The leadership council has been leading Iran since last week's killing of the Islamic republic's supreme leader, in the US and Israel strikes which triggered a Middle East war.

Iran president apologizes to neighboring countries for attacks

Published March 7, 2026 | 07:50 GMT

Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian apologised on Saturday to neighbouring countries for attacks launched during the Islamic republic's war with Israel and the United States.

"I apologise... to the neighbouring countries that were attacked by Iran," said Pezeshkian in a speech broadcast by state TV.

Iran president says country will not surrender to Israel, US

Published March 7, 2026 | 07:45 GMT

Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Saturday that his country will not surrender to Israel and the United States as the war entered its second week.

"The enemies must take their wish for the surrender of the Iranian people to their graves," said Pezeshkian, in a speech broadcast on state TV.

Iran Guards say targeted 'separatist groups' in Iraq's Kurdistan

Published March 7, 2026 | 07:05 GMT

Iran's Revolutionary Guards said Saturday they have targeted "separatist groups" in Iraq's Kurdistan region, as the war against Israel and the United States entered its second week.

"Three locations of separatist groups in the Iraqi region (of Kurdistan) were hit... this morning," said the Guards in a statement carried by Tasnim news agency.

"If separatist groups in the region (of Kurdistan) make any move against Iran's territorial integrity, we will crush them."

Explosions hit Iranian capital: State TV

Published March 7, 2026 | 06:50 GMT

Loud explosions struck the Iranian capital on Saturday, state TV reported, as the war with Israel and the United States entered its second week.

The blasts were heard in several parts of Tehran, state TV said without specifying which areas were hit.

Arab League to meet Sunday over Iranian attacks: assistant secretary-general to AFP

Published March 7, 2026 | 06:50 GMT

Foreign ministers of the Arab League will hold an emergency meeting on Sunday to discuss "Iranian attacks on the territories of several Arab countries", the bloc's assistant secretary-general told AFP.

The meeting, which will be held via videoconference, was requested by Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Jordan and Egypt, Hossam Zaki said.

Israel says over 80 fighter jets struck Tehran, central Iran

Published March 7, 2026 | 06:40 GMT

Israel's military said more than 80 fighter jets completed a wave of strikes on Iranian military sites, missile launchers and other targets in Tehran and central Iran on Saturday.

"Over 80 Israeli Air Force fighter jets... completed an additional wave of strikes targeting infrastructure belonging to the Iranian terror regime," the military said in a statement.

Iran says launched 'massive' drone strikes at Israel, US bases

Published March 7, 2026 | 06:40 GMT

Iran's army said Saturday its navy had launched a wave of drone attacks targeting Israel as well as US bases in the UAE and Kuwait, as the regional war raged into its second week.

"The Iranian Navy targeted American bases and occupied territories with a massive wave of drone attacks," the army said in a statement carried by the official IRNA news agency.

It said the targets included the UAE's Al Minhad base and another in Kuwait, as well as a "strategic facility" in Israel.

Iran Guards say 'waiting' for US forces at Strait of Hormuz

Published March 7, 2026 | 06:01 GMT

Iran's Revolutionary Guards said Saturday they were waiting for US forces to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway where traffic remains strangled as the regional war rages.

"We are waiting for their presence," said Guards spokesman Ali Mohammad Naini, after the US energy secretary announced the Navy was preparing to escort ships through the strait "as soon as it's reasonable to do it".

"We recommend that before making any decision, the Americans remember the fire of the American supertanker Bridgeton in 1987 and the oil tankers that were recently targeted," Naini said, according to Fars news agency.

Iran army says targeted Israel, US bases in UAE, Kuwait

Published March 7, 2026 | 06:00 GMT

Iran's army said Saturday its navy had launched a wave of drone attacks targeting Israel as well as US bases in the UAE and Kuwait, as the regional war raged into its second week.

"The Iranian Navy targeted American bases and occupied territories with a massive wave of drone attacks," the army said in a statement carried by the official IRNA news agency.

It said the targets included the UAE's Al Minhad base and another in Kuwait, as well as a "strategic facility" in Israel.

Explosion over Dubai airport: Witness to AFP

Published March 7, 2026 | 05:17 GMT

An explosion was heard over Dubai airport on Saturday followed by a cloud of smoke in the air, a witness told AFP, as Iran pressed attacks across the Gulf.

The Flightradar24 tracking website showed planes circulating above the airport in an apparent holding pattern.

Limited flights resumed from Dubai's main airport, the world's busiest for international traffic, on Monday despite daily drone attacks on targets in the United Arab Emirates.

Dubai Media Office described "a minor incident resulting from the fall of debris after an interception" in a post on X, but also denied reports circulating about the airport in the same post.

Four staff were injured and a concourse damaged at Dubai airport last Saturday, as war erupted following US-Israeli strikes against Iran.

Dubai Airports said at the time that the incident was "quickly contained", without giving further details.

Blasts heard in Dubai, Manama: AFP correspondents

Published March 7, 2026 | 05:15 GMT

AFP journalists heard explosions in Dubai and Bahrain's capital Manama on Saturday, one week into Iran's retaliatory attacks on targets around the Gulf.

Two blasts were heard in Dubai and one in Manama, where a warning siren sounded.

"Citizens and residents are urged to remain calm and head to the nearest safe place," Bahrain's interior ministry posted on X.

Blast in Jerusalem after Iran missile alert

Published March 7, 2026 | 04:00 GMT

An AFP journalist reported an explosion in Jerusalem, after air raid sirens warned of an incoming Iranian missile attack.

The Israeli military said earlier that air defences were "operating to intercept the threat," before giving the all-clear.

US State Dept approves 'emergency' weapons sale to Israel

Published March 7, 2026 | 03:55 GMT

The US State Department approved the "emergency" sale of 12,000 bomb casings to Israel on Friday as the countries engage Iran in an escalating Middle East war.

The requested sale of 1,000-pound (450-kilogram) bomb casings, worth an estimated $151.8 million, was approved by the State Department's Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, according to a press release.

"The proposed sale will improve Israel's capability to meet current and future threats, strengthen its homeland defense, and serve as a deterrent to regional threats," the bureau said in a statement.

In addition to the munitions, the sale will include US government and contract engineering, logistics and technical support services, according to the release.

Major US defense companies have agreed to quadruple production of advanced weapons, President Donald Trump said in a social media post Friday, a week after the US and Israel first launched strikes on Iran.

While US arms sales typically require approval by Congress, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has issued a waiver bypassing the approval, to the consternation of some elected officials.

Congressman Gregory Meeks, a Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said bypassing congressional review of the arms sale "exposes a stark contradiction at the heart of this administration's case for war."

"The Trump administration has repeatedly insisted it was fully prepared for this war," Meeks said in a statement. "Rushing to invoke emergency authority to circumvent Congress tells a different story."

"This is an emergency of the Trump administration's own creation."

Hezbollah says fighters clash with Israeli troops on Lebanon-Syria border

Published March 7, 2026 | 03:24 GMT

Lebanese official media reported that clashes had erupted as Israeli forces attempted a landing operation along the Lebanon-Syria border, with Hezbollah saying its fighters were involved.

There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military, which has launched numerous strikes and sent ground troops into Lebanon since Tehran-backed group Hezbollah fired missiles at Israel on Monday to avenge the killing of Iranian supreme leader Ali Khamenei.

The state-run National News Agency (NNA) said that "clashes are taking place on the eastern mountain range along the Lebanese-Syrian border... to repel Israeli landing attempts."

Hezbollah said in a statement that its fighters had "observed the infiltration of four Israeli enemy army helicopters from the Syrian direction".

A separate statement said Hezbollah fighters had fired rockets as the Israeli forces withdrew.

Nabi Sheet was the target of at least 13 Israeli air strikes on Friday, according to the NNA, with the Lebanese health ministry reporting at least nine people killed.

Israel army says Iran using cluster munitions

Published March 7, 2026 | 02:00 GMT

Israel said that Iran had launched cluster bombs "multiple times" since the start of the war that began with a US-Israeli attack on the Islamic republic over the weekend.

The Iranians "are using cluster munitions", Israeli military spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani told a news briefing, without providing details on when or where those munitions were allegedly launched.

"They've used it multiple times, which is a war crime when it's directed towards civilians, and we're tracking that situation," Shoshani said.

Saudi Arabia says intercepted ballistic missile fired at air base

Published March 7, 2026 | 00:20 GMT

Saudi Arabia said it had intercepted a ballistic missile fired at an air base southeast of the capital, Riyadh, as Iran pressed attacks across the Gulf.

"A ballistic missile launched towards Prince Sultan Air Base was intercepted and destroyed," the Saudi defense ministry posted on X.

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All you need to know about Day 8 of US-Israeli war on Iran