US Iran News Highlights: Trump says he should help choose Iran’s next leader

Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, warned the United States against sending ground troops into Iran.

He said Iranian forces are prepared to respond with a “robust and unsparing defense.”

In a post on X, Larijani claimed Iran’s forces are “ready to disgrace” US officials if troops enter Iranian territory. He warned that an invasion could result in “thousands” of US troops being killed or captured.

Larijani said Iran’s armed forces are *“waiting” and ready to confront any American military presence on Iranian soil.

Volodymyr Zelensky said the United States has asked Ukraine for support to help defend against Iranian drones in the Middle East.

Zelensky said he ordered equipment to be provided along with Ukrainian experts to assist with the effort.

He did not disclose details about the type of equipment or the number of specialists involved.

The announcement was made in a social media post.

Zelensky said Ukraine’s support reflects cooperation with partners, stating: *“Ukraine helps partners who help our security and the protection of our people’s lives.”

France President Emmanuel Macron urged Hezbollah to immediately stop firing at Israel.

He also warned Israel not to launch a ground operation in Lebanon.

Macron said both sides must avoid escalation as tensions rise along the border.

The French leader said he spoke with Donald Trump, Benjamin Netanyahu, and Lebanese leaders.

The outreach appears to be the first diplomatic initiative aimed at stopping the conflict in Lebanon.

North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) said allies have increased the alliance-wide ballistic missile defence posture.

The decision followed the interception of a missile from Iran that was reportedly targeted at Turkey.

The heightened defence level will remain in place until the threat from Iran’s “continued, indiscriminate attacks across the region subsides.”

The statement was made by Colonel Martin O'Donnell, spokesperson for Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE).

O'Donnell shared the update in a post on X.

Sri Lanka President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said Sri Lanka began offloading the 208-member crew of an Iranian vessel off its coast to ensure their safety.

The move followed the sinking of the Iranian warship IRIS Dena.

* A United States Navy submarine torpedoed the warship 19 nautical miles off Galle.

* At least 87 crew members of IRIS Dena were killed in the attack.

* Sri Lanka has released limited information about the second Iranian vessel involved.

US President Donald Trump told Reuters he thinks “it’s wonderful” that Kurdish forces want to do that and that he’d “be all for it.”

When asked whether the US would provide or had offered air cover for a Kurdish offensive, Trump said: “I can’t tell you that.” (Reuters)

Missiles were fired toward Kuwait on Thursday evening, prompting the activation of air defense systems.

The alert was confirmed by the country’s army chief of staff in an official statement.

The attack occurred near Ali al-Salem Air Base, a key base used by the United States Air Force.

Kuwait has been among the countries targeted in recent Iranian strikes.

US President Donald Trump responded to an offer from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Zelensky had offered assistance to US forces in countering Iranian-designed drones.

“I’ll take any assistance from any country,” Trump said in response to the question. (Reuters)

"We received a request from the United States for specific support in protection against (Iranian-designed) 'shaheds' in the Middle East region," Ukraine President Zelensky wrote in English on the X social media platform.

"I gave instructions to provide the necessary means and ensure the presence of Ukrainian specialists who can guarantee the required security."

The US Department of State said nearly all Americans left the middle east region on their own, without government assistance.

The department is organizing charter flights for private US citizens who wish to depart.

The first charter flight left Wednesday, with additional flights expected Thursday, though departure locations were not disclosed.

The State Department asked Americans in Bahrain, Israel, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates to complete an online form for flight information.

Officials said they have responded to inquiries from more than 10,000 Americans in the region, but did not specify how many intend to leave.

US citizens seeking assistance were directed to contact an emergency task force at +1-202-501-4444.

Bahrain said the fire Thursday night was extinguished without injuries and the refinery was still working.

But it marked yet another Iranian strike targeting the region’s oil industry, the lifeblood of the Gulf Arab states.

Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, said it is too soon for diplomacy amid calls to end the war with Iran.

Danon said Israel must first eliminate Iran’s nuclear program, ballistic missile capabilities, regional proxies, and naval threats.

He stated: “I think diplomacy will come into action — not yet, not yet. We have to finish the job.”

Danon said Israel must continue “to hammer, to dismantle” Iran’s capabilities before shifting to negotiations.

He expects the conflict to last “days or weeks, not months.”

The envoy criticized the 2015 Iran nuclear agreement, saying it failed to prevent long-term threats.

Danon called for new “effective mechanisms” to ensure Iran does not re-emerge as a security threat in the future. (AP)

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan held a phone call with French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday.

Erdogan warned that prolonged conflict in Iran could destabilize both the Middle East and the wider world.

During the conversation, Turkey said it is working “intensively” to push for a return to negotiations.

The remarks were confirmed by the Turkish Presidential Communications Directorate. (AP)

US President Donald Trump said he should be personally involved in selecting Iran’s next supreme leader, according to his interview with Axios.

Trump said Mojtaba Khamenei, son of late Iranian leader Ali Khamenei, would be an “unacceptable” successor.

The Israel Defense Forces said a Hamas commander responsible for training operatives in Lebanon was killed in a strike.

Israeli naval forces targeted and eliminated Wasim Attallah Ali in the Tripoli area of Lebanon.

According to the IDF, Ali oversaw training and military exercises for Hamas’s armed wing in Lebanon.

The operation was carried out by the Israeli Navy, the military said.

The World Health Organization said it has verified 13 attacks on healthcare facilities in Iran and one in Lebanon.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the organization is still checking casualty reports linked to the incidents.

“WHO has verified 13 attacks on health care in Iran and one in Lebanon,” Tedros said during a press conference, without attributing responsibility.

WHO Regional Director Hanan Balkhy said four ambulances in Iran were also affected in the incidents.

The Israel Defense Forces issued an evacuation warning for residents in Iran’s Abbas Abad and Shenzar industrial areas, urging people to leave the zones immediately.

Bahrain has now urged residents to move to the nearest safe locations amid ongoing missile and drone threats.

The Bahrain Ministry of Defence earlier said 75 Iranian ballistic missiles were intercepted, with 65 destroyed by air defence systems.

10 ballistic missiles fell inside Bahraini territory, though authorities did not immediately provide details on damage or casualties.

Israel’s finance minister Bezalel Smotrich warned that Beirut’s southern suburbs, a stronghold of Hezbollah, could “look like Khan Younis” if conflict escalates.

The Israel Defense Forces issued an evacuation notice for residents of Beirut’s southern suburbs, urging them to “save your lives and evacuate your homes immediately.”

Smotrich said during a visit near the Israel–Lebanon border: “You wanted to bring hell on us, we are bringing hell on you.”

He added that “Dahiyeh will look like Khan Younis,” referring to the extensive destruction in the southern Gaza city during the war in Gaza.

The National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority said air defense systems are responding to a missile threat.

Authorities issued a public safety alert, urging residents to remain in safe locations.

People were advised to follow official government channels for warnings and updates.

The alert indicates active air defense operations amid a potential missile risk in the UAE.

United Kingdom is sending four additional Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets to Qatar.

The deployment is aimed at helping defend against missile and drone threats from Iran.

Keir Starmer said Britain is responding to requests from Middle Eastern allies for additional protection.

The move comes amid heightened regional tensions and fears of Iranian retaliatory strikes.

NATO said a ballistic missile launched from Iran was targeting Turkey before it was intercepted.

The alliance’s statement contradicts a Turkish official’s claim that the missile was actually headed toward a military base in Cyprus.

NATO spokesperson Martin O'Donnell confirmed that the missile was deliberately aimed at locations in Turkey.

Iran said it targeted the headquarters of US forces in Erbil using attack drones, according to Iranian state media.

The reported target lies in Iraq’s semi-autonomous Kurdistan Region, where U.S. troops and coalition forces operate bases near Erbil International Airport. (Reuters)

Qatar said its air defenses intercepted 13 missiles fired from Iran.

Qatari authorities also reported intercepting four Iranian drones during the incident.

Officials said one Iranian missile fell into Qatar’s territorial waters. (Reuters)

Israel’s war against Iran is entering a second phase, with fighter jets expected to target ballistic missile sites buried deep underground, Reuters cited sources familiar with the military campaign.

The new phase will focus on underground bunkers storing ballistic missiles and related equipment, the sources said.

A Sri Lankan minister said another Iranian ship has entered the country’s waters, a day after a US submarine sank an Iranian warship off the island’s coast.

Government spokesman Nalinda Jayatissa confirmed the presence of the second Iranian vessel during a session of parliament.

Jayatissa did not disclose further details about the ship or the number of people on board.

Sri Lanka said it is taking steps to reduce casualties and prevent escalation in the region.

“The government is making an intervention to minimize loss of lives and to safeguard the regional peace,” Jayatissa said. (AP)

The office of Prosecutor General’s Office of Azerbaijan said four airport workers were injured in an alleged Iranian drone attack on Nakhchivan, two more than previously reported.

Authorities said the strike caused “significant damage” to an administrative building at Nakhchivan International Airport.

A flight from Baku to Nakhchivan was diverted back for security reasons following the attack.

The Ministry of Defence of Azerbaijan condemned Iran’s denial of the strike, saying it “can in no way be considered acceptable.”

Azerbaijani officials said four drones were fired toward Nakhchivan, which shares a border with Iran.

According to the ministry, one of the drones was aimed at a school where classes were underway, raising concerns about civilian safety.

Azerbaijan demanded that Iran issue an apology for the alleged drone attack. (AP)

United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) said its peacekeepers observed clashes and ground combat in southern Lebanon as Israeli forces moved further across the border.

UNIFIL spokesperson Tilak Pokharel said ground fighting was recorded near Kfar Kila, close to the Israeli border.

“Ground combat was observed west of Kfar Kila,” including “firing of shots,” Pokharel said.

In the nearby town of Khiyam, about 5 km from the Israeli border, peacekeepers reported intensified military activity.

UN peacekeepers said they saw air attacks and flares and heard explosions during the clashes.

Peacekeepers observed “air attacks and flares and heard explosions,” Pokharel said.

The Israel Defense Forces said it has completed its 12th wave of airstrikes targeting sites across Tehran.

In Alborz Province, Israel said its strikes targeted the headquarters of a special unit responsible for Iran’s internal security forces.

In Tehran, the IDF said it struck facilities linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

Targets also included infrastructure connected to the Basij organization, a volunteer militia aligned with the IRGC.

The IDF said a central command center for Iran’s armed internal security forces was hit during the operation.

The Israeli army has issued an evacuation warning for residents in the southern suburbs of Beirut. Authorities have urged civilians to leave the area immediately due to escalating security concerns.

Multiple air raid sirens blared in Jerusalem. Israel said that it had intercepted incoming missiles from Iran. Bimbing was also heard from two locations, some AFP journalists have reported.

The blasts came shortly after Israel's air raid warning system sent out an alert to people living across central Israel.

Iran denied a report that its Ministry of Intelligence reached out to the US to negotiate an end to the Middle East war. The New York Times said Iranian operatives indirectly contacted the Central Intelligence Agency on Sunday to discuss terms to end the conflict. That is “pure falsehood and psychological warfare,” the semi-official Tasnim news agency reported, citing a ministry source. Read here

The United States has tested its ‘Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile, also known as the ’doomsday' missile, just as its conflict with Iran enters Day 6 and escalated to reach the international waters. The Minuteman III missile was launched on Tuesday, March 3, night from the Vandenberg Space Force Base off the coast of California. The test launch carried two test re-entry vehicles. Read here on what can it do

Multiple explosions were heard across Qatar’s capital, Doha, on Thursday, just hours after officials announced the evacuation of residents living near the US embassy. Gulf nations have faced repeated waves of Iranian drone and missile attacks in retaliation for the large-scale US-Israeli air campaign.

Iran claimed it had targeted Iraq-based Kurdish groups, as the United States reportedly attempts to arm Iranian Kurdish groups to infiltrate Iran, AFP reported.

Russia has condemned the US-Israeli strikes and called for an immediate ceasefire, Reuters reported.

Azerbaijan said it was preparing to retaliate after two people were wounded following Iranian drone hits on an airport and near a school.

"Azerbaijan is preparing the necessary retaliatory measures to protect the territorial integrity and sovereignty of our country and to ensure the safety of civilians and civilian infrastructure," the defence ministry said.

"These acts of attack will not go unanswered," it added.

Iran has reportedly struck a oil tanker in the Gulf which reportedly belonged to the United States, Euro News said. The strike was conducted through a missile which was fired on Thursday, March 5, in the latest Iranian attack on the region’s energy infrastructure. Read here for more

After two people were wounded in the drone strikes, Azerbaijan has sent summons to the Iranian envoy, the ministry said in a statement.

Israeli Army said on Thursday, March 5, that it has detected new missiles being launched from Iran to multiple targets in the country. It further said that defense system was working to intercept all.

“A short while ago, the IDF (military) identified missiles launched from Iran toward the territory of the State of Israel. Defensive systems are operating to intercept the threat,” it said.

A second Iranian warship was heading towards Sri Lanka's territorial waters on Thursday, a day after a US submarine destroyed Iranian frigate IRIS Dena, killing at least 87 sailors, a minister told the island nation's parliament.

Media minister Nalinda Jayatissa said the second Iranian warship was just outside Sri Lankan waters, but gave no further details, as per a report by news agency AFP.

Official sources cited by the agency said the vessel was carrying more than 100 crew and feared they too could be targeted the same way a sister vessel was sunk by a US submarine just off Sri Lanka's coast on Wednesday.

"Iran's internet blackout has now exceeded 120 hours with connectivity still flatlining around 1 percent of ordinary levels," cybersecurity and digital governance tracker Netblocks said in a message posted on social media platform X.

“Meanwhile, an increasingly Orwellian environment is emerging as telcos threaten users who try to connect to the global internet with legal action,” it added.

Italy is planning to send air defence aid to Gulf countries in the face of strikes by Iran, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said on Thursday.

"Like the United Kingdom, France and Germany, Italy intends to send assistance to Gulf countries, specifically in the field of defence and in particular air defence," Meloni told radio station RTL 102.5, as per a report by Reuters.

Israel has mobilized around 20,000 reservists mobilized, and has deployed 35 battalions across the country, the IDF said on Thursday.

In addition, around 120 response stations have been set up for public inquiries.

As the conflict in the Middle East continues, here's a look at reported death tolls:

– Iran: At least 1,045 killed, including 175 school girls and staff killed in a missile strike in Minab on the first day of the war, as per non-profit Iranian Red Crescent Society. It is unclear whether the figure includes Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) casualties.

– US: Six service members killed in drone attack in Kuwait, as per US CENTCOM.

– Israel: 10 civilians killed, including nine in an Iranian strike on Beit Shemesh near Jerusalem on March1, as per emergency services.

– Lebanon: At least 77 people killed in Israel strikes, which Tel Aviv says are meant to weaken Hezbollah.

– Kuwait: Three people, including two Kuwaiti soldiers, killed in Iranian attacks on the country, as per authorities.

– UAE: Three people killed so far, as per UAE's defence ministry.

Explosions were heard over Qatar's capital Doha and Bahrain's capital Manama on Thursday, news agency AFP said citing ground reporters.

The development comes at a time when Gulf countries have been targeted by repeated waves of Iranian drone and missile attacks in retaliation for the massive US-Israeli air campaign against Tehran.

The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on Thursday claimed that its navy hit a US tanker in the northern Gulf in the morning, noting that military and commercial vessels belonging to the US, Israel and European countries that support them “will not be allowed to pass through”.

“If they are observed, they will certainly be hit. We had previously said that, based on international laws and resolutions, in times of war, the Islamic Republic of Iran will have the right to control the passage through the Strait of Hormuz,” IRGC said, as per a report by Al Jazeera that cited Iranian state media.

The incident, however, is yet to be independently confirmed.