US-Israel-Iran War News Highlights: Multiple explosions reported across Iran; IRGC targets two vessels in Hormuz

Iran war news: IRGC strikes two vessels in Strait of Hormuz after Iran orders complete closure

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy has reportedly targeted two vessels attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz after Tehran ordered the complete closure of the strategic waterway, according to Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency.

The report claimed the ships were "violating vessels" trying to transit the strait despite the restrictions. Earlier, Iran's Mehr news agency reported that the country's top joint military command had ordered all vessels, including oil tankers and commercial ships, to stay out of the Strait of Hormuz, warning that any ship attempting to pass through the waterway would be targeted.

The claims could not be independently verified, and no immediate details were available on the condition of the vessels or potential casualties. The developments come amid escalating tensions in the Gulf and growing concerns over disruptions to one of the world's most critical energy shipping routes.

Iran announces closure of Strait of Hormuz, warns vessels risk being fired upon

Iran's top joint military command announced on Thursday that the Strait of Hormuz has been closed to all traffic, including oil tankers and commercial vessels, Reuters reported citing Iranian state media.

The military warned that any ship attempting to pass through the strategic waterway would be "shot at", signalling a major escalation in regional tensions.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most important maritime chokepoints, through which a significant share of global oil shipments passes. If enforced, the move could have far-reaching implications for international energy markets and global shipping.

Clash erupt as IRGC and US forces exchange fire in Strait of Hormuz amid strikes on Iranian coast

Intense clashes and exchanges of fire have been reported in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz as US forces launched strikes on multiple coastal locations in Iran, according to the country's Mehr news agency.

The report said naval units of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) engaged US forces in the waterway, one of the world's most important oil transit routes.

Mehr added that US forces have targeted at least seven coastal points so far, including areas around Bandar Abbas, Sirik, Qeshm Island and Hengam Island.

US Iran war news: IRGC claims air defences forced Israeli F-16 to retreat from Gulf airspace

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has claimed that its air defence systems forced a fighter jet to retreat after it allegedly entered Gulf airspace. According to Iran's Mehr news agency, the IRGC said it fired a missile at an F-16 aircraft that had violated the "Gulf airspace", prompting the jet to withdraw from the area. The report did not specify where the incident occurred or provide evidence to support the claim, and there was no immediate comment from Israel. The announcement comes amid reports of heightened military activity and air defence operations across several parts of Iran.

US Iran war news: Explosions and air defence activity reported across multiple regions of Iran

Iranian media have reported explosions and air defence activity in several parts of the country amid escalating tensions and ongoing military action. According to Mehr news agency, air defence systems were activated in western Tehran, while explosions were reported in the southern towns of Sirik and Minab, the port city of Bandar Abbas, Qeshm Island and the northern city of Gorgan. Earlier, authorities said an explosion heard near a city in the southwestern province of Fars was caused by air defence systems being activated outside the area. No comprehensive official account of the incidents has yet been released.

US Iran war news: Military projectiles behind explosions in Qeshm and Hengam, says IRNA

Explosions reported in the Iranian islands of Qeshm and Hengam were caused by "projectiles" that were "all of a military nature", according to Iran's state-run IRNA news agency. The report did not specify the origin of the projectiles or provide details on the extent of any damage or casualties. The incidents come amid escalating military tensions in the region and follow reports of explosions and air defence activity in several parts of Iran.

US Iran war news: Explosion reported in Iran's port city of Bandar Abbas

An explosion was reported in the southern Iranian port city of Bandar Abbas on Wednesday, according to Iranian state media. No immediate details were provided about the cause of the blast, the extent of any damage, or possible casualties. The report comes amid escalating tensions and ongoing military exchanges involving Iran and the United States.

US Iran war news: Trump orders fresh strikes across multiple locations in Iran

US launches fresh strikes on multiple targets in Iran

US central command (CENTCOM) said its forces began carrying out additional "self-defence strikes" against multiple targets in Iran at 5:15 p.m. ET on Wednesday, acting on the orders of President Donald Trump.

In a statement, CENTCOM said the operation was launched "at the Commander in Chief’s direction" and described the strikes as a response to Iran's "unwarranted and continued aggression". The announcement signals a further escalation in the conflict, with the United States pushing its military action against Iranian targets for the second consecutive day.

Iran war news: Air defences activated in Iran's Fars province after explosion reported

Iran's air defence systems were activated in the southwestern province of Fars after an explosion was heard near the city, according to the semi-official Mehr news agency.

The report said the sound was linked to air defence activity outside the city and not to an impact within a populated area. Mehr added that no explosions had occurred within the limits of Mohr County, as authorities continued to monitor the situation amid heightened regional tensions.

US Iran war news: US warns to hit Iran's 'key facilities' among targets

US defense secretary Pete Hegseth said the United States would carry out "strong" and "clear" strikes against Iran, adding that the attacks would target "key facilities" and serve both military and diplomatic objectives.

Speaking ahead of the operation, Hegseth said, “Strikes that happen tonight will be strong and clear,” and stressed that the action would advance US military interests while strengthening Washington's diplomatic position. He also claimed that “most Iranian missiles miss their targets”. The remarks came as the Trump administration signalled its readiness to intensify military pressure on Tehran amid escalating tensions between the two countries.

US Iran war news: Hegseth says US strikes on Iran will be 'strong' and 'clear'

US defense secretary Pete Hegseth has indicated that US military action against Iran could continue beyond a single night, saying any forthcoming strikes would be "strong" and "clear".

Speaking to journalists at US central command headquarters in Tampa, Florida, on Wednesday, Hegseth said, “Those strikes that'll happen tonight will be strong, they will be clear. If they happen to happen tomorrow night, they will be strong and they will be clear.”

His remarks came as the Trump administration signalled readiness for further military action against Iran amid escalating tensions between the two countries.

US Iran war news: Hegseth says US will 'hit Iran hard', warns of more strikes

US defence secretary Pete Hegseth has signalled that the United States is preparing for further military action against Iran, saying US Central Command "will be busy tonight" following President Donald Trump's warning of additional strikes.

Speaking to reporters, Hegseth said, “Because President Trump said we will be hitting Iran hard – and we will be.”

Earlier, Hegseth said any future US attacks would be "strong" and "clear", while maintaining that Tehran still has "an opportunity to make a deal" with Washington. He did not specify which Iranian targets could be struck but indicated that key facilities may be in the crosshairs as tensions between the two countries continue to escalate.

US embassy in Baghdad issues alert to its citizens; urges high alert

The US embassy in Baghdad has issued a security alert advising American citizens in Iraq to "maintain heightened readiness and stay alert to local news" amid ongoing regional tensions.

The embassy warned that travel disruptions and sudden airspace closures could occur "on short notice" as the security situation evolves.

It also reiterated that Iraq remains under the highest-level US travel advisory, with Washington advising its citizens not to travel to the country "for any reason" and urging those already in Iraq to leave immediately.

Iran Israel war news: Israel's defence minister says campaign against Iran 'far from over'

Israel's defence minister Israel Katz has said the country's military campaign against Iran is not finished and warned that Israel remains prepared to launch further strikes if necessary.

Speaking in remarks carried by The Times of Israel, Katz said, “We must not think the war is done.

The campaign against Iran is far from over.” He added that Israel must remain ready to “attack with great strength”, signalling that tensions between the two regional rivals remain high despite recent hostilities.

Iran war news: Saudi Arabia resumes Lebanese imports after signs of political progress

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman ordered the resumption of Lebanese exports to the kingdom, citing "positive steps" taken by Lebanon's government towards rebuilding state institutions, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

The move marks a potential improvement in relations between Riyadh and Beirut, which have been strained for years over the influence of Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon's political and security affairs.

Saudi Arabia has increasingly signalled support for Lebanon's reform efforts following the significant weakening of Hezbollah during its conflict with Israel last year.

US Iran war: Senior Iranian lawmaker warns conflict 'won't be limited to the region'

Ebrahim Azizi, head of the Iranian parliament's national security committee warned that any further escalation with the United States could have consequences beyond the Middle East.

In a post on X, he issued the warning following US President Donald Trump's remarks about potential additional attacks on Iran.

Azizi said, “We’re not afraid of fighting losers,” and warned that the number of US casualties “will rise”. He added, “This time, the war won’t be limited to the region.” His comments come amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran.

US Iran war news: Iran spokesperson shares images of damaged water facilities; accuses US of 'war crime'

Iran war news: Iran accuses US of attacking water facilities, calls it a 'calculated war crime'

Iran has accused the United States of deliberately targeting civilian water infrastructure in the southern port town of Sirik, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei describing the strike as a "calculated war crime".

In a social media post, Baghaei said the attack destroyed two reservoirs that supplied drinking water to more than 20,000 residents across 10 villages in Hormozgan province. Condemning the strike, he said, “This is not collateral damage – it is a calculated war crime and a flagrant violation of human rights and international humanitarian law.”

He added that “The US must be held accountable for committing such systematic brutal attacks on civilian life-sustaining infrastructure.” The US has not publicly responded to the allegation.

US Iran war news: Trump's energy secretary says he is 'unaware' of US taking oil out of Iran

US energy secretary Chris Wright said he was "unaware" of any US effort to physically remove oil from Iran when questioned during a House committee hearing about US President Donald Trump's recent claim that the United States had been "taking out" millions of barrels of Iranian oil.

Asked whether he knew of such an operation, Wright replied: “I’m unaware.”

When lawmakers pressed him on whether that meant Trump was lying, Wright responded, “Oh no, I do not think the president is lying. I think the president’s talking casually about our efforts to stop the flow of Iranian oil.” The exchange highlighted apparent confusion over Trump's remarks and their intended meaning.

US-Iran war news: Trump claims US ensured safe passage of over 100 million barrels of oil through Strait of Hormuz

US President Donald Trump has claimed that a secret US military operation helped secure the safe passage of more than 100 million barrels of oil through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important energy transit routes. In a social media post, Trump said he had directed the US military last month "to execute a secret mission to support Oil Tankers and other Commercial Ships through the Strait of Hormuz".

Announcing what he described as a successful outcome, Trump wrote, “Today, I am pleased to announce that this effort has resulted in more than 100 MILLION Barrels of Oil making its way through the Strait, and into the Open Market. More than 200 Commercial Ships have safely traveled through the Strait.” He further claimed that the operation succeeded because “the UNITED STATES of AMERICA CONTROLS the Strait of Hormuz — NOT Iran”, adding that Iran's military was "defeated" and its economy was "lost". Trump concluded the post by declaring, “It’s over for Iran!” He did not provide evidence to support the claims made in the statement.

More Israeli air, artillery attacks hit towns across southern Lebanon

Israeli air strikes continued across parts of Lebanon on Wednesday, targeting Sohmor in the Bekaa Valley and the towns of Qlailah, Srifa and Zibqin in the Tyre district, according to Lebanon's National News Agency (NNA).

The NNA also reported Israeli air and artillery attacks in the Nabatieh region, including Habboush, Kfar Reman, Sajd, Jebchit and Arabsalim. At least two people were injured in an air strike on Kfar Reman, the agency said.

PM Modi holds phone call with Kuwait's Amir, discuss Middle East conflict

Total 22 nations call on Iran to stop targeting people in other countries

The United States, Britain and 20 other countries on Wednesday called on Iran to stop what they described as efforts by its security agencies to target individuals in Europe, North America and Australia.

In a joint statement, the countries alleged that Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Intelligence Organization, Quds Force and Ministry of Intelligence and Security had targeted Iranian dissidents, journalists, and Jewish and Israeli communities and interests abroad.

“We stand united in our determination to protect our countries and our people against these threats,” the statement said. “The Islamic Republic of Iran must halt these actions now.”

The statement was also endorsed by Albania, Australia, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Portugal and Sweden.

Iran ‘will stand firm against any pressure or threat’, says Pezeshkian

Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian said his country would "stand firm" in the face of threats from US President Donald Trump, who has warned of further attacks on Iran.

In a post on X, Pezeshkian also criticised warnings targeting Iranian infrastructure.

“Threats to target them – from transportation networks to the electricity and water industries – are not a show of strength but a sign of desperation in the face of a nation’s will,” he said.

'Sign of desperation': Iran hits back after Trump's threat to 'attack very hard'

Iran's president in a post on X said, "Critical infrastructures are the lifeblood of the people. Threats to target them—from transportation networks to the electricity and water industries—are not a show of strength but a sign of desperation in the face of a nation's will."

"Iran, relying on the knowledge and capabilities of its specialists, national unity, and solidarity, will stand firm against any pressure or threat," he added.

Government summons top US diplomat over Oman ship attack that left 3 Indians missing

India summoned a US diplomat to protest the attack on the commercial vessel Settebello off Oman's coast, which carried 24 Indian crew. While 21 have been rescued, three remain missing. New Delhi is urging de-escalation and the restoration of safe navigation in international waters following the incident. Read full story

'Will not back down': Iran's warning for 'devils of the world' after Trump's threat

Iran's armed forces on Wednesday warned of a stronger response to future US actions after President Donald Trump threatened to target the country's infrastructure.

Abolfazl Shekarchi, spokesman for Iran's armed forces, said Tehran had responded to every threat from Trump with “a slap in the mouth” and would react more forcefully if faced with further aggression.

“We will by no means back down in the face of the ‘global system of domination and the devils of the world,’ especially Trump and Netanyahu,” Shekarchi said.

UN watchdog demands stockpile 'information' from Iran

The UN nuclear watchdog's governing board on Wednesday approved a western resolution demanding that Iran immediately provide information on its uranium stockpile and production facilities.

Iran's nuclear sites have been targeted in US-Israel attacks and Iran has suspended access for International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors.

The resolution, drawn up by Britain, France, Germany and the United States, said it is "essential and urgent" that Iran "without delay" provides the IAEA with "complete information on nuclear material inventories and design information for facilities".

3 Indians missing, 21 rescued after vessel attacked off Oman; MEA condemns incident

In a statement the MEA said, "We condemn the attack on the commercial vessel Settebello off the coast of Oman, earlier today. Of the 24 Indian crew onboard, 21 Indians have been rescued thus far and 03 Indians are reportedly missing. Our Embassy in Oman is closely monitoring the situation and proactively coordinating with the Omani authorities in the ongoing Search and Rescue operation."

Further mentioning the incident it added, "The continuing incidents of attacks on shipping in the region are deeply worrisome and a direct result of the ongoing conflict in the region. We reiterate our call for immediate de-escalation of tensions, and the conclusion of ongoing negotiations for a diplomatic solution so that peace and stability can return to the region. The targeting of commercial shipping and civilian infrastructure in the region must end, and free and unimpeded navigation and commerce through the international waterways in the region in keeping with international law must be restored at the earliest."

Israeli strikes kill 12 in south Lebanon amid escalating cross-border hostilities

At least 12 people were killed in Israeli airstrikes on southern Lebanon on Wednesday, according to a Lebanese medical source, as Israel carried out attacks on multiple locations including the coastal city of Sidon. Eight people were killed in Tayr Dibba and four in Deir Qanun al-Nahr, the source, cited by AFP said.

The latest strikes come a day after Israeli attacks killed at least 11 people in and around Tyre. Hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah have continued despite repeated ceasefire efforts, with Lebanese authorities saying nearly 3,700 people have been killed in Israeli attacks since March. Earlier on Wednesday, Lebanese media reported that Israeli forces seized two men near the border town of Kfarshuba, while Israel said it had apprehended two individuals who approached its troops in southern Lebanon.

Lebanon death toll from Israeli attacks since March rises to 3,696

Israeli attacks across Lebanon have killed at least 3,696 people and wounded 11,413 others since March 2, according to the latest figures released by Lebanon's Health Ministry.

The ministry also said three hospitals have been forced to shut down due to the conflict, while 17 others have sustained damage amid the continuing hostilities.

It's in your hands, fight for it': Israeli President urges Lebanon to curb Hezbollah

Israeli President Isaac Herzog urged Lebanese President Joseph Aoun to work towards a Lebanon free from Hezbollah and Iranian influence, saying peace between the two countries depends on it.

“Israel cannot accept any attacks on our citizens, any attacks crossing our borders… We have the full right to defend ourselves, and so long as there is no clear arrangement that protects our nation, it will be impossible to move forward. So it’s in your hands, fight for it,” Herzog said.

He also said Israel extends “a hand of peace” to Lebanon but stressed that Hezbollah and Iran's influence must be removed for any progress towards peace.

Iran war: Gold tumbles over 2% to two-month low as renewed US-Iran hostilities stoke rate fears

Gold prices fell more than 2 per cent on Wednesday, hitting their lowest level since March, as renewed fighting between the US and Iran fuelled concerns about inflation and higher interest rates. Spot gold dropped 2.7 per cent to $4,148.86 an ounce, while US gold futures fell a similar amount.

Analysts said rising oil prices amid escalating Middle East tensions have increased fears that inflation could remain elevated, prompting the US Federal Reserve to keep interest rates higher for longer. Higher rates typically weigh on non-yielding assets such as gold. Investors are now awaiting key US inflation data for clues on the Fed's policy path, while technical indicators suggest further downside pressure on bullion. Silver and platinum also declined, while palladium edged higher.

US Iran war: UN human rights office to send investigators to Lebanon

UN high commissioner for human rights Volker Türk said investigators would examine potential violations of international law by all parties involved in the conflict.

Lebanon became involved in the broader regional conflict on March 2 when Hezbollah launched attacks on Israel in support of Iran amid the US-Israeli military campaign against Tehran.

The Hezbollah attacks were followed by an Israeli air campaign and ground operation in Lebanon, which, according to reports, resulted in more than 3,660 deaths and displaced over one million people.

US Iran war: Trump says he's close to ordering fresh strikes on Iran's power plants, bridges after delayed deal

Trump says he's close to ordering new strikes as Tehran is taking too long to make a deal, Fox News reported.

US Iran war: 'Middle East bully is dead': Trump says Iran will 'pay the price' for 'taking too long' to negotiate

In a post on TruthSocial, he said, "Iran’s Military is a complete and total mess. Much of it, like their Navy and Air Force, doesn’t even exist anymore - They have been completely defeated. Iran is all talk and no action. The Bully of the Middle East is DEAD!!! They’ve taken too long to negotiate a deal that would have been great for them, now they will have to pay the price!!!"

Iran war: 'Must get out of neither war nor peace policy': Iran's president Pezeshkian on holding talks, cites Khamenei's support

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said that Iran must move beyond a prolonged state of "neither war nor peace", revealing that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had allowed negotiations and dialogue to continue as a means of resolving the situation, as per the Iranian news agency ISNA.

As reported by ISNA, speaking at the third "Amin Iran" ceremony at Tehran's Vahdat Hall in memory of the "martyred leader", Pezeshkian stressed that military confrontation was not in Iran's interest but insisted the country would not yield to external pressure.

"We must get out of the 'neither war nor peace' policy. War is definitely not in the country's interest, but if they attack our land and territory, we will definitely not surrender and will not back down," he said.

US Iran war: Oil steady as investors weigh renewed US-Iran fighting

Oil prices saw little change as escalating US-Iran tensions clouded the market outlook, while investors balanced concerns over weaker demand from China against signs of declining global crude inventories.

Brent crude futures fell 25 cents, or 0.23 per cent, to $91.24 a barrel by 1008 GMT, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude slipped 14 cents, or 0.16 per cent, to $88.06 a barrel.

Iran war: 'Diplomacy can't take place in vacuum,' says Iran while 'reviewing' negotiations following US attacks

Tehran is “reviewing” its negotiations with the United States following US strikes on Iran overnight, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said, according to the Iranian Student News Network (SNN), as reported by CNN.

Baghaei accused the US and Israel of “repeated ceasefire violations” and said diplomacy cannot “take place in a vacuum,” stressing that “a minimal environment in which diplomacy can function” is needed for talks to move forward.

“Unfortunately, the United States is undermining this process through contradictory messages, frequent shifts in its positions and demands, as well as repeated ceasefire violations,” he said. He also accused Israel of acting in bad faith through repeated strikes on Lebanon.

US Iran war: Iran says armed forces will not ‘hesitate’ to respond, accuses US of undermining diplomacy

Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei has said the country’s armed forces will not “hesitate” to defend Iran, while accusing the United States of undermining diplomatic efforts through what he described as shifting positions and repeated ceasefire violations.

Speaking on the sidelines of a local event, Baghaei said diplomacy requires favourable conditions to succeed and argued that the use of force damages ongoing negotiations.

He also accused Israel of harming diplomatic efforts through repeated violations of the Lebanon ceasefire.

Baghaei said recent Iranian attacks on targets in Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan demonstrated Tehran’s willingness to respond when it believes its security is under threat.

“Wherever necessary, our armed forces will respond to the enemy with strength and determination,” he said.

Iran war news: Missile strike damages water reservoirs in southern Iran, cuts drinking water to 20,000 people

At least 20,000 people in southern Iran have lost access to drinking water after two water reservoirs were hit by missiles, according to Iran's state-affiliated Tasnim news agency.

Abdul Hamid Hamzehpour, chief executive of the Hormozgan Water and Wastewater Company, said two concrete reservoirs in the Bamani district with a combined storage capacity of 2,500 cubic metres were struck and put completely out of service.

The damaged facilities supplied drinking water to the town of Kouhestak and 10 nearby villages.

Authorities have launched emergency measures, including water deliveries by tanker trucks and the installation of temporary pumping systems. The estimated damage to the infrastructure is around 140 billion tomans ($795,000), according to the report.

Iran war news: Iran says strikes on US bases were carried out under UN right to self-defence

Iran’s foreign ministry has defended its retaliatory strikes on US targets in the region, saying the action was carried out under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, which recognises a state's right to self-defence.

In a statement, the ministry condemned the latest US strikes on southern Iran as a “blatant violation” of international law and the UN Charter.

Tehran said US forces launched attacks on areas in southern Iran early on Wednesday, prompting a response from Iranian armed forces. According to the ministry, Iranian forces targeted US bases that it said were used to launch the attacks.

The statement also accused Washington of violating Iran’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, while describing the US operation as military aggression.

Iran war news: Israeli army issues evacuation warning for more towns in southern Lebanon

The Israeli military has issued a fresh warning to residents of Ghassaniyeh and Houmine al-Faouqa in southern Lebanon, urging them to leave the areas immediately ahead of possible military action.

The evacuation order comes despite a ceasefire agreement announced on April 17. The latest warning adds to growing concerns over renewed hostilities along the Israel-Lebanon border.

According to reported figures, more than 3,660 people have been killed and 11,300 injured since Israel expanded its military campaign in Lebanon on March 2, while around 1.2 million people have been displaced.

US Iran war: Israel launches wave of strikes across southern Lebanon, targeting multiple towns

Israeli forces carried out a series of strikes across southern Lebanon on Wednesday, targeting several towns and municipalities in multiple districts, according to local reports.

The attacks included drone strikes on al-Majadel in Tyre district, al-Rayhan in Jezzine district, and al-Duwayr in Nabatieh district. An air strike was also reported in Ansariyeh in Sidon district.

Additional strikes targeted Deir Qanoun al-Nahr and Tayr Debba in the Tyre district, while two separate attacks were reported in the towns of Kfar and Barashit.

US Iran war: Explosion heard in Iran's Qeshm Island near Strait of Hormuz amid regional tensions

An explosion was reported on Iran’s Qeshm Island early Wednesday, according to Iran’s Mehr News Agency. The cause of the blast not immediately known.

Local reports cited by Iranian media suggested the explosion may have occurred some distance from Qeshm city or could be linked to activity in the nearby Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most strategically important shipping routes.

The incident comes amid heightened tensions in the region following recent military exchanges and threats between Iran and the United States.

Separately, local reports claimed that parts of Hormozgan province and Iran’s Persian Gulf coastline had come under US attack since the early hours of Wednesday and that Iranian armed forces had responded.

US Iran war: Israel claims Hamas finance network chief, deputy killed in Gaza strike

The Israeli military said that it has killed Khader Jamasi, whom it describes as the head of Hamas’s financial transfer network, along with his deputy Muhammad Harazin, in a strike in northern Gaza.

In a statement, the military alleged that the two were involved in transferring tens of millions of dollars to Hamas’s military wing through a network of money exchangers operating in the region. Israel did not provide evidence to support the claims.

The military said the operation was carried out on Sunday in coordination with Israel’s domestic intelligence agency, the Shin Bet.

US Iran war: World Cup hit by Middle East crisis as Iran claims tickets for fans being withheld

Iran’s football federation said that FIFA has revoked its ticket allocation for Iranian fans for the country’s three World Cup matches in the United States, Associated Press reported.

Under FIFA rules, each participating federation is entitled to distribute around 8% of stadium capacity for matches involving their team, amounting to several thousand tickets per game.

However, the federation said it is now unable to provide any tickets to supporters, just days before Iran’s opening match on June 15 in Inglewood, Los Angeles, against New Zealand.

The decision comes ahead of Iran’s World Cup campaign in the United States, with the federation’s statement reported by semi-official Iranian media.

Iran war news: UAE joins allies in urging UN action over Iran nuclear programme concerns

The United Arab Emirates has joined several Western and regional countries in expressing serious concerns over Iran’s nuclear programme and compliance with international safeguards.

In a post on X, the UAE Mission to the UN said it participated alongside Bahrain, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Latvia, the UK, US and the EU in a joint press stakeout highlighting Iran’s alleged failure to fully cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

US Iran war: Cargo vessel exchanges fire with armed craft off Yemen coast

The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) says a cargo vessel reported being approached by a small craft carrying six armed people about 88 nautical miles (163 km) southwest of Yemen’s Balhaf.

According to the report, there was an exchange of fire between the vessel’s armed security team and the approaching craft, after which the small boat turned away.