US, ‘Israel’ launch full-scale attack against Iran
The United States said the attack on Iran is focused on dismantling the Iranian security apparatus, in a statement to Al Jazeera.
Officials indicated the strikes are expected to be wide-ranging and longer than the attack of June 2025.
In Tehran, the Iranian news agency Mehr reported disruptions to mobile phone services in parts of the city and confirmed that the country’s airspace has been closed until further notice.
The escalation marks a major joint military effort by the US and ‘Israel’, aimed at weakening Iran’s security infrastructure amid rising regional tensions.
Iran hits US MST support ship with missiles, Tehran says
The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) reported that its missiles struck the US combat support ship MST, causing severe damage, according to state news agency Tasnim.
The report did not confirm any casualties or further details about the location of the attack. It comes amid rising tensions between Tehran and Washington over regional military presence and ongoing sanctions.
Officials have yet to release independent confirmation of the strike. The US Navy has not immediately responded to the claims.
King Abdullah II condemns attacks on Jordan, Arab states in call with Macron
His Majesty King Abdullah II condemned the attacks on Jordanian territory and any aggression against Arab states during a phone call with French President Emmanuel Macron.
The King stressed that Jordan will continue taking all necessary steps to ensure the safety of its citizens, maintain national security, and protect the country’s sovereignty.
Iranian Defense Minister, Revolutionary Guard commander killed, says Reuters
According to sources cited by Reuters, Iranian Defense Minister Amir Nasserzadeh and Revolutionary Guard ground forces commander Mohammad Pakbour were killed in the recent attack targeting a meeting of senior officials in Tehran.
The attack, which struck a high-level gathering in the capital, marks a significant escalation in tensions involving ‘Israel’ and Iran. Independent verification of the officials’ deaths has not yet been confirmed.
Authorities have not provided further details regarding casualties, damage, or potential follow-up actions.
Iranian girls’ school damaged after US-’Israeli’ strikes
Iranian strike hits US base in Bahrain
Sirens sound in Jordan amid regional tensions
Sirens sound in Jordan amid regional tensions
US Embassy in Jordan issues shelter-in-place advisory
The US Embassy in Amman has instructed all mission personnel to shelter-in-place and recommended that all US citizens in Jordan do the same. Personnel have been advised not to travel to any military facilities across the country and to exercise increased caution.
The Embassy outlined key precautions:
- Stay in a secure location with essential supplies such as food, water, and medications.
- Avoid demonstrations, maintain a low profile, and remain aware of surroundings.
- Monitor local media for updates and be prepared to adjust plans.
- Keep phones charged and maintain communication with family and friends.
- Contact Jordanian police at 911 if in immediate danger.
Three explosions heard in Dubai
Three explosions were heard in Dubai, according to local reports, as tensions continue to rise across the region.
Kuwait intercepts ballistic missiles targeting Ali Al Salem Airbase
The Kuwait Ministry of Defense said that Ali Al Salem Airbase was targeted by ballistic missiles, which were successfully intercepted by the air force.
The ministry confirmed that the defense systems efficiently neutralized the threat, preventing any harm to personnel or infrastructure.
Authorities reaffirmed their readiness to respond to any threats and protect national security.
Jordan condemns Iranian missile attacks on the region
The Jordanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates condemned in the strongest terms Iran’s ballistic missile attacks on Jordan, as well as assaults on the sister states of the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, and Kuwait.
The ministry stressed that Jordan will continue taking all necessary measures to safeguard the safety of its citizens, national security, and sovereignty.
Jordan reaffirmed its full solidarity with the affected states and its support in facing any aggression that threatens their sovereignty, security, or stability.
The ministry emphasized Jordan’s commitment to working with allies and partners to end regional tensions, promote security and stability, and urged restraint, diplomatic solutions, and dialogue as the means to overcome crises and preserve regional peace.
‘Israeli’ army claims strike on senior Iranian leadership meeting in Tehran
The ‘Israeli’ army claims it carried out an attack on a meeting of senior officials from Iran’s political and security leadership in Tehran.
Authorities have not confirmed the results of the alleged strike, and independent verification of casualties or damage is not available.
The claim highlights rising tensions between ‘Israel’ and Iran, with potential implications for regional stability.
Jordan reports 12 incidents of missile debris, no injuries
Jordan announced that civil defense and police teams responded to 12 reports of falling objects and debris since this morning until 2 p.m. The incidents occurred in the governorates of Amman, Zarqa, Jerash, Madaba, and Irbid. No injuries were reported; only material damage occurred.
The Directorate urged citizens to follow official safety instructions and not hesitate to call the unified emergency number (911) if they observe any suspicious or dangerous debris.
Authorities continue monitoring the situation and maintaining readiness to respond to further incidents.
Four killed, others injured after missile debris hits industrial area in Sweida
Local sources said that missile debris fell on the industrial area of Sweida, killing four people and injuring others.
Emergency services rushed to the scene to provide medical assistance and secure the area. Authorities are investigating the origin of the missile fragments.
The incident raises concerns over civilian safety amid ongoing regional tensions, as unexploded debris poses additional hazards.
Civil Aviation to Roya News: No changes to air traffic in Jordan
The Chief Commissioner of the Civil Aviation Regulatory Commission, Captain Dhaifallah Al-Farajat, said in an exclusive statement to Roya News that there have been no changes to air traffic in the Kingdom so far.
He confirmed that Jordanian airspace continues to operate normally, with flight movement proceeding as usual.
UAE intercepts new wave of Iranian missiles
The UAE Ministry of Defense announced that Emirati air defenses successfully intercepted a new wave of Iranian missiles targeting the country. The ministry said the missiles were handled with “high efficiency”, and no damage occurred, according to the Emirates News Agency (WAM).
The ministry stressed that it remains fully prepared to counter any threats and takes all necessary measures to protect national security. It emphasized that the safety of citizens, residents, and visitors is a top priority.
Missile debris fell in several Abu Dhabi areas, including Saadiyat Island, Khalifa City, Bani Yas, Mohammed bin Zayed City, and Al Falah, with no injuries reported.
The UAE condemned the attacks as a blatant violation of national sovereignty and international law, affirming its right to take all measures necessary to protect its territory, citizens, and ensure the country’s stability.
‘Israeli’ PM Netanyahu says US‑’Israeli’ strikes target ‘existential threat’ in Iran
‘Israeli’ Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the joint US‑’Israeli’ strikes on Iran aim to remove an “existential threat” posed by Tehran.
In a statement, Netanyahu said, “The time has come for all sections of the people in Iran… to remove the yoke of tyranny … and bring a free and peace-loving Iran”.
He added, “Our joint operation will create the conditions for the brave Iranian people to take their fate into their own hands,” framing the strikes as both a military and political signal.
The remarks come amid escalating tensions in the region, with international observers warning of potential wider conflict following the airstrikes.
Belgium, Norway, and Pakistan condemn ‘Israeli’, US strikes on Iran
Belgium’s Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot said, “The Iranian people must not pay the price for their government’s choices. We deeply regret that diplomatic efforts could not lead earlier to a negotiated solution”.
Norway’s Foreign Minister Espen Barth added, “The attack is described by ‘Israel’ as a preventive strike, but it is not in line with international law. Preventive attacks require an immediately imminent threat”.
Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar strongly condemned the strikes, calling for an immediate halt to escalation and urging urgent resumption of diplomacy to achieve a peaceful, negotiated resolution.
The statements reflect growing international concern over escalating regional tensions and the targeting of civilian and strategic sites in Iran.
Iranian missiles target ‘Israel’ again, army launches interception
The ‘Israeli’ army said missiles were launched from Iran toward the State of ‘Israel’ “a short while ago,” triggering sirens in multiple areas across the country.
A military statement said the ‘Israeli’ Air Force is actively working to intercept and strike threats where necessary to neutralize danger.
Officials warned that the defense is not completely impenetrable, urging civilians to continue following the Home Front Command’s guidelines for protection. Residents are advised to stay alert and adhere to official instructions until the situation is resolved.
Major airlines cancel flights to conflict-hit region
Airlines including Air France, Air India, Iberia Express, Indigo, Japan Airlines, LOT Airlines, Lufthansa, Norwegian Air, Turkish Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, Qatar Airways, and Air Algerie have suspended flights to the region due to security concerns.
Authorities urge passengers to contact their airlines for the latest updates and travel guidance. The cancellations follow rising tensions and safety risks affecting commercial air travel.
Jordan affirms neutrality amid regional tensions
A government spokesperson confirmed Monday that Jordan is not involved in ongoing regional conflicts. “Jordan is not part of the conflict in the region and will not allow anyone to violate its sovereignty,” the official said.
The spokesperson added that Jordan will remain neutral and will not participate in any escalation across the Middle East. Authorities emphasized the country’s readiness to defend its borders and maintain national security.
Jordan’s statement comes amid rising tensions in neighboring countries, with officials seeking to reassure citizens and the international community of the kingdom’s stability and impartial stance.
Explosion reported in northwest Iran
Iran’s IRNA news agency says an explosion in Zanjan, northwest Iran.
Qatar condemns Iranian missile attack, says it reserves right to respond
Qatar’s Foreign Ministry says the country reserves the right of response following the Iranian attack, in according with international law.
Qatar also condemned the targeting of Qatari territory with ballistic missiles, considering it a flagrant violation of its national sovereignty, a direct assault on its security and an unacceptable escalation that threatens the security and stability of the region.
‘Israeli’ strike kills five students at Iranian school
- ‘Israeli’ attack hits an elementary girls’ school in Minab, southern Iran.
- Five students killed, no injuries reported.
Iran’s state-run IRNA reported that a ‘Israeli’ strike struck an elementary girls’ school in Minab, located in the Hormozgan province of southern Iran.
The agency said five students were killed in the attack. No other injuries were reported.
Regional outrage
Officials have condemned the attack, calling it a violation of international law and targeting of civilians. The incident further heightens tensions between Iran and ‘Israel’, with calls for accountability and urgent international action.
Authorities have not yet provided details on the circumstances of the strike or possible responses.
Jordan intercepts two ballistic missiles targeting its territory
- Jordanian air defenses intercept two ballistic missiles targeting its territory.
- Military says interception carried out successfully with no reported damage.
The Jordanian Armed Forces said Saturday that air defense systems shot down two ballistic missiles that targeted Jordanian territory.
A responsible military source at the General Command of the Jordanian Armed Forces – Arab Army confirmed the interception, describing the operation as successful.
The source said the missiles were detected and engaged by Jordan’s air defense systems before reaching their intended targets. No casualties or material damage were immediately reported.
Heightened regional tensions
Officials did not specify the origin of the missiles or the exact location of the attempted strike. The incident comes amid heightened regional tensions, with cross-border threats and aerial attacks raising security concerns across the Middle East.
The Armed Forces reiterated their readiness to defend Jordan’s sovereignty and airspace, stressing that the country’s defense systems remain on high alert.
Iran urges UN action as regional tensions escalate
- Iran calls for an urgent UN Security Council meeting to halt aggression.
- Tehran vows to defend itself, warning international inaction could undermine global institutions.
The Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday called on the United Nations Security Council to convene an urgent session to address what it described as ongoing aggression against the country.
A ministry statement said the war was imposed on Iran, stressing that the country’s armed forces are prepared to defend its sovereignty “with full strength.”
Warning to global institutions
Iranian officials warned that failure by the international community to respond to the aggression could mark “the end of international institutions,” signaling deep frustration with perceived inaction.
The ministry did not specify the aggressor or details of recent hostilities, but emphasized that Iran expects decisive measures from the Security Council to prevent further escalation.
Regional implications
The call comes amid rising tensions in the region, with multiple states monitoring the situation closely. Analysts suggest that Tehran’s statement aims both to pressure the UN and to assert its readiness to respond militarily if necessary.
Saudi Arabia condemns “Iranian attack on UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Jordan”
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned “Iranian aggression and blatant violation of the sovereignty of the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, and Jordan.”
In a statement, the ministry said the Kingdom “strongly condemns and denounces the Iranian aggression,” calling it a serious breach of international law and regional stability. It also warned of “grave consequences” if violations of state sovereignty and the principles of international law continue.
Man treated for blast injuries after missiles fired at ‘Israel’
A man was treated for blast-related injuries after missiles were launched toward ‘Israel’, according to emergency services. Authorities said medical teams responded promptly, while air defense systems were activated amid the ongoing escalation.
Netanyahu comments on attack on Tehran
Jordanian authorities end alert periods, urge continued vigilance
The Public Security Directorate of Jordan announced that the alert period have ended, while reminding citizens to continue following official safety instructions and updates.
Massive explosions heard in UAE, Kuwait and Bahrain
Huge explosions were reported early Saturday in the UAE, Kuwait and Bahrain amid regional tensions as ‘Israel’ and US launched an attack on Iran which replied later with a salvo of rockets.
U.S. Embassy in Jordan orders shelter-in-place
US Embassy in Jordan has instructed all personnel to shelter in place and advises American citizens in the country to do the same until further notice.
The embassy recommends staying in a secure location with essential supplies, avoiding demonstrations, monitoring local media, keeping phones charged, and maintaining communication with family. In emergencies, residents should contact Jordanian police at 911. Americans are also encouraged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for security updates.
Trump says US ‘may have casualties’ in Iran attack
President Donald Trump warned Saturday that US forces could take casualties in what he called a massive attack on Iran to destroy the country’s military and spark a popular revolt against the government.
“The lives of courageous American heroes may be lost and we may have casualties,” Trump said in his video address announcing the start of the bombing campaign.
Royal Jordanian confirms no flight changes amid regional tensions
Royal Jordanian Airlines announced Saturday that there are currently no changes to its flight schedules and no cancellations, as long as Jordanian airspace remains open.
The airline emphasized that operations are proceeding as normal despite regional security developments.
Jordan issues safety guidelines amid regional tensions
The Jordanian Public Security Directorate released an advisory Saturday providing citizens with guidance on responding to air raid sirens and unfamiliar or potentially explosive objects.
The statement detailed that three intermittent sirens indicate an active threat, requiring individuals to remain in place and seek shelter in the nearest building, while a single continuous siren signals the threat has passed. Residents were advised to stay away from windows and exposed areas and remain close to stairwells inside buildings.
The advisory also warned against approaching or touching unknown objects such as missiles, drones, or debris, emphasizing that any such items should be treated as potentially explosive. Families were urged to educate children not to handle suspicious objects and to report findings immediately to emergency services at 911.
Authorities stressed the importance of relying only on official sources, avoiding the circulation of unverified images or videos, and following the guidelines to protect lives and property while enabling security and civil defense teams to carry out their duties efficiently.
Iran fires second wave of rockets at ‘Israel’; one intercepted over Tel Aviv
Iran launched a second salvo of rockets toward ‘Israel’, with the Israeli Occupation Forces intercepting at least one missile over Tel Aviv before it entered ‘Israeli’ airspace.
Sirens sounded across Jerusalem, northern and southern ‘Israel’, and settlements in the West Bank, as authorities report further incoming rockets. The situation remains tense as air defense systems continue to respond.
Iran begins retaliatory attack against ‘Israel’
The ‘Israel’ Defense Forces said a salvo of rockets was launched from Iran toward ‘Israel’.
Local media reported strong explosions in the Galilee region, while residents in Haifa also reported hearing blasts.
Jordanian military clarifies air activity in several regions
A senior military official from the Jordanian Armed Forces confirmed that sounds reported in the skies over several parts of the country are from Royal Jordanian Air Force aircraft conducting routine flights.
The official said these operations are part of regular aerial patrols and reconnaissance missions to ensure the safety of Jordanian airspace and prevent any unauthorized or suspicious activity.
The statement emphasized that the Jordanian Armed Forces continue to fulfill their national duty to protect the kingdom’s skies and uphold its sovereignty efficiently. Citizens were urged to avoid spreading rumors and to rely on official sources for information.
Sirens blare in Jordan amid regional threats
Strikes cross Syrian airspace from Mediterranean toward Iran
US media outlets report that part of the recent strikes by the ‘Israel’ military originated over the Mediterranean Sea, using Syrian airspace as a corridor to reach targets deep inside Iran.
Iran’s President Pezeshkian ‘safe and sound’: state media
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is “safe and sound”, state media reported on Saturday, following US and ‘Israeli’ strikes on the Islamic republic.
“President Masoud Pezeshkian is safe and sound and has no problems,” the IRNA news agency reported, alongside the Mehr and ISNA agencies.
Trump offers Iranian military ‘immunity’ or ‘certain death’
President of the United States Donald Trump announced the launch of extensive military operations against Iran, issuing orders to target and destroy the country’s military infrastructure. He declared that the era of “tolerance” toward Tehran is over.
Trump said U.S. forces would eliminate Iran’s missile industry entirely, describing it as a complete eradication of the program. He also confirmed that the Iranian naval fleet would be targeted to neutralize any maritime threats, particularly in light of Tehran’s attempts to develop long-range missiles capable of reaching U.S. territory.
Labeling Iran as the ‘world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism’, Trump condemned decades of anti-American activity since 1979, citing historical attacks such as the 1983 Beirut Marine barracks bombing. He described Iran’s actions as “organized terrorism” that his administration will no longer tolerate.
On the nuclear issue, Trump emphasized preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons as central to U.S. policy, warning of the catastrophic consequences if Tehran were to succeed. He said U.S. patience has run out after decades of Iranian refusal to abandon its nuclear ambitions.
US embassies in Qatar, Bahrain issue shelter-in-place orders for personnel
The US embassies in Qatar and Bahrain told their staff to seek shelter Saturday and advised US citizens to do the same after the United States and ‘Israel’ launched strikes on Iran.
The embassies said in two separate statements they were “implementing a shelter-in-place for all personnel. We recommend all Americans do the same until further notice,” and urged US citizens to “find a secure location within your residence or another safe building”.
Iran shuts airspace for six hours, mobile services cut in Tehran
Iran has temporarily closed its airspace for six hours, the country’s civil aviation authority confirmed. Iranian media also reported that mobile phone services were disrupted in parts of Tehran, affecting communications across the capital.
US President Donald Trump delivers remarks about energy at the Port of Corpus Christi in Texas. (February 27, 2026)
Trump says wants Iran to have “no enrichment” of uranium
- US President Trump explicitly rejected even civilian uranium enrichment for Iran, labeling it “uncivil,” and expressed dissatisfaction with current negotiations while maintaining a massive military buildup in the Middle East.
- Oman’s “Zero Stockpiling” Breakthrough: Mediators announced a potential breakthrough where Iran would agree to zero stockpiling of enriched material and the “irreversible” conversion of current stocks into fuel—a proposal Oman claims “cracks the problem” of nuclear proliferation.
US President Donald Trump on Friday said he did not want Iran to have any uranium enrichment at all, even for civilian purposes, a day after Washington and Tehran held talks on nuclear and other issues.
“I say no enrichment,” Trump told reporters ahead of an event in the Texas port city of Corpus Christi. “Not 20 percent, 30 percent, they always want 20 percent, 30 percent, they want it for civilian, you know, for civil. I think it’s uncivil.”
Trump also reiterated that he was “not happy with the negotiation.”
After Trump’s statements, mediator Oman promoted what it said was a “breakthrough” to avert war.
Oman, which mediated the Geneva talks, said that Iran had agreed to zero stockpiling of any uranium, making moot the question of the level of enrichment.
Iran also agreed to degrade current stockpiles into fuel, said Oman’s foreign minister, Badr Albusaidi, who was in Washington meeting US Vice President JD Vance.
“If the ultimate objective is to ensure forever that Iran cannot have a nuclear bomb, I think we have cracked that problem through these negotiations by agreeing a very important breakthrough that has never been achieved any time before,” Albusaidi told CBS News program “Face the Nation.”
“If we can capture that and build on it, I think a deal is within our reach,” he said, estimating that three months would be needed to finalize an accord.
Trump has ordered the biggest military build-up in decades in the Middle East, with the world’s largest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, approaching the coast of Israel, as he demands Iran agree to sweeping concessions on concerns starting with its nuclear program.
A day after the United States and Iran held talks in Geneva, Trump said that the Islamic Republic was “not willing to give us what we have to have.”
“We’re not exactly happy with the way they negotiated. They cannot have nuclear weapons, and we’re not thrilled with the way they’re negotiating,” Trump told reporters.
He later said he wants Iran to have “no enrichment” at all of uranium that could go toward a nuclear bomb, which Iran denies it is pursuing.
The renewed US pressure comes weeks after Iranian authorities killed thousands of people as they crushed mass protests.
As Washington mobilizes forces, Trump said “nobody knows” if a US attack would bring down the Iranian government.
Iran agreed to restrictions to low-level enrichment in a 2015 deal that Trump ripped up during his first term in office.
Trump in June had said that Iran’s key nuclear sites had been “obliterated” after the United States joined a major ‘Israeli’ bombing campaign on the country.
US President Donald Trump stops to speak to the media as he departs on Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House. (February 27, 2026)
Trump “not thrilled” with Iran but undecided on attack
- US President Trump expressed frustration, stating that Iran has yet to offer the “golden words” (a definitive commitment to never possess nuclear weapons) required for a deal, though he remains undecided on launching a threatened military strike.
- Despite amassing a massive naval armada in the region, Trump acknowledged that any attack carries a risk of all-out regional war and was noncommittal on whether such action would aim for regime change following the violent suppression of mass protests in Iran.
US President Donald Trump said Friday he was frustrated by Iran’s position in talks but added he had not yet decided whether to carry out a threatened attack.
A day after the United States and Iran held talks in Geneva, Trump said that the Islamic Republic was “not willing to give us what we have to have.”
“We haven’t made a final decision,” he told reporters when asked about the use of force.
“We’re not exactly happy with the way they negotiated. They cannot have nuclear weapons, and we’re not thrilled with the way they’re negotiating,” Trump said.
“We want no nuclear weapons by Iran and they’re not saying those golden words.”
Iran has said repeatedly that it is not pursuing nuclear weapons and US intelligence has found no evidence that it has made a decision to do so.
But the United States and ‘Israel’, which carried out a major bombing campaign in Iran in June, are skeptical of the statements by Iran.
Asked if an attack would trigger all-out war in the Middle East, Trump said, “I guess you could always say there’s always a risk.
“You know when there’s war, there’s a risk in anything, both good and bad.”
Trump was circumspect on whether a US attack would bring down the Islamic republic, a sworn enemy of the United States and ‘Israel’.
Authorities last month killed thousands of people as they crushed mass protests in the biggest threat to the rulers since the 1979 Islamic revolution toppled the pro-Western shah.
“Nobody knows. There might be and there might not be,” Trump said of regime change.
Trump in his first term ripped up a nuclear deal negotiated by his predecessor Barack Obama in which Iran agreed to strict limits on uranium enrichment.
Belgium advised its citizens in Iran to leave the country “as soon as possible,” citing a “volatile” security situation in the Middle East.
The statement by the Belgian Foreign Ministry added that all travel to Iran is “strongly discouraged”.
“All travel to Iran is strongly discouraged for Belgian nationals & dual nationals. Belgian citizens currently in Iran, including dual nationals, are advised to leave the country as soon as possible,” the ministry said on X.
It added that all non-essential travel to ‘Israel’ and Lebanon is discouraged.
- Trump suggested the US might pursue a “friendly takeover” of Cuba, citing the island’s severe economic distress and ongoing high-level discussions between Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the Cuban government.
- The comments follow a deadly incident where the Cuban Coast Guard killed four people on a Florida-registered speedboat; Havana claims the vessel was carrying armed exiles attempting an insurrection, while the US has launched an independent investigation.
President Donald Trump on Friday suggested a “friendly takeover” of communist-led Cuba, with tensions high between Washington and Havana in the wake of the US abduction of Venezuelan strongman Nicolas Maduro.
The Trump administration has imposed a strict oil embargo on Cuba since ousting Havana’s key regional backer, bringing the island nation to the brink of economic collapse.
“They have no money, they have no anything right now. But they’re talking with us and maybe we’ll have a friendly takeover of Cuba,” Trump told reporters as he departed the White House on Friday.
“The Cuban government is talking with us, and they’re in a big deal of trouble,” he said.
Cuba has been under a US trade embargo since shortly after Fidel Castro’s 1959 revolution. Relations thawed in recent years but have plunged again since Trump took office for his second term, with the US president seeking to tighten Washington’s grip on Latin America.
On Wednesday, the Cuban Coast Guard said it had killed four people and wounded six others on board a US-registered speedboat that it said were armed and seeking to infiltrate the country.
Havana said all those on board the US boat were Cubans living in the United States, which has received several waves of emigration from the island since the 1960s.
A US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed only that one US citizen was killed and another wounded in the incident.
Cuban authorities said a coast guard vessel came under fire from the speedboat around one nautical mile from Cuba’s north shore, adding that assault rifles, handguns, Molotov cocktails and military-style gear were found onboard.
The response from the United States government was muted.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who was on a Caribbean visit, said that Washington was conducting its own investigation and would “respond accordingly.”
The UN nuclear watchdog on Friday confirmed technical discussions to try to reach a deal between Iran and the US will take place in Vienna next week, according to a confidential report seen by AFP.
“Technical discussions will take place in Vienna in the week beginning 2 March 2026,” the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said, adding a “successful outcome” of Iran-US negotiations “would have a positive impact on the effective implementation of safeguards in Iran”.
The UN nuclear watchdog on Friday confirmed technical discussions to try to reach a deal between Iran and the US will take place in Vienna next week, according to a confidential report seen by AFP.
“Technical discussions will take place in Vienna in the week beginning 2 March 2026,” the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said, adding a “successful outcome” of Iran-US negotiations “would have a positive impact on the effective implementation of safeguards in Iran”.
- US deploys Gerald Ford carrier with 90+ fighter jets near ‘Israel’.
- Deployment signals heightened readiness for long-range air operations in the region.
The United States has deployed the aircraft carrier USS Gerald Ford to the waters off ‘Israel’, Reuters reported. The move follows direct orders from US President Donald Trump and marks a significant escalation in American military presence in the region.
Strategic military boost
The Gerald Ford, the most advanced carrier in the US Navy, brings more than ninety fighter jets and represents a mobile strike platform capable of hitting targets deep inside adversary territories. The deployment is reinforced by a massive squadron of aerial refueling aircraft, underscoring the readiness for sustained long-range operations.
Read more: Trump confirms second aircraft carrier to head to Middle East
A US defense official, speaking to Reuters on condition of anonymity, described the arrival as a “nuclear deterrence signal” intended to reassure allies and project power across the eastern Mediterranean.
Regional implications
The carrier left the Greek island of Crete en route to Haifa, demonstrating rapid mobility and strategic flexibility. Analysts say the deployment could influence ongoing tensions in the region, particularly amid rising military activity near the Gaza Strip and surrounding areas.
Read more: US deploys additional F-22 stealth fighters to ‘Israel’ as Iran war looms
The Gerald Ford’s presence is expected to serve both as a deterrent and as a platform for potential joint exercises with regional partners, though no specific operations have been announced.
- US deploys Gerald Ford carrier with 90+ fighter jets near ‘Israel’.
- Deployment signals heightened readiness for long-range air operations in the region.
The United States has deployed the aircraft carrier USS Gerald Ford to the waters off ‘Israel’, Reuters reported. The move follows direct orders from US President Donald Trump and marks a significant escalation in American military presence in the region.
Strategic military boost
The Gerald Ford, the most advanced carrier in the US Navy, brings more than ninety fighter jets and represents a mobile strike platform capable of hitting targets deep inside adversary territories. The deployment is reinforced by a massive squadron of aerial refueling aircraft, underscoring the readiness for sustained long-range operations.
Read more: Trump confirms second aircraft carrier to head to Middle East
A US defense official, speaking to Reuters on condition of anonymity, described the arrival as a “nuclear deterrence signal” intended to reassure allies and project power across the eastern Mediterranean.
Regional implications
The carrier left the Greek island of Crete en route to Haifa, demonstrating rapid mobility and strategic flexibility. Analysts say the deployment could influence ongoing tensions in the region, particularly amid rising military activity near the Gaza Strip and surrounding areas.
Read more: US deploys additional F-22 stealth fighters to ‘Israel’ as Iran war looms
The Gerald Ford’s presence is expected to serve both as a deterrent and as a platform for potential joint exercises with regional partners, though no specific operations have been announced.
- Senior Iranian official says chances of success in talks with the United States are high.
- Third round of nuclear negotiations held in Geneva under Omani mediation.
A senior Iranian official said Thursday that the atmosphere of negotiations with the United States in Geneva was positive, adding that the chances of success are high unless “those seeking war” sabotage the process.
The unnamed official, described as “senior” in remarks to Al Jazeera, said Washington’s position in the latest round of talks had moved closer to “realities on the ground”.
Read more: US, Iranian delegations back for resumed nuclear talks in Geneva: AFP
He added that technical discussions have effectively begun and that the tone of engagement with the American side was constructive.
Warning against escalation
The official stressed that prospects for a breakthrough remain strong provided that parties pushing for escalation and war do not derail the negotiations.
Earlier Thursday, the Swiss city of Geneva hosted a third round of nuclear talks between Iran and the United States, mediated by Oman.
Read more: Iran says “good progress” in US talks, next round within a week
The renewed dialogue follows a pause after joint Israeli and American attacks on Iran in June 2025. Talks resumed in Oman on February 6, with a second round held in Geneva on February 18 under Omani sponsorship.
Key demands
Washington has called on Tehran to halt all uranium enrichment activities, transfer enriched uranium abroad, and abandon its ballistic missile program. US officials have also signaled that military force remains an option.
In recent weeks, the United States, with encouragement from ‘Israel’, has reinforced its military presence in the Middle East while warning of possible action to compel Iran to abandon its nuclear and missile programs and cut support to regional allies.
Tehran, for its part, says the United States and ‘Israel’ are fabricating pretexts for intervention and regime change. Iranian officials have vowed to respond to any military attack, even if limited, while maintaining that sanctions relief must accompany any nuclear restrictions.
Uncertain path ahead
While Iranian officials describe the latest round as constructive, major gaps remain. The outcome may hinge on whether both sides can bridge differences over enrichment, missiles, and regional influence without triggering another cycle of confrontation.
Trump manipulates facts, unclear on goal in Iran: Report
- The Economist says President Donald Trump is unclear about his ultimate objective toward Iran.
- A new poll shows only 27 percent of Americans support a strike on Iran amid growing military deployments.
The British weekly The Economist says US President Donald Trump is manipulating facts about Iran and may not know what he ultimately wants from Tehran.
In a recent analysis, the magazine argues that Americans remain uncertain about the administration’s endgame as Washington stages its largest air and naval buildup in the Middle East since the 2003 invasion of Iraq.
Read more: Trump denies top US general is warning against Iran war
Despite the scale of the deployment, Trump devoted only a few minutes to Iran during his latest State of the Union address, the report notes. The magazine says the president did not present a clear case to justify what could become a new war.
Shifting justifications
According to the analysis, Trump’s stated reasons for confronting Iran have shifted over time. At times, he has framed the objective as preventing Tehran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. In other instances, he has cited punishing the Iranian government for killing protesters, dismantling its ballistic missile arsenal, or even toppling the regime altogether.
The magazine says such shifting explanations have left the final objective opaque. It argues that launching a war without a defined political goal would be an unprecedented gamble, especially given the scale of US forces now positioned in the region.
One consistent US objective over the past two decades, the report notes, has been to use the threat of force to push Iran toward a nuclear agreement. That approach briefly resurfaced during last June’s peak confrontation between Iran and ‘Israel’, when Trump ordered airstrikes on three key Iranian nuclear facilities.
Read more: US envoys “disappointed” by Iran during morning session of talks: Axios
Beyond nuclear constraints, the magazine says the administration may seek a broader deal limiting Iran’s missile arsenal and ending its support for regional allies. Tehran, however, has repeatedly refused to negotiate over those issues.
Public doubts grow
Public backing for military action appears limited. A recent poll conducted by The Economist in partnership with YouGov found that only 27 percent of Americans support launching a strike on Iran.
The magazine reports that even some of Trump’s allies within the “Make America Great Again” movement are questioning why he would pursue another Middle East conflict after campaigning against such wars.
At the same time, the administration has fueled speculation through media leaks outlining possible war scenarios without clearly defining the purpose of potential action.
Contradictory messages
The report highlights what it calls stark contradictions within the administration. US envoy Steve Witkoff recently warned that Iran could be “a week away” from enriching enough uranium for a nuclear bomb. Trump, by contrast, previously claimed that Iran’s nuclear program had been “completely destroyed”.
The magazine argues that both statements cannot be true. If the president’s claim is accurate, it says, there is no urgent threat warranting a large-scale military campaign. If the envoy’s warning is correct, it adds, then the president’s earlier statements are misleading, undermining the case for renewed strikes.
Historical parallels
The analysis concludes that Trump is not the first U.S. president to struggle with defining a realistic objective toward Iran. George W. Bush hoped the 2003 invasion of Iraq would curb Iran’s influence and destabilize its government. Instead, Tehran’s regional role expanded.
Barack Obama sought to ease tensions through diplomacy and promote regional coexistence, a policy that angered several US allies.
As tensions rise once again, The Economist suggests the central question remains unresolved: what, precisely, does Trump want from Iran, and at what cost is Washington prepared to pursue it.
- During her high-stakes, six-hour deposition, Hillary Clinton testified that she never met Jeffrey Epstein and had no knowledge of his crimes, maintaining that her husband’s ties to the financier ended years before his illegal activities were revealed.
- After being compelled to testify under the threat of contempt, Clinton labeled the Republican-led probe “partisan political theater” and demanded that President Trump be deposed regarding his own extensive mentions in the Epstein files, including allegedly “missing” FBI interviews.
Hillary Clinton said Thursday she was confident her husband, former US president Bill Clinton, knew nothing of sex offender Jeffrey Epstein’s crimes when they were still in contact.
“I think the chronology of the connection that he had with Epstein ended years, several years, before anything about Epstein’s criminal activities came to light,” Hillary Clinton said after giving what she described as a “long and very repetitive” deposition before a US congressional committee probing Epstein’s crimes.
Asked if she was confident that her husband did not know of Epstein’s abuse of minors or any other crimes, Clinton said “I am.”
Clinton used her forced appearance Thursday before a Republican-led panel probing Jeffrey Epstein to go on the offensive and demand President Donald Trump testify about his own links to the sex offender.
Clinton told the congressional committee she had no information about Epstein’s crimes, never recalled encountering him, and had never visited his island or flown on his plane, accusing the panel of trying to “protect one public official” — Trump.
James Comer, who chairs the committee that will also grill former president Bill Clinton on Friday, said “the purpose of the whole investigation is to try to understand many things about Epstein” — the deceased convicted sex offender.
“There were a lot of questions that we asked that we weren’t satisfied with the answers that we that we got,” he added after the deposition concluded.
Clinton challenged the panel saying “if this committee is serious about learning the truth about Epstein’s trafficking crimes…it would ask (Trump) directly under oath about the tens of thousands of times he shows up in the Epstein files.”
While her deposition was behind closed doors, Clinton posted her opening statement on social media, with the transcript expected to be published upon approval by her lawyers. A video will follow within 24 hours, Comer said.
The top Democrat on the committee, Robert Garcia, also called on Trump to testify “to answer the questions that are being asked across this country from survivors.”
“That should happen immediately,” he said later.
Democratic committee member Suhas Subramanyam said that “missing FBI files” omitted from the Epstein documents disclosures contain “serious accusations around sexual abuse” against Trump.
The Republican-led House Oversight Committee is probing those who were linked to Epstein, who died in a New York jail cell in 2019 while awaiting trial.
The Clintons had initially rejected subpoenas ordering them to testify in the panel’s probe, but the Democratic power couple agreed to do so after House Republicans threatened to hold them in contempt of Congress.
Hillary Clinton said in her opening statement to the panel that it “justified its subpoena to me based on its assumption that I have information regarding the investigations into the criminal activities of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell.”
“Let me be as clear as I can. I do not.”
Epstein’s network
The hearing was dramatically paused for a brief time after a photo of Clinton in the deposition was posted online — an apparent breach of the closed-door arrangement.
“What is not acceptable is oversight Republicans breaking their own committee rules… by releasing photos,” Subramanyam said.
Democrats say the investigation is being weaponized to attack political opponents of Trump rather than to conduct legitimate oversight.
Trump and Bill Clinton, both 79, feature prominently in the recently released trove of government documents related to Epstein, but said they broke any ties with the financier before his 2008 conviction in Florida as a sex offender.
Mere mention in the files is not proof of having committed a crime.
The Clintons called for their depositions to be public but the committee insisted on questioning them behind closed doors, a move Bill Clinton denounced as akin to a “kangaroo court.”
The depositions are being held in Chappaqua, New York, where the Clintons reside.
Bill Clinton has acknowledged flying on Epstein’s plane several times in the early 2000s for Clinton Foundation-related humanitarian work, but said he never visited Epstein’s private Caribbean island.
Epstein’s accomplice Maxwell, 64, is serving a 20-year prison sentence for sex trafficking.
She appeared via video-link before the House Oversight Committee earlier this month but refused to answer questions, invoking her Fifth Amendment right not to incriminate herself.
Epstein cultivated a network of powerful business executives, politicians, celebrities and academics.
- Melania Trump will become the first US First Lady to preside over a UN Security Council meeting next Monday, assuming the gavel to lead a session on the roles of education and technology in advancing global peace and tolerance.
- The appearance coincides with the US presidency of the Council and President Trump’s “Board of Peace” initiative, occurring despite recent US withdrawals from major UN agencies and significant outstanding budget contributions.
Melania Trump will preside over a UN Security Council meeting next week, her office has announced, in the first such appearance by a US first lady.
“First Lady Melania Trump is set to make history at the United Nations, taking the gavel as the United States assumes the Security Council Presidency to emphasize education’s role in advancing tolerance and world peace,” her office said in a statement Wednesday.
The meeting at 3:00 pm (20:00 GMT) on Monday will focus on education, technology, peace and security and marks the first time a sitting US first lady presides over the Security Council, the statement added.
Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for the UN secretary-general, said Thursday that the visit represents “a sign of the importance that the United States feels towards the Security Council and the subject” of education.
“I can confirm that, according to our records, this will be the first time a First Lady, or first gentleman, for that matter, has ever presided over a Security Council meeting,” he added, noting that the spouses of heads of state have previously participated on behalf of non-members of the Council.
During his State of the Union address Tuesday, President Donald Trump boasted: “No one cares more about protecting America’s youth than our wonderful first lady.”
Melania’s visit comes as the president spearheads his “Board of Peace” initiative, which some critics have said is a way to circumvent the UN Security Council.
Since returning to the White House last year, Trump has withdrawn support from several major UN agencies, such as the World Health Organization.
Nevertheless, the United States recently paid $160 million to the cash-strapped UN’s general budget, of which it owes roughly $2 billion in contributions, in addition to $2 billion in outstanding payments for the UN peacekeeping budget.
The top Democrat on a congressional committee probing the Jeffrey Epstein scandal accused the White House Thursday of covering up revelations about President Donald Trump in files on the late sex offender.
“The Department of Justice continues to lead a White House cover-up,” said Representative Robert Garcia, the leading Democrat on the Republican-dominated committee which was questioning former president Bill Clinton and his wife, former secretary of state Hillary Clinton.
“Let’s get President Trump in front of our committee to answer the questions that are being asked across this country from survivors.”
- Iran-US nuclear talks in Geneva lasted nearly three hours and will resume at 6 PM local time.
- Iran raises concerns over contradictory statements by some US officials, questioning Washington’s seriousness.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry announced that intensive negotiations between Iranian and US officials lasted nearly three hours in Geneva.
The session featured high-level participation, including Oman’s Foreign Minister and the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, as both the US and Iranian negotiating teams presented their positions seriously at the discussion table.
The talks, which were temporarily suspended for consultations and position assessments, are scheduled to resume around 6 PM local time in Geneva to continue efforts toward a nuclear agreement.
Read more: ‘Immediate agreement within reach,’ says Iranian adviser
Iran expressed significant concerns over what it described as “contradictory” statements from some US officials outside the negotiation rooms.
Tehran warned that such inconsistencies could cast doubt on the United States’ seriousness in pursuing a genuine agreement.
The discussions in Geneva come as part of ongoing indirect diplomacy aimed at resolving the nuclear file and addressing sanctions, with international mediators playing a central role in bridging differences between the two sides.
Officials emphasized that progress depends on careful coordination and clarity from both delegations, highlighting the sensitivity of the current stage of negotiations and the need for clear directives from leadership in both Washington and Tehran.
Ali Shamkhani, a senior adviser to Iran’s supreme leader, said an immediate agreement with the United States could be achieved if negotiations focus solely on preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons.
Shamkhani wrote on X that if the central issue is ensuring Iran does not produce nuclear weapons, such an outcome would align with the supreme leader’s fatwa, or religious edict, as well as Iran’s defense doctrine.
“An immediate agreement is within reach,” he said.
Read more: Iran US talks pause briefly in Geneva
He added that Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who is leading the talks for Tehran, has “sufficient support and authority to secure this agreement.”
His remarks come as indirect negotiations between Iran and the United States continue in Geneva, with both sides signaling cautious optimism following what mediators described as constructive exchanges.
Indirect negotiations between Iran and the United States were briefly adjourned for a break, with discussions set to resume Thursday evening local time in Geneva.
Oman’s Foreign Minister took to X to say, “We’ve been exchanging creative and positive ideas in Geneva today, and now both US and Iranian negotiators have adjourned for a break. We’ll resume later today. We hope to make more progress.”
He added that “innovative and positive ideas” were exchanged during the talks, noting that American and Iranian negotiators halted discussions temporarily and would resume later Thursday.
The brief suspension suggests the negotiations may have reached a sensitive stage, requiring both parties to seek further guidance on key proposals or contentious points before proceeding.
International mediators continue to play a central role in conveying messages and narrowing gaps between the Iranian and US delegations without direct meetings between the two sides.
