US-Israel war on Iran day 15: Trump threatens Iran’s oil infrastructure after US bombs Kharg Island military sites; UAE intercepts missiles, drones

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The FIA announced today that the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix, originally scheduled for April, will not take place due to the ongoing situation in the Middle East.

After careful evaluation of possible alternatives, the FIA confirmed that no substitutions will be arranged for the April calendar.

The FIA Formula 2, FIA Formula 3, and F1 Academy rounds planned in the region will also be postponed or cancelled during their scheduled times.

The decision was made in full consultation with the Formula One Group, local race promoters, and FIA Member Clubs in the region, emphasising safety and operational considerations.

Abu Dhabi authorities responded on Tuesday to an incident at a facility in the Ruwais Industrial Complex following a drone strike.

According to Abu Dhabi Media Office, relevant teams have contained the resulting fire and brought it under control, with cooling operations currently underway. No injuries were reported.

The public is urged to obtain information from official sources only and to refrain from spreading rumours or unverified information.

Authorities in the Emirate of Fujairah said emergency teams are continuing to deal with a fire that broke out in the Fujairah Oil Industries Zone after debris fell in the area following successful air defence interceptions.

According to official information, the incident was caused by falling fragments resulting from the interception operations carried out by the country’s air defence systems.

The competent authorities in Fujairah confirmed that response teams remain on site managing the situation and ensuring safety in the affected area.

Officials also reported that a Jordanian national sustained a minor injury in the incident.

Authorities said efforts are ongoing to contain the fire and maintain safety measures while monitoring the situation closely.

Three Iranian women footballers granted asylum in Australia have changed their minds and decided to return home to Iran, Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said Sunday.

"Overnight, three members of the Iranian Women's Football Team made the decision to join the rest of the team on their journey back to Iran," Burke said in a statement.

One other team member seeking refuge had a change of heart earlier in the week and left the country, leaving a total of three out of seven asylum seekers from the squad still in Australia.

The Israeli military said on Saturday it had killed two senior Iranian intelligence officials in a strike in Tehran, just days after they replaced the former head of the directorate who was assassinated on February 28.

Israel said the two men, identified as Abdollah Jalali Nasab and Amir Shariat, were senior officials in the intelligence directorate of the Khatam Al Anbiya, the Iranian military's central operations command.

The pair were killed on Friday, the Israeli military said.

They had replaced Saleh Asadi, who served as head of the intelligence department at the Khatam Al Anbiya, after he was killed on the first day of the war, the military said.

"Following the elimination of the head of the Intelligence Directorate, Saleh Asadi, during the opening blow of Operation Roaring Lion, Jalali and Shariat were appointed to replace them," the military said.

Lebanon is preparing to form a delegation to negotiate with Israel in a bid to stop the war with Iran-backed Hezbollah, an official told AFP, adding that there was still no Israeli commitment to the initiative.

"Negotiations are on the table and preparations are underway to form a delegation, but... neither the timing nor the location has been determined, with Paris and Cyprus being considered," the official said, adding: "We also need an Israeli commitment to a truce."

An Axios report on Saturday cited sources as saying the French government had drafted a plan to end the war in Lebanon that would require the government in Beirut to officially recognise Israel.

Qatar's Ministry of Defence announced that the country was targeted by an attack involving four ballistic missiles and a number of drones launched from Iran. In a statement, the ministry said the Qatari armed forces successfully intercepted all the drones and also intercepted the four ballistic missiles.

Iran will target American companies in the region if its energy facilities are attacked in the US-Israeli war against the Islamic republic, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Saturday.

The US military struck Kharg Island on Friday, from which nearly all of Iran's oil is exported, with President Donald Trump saying every military target had been "obliterated" but its energy facilities had been spared.

"Our Armed Forces have already answered that they would retaliate if our oil and energy infrastructure are attacked," Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told MS NOW.

Iran "will attack any energy infrastructure in the region which belongs to an American company or an American company is a shareholder," he added.

"They are using the territory of our neighbours to attack us by these kind of rockets and this is absolutely unacceptable.

"It is very dangerous that they use highly populated areas," he said. "We would certainly retaliate, but we try to be careful not to attack any populated area."

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called on Saturday for neighbouring countries to expel US forces from the Middle East.

The US security umbrella in the region "has proven to be full of holes and inviting rather than deterring trouble," the top diplomat posted on X, adding that Iran called on its neighbours "to expel foreign aggressors".

The US embassy in Baghdad was hit by an attack on Saturday following strikes that killed three members of a powerful Iran-backed group in the capital, security sources said.

A cloud of black smoke rose above the US diplomatic mission shortly after the sound of explosions on Saturday morning, an AFP journalist said.

Two security officials told AFP the embassy complex was struck by a drone.

The US embassy did not immediately respond to AFP's request for comment on the incident.

It is the second time the US embassy has come under attack in Baghdad since the start of the war.

Iran's foreign minister said Saturday that there was "no problem" with the Islamic republic's new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei after US officials reported he was wounded.

On Friday, US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth said he believed Khamenei, who took power after his father was killed in a strike at the start of the US-Israeli war on Iran, "is wounded and likely disfigured."

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told MS NOW's Ayman Mohyeldi "there is no problem with the new supreme leader. He sent his message yesterday, and he will perform his duties."

Iran launched a new wave of missiles towards Israel on Saturday, Iranian state TV reported.

Tehran has launched repeated salvos at Israel since the Middle East war began with US-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28.

“It is only closed to the tankers and ships belonging to our enemies, to those who are attacking us and their allies,” Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in an interview with MS Now on Saturday.

Nearly all shipping is still avoiding the Strait of Hormuz, however, due to security concerns.

Araghchi also dismissed claims that Iran’s new supreme leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, is seriously injured.

“They will see soon that there is no problem with the new supreme leader,” Araghchi said. “He is performing his duties according to the constitution, and he will continue to do that.”

Kuwait’s armed forces said Saturday evening that the sound of explosions was from ongoing interception efforts, while Saudi Arabia’s Defense Ministry said it downed three drones over the Kingdom’s Eastern Province.

There was no immediate word on casualties or damage.

A US-Israeli missile attack on an industrial area of Isfahan killed at least 15 people, Iran's Fars news agency reported on Saturday.

"The attack targeted a factory that produces heating and cooling equipment" and was in operation at the time of the strike, Fars reported. Saturday is a working day in Iran.

AFP was not able to verify the toll.

In response to Trump’s calls for countries including the UK to send warships to help protect the Strait of Hormuz, the Defense Ministry said Saturday: “We are currently discussing with our allies and partners a range of options to ensure the security of shipping in the region.”

Kuwait Ministry of Defense said air defence systems detected and dealt with two drones targeting Ahmad Al‑Jaber Air Base, causing material damage in the vicinity of the base. During a media briefing by the Government Communication Center, spokesperson Saud Al‑Atwan said the armed forces detected five additional drones in the past 24 hours, three of which were destroyed while two moved out of the danger zone. He added that three soldiers sustained minor injuries and are in stable condition, while the Kuwait National Guard also downed two drones and the army bomb squad responded to 13 related reports.

Kuwait Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy said technical teams have restored three electricity transmission lines that were damaged on Thursday after shrapnel fell in various parts of the country. Spokesperson Fatima Hayat said work is continuing to repair the remaining lines in coordination with state security authorities to ensure worker safety. She added that repairs were completed to high technical and safety standards, stressing that the power grid remains stable and teams are ready to respond to any emergency.

On 15 March 2026, Air India and Air India Express will operate a combined total of 72 scheduled and non-scheduled flights to and from the West Asia region. Scheduled services include 8 flights between India and Jeddah, with Air India operating return services from Delhi and Mumbai and Air India Express from Bengaluru and Kozhikode, as well as 12 flights to and from Muscat covering Delhi, Kochi, Kozhikode, Mangaluru, Mumbai, and Thiruvananthapuram. In addition, both carriers will operate 52 non-scheduled flights to the UAE and Saudi Arabia, subject to slot availability and regulatory approvals from Indian and local authorities.

Two more players of the Iranian women's football team, which competed in the Asian Cup in Australia, and one member of the backroom staff have withdrawn their requests for asylum in the country, Iranian state media said on Saturday.

Seven members of the visiting women's football delegation - six players and one backroom staff member - had sought sanctuary in Australia after they were branded "traitors" at home for refusing to sing the national anthem during the ongoing war between Iran and the US and its ally Israel.

One of the players had withdrawn her request earlier in the week and linked up with the rest of the team who are returning to Iran via Malaysia.

Akasa Air will introduce a fuel surcharge of Dh 7.90 – Dh 51.61(Rs 199–1,300) per sector per sector on domestic and international flights for bookings made from 00:01 hrs on March 15, 2026, due to rising aviation turbine fuel costs amid Middle East tensions. Bookings made before this time are exempt. The surcharge will vary by flight duration. The airline remains committed to reliable service, affordable fares, and operational efficiency, and will review the surcharge regularly.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres said in Beirut on Saturday that there is no military solution to the Israel-Hezbollah war and called for diplomacy and full implementation of UN resolutions.

He urged the international community to step up efforts to end the conflict.

The Lebanese Health Ministry said Saturday that at least 2,009 people have also been wounded since the latest round of fighting began on March 2.

The ministry said the dead include 106 children and 65 women.

US President Donald Trump on Saturday urged other nations to send ships to help secure the Strait of Hormuz, the critical chokepoint for global oil supplies disrupted by the Mideast war.

Trump, who has said the United States will soon start escorting tankers through the strait, posted on Truth Social that "Many countries, especially those who are affected by Iran's attempted closure of the Hormuz Strait, will be sending War Ships, in conjunction with the United States of America, to keep the Strait open and safe."

The US president added: "Hopefully China, France, Japan, South Korea, the UK, and others, that are affected by this artificial constraint, will send Ships to the area."

Apparent fire from a heavy machine gun sparked a blaze at the U.N. peacekeeping force position near the village of Mais al-Jabal, and the peacekeeper was hurt on his way to a shelter.

Kandice Ardiel, a spokeswoman for the UNIFIL peacekeeping force, said it launched an investigation and reminds all actors of their obligations to ensure the safety and security of peacekeepers at all times.

Israel said its war against Iran had entered a “decisive phase” on Saturday as explosions were reported across several Middle East cities. A drone strike hit the United States embassy in Baghdad, according to security sources, marking the second such attack since the conflict began on February 28, when the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran.

The fighting, now in its third week, has displaced millions and reportedly killed more than 1,200 people in Iran. The conflict has also shaken global markets, with oil prices rising by about 40 per cent as Iran threatens shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and targets Gulf energy facilities.

US President Donald Trump said American forces struck Iran’s Kharg Island, the country’s main oil export hub, but avoided damaging its energy facilities. Iranian media confirmed the oil infrastructure remained unaffected.

Explosions rang out over Jerusalem on Saturday, AFP reporters heard, shortly after the Israeli military warned that it had detected incoming missiles from Iran.

As the Middle East war triggered by US-Israeli strikes on Tehran entered its third week, the military said its "defence system is operating to intercept the threat".

The two ships were carrying liquefied petroleum gas on their way to India, the country’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Randhir Jaiswal said in a briefing Saturday.

He did not specify where the carriers Shivalik and Nanda Devi had departed from.

The crucial strait has been virtually closed because of the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran.

Dr Anwar Gargash, Diplomatic Adviser to the UAE President, stressed that Iran’s attempts to target Gulf countries in response to American and Israeli strikes reflect the military weakness, moral bankruptcy and growing political isolation.

The United Arab Emirates has strongly condemned and denounced the unprovoked terrorist drone attack that targeted the UAE Consulate General in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq for the second time in a week.

The attack resulted in injuries to two security personnel and damage to the consulate building.

Another 51 paramedics and medical workers have been wounded since the latest round of Israel-Hezbollah fighting began on March 2.

The latest strike on Friday night in the southern village of Burj Qalaouiyah hit a health care center, killing 12 people and seriously wounding one. A search is ongoing for four people who are still under the rubble, the ministry said.

The ministry said that Israel has been intentionally targeting medical workers, adding that claims by Israel’s military spokesman that ambulances are being used for military purposes are pretexts to justify the attacks.

Earlier Saturday, the Israeli military Arabic spokesman said Hezbollah is widely using ambulances for military purposes. He said the militant group should stop or the Israeli military will act.

Government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani said the damaged structures included 36,469 residential units and 6,179 commercial facilities, according to state-run IRNA news agency.

Iran hasn’t provided any information about military losses and damage.

Mohajerani, meanwhile, said the war has taken a heavy toll on women, with 223 women and girls killed and 2,129 others wounded since Feb. 28. She didn’t provide an overall death toll, but previously authorities have said that 1,230 people have been killed.

IndiGo will operate 252 weekly flights to and from the Middle East from March 16 to March 28 as it cautiously realigns its network in response to the evolving regional situation. The airline plans 126 weekly flights to Saudi Arabia, 28 to Oman, and 98 to the UAE. IndiGo said it will continue monitoring developments, including geopolitical risks, airspace restrictions, airport constraints, and rising fuel and insurance costs, while maintaining essential connectivity and safe operations across the region.

UAE air defenses dealt with 9 ballistic missiles and 33 drones today. Since the start of the brazen Iranian attacks, UAE air defenses have dealt with 294 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles, and 1600 drones. These attacks have resulted in 6 deaths of Emirati, Pakistani, Nepalese, and Bangladeshi nationalities, and 141 cases of minor and moderate injuries of Emirati, Egyptian, Sudanese, Ethiopian, Filipino, Pakistani, Iranian, Indian, Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan, Azerbaijani, Yemeni, Ugandan, Eritrean, Lebanese, Afghan, Bahraini, Comorian, Turkish, Iraqi, Nepalese, Nigerian, Omani, Jordanian, Palestinian, Ghanaian, Indonesian, and Swedish nationalities. The Ministry of Defense affirms that it is on high alert and readiness to deal with any threats and to firmly confront everything that targets undermining the security of the state, in a manner that ensures the preservation of its sovereignty, security, stability, and protects its interests and national capabilities.

French President Emmanuel Macron on Saturday said Lebanon was ready to engage in "direct talks" with Israel and offered to host negotiations in Paris.

"The Lebanese government has signalled its willingness to engage in direct talks with Israel," he said on X, adding that "all sections of society must be represented in these talks."

"France is ready to facilitate these talks by hosting them in Paris," Macron said, adding he had spoken to the president and prime minister of Lebanon, a former French protectorate.

"Everything must be done to prevent Lebanon from descending into chaos," Macron added.

"Hezbollah must immediately halt its reckless course. Israel must abandon plans for a large-scale offensive and cease its massive air strikes."

Bahrain International Airport has confirmed that flight operations remain temporarily suspended due to the ongoing closure of Bahraini airspace. Authorities said operations will resume once the airspace reopens safely.

Passengers are advised to contact their airlines for the latest updates before travelling.

The Ministry of Interior has reminded the public not to circulate rumours, photos, or video clips of vital or security sites.

Authorities stressed that promoting national and legal awareness around the prohibition of spreading such content helps maintain security and public safety. They added that security awareness starts with each individual in society, and everyone has a role in protecting the community.

 India has repatriated more than 100 non-essential crew members of an Iranian naval vessel that docked at Kochi earlier this month, even as the warship continues to remain berthed at the southern port, here amid escalating hostilities between Iran and the United States.

Officials familiar with the development said the sailors were flown out late on Friday night on a Turkish airline flight after India facilitated their departure on humanitarian grounds.

The repatriated sailors were part of the crew of the Iranian naval ship IRIS Lavan, which had docked at Kochi port the same day the naval confrontation unfolded in the Indian Ocean Region.

Sources said the vessel originally had 183 personnel on board, but with the departure of the non-essential crew members, around 50 sailors have remained with the ship for operational and maintenance requirements.

The US Department of State is closely monitoring developments in the Middle East and has issued guidance for American citizens in Qatar. Officials emphasise that safety and security remain the top priority.

Departure options: Limited commercial flights and overland routes to Saudi Arabia are available. The Department is coordinating additional flights for those who complete the crisis intake form.

Shelter in place: Americans who choose to stay should secure themselves in safe locations, stock essential supplies, and stay away from windows. Citizens are urged to avoid protests and demonstrations and follow local authority instructions.

Embassy support: Routine consular services are suspended, but the U.S. Embassy in Doha continues to provide assistance through a 24/7 Task Force. Emergency contact: ACSDoha@state.gov or dial 999 locally.

Safety tips: Enroll in STEP for updates, keep family informed, monitor official guidance, and stay alert to surroundings.

Americans are encouraged to stay informed, follow official channels, and take precautions as the situation evolves.

The General Command of the Bahrain Defence Force announced that through the unwavering vigilance of its personnel, the BDF's air defence systems continue to successfully counter successive waves of hostile terrorist Iranian aggression. Since the onset of hostilities, air defences have intercepted and destroyed 121 ballistic missiles and 193 drones targeting the Kingdom of Bahrain.

The General Command expressed its pride in the exceptional combat readiness and vigilance demonstrated by BDF personnel, and commended their sustained operational effectiveness in defending the Kingdom. The performance of Bahrain's forces continues to inspire confidence that the Kingdom's skies remain secure.

Iran's cultural heritage and tourism ministry said Saturday at least 56 museums and historic sites across the country have been damaged, as the Middle East war entered its 15th day.

In Tehran, US-Israeli strikes damaged the UNESCO-listed Golestan Palace in the early days of the conflict, local media reported.

The palace complex is one of the oldest sites in the Iranian capital and once served as the residence of the Qajar dynasty.

The ministry said Tehran has recorded the highest number of damaged monuments, with 19 suffering varying levels of harm.

The vast Naghsh-e Jahan Square, a 17th-century architectural jewel in the heart of the central Iranian city of Isfahan, has also been damaged.

In the port of Siraf, in Bushehr province, several houses were hit in the historic quarter, home to many century-old buildings.

UNESCO, the UN's culture agency, said it was concerned about hundreds of historic sites in Iran, Israel and Lebanon that have been damaged or threatened by the war.

Authorities in the Emirate of Fujairah reported that a fire broke out after debris fell following the interception of an unmanned aerial vehicle by air defence systems, confirming that no injuries were recorded.

Dubai Police have cautioned that in the age of artificial intelligence, some images and videos circulating online may appear real but are AI-generated.

Authorities urged the public to always verify sources before sharing content, stressing that awareness is the first line of defense against misinformation.

An Israeli strike hit a healthcare center in Borj Qalaouiye, southern Lebanon, killing at least 12 medical staff, the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health said Saturday, according to CNN.

Doctors, nurses, and paramedics were among those killed. One healthcare worker was wounded, and rescue efforts are ongoing to locate any missing personnel.

The ministry noted that the strike followed an earlier attack on paramedics in Al Sawana, another town in southern Lebanon.

Authorities have condemned the attacks, highlighting the impact on critical medical services in the region.

The Republic of Korea has introduced a temporary fuel price cap this week to help ease cost burdens amid supply concerns linked to the ongoing Middle East crisis, officials said.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the government announced the measure during a task force meeting of ministers responsible for managing market prices, as domestic fuel costs continue to fluctuate.

Under the system, the government will set maximum prices for oil products supplied by South Korean refineries to gas stations and distributors, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources.

The airstrike destroyed a residential building early Saturday in the western city of Eyvan, the judiciary’s official news agency Mizan reported, citing local authorities. The dead included a 6-month-old, it said.

Two Indian flagged vessels carrying liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) have been granted transit through the Strait of Hormuz by Iranian authorities. One of them is the Shivalik which as per Vessel traffic monitoring site marinetraffic was last reported to be in the Gulf of Oman and expected to reach its destination by March 21.

On Friday, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways provided an update on the maritime situation in the Gulf region and the steps being taken to ensure the safety of Indian seafarers and vessels. As per the Ministry, 24 Indian-flagged vessels with 668 Indian seafarers are currently operating in the Arabian Gulf. 76 Indian seafarers remain on three vessels east of the Strait of Hormuz.

The National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA) has urged residents to keep a safe distance from any debris or fallen objects resulting from air interceptions and to let authorities assess the situation.

Officials cautioned that some objects may look harmless but can pose serious safety risks. Residents are advised to report locations immediately by calling 999.

NCEMA stressed that following these precautions is essential for public safety and reminded the public that their safety remains a top priority.

Global Village has announced that fireworks displays will not take place during the upcoming Eid Al Fitr holiday.

The organisers said the decision follows government directives issued as part of precautionary safety measures.

Global Village also confirmed that it will remain closed until further notice in line with official guidance.

Visitors are advised to check the official website and social media channels of Global Village for the latest updates, including announcements on reopening.

An airstrike hit a house in Iraq’s capital, Baghdad, early Saturday, killing at least one person, according to a security official and another affiliated with the Iranian-backed armed groups in the country.

The strike in Baghdad’s Karrada district also wounded two people, they said, speaking on condition of anonymity because they weren’t authorised to speak to the press.

In a statement, the Iraqi military condemned the strike as “a blatant violation of all humanitarian values and a disregard for international conventions.”

The strike happened before a missile attack hit the US Embassy compound in Baghdad.

An Israeli strike hit an apartment building in a northern Beirut suburb that had also been targeted a day earlier, Lebanese media reported on Saturday.

An AFP correspondent saw rescue workers at the scene and damage, including a hole, in a building in the Nabaa-Burj Hammoud area, outside Iran-backed Hezbollah's strongholds in the capital's southern suburbs.

The same building had been struck on Friday without causing casualties.

No oil infrastructure was damaged in US strikes on Kharg Island, Iranian media reported on Saturday.

Fars news agency, citing sources on the ground, reported there had been no damage to oil facilities after President Donald Trump said US bombardment of the island had destroyed military targets.

Trump had threatened in a social media post to target oil infrastructure on the island, a crucial hub for Iran, if Tehran continued to block the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

According to Fars, the US operation "tried to damage the army's defences, the Joshan naval base, the airport control tower and the helicopter hangar of the Iran Continental Shelf Oil Company."

Kharg Island, a scrubby stretch of land in the northern Gulf around 30 kilometres (19 miles) off the Iranian mainland, handles roughly 90 percent of Iran's crude exports.

Hamas on Saturday called on Iran to refrain from targeting neighbouring countries, while affirming Tehran's right to defend itself against Israel and the United States.

"While affirming the right of the Islamic Republic of Iran to respond to this aggression by all available means in accordance with international norms and laws, the movement calls on the brothers in Iran to avoid targeting neighbouring countries," Hamas said in a statement.

Kuwait’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry said emergency teams in Farwaniya and Al-Ahmadi governorates conducted field inspections of commercial shops on Friday, recording 36 violations, according to KUNA.

Violations included:

• Selling goods above approved prices

• Failing to comply with price-fixing decisions on food items

• Missing pricing or promotional information

• Not issuing invoices

• Failing to specify the country of origin

A separate notice was issued for mismatches between actual commercial activities and licensed activities. Legal action is being taken against violators. The ministry affirmed it will continue inspection campaigns to control prices and ensure compliance with market regulations.

The Ministry of Defense confirmed a series of drone interceptions across the country, reported the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

Over the past few hours, drones were intercepted and destroyed in the Eastern Region, Al Jouf Region, and the Empty Quarter. In total, five drones were neutralised in the Eastern Region alone.

The Ministry reiterated its commitment to maintaining national security and urged the public to follow official safety instructions.

The Kuwait National Guard (KNG) confirmed that its Army Duty Force shot down a hostile UAV on Saturday morning in areas under its jurisdiction, according to spokesman Brig. Jadaan Fadhel.

The move is part of ongoing efforts by the Kuwaiti Armed Forces to protect national security and safeguard vital sites against external threats. Brig. Jadaan emphasised that the KNG maintain the highest levels of preparedness to defend the country’s security and stability.

“The KNG are always ready to sacrifice themselves for the homeland and stand united to protect national security under our wise leadership,” he said.

Brig. Jadaan also urged the public to follow safety instructions issued by competent authorities and cooperate with military and police forces to maintain national stability.

The Ministry of Interior clarified that the precautionary evacuation affects only residents in specified areas who received alerts through the National Alert System, according to the Qatar News Agency.

Safe alternative accommodations have been arranged, while some residents have chosen to relocate independently. Those affected can call 40442999 for assistance or enquiries.

The Ministry urged the public to follow official updates and comply with instructions from the competent authorities.

Earlier, the ministry has announced temporary precautionary evacuation measures in specified areas to ensure public safety.

The measure is being carried out by the concerned authorities as a temporary precaution aimed at safeguarding citizens and residents until the threat subsides.

The Ministry of Defence confirmed the successful interception of a missile aimed at Qatar, according to the Qatar News Agency.

The Ministry of Interior has urged residents to stay clear of any unidentified objects or debris, avoid touching them, and report sightings immediately by calling 999 to ensure public safety.

The Israeli army told people in an industrial zone in the west of Iran's northern city of Tabriz to leave ahead of military operations on Saturday.

"Urgent warning to all people located in the industrial area west of Tabriz," the Israeli military posted on X, adding it would "continue to operate in the area in the coming hours".

Internet shutdowns in Iran since US-Israeli strikes late last month triggered a war in the Middle East meant that residents were unlikely to be able to access online evacuation warnings.

US President Donald Trump said Friday that Iran has been "totally defeated" in the US-Israeli military campaign against the country and wanted a deal he would not accept, despite Iranian officials pledging to continue the fight.

"The Fake News Media hates to report how well the United States Military has done against Iran, which is totally defeated and wants a deal - But not a deal that I would accept!" Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform, without elaborating.

A missile struck a helipad inside the US Embassy compound in Baghdad, two Iraqi security officials said.

There was no immediate comment from the US Embassy in Baghdad. On Friday, the embassy renewed its Level 4 security alert for Iraq, warning that Iran has previously carried out attacks against US citizens, interests and infrastructure, and "may continue to target them."

The sprawling embassy complex, one of the largest US diplomatic facilities in the world, has been repeatedly targeted by rockets and drones in the past.

An Israeli strike in southern Lebanon killed a dozen medical staff at a clinic, Lebanese health authorities said Saturday, after Iran-backed Hezbollah's leader said his group was ready for a long confrontation with Israel.

Lebanon was drawn into the Middle East war last week when the Tehran-backed militant group attacked Israel in response to the killing of Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in US-Israeli strikes.

Lebanese health authorities said an Israeli strike killed 12 doctors, paramedics and nurses working at a healthcare centre in the town of Burj Qalawiya, following another strike on the town of Sawaneh that left two paramedics affiliated with Hezbollah and its ally Amal dead.

Bahraini authorities have arrested six people, including international footballer Ahmed Mirza Musa, on charges of misleading public opinion and publishing content deemed to violate the law on social media, the Interior Ministry said.

In a statement, the ministry said the General Directorate of Anti-Corruption and Economic and Electronic Security, represented by the cybercrime unit, had identified and detained the individuals.

Authorities said the arrests followed the filming and publication of videos related to the “effects of the Iranian aggression”, as well as content expressing sympathy with and praise for what it called hostile acts.

Fairford is one of two bases that the UK has given the US permission to use for "specific defensive operations into Iran", British Defence Minister John Healey has said

Dubai Media Office confirmed that debris from a successful interception struck the façade of a building in central Dubai. Authorities said the situation has been fully contained, with no fire or injuries reported.

The Criminal Investigation and Investigation Directorate at Abu Dhabi Police has apprehended 45 individuals of various nationalities for filming locations during ongoing incidents and publishing the footage online, alongside circulating inaccurate and misleading information.

Police said such posts could provoke public concern and spread rumours within the community.

Explosions rocked Iraq's capital Baghdad on Saturday after two strikes targeted the powerful Iran-backed group Kataeb Hezbollah, killing two members including a "key figure", security sources said.

The strikes are the first in the heart of Baghdad to kill Iran-backed fighters since the start of the Middle East war on February 28, which has not spared Iraq, long a proxy battleground between the US and Iran.

"At 02:15 am (2315 GMT Friday), a missile struck a house that was being used by Kataeb Hezbollah," said a security source, adding that "a key figure was martyred," and two members of the group were wounded.

AFP journalists heard blasts in the capital followed by ambulance sirens, with witnesses saying they saw smoke rising from the Arasat neighbourhood, where several Iran-backed groups are known to be present.

Two hours later, an airstrike hit a vehicle in eastern Baghdad that killed "a member of the Hashed al-Shaabi," another security source said.

A Hashed al-Shaabi official told AFP the member killed belongs to Kataeb Hezbollah.

An explosion was heard in Iraq's capital Baghdad on Saturday, an AFP journalist reported, hours after a missile struck a powerful Iran-backed group in the city.

Residents in the Zayouna district in eastern Baghdad told AFP that the force of the blast shook their houses.

Explosions were heard earlier in Baghdad, which appeared to be a missile strike on a house used by the powerful Iran-backed group Kataeb Hezbollah, killing "a key figure" and wounding two others, according to a security source.

The Ministry of Defence of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia announced that it has intercepted and destroyed six drones.

The Qatari Ministry of Defence announced today that the Qatar Armed Forces have intercepted a missile attack targeting the State of Qatar, according to the Qatari News Agency.

The General Command of the Bahrain Defence Force announced that air defence systems continue to successfully counter successive waves of hostile Iranian aggression.

Bahrain News Agency (BNA) reported that since the onset of hostilities, air defences have intercepted and destroyed 121 ballistic missiles and 193 drones targeting the Kingdom of Bahrain.

Iran's military has threatened US-linked oil targets after US President Donald Trump said Kharg oil facilities in the Arabian Gulf was bombed.

Kharg Island is Iran's primary and most crucial crude oil export terminal in the Gulf, handling 90–95% of its crude exports.

Located near the northern end of the Gulf, this critical facility receives oil from major fields via subsea pipelines, storing and loading it onto tankers for international, mostly Asian, markets.

Abu Dhabi: The UAE’s National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) has urged the public to keep a safe distance from any debris and report sightings immediately to authorities.

In a public safety advisory issued on social media, the authority warned residents not to approach, touch or photograph any objects that may have fallen following aerial interception operations, stressing that specialised teams are responsible for handling such incidents.

Roughly 2,500 Marines and at least one amphibious assault ship are headed for the Middle East, a US official told The Associated Press.

The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive military plans, said elements from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit and the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli have been ordered to the Middle East. The move marks a major addition of troops to the region.

President Donald Trump said in an interview aired Friday that American forces would strike Iranian targets "very hard" in the coming days, signalling an intensification of the US-Israeli campaign as the war in the Middle East approaches its third week.

"We're going to be hitting them very hard over the next week," Trump told Fox News Radio, adding that he believed Iran's leadership could eventually be toppled by its own people.

"I really think that's a big hurdle to climb for people that don't have weapons," Trump said. "I think it's a very big hurdle... It'll happen, but it probably will be, maybe not immediately."

Day 14: Trump vows intense strikes against Iran in coming days

Day 13: US refueling aircraft crashes in Iraq

Day 12: Donald Trump says Iran near point of defeat

Day 11: US says today will be the 'most intense' of attacks

Day 10: UAE intercepts 15 missiles and 119 drones

Day 9: Gulf nations face fresh attacks

Day 8: US forces hit Iran hard, Trump touts battlefield gains

Day 7: Thousands being evacuated from Middle East: Trump

Day 6: Spring break for schools, universities moved up; some exams cancelled

Day 5: UAE waives overstay fines caused by airspace closure

Day 4: Dubai contains fire near US Consulate

Day 3: Trump lists 'clear' Iran war objectives

Day 2: UAE airlines extend flight cancellations

Day 1: UAE intercepts missiles; regional airspaces closed