Iranian intelligence minister killed in precision airstrike, while US military targets missile sites
Iran’s Minister of Intelligence Esmaeil Khatib was killed overnight in a precision strike, a senior Israeli official told Fox News. U.S. Central Command said Tuesday night that U.S. forces struck Iranian missile sites along the country’s coastline near the Strait of Hormuz using powerful deep-penetrating munitions.
Coverage for this event has ended.
Trump warns US would ‘blow up’ Iran gas field if Qatar facility hit again
President Donald Trump said Wednesday the U.S. “knew nothing” about Israel’s strike on a major Iranian gas field, but warned the U.S. would “blow up the entirety” of the site if Iran struck Qatar’s LNG gas facility again.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said Israel had “violently lashed out” against the South Pars gas field in Iran.
“The United States knew nothing about this particular attack, and the country of Qatar was in no way, shape, or form, involved with it, nor did it have any idea that it was going to happen,” Trump said. “Unfortunately, Iran did not know this, or any of the pertinent facts pertaining to the South Pars attack, and unjustifiably and unfairly attacked a portion of Qatar’s LNG Gas facility.”
Trump said that Israel would not launch any more attacks at the gas field unless Iran struck Qatar again.
“In which instance the United States of America, with or without the help or consent of Israel, will massively blow up the entirety of the South Pars Gas Field at an amount of strength and power that Iran has never seen or witnessed before,” Trump said.
“I do not want to authorize this level of violence and destruction because of the long term implications that it will have on the future of Iran, but if Qatar’s LNG is again attacked, I will not hesitate to do so,” he added.
IDF says it killed more than 20 terrorists in Lebanon in past 24 hours
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said Thursday it killed more than 20 terrorists in Lebanon in the past 24 hours.
Additionally, dozens of Hezbollah military structures were struck, the IDF said.
In one incident Wednesday, the IDF said it eliminated five terrorists after Hezbollah attempted to fire an anti-tank missile toward Israeli troops.
In a separate incident, the Israeli Air Force killed two terrorists in a missile strike.
The IDF said it also confiscated numerous weapons, including RPGs, anti-tank rockets, ammunition, a hunting rifle and other military equipment.
“The IDF will continue to operate with determination against the Hezbollah terrorist organization, which chose to join the war and operate under the sponsorship of the Iranian terror regime,” the military said in a statement.
Iran's supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei 'misfunctioning,' not controlling regime: sources
Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is little more than an "empty entity" who is not at the helm of the regime, according to Israeli national security sources.
The son of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in a targeted Israeli strike on Feb. 28, is also linked to what officials describe as a "misfunctioning" regime.
"The new leader is an empty entity," Kobi Michael, a defense analyst at the Institute for National Security Studies and the Misgav Institute, told Fox News Digital.
"Mojtaba Khamenei does not appear in public, but we also have reliable information that he does not control or lead the regime or what has been left of the regime.
"The current Iranian leadership is broken, confused and is almost misfunctioning."
Mojtaba reportedly escaped death by minutes when his father was killed Feb. 28, leaving the compound for a walk shortly before an Israeli missile strike, according to leaked audio accessed by The Telegraph.
This is an excerpt from a story by Fox News Digital's Emma Bussey.
Vessel struck by ‘unknown projectile’ off Qatar coast, crew safe
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) center said a vessel was struck Thursday by an “unknown projectile” off the coast of Qatar.
The incident occurred four nautical miles east of Ras Laffan, the UKMTO said.
No injuries were reported, and the crew was safe, the center added. The incident remains under investigation.
On Wednesday, the UKMTO said an unknown projectile hit a ship east of Khawr Fakkan, off the coast of the United Arab Emirates.
IDF intercepts Iranian missiles as new barrage targets Israel
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said Thursday that its defense systems were intercepting missiles launched from Iran.
Multiple missile launches were detected Thursday, the IDF said.
The military did not immediately report any damage or injuries.
On Wednesday, at least three people were killed and several others were wounded in the occupied West Bank after Iran fired missiles toward Israel — the first reported fatalities in the territory since the conflict began, according to the Palestinian Red Crescent.
Missile strikes hit Qatar LNG facilities, spark fires and damage
QatarEnergy, the state-owned petroleum company responsible for all oil and gas activities in Qatar, said several of its Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) facilities were attacked on Thursday, causing significant fires and damage.
Missile strikes also hit Qatar’s Ras Laffan Industrial City on Wednesday, damaging the Pearl GTL facility, QatarEnergy said.
The company added that no casualties were reported.
Qatar Civil Defense previously said it was responding to a fire in the Ras Laffan industrial area after Iranian missiles struck the hub.
President Donald Trump said in a Truth Social post Wednesday evening the U.S. would “blow up the entirety” of the Iranian South Pars gas field if Iran struck Qatar’s LNG facility again.
Saudi Arabia intercepts drones, says trust in Iran ‘completely shattered’
Saudi Arabia said early Thursday it had intercepted four drones in the country’s eastern region.
The announcement followed earlier reports from the Ministry of Defense that it had intercepted and destroyed multiple waves of drone attacks and ballistic missiles.
Prince Faisal bin Farhan condemned Iran’s ongoing attacks a meeting with foreign ministers of the Gulf Arab states.
“What little trust there was before has completely been shattered,” he said, according to The Associated Press.
“The attacks on my country and on my neighboring countries that are not involved in this conflict — that’s all I’m interested in,” Prince Faisal said. “We’re going to use every lever we have — political, economic, diplomatic and otherwise — to get these attacks to stop.”
He also denounced Iran’s attacks on the Saudi Arabian capital, Riyadh.
“I cannot see it as coincidental,” he said. “That’s the clearest signal of how Iran feels about diplomacy. … It tries to pressure its neighbors, and that’s not going to work.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
UAE denounces Iranian missile strikes on energy sites as ‘dangerous escalation'
The United Arab Emirates denounced recent Iranian missile attacks targeting the Habshan gas facility and the Bab field as a “dangerous escalation” and a violation of international law.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said its air defenses successfully intercepted the attack and that no injuries were reported.
Attacks on the country’s infrastructure and oil facilities constitute a direct threat to its security and the stability of the region, the agency said.
The UAE added that it would take all necessary measures to protect its national security.
Vessel struck by ‘unknown projectile’ off UAE coast, fire reported
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) center said that a vessel had been struck Wednesday by an “unknown projectile” off the coast of the United Arab Emirates.
The UKMTO said the incident occurred 11 nautical miles east of Khawr Fakkan in the Gulf of Oman, causing a fire on board.
Vessels were advised to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity, the UKMTO said, adding that the incident remains under investigation.
No injuries were immediately reported.
Fire erupts at Qatar gas facility after Iranian missile strike
Qatar Civil Defense said it was responding to a fire in the Ras Laffan industrial area after Iranian missiles struck the area earlier Wednesday.
No injuries were reported, the agency said.
QatarEnergy, the state-owned petroleum company responsible for all oil and gas activities in Qatar, confirmed that a missile attack had taken place Wednesday.
“Emergency response teams were deployed immediately to contain the resulting fires, as extensive damage has been caused,” the company said in a statement. “All personnel have been accounted for and no casualties have been reported at this time.”
Macron urges halt to strikes on energy sites after missile attacks in Iran, Qatar
French President Emmanuel Macron said he spoke with President Donald Trump and the Emir of Qatar Wednesday following missile strikes that hit gas production sites in Iran and Qatar.
Macron called for an immediate moratorium on strikes targeting civilian infrastructure, specifically energy and water facilities.
“Civilian populations and their essential needs, as well as the security of energy supplies, must be protected from military escalation,” Macron wrote in a post on X.
US releases strike footage as carrier launched jets hit Iranian regime targets
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) released a video showing military aircraft launching from an aircraft carrier and carrying out strikes on Iranian regime assets, highlighting what it described as America’s ability to project power rapidly and with precision.
The footage shows multiple aircraft taking off from a carrier deck before cutting to strikes on Iranian regime targets, illustrating the sequence from launch to impact.
“Operation Epic Fury stands as a reminder of what the United States military uniquely delivers: the ability to project power on a global scale with speed, surprise, precision, and overwhelming force when and where our nation requires it,” CENTCOM wrote on X.
First West Bank deaths reported as missiles fall during Iran attack on Israel
At least three people were killed and several others wounded in the occupied West Bank on Wednesday night as Iran fired missiles toward Israel, marking the first reported fatalities in the territory since the start of the conflict, according to the Palestinian Red Crescent.
The Associated Press reported that the strike killed three people and injured six others in Beit Awa, with two of the wounded transported to a hospital.
The wire service previously reported that the Palestinian Red Crescent said four people had died, though the that has since been adjusted to three deaths.
First responders treated victims for shrapnel wounds as medics continued to assess the scene for additional casualties, the Palestinian Red Crescent said.
Missile debris has damaged homes and businesses across the West Bank during the first weeks of the conflict, where Palestinians lack shelter and siren systems to warn of incoming missiles or falling debris.
It was not immediately clear whether the deaths and injuries were caused by a direct strike or debris from an interception.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Gabbard sidesteps Iran ‘imminent threat’ claim under Senate grilling
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard declined to say whether intelligence showed that Iran posed an imminent threat to the U.S. prior to the launch of recent offensive operations, as President Donald Trump repeatedly has asserted.
"Was it the assessment of the intelligence community that there was an ‘imminent nuclear threat’ posed by the Iranian regime? Yes or no?" Sen. Jon Ossoff, D-Ga., asked Gabbard during the Senate Intelligence Committee’s annual worldwide threats hearing Wednesday.
"The only person who can determine what is and is not an imminent threat is the president," Gabbard said.
The White House has repeatedly argued Iran’s nuclear stockpiles and ballistic missile capacity pose an imminent threat to the U.S.
Find out what else Gabbard said about the operation in Iran.
This is an excerpt from a story by Fox News Digital’s Morgan Phillips.
Qatar expels Iranian diplomats with 24 hour deadline as tensions mount
Qatar has expelled Iranian embassy personnel, declaring them persona non grata and ordering them to leave the country within 24 hours, according to a report.
In a statement obtained by Al Jazeera, Qatar’s Foreign Ministry declared Iranian military, security attaches and staff as persona non grata, meaning they must leave.
The ministry reportedly demanded they leave Qatar within 24 hours, noting that the decision is the result of Iran’s repeated attacks.
Earlier in the day, Iranian missiles struck Qatar’s Ras Laffan Industrial City, causing extensive damage and fires at the major energy hub. There were no casualties reported in the attack.
Fox News’ Lucas Tomlinson contributed to this report.
Strikes may set Iran back — but likely won't end nuclear program, UN watchdog chief says
The United Nations' nuclear watchdog chief says Iran’s enriched uranium stockpiles remain largely in place and its nuclear infrastructure — much of it buried deep underground — cannot be fully eliminated by airstrikes, underscoring the limits of military action.
The head of the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog suggested to reporters Wednesday Iran’s nuclear program is unlikely to be eliminated through military force, warning that ongoing U.S. and Israeli strikes cannot fully dismantle Tehran’s capabilities.
Asked directly whether the program could be resolved militarily, International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Rafael Grossi said he did not believe it could.
"This program is a very vast program," Grossi said, describing a network of facilities, expertise and infrastructure built throughout decades. "At the end of this … the material will still be there, the enrichment capacities will be there."
Find out what Grossi said about Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile.
This is an excerpt from a story by Fox News Digital’s Morgan Phillips.
Israeli military expands campaign with first ever strikes in northern Iran
The Israeli military said it has begun striking targets in northern Iran for the first time during Operation Roaring Lion, marking an expansion of its campaign against Tehran’s military infrastructure.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said the strikes were carried out by the Israeli Air Force based on intelligence from the navy and other military units.
The operation represents a shift in the scope of the campaign, as Israeli forces expand strikes beyond previously targeted areas.
Ukraine inserts drone specialists into Middle East as Iran attacks drive demand
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Kyiv has deployed military experts to the Middle East to help U.S. allies defend against Iranian drones, offering Ukraine’s war-tested capabilities as part of expanding defense cooperation.
While addressing U.K.’s Parliament, Zelenskyy said the deployments include more than 200 Ukrainian personnel already in the region, with additional teams preparing to deploy.
“Right now, there are 201 Ukrainians in the Middle East and the Gulf region, and another 34 are ready to deploy,” he said. “These are military experts who know how to defend against ‘shahed’ drones. Our teams are already in the Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and on the way to Kuwait. We are working with several other countries — agreements are already in place. We do not want this terror of the Iranian regime against its neighbors to succeed.”
“I sent these military experts at the request of our partners, including the United States,” Zelenskyy continued. “This is part of the Drone Deal we proposed to the United States, which we worked on together and which is still on the table. We are ready to offer similar deals to all our reliable partners — from practical cooperation on drones to future defense alliances.”
In his remarks, Zelenskyy said Gulf nations are well defended against ballistic missile threats with systems like Patriot and THAAD, but warned that adversaries such as Iran continue to seek cheaper ways, including drones, to bypass those defenses.
Israel releases footage as troops push deeper into Lebanon targeting Hezbollah
The Israeli military released new footage of ground operations in southern Lebanon, including a radio message from a division commander, as troops advance targeted attacks against Hezbollah positions.
The Israel Defense Forces said troops from the 36th Division have expanded what it described as limited, targeted ground activity toward additional objectives in southern Lebanon in recent days.
The military said forces have killed dozens of Hezbollah fighters and dismantled militant infrastructure as part of the operation, which is aimed at disrupting threats near the border.
In the video, a senior commander is heard telling troops they are operating on the front line to ensure threats are intercepted before reaching northern Israeli communities, as the IDF seeks to strengthen its forward defense posture.
Trey Yingst visits site of Iranian cluster missile attack that killed 2 Israelis
Fox News chief foreign correspondent Trey Yingst visited the site of an Iranian strike near Tel Aviv that killed at least two civilians and damaged homes. There, he spoke to a neighbor who shared his account of the attack.
Israeli resident Chen Amir told Yingst he heard a loud "boom" that caused a light fixture and glasses in his house to shake. He said he eventually opened his door and saw smoke from the explosion.
Yingst reported from the impact site after the overnight Iranian strike, showing a destroyed apartment in the aftermath of what he described as a cluster munition attack.
Yingst also met an Israeli military official at the scene who said the "cluster bombs" disperse smaller explosives across a wide area, making it difficult for Israel's advanced air defense systems to intercept them.
Find out what else Trey Yingst discovered at the missile attack site.
This is an excerpt from a story by Fox News Digital’s Max Bacall.