Middle East

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Iran’s New Supreme Leader Pledges to Block Strait of Hormuz in First Statement

Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei vows to continue blocking the Strait of Hormuz, targeting US bases and warning neighbors to close American military installations amid ongoing regional tensions.

4 min read

EPA An image of Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei shown on Iranian State Television,

Israeli Military Drops Charges Against Soldiers in Gaza Detainee Abuse Case

Israel’s military dropped charges against five soldiers accused of abusing a Palestinian detainee from Gaza amid concerns over evidence and fair trial prospects. Human rights groups criticize the decision, citing lack of accountability for detainee abuse.

3 min read

The Sde Teiman military detention centre, surrounded by a barbed-wire fence

UK Troops in Iraq Shoot Down Iranian Drones, Healey Confirms

British forces in Iraq shot down two Iranian drones overnight, but some drones hit the coalition base in Erbil, injuring US troops. British personnel are aiding defense efforts with no UK casualties reported.

1 min read

PA Media Four military personnel standing around Defence Secretary John Healey as they point to a map

Israel Strikes Beirut Suburbs After Hezbollah Fires 200 Rockets into Israel

Israel launched air strikes across Lebanon, including Beirut, after Hezbollah fired 200 rockets into northern Israel, escalating the conflict and causing numerous casualties and displacements.

5 min read

Reuters Lebanese officials and civilians inspect a car damaged in an Israeli strike on Ramlet al-Baida beach in Beirut, Lebanon (12 March 2026)

British Man Charged in Dubai Over Alleged Filming of Iranian Missiles

A British man has been charged in Dubai under cyber-crime laws after allegedly filming Iranian missiles. Detained in Dubai reports vague charges amid rising regional conflict impacting iconic UAE sites.

2 min read

Iran Escalates Energy Market Disruption as Oil Surpasses $100 a Barrel

Iran denies allowing India-flagged tankers through Strait of Hormuz amid escalating Middle East conflict. Israeli strikes kill seven in Beirut. Oil prices surpass $100 a barrel as regional attacks disrupt energy markets and global supply chains.

9 min read

Tankers Zefyros and Safesea Vishnu ablaze after attack in Iraqi waters

Cyber Warfare's Crucial Role in the Conflict with Iran

Cyber warfare plays a significant but often unacknowledged role in the conflict with Iran, involving espionage, hacking, and disruption of communications. US and Israeli forces have conducted covert cyber operations to support military strikes, while Iran's cyber response remains limited.

7 min read

Josef Cole, ALSSA Two us cyber command officers in front of giant screens with data and information on them

Three Cargo Ships Attacked in Strait of Hormuz Amid Global Oil Reserve Release

Three cargo ships were attacked in the Strait of Hormuz amid escalating regional tensions and a global release of emergency oil reserves by 32 countries, as Iran and Israel engage in retaliatory strikes.

4 min read

Royal Thai Navy Smoke seen above a cargo ship with 'Bangkok' written on it

Iran Fires Missiles at Israel; US Destroys Iranian Mine-Laying Vessels Near Hormuz Strait

Iran launched missiles at Israel; US destroyed 16 Iranian mine-laying vessels near Hormuz. Iran’s police chief warns protesters will be treated as enemies amid escalating US-Israeli conflict.

7 min read

A fireball rises from the site of an Israeli airstrike that targeted an area in Beirut's southern suburbs. Follow live for latest updates in the US-Israel war on Iran.

Iranian Regime Grows More Defiant Amid US-Israel Pressure, Rejects Ceasefire

Iran rejects ceasefire offers from Trump’s envoy, demanding guarantees against future attacks. Despite US-Israel pressure, Tehran remains defiant, controlling the Strait of Hormuz and preparing for diplomatic challenges at the UN.

4 min read

Air Strikes Trigger Black Rain and Severe Pollution in Tehran, Experts Warn

Air strikes on Tehran's oil facilities have caused severe pollution and black rain, raising health concerns from WHO and experts over unprecedented chemical exposure.

5 min read

BBC An emergency worker in Tehran shields her face as black smoke rises behind her. She is wearing a red and white jacket and a face mask and standing in a sandy location. The image is imposed over the BBC Verify colours and branding.

Israeli Strike Hits Iranian Operatives in Beirut's Ramada Plaza Hotel

An Israeli strike on Beirut's Ramada Plaza hotel targeted Iranian Quds Force operatives, marking the first attack in the city centre amid escalating conflict with Hezbollah. The strike caused casualties and heightened fears among displaced residents.

8 min read

EPA Exterior damage to a room at the Ramada Plaza hotel following an Israeli strike that the Israeli military says killed four Iranian Revolutionary Guards, in Raouche, Beirut, Lebanon (8 March 2026)