US and Israeli airstrikes on Tehran have so far failed to destroy Iran’s military command and control network, according to UK sources.
Foreign Office insiders believe that the regime’s command and control structure has been weakened but remains intact despite the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
It comes after the Israel Defence Forces said 50 of its warplanes had struck a bunker beneath the Tehran compound of the slain Khamenei, still being used by Iran's leadership.
Meanwhile Iran has fired missile and drone attacks into Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, all countries that host US forces.
With the conflict now in its seventh day, US President Donald Trump warned Iran there would be no deal without “unconditional surrender”.
In a separate development, Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy has said Royal Air Force jets could legally strike Iranian missile sites being used to attack British interests in the Middle East.
F-35 and Typhoon jets are currently only shooting down missiles and drones fired by Iran at allies in the region.
Defence Secretary John Healey has not ruled out UK aircraft taking part in strikes on Iran, saying that “as circumstances in any conflict change, you've got to be willing to adapt the action you take”.
Follow the latest updates below...
UK stands ready to support the defence of Saudi Arabia if needed, Downing Street says
Friday 6 March 2026 20:54 , Megan HoweThe UK stands ready to support the defence of Saudi Arabia should it be needed, Sir Keir Starmer has told the country's de facto leader Mohammed bin Salman.
In a readout of a call between the two men, a Downing Street spokeswoman said: "The Prime Minister spoke to his royal highness Mohammed bin Salman, crown prince of Saudi Arabia this evening, following the Iranian regime's strikes on the kingdom and its partners.
"Additional British fighter jets, helicopters and a destroyer were being sent to the region, and the UK stood ready to support the defence of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia should it be needed, the Prime Minister said."
The leaders also discussed stepping up intelligence cooperation to support defensive operations and protect civilians.
"Turning to energy resilience, the crown prince outlined the steps the kingdom had taken to boost global oil supply and support market stability.
"The leaders agreed to stay in close touch over the coming days and weeks."
Qatar intercepts nine Iranian drones
Friday 6 March 2026 20:47 , Alastair LockhartQatar has intercepted nine drones sent from Iran in a “wave of attacks”, according to the country’s defence ministry.
In a post on X, officials said the attacks took place from the beginning of Friday until the evening.
The statement added that a tenth drone hit an uninhabited area without causing any casualties.
— وزارة الدفاع - دولة قطر (@MOD_Qatar) March 6, 2026
Iranian president speaks with Putin
Friday 6 March 2026 20:33 , Alastair LockhartIran’s president has spoken to Russian president Vladimir Putin amid the US-Israel offensive, it has been reported.
Masoud Pezeshkian held a phone call with Putin to discuss the latest developments in the Middle East, according to Iran’s state-run Islamic Republic News Agency.
It comes after a report by the Washington Post which claimed Russia had shared intelligence on the location of US planes and aircraft with Iran.
Israeli military says it unintentionally struck UN agency truck in Gaza
Friday 6 March 2026 20:18 , Alastair LockhartIsrael's military said on Friday that a "firing component" launched by its navy unintentionally struck a fuel truck belonging to a United Nations agency in Gaza the previous day, an incident that prompted the agency to publicly call for a full investigation.
The United Nations Office for Project Services, which oversees fuel distribution in Gaza, said that the empty fuel truck was struck on Thursday around 5am from the direction of the sea, causing damage to the vehicle. There were no injuries.
"Our teams are taking extraordinary risks every day to keep humanitarian operations and life-sustaining services running," UNOPS Executive Director Jorge Moreira da Silva said in a statement, calling for an investigation into the incident. "They should not have to do that under fire," he said.
The Israeli military told the Reuters news agency that the incident occurred during defensive naval activity, and that a firing component deviated from its intended trajectory. The fuel truck sustained "minor damage", the military said in a statement.
Huge US bomber lands in UK ahead of 'surge' in Iran strikes
Friday 6 March 2026 20:08 , Alastair Lockhart
A huge American bomber capable of carrying 24 cruise missiles has landed in the UK after the US defence secretary warned of a "surge" in strikes on Iran.
The 146ft B-1 Lancer has a wingspan of 137ft, weighs 86 tonnes and is the fastest bomber in the US Air Force, according to Boeing, hitting speeds of more than 900mph.
Piloted by a crew of four, "the Bone" - as the aircraft is nicknamed - has advanced radar and GPS systems to help hit targets, and electronic jammers, radar warnings and a decoy system to protect it from enemies.
The B-1, which has been used in Syria, Libya, Afghanistan and Iraq, can carry up to 34 tonnes of weapons and equipment.
Western officials confirmed on Wednesday that US aircraft were expected at the base in the coming days and Britain was ready to accept them. US defence secretary Pete Hegseth said on Thursday that strikes on Iran are "about to surge dramatically".
He said: "It's more fighter squadrons, it's more capabilities, it's more defensive capabilities. And it's more bomber pulses more frequently."
Protests are expected at RAF Fairford on Saturday afternoon to oppose any use of the base by US bombers.
UN chief warns conflict could 'spiral out of anyone's control'
Friday 6 March 2026 19:24 , Megan HoweUnited Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has warned the conflict in the Middle East could “spiral beyond anyone’s control”.
On a post on X, Guterres said "the stakes could not be higher" as he called for an end to the spiralling conflict.
"All the unlawful attacks in the Middle East and beyond are causing tremendous suffering and harm to civilians throughout the region – and pose a grave a risk to the global economy, particularly to the most vulnerable people," he wrote.
"The situation could spiral beyond anyone’s control. It is time to stop the fighting and get to serious diplomatic negotiations. The stakes could not be higher."
US 'well on its way' to controlling Iranian airspace, White House says
Friday 6 March 2026 18:54 , Megan HoweThe United States is well on its way toward controlling Iranian airspace, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Friday.
Leavitt told a press conference Washington expects US objectives to be completed in four to six weeks.
Speaking to reporters at the White House, Leavitt also said Washington was looking at potential candidates to lead Iran, a day after President Donald Trump told Reuters in an interview that the United States must be involved in choosing the next leader of Iran.
"I know there's a number of people that our intelligence agencies and the United States government are looking at, but I won't get any further on that," Leavitt said.
In the interview on Thursday, Trump said that he thinks the next leader of Iran is unlikely to be the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's son, who has emerged as a frontrunner to succeed his father, who was killed in a military strike at the start of the war.
Earlier on Friday, Trump said there would be no deal struck with Iran except "unconditional surrender."
"What the President means is that when he, as Commander in Chief of the US Armed Forces, determines that Iran no longer poses a threat to the United States of America, and the goals of Operation Epic Fury has been fully realized, then Iran will essentially be in a place of unconditional surrender, whether they say it themselves or not," Leavitt said.
Trump and Netanyahu airstrikes 'fail to destroy' Iran's military command
Friday 6 March 2026 18:14 , Megan HoweUS and Israeli airstrikes on Tehran have so far failed to destroy Iran’s military command and control network, according to UK sources.
Foreign Office insiders believe that the regime’s command and control structure has been weakened but remains intact despite the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Iranian missile and drone attacks on Gulf states have slowed to a lower tempo than in the first few days of the war, they say.
The Tehran regime is believed to be seeking to conserve some missile and drone stockpiles.
But the drop in airstrikes is thought to be significantly down to American and Israeli attacks wiping out Iranian missile and other military sites.
Met Police to step up patrols this weekend amid Middle East conflict
Friday 6 March 2026 17:21 , Megan HoweThe Met has stepped up patrols in affected communities as conflict escalates in the Middle East.
Protests took place in central London last weekend, either in opposition to the government in Iran, in support of the government, in opposition to military action or a combination thereof.
Protest centred around the Iranian Embassy, Parliament Square and Whitehall but police also saw gatherings in communities particularly in north west London.
Almost all protest activity was peaceful and events passed off with only a minimal number of arrests.
There was no disorder between opposing groups and protest organisers largely engaged positively with officers.
Iranian attacks on civilians won't go unanswered, United States Central Command says
Friday 6 March 2026 17:07 , Megan HoweThe United States will respond to Iranian attacks on civilians throughout the Middle East, the leader of the US Central Command, Brad Cooper, said on Friday.
Cooper said that Iran has attacked 12 different countries since the US and Israel launched strikes on the Islamic Republic last week, including firing seven attack drones at civilian, residential neighbourhoods in Bahrain on Thursday night.
"This is unacceptable and will not go unanswered," Cooper said in a statement.
Kemi Badenoch faces demands to apologise over UK military personnel remarks
Friday 6 March 2026 16:50 , Megan HoweThe Tory leader is facing backlash after she suggested UK military personnel are "just hanging around" and not taking the necessary action in the Middle East.
She said there was a need to reduce the capability of Iran to attack British bases, adding that the UK is currently just "catching arrows".
Defence Secretary John Healey said her comments "insults the men and women of our Armed Forces" and that she should apologise.
Ms Badenoch said there needed to be an effort to stop missiles, adding that that is what air defence destroyer HMS Dragon - not expected to sail to the eastern Mediterranean until next week - would be for.
"They're not doing enough... What they're doing is catching arrows, she told BBC Breakfast.
"It's not working. We need to actually make sure our bases aren't being hit."
Pressed on whether she supported firing on Iranian missile bases, she said she did, adding: "What else are our jets doing, just hanging around there?
"They need to be able to see who is attacking us and stop them from firing at British soldiers or even British people in hotels."
Ms Badenoch described the response as "so slow".
50,000 Syrians flee Israeli strikes in Lebanon
Friday 6 March 2026 16:14 , Megan HoweAccording to the UN’s International Organisation for Migration, approximately 50,000 Syrians have fled Israeli strikes in Lebanon.
This number does not include those who may have fled yesterday, when Israel ordered the entire population of Beirut’s southern suburbs to displace.
Prior to the fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad last year, Lebanon hosted more than 1 million Syrian refugees who fled the country’s civil war.
Denmark election delay to overseas votes because of Middle East conflict
Friday 6 March 2026 15:48 , Megan HoweDenmark's government said on Friday that the ongoing turmoil in the Middle East may prevent some overseas votes in the country's March 24 general election from arriving in time to be counted.
Global air travel remains severely disrupted after the war in Iran forced the closure of key Middle Eastern hubs including Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi, leaving passengers and cargo stranded.
"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs can't under these circumstances guarantee that postal votes cast in countries affected by the current situation will arrive in time for the general election," the ministry said in a statement.
The risk applies to votes cast in countries in the Middle East and potentially also in countries in Asia where mail passes through the Middle East on its way to Europe, it said.
Summary of today's developments in the Middle East
Friday 6 March 2026 15:40 , Tamara DavisonSeven days after Israel and the U.S. struck Iran, triggering what has now evolved into a regional conflict, there appear to be few signs of the conflict easing anytime soon.
Here are some of the key developments that have happened today:
- Donald Trump demanded ‘unconditional surrender’ and says there will be ‘no deal with Iran’.
- Military investigators suggest the strike on an Iranian school that killed more than 150 children was likely launched by the United States.
- At least 217 people have been killed in Lebanon, and hundreds of thousands have been displaced as Israel orders more deadly strikes on the country.
- David Lammy refused to rule out British forces being drawn into the war with Iran.
- A second repatriation flight has departed Oman, ferrying stranded Brits back to the UK.
I’m now handing over the liveblog to my colleagues in London.
Diesel prices in UK rise to 16-month high
Friday 6 March 2026 15:37 , Megan HoweDiesel prices have surged to a 16-month high since the start of the conflict in the Middle East, new figures suggest.
The RAC said the average price of a litre of the fuel at UK forecourts has gone up by nearly 6p since Saturday to 148p.
It has not been this expensive since mid-August 2024.
Average petrol prices have risen by almost 4p per litre since Saturday to 137p.
The increases mean filling a typical 55-litre family car with petrol has become £2 more expensive, with a rise of about £3.30 for diesel cars.
Disruption to tanker traffic in the Middle East has sparked a rise in oil prices, which have a significant effect on wholesale fuel prices.
Vessel hit in Strait of Hormuz, says Iranian media
Friday 6 March 2026 15:30 , Tamara DavisonIranian state media claims that a "violating vessel" has been hit by a drone in the Strait of Hormuz.
It is unclear at this point which flag the vessel was flying under or what type of vessel it was.
Maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has slowed to a standstill as fighting continues.
217 people killed in Lebanon by Israeli strikes
Friday 6 March 2026 15:20 , Tamara DavisonLebanon’s Health Ministry says that 217 people have been killed in Israeli attacks across the country.
A total of 798 people have also been injured, and buildings have been flattened in busy Beirut suburbs.
Israel has waged a brutal onslaught across neighbouring Lebanon over the past few days, in an escalating conflict that has displaced hundreds of thousands of civilians.
Private jet hire surges in Gulf as people plan expensive exits
Friday 6 March 2026 15:10 , Tamara Davison
There has been a surge of private jet bookings in the Gulf as commercial airlines grapple with security risks.
Altay Kula, CEO and founder of France-based private jet broker Jet-VIP, told Reuters: "Since the escalation of tensions in the region, we have seen a significant increase in bookings ... every 10 minutes we have requests, every 20 minutes. I mean, the request is very important at the moment."
The prices for charter flights has also reportedly shot up as a result of demand, with the upper range of heavier aircraft costing in the realm of $200,000.
Iran launches attacks on Kurdish regions
Friday 6 March 2026 14:55 , Tamara DavisonIran has launched attacks against Kurdish opposition groups in Iraqi Kurdistan, local reports claim.
Reports suggest Iran has fired multiple missiles into northern Iraq, with eyewitnesses reporting the sounds of explosions around cities such as Erbil.
Earlier reports suggested that the US was coordinating with Kurdish opposition factions in Iraq, amid reports that they may put boots on the ground in Iran.
Downing Street downplays U-turn on UK involvement with strikes
Friday 6 March 2026 14:45 , Tamara DavisonA spokesperson for Downing Street appears to have downplayed suggestions that the government has U-turned on its position on striking Iran.
It came shortly after David Lammy suggested that the RAF could legally strike Iranian missile sites.
In response to questions, a spokesperson for Downing Street said they wouldn’t “speculate on hypotheticals.”
“We have consistently said that we’ll take the necessary steps to prevent future strikes … (that) as we’ve set out over the course of the week, is allowing the US to take out those missiles at source whilst we are defending the skies.
“We set out a clear course of action that we believe is the best response to the current situation, to eliminate the urgent threats and deliver on our foremost duty to protect British lives.”
Second charter flight departs Oman for London
Friday 6 March 2026 14:29 , Tamara DavisonThe Foreign Office said a second charter flight bringing stranded Britons back from Oman had taken off from the Middle East.
In the early hours of this morning, the first charter flight ferrying Brits back home touched down in Stansted.
Qatar sends out mobile phone alerts amid heightened risk
Friday 6 March 2026 14:25 , Tamara DavisonReuters reports that people in Qatar have received mobile phone alerts about heightened regional risks.
Iran has fired numerous missiles and drones at Qatar as the conflict continues to spread across the region.
Just yesterday, Keir Starmer said the UK would be sending four additional Typhoon jets to join a squadron in Qatar.
Six Palestinians wounded in the West Bank following Israeli attack
Friday 6 March 2026 14:15 , Tamara DavisonSix Palestinians have been wounded in the West Bank following an attack by Israeli forces, local reports reveal.
While most attention is currently focused on developments between Iran and Israel, Palestinians continue to face persecution at the hands of the IDF across the region.
According to the latest reports, six Palestinians were beaten in the village of al-Aqaba by Israeli forces amid clashes with settlers.
The creation of Israeli settlements in the West Bank is illegal under international law.
Border crossings into Gaza have also been closed since the conflict erupted, causing yet further suffering for those in the besieged strip.
Donald Trump says there will be 'no deal with Iran except unconditional surrender'
Friday 6 March 2026 14:04 , Tamara Davison
Donald Trump, who spent much of his life boasting about his ability to make a good deal, has said there ‘will be no deal with Iran.’
Signalling a lack of appetite for diplomacy, as well as potentially international law, Trump said only after an ‘unconditional surrender’ could there be a selection of “leader(s).”
It comes as questions mount over who will become the next leader in Iran, something that Trump seems eager to control.
Writing on Truth Social, Trump said: “There will be no deal with Iran except UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER!
“After that, and the selection of a GREAT & ACCEPTABLE Leader(s), we, and many of our wonderful and very brave allies and partners, will work tirelessly to bring Iran back from the brink of destruction, making it economically bigger, better, and stronger than ever before.
“IRAN WILL HAVE A GREAT FUTURE. “MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN (MIGA!).” Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP.”
Iran's Health Ministry says eight healthcare workers among dead
Friday 6 March 2026 13:55 , Tamara DavisonAn Iranian spokesperson says that 8 healthcare workers are among those killed in Iran, and a further 30 have been injured, following a week of strikes from Israel and the U.S.
Taking to social media, Hossein Kermanpour said more than 2,000 people are currently receiving treatment in hospitals, with the youngest at four months old.
As the number of people who have died and been hurt in the war against my country, Iran keeps going up I want to tell organizations and people around the world who care that as of 12:00 PM on March 6 2026:
— حسین کرمانپور Hossein.Kermanpour (@HKermanpour) March 6, 2026
•13 percent of the people who have been hurt are women.
• More than…
Lebanon "did not seek and did not choose" war, says prime minister
Friday 6 March 2026 13:35 , Tamara Davison
Lebanon’s prime minister, Nawaf Salam, said his country is being “dragged further into an abyss” that its people did not choose.
Israel has launched a barrage of strikes that have killed at least 100 people in Lebanon, after Hezbollah fired rockets into Israeli territory.
It’s worth noting that Israel has consistently violated the terms of the ceasefire it agreed with Hezbollah ever since last year, and has regularly struck southern Lebanon.
Addressing the escalating violence, Salam said:
“Lebanon faces a dangerous and trying moment. Our country has been drawn into a devastating war that we did not seek and did not choose. It was a war imposed upon us.
“The priority of the Lebanese government is to stop this war. Our duty is to protect our country and our people. Today, Lebanon is dragged further into an abyss. Its descent into further violence and chaos has to stop. We continue to call for unity and responsibility.
Russia 'sharing intelligence on US ships and aircraft with Iran'
Friday 6 March 2026 13:27 , Alastair LockhartRussia is sharing intelligence with Iran that would allow the Islamic Republic to target US forces, according to the Washington Post.
The paper, citing three officials familiar with the matter, reported that Russia had passed the location of US military assets including ships and aircraft to Iran since the war began last week.
“It does seem like it’s a pretty comprehensive effort”, one official was quoted as saying.
Russia’s US embassy has not yet commented on the reports.
However, on Thursday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Iran had not yet asked Russia for military support in the conflict.
Moscow has called the US-Israel action against Iran a “deliberate, premeditated and unprovoked act of armed aggression”.
PM speaks to French, German and Italian leaders on Iran crisis
Friday 6 March 2026 13:15 , Alastair Lockhart
Sir Keir Starmer discussed the Iran crisis with Emmanuel Macron, Friedrich Merz and Giorgia Meloni on Friday morning.
"The Prime Minister spoke to the leaders of France, Germany and Italy this morning about the situation in the Middle East," Downing Street said.
"The leaders began by condemning Iran's egregious attacks and the Prime Minister updated on the defensive measures taken by the UK in recent days to protect and reinforce partners in the region.
"Ongoing intensive diplomacy and close military co-ordination would be vital in the coming hours and days, the leaders agreed.
"They also agreed on the need to coordinate closely on the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, and reiterated their concern about the situation in Lebanon.
"The leaders welcomed the word leading drone interception expertise President Zelensky had offered to partners in the region and underlined the importance of ensuring support to Ukraine continued at scale.
"The Prime Minister updated on UK efforts to support the departure of British nationals wanting to leave the Middle East through commercial and charter flights. They agreed to stay in close contact."
Blast hits Beirut as commercial plane flies past
Friday 6 March 2026 13:05 , Alastair LockhartAn image taken by the Reuters news agency appears to show a commercial plane flying over Beirut as an explosion rocks the city.
The picture, taken this morning, shows a blast by the Israeli military in the suburbs of the Lebanese capital, the agency reported.
Israel has stepped up its offensive against Hezbollah in Lebanon as its joint offensive with the US against Iran continues.
Hundreds of thousands of people in Lebanon have been told to evacuate by Israel amid the attacks.
BA to continue flights from Middle East until next week at least
Friday 6 March 2026 12:41 , Alastair LockhartBritish Airways has announced it will continue operating daily rescue flights from the Middle East until at least the middle of next week.
The airline is operating flights from Muscat, Oman, to London Heathrow. Its scheduled services to the rest of the region remain suspended.
BA said in a statement: "We remain unable to operate flights from Abu Dhabi, Amman, Bahrain, Doha, Dubai and Tel Aviv.
"We have scheduled further flights from Oman (Muscat) to London Heathrow departing at 2.30am local time on 9, 10, 11 and 12 March.
"These flights are for BA customers who are in Oman or the UAE with an existing booking." Passengers who want to travel on these flights should contact BA on +44 203 467 3854.
The conflict between Iran and the US and its allies has caused widespread airspace closures in the Middle East, sparking major disruption to flights.
About half a million passengers per day use airports in Dubai, Doha or Abu Dhabi, which are vital hubs for travel between Europe and the continents of Asia and Australia. Experts believe it could take weeks to clear the backlog of passengers.
Muscat has emerged as a key location for people wanting to leave the Middle East.
British Airways to add daily commercial flights from Oman
Friday 6 March 2026 12:19 , Tamara DavisonBritish Airways is set to run daily commercial flights from Muscat to help meet demand for those wishing to leave, the Prime Minister’s official spokesman said.
It comes amid news that a second Government repatriation flight is due to depart Oman this evening.
It’s understood that around 6,500 Brits have already returned to the UK as conflict engulfs the Middle East.
UK politicians demand "urgent clarification" about RAF jets being legally used to strike Iran
Friday 6 March 2026 12:09 , Tamara Davison
The Liberal Democrats have called for Downing Street to clarify whether it has changed its position after David Lammy said RAF jets could legally strike Iranian missile sites being used to attack British interests in the Middle East.
Calum Miller, the Lib Dem foreign affairs spokesman, said: “The Deputy Prime Minister is sliding down the slippery slope to full conflict by backing direct UK strikes on military positions in Iran.
“We need an urgent clarification from number 10 on whether this is a change in Britain’s position on involvement in Trump’s illegal war.
“Another Labour government cannot be allowed to pull the wool over the public’s eyes as it follows America into an overseas war with unclear goals.”
They said any offensive action must be approved by a vote in Parliament.
“We must not copy Trump’s unconstitutional and illegal approach to war in the Middle East.”
Iranian spokesperson accuses Israel-US of striking "another elementary school"
Friday 6 March 2026 12:03 , Tamara DavisonEsmail Baghaei, spokesperson for Iran’s Foreign Ministry, has accused “American/Israeli aggressors” of targeting “another elementary school.”
On social media, Baghaei shared a video claiming to show the results of an attack on a school.
The Standard has been unable to independently verify the video.
This comes after reports of a U.S. military investigation suggesting that the U.S. is responsible for a strike on an Iranian school that killed 150 children.
How the United States administration is helping the people of Iran!
— Esmaeil Baqaei (@IRIMFA_SPOX) March 6, 2026
👇This is another elementary school, Shahid Hamedani School, in Niloufar Sq., Tehran, targeted by the American/Israeli aggressors. pic.twitter.com/Auf0mkVha5
Israel's military incursions bringing "misery and suffering" to Lebanon's civilian populations, says UN spokesperson
Friday 6 March 2026 12:00 , Tamara DavisonA UN spokesperson has warned against Israel’s military incursions in Lebanon, warning of “misery and suffering” for the civilian population.
“Israel’s military ground incursions into southern Lebanon, blanket displacement orders for the population in Beirut’s southern suburbs, the Bekaa region and the full area to the south of the Litani river, and its continued airstrikes on different parts of the country, are bringing more misery and suffering to an already weary civilian population,” said Ravina Shamdasani.
“We urge the parties to step back from the brink of a major escalation of this conflict in Lebanon.
“We call instead for urgent de-escalation, compliance with their obligations under Security Council resolution 1701 and faithful application of the 2024 ceasefire arrangements.
“The sovereignty of Lebanon and the human rights of its people must be respected.”
IDF claims 50 jets strike Iranian 'underground bunker'
Friday 6 March 2026 11:49 , Tamara Davison🎥 WATCH: ~50 Israeli Air Force fighter jets dismantled Ali Khamenei’s underground military bunker beneath the Iranian regime’s leadership compound in Tehran. pic.twitter.com/Nw0tvvQMRX
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) March 6, 2026
Israeli forces say they have used 50 fighter jets to bomb an underground bunker built for Iran’s late supreme leader.
Addressing the operation, the IDF claims that the compound was still being used by Iranian officials.
It is unclear whether the strike, carried out this morning in central Tehran, resulted in any fatalities.
Addressing the development on Telegram, an IDF official said: "Khamenei was eliminated before he could use the bunker during operation 'Roaring Lion', but the compound continued to be used by senior Iranian regime officials."
Iran's president calls for "mediation" with countries that "ignited this conflict"
Friday 6 March 2026 11:39 , Tamara Davison
Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian says the country is “committed to lasting peace” but will defend its sovereignty.
Taking to social media, he argued that mediation should be directed at the countries that “ignited this conflict,” seemingly referncing Israel and the United States.
“Some countries have begun mediation efforts. Let's be clear: we are committed to lasting peace in the region, yet we have no hesitation in defending our nation's dignity & sovereignty,” he wrote.
“Mediation should address those who underestimated the Iranian people and ignited this conflict.”
Europe will 'pay the price' for silence on US-Israel offensive
Friday 6 March 2026 11:36 , Tamara DavisonA spokesperson for Iran has told a Spanish TV channel that Europe would ‘pay the price’ for failing to call out the US-Israel’s violations of international law.
Speaking to the Spanish TVE channel, Esmaeil Baghaei said European countries would “pay the price, sooner or later” for staying silent on the offensive.
Iran targets US bases in Kuwait
Friday 6 March 2026 11:30 , Tamara DavisonIran’s army has launched several strikes on US-based forces located in Kuwait, state TV broadcasters said.
“Over the past few hours, various types of destructive drones of the Army's ground forces have targeted American military bases in Kuwait in large numbers," the Iranian army reportedly said.
"These attacks will continue in the coming hours.”
Further UK repatriation flights to leave tonight
Friday 6 March 2026 11:20 , Tamara DavisonSky News is reporting that the next repatriation flight from Oman to the UK is scheduled to depart this evening.
The news came just half a day after the government’s first chartered flight carrying Britons touched down
UK 'won't hesitate to take action' as men arrested on suspicion of spying for Iran
Friday 6 March 2026 11:10 , Tamara DavisonHome Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the police and security services “won’t hesitate to take action” after four men were arrested on suspicion of spying for Iran.
Taking to social media, Mahmood said: “I want to thank the police and our security services for the action they’ve taken today to keep Britain safe from a potential threat.
“The Jewish community and the wider public will understandably be concerned by today’s arrests. We continue to monitor the situation closely and engage with those affected.
“I can reassure you that our police and security services are world leading and won’t hesitate to take action to counter any threat to the UK.
“They will continue to use the full range of tools and powers available to them to keep this country safe. They have the government’s full support as they carry out their vital work.
“We must now give them the time and space to continue their investigations.”
Iran yet to use its 'new generation' weapons, state media claims
Friday 6 March 2026 10:56 , Tamara Davison
Iranian forces are yet to use their “new generation” missiles in the evolving conflict, an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) official speaking to Iranian state news has claimed.
According to the outlet, "a new style of attacks using advanced and less-used long-range missiles will be put on the agenda," in the coming days.
95,773 Lebanese civilians displaced to shelters
Friday 6 March 2026 10:48 , Tamara Davison
At least 95,773 Lebanese civilians are currently seeking shelter across the country after being forced from their homes, according to local reports.
Kremlin addresses renewed demand for Russian energy
Friday 6 March 2026 10:43 , Tamara Davison
Russian spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has revealed to reporters that there is an ‘increase in demand’ for Russian energy, including oil and gas.
"We are seeing a significant increase in demand for Russian energy resources in connection with the war in Iran,” he said.
“Russia has been and remains a reliable supplier of both oil and gas — including pipeline gas and liquefied natural gas."
"It also remains capable of guaranteeing the continuity of all deliveries for which contracts have been concluded."
It comes after the U.S. allowed India to buy Russian oil over concerns about global energy supplies.
Maersk shipping company suspends key services
Friday 6 March 2026 10:34 , Tamara DavisonMaersk, a container shipping group, has suspended two key shipping services connecting the Middle East to Asia and Europe as the war spreads into international waters.
"This decision has been taken as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of our personnel and vessels while minimising operational disruption across our wider network," a spokesperson for the group said.
It’s thought that around 147 container ships are currently sheltering in the Gulf, adding increasing strain to freight routes and global shipping.
United Nations boss condemns "inflammatory, bellicose rhetoric"
Friday 6 March 2026 10:27 , Tamara Davison
Volker Turk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, has condemned “inflammatory, bellicose rhetoric” as war continues across the region.
“The world urgently needs to see steps to contain and extinguish this blaze,” the lawyer said.
“But instead we are only seeing more inflammatory, bellicose rhetoric, more bombings, more destruction, killings and escalation, that fuels it further,” Volker Turk told reporters.
“I urge the states involved to take immediate steps to de-escalate, to give peace a chance. And on other states to call clearly on those involved to pull back. Cool heads must prevail if we are to prevent further terror and devastation for civilians.”
Lebanese civilians flee as Israel launches further deadly strikes on thriving capital
Friday 6 March 2026 10:21 , Tamara DavisonBeirut, the thriving Lebanese capital, set on the Mediterranean Sea, is under attack as Israel continues to strike across the region.
Hundreds of thousands of civilians have been ordered to evacuate the southern suburbs, as well as dozens of villages in the south of the country, after the IDF launched a barrage of deadly strikes in recent days.
Locals report the constant sound of Israeli drones across Beirut. At least 123 people have died in Lebanon as a result of Israeli bombings, including a number of children.
It comes less than a day after Israel’s far-right finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, said parts of Lebanon would one day look like Gaza.
“The southern suburbs will become like Khan Younis,” he warned. The threat of forced displacement and the flattening of parts of a sovereign country would be considered a war crime.
Images show aftermath of Iranian stikes on Bahrain hotel block
Friday 6 March 2026 10:13 , Tamara DavisonAn Iranian drone is believed to have struck a Bahraini hotel and residential blocks overnight as strikes continue across the region.
Israel has ordered an area almost as big as South London, and full of civilians, to evacuate amid threats of further strikes.
The platform, Spatial Data Candy, shows us the size of the area that Israel is ordering evacuated in Beirut’s southern suburbs.
They’ve used mapping software to overlay the Beirut evacuation zone onto the London urban area to highlight the spatial scale.
The evacuation orders across Lebanon could violate international law, experts claim.
Footage shows Bahrain hotel alight after Iranian drone strike
Friday 6 March 2026 09:58 , Tamara DavisonFootage shows flames and smoke rising from a hotel in Bahrain after it was struck by an Iranian drone.
— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) March 6, 2026
Another hotel and a residential building in Manama were also reportedly targeted. pic.twitter.com/ydHvNQBZBq
More on the UK presence in Cyprus as tensions grow
Friday 6 March 2026 09:55 , Tamara DavisonThere have been reports of protests in Cyprus over the UK military presence in the region.
The UK, France, and Greece have vowed to increase anti-drone defences around the eastern Mediterranean nation.
Reports claim Israel's Ben Gurion airport hit, no confirmation from Israel
Friday 6 March 2026 09:53 , Tamara DavisonAl Jazeera is claiming that Israeli media have reported that Israel’s Ben Gurion airport has been hit.
However, there is no confirmation of this from the Israeli army just yet.
Russia 'in dialogue' with Iran - but what does this mean?
Friday 6 March 2026 09:44 , Tamara DavisonRussian officials have said they are ‘in dialogue’ with Iran, but didn’t provide further details about the extent of their conversations.
It’s unclear how Moscow is currently helping Tehran, as the region continues to grapple with a rapidly escalating regional conflict.
Russia’s ties to Iran have historically been complicated, but the countries appear to share a mutual interest in fracturing U.S. strength in the region.
Last year, when Vladimir Putin was asked what he would do if Iran’s Supreme Leader was assassinated, he said: “I do not even want to discuss this possibility.”
Reports suggest that the idea of Russia providing military mobilisation for Iran remains unlikely at this point.
Preoccupied with ongoing fighting in Ukraine, it’s suspected that Russia’s involvement in Iran will likely be more behind the scenes.
NATO increases ‘Missile Defence Posture’ over Iran
Friday 6 March 2026 09:40 , Tamara DavisonNATO says it has increased its defence posture in response to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
One week after Israel and the U.S. launched a strike on Iran, missile and drone attacks have continued across the region.
NATO appears to have confirmed its posturing will remain at a "heightened level" for the time being.
It came after NATO forces shotdown an Iranian missile travelling toward Turkey’s airspace.
At this point, there is little signs of the regional conflict easing anytime soon, but it’s also unclear whether NATO will be pulled into the conflict.
Emotional scenes as Brits touchdown in London airports
Friday 6 March 2026 09:30 , Tamara DavisonMore than 6,500 Brits have returned from the UAE after repatriation flights started.
A further 100,000 Britons have registered their presence with the FCDO across the Middle East.
More on the arrests in North London
Friday 6 March 2026 09:20 , Tamara DavisonA total of 10 men have been taken into custody, four of whom were arrested on suspicion of spying for Iran.
Police said the investigation relates to suspected surveillance of locations and individuals linked to the Jewish community in the London area.
Conservative leader supports RAF striking Iran sites
Friday 6 March 2026 09:14 , Tamara DavisonKemi Badenoch, leader of the Conservative Party, said she would support Royal Air Force jets striking Iranian missile launch sites.
Speaking on BBC Breakfast, she said: “That is the right thing to do. Otherwise, we are allowing our service personnel to be put in danger. We have to think about them.”
Badenoch added: “If this was a nuclear attack, God forbid, it would be too late.”
Experts in the nuclear community have disputed claims that Iran was close to building a nuclear weapon.
Currently, the only countries that have nuclear weapons are: the USA, Israel, the UK, Russia, France, India, Pakistan, North Korea and China.
UAE urges Britain toward "further support" in defence against Iran
Friday 6 March 2026 09:06 , Nicholas CecilUAE would welcome more support from Britain to defend against Iranian drone and missile attacks, says its ambassador in London
Mansoor Abulhoul, the United Arab Emirates ambassador to the United Kingdom, said “further support” from the UK “is always welcome” in defending the Gulf state against Iranian drone and missile attacks.
Asked if the UK has done enough to protect the region, Mr Abulhoul told Times Radio: “The relationship between the UAE and the United Kingdom is an incredibly important and strong one.
“The length of history we’ve had together, the strong economic ties that we enjoy together today, the UAE is the largest trading partner for the UK, in the region we have a big investment programme into the UK.
“So this is a really important relationship.
“We value the support and coordination the UK has given to us.
“But in times of crisis and challenge, and in times of war, we always welcome more support from those close friends and allies.”
Deputy PM accuses Iran of being 'biggest state sponsor of terrorism'
Friday 6 March 2026 08:55 , Nicholas CecilIran is the biggest state sponsor of terrorism, says Justice Secretary David Lammy, after the arrest of four people on suspicion of aiding Tehran’s intelligence service by spying on locations and individuals linked to the Jewish community in London
Justice Secretary David Lammy told ITV’s Good Morning Britain: “Iran is the biggest state sponsor of terrorism globally.
“Sadly, that is in effect in our own society as well and our intelligence services and counter-terrorism police have thwarted lots of action over the last few years.
“This is now a live investigation so I won’t comment on that any further except to thank our security staff and police for continuing to keep our people safe and doing everything they can where people would cause us harm and individuals in our country harm.”
UK refuses to rule out British forces being drawn into Iran war
Friday 6 March 2026 08:54 , Rachael BurfordThe Defence Secretary has refused to rule out British forces being drawn into the war with Iran.
When asked about concerns UK troops could get involved in the conflict, John Healey told the Mirror: “I certainly won’t speculate about situations that we might see. It is the nature of conflict that you never know what might develop and we are hugely strengthening our defences.”
It comes after Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer revealed that defensive assets had been moved to Cyprus and Qatar in January and February to ensure Britain was “in a heightened state of readiness” for potential conflict.
Mr Healey was visiting RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus, which was hit in a drone attack last week. The base was again sent into full alert mode as air raid sirens were triggered on Thursday afternoon during his visit.
Protestors call for UK bases to be removed from Cyprus
Friday 6 March 2026 08:51 , Tamara DavisonProtestors in Cyprus are reportedly chanting “British bases out” as local frustration mounts over UK positions on the island.
While Cyprus may be best known to Brits as a holiday hotspot, it also holds a large military presence.
Starmer has recently allowed the US to use airbases on the island to launch its “defensive strikes” across Iran.
According to Al Jazeera, it’s prompted protests among locals on the island over concerns that their safety on the island is at risk.
Lufthansa expresses 'uncertainty' as war rages on
Friday 6 March 2026 08:39 , Tamara DavisonLufthansa bosses have said the airline faces heightened uncertainty as the emerging conflict strains global air traffic.
“The war in the Middle East proves once again how exposed air traffic is and how vulnerable it remains, even though the industry is now more resilient to crises than it used to be,” said Carsten Spohr.
“The massive concentration of global traffic flows via the Gulf hubs is increasingly proving to be a geopolitical Achilles' heel.
“This makes it even more important not to further disadvantage European airlines and hubs. Europe's sovereignty requires the ability to maintain its own connections to global markets.”
The statement went on: “developments in the Middle East and the associated geopolitical consequences for the global economy increase the medium- and long-term forecast uncertainty”.
Trump says it would be "wonderful" if Iranian Kurds attack Iran
Friday 6 March 2026 08:28 , Tamara DavisonDonald Trump said it would be “wonderful” if Iranian Kurdish forces attacked Iran, in a move that would risk fragmentation in the region.
Speaking to Reuters, Trump responded to questions about Iranian Kurds wading into the conflict, saying: "I think it's wonderful that they want to do that, I'd be all for it."
It comes amid reports that Kurdish fighters in Northern Iraq were preparing for the possibility of boots on the ground in Iran.
U.S. taxpayers have already spent $5 billion on one-week of devastation
Friday 6 March 2026 08:23 , Tamara DavisonSeveral reports claim that the price of Trump’s deadly and apparently costly war is already estimated to be upwards of $5 billion.
Hundreds of people across the Middle East have already died after Israel launched strikes on Iran one week ago.
The Center for American Progress says several weeks of war could cost tens of billions of dollars, even though the majority of Americans appear to disapprove of the U.S. bombing Iran.
Dubai residents told to seek immediate shelter amid potential missile threat
Friday 6 March 2026 08:15 , Tamara DavisonResidents in Dubai have been receiving alerts on their mobile phones this morning amid concerns about incoming missiles.
The Emirati interior ministry alert reads: “Due to the current situation, potential missile threats, seek immediate shelter in the closest secure building and steer away from windows, doors and open areas.”
Four men arrested in London over Iran foreign intelligence concerns
Friday 6 March 2026 08:12 , Tamara DavisonFour men have been arrested on suspicion of assisting a foreign intelligence service, the Met Police has said.
One Iranian and three dual British-Iranian nationals were detained in Barnet and Watford as part of a planned operation led by Counter Terrorism Policing London.
Commander Helen Flanagan, Head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, said: “Today’s arrests are part of a long-running investigation and part of our ongoing work to disrupt malign activity where we suspect it.
“We understand the public may be concerned, in particular the Jewish community, and as always, I would ask them to remain vigilant and if they see or hear anything that concerns them, then to contact us.”
6,500 Britons have returned to the UK from the UAE
Friday 6 March 2026 08:05 , Tamara DavisonDavid Lammy has told news outlets that a total of 6,500 people have returned to the UK from the UAE and expressed hope of planning further chartered flights.
Speaking to BBC Breakfast, Lammy also said some 100,000 British nationals across the Middle East have registered their presence in the region.
David Lammy says its "entirely legal" for RAF to strike Iranian sites that could target Brits
Friday 6 March 2026 08:00 , Tamara DavisonDavid Lammy has told BBC Breakfast that it would be lawful to strike Iranian sites that could eventually hit British targets.
“It is entirely legal to protect our people and protect our staff, and therefore all operational capability is available to us in those circumstances,” he said.
He continued: “I’m not here to act as a lawyer, but I think your viewers will understand that in response to being attacked, yes, we can take down sites that are anticipating attacking our people across the region.”
At the moment, it’s understood that current British operations are focused on shooting down drones and missiles flying in allied airspace.
Deputy PM defends UK response to Middle East crisis
Friday 6 March 2026 07:55 , Tamara DavisonDavid Lammy, the deputy prime minister, has defended the UK’s response to the escalating crisis in the Middle East.
Speaking to Sky News, he rejected the idea that there had been insufficient warnings for Britons in the region.
“In terms of our travel advice, it's constantly updated. It's been constantly updated through February and into this month,” he said.
“I think all of us could see the concerns that were being raised around Iran earlier in the year. And our advice was predicated on that.
“And people obviously make their assessment based on that travel assessment.”
He also stressed that it's up to the U.S and Israel to decide the aims of the war.
“The war aims are for the Americans and the Israelis who had begun this offensive action that we, of course, are not part of.
“Our response is defensive action, and to support our allies and British soldiers and people across the region."
Iranian leadership council meets ahead of appointing new supreme leader
Friday 6 March 2026 07:46 , Tamara DavisonOfficials in Iran’s leadership council have met ahead of choosing a new supreme leader, according to Iranian media.
It is understood that the leadership council met to discuss how to set up the meeting of Iran’s Assembly of Experts, which then appoints the supreme leader.
It’s unclear at this point how long the process will take, or who is currently the frontrunner to assume the position.
It comes as Trump doubled down on his demands about influencing the next appointment, telling reporters he must be “involved in the appointment, like with Delcy in Venezuela.”
Fighter jets are escorting commercial airlines in UAE airspace, according to Sky News
Friday 6 March 2026 07:39 , Tamara DavisonFighter jets are reportedly ‘escorting passenger flights’ leaving from the United Arab Emirates, Sky News has said.
It comes as the UK welcomed the first returning British nationals, with chartered flights touching down at Stansted early this morning.
Humanitarian crisis emerging across the Middle East
Friday 6 March 2026 07:35 , Tamara DavisonNGOs are scrambling across the region to respond to an emerging humanitarian crisis, which has been triggered by the war and forced displacement of hundreds of thousands of people from their homes.
In Lebanon, SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL tells The Standard: “We must remember that 18 months ago, the Lebanese population was already forced to flee the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. And now here they are on the road again.”
Roads remain blocked across Beirut, and many families have sought safety in local shelters or directly on the oceanfront.
Hezbollah issues warnings as border conflict intensifies
Friday 6 March 2026 07:30 , Tamara DavisonHezbollah has issued a warning to Israelis along the Lebanese border, according to Iran’s Press TV.
In recent days, Israel has ordered the evacuation of hundreds of villages in southern Lebanon to leave ahead of planned strikes within the sovereign nation.
Forced displacement carried out by Israel is a breach of international humanitarian law and can be deemed a war crime.
In response, Hezbollah has reportedly said: “Warning to the residents of the northern settlements: You are required to evacuate all settlements located 5km of the border line.”
"The aggression of your army against Lebanese sovereignty and civilians, the destruction of civilian infrastructure, and the campaign of displacement it is carrying out will not go unanswered. Head south,"
Middle East war in pictures: Destruction in Beirut and Tehran
Friday 6 March 2026 07:18 , Tamara Davison
Etihad to resume "limited" commercial flights
Friday 6 March 2026 07:17 , Nicholas CecilEtihad will resume a limited commercial flight schedule from Friday March 6, operating between Abu Dhabi and a number of key destinations.
They include London Heathrow, Dublin and a number of other European cities under the schedule from March 6 to 19th.
In a statement, it said: “Guests with previous bookings will be accommodated on these flights as soon as possible. Tickets are also available for sale on http://etihad.com.
“Guests and members of the public should not travel to the airport unless they have been contacted directly by Etihad or hold a confirmed booking on one of these new flights.”
British arrivals praise UK Government amid evacuation flights
Friday 6 March 2026 07:14 , Tamara DavisonPassengers arriving on the first chartered UK flights from the Middle East praised government efforts to bring nationals home, despite delays.
Fazal Chowdhury, who arrived at Stansted Airport with his wife, said the whole Government team were “really good” despite having to wait at the airport in Muscat, capital of Oman.
Mr Chowdhury said: “There was a bit of room for improvement because there were some technical issues with the flight so we were in the airport for 20 hours, but I don’t think there’s much to complain about.
“To be honest they were all working really hard and they were all really sincere, the whole team there were really good.
“The ambassador came and explained what happened, she was really good. We’re all here now, it was a bit of a shambles on the night when we thought we were going to get on the flight and then we were sort of trapped on buses and had to go back.”
He described himself as a “risk averse kind of guy” and said he was happy to be back in the UK, having lived in Dubai for the last three years.
US forces may have hit a girls’ school in Iran reportedly killing 150 children
Friday 6 March 2026 07:11 , Nicholas CecilUS military investigators believe it is likely that American forces were responsiblefor an apparent strike on an Iranian girls’ school that killed scores of children on Saturday but have not yet reached a final conclusion or completed their investigation, two US officials told Reuters.
More details are yet to emerge about the investigation, including what evidence contributed to the tentative assessment, what type of munition was used, who was responsible or why the US might have struck the school.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth on Wednesday acknowledged that the American military was investigating the incident.
The girls’ school in Minab, in southern Iran, was hit on Saturday during the first day of US and Israeli attacks on the country.
Iran’s ambassador to the UN in Geneva, Ali Bahreini, said the strike killed 150 students.
The officials, who spoke to Reuters, did not rule out the possibility that new evidence could emerge that absolves the US of responsibility and points to another responsible party in the incident.
Saudi Arabia officials say overnight attacks intercepted
Friday 6 March 2026 07:08 , Tamara DavisonOfficials in Saudi Arabia said forces “intercepted” and “destroyed” a missile near the central governorate of Al-Kharj.
Several social media accounts are also reporting that drones northeast of Riyadh had also been destroyed.
Israel bombards southern suburbs of Beirut, home to hundreds of thousands of civilians
Friday 6 March 2026 06:59 , Nicholas CecilIsrael carried out heavy airstrikes on the Hezbollah-controlled southernsuburbs of Beirut overnight after ordering its residents to leave.
In a statement, Israel’s Air Force said: it said: “Twenty-six waves of strikes in Dahiyeh since the start of the campaign: The Air Force struck tonight in Beirut headquarters and ten high-rise buildings containing military infrastructure of the terrorist organization Hezbollah
“The IDF completed during the night a broad wave of strikes in Beirut, against terrorist infrastructure of the terrorist organization Hezbollah.
“As part of the strikes, the headquarters of the Executive Council was struck, and a warehouse where unmanned aerial vehicles were stored, which Hezbollah uses in attacks toward the State of Israel.”
Overnight developments show increased Israeli strikes across the region
Friday 6 March 2026 06:51 , Tamara DavisonI’m reporting to you from the Middle East, where tensions in the region have continued to escalate as the war enters its seventh day.
There have been numerous developments overnight, including continued Israeli strikes across parts of Lebanon, including its capital, Beirut.
Other updates that are coming in:
- Evacuation flights returning to the UK from Oman landed in the early hours of this morning, bringing stranded British nationals into London Stansted.
- Israel carried out 26 airstrikes on parts of Beirut overnight, with mass displacement underway among the Lebanese civilian population.
- Israel also ramped up its overnight attacks on the Iranian capital of Tehran, in what it claims is a “truly historic co-operation” with US forces.
- The U.S. has granted India a 30-day waiver on buying Russian oil amid energy concerns in the region tied to the conflict.
- Pete Hegseth warns that the U.S. attacks in the Middle East will increase, telling reporters, “the amount of firepower over Iran and over Tehran is about to surge dramatically.”
Good morning
Friday 6 March 2026 06:37 , Michael HowieGood morning and welcome to The Standard’s coverage of the Iran conflict, which is now in its seventh day.
We’ll bring you all the major developments throughout what is likely to be another busy news day.
Oilfield run by US firm hit by drone attack in Iraq
Thursday 5 March 2026 20:41 , Alastair LockhartA drone attack has reportedly struck an oilfield in Iraq operated by a US firm.
The strike caused a fire at the oilfield in Dohuk in the country’s Kurdistan region, the Reuters news agency reported, citing security sources.
Trump hits out at Starmer again
Thursday 5 March 2026 20:11 , Alastair Lockhart
Donald Trump has renewed his attack on Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer for not initially allowing the US to use UK airbases for the war against Iran.
In an interview with the New York Post, the US President was asked about a report in The Telegraph that he had privately called the PM a “loser”.
Repeating a remark from earlier this week, President Trump said: “Well, he’s not Winston Churchill, let me put it that way.”
He said that Starmer should be co-operating thoroughly with the US military action and had been surprised by his response.
Trump told the Post: “It was very disappointing - his performance, having to do with our tremendous attack on a hostile nation.
“He should be giving us, without question or hesitation, things like bases where we can use others.”
He added: “We should [be able to] certainly count on them. I was very surprised at Keir. Very disappointed.”
The American president also said that he had spoken with Sir Keir recently, saying: “I get along with him fine. But he, he sometimes doesn’t do things that he should be doing.”
Sri Lanka offloads 208 crew members from second Iranian ship a day after US strike sinks frigate
Thursday 5 March 2026 19:40 , Megan HoweSri Lanka started to offload 208 crew members from a second Iranian vessel off its coast on Thursday.
It comes a day after 87 people were killed and several others were still missing after a US submarine strike on an Iranian warship in the same region.
"After detailed discussions with all parties, Sri Lanka has decided to assist the Iranian vessel," Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake told a press briefing in Colombo.
The crew being offloaded included 53 officials, 84 cadets, 48 senior sailors and 23 sailors, Dissanayake said.
Some crew members would remain on board to help the Sri Lankan Navy navigate the vessel to Trincomalee Port in the eastern part of the island, he added.
What has Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said?
Thursday 5 March 2026 19:30 , Megan HowePrime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has said four additional Typhoon fighter jets will be deployed to Qatar as the UK increases its military presence in the Middle East.
The move comes amid criticism from both domestic opponents and US President Donald Trump, who said the UK had been “very disappointing” for not joining the initial strikes on Iran.
Trump also claimed Sir Keir was “no Winston Churchill.”
Starmer defended the UK’s position, insisting the special relationship with the US remains strong and that intelligence sharing continues “24/7.”
He said a formal US request only arrived on Saturday, with the UK decision finalised on Sunday evening.
What we know so far about the UK's response
Thursday 5 March 2026 19:24 , Megan HoweThe UK has moved to reinforce its military presence in Cyprus after an Iranian-made Shahed drone struck a hangar at RAF Akrotiri earlier this week.
The government has faced criticism over the speed of its response and the number of British assets in the region.
In response, more than 400 additional air defence personnel are being deployed, along with Wildcat helicopters equipped to counter drones.
HMS Dragon, a Type 45 destroyer, is also heading to the Mediterranean.
Defence Secretary John Healey says the UK had already begun strengthening its defences in Cyprus weeks before the conflict escalated.
Meanwhile, Healey has declined to rule out UK aircraft taking part in strikes on Iran.
He was asked during a trip to Cyprus whether he would rule out getting involved in strikes on Iran in an offensive capacity.
During an interview with Sky News, he said: "As circumstances in any conflict change, you've got to be willing to adapt the action you take.
"I'm doing that by bringing in anti-drone helicopters in overnight. I'm doing that in the next couple of weeks to bring in the Type 45 air defence destroyer.
"I'm doing that by bringing in the top planners to help ... co-ordinate the sort of contribution that other nations are now starting to make ... the German frigate in the area, and Greek ships also now joining."
Pressed again on whether he would rule out British aircraft taking part in offensive operations over Iran, he said: "Everything that we have done is defensive, is legal and is co-ordinated with other allies.
"That's one of the great strengths that Britain, Nato allies and long-standing partners like Qatar, like Jordan, like Cyprus, have in working with the Brits."
NATO increases missile defence posture after Turkey incident
Thursday 5 March 2026 19:06 , Megan HoweNATO said it has strengthened its missile defence across the alliance after a missile from Iran aimed at Turkey was intercepted.
A NATO spokesperson, Colonel Martin O'Donnell, said the alliance will keep its defences at this higher level until Iran stops its ongoing attacks in the region.
He also said the missile defence system in Turkey worked perfectly when it intercepted the missile on Wednesday.
"In less than 10 minutes, NATO service members identified a threat to allies, a ballistic missile, confirmed its trajectory, alerted land- and sea-based missile defence systems and launched an interceptor to defeat the threat and protect our territory and its people," he said.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte earlier on Thursday said the alliance does not plan to trigger its Article 5 mutual defence clause over the ballistic missile attack, amid fears the alliance could become embroiled in the U.S.-Iran war.
Rutte did not go into detail when asked about an increased defence posture in the alliance.
John Healey refuses to rule out UK aircraft taking part in Iran strikes
Thursday 5 March 2026 18:19 , Megan HoweDefence Secretary John Healey has declined to rule out UK aircraft taking part in strikes on Iran, saying: "As circumstances in any conflict change, you've got to be willing to adapt the action you take."
Trump calls for Netanyahu to be pardoned for corruption charges, saying only Iran should be troubling him
Thursday 5 March 2026 17:52 , Megan HowePresident Trump has called on Israel's president to grant Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a pardon for corruption charges, saying the premier should have nothing on his mind but the war with Iran.
Trump, referring to Netanyahu by his nickname, said in an interview with Israel's N12 television news: "President Herzog must give Bibi a pardon today. I don't want there to be anything troubling Bibi other than the war with Iran ... Herzog is a disgrace ... he promised me five times to give Bibi a pardon."
President Isaac Herzog's office said in response that while Israel is at war, he is not dealing with the matter of Netanyahu's pardon request.
Herzog added that he deeply respects Trump's contribution to Israel's security and his position on Iran but that Israel is a sovereign state that abides by the rule of law.
"The president will examine the request according to the law, the good of the state, his conscience and free of any internal or external pressure," the statement from Herzog's office said.
13 attacks on health infrastructure verified by WHO as hundreds of thousands evacuated
Thursday 5 March 2026 17:17 , Megan HoweThirteen attacks on health infrastructure in Iran has been verified by the World Health Organisation.
WHO’s chief said it was checking reports that four healthcare workers were killed and 25 others injured.
"An estimated 100,000 people have left Iran and in Lebanon, more than 60,000 people have been displaced," World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told a press conference, without attributing blame.
Dr. Hanan Balkhy added at the same briefing that four ambulances in Iran were also affected and that hospitals and other health sites suffered minor damage due to strikes nearby, citing Iranian authorities.
One of these hospitals in the capital Tehran was evacuated as a result, the U.N. health agency previously said.
"As of now, for Iran we have verified 13 attacks on health care, resulting in three deaths and no injuries. For Lebanon, we have now verified three attacks resulting in three deaths and six injuries," a WHO spokesperson told Reuters.
Iran's ambassador to the U.N. in Geneva in a letter to Tedros earlier this week has alleged that 10 facilities have been hit by military strikes.
Balkhy said that the WHO logistics hub in Dubai, which provides health supplies to dozens of countries, is temporarily out of service because of transport restrictions in the region.
A spokesperson from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies also said on Thursday
Donald Trump: I want a say in choosing Iran's next leader
Thursday 5 March 2026 16:43 , Megan HoweThe US president has told Axios that he needs to be personally involved in selecting Iran's next leader.
"Khamenei's son is unacceptable to me. We want someone that will bring harmony and peace to Iran," Axios quoted Trump as saying in an interview.
"I have to be involved in the appointment, like with Delcy (Rodriguez) in Venezuela," Trump said.
Mojtaba Khamenei, son of Iran's late Supreme Leader, has survived the US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran in which his father Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed, Iranian sources told Reuters on Wednesday.
UAE responding to missile and drone threat
Thursday 5 March 2026 16:07 , Tom PlaceThe United Arab Emirates defence ministry has said that its air defences are responding to incoming missile and drone threats from Iran.
The ministry said in a statement that "the sounds heard in scattered areas of the country are the result of the air defence systems intercepting ballistic missiles, and fighter jets intercepting drones and loitering munitions".
Earlier today, the UAE said that it had intercepted six Iranian missiles and 131 drones, with one missile and six drones landing on its territory.
More than a dozen attacks on health infrastructure in Iran - WHO
Thursday 5 March 2026 15:57 , Tom PlaceThe World Health Organization (WHO) has said it has verified 13 attacks on health infrastructure in Iran during the ongoing conflict.
WHO director general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told a news conference that four healthcare workers have been killed and 25 more have been injured in the attacks,
Ghebreyesus said: “WHO has verified 13 attacks on health care in Iran and one in Lebanon.”
Regional director Hanan Balkhy added that four ambulances in Iran were affected and that hospitals and other health sites suffered minor damage due to the strikes
Balkhy also said that the WHO logistics hub in Dubai, which provides health supplies to dozens of countries, is temporarily out of service because of transport restrictions in the region.
Azerbaijan closes part of its airspace
Thursday 5 March 2026 15:37 , Tom PlaceReuters has reported that Azerbaijan has closed part of its airspace in the south, after it says four Iranian drones flew across its border.
The airspace will remain closed for 12 hours, according to a notice issued by Azerbaijan.
Azerbaijan earlier accused Iran of attacking its Nakhchivan region, an autonomous exclave bordering Iran and Armenia.
There were reports of missiles and drones flying from the direction of Iran near the Nakhchivan airport, about six miles from the border with Iran.
Iran has denied the claim, blaming Israel.
Israel issues Beirut evacuation warnings
Thursday 5 March 2026 15:03 , Tom PlaceThe Israeli military has issued an urgent alert to residents in the southern suburbs of Beirut, widely recognised as Hezbollah strongholds, telling them to evacuate their homes immediately.
IDF spokesman Avichay Adraee said: "Any movement south may put your lives at risk. We will notify you at the appropriate time to return to your homes."
The evacuation order marks the first time during this conflict that the Israeli military has called on whole swathes of the Lebanese capital to evacuate, with previous warnings in Beirut being for specific buildings that the IDF has then struck.
Starmer - 'Special relationship is in operation'
Thursday 5 March 2026 14:42 , Tom PlaceKeir Starmer has insisted that the “special relationship is in operation right now”, despite being rebuked by Donald Trump.
Starmer said that the last time he had spoken to Trump was on Saturday evening, but that he respected the US president taking decisions which “he considers in the national interest” of America.
Starmer said: “Look, the special relationship is in operation right now. We’re working with the Americans in the deployment from our bases.
“We are working together in the region, the US and the British, working together to protect both the US and the British in joint bases where we’re jointly located, and we’re sharing intelligence on 24/7 basis in the usual way.”
Starmer sets out timeline for US bases request
Thursday 5 March 2026 14:37 , Tom PlaceThe Prime Minister has set out the timeline for when the US government requested to use British bases.
He was seeking to address claims that he was pressurised by Cabinet ministers including Net Zero Secretary Ed Miliband at a meeting of the National Security Council on Friday into a tougher stance on not allowing US forces to use British bases for attacks on Iran.
Responding to questions from reporters, Starmer said: "No request from the US came in the specific terms that we acceded until Saturday afternoon, therefore, on Friday, there was no concrete decision to be made.
"A decision had to be made when we had the request, that came in on Saturday during the course of the afternoon - we were already taking measures in relation to our own capability - that came in on Saturday afternoon, late in the afternoon.
"We then, as you would have expected, went through the details with the US over the next day, and ultimately reached a decision on Sunday, which I announced then on Sunday evening, about eight or nine o'clock.
"But actually, on Friday, we didn't have a request from the United States, and therefore no decision fell to be made.
"Decision fell to be made when we had the request, that was Saturday afternoon. We then worked it through, which was a decision of all ministers, unanimous that we should take the action that I then announced."
Starmer - 'A lot of pre-planning has gone into this'
Thursday 5 March 2026 14:32 , Tom PlaceKeir Starmer was asked in the news conference about the criticism of the Government’s approach to the conflict.
When asked about the perceived indecision and lack of preparedness, Starmer said that Britain “started pre-deploying to the region in January and February, particularly to Cyprus and Qatar”.
He add that this included fighter jets, air defence missiles, and anti-drone systems, and was done in conjunction with the US and other allies.
Starmer said: “There’s been a lot of pre-planning gone into this, a lot of pre-deployment that’s gone into this.”
Starmer - Conflict 'could continue for some time'
Thursday 5 March 2026 14:25 , Tom PlaceKeir Starmer has said the UK government will work with the oil and gas industries to respond to any economic impact of the war to facilities and shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
He said that the government is reaching out to Jewish and Muslim communities in the UK to make sure they have "appropriate support", adding that the country should come together in this moment.
Starmer added that the conflict "could continue for some time", but said that the UK will do everything it can to protect British lives and uphold British values.
Starmer - UK is sending more Typhoon jets to the region
Thursday 5 March 2026 14:15 , Tom PlaceKeir Starmer has said that the UK is sending four additional Typhoon jets to join its operations in Qatar.
Starmer said: “I can announce today that we’re sending four additional Typhoon jets to join our squadron in Qatar to strengthen our defensive operations in Qatar and across the region.
“Wildcat helicopters with anti-drone capabilities are arriving in Cyprus tomorrow,” he added.
Starmer - First chartered UK flight from Middle East has departed
Thursday 5 March 2026 14:13 , Tom Place
Keir Starmer has confirmed that the government's first charter flight for citizens stuck in the Middle East has now departed, after it was delayed from yesterday evening due to a technical fault.
Starmer added that more than 4000 British people have now arrived back in the country on commercial flights from the UAE.
Click here to read the full blog on The The Standard's website
