Middle East LIVE: US embassy in Baghdad hit as Iran’s Kharg Island ‘obliterated’
A missile has hit a US embassy in the Middle East.
Smoke was seen rising from the building in Baghdad, Iraq early this morning, as Donald Trump said the US had ‘obliterated’ military targets on Iran’s Kharg Island.
In a post on Truth Social, the US President claimed the attack was “one of the most powerful bombing raids in the History of the Middle East“. He added that the “for reasons of decency, I have chosen NOT to wipe out the Oil Infrastructure on the Island.”
This comes after reports that he ordered US Marines to the Middle East amid rising tensions as Iran steps up attacks in the Strait of Hormuz. The Pentagon is deploying a Marine expeditionary unit along with additional warships to the region in response to the escalating situation.
Iran threatens to attack US-linked oil infrastructure in Middle East
A spokesman for Khatam al-Anbiya central headquarter, a major command within Iran’s military, has threatened attacks on oil facilities in the Middle East linked to the US.
He warned Iran will target “all oil, economic, and energy infrastructures belonging to oil companies across the region that have American shares or cooperate with America” if the oil infrastructure in Iran is attacked.
10 foreigners detained in UAE over posting missile attacks online
The United Arab Emirates has detained 10 foreigners who allegedly posted footage on social media of missile and drone attacks on the county.
UAE General Prosecutor Hamad Al Shamsi ordered them to remain in detention over accusations of spreading disinformation, some of which included AI-generated videos of purported attacks on UAE landmarks.
He said in a statement that their acts are punishable by imprisonment of at least a year and a fine of at least 100,000 dirhams (£27,000).
US embassy in Baghdad hit by missile
The US embassy in Baghdad, Iraq was struck with reports suggesting part of the building’s air defence system was taken out.
On Friday, the embassy renewed its Level 4 security alert for Iraq, warning that Iran and Iran-aligned militia groups have previously carried out attacks against US citizens, interests and infrastructure, and “may continue to target them.”
Trump shares footage of US missile attack on Kharg Island
Donald Trump has shared footage of a US missile attack on Kharg Island.
And in a separate post he wrote: “Moments ago, at my direction, the United States Central Command executed one of the most powerful bombing raids in the History of the Middle East, and totally obliterated every MILITARY target in Iran’s crown jewel, Kharg Island.
“Our Weapons are the most powerful and sophisticated that the World has ever known but, for reasons of decency, I have chosen NOT to wipe out the Oil Infrastructure on the Island. However, should Iran, or anyone else, do anything to interfere with the Free and Safe Passage of Ships through the Strait of Hormuz, I will immediately reconsider this decision.”
Iran’s semiofficial Fars news agency said the strikes targeted an air defense facility, a naval base, the airport control tower, and an offshore oil company’s helicopter hangar, adding no oil infrastructure was damaged in the attack.
Baby among six family members killed in missile strike in Iran
A six-month old baby was among a family reportedly killed in an air strike on Iran.
The missile destroyed a residential building early today in the western city of Eyvan, the judiciary’s official news agency Mizan reported, citing local authorities.
A local official said that rescue workers are still at the scene of the strike, clearing the rubble.
Iranian media reports 15 explosions in Kharg after US strike
Iran has reported at least 15 explosions in Kharg Island, earlier hit by the US.
Iran’s semiofficial Fars news agency said the strikes targeted an air defense facility, a naval base, the airport control tower, and an offshore oil company’s helicopter hangar, adding no oil infrastructure was damaged in the attack.
Iran ‘plans to take over the entire Middle East’
Donald Trump has claimed Iran is planning to take over the entire region.
He said on Truth Social this morning: “Iran had plans of taking over the entire Middle East, and completely obliterating Israel. JUST LIKE IRAN ITSELF, THOSE PLANS ARE NOW DEAD! President DONALD J. TRUMP.”
Hamas issues first statement since war began
The Palestinian militant group has issued its first statement since the beginning of the war on February 28.
It urged regional countries to “cooperate and stop” the US and Israeli assault on Iran.
“While affirming the right of the Islamic Republic of Iran to respond to this aggression by all available means in accordance with international norms and laws, the movement calls upon the brothers in Iran to avoid targeting neighboring countries,” Hamas said in a statement on Saturday.
Missile strikes helipad inside US Embassy in Baghdad
A missile has struck a helipad inside the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, according to two security officials.
They said that the projectile landed within the embassy’s boundaries after the Green Zone, the heavily fortified district in central Baghdad that houses Iraqi government institutions and foreign embassies.
Iran warns that oil firms working with US will be ‘turned into a pile of ashes’
Iran’s military has claimed that oil and energy infrastructure belonging to firms working with the US would “immediately be destroyed and turned into a pile of ashes”, according to local media.
The threat comes after earlier statements made by Donald Trump.
Trump says Iran “wants a deal – but not a deal that I would accept”
Donald Trump has said Iran wants a deal but “not a deal that I would accept” in his latest post addressing the conflict in the Middle East.
It comes after Donald Trump dispatched US Marines to the Middle East as Iran intensifies its assaults in the Strait of Hormuz, as a $10m reward is being offered for whereabouts of 10 senior Islamic Republic leaders.
Dubai city centre building hit by debris
Dubai’s Media Office confirmed that debris from an interception hit the facade of a building in the city centre. It added that the incident was contained, with no fire or injuries reported.
Fruit and veg producers say Iran war could lead to empty supermarket shelves
Fruit and vegetable producers have warned they may be forced to stop production and end the season early because of the rising price of energy and transportation costs due to the war.
Growers’ associations responsible for producing fruit and vegetables across the country have said this may result in empty shelves in the supermarkets. Lea Valley Growers Association (LVGA) secretary Lee Stiles said: “Growers are in the same position now as they were when Russia invaded Ukraine, because the wholesale gas prices are creeping up.
“With rising costs, many growers are thinking they might as well send the staff home, stop for the season and not produce anything. They’re going to have to make a decision in the next few weeks as to whether or not it’s going to be economic to continue for the rest of the year.”
Trump says war will go on “as long as it’s necessary”
President Trump will not give his estimate on when war will end. In an interview tonight he said: “I have my own idea but what good does it do? It’ll be as long as it’s necessary”.
He added: “I won’t give you a time, but we’re way ahead of schedule.”
Qatar intercept missile attack as areas evacuated
Qatar’s defence ministry said early on Saturday it had intercepted a missile attack.
The ministry said earlier that authorities were evacuating “a number” of areas as a temporary precaution, without identifying the locations. Emergency alerts were sent to people’s phones.
Trump claimed Kharg Island ‘not high on the list’ 24 hours ago
Prior to the US attack on Kharg Island President Trump rebuffed questions about the US seizing it.
In an interview with Fox News radio, recorded on Thursday evening, Trump was asked if he had any plans to take the island.
“It’s not high on the list,” Trump said. “It’s one of so many different things, and I can change my mind in seconds.”
The question seemed to annoy Trump, who continued: “Who would ask a question like that and what fool would answer it? Let’s say I was gonna do it or let’s say I wasn’t gonna do it, why would I tell you?”
Iran warned they would ‘abandon all restraint’ following attack on Kharg Island
Posting on social media earlier this week, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf said Iran “will abandon all restraint” if the islands come under attack and said Trump will be responsible for “the blood of American soldiers.”
Kharg Island, Qeshm Island, and the tiny islands of Abu Musa and the Greater and Lesser Tunb have huge importance due to their oil facilities and strategic location. JPMorgan said: “A direct strike would immediately halt the bulk of Iran’s crude exports, likely triggering severe retaliation.”
Trump confirms he is in discussion with China’s president
Donald Trump says he’s discussed Mideast war with China’s president. When asked by a reported if he had discussed the war with Xi Jinping, the president said, “I have, and we’re discussing a couple of different things with him. Not only that, but other things.”
The US President did not give anymore details.
Where is Kharg Island?
Kharg Isalnd is a small island in the northern Persian Gulf, just off of Iran’s coast. It acts as the terminal for nearly of all of its oil exports.
For the first two weeks of US and Israeli attacks it had been untouched, until the “powerful bombing raids” Trump just revealed.
Trump says US ‘obliterated’ military targets on Iran’s Kharg Island
In a post on his social media site the US President claims his country ‘obliterated’ military targets on Kharg Island.
The post says: “Moments ago, at my direction, the United States Central Command executed one of the most powerful bombing raids in the History of the Middle East, and totally obliterated every MILITARY target in Iran’s crown jewel, Kharg Island.”
He added: “For reasons of decency, I have chosen NOT to wipe out the Oil Infrastructure on the Island. However, should Iran, or anyone else, do anything to interfere with the Free and Safe Passage of Ships through the Strait of Hormuz, I will immediately reconsider this decision.”
US Navy to escort oil tankers through Strait of Hormuz ‘soon,’ Trump says
Donald Trump says the US navy will escort oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz “soon”.
It comes as Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, said he plans to use the effective closure of the waterway as leverage against the US and Israel.
Around one-fifth of the world’s oil passes through the Strait of Hormuz.
Q: When will the Navy start escorting tankers through the Strait of Hormuz?
TRUMP: It will happen soon pic.twitter.com/YFZBKgWEfN
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) March 13, 2026
Israeli strike on health centre in Lebanon kills 12
The Lebanese Ministry of Public Health has condemned an Israeli strike on a health centre which killed 12 medical staff.
The strike, which took place in Burj Qalawiya in southern Lebanon, came just hours after another attack in Al-Sawana which killed two paramedics, officials said.
In a statement, the ministry condemned the “ongoing violent approach” by Israel against health workers. It said: “The Ministry condemns this attack on one of its centers, which is part of the primary healthcare network spread throughout the Lebanese territories, and reiterates its condemnation of the ongoing violent approach against health workers, which contradicts all international humanitarian laws.”
Trump admits Putin ‘might be helping’ Iran
Donald Trump has admitted Russia may be helping Iran in its war with the US and Israel.
“I think he might be helping them a little bit, yeah” Trump told Fox News. His comments come despite the US lifting oil sanctions on Moscow to address skyrocketing crude prices.
In a phone call with the US president earlier this week, US envoy Steve Witkoff said Putin and other Russian leaders had denied sharing intelligence with Iran.
Heightened security alert issued in Qatar
Further security warnings have been issued in Qatar this evening. Alerts on mobile phones have been sent to everyone in the country, pointing to incoming missiles or drones, Al Jazeera reports.
It comes minutes after Qatar’s Ministry of Interior said “a number of specified areas” were being evacuated “in the interest of public safety” until the threat of an attack had subsided.
Qatar evacuates ‘a number of areas’ until ‘danger has passed’
Authorities in Qatar have evacuated “a number of specified areas” to ensure public safety “until the danger has passed,” the country’s Ministry of Interior has said.
“The Ministry urges everyone to obtain information from official sources and to comply with the issued instructions,” it adds.
Israel says friendship with UAE ‘stands strong’
Israel’s Foreign Ministry has thanked the UAE for its “invaluable assistance” in “enabling the return of Israeli citizens back home from the United Arab Emirates”.
“The friendship between Israel and the United Arab Emirates stands strong, proving its worth in times of peace and in times of war,” the ministry added.
Iran arrests 14 ‘key people’ linked to US and Israel
Authorities in Iran say 14 “key people” with links to the US and Israel have been arrested.
Tehran accused the individuals – who have not yet been identified – of intending to “create unrest, riots and carry out anti-security activities,” the Iranian Fars state news agency reports.
F1 races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia to be called off
The Formula 1 races scheduled to take place in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia next month are set to be called off as fighting in the Middle East continues.
While a formal decision to cancel the races has not yet been made, it is expected before the end of the weekend, Sky News reports.
US Marines in Japan set for Middle East deployment
A US Marine unit based in Japan is expected to be deployed to the Middle East along with additional American warships, US officials have told CBS News.
The deployment is expected to include elements of an amphibious ready group and the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, according to a report by the Wall Street Journal. Such groups typically bring together around 5,000 Marines and sailors across several warships.
Starmer on US decision to lift Russian oil sanctions
Keir Starmer has criticised the US’s move to temporarily lift sanctions against Russian oil.
He argued the decision could ultimately fuel Russia’s war efforts in Ukraine. “It’s obviously a decision for the US, but our position is clear. All partners should maintain pressure on Russia and its war chest,” the prime minister said.
“The best way to continue to stop Russia supporting hostile actors is to continue our collective pressure and end the war in Ukraine.”
