US President Donald Trump says the Navy will start escorting tankers in the Strait of Hormuz ‘soon’.
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.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth approved a request from US Central Command for part of an amphibious ready group and its attached Marine expeditionary unit, which usually comprises several warships and roughly 5,000 Marines and sailors, according to three US officials.
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.”
UN seeks more than $300m in aid to Lebanon
The United Nations has appealed for more than $300m (£232m) in humanitarian aid to Lebanon as Israeli strikes have seen over 800,000 people displaced. “Solidarity in words must be matched by solidarity in action,” UN secretary general Antonio Guterres said while announcing the campaign.
JD Vance backs Iran war effort
US Vice President JD Vance has voiced his support for the US’s war with Iran.
“Right now, we are engaged in a military operation to ensure, as the president has said repeatedly, that Iran can never have a nuclear weapon,” he said at an event in North Carolina. “That is a simple, simple principle and standard. Frankly, every president said that they believed it. Donald J Trump has taken affirmative steps to ensure Iran can never have a nuclear weapon.”
There has been no evidence of Iran pursuing a nuclear weapon, and Donald Trump has also previously claimed US strikes in June last year “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear programme.
Hezbollah leader says Israeli threats to kill him are ‘worthless’
Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem says threats by Israel to assassinate him are “worthless”.
“Our involvement in the conflict at this time is aimed at weakening Israel’s position in order to reach a better agreement,” Qassem added. “There is no solution except through resistance; otherwise, Lebanon will face extinction.”
‘Ready for a long confrontation’
Hezbollah deputy leader Naim Qassem has declared that the group is ready for a “long confrontation” with Israel amid ongoing exchanges of fire.
Speaking on television, Qassem warned that Israel would be “surprised” on the battlefield.
The Iranian-backed organisation, headquartered in Lebanon, has been in conflict with Israel since 2 March, when it launched air attacks following the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
More than 100 children killed by Israeli strikes in Lebanon
More than 100 children have been killed by Israeli srikes in Lebanon.
The country’s death toll has risen to 773 since Israel’s first strikes on March 2, the Lebanese health ministry said. A further 1,933 people are wounded. The ministry added that 103 children have been killed and a further 326 children have been wounded.
‘5,000 US troops’ to be sent to Middle East
Around 2,500 additional Marines and 2,500 sailors are set to be deployed to the Middle East, NBC reports.
The sailors are from the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group, made up of the USS San Diego, USS Tripoli and USS New Orleans.
Read more: Trump deploys thousands of US Marines to Middle East
IDF launches more strikes on Tehran
Isreal’s Defence Forces are launching “extensive strikes” throughout Iran’s capital Tehran. Earlier, Isreal said it had carried out around 7,600 attacks on Iran in the last two weeks.
Death tolls rise as attacks across the Middle East continue
Multiple countries are reporting an increased death toll amid ongoing attacks in the Middle East, including:
- Lebanon: 773 people have been killed and 1,933 have been injured, the Lebanese health ministry says.
- Iran: At least 1,858 people have been killed, including 1,286 civilians and 199 military personnel, the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) reports.
- Israel: As of 10 March, 12 people have been killed by Iranian missile fire. Two Israeli soldiers have died in combat in Lebanon, the IDF said.
- US: 13 US soliders have died, including six crew members on a US military refuelling aircraft which crashed in western Iraq.
- Iraq: 27 people have been killed in airstrikes in Iraq since the start of the month, the country’s Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) says, the BBC reports. A French soldier was also killed in a drone strike in Erbil, which left six other service members injured.
- UAE: Six people have been killed since the start of the attacks across the Middle East.
- Oman: Two Indian nationals were killed in a strike in Sohar, according to India’s Ministry of External Affairs.
US sends huge warship, thousands of Marines and F-35 jets to Middle East
The US is sending a massive warship to the Middle East, according to a senior US official.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is sending the USS Tripoli and its Marine expeditionary to the region. It will bring thousands of marines, several assault ships, and F-35 fighter jets to back up American troops already stationed in the Middle East, the US official confirmed to Axios on Friday.
The move comes amid ongoing Iranian attacks targeting shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, which have driven up global oil, shipping, and insurance costs. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Thursday that US Navy escorts for commercial vessels could begin “soon,” noting that the disruptions have already cost the US $11 billion (£8.24).
Read more: Trump deploys thousands of US Marines to Middle East
US issues reward of up to $10 million for information on Iranian leaders
The US is asking for information on “Iranian terrorist leaders,” including Mojtaba Khamenei, with Iranian citizens offered up to $10 million and the right to move to America if they can inform on the whereabouts of 10 senior Islamic Republic leaders.
“These individuals command and direct various elements of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which plans, organises and executes terrorism around the world,” a poster by the US State Department says.
Got information on these Iranian terrorist leaders?
Send us a tip. It could make you eligible for a reward and relocation. pic.twitter.com/y7avkqdGWw
— Rewards for Justice (@RFJ_USA) March 13, 2026
The US has asked for information on:
- Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei
- Minister of Intelligence, Esmail Khatib
- Deputy Chief of Staff, Ali Asghar Hejazi
- Major General Yahya Rahim Safavi
- Brigadier General Eskandar Momeni
- Secretary to the Supreme Council, Ali Larijani
As well as those in the following roles:
- Advisor to the Supreme Leader
- Secretary of the Defense Council
- Military Office Chief, SLO
- The IRGC Commander
Huge blaze breaks out near Tel Aviv after Iranian strike
A massive fire has erupted on the outskirts of Tel Aviv after Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it launched joint missile attacks on Israel with Hezbollah, according to Iranian state media.
Images from the scene show fire crews working to extinguish the fire as black smoke billows from the site.
‘Our leaders are with the people, the US’s leaders are on Epstein’s island’
An Iranian official has hit back at Pentagon chief Hegseth’s claim that Iranian leaders are hiding “like rats”.
Ali Larijani, Iran’s national security chief, said several top officials, including President Pezeshkian, made public appearances at a rally in Tehran today.
“Mr. Hegseth! Our leaders have been, and still are, among the people. But your leaders? On Epstein’s island!” he wrote on X.
Mr. Hegseth! Our leaders have been, and still are, among the people. But your leaders? On Epstein’s island! https://t.co/iywavTegyv pic.twitter.com/rxFhzsWoq5
— Ali Larijani | علی لاریجانی (@alilarijani_ir) March 13, 2026
MoD: Britain shot down ‘multiple drones overnight’
The Ministry of Defence says Britain shot down “multiple drones overnight” following strikes on coalition bases in Iraq.
On Wednesday, a base housing UK and US forces in Iraq’s Erbil region came under attack. A French soldier was killed in a drone attack in the area last night.
The ministry said UK Typhoon jets flew air defence operations over Bahrain for the first time. “British Typhoon and F-35 jets are now flying in defence of British interests and allies across Qatar, Cyprus, UAE, Jordan, and Bahrain,” it said.
Trump is ‘not smart enough,’ says Iranian leader at Al Quds protests
Iranian leaders have attended today’s Al Quds Day protests in Tehran, Iran’s state TV reports. Among the crowds were foreign minister Abbas Araghchi and national security chief Ali Larijani.
Responding to reports of a US-Israeli attack near the protests, Larijani said the alleged “attack on the march route” indicated Israel’s “desperation”.
“Trump is not smart enough to see that the Iranian nation is mature, strong and determined,” he added. “The more pressure the US exerts, the stronger the people’s will becomes.”
Iran launches joint attack on Israel with Hezbollah
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) have launched a joint attack on Israel with Hezbollah, Iranian state-linked news agency Tasmin reports.
It comes after air alerts rang through Tel Aviv, central Israel and parts of the occupied West Bank.
“You must enter the protected areas upon receiving the warning, and remain there until further notice,” the IDF warned earlier.
Zelensky: Easing sanctions ‘strengthens Russia’s position’
Volodymyr Zelensky has said that the US’ decision to ease sanctions on Russian oil will only “strengthen” Russia’s position.
“It spends the money from energy sales on weapons, and all of this is then used against us,” he said. “We hear signals that this is meant to stabilise the situation, but in my view, the logic is completely different. The reality is that Russia spends this money on weapons – primarily on drones, which are being used massively against Ukrainians.”
He said intelligence reports show “these same drones are also being used against Iran’s neighbours, countries in the Middle East, as well as against Europeans and Americans whose forces are present at various bases there.
“Therefore, ultimately lifting sanctions only so that more drones will later be flying at you is, in my opinion, not the right decision.”
Switzerland refuses US military overflight
Switzerland has rejected two requests from the US military to fly through its airspace amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
The Swiss Federal Office of Civil Aviation said the applications were refused for “procedural reasons”, as they required further clarification and could not be approved within the required timeframe. The country’s Federal Council is still examining whether the conflict between the US, Israel and Iran legally qualifies as a war under its neutrality law.
Foreign militaries must obtain diplomatic clearance to send flights through Swiss airspace.
Lebanon’s president says Israel has ‘not responded’ to a request for negotiations
Joseph Aoun, the president of Lebanon has said he has not received a response to his proposal for direct negotiation with Israel.
“I expressed my readiness to negotiate, but until now we have not received a response from the other side,” says Joseph Aoun in a statement after meeting with UN Secretary General António Guterres in Beirut.
Mr Aoun slammed “Israeli aggressions” and says they “must be halted”.
UN chief Guterres has called on Israel and Hezbollah to “stop the war” at the start of a visit to Beirut, saying it is “no longer the time of armed groups”.
“My strong appeal to those parties, to Hezbollah and to Israel, is for a ceasefire to stop the war and … allow Lebanon to become a country independent … where its authorities have the monopoly on use of force,” Guterres said in English from the presidential palace, as Lebanon entered its 11th day of war.
“This is no longer the time of armed groups,” Guterres said, in reference to pro-Iran group Hezbollah. “This is the time of strong states.”
All six US crew members confirmed dead
US Central Command (CENTCOM), which oversees military operations in the Middle East, has confirmed that all six crew members on board a KC-135 refuelling aircraft that crashed in western Iraq on Thursday have been confirmed dead.
All Crew Members of U.S. KC-135 Loss in Iraq Confirmed Deceased
TAMPA, Fla. – All six crew members aboard a U.S. KC-135 refueling aircraft that went down in western Iraq are now confirmed deceased. The aircraft was lost while flying over friendly airspace March 12 during…
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 13, 2026
Explosion reported in Dubai
An explosion has been heard in Al Muraqqabat in Deira, Dubai, according to local reports.