Hegseth says Tuesday will be the ‘most intense day of strikes inside Iran’
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Major developments we’re following:
Trump sends contradictory messages: The president on Monday told Republican lawmakers that the war was likely to be a “short excursion,” but hours later posted on social media that “If Iran does anything that stops the flow of Oil within the Strait of Hormuz, they will be hit by the United States of America TWENTY TIMES HARDER than they have been hit thus far.”
US market seesaws on uncertainty of war: The US stock market careened through a manic Monday, going from a steep early loss to a solid gain as worries turned into hope that the war with Iran may not last that long. Oil prices whipped from nearly $120 per barrel, the highest since 2022, back toward $90.
The death toll continues to rise: The war has killed at least 1,230 people in Iran, at least 397 in Lebanon and 11 in Israel, according to officials in those countries.
Iranian official says athlete’s forced withdrawal from paralympics is heartbreaking — 8:51 a.m.
By the Associated Press
Cross-country skier Aboulfazl Khatibi had to withdraw from the Winter Paralympics because of he couldn’t travel safely to Italy due to the Iran war.
“The recent events have been very painful for many people, and it is especially heartbreaking for athletes who have dedicated years of hard work and preparation to represent their country,” Hamid Alisamimi, the chief executive of Iran’s National Paralympic Committee, said in a statement to The Associated Press.
“Aboulfazl Khatibi Mianaei, like many others, has faced deep disappointment at being unable to participate in the Paralympics after such long and determined preparation. At the same time, he believes that sport should always remain a bridge between nations and a symbol of peace.”
By the Associated Press
A merchant vessel escorted by Pakistan Navy warships docked overnight in the southern port city of Karachi and another was expected to enter Pakistan’s territorial waters in the Arabian Sea later Tuesday in the nation’s maritime security operation.
About 90% of Pakistan’s trade moves by sea, making maritime routes vital for the country’s economy and energy imports from Saudi Arabia and other gulf countries. Pakistan’s military said its navy launched Operation “Muhafiz-ul-Bahr” or Maritime Guardian in response to potential disruptions to key sea lanes.
Iran is firing off fewer ballistic missiles, drones since US campaign began — 8:36 a.m.
By the Associated Press
General Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, says the number of ballistic missiles fired off by Iran continues to go down since the first day of the US military’s campaign against Iran.
Speaking at a Pentagon news briefing, Caine said missile attacks have fallen 90% and one-way attack drones have decreased 83% since the war began.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the numbers show US strikes are making progress by wearing down Iran’s defenses and its ability to strike its neighbors and US forces.
“That is strong evidence of degradation,” Hegseth said of the numbers.
Hegseth says Tuesday will be the ‘most intense day of strikes inside Iran’ — 8:27 a.m.
By the Associated Press
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told reporters Tuesday morning from the Pentagon that “today will be yet again our most intense day of strikes inside Iran.”
Hegseth’s statement came shortly after he said that “the last 24 hours have seen Iran fire the lowest amount of missiles they have fired yet.”
General Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said at the same news conference that the US military is moving into the 11th day of its operation against Iran.
Egypt raises fuel prices — 8:27 a.m.
By the Associated Press
Egyptian Prime Minister Mustafa Madbouly says his government had to raise fuel prices to make sure local production continues and the economy remains stable.
Egypt hiked fuel prices by up to 17% as the war in the Middle East has sent prices of oil soaring.
The prime minister said during a Cabinet meeting that the government faced a choice between maintaining current fuel prices — a move that he said would have imposed heavy costs on the state — or raising them to shield industrial and business operations from the repercussions of the war.
Israel reports new missile salvo from Iran — 7:44 a.m.
By the Associated Press
Israel’s military says Iran has launched a missile attack targeting it Tuesday afternoon.
UAE’s industrial city of Ruwais attacked — 7:43 a.m.
By the Associated Press
Authorities in the United Arab Emirates says firefighters are battling a blaze in Ruwais after an Iranian drone strike.
The Abu Dhabi Media Office, which speaks for the capital, says there have been no injuries reported.
Ruwais is about 175 kilometers (110 miles) southwest of the capital city of Abu Dhabi in its desert reaches near the border with Saudi Arabia. It’s home to petrochemical plants.
Qatar intercepts missile attack — 7:42 a.m.
By the Associated Press
Qatar’s Defense Ministry reported that it intercepted an incoming missile.
Qatar tells people to seek shelter — 7:41 a.m.
By the Associated Press
Qatar has warned the public to go inside Tuesday afternoon out of concern of an incoming Iranian attack.
Also, the United Arab Emirates says its air defenses had been activated to intercept incoming fire from Iran.
Iranian security official threatens Trump — 7:40 a.m.
By the Associated Press
Ali Larijani wrote a message on X Tuesday after President Trump threatened to attack Iran “TWENTY TIMES HARDER” if Tehran stopped oil flowing through the Strait of Hormuz.
Larijani wrote: “The sacrificial nation of Iran doesn’t fear your empty threats. Even those bigger than you couldn’t eliminate Iran. Be careful not to get eliminated yourself.”
Iran has been accused of plotting attempts to kill Trump in the past.
Israel targets Revolutionary Guard sites — 7:39 a.m.
By the Associated Press
Israel says the strikes in Iran included the Guard’s central military university and weapons production sites belonging to the expeditionary Quds Force.
Blasts heard in Iran’s capital — 7:02 a.m.
By the Associated Press
Witnesses reported hearing several explosions in Tehran as the Israelis began their airstrikes.
Revolutionary Guard official makes oil threat — 6:45 a.m.
By the Associated Press
A spokesman for Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard has threatened to not allow “a single liter of oil” to leave the Persian Gulf.
Ali Mohamad Naeini has made the comment in a statement.
He says Iran “will not allow the export of even a single liter of oil from the region to the hostile side and its partners until further notice.”
“Their attempts to reduce and control oil and gas prices will be temporary and ineffective,” he said. “Trade in wartime conditions is subject to security considerations.”
UK military warns of possible ship attack off Abu Dhabi — 6:44 a.m.
By the Associated Press
A ship likely came under attack in the Persian Gulf off the coast of the United Arab Emirates’ capital, a center run by the British military says.
The possible attack on the bulk carrier would expand the radius of ongoing assaults against shipping by Iran during the war.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center reported the incident, saying a captain aboard the vessel reported seeing “a splash and heard a loud bang in close proximity of a bulk carrier.”
Russia’s mediation offer remains ‘on the table’ — 6:43 a.m.
By the Associated Press
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov says Russia remains ready to help broker an end to the war in the Middle East.
Following Russian President Vladimir Putin’s call on Monday with US President Trump, Peskov said that Russia’s mediation offers “are still on the table.”
He told reporters that “Russia is ready to provide assistance to the best of its ability and will be happy to do so.”
New attacks on Tehran — 6:33 a.m.
By the Associated Press
Israel’s military says it has launched new airstrikes targeting Iran’s capital, Tehran.
Bahrain reports missile and drone attacks — 6:32 a.m.
By the Associated Press
The Persian Gulf country was attacked with three missiles and a drone as Iran keeps up its strikes in the Middle East, authorities said.
One strike hit a residential building in Bahrain’s capital, Manama, killing a 29-year-old woman and wounding eight others, the Interior Ministry said.
Iran has repeatedly hit Bahrain, which hosts the US 5th Fleet.
G7 nations mulling use of emergency oil stocks — 5:37 a.m.
By the Associated Press
The group of industrial nations on Monday held off releasing oil stocks to bring down prices but are picking up the issue again with more discussions between their energy ministers on Tuesday, according to France.
France, which currently holds the G7’s rotating presidency, wants “to advance on that question, with one objective, which is to bring down prices,” government spokeswoman Maud Bregeon told broadcaster France Televisions.
“France is working on that for a very simple reason: If you put volume back into the market, you can have an impact on the lowering of prices,” Bregeon said.
French Finance Minister Roland Lescure said the G7 ministers will meet Tuesday afternoon by video call.
“It’s a process, we are working on it,” Lescure said. “All options are on the table.”
German foreign minister says no need to send military hardware — 5:26 a.m.
By the Associated Press
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul says there is no need now to send his country’s warships or other military hardware to Cyprus or the eastern Mediterranean.
An Iranian Shahed drone struck a British air base on Cyprus’ southern coast last week.
Wadephul lauded Greece, France and Italy for dispatching warships to the region as a “pragmatic step,” adding that Germany would augment a European force presence if needed.
Following talks with his Cypriot counterpart, Constantinos Kombos, Wadephul said he doesn’t have intelligence indicating “a real current threat” to Cyprus or another European country from the Iran war.
But he added “you can never predict what will happen the next day” with groups like Hezbollah.
Saudi Aramco says East-West pipeline to reach capacity in coming days — 5:15 a.m.
By the Associated Press
The Saudi oil giant Aramco says it will reach capacity of its East-West pipeline “in a couple of days” to get its product out to the global market.
Amin Nasser, Aramco’s CEO and president, said the East-West pipeline has a daily capacity of 7 million barrels.
“We should be reaching capacity, in a couple of days. It’s all been going on the repositioning of tankers from the East to West,” Nasser said. “You know, this crisis happened all of a sudden, and tankers need to reposition to the West coast for loading.”
He added: “The situation at the Strait of Hormuz is blocking sizable volumes of oil from the whole region.”
The East-West pipeline sends oil to the Red Sea for transport. Saudi Aramco operates the pipeline from the Aqaiq oil processing center near the Persian Gulf to the Yanbu port on the Red Sea, avoiding the chokepoint of the Strait of Hormuz.
Aramco CEO says company focused on safety and commitments — 4:42 a.m.
By the Associated Press
Amin Nasser, the president and CEO of Aramco, said the firm remained “focused on safety and meeting our commitments.”
“That situation continues to evolve, and the safety of our people and our operations remain our highest priorities,” Nasser said.
He did not immediately elaborate on any effects from the war on the company’s output.
China says 10,000 citizens have returned — 4:35 a.m.
By the Associated Press
More than 10,000 Chinese have returned from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Oman and elsewhere in the region after additional flights were sent to bring back stranded people, the Chinese government said.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, together with the Civil Aviation Administration of China, has arranged for Chinese airlines to significantly increase flight capacity,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said Tuesday in Beijing.
Netanyahu says Israel will continue Iran strikes — 4:26 a.m.
By the Associated Press
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed Tuesday that Israel will continue striking Iran.
“Our aim is to bring the Iranian people to cast off the yoke of tyranny, ultimately it depends on them,” Netanyahu said during a meeting with Israel’s hospital and health system leaders.
“But there is no doubt that with the actions taken so far, we are breaking their bones,” he said.
Southeast Asian countries urge remote work to counter higher fuel prices — 4:17 a.m.
By the Associated Press
Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul told government agencies and state companies to begin having staff not in public facing roles to work from home.
The government said Tuesday that Thailand was also suspending overseas training and study trips.
The announcement comes as countries in Southeast Asia move to counter disruptions to oil and gas supplies from the war in the Middle East.
The Vietnamese government ordered similar measures, but also urged people to limit private use of their vehicles.
Fuel prices have climbed and long lines have formed outside filling stations as drivers and motorcycle riders rush to ensure they can fill their tanks.
Iran parliament speaker says country not looking for cease-fire — 4:15 a.m.
By the Associated Press
Iran’s parliament speaker on Tuesday dismissed any suggestion Tehran sought a ceasefire in the war.
“We are definitely not looking for a ceasefire; we believe that the aggressor should be punched in the mouth so that he learns a lesson so that he will never think of attacking our beloved Iran again,” Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf wrote on X.
“The Zionist regime sees its shameful existence in the continuation of the cycle of ‘war-negotiation-ceasefire and then war again’ to consolidate its dominance. We will break this cycle,” he wrote.
Israel kills 3 Palestinians in Gaza — 4:07 a.m.
By the Associated Press
The Israeli military said Tuesday it killed three Palestinians in Gaza late Monday.
The Palestinians approached Israeli troops near the temporary line that Israel withdrew to at the start of the October 2025 ceasefire. The Yellow Line marks the Israel-controlled area in eastern Gaza.
Since the start of the ceasefire, at least 80 Palestinians have been killed near the Yellow Line after the Israeli military accused them of approaching and endangering soldiers.
Israel detects Iranian missile launch — 4:01 a.m.
By the Associated Press
Israel’s military said it detected an Iranian missile launch targeting the country Tuesday morning.
Azerbaijan sends humanitarian aid to Iran — 3:38 a.m.
By the Associated Press
Azerbaijan has sent humanitarian aid to Iran, Azerbaijani officials said Monday.
The aid includes 10 tons of flour, six tons of rice, more than two tons of sugar, over four tons of water, about 600 kilograms of tea and about two tons of medicines and medical supplies, according to officials.
The move comes after tensions spiked between Baku and Tehran last week when Azerbaijan accused Iran of firing drones at its Nakhchivan exclave, an allegation Tehran denies.
Azerbaijan also has increased military and economic ties with Israel.
By the Associated Press
Iran’s judiciary is warning its local media about what and how it reports as the war with Israel and the United States goes on.
That was a comment made by judiciary spokesman Asghar Jahangir as reported by the state-run IRNA news agency.
It said Jahangir said local outlets “that did not comply with security issues and had taken videos and photos of certain places solely for the purpose of informing were given the necessary warnings.”
“If this happens again, the necessary legal measures will be taken,” he said, without elaborating.
Iran has shut off the internet during the war and may be restricting reporting to hide what has been struck so far.
Turkey says NATO is deploying additional air defense system — 3:30 a.m.
By the Associated Press
Turkey’s Defense Ministry said Tuesday the Patriot missile defense system is being deployed in Malatya province, which hosts a NATO radar base.
The move follows NATO defenses intercepting a second ballistic missile fired from Iran that entered Turkish airspace Monday.
Israel renews call to evacuate southern Lebanon — 2:58 a.m.
By the Associated Press
The Israeli military on Tuesday reiterated the call for all residents of southern Lebanon to evacuate their homes as it planned to “operate forcefully” in the southern area against Hezbollah.
Israel issued similar warnings during its war with Hezbollah in 2003-2024, displacing hundreds of thousands of people.
Iraq army condemns airstrike on Iran-allied groups — 2:50 a.m.
By the Associated Press
The Iraqi military has condemned an attack early Tuesday on a camp for an umbrella of Iranian-backed groups in northern Iraq.
The airstrike on 40th Brigade of the Popular Mobilization Forces in the city of Kirkuk killed five and wounded four, according to two officials who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to brief reporters.
The military described the strikes as “a blatant targeting of Iraq.”
Iraq for years has had to walk a tightrope between the US and Iranian-allied Shiite groups, including some that are part of the government.
Israel targets Hezbollah’s financial arm — 2:30 a.m.
By the Associated Press
The Israeli military said Tuesday it had completed a series of strikes targeting Hezbollah’s financial arm, al-Qard Al-Hasan.
Israel says Hezbollah uses al-Qard al-Hasan to finance its military activities.
Israel targeted several of the group’s branches in southern and eastern Lebanon last week.
Aramco reports 2025 profit down from 2024 — 1:36 a.m.
By the Associated Press
Saudi Arabia’s oil giant Aramco reported 2025 profits of $104 billion, down from the year before as the Iran war has seen its fields and facilities targeted.
Aramco released its annual results Tuesday. It planned to brief investors later in the day as the war that began Feb. 28 has seen Iranian drones and missiles target its facilities.
Aramco, formally known as the Saudi Arabian Oil Co., reported profits of $110 billion in 2024.
Aramco said its 2025 revenues were $445 billion, down from $480 billion in 2024.
Sirens sound in Bahrain — 12:34 a.m.
By the Associated Press
Bahrain sounded its warning sirens Tuesday morning, signaling an Iranian attack was incoming.
Missile alert in Dubai as emirate targets incoming fire — 12:29 a.m.
By the Associated Press
An incoming missile alarm sounded early Tuesday morning in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. Authorities said air defense were targeting the incoming Iranian fire
United Arab Emirates lowers volume on missile alerts at night — 12:17 a.m.
By the Associated Press
The United Arab Emirates will lower the volume of missile alerts sent to mobile phones in the overnight hours.
The UAE’s National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority made the announcement late Monday night, saying that the loud blaring alarm would sound on phones from 9 a.m. until 10:30 p.m.
A standard text message chime would sound from 10:30 p.m. until 9 a.m., it said.
The blaring klaxon had sounded in the middle of the night since the war began Feb. 28. The change in the alerts signals how Gulf Arab states are trying to adjust to the idea of the war grinding onward as there’s no immediate sign of an end to the conflict.
