US urges Individuals to go away 14 nations in Center East as Iran battle escalates

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IDF says Iran launches missiles toward Israel as air defenses activate The Israeli military said Tuesday that missiles were launched from Iran toward Israeli territory, triggering air defense responses and emergency alerts for civilians.

In a statement posted on social media , the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said its defense systems were working to intercept the incoming missiles.

Israel’s Home Front Command also issued emergency alerts directly to mobile phones in affected areas, warning residents to enter protected spaces immediately and remain there until further instructions.

“Exit from the protected space will be permitted only after receiving an explicit directive,” the IDF said.

Officials urged the public to follow Home Front Command guidance, saying the instructions are critical for civilian safety during missile attacks.

The latest launches come as Iran continues retaliatory strikes across the region following ongoing U.S. and Israeli military operations targeting Iranian missile and military infrastructure.

16 mins ago State Department orders evacuation of non-emergency government personnel from Pakistan

The U.S. State Department on Wednesday ordered non-emergency U.S. government personnel and family members of government personnel in Pakistan to evacuate due to ongoing security risks amid the conflict with Iran .

"The State Department updated the Travel Advisory for Pakistan to reflect the ordered departure of non-emergency U.S. government personnel and family members of government personnel from U.S. Consulates Lahore and Karachi," the department wrote in a post on X.

There is no change to the status of Embassy Islamabad, the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Pakistan said in a travel advisory.

The travel advisory also cautioned about terrorism and armed conflict in the region.

1 hour ago Pope again criticizes US-Israeli military campaign in Iran: 'Find solutions without weapons'

Pope Leo XIV continues to speak out against the U.S.-Israeli joint military operation in Iran, calling for peace and to find ways to resolve problems "without weapons."

"Pray for peace, work for peace, less hatred. Hatred keeps growing in the world," Leo, the first American-born pope, said while speaking to reporters.

"Find solutions, without weapons, to resolve problems," he continued.

The pontiff has repeatedly criticized the military strikes against Iran since U.S. and Israeli forces began their attacks over the weekend.

"I am following with deep concern what is happening in the Middle East and in Iran during this tumultuous time," he said on Sunday. "Stability and peace are not achieved through mutual threats, nor through the use of weapons, which sow destruction, suffering, and death, but only through reasonable, sincere, and responsible dialogue."

"Faced with the possibility of a tragedy of immense proportions, I make a heartfelt appeal to all the parties involved to assume the moral responsibility of halting the spiral of violence before it becomes an unbridgeable chasm," the pope added. "May diplomacy regain its proper role, and may the well-being of peoples, who yearn for peaceful existence founded on justice, be upheld. And let us continue to pray for peace."

2 hours ago State Department raises security threat for multiple countries, urging people to reconsider travel

The U.S. State Department on Tuesday issued updated travel guidance for Jordan, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

The advisories for these four countries were increased to a "Level 3: Reconsider Travel."

Egypt remains at "Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution," reflecting that the department's "overall assessment of the security situation there has not changed at this time," the department said on X.

"The Trump Administration has no higher priority than the safety and security of Americans worldwide," the post reads.

3 hours ago State Department authorizes evacuation of non-emergency government personnel from Oman, Saudi Arabia

The U.S. State Department on Tuesday authorized non-emergency U.S. government personnel and family members of government personnel in Oman and Saudi Arabia to evacuate amid the ongoing conflict with Iran .

"The State Department updated the Travel Advisory for [these countries] to replicate the approved departure of non-emergency U.S. authorities personnel and members of the family of presidency personnel," the State Division wrote on X.

The U.S. embassies in both countries also urged people to reconsider travel to those regions due to the risk of armed conflict and terrorism.

5 hours ago Kuwaiti jet shot down 3 US F-15s in mistaken friendly fire incident, Fox News confirms

A Kuwaiti fighter jet accidentally shot down three U.S. F-15 aircraft during a chaotic response to Iranian drone attacks earlier this week, according to a report first published by The Wall Street Journal and confirmed by Fox News.

The Journal reported that a Kuwaiti F/A-18 pilot fired three missiles at the American jets, bringing down all three aircraft. The U.S. pilots safely ejected, according to officials familiar with the early findings.

The incident occurred shortly after Iranian drones penetrated Kuwaiti air defenses, with one drone striking a tactical operations center at a commercial port in Port Shuaiba, killing six U.S. service members.

Officials said Kuwaiti forces were on high alert when radar detected incoming aircraft and mistakenly targeted the American jets.

Fox News' Jennifer Griffin contributed to this reporting.

6 hours ago Former TOPGUN pilot declares Iran military 'over with' amid US air superiority, warns of danger

Decorated Navy TOPGUN graduate and F/A-18 fighter pilot Matthew "Whiz" Buckley said Tuesday that Iran has "zero" options as U.S. and Israeli strikes continue in Operation Epic Fury — but warned the biggest danger now may be friendly fire amid a complex battle environment.

Given U.S. air superiority, Buckley said on "Fox & Friends First" the Iranian government is backed into a corner.

"They really don't have any options. When you have command of the sky, you can do whatever you want... We have free flow over the airspace, which means we can pick and choose targets at will and not worry about any ground fire," he said, but added that, "the only ground fire we have to worry about is friendly fire."

Buckley said he was grateful for the safety of the U.S. airmen who had to eject themselves from their F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft after they were mistakenly engaged by allied Kuwaiti air defenses.

"I'm more worried about our own forces than I am the Iranians at this point. It's over with. As far as their air, sea and mainly land powers as well," he said.

Three U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles were shot down in a friendly fire incident over Kuwait late Sunday during active combat operations tied to Operation Epic Fury, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said.

The aircraft were taken down by Kuwait amid a complex battle environment that included attacks by Iranian aircraft, ballistic missiles and drones.

All six aircrew members safely ejected, were quickly recovered, and are reported to be in stable condition.

This is an excerpt of an article by Fox News Digital's Max Bacall.

7 hours ago CENTCOM says nearly 2,000 targets hit in Iran during Operation Epic Fury: 'Ahead of our game plan'

The commander of U.S. Central Command said Tuesday that American and Israeli forces have struck nearly 2,000 targets in Iran as Operation Epic Fury enters its fourth day.

In a video update posted to social media, CENTCOM commander Adm. Brad Cooper said more than 50,000 U.S. troops, 200 fighter aircraft, two aircraft carriers and long-range bombers are now participating in the operation.

Cooper described the deployment as the largest U.S. military buildup in the Middle East in a generation. He said coalition forces have severely degraded Iran’s air defenses and destroyed hundreds of ballistic missiles, launchers and drones.

U.S. forces have also destroyed 17 Iranian naval vessels, Cooper said, adding that no Iranian ships are currently operating in the Arabian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz or Gulf of Oman.

Iran has retaliated by launching more than 500 ballistic missiles and over 2,000 drones, according to CENTCOM, though Cooper said Tehran’s ability to strike U.S. forces and partners is declining.

“My overall operational assessment is that we are ahead of our game plan,” Cooper said.

7 hours ago Fox News Poll: Views are divided on US action against Iran

Voters are divided on U.S. military action against Iran , even as a majority sees the country as a security risk.

A new Fox News national survey finds 61% think Iran poses "a real national security threat" to the United States. That view is similar to most previous Fox News surveys since 2006. The notable exception was when concern hit 73% last June, right before the U.S. military mission against Iranian nuclear facilities called Operation Midnight Hammer.

Even though a majority views Iran as a danger to the country, that concern does not translate into majority support for the current U.S. military action, as 50% approve and 50% disapprove.

In addition, 51% think President Trump’s handling of Iran has made the U.S. less safe, up from 43% last July. Twenty-nine percent say he’s made the U.S. safer. By comparison, when the same question was asked about former President Biden in 2023, 50% said his handling of Iran had made the U.S. less safe, while 12% said safer.

Among Republicans, more than 8 in 10 approve of the current U.S. use of force, while only 6 in 10 say the president’s actions on Iran are making the U.S. safer.

Nearly 8 in 10 Democrats disapprove of the U.S. strikes and think things are less safe because of Trump’s performance, while 6 in 10 or more independents think the same on both counts.Among voters who have served in the military, 59% approve of the U.S. strikes on Iran (39% disapprove).

Compared to voters overall, who say the U.S. is less safe by a wide margin, veterans are more closely divided on the question of whether Trump’s actions have made the country safer (37%) or less safe (44%).

In a joint effort with Israel, the United States started launching strikes on Iran on Saturday morning as part of a mission called "Operation Epic Fury." All survey interviews were conducted after the bombings began, from Saturday through Monday.

This is an excerpt of an article by Fox News' Dana Blanton.

8 hours ago Pentagon identifies 4 of 6 US service members killed in Kuwait drone attack

The Department of War (DOW) on Tuesday identified four of the six U.S. service members killed in a drone attack in Kuwait earlier this week.

Officials said Capt. Cody A. Khork, 35, of Winter Haven, Florida; Sgt. 1st Class Noah L. Tietjens, 42, of Bellevue, Nebraska; Sgt. 1st Class Nicole M. Amor, 39, of White Bear Lake, Minnesota; and Sgt. Declan J. Coady, 20, of West Des Moines, Iowa, died March 1 in Port Shuaiba, Kuwait, during an unmanned aircraft system attack while supporting Operation Epic Fury.

All four soldiers were assigned to the 103rd Sustainment Command in Des Moines, Iowa, according to the Army.

Officials said the incident remains under investigation. Two additional service members killed in the attack have not yet been publicly identified pending notification of their families.

8 hours ago Macron orders France’s aircraft carrier to Mediterranean as Middle East war widens

French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday ordered France’s nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle to move from the Baltic Sea to the Mediterranean as the war in the Middle East expands.

The carrier will deploy with frigates and its air wing, Macron said in a televised address, adding that Rafale fighter jets, air-defense systems and airborne radar assets have already been sent to the region.

“And we will continue this effort as much as necessary,” Macron said.

Macron also revealed that French forces shot down drones early in the conflict while defending allied airspace.

France is not directly participating in the U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, Macron said, but French forces are prepared to take defensive action against missiles and drones threatening allies.

The deployment comes as the conflict spreads across the region, including recent strikes on a British air base in Cyprus, which Macron cited as a reason for strengthening the military posture.

The Associated Press contributed to this reporting.

Breaking News 8 hours ago CIA station at US Embassy in Riyadh hit in drone attack, source says

Fox News has confirmed that a CIA station inside the U.S. Embassy compound in Riyadh was hit during a drone attack, after the incident was first reported by The Washington Post .

Two drones struck the U.S. Embassy complex in the Saudi capital, according to U.S. and Saudi officials.

The attack caused structural damage to part of the embassy and smoke contamination inside the building, according to an internal State Department alert obtained by the Post.

There were no immediate reports of injuries, and embassy personnel were sheltering in place.

Fox News' Jennifer Griffin contributed to this reporting.

9 hours ago Sen Fetterman backs Trump's Iran strikes as Sen Graham predicts ‘overwhelming’ firepower coming

Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., voiced support Tuesday for U.S. strikes against Iran , breaking with most Democrats following a classified Senate briefing on the ongoing conflict.

Fetterman argued the military action was justified if it prevents Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.

“Why can’t we all just say the world is safer and it’s more just because of what has happened?” Fetterman told reporters.

He also dismissed concerns that the Trump administration violated the War Powers Resolution, noting presidents have up to 60 days of military action after notifying Congress.

Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina struck a far more aggressive tone after the briefing, predicting much larger strikes against Iran in the coming days.

“The amount of firepower coming in the next day or two from us is going to be overwhelming,” Graham said.

Graham also said Arab countries and European partners are expected to join the effort against Iran, arguing Tehran miscalculated by attacking Gulf nations including Kuwait, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

“Iran made a major miscalculation,” Graham said. “The ability to inflict harm on the regime is going to increase… because we’re going to have more partners.”

Graham predicted the Iranian regime could collapse, saying, “It’s not if they fall, it’s when they fall.”

9 hours ago Trump says US Navy could escort oil tankers through Strait of Hormuz

President Donald Trump said Tuesday the United States could deploy the U.S. Navy to escort oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz as tensions with Iran threaten global shipping lanes.

In a post on Truth Social , Trump said he ordered the U.S. Development Finance Corporation (DFC) to provide political risk insurance and financial guarantees for maritime trade traveling through the Persian Gulf, particularly energy shipments.

The coverage will be available to all shipping lines, Trump said.

“If necessary, the United States Navy will begin escorting tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, as soon as possible,” Trump wrote.

Trump said the move is intended to ensure the “free flow of energy to the world.”

The Strait of Hormuz, located between Iran and Oman, is one of the world’s most important oil chokepoints, with roughly 20% of global petroleum shipments passing through the narrow waterway.

10 hours ago Qatar says it shot down 2 Iranian warplanes during attack on its territory

Qatar said its air defenses shot down two Iranian SU-24 fighter jets during an attack on its territory, according to a letter the country sent Tuesday to the United Nations (UN) and shared on X.

The Qatari Ministry of Defense said the Qatar Amiri Air Force intercepted the aircraft, along with seven ballistic missiles and five drones launched toward the country.

Some of the Iranian attacks targeted energy infrastructure, including water tanks at the Mesaieed Power Plant and facilities in the Ras Laffan Industrial City operated by QatarEnergy, the letter said.

Qatar said there were no reported casualties.

The government condemned the strikes as a “flagrant violation” of its sovereignty and warned it reserves the right to respond under Article 51 of the UN Charter, which allows countries to act in self-defense.

10 hours ago Rubio says 9,000 Americans have left Middle East as evacuations continue amid Iran war

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Tuesday that about 9,000 Americans have already left the Middle East since the war with Iran began, as the State Department ramps up evacuation efforts.

Rubio told reporters ahead of a classified Senate briefing that roughly 1,500 Americans are still requesting assistance to depart the region.

The State Department is working to move people out through a mix of charter flights, military aircraft and expanded commercial flights, Rubio said, though evacuations have been complicated by airspace closures and damaged airports.

“We’ve had a couple of instances in which we have planes in the air and on the way, and unfortunately the airspace gets closed and they have to turn back around,” Rubio said.

Rubio urged Americans still in the region to register with the State Department so officials can coordinate evacuation routes.

The secretary also confirmed that an Iranian drone struck a parking lot next to the U.S. consulate in Dubai, sparking a fire that has since been extinguished. All personnel were accounted for.

Rubio warned that the scope of the military campaign against Iran is likely to intensify in the coming days.

“You’re going to begin to perceive a change in the scope and intensity of these attacks,” Rubio said.

The Secretary urged Americans to contact the State Department for urgent assistance at +1-202-501-4444.

11 hours ago Thune backs Trump’s Iran strikes, says president has ‘authority’ despite war powers dispute

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., said Tuesday that President Donald Trump already has the authority he needs to continue military operations against Iran , pushing back on concerns from some lawmakers that Congress must formally authorize the action.

“I think the president has the authority that he needs to conduct the activities, the operations that are currently underway there,” Thune told reporters, acknowledging ongoing debate over the War Powers Act.

Thune argued the administration is acting to protect Americans and U.S. military installations in the region as conflict with Iran escalates.

The South Dakota Republican also suggested the White House would likely keep military options open, including the possibility of additional action if necessary.

“I don’t think the president probably is going to take options off the table,” Thune said.

11 hours ago WATCH: American couple in Dubai describes ‘shock waves’ as Iran airstrikes rattle city

An American couple stranded in Dubai described hearing “shock waves” and seeing interceptor explosions overhead as Iran’s retaliatory airstrikes reached the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

“It was so quiet, and then all of a sudden just a big boom,” the woman said in video obtained by Fox News. “That one was really right over us.”

The couple, from New Hampshire, said they could see what appeared to be debris falling from the sky after a blast directly above their hotel.

“You wouldn’t know — it’s so calm — and then all of a sudden just a big boom,” she said. “Oh, right there. There it is. That was right overhead.”

Breaking News 11 hours ago Iranian drone strike lands near US Consulate in Dubai, fire extinguished

Diplomatic sources now clarify to Fox News that an Iranian drone strike landed near the U.S. Consulate in Dubai and not a direct hit on the facility itself.

Details remain limited, and there is no immediate word on casualties.

The reported strike marks a significant escalation as U.S. evacuations of American citizens across the region are underway.

The State Department has not yet issued a public statement regarding the strike.

Fox News' Jennifer Griffin and Gillian Turner contributed to this reporting.

12 hours ago IDF strikes covert underground Iranian nuclear ‘Minzadehei’ compound in major escalation

The Israel Defense Forces announced Tuesday it struck a covert underground Iranian compound used to advance nuclear weapons development as part of its broader offensive under Operation Rising Lion.

According to the IDF, the site referred to as the “Minzadehei” compound, was operated by Iran’s Defense Ministry and housed a group of nuclear scientists working to develop components necessary for nuclear weapons.

The Israeli military said the facility had been relocated underground after previous strikes, allowing Iran to continue advancing its nuclear program despite what the IDF described as “severe damage” earlier in the campaign.

“IDF intelligence continued to follow the scientists' activities and located their new location,” the military said, adding that the strike was conducted precisely against the covert compound.

Fox News' Yonat Frilling contributed to this reporting.

Breaking News 12 hours ago US begins evacuating American citizens from Middle East

Evacuations of American citizens from the Middle East have begun, a senior State Department official tells Fox News.

The official confirmed that evacuation flights are now underway, though specific country details are not being released due to security sensitivities. Fox News has also learned that bus evacuations are being conducted in parts of the region.

More details are expected as the situation develops.

Fox News' Gillian Turner contributed to this reporting.

12 hours ago Nikki Haley slams Democrats who say Iranian regime 'was no threat to America': 'Absurd'

Former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley slammed Democrats who claim that the Iranian regime was not a threat to the U.S., calling the notion "absurd."

"It’s absurd for Democrats to say the Iranian regime was no threat to America. For decades, they targeted American troops, made the spread of terrorism a priority, relentlessly pursued nuclear weapons, built missiles aimed at our bases, and plotted assassinations against President Trump and other U.S. leaders — myself included — on American soil," Haley said on X.

"When they chanted 'Death to America,' they meant all of us, at any cost," she added.

Haley told Fox News' Martha MacCallum that the U.S. and Israel's joint military offensive, Operation Epic Fury, was a "history-defining moment." She added that for President Donald Trump, her former boss-turned-political rival, it was a "legacy defining moment."

"They attempted to do diplomacy, and the Iranian Regime did what they always do. They lie, they cheat, they never tell the truth, and they always want to make sure in the back of their minds they want to harm people," Haley told MacCallum. "And we saw this when we got out of the Iranian deal, you know, years ago, that they were cheating then. I think that they were trying to get away with cheating now, and I think the Trump administration saw through that."

The launch of Operation Epic Fury caused a sharp divide within the Democratic Party, with major players praising and criticizing the attacks.

Sens. Tim Kaine, D-Va., and Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., both of whom called the launch of Operation Epic Fury "illegal," are among the most vocal critics. Additionally, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., claimed that the operation lacked "strategic clarity" and called for a vote on a war powers resolution.

"Confronting Iran’s malign regional activities, nuclear ambitions, and harsh oppression of the Iranian people demands American strength, resolve, regional coordination, and strategic clarity. Unfortunately, President Trump’s fitful cycles of lashing out and risking wider conflict are not a viable strategy," Schumer said in a statement.

"The Senate should quickly return to session and reassert its constitutional duty by passing our resolution to enforce the War Powers Act," Schumer added.

This is an excerpt from an article by Fox News' Rachel Wolf.

Posted by Anders Hagstrom 13 hours ago IDF confirms eliminating the Commander of Iran’s Quds Force's Lebanon Corps in Tehran

Israeli forces confirmed the elimination of the senior Iranian Quds Force commander responsible for Iranian operations in Lebanon, Gen. Davoud Ali Zadeh, on Tuesday.

The IDF says Zadeh directed Hezbollah to strike Israel to protect the Iranian terrorist regime at the expense of Lebanon and its citizens’ safety. Israeli forces said they would allow Iranian representatives 24 hours to leave Lebanon.

"The IDF will not tolerate any presence of representatives of the Iranian terror regime within Lebanese territory and will allow regime representatives in the country to leave for the next 24 hours," the IDF said in a statement.

"After this time, no location in Lebanon will be considered a safe haven for Iranian regime personnel. The IDF will engage these targets with full force wherever they are located," the statement continued.

Posted by Anders Hagstrom 13 hours ago Israel believes it killed multiple Iranian officials counting votes to pick next ayatollah

Israel believes it killed multiple top Iranian officials as they were counting votes to pick the next ayatollah of Iran on Tuesday.

Fox News' Trey Yingst reported the update on live on Fox on Tuesday morning, saying the move "speaks to the Israeli intelligence about this war."

"They just targeted the meeting in Tehran where what's left of the leadership was gathering to choose a new Supreme Leader," Yingst said, adding that Israeli sources believe they struck the meeting as voters were being tallied.

Posted by Anders Hagstrom 13 hours ago State Department has helped 130 Americans leave Israel during Iran war: official

The U.S. State Department has assisted 130 Americans in leaving Israel amid the war against Iran, a State Department official told Fox News on Tuesday.

"Hundreds of American citizens have left Israel since the start of the conflict. Over the last few days, the State Department has assisted over 130 American citizens depart Israel, with an additional 100 American citizens expected to depart today," the official told Fox News.

"The Department is in direct contact and aiding nearly 500 American citizens arrange travel out of Israel currently. American citizens needing assistance should call," the official added.

The U.S. has urged Americans to evacuate 14 countries in the Middle East amid the ongoing conflict. The U.S. has also closed two of its embassies in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.

Fox News' Trey Yingst contributed to this report.

Posted by Anders Hagstrom 14 hours ago Trump denies that Israel forced US hand on Iran

President Donald Trump rejected claims that Israel forced his hand in launching Operation Epic Fury against Iran on Tuesday.

A reporter pressed Trump on the issue during a meeting at the White House, asking whether Trump intentionally brought the U.S. into war.

"No. I might have forced their hand," Trump responded bluntly. "You see, we were having negotiations with these lunatics, and it was my opinion that they were going to attack first. They were going to attack. If we didn't do it, they were going to attack first. I felt strongly about that."

"We have great negotiators, great people, people that do this very successfully and have done it all their lives, very successful. And based on the way the negotiation was going, I think they were going to attack first. And I didn't want that to happen. So if anything, I might have forced Israel's hand," Trump continued, going on to say that Israel was ready regardless.

"We've had a very, very powerful impact because virtually everything they have has been knocked out. Now their missile count is going way down. Amazingly, they're hitting countries that were, you know, let's call them neutral, right? They live together for a long time. They, I think they were surprised. I was surprised, I think. And now those countries are all fighting against them and fighting strongly against them," Trump said.

Trump's comments are referring to Gulf states like Qatar, Saudi Arabia and others that have condemned Iran's retaliatory missile strikes.

Posted by Anders Hagstrom 14 hours ago Trump answers what 'worst case' in Iran would be

President Donald Trump gave insight into what the potential worst-case outcome could be for the U.S.-Israel war against Iran on Tuesday.

Trump was asked about the issue during a bilateral meeting with German Chancellor Freidrich Merz at the White House on Tuesday.

"What's the worst case scenario that you have planned for in Iran?" a reporter asked.

"Well, I don't know if there's a worst case. We have, very much, even militarily, from a military standpoint, still lobbing some missiles, at some point they won't even be able to do that because we're hitting all of their carriers," Trump responded.

"We're hitting all of their missile stock. You know, they built up all these missiles over the last few years. They had a lot of them. They've shot a lot of them. And we're knocking out a lot. I guess the worst case would be we do this and then somebody takes over who's as bad as the previous person, right? That could happen. We don't want that to happen. It would probably be the worst. You go through this, and then, in five years, you realize you put somebody in who was no better. So we'd like to see somebody in there that's going to bring it back for the people, and we'll see what happens with the people. You know, they have their chance. And we've said, don't do it yet. If you're going to go out and protest, don't do it yet. It's very dangerous out there. A lot of bombs are being dropped, but I would say that would be about the worst."

Posted by Anders Hagstrom 14 hours ago Trump says US has 'knocked out' Iranian navy, air force, radar defenses

President Donald Trump says the U.S. has "knocked out" Iran's navy, air force and radar defenses Tuesday.

Trump made the comments during remarks at the White House ahead of a bilateral meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

"They have no navy, it's been knocked out. They have no air force, it's been knocked out. They have no air detection, that's been knocked out," Trump said. "Their radar has been knocked out, and, uh, just about everything has been knocked out."

Merz confirmed that the U.S. and Germany are "on the same page" about the necessity of removing the current Iranian regime. Trump said Germany has been "helping us out" amid Operation Epic Fury.

Posted by Anders Hagstrom 15 hours ago What to know about Iran's Shahed-136 drones

Iran has fleets of mass-produced explosives that are now raining down across the Middle East on Israel, U.S. bases and Gulf States, and one of their most reliable weapons is the Shahed-136 drone.

These small kamikaze drones can carry a payload of between 88-110 pounds, and fly at a maximum speed of 115 mph.

The one-way attack drones are roughly 11 feet long and 8 feet wide, weighing a total of 440 pounds.

Much of their danger arises from their versatility, capable of being launched at a predetermined target from even commercial trucks and striking inside the territory of Gulf states within minutes.

Posted by Anders Hagstrom 15 hours ago 1 in 4 Americans back Trump’s Iran strikes, most say he’s too quick to use force: poll

About one in four Americans, but a majority of Republicans, say they approve of the U.S. military strikes on Iran ordered by President Donald Trump, according to a new poll.

The national survey, conducted Saturday and Sunday by Reuters/Ipsos in the hours after the start of "Operation Epic Fury" by American and Israeli forces on Iran that resulted in the killing of the country's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, also indicates about half believe Trump is too willing to use military force.

Twenty-seven percent of those surveyed said they approved of the strikes, with 43% disapproving and nearly three in 10 not sure.

But there's a partisan divide, with Republicans by a 55%-32% margin supportive of the military action. The vast majority of Democrats, 73%, disapproved of the strikes, with only seven percent saying they approved. A plurality of independents, 44%, disapproved of the military attack, with 19% supportive and nearly four in 10 unsure.

The poll was conducted before the U.S. military announced on Sunday the first U.S. casualties in the operation — three service members killed and five more seriously wounded.

"I think that the polling is very good, but I don’t care about polling. I have to do the right thing. I have to do the right thing. This should have been done a long time ago," Trump said in an interview Monday with the New York Post when asked about the new survey.

This is an excerpt from an article by Fox News' Paul Steinhauser.

Posted by Anders Hagstrom 15 hours ago Netanyahu delivers update on Israel's 'Operation Roaring Lion'

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered an update on Israel's Operation Roaring Lion at the country's Palmachim Air Base on Tuesday.

Netanyahu, flanked by by Minister of Defense Israel Katz and IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, said Israeli warplanes were operating over Iran and Hezbollah even as he spoke.

"I am here at the Air Force base with the Minister of Defense, the IDF Chief of Staff, the commanders, and the men and women fighters, both in Air Force defense and offense, along with the technical teams supporting this operation," Netanyahu said.

"We continue to strike Iran with great force. Our pilots are in the skies over Tehran and also in the skies over Lebanon. Hezbollah made a very grave mistake when it attacked us," he continued.

"We have already responded with great force, and we will respond with even greater, additional force. The Lebanese government must understand, and the people of Lebanon must understand, that Hezbollah is dragging them into a war that is not theirs, solely because of the death of that mass murderer with whom they have no connection. They must look out for themselves, and they would be wise to do so quickly. We will continue to do what is necessary for our defense," Netanyahu finished.

Posted by Anders Hagstrom 16 hours ago Israel completes wave of strikes targeting Iranian missile production in Tehran

The Israeli Defense Forces says it conducted a wave of strikes against Iranian industry and military infrastructure in Tehran and Isfahan on Tuesday.

The IDF says the Israeli Air Force led the attack, destroying targets the Iranian regime used to build ballistic missiles and other weapons.

"During strikes conducted throughout Iran, the IDF targeted industrial sites used by the Iranian regime to produce weapons, particularly ballistic missiles, that constitute an existential threat to the State of Israel," the IDF said in a statement.

"During the strikes conducted in parallel in Isfahan, the IDF struck dozens of targets related to the ballistic missiles array, including launchers and missile storage sites intended to be used against the State of Israel," the statement continued.

Posted by Anders Hagstrom 16 hours ago New satellite images show fires, naval base damage across Iran after US-Israeli strikes

New satellite images offer a stark look at the devastation inside Iran after U.S.-Israeli strikes, while also revealing the damage left behind by Tehran’s retaliatory attacks across the region.

According to U.S. Central Command, which oversees American military operations across the Middle East, U.S. forces struck more than 1,250 targets during the first two days of Operation Epic Fury.

Planet Labs satellite imagery captured burning ships and damaged facilities at the Konarak base in southern Iran, as well as significant destruction at Iran’s naval headquarters in Bandar Abbas on the Persian Gulf, reflecting the scale of the strikes on military infrastructure.

Imagery from Vantor shows the Choqa Balk drone facility in western Iran was hit, along with damage to other key military and strategic sites targeted in the U.S.–Israeli strike campaign.

Radar systems at the Zahedan air base in eastern Iran — near the country’s borders with Pakistan and Afghanistan — were also struck.

The two facilities are about 800 to 900 miles apart, underscoring the broad reach of the coordinated strikes.

Additionally, satellite imagery from Planet Labs shows thick smoke plumes rising above Tehran, signaling explosions and fires inside the Iranian capital.

This is an excerpt from an article by Fox News' Amanda Macias.

Posted by Anders Hagstrom 16 hours ago Aerial video shows US forces striking Iranian mobile missile launcher

Video released from U.S. Central Command on Tuesday showed undated strikes on Iranian mobile missile launchers.

The new footage comes as U.S. and Israeli forces have conducted thousands of sorties over Iran, striking the nation's navy, ballistic missile capabilities and its nuclear program.

Posted by Anders Hagstrom 17 hours ago Qatar condemns Iranian attacks on US Embassies

Qatar's Foreign Ministry condemned Iran's attacks on U.S. Embassies in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait on Tuesday.

The country released a statement calling the attacks a "blatant violation" of international laws. The statement comes as several Gulf states are considering deploying their own air forces to conduct offensive strikes in Iran.

"The State of Qatar strongly condemns the Iranian attacks that targeted the embassies of the United States in Riyadh and Kuwait, deeming them a blatant violation of international conventions and laws," the statement read.

"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stresses that the Iranian attacks on the two embassies contravene international agreements and diplomatic norms that criminalize assaults on diplomatic missions and grant immunity to their premises and staff," the statement continued.

"The Ministry affirms the State of Qatar's full solidarity with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the State of Kuwait in all measures they take to safeguard their security and the safety of their territories," it added.

Posted by Anders Hagstrom 17 hours ago Israel targets Iranian leadership meeting about succession: senior Israeli official

Israeli forces struck an Iranian Supreme Council gathering on Tuesday as the group was meeting to choose a successor to the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, a senior Israeli official told Fox News.

Fox News' Trey Yingst reported the update on live on Fox on Tuesday morning, saying the move "speaks to the Israeli intelligence about this war."

"They just targeted the meeting in Tehran where what's left of the leadership was gathering to choose a new Supreme Leader," Yingst said.

The U.S. and Israel killed 49 of Iran's most senior leaders in the opening salvo of Operation Epic Fury on Saturday morning, leaving Iran's military fractured and leaderless.

Posted by Anders Hagstrom 17 hours ago Gulf Arab state Air Forces may join strikes against Iran, source says

There are new indications that Gulf Arab States ’ air forces may begin taking part in strikes against Iran following barrage of drones and missiles fired at their civilian centers, according to a well-placed official source in the Gulf.

The report comes after the U.S. State Department warned of "imminent" Iranian attacks on the Saudi Arabian city of Dhahran on Tuesday, as well as reports of the port city of Damman facing assault.

"A line has been crossed," the source told Fox News. "The next 24 hours is going to be intense."

Fox News' Jennifer Griffin contributed to this report.

Posted by Anders Hagstrom 17 hours ago 'Imminent' missile, drone threat over Dhahran, Saudi Arabia: State Dept

The U.S. State Department warned of an "imminent" missile and drone attack over Dhahran, Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, urging Americans in the area to shelter in place.

The State Department issued the warning from its TravelGov account on X, telling those in the region to stay indoors and take cover in the lowest available floor of their buildings.

"There is a threat of imminent missile and UAV attacks over Dhahran. Do not come to the U.S. Consulate. Take cover immediately in your residence on the lowest available floor and away from windows. Do not go outside," the statement read.

"The U.S. Consulate in Dhahran urges U.S. citizens in Dhahran to shelter in place, review security plans in the event of an attack, and to stay alert in case of additional future attacks. U.S. Consulate personnel are sheltering in place," it added.

Posted by Anders Hagstrom 18 hours ago Ex-Obama advisor warns Iran strikes 'might' lead to civilian massacres, ignores protest deaths

Former national security advisor Ben Rhodes said President Donald Trump's military strikes against Iran "may" get civilians killed, appearing to overlook the deaths of Iranian protesters.

Rhodes, who previously worked under the Obama administration, wrote in a New York Times essay on Monday that Trump "may come to regret" his strikes against Iran over the weekend, warning that Iranian citizens "may" be killed as a result.

"Mr. Trump’s only stated plan for regime change was a call for the Iranian people to rise up," Rhodes wrote. "Then what? Those who do may be massacred. Some version of the regime could still cling to power."

Rhodes' essay did not reference the thousands of deaths reported after the Iranian regime's crackdown on protesters. The death toll has ranged from approximately 3,100 to over 36,000, though exact numbers have not been verified.

Instead, he allowed, "Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was a brutal and repressive force in the lives of Iranians for decades."

Rhodes said that Trump's operation had already led to the deaths of "untold civilians" based on Iranian state media reports that a school had been hit in the strike.

"Mr. Trump's authoritarianism is not abstract. There is nothing stopping him from wielding the awesome power of the United States to serve his own interests, not the public's. War should never be normal. We don’t know where this one will lead, but we do know that it has already killed untold civilians — including dozens of girls who did nothing but go to school. The desensitization of Americans to this kind of violence is part of what is broken in our society," Rhodes said.

The U.S. has not claimed responsibility for the strike on the school, though authorities have said they were "looking into" reports of "civilian harm" caused by the military operation. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated Monday that the U.S. "will not deliberately target a school."

This is an excerpt from an article by Fox News' Lindsay Kornick.

Posted by Anders Hagstrom 18 hours ago Trump says he told Iran's new leadership it is 'too late' to talk

President Donald Trump says the U.S. and Israel have successfully eliminated Iran's air force, navy and leadership on Tuesday.

Trump made the statement on his Truth Social account, noting that Iran's replacement leaders have reached out in hopes to talk with the U.S.

"Their air defense, Air Force, Navy, and Leadership is gone. They want to talk. I said 'Too Late!'" Trump wrote.

The president made the statement in response to an op-ed in The Washington Post hailing Trump's ability to "change the world without putting boots on the ground."

Posted by Anders Hagstrom 18 hours ago Americans should evacuate Israel by land into Egypt, Ambassador Huckabee says

U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee urged Americans in Israel to evacuate the country by land into Egypt on Tuesday.

The Embassy in Jerusalem says it is not in a position to "directly assist" Americans seeking to leave the country, and Huckabee admitted there are "very limited options" for leaving.

"As of now, the best is utilizing Israel's Ministry of Tourism shuttle bus to Taba, Egypt and getting flights from there or going on to Cairo for flights back to the US," Huckabee wrote in a lengthy statement on X, adding that he does not recommend leaving via Jordan.

"All of our personnel from embassy are sheltering in place, but I realize you may need to get people out and back home and not continue to incur hotel costs. I’m adding what we are recommending for now. Not sure when Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv will reopen. Hopefully soon, but even when it does, there will be VERY limited flights..." he continued.

So far, the U.S. has urged Americans to evacuate 14 countries across the Middle East. It has also closed embassies in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.

Posted by Anders Hagstrom 19 hours ago Former Israeli defense minister: 'The coming weeks will shape the coming decades in the Middle East'

Former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant says the coming weeks of war between Iran and its regional neighbors allied with the U.S. will shape the Middle East for "decades."

Gallant made the statement during an interview with Fox News' Trey Yingst that aired on Tuesday.

"I think we are in historical pivotal point. Something in this magnitude never happened in the Middle East since I would say the peace agreement with Egypt and the first revolution in Iran in 79, both of them," Gallant said.

"This is the magnitude and what [President Donald Trump ] did is giving the Center East and the world a brand new alternative to maneuver to the appropriate path. The Iranian folks deserve higher life, higher authorities, higher management over their future. And so they have the chance. And by appearing in opposition to Iran, concurrently, the USA and Israel, we're giving them the hope," he added.

"Let me put it this way: The coming weeks will shape the coming decades in the Middle East and in this part of the world and I believe that this should be done precisely according to the plan. We need to finish of the job," he said.

Posted by Anders Hagstrom 19 hours ago UN nuclear watchdog says Iran nuclear plant sustained 'some recent damage,' downplays fallout

The UN's nuclear watchdog says Iran's Natanz underground nuclear enrichment facility sustained "some recent damage," but that there are no radiological consequences expected.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) made the announcement during a special meeting with the group's board of governors on Monday. IAEA Director General Rafael Gross said there were no signs of hits or damage to Iran's nuclear facilities in the days since the U.S. and Israel launched Operation Epic Fury on Saturday.

U.S. strikes had hit Natanz last year after President Donald Trump ordered the crippling of Iran's nuclear program.

Iran maintains that it is not seeking to develop nuclear weapons.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Posted by Anders Hagstrom 19 hours ago Over 1,000 Iranian combatants killed in joint US-Israeli operation so far: senior Israeli official

Israeli analysts say more than 1,000 enemy combatants have been killed in Iran since the U.S. launched Operation Epic Fury and Israel launched its own Operation Roaring Lion on Saturday.

The estimate comes from Israel's latest battle damage assessment for Iran, according to a senior Israeli official.

The join U.S.-Israeli operations entered their fourth day on Tuesday, with no signs of slowing down.

Fox News' Trey Yingst contributed to this report.

Posted by Anders Hagstrom 19 hours ago Iranian women's soccer team refuse to sing national anthem in silent protest at Asian Cup

The Iranian women’s national soccer team made quite the statement on Monday night during the opening match of the Women’s Asian Cup, as they refused to sing while their national anthem played over the speakers at Cbus Super Stadium on the Gold Coast.

The players were in their customary line before their match against South Korea when the Iranian national anthem began to play. The women, looking straight ahead and barely moving, were stoic as it appeared there were jeers from the crowd. Later, applause erupted from those in attendance following the 3-0 South Korea victory.

Iran’s manager, Marziyeh Jafari, was also seen smiling as she looked upon her players’ silence from the sidelines.

This silence is particularly notable following the confirmed U.S.-Israeli strikes over the weekend that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran has since counterattacked by firing missiles and drones at Israel and regional countries that host U.S. allies or military bases, including Bahrain and Qatar.

During questioning by media on Sunday, Iran women’s national team captain Zahra Ghanbari, alongside Jafari, was asked about Khamenei’s death. The question was shot down quickly.

Jafari answered in Farsi, but an AFC media representative cut off her response without any translation, according to ESPN.

"OK, I think that’s all for your question. Thank you for asking. Let’s just focus on the game itself," the media rep said before questioning continued.

This is an excerpt from an article by Fox News' Scott Thompson.

Posted by Anders Hagstrom 20 hours ago UAE added to State Department evacuation list amid widening Iran conflict

The U.S. State Department on Tuesday added the United Arab Emirates to its growing list of countries where non-emergency government personnel and family members have been ordered to depart.

The UAE — home to major commercial hubs Dubai and Abu Dhabi — joins Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait and Qatar on the evacuation list as regional tensions escalate from the conflict with Iran.

The U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi also warned of potential militant attacks that could target tourist sites, transportation hubs and locations associated with Jewish and Israeli communities.