US-Israel War: Iran's intelligence chief killed in Israeli strike on Tehran
Iran Reportedly Announces Khamenei’s Son As New Supreme Leader
Iranian state TV announced on Sunday, March 8, that Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the country's late supreme leader, has been named his successor.
AP notes that the younger Khamenei had long been considered a contender, even before the Israeli strike killed his father at the start of the war.
Legit.ng gathers that Iran’s powerful paramilitary Revolutionary Guard answers to the supreme leader, and now Khamenei will have the central say in war strategy. The announcement came on the ninth day of the war.
Recall that President Trump said earlier that he wants to have a say in who comes to power once the war is over.
Iran rejects US ceasefire proposal as war continues, makes 3 fresh demands
Iran rejected a United States ceasefire plan, and demanded sanctions to be lifted, while Israel struck South Pars plant and Trump hailed a truce proposal.
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Trump says entire Iran could be "taken out" if no deal is reached by Tuesday
President Trump said Iran could be “taken out in one night,” which “might” be Tuesday, April 7, being the deadline he set for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
CNN reports that Trump reiterated threats to hit all of Iran’s bridges and power plants, claiming the Iranian people would be “willing to suffer” if it eventually secured their freedom.
Meanwhile, Tehran has warned that the consequences of such attacks will stretch beyond the region.
Trump says US tried to arm Iranian protesters
President Trump has said the United States tried to covertly arm Iranian protesters through Kurdish intermediaries weeks before the ongoing war was launched.
“We sent guns to the protesters, a lot of them,” Fox News quoted Trump as saying late on Sunday, April 5.
The US president, however, said he believed that the Kurds kept the guns for themselves.
Meanwhile, several Iranian Kurdish opposition groups denied Trump’s claim of arming them, according to Al Jazeera.
US-Israel war: Iran's intelligence chief killed in Israeli strike on Tehran
Israel has confirmed killing Revolutionary Guards intelligence chief Majid Khademi, vowing to target Iranian leaders "one by one".
Trump threatens to unleash ‘hell’ on Iran if Strait of Hormuz is not reopened by Tuesday
President Trump has renewed his threat to unleash “hell” on Iran if it continues to keep the Strait of Hormuz closed.
He said the US will destroy the country’s power plants and bridges on Tuesday, April 7, if Hormuz is not reopened.
Iranian security official warns of 'big surprise' for US, Israel
An Iranian security official has said that Tehran is moving forward in the ongoing war according to its plans and “specific target bank” and warned of “a big surprise” in store for the US and Israel, according to Al Jazeera.
In a statement carried by the Fars news agency, the official said the US’s “target bank is inaccurate” and dismissed Trump’s threats to strike bridges as “laughable”, arguing they were a response to the “failure of American military operations”, including the downing of its warplanes.
The official was quoted as saying:
“We have a big surprise for America and the regime. It only takes a little time. Their behaviour in southern Iran may also shift the timing of events in our favour.”
The official added:
“We have learned well in asymmetric warfare how to wear down the enemy. America has failed in its strategy of clean, quick, and easy attack.”
US service member missing after Iran shot down jet rescued
President Trump said that a US service member who was missing since Iran shot down a fighter jet has been found in a rescue involving “dozens of aircraft.”
The crew member had been missing since Friday, when Iran downed a U.S. F-15E Strike Eagle. A second crew member was rescued earlier.
Trump wrote that the aviator is injured but “will be just fine,” adding that he took refuge “in the treacherous mountains of Iran.”
US rescues aviator whose fighter jet was shot down in Iran
The US said Sunday, April 5, it rescued a service member missing behind enemy lines since Iran downed a fighter jet, as President Trump escalated pressure on Tehran with a new looming deadline to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran showed no signs of backing down, striking economic and infrastructure targets in neighbouring Gulf Arab countries.
The airman’s extraction followed a US search-and-rescue operation after the Friday crash of the F-15E Strike Eagle, as Iran also promised a reward for anyone who turned in an “enemy pilot.” Trump said he was injured but in stable condition.
“This brave Warrior was behind enemy lines in the treacherous mountains of Iran, being hunted down by our enemies, who were getting closer and closer by the hour,” Trump wrote on social media.
A second crew member was rescued earlier.
Legit.ng gathers that the fighter jet was the first American aircraft to have crashed in Iranian territory since the US and Israel launched the war, striking Iran on February 28.
US and Iran race to find missing crew member from downed military plane
The search continued for a second day in a remote area of Iran for a missing US pilot whose warplane was shot down. Iran has urged residents to turn in the “enemy pilot” for a reward.
And Israel vowed to “continue to crush” Iran and confirmed it struck a petrochemical complex Saturday. Iranian state media reported at least five people were killed.
France delivers 39 armored vehicles to Lebanese army amid US-Israel vs Iran war
France has delivered 39 armoured personnel carriers to the Lebanese Armed Forces, fulfilling a prior commitment made by French officials, the Defence Ministry said on Friday, April 3, according to the Anadolu agency.
The delivery “aims to guarantee Lebanon’s territorial integrity, the protection of civilians, regardless of their faith, and the preservation of state institutions,” French Deputy Defence Minister Alice Rufo was quoted as saying during a handover ceremony at the port of Beirut.
Legit.ng gathers that the armoured vehicles, known as VABs, are designed to enhance troop mobility and enable operations in high-risk areas.
French President Emmanuel Macron announced in late March that France would continue supporting Lebanon’s armed forces, including the delivery of armoured personnel carriers, while stressing the need to protect the country’s “territorial integrity” and civilians.
US-Israel war against Iran: How many people have been killed or injured?
Below are the confirmed casualties across countries that have been subject to attacks in the US-Israel vs Iran war, as of Friday, April 3, according to Al Jazeera's Death toll and injuries live tracker:
Iran – killed: 2,076, injured: 26,500
Israel – killed: 24, injured: 6,594
US soldiers – killed: 13, injured: 200
Bahrain – killed: 3, injured: Dozens
Iraq – killed: 109, injured: Dozens
Jordan – killed: 0, injured: 29
Kuwait – killed: 7, injured: Dozens
Lebanon – killed: 1,345, injured: 4,040
Oman – killed: 3, injured: 15
Qatar – killed: 0, injured: 16
Saudi Arabia – killed: 2, injured: 22
United Arab Emirates – killed: 12, injured: 190
Iran fires more missiles at Israel, celebrates downing of 2 US warplanes
Iran says it has downed two US warplanes, with the first shot down in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province, and the other crashing in the Gulf, Al Jazeera reported.
Legit.ng gathers that two of the US crew members in the warplanes have been rescued, and at least one is believed to be missing.
US‑Iran war: Again, Nigerians face economic shocks without government buffer
As economic shocks from the US‑Iran war hit Nigeria, Opatola Victor of Lawyers for Civil Liberties points how it leaves Nigerians vulnerable with no state cushion
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Iran targets Israel and Gulf Arab states
Iranian missiles and drones have continued to target Israel and Gulf Arab states on Tuesday, March 24, even as President Trump said the US was in talks with the Islamic Republic to end the war.
Iran fired multiple waves of missiles at Israel early on Tuesday, with reports of an impact in the country's north.
In Tel Aviv, a missile with a 100-kilogram (220-pound) warhead slammed into a street in the centre of the city, getting out windows of a neighbouring apartment building and sending smoke billowing.
“We saw destruction, smoke, and chaos,” rescue service worker Yoel Moshe told reporters of his arrival at the scene minutes after the missile struck. Four people suffered minor wounds, he said.
Trump says Iran 'wants to make a deal'
President Trump extended his deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, March 23, saying the US will hold off striking Iranian power plants for five more days.
Trump said US envoys have been holding talks with a “respected” Iranian leader, and Iran wants “to make a deal.”
However, Iranian officials denied any such negotiations, and declared that the American leader had backed down “following Iran’s firm warning.”
Israel says Iran’s security chief Ali Larijani killed
Israel’s Defence Minister Katz says Iran’s security chief, Ali Larijani, has been killed.
The Israeli army also said it killed Basij force commander Gholamreza Soleimani in an attack last night. Iran has not commented on the claims yet.
Israel's PM Netanyahu threatens to kill Iran's new supreme leader
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued a veiled threat to kill Iran's new supreme leader, according to Reuters.
He, however, acknowledged that Israel's joint air war with the US may not lead to a collapse of Tehran's clerical government.
US-Israel war: 'Black rain' falls in Iran after strikes on oil facilities, WHO reacts
The World Health Organisation has warned that the “black rain” and toxic compounds in the air in Iran after air attacks on oil facilities as part of the US-Israeli bombing campaign could cause respiratory problems, Al Jazeera reports.
Legit.ng gathers that the agency, which has an office in Iran and works with authorities on health emergencies, said it has received multiple reports of oil-laden rain this week.
“The black rain and the acidic rain coming with it is indeed a danger for the population, respiratory mainly,” WHO spokesperson Christian Lindmeier told reporters in Geneva, adding that Iran had advised people to stay indoors.
Asked whether the WHO backed that advice, he said:
“Given what is at risk right now, the oil storage facilities, the refineries that have been struck, triggering fires, bringing serious air quality concerns, that is definitely a good idea.”
He said the strikes had caused “the massive release of toxic hydrocarbons, sulfur oxides and nitrogen compounds, into the air”.
Breaking: Iran warns US president Trump of possible elimination, details emerge
Iran's security chief Ali Larijani warns United States president Donald Trump to “be careful not to be eliminated,” raising fresh tensions amid ongoing war.
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Iran war: US vows most intense day yet of strikes
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said Tuesday, March 10, will be the most intense day yet of American strikes inside Iran. This is as Iran vowed to fight on.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said “we are breaking their bones”, adding that the war's aim is a popular overthrow of Iran's government.
On his part, President Trump has sent contradictory signals about how long the war could last, causing wild swings on Monday in financial and fuel markets. The U.S. stock market and oil prices were holding relatively steady on Tuesday.
Also, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf dismissed any suggestion that Tehran has sought a ceasefire.
US-Israeli war: Iran vows to use powerful missiles, rejects Trump talks
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has vowed to use powerful missiles as the war escalates.
It rejects the US claims that its missile programme has been destroyed, adding that it is deploying projectiles in greater numbers, and with warheads weighing more than 1 tonne.
Meanwhile, President Trump has threatened to hit Iran “20 times harder” if it stops oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, hours after saying the war could end “very soon”, Al Jazeera reported.
Iran war: Israeli forces reportedly kill Catholic priest
Al Jazeera is reporting that Israeli forces have killed Lebanese Maronite Catholic priest Father Pierre al-Rahi in the village of Qlayaa in southern Lebanon.
Citing Catholic News Service, the global media stated that al-Rahi, who was also known as Pierre el-Rai, had refused an Israeli forced order to flee Qlayaa, a Christian Maronite village in the Marjayoun district, a few miles from the Israeli border.
“Father Pierre al-Rahi was from my village, Dibeh, but he was the parish priest of Qlayaa in Marjayoun,” Lebanese Maronite Father Jean Younes, secretary-general of the Assembly of Catholic Patriarchs and Bishops of Lebanon, was quoted as saying.
“Unfortunately, he passed away. God bless his soul,” Younes said.
Trump reacts to Iran's choice of new supreme leader:" a big mistake"
President Trump says Iran has “made a big mistake” by choosing Mojtaba Khamenei as the new supreme leader after his father was killed in the US-Israel attack.
“I think they made a big mistake (in selecting Mojtaba Khameini," Trump told NBC News.
Al Jazeera reports that the US president had earlier described Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s son as a “lightweight”.
Who is Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei? Information surfaces
Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the assassinated Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was named Iran’s new supreme leader, marking a rare father‑to‑son power transfer amid tensions.
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US-Israel vs Iran war: Number of casualties on Day 10
- Iran - 1,255 killed; 12,000 injured (attacks by US and Israel)
- Lebanon and Cyprus - 394 killed; 1,000+ injured (attacks by Israel and Iran)
- Iraq - Six killed; dozens injured (attacks by Israel and Iran)
- Israel - 13 killed, nearly 2,000 injured (attacks by Iran)
- Jordan - 14 injured (attacks by Iran)
- Kuwait - Six killed; dozens injured (attacks by Iran)
- Bahrain - 1 killed; 40 injured (attacks by Iran)
- Qatar - 16 injured (attacks by Iran)
- Saudi Arabia - 2 killed, 12 injured (attacks by Iran)
- UAE - 4 killed, 112 injured (attacks by Iran)
- US military - 8 killed, 18 injured (attacks by Iran)
- Oman - 1 killed, 5 injured (attacks by Iran)
Source - Al Jazeera casualties live tracker, as of Monday, March 10
Key things you should know as US-Israel-Iran war enters day 10
The US and Israel have continued attacks on Iran as the war entered its 10th day on Monday, March 9.
Here are some key things you should know, as highlighted by Al Jazeera, after more than a week of missile attacks.
In Iran:
- The Iranian Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was assassinated in US-Israeli strikes on Saturday, February 28
- Days after Ali Khamenei's death, the Iranian authorities have named his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, as his successor.
- Political leaders, including President Masoud Pezeshkian, have supported Mojtaba Khamenei's appointment.
In Qatar
- The Qatari government on Monday issued an alert advising residents that the threat level had elevated.
- The Ministry of Defence said in a statement that the armed forces had intercepted missiles targeting the state.
In Saudi Arabia
- The Ministry of Defence said on Monday that its air forces had intercepted and destroyed a drone which was heading towards the Shaybah oilfield.
- The US Embassy in Riyadh said the Department of State had ordered the departure of nonemergency government employees as well as the family members of all workers from Saudi Arabia “due to safety risks”.
In Bahrain
- On Monday, the Ministry of Interior said sirens had been activated in the country, and people were urged to head to the “nearest safe place”.
- An alleged Iranian attack targeting a facility in the village of Maameer had caused a fire. No casualties were reported.
In the UAE:
- The Ministry of Defence said on Monday that the country’s air defences were responding to incoming missile and drone threats from Iran.
In Israel
- Iran announced new missile strikes on Israel on Monday
- The Israeli military said in a statement on Monday that it had destroyed the headquarters of the air force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
In the US
- The US military has lost seven American service members.
In Lebanon
- Israel attacked the Ghobeiry municipality in the Lebanese capital, Beirut. Footage from Monday showed the moment the strike hit with a loud explosion audible on camera. Lebanon has suffered many deaths.
- Human Rights Watch released a new report on Monday stating it had uncovered evidence that Israel had used white phosphorus in residential areas of southern Lebanon earlier this month, in violation of international humanitarian law.
Two killed, several injured as projectile hits Saudi Arabia
A military projectile struck a residential compound in Al Kharj, Saudi Arabia, killing two residents and injuring 12 others, according to Saudi Civil Defense.
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7th US service member killed in Trump-backed Israel-Iran war
The US military says a US service member died of injuries sustained during an Iranian attack on US troops in Saudi Arabia, according to AP. Legit.ng notes that this brings the number of American troops killed in the Iran war to seven.
“Last night, a U.S. service member passed away from injuries received during the Iranian regime’s initial attacks across the Middle East,” US Central Command said on X.
“The service member was seriously wounded at the scene of an attack on U.S. troops in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on March 1.”
The name of the service member is being withheld until 24 hours after their family is notified, as is customary.
Iran Reportedly Announces Khamenei’s Son As New Supreme Leader
Iranian state TV announced on Sunday, March 8, that Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the country's late supreme leader, has been named his successor.
AP notes that the younger Khamenei had long been considered a contender, even before the Israeli strike killed his father at the start of the war.
Legit.ng gathers that Iran’s powerful paramilitary Revolutionary Guard answers to the supreme leader, and now Khamenei will have the central say in war strategy. The announcement came on the ninth day of the war.
Recall that President Trump said earlier that he wants to have a say in who comes to power once the war is over.
US-Israel vs Iran war: Lebanon counts losses
Lebanon’s health minister said Sunday that 83 children are among the 394 killed so far in the conflict between Israel and the Hezbollah militant group over the past week.
Israel’s renewed offensive began last week after Hezbollah launched rockets toward northern Israel during the opening days of the war.
Terrorism: Iran sends important message to Nigeria amidst war with Israel and US
Iran’s Ambassador to Nigeria pledged support in combating Boko Haram and ISWAP, while rejecting Israeli claims and reaffirming six decades of bilateral ties.
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Video: Remains of 6 US soldiers killed in Kuwait arrive US
The remains of six US soldiers killed in Kuwait during the early days of the Iran war were returned in a dignified transfer at Dover Air Force Base on Saturday.
President Trump and members of his cabinet attended the solemn event honouring the fallen members of the 103rd Sustainment Command, according to CBS News.
List of the dead soldiers:
- Capt. Cody A. Khork, 35
- Sgt. 1st Class Noah L. Tietjens, 42
- Sgt. 1st Class Nicole M. Amor, 39
- Sgt. Declan J. Coady, 20
- Maj. Jeffrey O'Brien, 45
- Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert M. Marzan, 54
Israel renews deadly attack on Lebanon as war rages on, video surfaces
Israel has renewed deadly attacks on Lebanon amid the ongoing conflict, with videos of the strikes circulating online. The Israeli military released a statement.
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Trump reacts to Russia reportedly sharing intel with Iran
President Trump on Saturday said that it was inconsequential if Russia had provided Iran with information to help Tehran target US military personnel and assets in the Middle East as the week-old war rages.
The US president dismissed the importance of such information-sharing after he attended the dignified transfer for six Army reservists who were killed in a drone strike in Kuwait the day after the US and Israel launched a war on Iran that has unsettled the global economy.
Moment drone strikes Dubai airport
A video shared by Al Jazeera shows the moment a drone struck Dubai International Airport’s runway, forcing the suspension of all flights on Saturday.
Trump vows to hit Iran harder
President Trump has warned in a Truth Social post that more Iranian officials will be targets, saying, “Today Iran will be hit very hard!"
He also reacted to the apology by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian earlier in the day to neighbouring nations over Tehran’s attacks.
Iran's president apologises for strikes on neighbours
Iran's president apologised on Saturday, March 7, for attacks on regional countries even as its missiles and drones flew toward Gulf Arab states,
The Associated Press notes that this indicates that Tehran's political leadership could not exercise full command over Iran's armed forces.
Iran vows not to surrender
President Masoud Pezeshkian has reacted to President Donald Trump's statement asking for Iran's "unconditional surrender".
Pezeshkian said Iran will never surrender. This is as Tehran continues to strike targets in Israel and the Gulf region with drones and missiles, with the war going into the second week.
Russia reportedly provides Iran information capable of helping Tehran strike US military
Russia's intelligence sharing with Iran may enhance targeting of US military assets in the Gulf, while Ukraine offers expertise against Iranian drone threats.
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Ghana peacekeeping battalion hit by missile attacks in Lebanon
Two soldiers were critically injured as the headquarters of Ghana's United Nations peacekeeping battalion in Lebanon was hit by missile attacks on Friday, March 6, according to a statement released by Ghana's armed forces.
Recall that Lebanon was pulled into the war in the Middle East on Monday, March 2, when Hezbollah fired rockets at Israel that ignited a new Israeli offensive against the group.
Legit.ng gathers that Ghanaian soldiers are deployed as part of the UNIFIL mission in Lebanon.
The statement from Ghana's armed forces did not say who fired the missiles, but it said Ghana's foreign ministry had protested the incident at U.N. headquarters in New York.
In addition to the two critically injured soldiers, the statement said that another soldier "has been traumatised" while the officers' mess facility was hit and burned down.
Donald Trump gives only condition to end war with Iran, details emerge
United States (US) president, Donald Trump, on Friday, March 6, 2026, signalled intent to end the war with Iran, but the 79-year-old set a major condition.
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Israeli continues to attack Iran and Lebanon on Day 7
With the escalation entering the seventh day, Israeli airstrikes pounded the capitals of Iran and Lebanon.
Iran is also not backing down as it launched new retaliatory attacks early Friday, March 6, against neighbouring countries that host US forces.
There were no immediate reports of casualties, according to AP.
Trump says he wants to be involved in picking Iran's next leader
President Trump said on Thursday, March 5, that he should be involved in choosing Iran’s next supreme leader, according to AP.
This is as the US and Israel hammered the country for a sixth day. Meanwhile, Iran also kept up retaliatory attacks on Israel, American bases and countries around the Middle East region.
Breaking: Israel cancels Friday prayers at Jerusalem as war with Iran escalates
Israeli authorities halt Friday prayers at Al-Aqsa amid escalating tensions with Iran. Security concerns prompted closure of key religious sites in Jerusalem.
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Iran launches new attacks, Israel reacts
Iran has launched a new wave of attacks on Thursday morning, March 5, at Israeli and American bases, according to AP.
Legit.ng gathers that Tehran threatened that the United States would “bitterly regret” torpedoing an Iranian warship in the Indian Ocean.
Ayatollah Abdollah Javadi Amoli, a prominent Iranian religious leader, called for “Trump's blood". Meanwhile, Israel said it had begun a “large-scale” attack on Tehran.
US-Israel vs Iran war: Key things to know on Day 6
As the US-Israel war against Iran enters the sixth day, here is a list of key things that have happened in the last few hours.
- US attacks Iran's warship: A US submarine sank an Iranian warship in international waters off the coast of Sri Lanka, killing more than 80, according to Sri Lankan officials cited by CNN
- Turkish intercepts Iran's misile: NATO air defense systems shot down an Iranian missile hurtling towards Turkey’s airspace on Wednesday. This is believed to be the first time NATO forces have intercepted an Iranian missile travelling towards a member country since this conflict began.
- Two remaining US soldiers identified: On Wednesday night, the Pentagon publicly identified the two remaining service members killed in a drone attack in Kuwait on Sunday.
- Trump gets Senate's support: Republicans rejected a resolution Wednesday that would have reined in US President Donald Trump’s war powers.
- What are the US goals in the war? The White House said the US goals are to destroy Iran’s ballistic missile programme, “annihilate” its naval presence, dismantle its terrorist proxies and prevent it from pursuing a nuclear weapon. Regime change was not a primary objective, the White House said
- School bombing in Iran: The White House didn’t rule out that the US military had carried out a strike on a girls’ elementary school in Iran during the initial joint US-Israeli strikes, which killed at least 168 children, according to Iranian state media.
Just In: US sinks Iranian warship as Iran threatens widespread destruction, details emerge
The US has sunk an Iranian warship amid escalating conflict, as Iran threatens widespread destruction across the Middle East and global tensions intensify.
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Escalating US-Iran conflict: Why it matters to Nigeria
The US-Iran crisis puts Nigerian citizens abroad at risk, analyst Lekan Olayiwola warns, as he hammers the importance of evacuation readiness and diplomacy.
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Iran's World Cup participation in doubt: Could FIFA name Nigeria as replacement if they quit?
Iran may withdraw from the 2026 FIFA World Cup amid escalating US-Israeli airstrikes, prompting FIFA to consider replacement options for the tournament.
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Nigeria vs Iran and Jordan friendly matches in doubt amid US-Israeli airstrikes
Nigeria's friendlies against Iran and Jordan face possible cancellation due to Middle Eastern tensions following recent regional conflicts and resulting crisis.
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Expert speaks on what US-Israeli attack on Iran means for Nigerian economy
Muda Yusuf, CEO for the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise says the US-Israeli attack on Iran may lift Nigeria’s oil revenue but strain the naira.
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US-Israel attacks on Iran: Death toll and injuries recorded so far
As the US-Israel attacks on Iran enter Day 5, below is a summary of the death toll and injuries recorded so far, according to Al Jazeera's Death toll and injuries live tracker.
Iran – killed: 787, injured: hundreds
Israel – killed: 11, injured: hundreds
US soldiers – killed: 6, injured: 18
Bahrain – killed: 1, injured: 4
Iraq – killed: 2, injured: 5
Jordan – killed: 0, injured: 5
Kuwait – killed: 3, injured: 35
Lebanon – killed: 40, injured: 246
Oman – killed: 1, injured: 5
Qatar – killed: 0, injured: 16
Saudi Arabia – killed: 0, injured: 0
United Arab Emirates – killed: 3, injured: 68
US, Israel, Iran continue attacks as war enters its 5th day
The attack on Iran continues as explosions sounded in Tehran on Wednesday, March 4, according to Al Jazeera.
Legit.ng gathers that the Israeli military said it conducted a series of strikes across Iran’s capital targeting its forces.
The Iranian Red Crescent Society said at least 787 people have been killed across Iran in the joint US-Israeli attacks.
Meanwhile, Tehran has also continued its retaliatory attacks on Israel and US targets in the Middle East, with strikes reported on Washington’s consulate in Dubai, the embassy in Saudi Arabia and a port in the city of Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates, among others.
Khamenei's death: Full list, details of Iran's top officials killed during US-Israel strike are out
Iran confirms the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and top officials in US-Israel strikes, releases names of those killed as Tehran vows retaliation.
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Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon exchange fire
The US-Israeli air war against Iran expanded on Monday with no end in sight.
According to Reuters, Israel is attacking Lebanon in response to strikes by Hezbollah, while Tehran fired missiles and drones at Israel, Gulf states and a British air base in faraway Cyprus.
Video: US fighter jet crashing in Kuwait as pilot parachutes down
The American F-15 fighter jet and two others were shot down over Kuwait. The US Central Command called it "an apparently friendly fire incident" during an Iranian attack on the Gulf country, CBS News reports.
Legit.ng gathers that CENTCOM said in a statement on Monday, March 2, that the aircraft were "mistakenly shot down by Kuwaiti air defenses", adding that "all six aircrew ejected safely, have been safely recovered, and are in stable condition."
The F-15s came down amid attacks on Kuwait from Iranian aircraft, missiles and drones, according to CENTCOM, which the U.S. and its regional allies have been trying to intercept.
Read more here.
Has Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu been killed in drone airstrike? Fact emerges
A viral X post claimed Benjamin Netanyahu was killed in a drone strike, but fact-checking confirmed he was alive and serving as Israel’s Prime Minister.
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“I Would Rather Lose My Father”: Nigerian Man Mourns Ayatollah Ali Khomeini With Deep Emotion
A Nigerian man simply identified as Abu_Noor™, @arhermadd, shared an emotional reaction following the death of Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khomeini, saying the news deeply affected his peace and appetite.
In a heartfelt post on X, the man said:
In my life, I do not think there has ever been a death that affected me so deeply, disturbed my peace, and took away my appetite the way that of Ayatollah Ali Khomeini did. I am a follower of the Ahlul Bait school of thought, and I practice taqlid under Ali Khomeini.
He added that the news of the cleric’s martyrdom left him devastated.
“When I heard the news of his martyrdom, I felt that if I were asked to choose between losing my father or losing him, I would choose to lose my father and let him remain. Although many of you may not know who he is, Muslims around the world benefit from the protection and guidance associated with this servant of Allah. He is regarded as the chief representative of Imam Mahdi on earth.”
Describing the depth of his grief, the man said:
“Immediately after his martyrdom, I even wished I had not been alive to witness such heartbreaking news. By Allah, there is no one in this world whom I love more than Ali Khomeini. If there were any way for me to travel to Iran now, I would go, because I feel my life would have little meaning if my father were taken before I had made any meaningful contribution to Islam.”
He concluded his message with prayers and a warning to those he believed were responsible.
“May Allah accept his martyrdom. I firmly believe that those responsible will ultimately face the consequences of their actions, whether sooner or later. Just wait, and you will remember that I said this. May Allah keep us steadfast.”
Who is Ayatollah Ali Khamenei?
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, died 86, was born on April 19, 1939, in the city of Mashhad.
He later began his advanced religious studies at Qom under the most prominent Shiʿi scholars of the day, including Ruhollah Khomeini.
Source: Twitter
From 1963, he was actively involved in protests against the monarchy, for which he was imprisoned several times by Iran’s security services.
Khamenei was among the founding members of the loyalist Islamic Republican Party (IRP).
Khamenei was elected president in October 1981 and reelected in 1985. The presidency was a largely ceremonial role during his two terms, most executive authority being vested in the prime minister.
He became Iran’s Supreme Leader in 1989, succeeding Iran’s late founder, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, who returned from exile and drove Iran’s 1979 revolution that overthrew the US ally and Shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi
Khamenei held ultimate authority over all branches of government, the military and the judiciary. He also doubled as Iran's spiritual leader.
During his rule, Khamenei has withstood an adversarial relationship with the West, including intense sanctions, and several rounds of protests at home over the economy and rights issues.
He described the US as Iran’s “number one enemy”, with Israel trailing close behind.
Khamenei’s power was principally anchored on the loyalty of two of Iran’s premier security institutions – the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the Basij paramilitary forces, which have hundreds of thousands of volunteers.
US/Israel vs Iran:: List of Iranian leaders killed
The Israeli military has released a list of senior Iranian officials allegedly killed in Saturday’s airstrikes. The list includes:
- Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Supreme Leader of Iran
- Aziz Nasirzadeh, the country’s defense minister
- Ali Shamkhani, the head of the Iranian Security Council
- Mohammad Pakpour, commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)
- Saleh Asadi, an intelligence official
- Hossein Jabal Amelian and Reza Mozaffari-Nia, research officials
- Mohammed Shirazi, longtime defense liason.
Iran confirms death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei
The death of the Supreme Leader of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has been confirmed. He was killed at his office early Saturday, February 28, while “performing his assigned duties.”
Is Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei Dead?
Israel's prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, says there are "growing signs" that Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, is "gone" after US and Israeli strikes, according to Reuters and BBC.
Netanyahu, however, did not specifically state whether he is dead or not.
BBC reports further that satellite images earlier showed damage to Khamenei's compound in Tehran. It adds that unconfirmed reports in Israel and the US say he was killed.
President Donald Trump also stated in a Truth Social post that Khamenei was killed.
Israel strikes 2 schools in Iran, over 80 people killed
An Israeli strike has hit an elementary girls’ school in Minab, a city in the Hormozgan province of southern Iran, according to Al Jazeera.
Iran’s semiofficial Tasnim News Agency cited the Judiciary of Minab as saying that the death toll had risen to 85 after Saturday’s strike on the school.
US vs Iran: Nigeria issues travel advisory
The Nigerian government has advised Nigerians living in the Middle East, particularly in Iran and surrounding Gulf nations, to take extra security precautions following rising military tensions in the region.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it is closely watching developments involving military operations reportedly carried out by Israel and the US against targets in Iran, as well as subsequent retaliatory actions affecting parts of the Gulf.
The advisory recommended limiting non-essential movement and avoiding public gatherings or demonstrations until the security environment improves.
The government reiterated that the safety of Nigerians abroad remains a priority and pledged to continue monitoring the situation while providing updates as developments unfold.
It also appealed to parties involved in the conflict to de-escalate hostilities and return to negotiations in the interest of global peace and stability. Read more here.
US and Israel attack Iran: List of airlines, flights affected so far
International air travels have been affected across the Middle East due to the escalation, with global airlines suspending or diverting flights.
Here is a list of those we have tracked so far:
Countries that have closed airspace:
- Israel
- Iran
- Iraq
- Jordan
International airlines that have cancelled or suspended services
- Air India
- British Airways
- Iberia Express
- IndiGo
- Japan Airlines
- LOT Polish Airlines
- Norwegian Air Shuttle
- Turkish Airlines
- VirginAtlantic
- Air Algérie
- Scandinavian Airlines
- Pegasus Airlines
- ITA Airways
- Ethiopian Airlines
Death toll rises to 40 after Israel attacked Iran's school
The death toll from an Israeli strike on a school in southern Iran has risen to 40, according to Iran’s state media.
The attack reportedly hit an elementary girls’ school in Minab, a city in Hormozgan Province. Earlier reports had put the number of those killed at 24 before it was revised upwards.
Iran’s state-run news agency, IRNA, said the updated figure reflects fatalities recorded after emergency teams accessed the site and nearby areas. Read more here.
Iran sends message to Gulf states
Iran has said it will use all its military means under its right of self-defence to protect itself.
A statement released by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said he made phone calls with counterparts in countries including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Iraq, telling them Iran will use "all its defensive and military capabilities under legitimate right of self-defence" to protect the integrity of Iran.
The statement added that Araghchi also "reminds" these countries of "their responsibility to prevent the misuse of their facilities and territories" by the US and Israel to attack.
US/Israel-Iran conflict: How world leaders are reacting
The UK government said it does "not want to see further escalation into a wider regional conflict".
The British government added that it stands ready to protect its interests.
Russia’s foreign ministry said the attacks by the US and Israel are "reckless", adding that they violate international law. It, therefore, calls for a return to political and diplomatic solutions.
Italy expresses solidarity with Iran’s civilian population, saying it continues to demand respect for civil and political rights.
Australia says it "stands with the brave people of Iran in their struggle against oppression" and supports the US in efforts to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen calls on all parties to exercise maximum restraint, to protect civilians, and to fully respect international law.
US-Iran-Israel conflict: What we know so far
What's happened in Iran?
Explosions struck Tehran early Saturday morning, with smoke seen over key squares. Blasts were also reported in Isfahan, Qom, Karaj and Kermanshah, while casualties remain unclear. Iran has closed its airspace.
What have the US and Israel said?
Donald Trump confirmed US military action, saying it aims to remove threats and stop Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu backed the move, urged Iranians to seek change, and Israel declared a nationwide state of emergency.
How has Iran responded?
Israel says Iran fired missiles towards its territory, with explosions heard in Haifa.
In Bahrain, the US Navy 5th Fleet service centre was reportedly hit, while Israel has closed its airspace and restricted public activities.
US-Iran crisis: List of the key players
Here is a list of the global leaders at the centre of the current tension in Iran:
- President Donald Trump of the United States
- Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei
- Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
- Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman - He's said to be interested in a weakened Iran but fears a full-blown chaos could affect the region
- Reza Pahlavi, the shah’s son - He's said to have positioned himself as a potential leader for a democratic transition in Iran.
Iran ready to fight back
According to Al Jazeera, a senior Iranian official said the country is prepared to strike back at the US and Israel.
The official said they have told Israel to “prepare for what is coming, and our response will be public, and there are no red lines”.
“All American and Israeli assets and interests in the Middle East have become a legitimate target. There are no red lines after this aggression, and everything is possible, including scenarios that were not previously considered,” the official said.
Iran reacts to attacks
Iran’s Foreign Affairs Ministry has confirmed the Israeli attacks, saying they have targeted the country’s “territorial integrity and national sovereignty, including defensive infrastructure and non-military locations in various cities across the country.”
The ministry said the renewed military aggression by the United States and Israel against Iran constitutes a violation of international law and the principles of the United Nations Charter.
"The Islamic Republic of Iran considers this aggression a clear breach of international peace and security and emphasises that it reserves its legitimate right to respond decisively,” the ministry said in a statement.
Trump releases video statement
Source: Getty Images
President Donald J. Trump warns the Iranian regime that its forces face “certain death” if they do not lay down their weapons.
In a broadcast released on X, Trump outlined what he described as the threat posed by Iran to the United States and its allies.
President Trump said the operation aims to defend American lives and interests by neutralising imminent threats from the Iranian regime
Full details here.
