Live. 27,246 viewing 27246 viewing
Live page Updated 1 minute ago

# Israel launches 'wide-scale' strikes on Iran as Trump says US not ready to make deal to end war

US Citizens Warned to Leave Iraq

BBC News

## Summary

- Israel launches "wide-scale" strikes on targets in western Iran, the Israeli military says

- Iran and Israel traded strikes overnight, while missile and drone interceptions have been reported in Gulf states

- Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump says Iran wants to make a deal to end the war, but he doesn't want to yet "because the terms are not good enough"

- Any hopes the US may have had that its massive firepower would somehow force Iran to sue for peace on Washington's terms have been frustrated, writes our security correspondent

- In an interview with NBC, Trump adds the US has "totally demolished" Kharg Island - Iran's critical oil export hub - but that "we may hit it a few more times just for fun"

- Elsewhere, UK says it is discussing a "range of options" to secure the Strait of Hormuz after the US called for countries to help secure the shipping lane

## Live Reporting

Edited by Matt Spivey and Rorey Bosotti, with Jon Donnison in Jerusalem, Frank Gardner in Riyadh, Barbara Plett Usher in Doha, Nick Beake in Dubai and Wyre Davies in Lebanon

1. ### Trump says he's not ready to make a deal published at 23:57 GMT 14 March
   23:57 GMT 14 March

   In a telephone interview with US outlet NBC News on Saturday, US President Donald Trump said Iran wanted to make a deal, but he was unwilling to do so now "because the terms are not good enough yet".

   Though he refused to say what those terms would be, Trump said that an Iranian commitment to abandon any nuclear ambitions would be part of a potential deal.

   In the same interview, Trump also said that several countries have committed to helping secure the Strait of Hormuz, though he refused to name them.

   Trump also said that the US had "totally demolished" Kharg Island - a critical hub for Iranian oil exports - but added that "we may hit it a few more times just for fun".

   He also shrugged off fears about rising oil prices. "There’s so much oil, gas - there’s so much out there, but you know, it’s being clogged up a little bit. It’ll be unclogged very soon," he said.

   Share page
   About sharing

2. ### Footballers withdraw Australia asylum applications, Iran says published at 23:30 GMT 14 March
   23:30 GMT 14 March

   Ghoncheh Habibiazad
   Senior reporter, BBC Persian

   As we learned a little earlier, Iran's Ministry of Sports has officially confirmed that three more members of Iranian women's national football team withdrew their asylum applications to Australia.

   According to the statement published by the website of reformist daily Shargh, Mona Hamoudi, Zahra Sarbali, and Zahra Meshkeh Kar - two players and one member of the coaching staff - are returning to Iran.

   The statement says that another player, Mohaddeseh Zolfi, had previously announced her decision to return to Iran.

   "The national spirit and patriotism of the Iranian women's national football team defeated the enemy's plans against this team", the statement says, also accusing Australia's government of "playing in Trump's field".

   US President Donald Trump had said that on Truth Social platform that Australia should "give asylum" to the women or "the US will take them if you won't."

   - For more on this story: Three more Iran football team members change minds over asylum
   Share page
   About sharing

3. ### Swiss government denies request from US military to fly over its territory published at 22:20 GMT 14 March
   22:20 GMT 14 March

   Switzerland has denied two requests from the US to fly over its territory as part of the military action in the Middle East.

   It cited its law of neutrality, which "prohibits overflights by parties to the conflict that serve a military purpose related to the conflict", the government's statement says.

   However, the Swiss government says it did allow three other flights, one for maintenance and two for transport aircraft.

   Share page
   About sharing

4. ### 'We will end up with a ruined Iran': Three Iranians share views on US striking key oil island published at 21:54 GMT 14 March
   21:54 GMT 14 March

   Ghoncheh Habibiazad
   Senior reporter, BBC Persian

   It's still very difficult to contact those inside Iran amid the internet outage imposed by the government at the start of the war, but some residents have been finding ways - such as using Starlink devices and sharing their connection with others - to get in touch with the outside world.

   I asked a few of them for their reaction to the US strikes on Kharg Island.

   "I strongly disagree and I’m worried. I think at this pace we will end up with a ruined Iran," a man in his 20s, from Tehran, tells me.

   "I just hope energy facilities are not attacked. It’s unclear how many years it would take to rebuild them, but I really don't care about military sites," says another man in his 20s, from Karaj.

   "I went there once, years ago. It’s a very small island with kind people, but even then the situation wasn’t very good," a man in his 30s from the capital tells me. "I felt the island hadn’t progressed much, and I think it’s the Islamic Republic fault that they were neglected."

   Media caption,

   Watch: Why Kharg Island is a lifeline for Iran

   - BBC Persian is the Persian language service of BBC News, used by 24 million people around the world - the majority in Iran - despite being blocked and routinely jammed by Iranian authorities.
   Share page
   About sharing

5. ### Lebanon says Israeli strike on health centre killed 12 medical workers published at 21:41 GMT 14 March
   21:41 GMT 14 March

   An Israeli strike on a health centre in southern Lebanon on Friday killed 12 medical workers, including doctors and nurses, Lebanon's ministry of public health says.

   The strike has been condemned by the chief of the World Health Organization. "These incidents highlight the ongoing assault on Lebanon’s healthcare system, which is crucial for the populations it serves," Tedros Ghebreyesus says.

   "WHO condemns this tragic loss of life and emphasises that health workers must always be protected."

   The Israeli military says it's aware of reports of a strike in the Borj Qalaouiye area in southern Lebanon, and the incident is under review.

   Share page
   About sharing

6. ### You are attacking the peacemakers, UAE tells Iran published at 20:59 GMT 14 March
   20:59 GMT 14 March

   Image source, Reuters

   A little earlier, UAE Minister of State Lana Nusseibeh told NBC News her country had responded well to a "really disgusting, illegal onslaught" from Iran, which has included strikes "shockingly aimed at civilian infrastructure".

   The UAE did not want this war but will "fully and assertively" defend itself, she added, accusing Iran of "attacking the peacemakers in the region".

   Commenting on Iran's ballistic missile programme, she said the past 14 days have shown there is no world in which countries can safely coexist with Iran while it has those capabilities.

   Despite this, Nusseibeh described life in the UAE as "pretty normal" given the circumstances, albeit "tense".

   Share page
   About sharing

7. ### Six arrested in Bahrain for sharing videos of Iran attacks published at 20:47 GMT 14 March
   20:47 GMT 14 March

   Six people have been arrested in Bahrain for posting videos of the aftermath of Iranian strikes, the country's interior ministry says.

   In a statement, it says the detainees were glorifying Iran's actions and "spreading false information".

   "The Interior Ministry stated that the videos were circulated through their social media accounts, which could mislead public opinion, spread fear among citizens and residents, and undermine security and public order," it adds.

   Earlier we shared that at least 45 people have been arrested the United Arab Emirates, for sharing images on social media related to Iranian attacks on that country.

   Share page
   About sharing

8. ### Fire continues to burn at key oil port in UAE, government says published at 20:39 GMT 14 March
   20:39 GMT 14 March

   The Fujairah Government media office says they are still trying to put out a fire caused by debris that fell on the port after a targeted strike.

   In a statement, it adds that a Jordanian citizen sustained minor injuries in the incident.

   The UAE port Fujairah was targeted by a strike earlier on Saturday. It's a key location for the refuelling of ships and one of the largest oil storage facilities in the region.

   Image source, Getty Images
   Image caption,

   Smoke rises from a major energy installation in Fujairah

   Share page
   About sharing

9. ### Strikes heard across Tehran, sources tell the BBC published at 20:14 GMT 14 March
   20:14 GMT 14 March

   Ghoncheh Habibiazad
   Senior reporter, BBC Persian

   Strikes have been heard in Tehran's centre and west, as air defence sounds are heard in the east, three sources in the Iranian capital city tell me.

   Share page
   About sharing

10. ### More than 40 people arrested over filming, sharing photos of Iran attacks in UAE published at 20:08 GMT 14 March
    20:08 GMT 14 March

    Nick Beake
    Europe Correspondent reporting from Dubai

    Police in Abu Dhabi, the federal capital of the United Arab Emirates, say they have arrested 45 people for filming and sharing images on social media related to Iranian attacks on the country.

    Officers said those who’d been detained were of various nationalities.

    The UAE authorities have warned they will crack down on activity that "provokes public opinion and spread rumours.”

    Yesterday, the British Embassy in the UAE shared a message on its social media about the risk of prosecution for people taking photos or videos where there had been Iranian attacks or of recording at military or sensitive locations.

    Here in Dubai, a 60 year-old British man was charged under cyber-crime laws in Dubai after allegedly filming Iranian missiles over the city.

    Few details about the case have emerged.

    It’s a reminder that while the UAE may market itself as a global hub and beacon of business, there are often greater restrictions on what you can say and post in Gulf states than in most of the western countries many expats have left for Dubai.

    Share page
    About sharing

11. ### Sirens sound in Bahrain, interior ministry says published at 19:53 GMT 14 March
    19:53 GMT 14 March

    Sirens are sounding across Bahrain, the interior ministry says.

    In a post on X, it says citizens should head to the nearest safe place.

    Share page
    About sharing

12. ### Kuwait says international airport hit by drones published at 19:41 GMT 14 March
    19:41 GMT 14 March Breaking

    Kuwait's government says a drone attack has targeted its international airport, damaging the airport's radar system.

    The airport announced this week it was suspending all flights due to the ongoing war.

    Share page
    About sharing

13. ### Trump: Countries receiving oil through Strait of Hormuz must 'take care' of passage published at 19:32 GMT 14 March
    19:32 GMT 14 March

    Donald Trump has posted on social media for a second time in the last few hours about the Strait of Hormuz - the oil shipping channel through which 20% of the world's oil passes.

    Earlier, he called on a host of nations - including the UK, France and China - to join the US in sending warships to help secure the passage after threats from Iran to block it.

    Now, he says "the Countries of the World that receive Oil through the Hormuz Strait must take care of that passage, and we will help - A LOT!"

    "The US will also coordinate with those Countries so that everything goes quickly, smoothly, and well," he says in the post. "This should have always been a team effort, and now it will be."

    Trump adds that add the situation will "bring the world together toward Harmony, Security, and Everlasting Peace!"

    Share page
    About sharing

14. ### Lebanon is being forced to live a war that not all its people want published at 19:13 GMT 14 March
    19:13 GMT 14 March

    Lina Sinjab
    Middle East correspondent, reporting from Beirut

    Image source, AFP via Getty Images

    Israel's strikes continue to hit the south of Lebanon, Beirut's southern suburbs and other neighbourhoods.

    Hezbollah is adamant it will continue fighting until the end, ignoring constant calls from the government to end the war and stop its military activities.

    Diplomatic efforts are under way to put an end to the war. As French President Emmanuel Macron offered to host direct talks between the Lebanese and Israelis, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres travelled to Lebanon on Saturday to show solidarity with the country and call on all parties to respect international law.

    But the warring parties are not adhering to this approach.

    Israel appears to want to finish what it started in 2024 - that is to eliminate Hezbollah.

    On the other hand, many see Hezbollah as acting under the order of Iran, which now says they are co-co-ordinating strikes on Israel.

    This co-operation has put Lebanon and its government under immense pressure, as people are forced to live a war they don’t want.

    Share page
    About sharing

15. ### As strikes continue in Lebanon, there is pressure for direct talks to take place with Israel published at 18:53 GMT 14 March
    18:53 GMT 14 March

    Wyre Davies
    Reporting from Beirut

    Israeli air strikes in Lebanon, which began after Hezbollah began firing rockets towards northern Israel in support of Iran, have killed more than 800 people, says the Lebanese health ministry - and more than 800,000 have been displaced from their homes.

    Thus far there have been few serious diplomatic efforts to end the conflict and after launching a £230m humanitarian appeal for Lebanon, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said an expansion of the war would be good for no one.

    "The Lebanese people did not choose this war. They were dragged into it. And my message to the warring partners is clear - stop the fighting. Stop the bombing," he said.

    Israel is striking several parts of Lebanon, including the eastern Bekaa valley where it accuses Hezbollah of organising campaigns and storing weapons.

    We saw the aftermath of a strike on a house that had been completely destroyed. Eight people were killed, including several children. Yellow flags and pictures of Iran's late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei indicated it was a Hezbollah-supporting home, and where Israel later said there were Hezbollah operatives present.

    But a surviving uncle, Hassan Tahan, said that nothing could justify such an action: "Israel is wrong if they think that killing children and civilians will separate us from the resistance. On the contrary, it makes us more loyal to them. I'm even more steadfast in my support now than I was before."

    Previous full-scale invasions of Lebanon have ended in disaster for Israel and, if it were to try to create a big buffer zone in southern Lebanon, there's no indication for how long an Israeli occupation would last.

    There is pressure for direct talks between the Israeli and Lebanese governments - but if they happen, they won't include Hezbollah, which says it is determined to carry on its fight against Israel which it says had also repeatedly breached a previous ceasefire agreement.

    Share page
    About sharing

16. ### American citizens urged to leave Iraq 'immediately'published at 18:40 GMT 14 March
    18:40 GMT 14 March

    The US embassy in Baghdad has warned its citizens to leave Iraq "immediately". It also urges anyone who is thinking about staying put to "reconsider".

    "Iran and its aligned terrorist militias pose a major threat to public safety in Iraq. Attacks have occurred against US citizens, US interests, and critical infrastructure," it writes on X.

    As we reported earlier, the embassy building was hit in an attack on Saturday - watch our video of thick smoke rising from the site below.

    "Do not attempt to come to the Embassy in Baghdad or the Consulate General in Erbil due to the ongoing risk of rockets, drones, and mortars in Iraqi airspace," the embassy says.

    Media caption,

    Fire and smoke at US embassy in Iraq after Iranian strike

    Share page
    About sharing

17. ### Iran's foreign minister gives update on new supreme leader and Strait of Hormuz published at 18:13 GMT 14 March
    18:13 GMT 14 March

    Image source, Reuters

    Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has spoken to US news outlet MS Now, touching on several points about the ongoing war between Iran, and the US and Israel.

    We've listened in - here are the key takeaways:

    On the new supreme leader: When asked about reports that Mojtaba Khamenei is injured, Araghchi says: "They will see soon that there is no problem with the new supreme leader. He is performing his duties... and he will continue to do that".

    Strait of Hormuz: The key oil shipping channel is "open", Araghchi says, adding it's only closed to the tankers and ships belonging to Iran's "enemies". All others are free to pass, he says.

    - For context: A number of ships operating in and around the strait have been attacked since the war started. On Thursday, in his first public statement, Iran's new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei vowed to keep blocking it.

    On civilian buildings being targeted: Araghchi says Iran is targeting American bases and assets, which are "unfortunately located in the territory of our neighbours". He then accuses the US of attacking civilian targets in Iran - something the US has repeatedly denied since the start of the war.

    On Russia and China: They are Iran's "strategy partners", Araghchi says.

    Share page
    About sharing

18. ### At least 15 killed after strikes hit central Iran - report published at 18:02 GMT 14 March
    18:02 GMT 14 March

    Ghoncheh Habibiazad
    Senior reporter, BBC Persian

    At least 15 people have been killed in Iran following strikes on an industrial zone in the central province of Isfahan, IRGC-affiliated Fars News Agency reports.

    The attack, which happened earlier, is reported to have hit a "factory producing cooling and heating equipment" at a time when "a number of workers in the factory were working".

    Fars adds that a number have been injured, without specifying how many.

    Share page
    About sharing

19. ### Kuwait dealing with 'missile and drone attacks'published at 18:02 GMT 14 March
    18:02 GMT 14 March

    Kuwait's army says its defence systems are currently confronting both missile and drone attacks.

    Any explosions are the result of interceptions, it says in a statement.

    We'll bring you more on this when we hear it.

    Share page
    About sharing

20. ### Drones hit Kuwait air base, injuring military, defence ministry says published at 17:35 GMT 14 March
    17:35 GMT 14 March

    Kuwait's defence ministry says its air defence systems have detected seven hostile drones on Saturday, two of which struck the Ahmed Al-Jaber Air Base, causing some material damage in the base's vicinity.

    Three members of the armed forces were injured in the incident, the statement adds.

    Three of the drones were shot down and the remaining two fell outside of the threat area and posed no danger, the ministry says.

    Share page
    About sharing