Iran war: Trump says US 'did the world a favour' by carrying out strikes on Iran

Saudi Arabia said a missile that had targeted one of its air bases fell "in an uninhabited area" on Saturday as Iran continued its strikes across the Gulf.

"A ballistic missile fell in an uninhabited area after being launched towards Prince Sultan Air Base," the defence ministry said.

In a statement, Iran’s Foreign Ministry said the country has an inherent right to self-defence in response to the “brutal military aggression” by the United States and Israel. It added that Tehran would continue its actions until the aggression ends or the UN Security Council fulfils its duty by naming those responsible.

The statement said that under international law, “states are prohibited from allowing their territory to be used, directly or indirectly, to inflict harm and damage on other states”, according to a report by Al Jazeera.

Qatar said on Saturday it had intercepted a missile, shortly after explosions were heard and sirens sounding in central Doha.

"Armed forces intercepted (a) missile attack which targeted (the) State of Qatar," the defence ministry said.

The United Arab Emirates will emerge “stronger” from the ongoing Middle East war, the country’s president said in a rare address to Abu Dhabi TV on Saturday, as Iran continued launching retaliatory strikes across the Gulf.

The UAE "is in a period of war", Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan told the TV channel, but "we will emerge stronger".

Since February 28, over 28,000 American citizens have safely returned to the United States from the Middle East, according to a statement by the US Department of State.

"These figures do not include the many Americans who have safely relocated to other countries or those who have departed the Middle East but are still in transit back to the United States. Additionally, the Department of State has completed over a dozen charter flights and has safely evacuated thousands of Americans from the Middle East," the statement said.

US President Donald Trump on Saturday said the United States did the world a favour by carrying out strikes on Iran.

Speaking at the Shield of Americas Summit, Trump said, "We're doing very well in Iran. We've knocked out 42 Navy ships, some of them very large, in three days. That was the end of the Navy. We knocked out their Air Force. We knocked out their communications, and all telecommunications is gone. I don't know how they communicate, but I guess they will figure something out. It's not working out too well. And they're bad people...This had to be done. They were very close to a nuclear weapon. They would have had one if we didn't do our B2 hit, Midnight Hammer. They would have had it eight months ago...So we did the world a favour," Trump said.

The Israeli military said on Saturday it had carried out strikes on 16 Iranian aircraft at Tehran’s Mehrabad International Airport, calling the site a major hub for the country’s Revolutionary Guards.

"Overnight, the Israeli Air Force... completed a broad wave of strikes across Tehran and on military infrastructure located at the 'Merabad Airport' in Tehran", it said in a statement, as per AFP.

"16 aircraft of the 'Quds Force' unit of the IRGC were precisely dismantled", it said, referring to the branch of Iran's Revolutionary Guards that oversees its foreign operations.

Turkey is weighing the option of deploying F-16 fighter jets to Northern Cyprus as a security measure, a Turkish defence ministry source said on Saturday, days after the island was targeted in a drone attack.

"The deployment of F-16 aircraft to the island is among the options being considered," the source said, speaking of "phased planning" to ensure the security of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), which is only recognised only by Turkey.

-- AP inputs

Lebanon's health ministry on Saturday said Israeli attacks on the country had killed almost 300 people since the start of the war with Hezbollah this week.

In a statement, the ministry said that "the death toll from the Israeli aggression, from dawn on Monday... has risen to 294 martyrs and 1,023 wounded".

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said its forces targeted a Marshall-islands flagged oil tanker on Saturday as fighting continued with Israel and the United States.

"An oil tanker with the trade name 'Louise P' with the flag of the Marshall Islands, one of the assets of the terrorist America, was hit by a drone in the middle of the Persian Gulf," the Guards said on their website Sepah News.

Residents of the northern Israeli towns of Kiryat Shmona and Nahariya were warned to evacuate immediately by Hezbollah on Saturday. Soon after the warning, alert sirens were heard near Nahariya, Kiryat Shmona and Tiberias. The warning came after the Israel Defense Forces ordered evacuations in large areas of southern Lebanon and the southern suburbs of Beirut.

Lebanon’s health ministry said Israeli airstrikes on the town of Nabi Chit and nearby areas left 41 people dead and 40 wounded, Associated Press reported.

At least 16 ballistic missiles and 121 drones were launched at the United Arab Emirates on Saturday, according to authorities cited by Al Jazeera.

Officials said all but one of the missiles were intercepted, with the remaining missile falling into the sea. Of the drones launched in the attack, 119 were intercepted while two crashed inside UAE territory.

Iran's Ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali, told ANI, "Following the tragic incident involving the Iranian naval vessel IRIS Dena in the waters of the Indian Ocean, the Islamic Republic of Iran is continuing to follow up on the situation of the crew members and to examine the different aspects of this incident. In this context, another Iranian naval vessel, IRIS Lavan, has docked at the port of Kochi in India to carry out technical and logistical arrangements. I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank the Government of India and the local authorities for their cooperation and humanitarian approach in facilitating the docking of this vessel and supporting its crew. The excellent coordination and cooperation of the Indian authorities in these difficult circumstances clearly reflect the long-standing and friendly relations between our two countries.""We express our appreciation to the government and the people of India for their valuable support and cooperation. We are confident that the historic and constructive relations between Tehran and New Delhi will continue to grow and strengthen in the future."

Dubai and its long-haul carrier Emirates said Saturday the airline would resume operations after temporarily halting them following an Iranian attack on the city-state.

The news brought cheers in Dubai International Airport, where passengers had been sheltering after hearing a large boom overhead.

Authorities have not explained if there was an interception or damage at the airport, which is the world's busiest for international travel. (AP)

Dubai airport, the world's busiest for international traffic, said on Saturday that it had suspended operations after an object was intercepted by air defence over the area.

"For the safety of passengers, airport staff, and airline crew, operations at Dubai International (DXB) have been temporarily suspended. All procedures are being managed in line with established safety protocols," the government's Dubai Media Office said. - (AFP)

Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian apologised on Saturday to neighbouring countries for attacks launched during the Islamic republic's war with Israel and the United States. "I apologise... to the neighbouring countries that were attacked by Iran," said Pezeshkian in a speech broadcast by state TV.

At least eight people were killed Saturday in the U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran’s central province of Isfahan.

“Eight citizens, including a woman, were martyred in these terrorist attacks,” said Akbar Salehi, a security official at the governor’s office in Isfahan province, according to Tasnim news agency.

The foreign ministers of the Arab League will hold an emergency meeting on Sunday to discuss Iranian attacks on several of the group's members, the bloc's assistant secretary-general told AFP.

The meeting, which will be held via videoconference, was requested by Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Jordan and Egypt, Hossam Zaki said.

Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit had earlier condemned the Iranian attacks, saying they are "fully reprehensible" and "not only a blatant violation of international law and the UN Charter, but also an assault on the principles of good neighbourliness".

He added that the attacks "create an unprecedented state of hostility between Iran and its Arab neighbours".

"This is a grave Iranian strategic mistake, which I hope they will rectify by halting these attacks immediately." -- AFP

Israel's military said more than 80 fighter jets completed a wave of strikes on Iranian military sites, missile launchers and other targets in Tehran and central Iran on Saturday.

"Over 80 Israeli Air Force fighter jets... completed an additional wave of strikes targeting infrastructure belonging to the Iranian terror regime," the military said in a statement. -- AFP

In a separate incident, another drone was intercepted and destroyed while heading toward the Saudi capital, Riyadh, according to reports citing the ministry.

Meanwhile, the Defence Ministry in Qatar said the country was targeted by a wave of drone attacks on Friday. Authorities said ten drones launched from Iran were heading toward Qatari territory.

Of those, nine were intercepted and destroyed by air defence systems, while one drone managed to reach the ground but landed in a remote area without causing reported damage.

Following the incidents, the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority said limited air traffic had resumed through a designated safe corridor.

Officials said the operations were being carried out in coordination with the Qatari armed forces and were restricted to evacuation flights for stranded passengers and the movement of cargo.

Authorities clarified that the flights were not part of normal commercial airline operations and were being conducted under strict safety protocols.

Air defence systems in Saudi Arabia and Qatar intercepted multiple drones launched from Iran, authorities said, as Gulf nations continue to respond to a wave of aerial attacks linked to the escalating regional conflict.

Saudi Arabia’s Defence Ministry said six drones heading toward the Shaybah oilfield were intercepted and destroyed before reaching their target. Officials said all the drones involved in that attack were successfully neutralised.

Flight tracking platform Flightradar24 reported that several aircraft bound for Dubai International Airport were placed in holding patterns above the airport. The development came after the Dubai Media Office said earlier that a “minor incident resulting from the fall of debris after an interception” had occurred in the city.

The Israeli military said it had identified missile launches targeting the Greater Tel Aviv area and several parts of central Israel, setting off air-raid sirens and prompting the activation of air defence systems.

In a statement, the military said its interception systems were working to counter the incoming missiles.

Earlier alerts had also warned of missiles heading toward other regions of the country, including southern Israel.

Sirens sounded across multiple areas as residents were advised to move to protected shelters while defence systems attempted to intercept the projectiles. Explosions have been reported over Tel Aviv in recent days, believed to be caused by missile interceptions.

Dubai authorities said on Saturday that a minor incident caused by falling debris following the interception of an aerial threat had been contained, as Gulf countries continue to defend against attacks linked to the ongoing Iran conflict.

In a statement, the Dubai government said the situation was quickly brought under control and no injuries were reported.

“Dubai authorities have confirmed that a minor incident resulting from the fall of debris after an interception has been successfully contained. No injuries have been reported,” the statement said.

Officials also dismissed social media reports suggesting there had been an incident at Dubai International Airport.

“Authorities have also denied reports circulating on social media regarding any incidents at Dubai International Airport,” the statement added.

The development comes a day after the United Arab Emirates said its air defences intercepted nine ballistic missiles and 109 drones on Friday, according to the country’s Ministry of Defence.

Clashes broke out between Hezbollah fighters and Israeli troops in eastern Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley after what the group described as an Israeli helicopter-borne infiltration, Hezbollah said on Friday.

In a statement cited by AFP, Hezbollah said its fighters “observed the infiltration of four Israeli enemy army helicopters from the Syrian direction” into the area. According to the group, Israeli forces landed near the town of Nabi Chit in the Baalbek district.

Hezbollah said the advancing troops were confronted by its fighters when they reached the Nabi Chit cemetery. “The clash escalated after the enemy force was exposed,” the group said, adding that Israeli forces responded with intense air strikes.

The Israeli troops later began withdrawing from the area, Hezbollah said. In a separate statement, the group said its fighters fired rockets as Israeli forces evacuated the site.

The Indian embassy in Qatar has asked Indian tourists stranded in the country due to flight cancellations to register their details, as authorities assess the number of affected travellers.

In a post on X, the embassy said Indian nationals currently stuck in Qatar on short-term visit visas should submit their information through a designated online link.

“Indian Nationals who are currently stranded in Qatar as Tourists/Short Term Visitors (holding Hayya A1 visa) due to cancellation of flights out of Qatar between 28 February to 7 March 2026, are encouraged to fill in their details at the link provided herewith,” the embassy said.

It clarified that the data collection exercise is only meant to determine how many travellers are affected and gather their details.

“Please note that this is only for the purpose of ascertaining the exact number and details of stranded Indian Nationals who are not residents of Qatar,” the embassy added.

Flight operations across parts of the Middle East have faced disruptions in recent days due to escalating regional tensions, leaving several travellers stranded at transit hubs.

Meanwhile, the Israel Defense Forces said missiles had been launched from Iran toward Israel, with air defence systems activated to intercept the incoming threats.

The military said residents in affected areas received emergency alerts on their mobile phones, warning them to move to protected spaces as interception systems were deployed.

“Defence systems are operating,” the military said in a statement.

The U.S. is preparing to launch its “biggest bombing campaign” against Iran, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said today, as tensions in the region continued to escalate.

Bessent, in an interview with Fox News, said the planned strikes would target Iranian missile infrastructure, including launchers and manufacturing facilities. “Tonight will be our biggest bombing campaign,” he said, adding that the operation aims to inflict the “most damage” on Iran’s missile launchers and factories that produce them.

He also accused Tehran of attempting to create “economic chaos” through its influence over the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil shipping route.

Neighbouring Kuwait also reported fresh interceptions. The country’s armed forces shot down 12 Iranian drones and 14 missiles on Friday, according to the state-run Kuwait News Agency.

In Bahrain, warning sirens sounded again early today, and residents were urged to move to the nearest safe location, the Bahrain Ministry of Interior said. The Bahrain Defence Force said it has intercepted 84 missiles and 147 drones since the war began last Saturday, including six missiles and four drones in the past 12 hours.

The United States Department of State has approved a possible $151.8 million sale of munitions and related support to Israel, citing an emergency requirement.

In a statement, the department said Marco Rubio, the US Secretary of State, had determined that “an emergency exists that requires the immediate sale to the Government of Israel.”

The statement added that the package would support US strategic interests in the region.

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) said Iran’s sole athlete will not compete at the Winter Games, which opened in Verona, Italy on Friday evening.

In a statement, the IPC said Iranian cross-country skier Aboulfazl Khatibi Mianaei would be unable to travel to Italy because of the ongoing conflict in the region.

The 23-year-old athlete had competed in the previous two Winter Olympics and was scheduled to take part in a cross-country skiing event on Tuesday.

Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Defence said its air defences intercepted and destroyed four drones over the “Empty Quarter” desert in the south of the country as they were heading towards the Shaybah oilfield.

In a statement, the ministry said the drones were brought down in the remote desert region, also known as the Rub’ al Khali, before they could reach the oil facility.

Earlier, the ministry had said that Saudi forces had also intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile launched towards the Prince Sultan Air Base.

The conflict also widened overnight as Tehran’s Mehrabad Airport caught fire following reported airstrikes, while the Israeli military said it struck an Iranian “command centre” in Beirut’s Dahieh district.

Separately, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a phone call and agreed to maintain close contact, according to Russia’s state news agency TASS.

Diplomatic efforts, however, remain limited.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged urgent negotiations to halt the fighting, warning the conflict “could spiral beyond anyone’s control”.

In the meantine, international concern is mounting over civilian casualties.

United Nations experts have called for an independent investigation into an attack on a girls’ school in Minab that reportedly killed 165 students, after media reports suggested the US military could be responsible.

Meanwhile, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said Washington is monitoring reports that Russia may be sharing intelligence with Iran about US positions in the region. Speaking to CBS News, he said the Trump administration was “tracking everything” and warned that any such actions would be confronted.