Iran War News Live: Iran’s supreme leader warns ‘murderers will pay’ after killing of Ali Larijani

An influential pro-Iranian armed group in Iraq pledged early Thursday to stop attacking the US embassy for five days, presenting a series of conditions.

Kataeb Hezbollah said the group's secretary-general had "issued orders to suspend operations targeting the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad for a period of five days", but stipulated several conditions, notably preventing Israeli bombing of a southern Beirut neighbourhood, and "a commitment to refrain from bombing residential areas in Baghdad and other provinces".

AFP reported no drone or rocket attacks so far on the US embassy in Iraq's capital Baghdad between Wednesday night and Thursday morning.

US intelligence concluded that Iran has not attempted to restore its nuclear enrichment capabilities destroyed by last year’s US-Israeli strikes, contradicting President Trump’s claim of an “imminent threat.” Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard confirmed the assessment in written testimony, noting that while Iran’s regime remains intact, it is “largely degraded” from recent attacks.

Lebanese militant group Hezbollah condemned Wednesday Israel's killing of Iranian national seucrity chief Ali Larijani, calling it "cowardly".

"We in Hezbollah, as we condemn this cowardly assassination and the ongoing criminal American–Israeli aggression, affirm that the assassination of leaders will neither break the will of the Islamic Republic nor undermine the determination of its leadership, its people, and its fighters," the Iran-backed group said.

Larijani, one of the most powerful men in Iran, was killed in an Israeli air strike, Tehran confirmed Tuesday.

A senior British defence official said a credible plan to ensure safe shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains distant, amid continued disruption following US-Israeli strikes on Iran. Britain is consulting allies and has deployed military planners to US Central Command, but talks are preliminary. Armed Forces Minister Al Carns warned of mines, fast boats, missiles and drones, calling the threat a significant military challenge requiring a multinational solution. Officials said discussions are focused on post-conflict security measures.

Israeli Airport Authority spokeswoman Liza Dvir said debris from recent interceptions struck aircraft at Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv. Air traffic has been significantly reduced since the start of the war, disrupting operations and limiting flights amid heightened security concerns.

The U.S. intelligence chief said Iran’s government remains intact but has been largely degraded, indicating significant damage to its operational capabilities amid ongoing regional tensions and conflict.

The US Treasury has eased sanctions, allowing American firms to trade with Venezuela’s state oil company to help increase global oil supplies during the Iran war. The move permits controlled purchases of Venezuelan crude, aiming to stabilise rising energy prices and strengthen supply chains amid market disruptions.

Iran’s president confirmed the assassination of Intelligence Minister Esmail Khatib, describing the incident as a targeted killing amid escalating regional tensions and ongoing military strikes.

NATO chief said allies are discussing the best way to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, amid rising regional tensions and concerns over maritime security operations.

Trump’s chief spokesperson Karoline Leavitt described Iranian Intelligence Minister Esmail Khatib as a “known terrorist,” saying his death was positive for the United States. The comments followed Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz’s announcement that Israeli forces had killed Khatib.

US President Donald Trump has issued a 60-day waiver of the Jones Act to ease soaring energy costs following US-Israeli strikes on Iran. The move allows foreign vessels to transport fuel between US ports. The White House said it aims to stabilise oil markets and strengthen supply chains as gasoline prices surge.

Russia condemned a reported missile strike on Iran’s Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, calling it “completely unacceptable.” Foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova warned the attack endangered Russian personnel at the site and urged the United States and Israel to avoid actions threatening lives at the facility.

Multiple explosions were heard over Tel Aviv after Israel said it detected incoming missiles launched from Iran, with air defence systems activated to intercept the threat.

ran's state television published a threat Wednesday, saying that the Islamic Republic would be attacking oil and gas infrastructure in Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

The threat resembled other attack warnings put out by Iran during the war, copying the style used by the Israeli military.

Iran specifically threatened Saudi Arabia's Samref Refinery and its Jubail Petrochemical Complex. It also threatened the UAE's Al Hasan Gas Field and the petrochemical plants and a refinery in the Qatar.

It comes after Iran said its South Pars gas field and associated infrastructure came under attack earlier Wednesday.

On the site, firefighters were working to contain the blaze and there was no immediate report on if anyone had been hurt.

The threat to carry out an even-larger campaign targeting the energy sites of Gulf Arab states came just hours before the region's foreign ministers were due to meet in Saudi Arabia's capital to discuss the war.

Israel said on Wednesday it had killed Iran's intelligence minister in the second strike on a top leadership figure in two days, and had authorised the military to target any senior Iranian official it can locate.

Israel also hit central Beirut, destroying apartment buildings in some of the most intense airstrikes on the Lebanese capital for decades, Israel's other front in the war it launched with the United States against Iran.

A day after killing Iran's powerful security chief Ali Larijani in the highest-level targeted killing since that of the supreme leader on the war's first day, Israel said it had killed Intelligence Minister Esmail Khatib.

"No one in Iran has immunity and everyone is in the crosshairs," Defence Minister Israel Katz said.

The Iranian women's soccer team crossed the Turkish border into Iran on Wednesday to complete a fraught return journey from Australia, after five members withdrew asylum claims they had lodged there.

Australia had granted humanitarian visas to six players ​and one support staff member after ​they sought asylum, saying they feared possible persecution if ⁠they returned to Iran.

Concerns over their safety surfaced when several players failed to sing the national anthem at a women's Asian Cup match earlier this month after the United States and Israel launched the war against Iran. Iranian state television had labelled them "wartime traitors".

US President Donald Trump called Iran the “number one state sponsor of terror” and said efforts are underway to weaken its capabilities, escalating rhetoric amid the ongoing conflict.

Iranian state media reported a major Gulf gas facility was targeted in a joint strike by Israel and the United States, escalating tensions in the region.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, exchanging Eid greetings and discussing West Asia tensions. India condemned attacks on Kuwait’s sovereignty, stressing safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. Both leaders called for sustained diplomacy and cooperation to ensure regional peace and stability.

US President Donald Trump has suggested a more aggressive stance against Iran, saying Washington could “finish off” what remains of the regime. He also questioned why the US should safeguard the Strait of Hormuz, urging countries reliant on the route to take responsibility. Trump added that such a move would push “non-responsive” allies to act more decisively.

Facilities linked to Iran’s South Pars gas field were attacked Wednesday, state media reported, targeting sites in Asaluyeh, Bushehr province. No details were provided. It remains unclear whether Israel or the United States carried out the strike, though both have targeted key Iranian energy infrastructure during the ongoing conflict.

A senior Israeli intelligence official said Iran’s Basij chief General Gholam Reza Soleimani was targeted in a concealed wooded location. Speaking anonymously, the official said such strikes aim to demonstrate that Iranian leaders have no safe refuge amid escalating tensions.

Israel’s defence minister said forces killed Iran’s intelligence minister Esmail Khatib in an overnight strike, marking escalation. Iran has not confirmed the claim.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Russia “absolutely condemns” the killings of Iran’s leadership figures. Ali Larijani, a former secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, was regarded as one of the country’s most influential political figures.

The Centre said three vessels are currently positioned east of the Strait of Hormuz, with maritime movement continuing normally in the region despite prevailing tensions.

India has sufficient fuel inventories and sources crude from over 40 countries, said Sujata Sharma. With ample LNG supplies, the government is encouraging a shift from LPG to PNG, adding around 20,000 new PNG connections in recent days.

Twenty-two Indian vessels in the Persian Gulf carry 3.2 lakh tonnes of LPG, 2 lakh tonnes of LNG, and 1.67 million tonnes of crude oil, said Rajesh Kumar Sinha.

India is in talks with Iran and other counterparts to ensure safe passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz, said Randhir Jaiswal, amid rising regional tensions and concerns over maritime security.

India has sufficient ATF stocks and no fuel price hikes have been implemented by oil marketing companies, said Sujata Sharma. While crude procurement costs have risen, petrol and diesel prices remain unchanged. Exports of petroleum products will depend on surplus availability after meeting domestic demand, she added.

India continues to monitor the West Asia situation, with missions in constant contact with local authorities, said Aseem R Mahajan. Flight operations are improving, with 262,000 passengers returning since February 28. Over 50 daily UAE flights operate, alongside services from Qatar, while transit via Saudi Arabia is being facilitated.

Prime Minister spoke with UAE President on West Asia tensions, agreeing to ensure safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, said Randhir Jaiswal. India’s Tehran embassy is assisting nationals, including students, many seeking to cross into Armenia and Azerbaijan, urging all to follow official advisories.

LPG carriers Shivalik and Nanda Devi have begun cargo discharge, Special Secretary Rajesh Kumar Sinha said. He added no congestion has been reported at any port. Authorities continue to closely monitor ship movements and port operations to ensure smooth logistics and uninterrupted supply chains across key maritime routes.

All 611 seafarers aboard 22 Indian-flagged vessels operating west of the Strait of Hormuz are safe, Special Secretary Rajesh Kumar Sinha said, adding that no untoward incidents have been reported in the region so far.

India has adequate crude supplies, but LPG availability remains a concern, Joint Secretary Sujata Sharma said. Online booking efficiency improved to 93% by March 17. Fifteen states and UTs issued commercial LPG allocations, while oil marketing companies conducted over 2,300 surprise inspections to monitor supply and prevent irregularities nationwide.

India has adequate crude oil supplies, Joint Secretary Sujata Sharma said, adding domestic LPG production has risen 40%. No fuel shortages reported at petrol pumps, with sufficient petrol and diesel stocks. PNG and CNG supplies remain fully available. States and UTs offered additional 10% commercial LPG allocation to support long term transition from LPG to PNG for consumers nationwide today.

NATO is deploying an additional Patriot missile defence system at Turkey’s Incirlik air base, the defence ministry said Wednesday, days after a third Iranian ballistic missile was intercepted. A ministry official confirmed the new battery will reinforce the existing Spanish Patriot system already stationed near the southern city of Adana.

Israeli media reports claim that air strikes on Tehran targeted Iran's Intelligence Minister Esmail Khatib, with Channel 12 saying the operation is still being assessed. There has been no official confirmation on the outcome, and Iranian authorities have not yet commented on the development.

Amid rising concerns over LPG supply, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Home Minister Amit Shah and Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri in Parliament. The meeting comes as around 3 lakh tonnes of LPG, loaded on six Indian-flagged ships, remains stranded in the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran will hold funeral ceremonies today for security chief Ali Larijani and Basij paramilitary force head Gholamreza Soleimani, both of whom were killed in Israeli air strikes.

Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said an Iranian air attack caused minor damage to buildings, including medical and accommodation facilities, at Al Minhad Air Base in the UAE. He said a projectile landed near the base earlier in the day. No Australian personnel were injured and all are safe, he added.

Air raid sirens were triggered across Jerusalem and central Israel after missiles were launched from Iran. Israeli broadcaster Channel 12 reported that air defence systems successfully intercepted the incoming projectiles, with no casualties reported.

The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran has expressed gratitude to the people of India for their support and medical assistance to those affected by the ongoing war in Iran.

In a post on X, the embassy urged well-wishers to contribute only through its official bank account, providing verified details to avoid any misuse.

It also cautioned against relying on QR codes or UPI links from unofficial sources, stating that such channels are not endorsed by the embassy and it holds no responsibility for them.

The embassy thanked Indian citizens for their continued support during the crisis.

The International Maritime Organization will begin an "extraordinary session" on Wednesday to discuss shipping amid the Middle East war, as fears grow over the fate of thousands of stranded ships and seafarers. The London-based UN agency -- responsible for regulating international shipping safety -- is set to consider adopting possible resolutions during the two-day gathering at its London headquarters. - AFP

Iran executed a man accused of spying for Israel, according to the judiciary's Mizan news agency, which identified him as Kurosh Keyvani. The man was found "guilty of providing Israel's spy agency, Mossad, with pictures and information about sensitive locations in Iran," Mizan reported on Wednesday. Locked in a decades-long shadow war with Israel, Iran has executed numerous people it accuses of links to Mossad and of facilitating its operations inside the country. - Reuters

Qatar's defence ministry said it intercepted a missile attack on Wednesday as blasts were heard in Doha. "Armed forces intercepted missile attack which targeted State of Qatar," the ministry of defence said in a statement, released shortly after an AFP journalist in the capital heard several blasts. - AFP

Saudi Arabia has intercepted multiple aerial threats in its eastern region, according to the Saudi Ministry of Defence, which said two waves of drone attacks were neutralised in recent hours. The latest interceptions came shortly after the ministry confirmed it had destroyed a ballistic missile over Al Kharj Governorate. Debris from the interception fell near the Prince Sultan Air Base, but no damage or casualties were reported, the ministry added.

A loud explosion was reported in central Beirut after Israeli forces targeted a building in the Bashoura neighbourhood, according to Al Jazeera Arabic. Reuters also confirmed the blast following the strike. The attack came shortly after the Israeli military issued a forced evacuation warning for the area. Earlier, at least six people were killed and 24 others injured in Israeli strikes on apartment buildings in the Zuqaq al-Blat and al-Basta districts of the city.

Two people were killed after a barrage of Iranian missiles struck the Tel Aviv area on Wednesday. Israeli authorities said the victims, a couple in their seventies, died in Ramat Gan, near Tel Aviv. Preliminary information suggests they were unable to reach a protected space before their fourth-floor apartment was hit in the attack.

A projectile hit an area near Iran's Bushehr nuclear power plant on Tuesday evening, however it caused no damage or injuries, Iran told the International Atomic Energy Agency. "The IAEA has been informed by Iran that a projectile hit the premises of the Bushehr NPP on Tuesday evening. No ⁠damage to the plant or injuries to staff reported," the U.N. nuclear watchdog said on X. - Reuters

Iranian army chief Amir Hatami has threatened a "decisive" response following the killing of security chief Ali Larijani in an Israeli air strike, warning that retaliation would come "at the appropriate time and place" against what he called the "criminal America and the bloodthirsty Zionist regime." He added that Larijani and other "martyrs" would be avenged. Meanwhile, Iran's Revolutionary Guards said they have already launched missiles at central Israel in retaliation for Larijani's death, according to AFP.

National Counterterrorism Center Director Joe Kent stepped down, saying he could not support the ongoing war in Iran, a decision Trump described as "a good thing."

A US Navy warship carrying Marines and sailors is nearing the Malacca Strait off Singapore as it advances toward the Middle East, according to maritime tracking data.

US President Donald Trump lashed out at NATO countries, suggesting the US should reconsider its membership, citing a lack of support in the Iran conflict and efforts to secure the Strait of Hormuz.

Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates reported intercepting multiple missiles and drones as Iranian attacks spread across the Gulf region.

Iran carried out new attacks on central Israel, where at least two people were killed due to severe shrapnel wounds.

It's day 19 of the Iran war and Tehran has confirmed the deaths of senior power broker Ali Larijani and Basij chief Gholamreza Soleimani, following Israeli claims of targeted strikes.