(AFP) – Israel and Hezbollah traded fire on Monday as the fallout from US-Israeli strikes on Iran widened, with attacks in Gulf states and a British base in Cyprus. US President Donald Trump vowed to avenge the deaths of US service members and said the war with Iran could last for weeks.
Here are the latest developments:
– **Israel and Hezbollah**
Israel said it was striking Hezbollah targets across Lebanon after the militant group claimed it had launched rockets and drones at Israel. The Israeli military instructed residents of about 50 towns and villages in Lebanon to evacuate, and an AFP journalist witnessed residents of South Lebanon fleeing by car.
– **Israel strikes Tehran**
The Israeli military reported that it launched “large-scale strikes” on Tehran two days after the start of a US-Israeli campaign against the Islamic republic. “The Israeli Air Force… has begun an additional wave of strikes against the Iranian terror regime at the heart of Tehran,” the military stated.
– **Iran retaliates**
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards announced they had launched missile strikes on Israel’s government in Tel Aviv, as well as targeting security and military centers in Haifa and east Jerusalem. “Among the targets of this tenth wave were a targeted strike on the Zionist regime’s government complex in Tel Aviv, attacks on military and security centres in Haifa, and a strike on east Jerusalem,” a Guards statement carried by state TV said.
– **Iranian deaths**
A total of 555 people have been killed across Iran in US and Israeli strikes, reported the Iranian Red Crescent. “Following the Zionist-American terrorist attacks carried out in various regions of our country, 131 cities have been affected to date and, regrettably, 555 of our compatriots have been killed,” the humanitarian group stated on Telegram.
– **Drone hits Cyprus base**
An unmanned Iranian drone crashed into Britain’s RAF Akrotiri military base in Cyprus shortly after midnight, according to Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides. British officials confirmed that a drone hit the runway. Britain had agreed on Sunday to allow the United States to use British military bases for “defensive” strikes against Iranian missile systems. EU chief Ursula von der Leyen expressed the bloc’s support for member states following the drone strike.
– **Gulf strikes**
Fresh strikes were heard across the Gulf on Monday, including in the cities of Dubai, Doha, and Manama, as Iran’s army stated it had used 15 cruise missiles to attack a US air base in Kuwait and vessels in the Indian Ocean. “Missile units of the army’s ground and naval forces operating from various locations targeted the US Ali Al Salem air base in Kuwait as well as enemy vessels in the northern Indian Ocean over the past hours,” the army’s statement read.
– **Saudi attack**
A Saudi oil refinery along the Gulf coast was targeted in an attack on Monday. A source familiar with the incident told AFP that the fire had been extinguished. A Saudi defense ministry spokesman stated that two drones targeted the refinery and were intercepted, according to a statement posted by the Saudi Press Agency on X.
– **US warplanes crash**
Several American warplanes crashed in Kuwait on Monday morning, but all crew members survived, confirmed Kuwait’s defense ministry. “Several US warplanes crashed this morning, confirming that all crew members survived,” a spokesman said, adding that the cause was under investigation.
– **Iraq strikes**
Loud bangs were heard Monday near Iraq’s Erbil airport, which hosts US-led coalition troops. An AFP journalist noted that since the start of the US-Israel campaign against Iran, drones have been repeatedly intercepted over Erbil, which is also home to a major US consulate complex.
– **China urges truce**
China called on Monday for a ceasefire and diplomatic talks to end the conflict in the Middle East, confirming that one of its citizens had been killed in Iran. “The most urgent task is a cessation of military operations and preventing a spillover of conflict,” foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning urged, advocating for resolution through dialogue and negotiation.
– **Gas price surge**
European gas prices soared by more than 20 percent on Monday due to fears that the conflict would disrupt supplies in the Gulf region, particularly affecting exports from Qatar. Despite the surge, prices remained below levels reached in January during the northern hemisphere winter.
– **Gulf condemnation**
The United States and its Arab allies issued a joint statement condemning Iran’s attacks on Gulf states, declaring that “the targeting of civilians and of countries not engaged in hostilities is reckless and destabilizing behavior.” The US embassy in Kuwait advised people to stay away from the diplomatic mission, stating: “Take cover in your residence on the lowest available floor and away from windows. Do not go outside.”
– **Iran says no US negotiation**
Iran “will not negotiate with the United States,” stated Ali Larijani, the powerful head of Tehran’s Supreme National Security Council, while denying media reports that Iranian officials had sought to initiate talks. He criticized Trump’s “delusional fantasies” for plunging the region into chaos.
– **Trump: three ‘choices’ to lead Iran**
Trump told the New York Times on Sunday that he had “three very good choices” for leaders in Iran, without disclosing their identities. “I won’t be revealing them now. Let’s get the job done first,” he stated.
– **Hegseth to hold first Iran presser**
Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth is set to hold a press conference on Monday regarding the joint US-Israeli military campaign against Iran, marking the first briefing by a senior US official since the strikes began on Saturday. Dan Caine, the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, will also participate.
– **US officials to make case for war**
Top US officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, are scheduled to present their case to Congress on Tuesday for the attack on Iran. Rubio, Hegseth, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, and military chief Caine “will brief the full membership of both chambers of Congress,” White House spokesman Dylan Johnson indicated.
– **Maersk suspends Hormuz transit**
Container shipping company Maersk announced it was halting passage through the Suez Canal and Strait of Hormuz for “safety” reasons. The Danish group became the latest shipping company to make such a statement after Iran’s Revolutionary Guards declared the strait closed on Saturday.
– **Gulf states vow**
Gulf states vowed to defend themselves against Iranian attacks and may respond to aggression if necessary, following a Gulf Cooperation Council meeting via video link to formulate a unified response.
– **Nine killed in Israeli city**
An AFP journalist heard fresh explosions in Jerusalem on Monday after the Israeli military reported “identified missiles launched from Iran,” which triggered air raid sirens. On Sunday, an Iranian missile attack resulted in at least nine deaths and dozens of injuries in the central Israeli city of Beit Shemesh, according to medics.
– **EU reinforces naval mission**
The EU plans to bolster its naval mission in the Red Sea with additional vessels as Iran’s retaliation to US-Israeli strikes threatens maritime traffic. Two new French ships will join the EU’s Aspides mission, bringing the total number of warships to five, as confirmed by a European diplomat.
– **Trump vows vengeance**
Trump pledged to avenge the deaths of three US soldiers killed during operations against Iran, cautioning that more casualties could be expected. He also urged Iranians to rise up, stating, “America is with you,” and warned the Revolutionary Guards to either surrender or face “certain death.”
– **War could last ‘four weeks’**
Trump indicated he anticipated a four-week military operation against Iran, stating, “It’s always been a four-week process.” He elaborated that US and Israeli strikes had killed the country’s supreme leader and had compromised its defensive capabilities.
– **Revolutionary Guards HQ ‘destroyed’**
The US military announced it had destroyed the headquarters of the Revolutionary Guard (IRGC), with US Central Command stating, “America has the most powerful military on earth, and the IRGC no longer has a headquarters.” Israel’s military also claimed to have “struck dozens of the regime’s military command centres,” including those of the IRGC.
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© 2024 AFP
