{"id":330102,"date":"2026-03-05T10:23:14","date_gmt":"2026-03-05T10:23:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/330102\/"},"modified":"2026-03-05T10:23:14","modified_gmt":"2026-03-05T10:23:14","slug":"us-tanker-on-fire-after-iranian-strikes-irish-citizens-arrive-home-at-dublin-airport-the-irish-times","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/330102\/","title":{"rendered":"US tanker \u2018on fire\u2019 after Iranian strikes; Irish citizens arrive home at Dublin Airport \u2013 The Irish Times"},"content":{"rendered":"

Main PointsIsrael<\/a> has launched fresh strikes on Iran<\/a> as the crisis in the Middle East<\/a> enters its sixth dayA US tanker is on fire after being hit by Iranian strikes, according to Iran\u2019s state mediaA Hamas official has been killed in an Israeli drone strikeUS Senate Republicans have voted down a bid to require Donald Trump<\/a> to receive Congress\u2019s permission before continuing the war with IranFirst flight from Dubai<\/a> repatriating Irish citizens arrives in Dublin Airport<\/a> Key ReadsHow to fly<\/a> from Ireland to Australia, New Zealand or Asia during the Middle East conflict In Maps<\/a>: Five days of war across Middle East<\/p>\n

Katie Mellett – 4 minutes ago<\/p>\n

Human rights lawyer Caoilfhionn Gallagher has expressed concern about the number of social media influencers posting \u201ccompletely tone deaf content\u201d from the United Arab Emirates during the current conflict, reports Vivienne Clarke.<\/p>\n

Gallagher told Newstalk\u2019s Claire Byrne show that the posts were part of the \u201cculture washing\u201d that the UAE and Saudi Arabia did while \u201chiding away\u201d their \u201cvery dubious, problematic human rights record, and they present themselves as being a modern, progressive place. And having influencers posting\u00a0this kind of gushing positive content is part and parcel of that.\u201d<\/p>\n

The barrister was responding to posts from a number of influencers saying they felt \u201ccompletely safe\u201d because of the leadership in the UAE.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s kind of a meme which is going about, a template,\u00a0which is being used by a lot of them, which says, \u2018you live in Dubai, aren\u2019t you scared?\u00a0\u2018And then there\u2019s this reassuring music and it cuts to these images of Emirati leaders saying,\u00a0\u2018no, because I know who\u2019s protecting us\u2019. Now, that\u2019s being put out in large part because\u00a0influencers are reliant on the Emirates authorities in order to continue their role.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019ve got to get a license in order to operate. And there\u2019s been a very clear warning by the UAE\u00a0authorities that the country\u2019s cybercrime law will be used against people if they spread what\u2019s called false news, rumours or misleading information. So the message is clear, support the UAE,\u00a0say that the UAE is safe and people are jumping to it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is culture washing. And the influencers\u00a0are part and parcel of that apparatus, which tries to paint the UAE as a very, very different place\u00a0to the place I see having practiced for 25 years as a human rights lawyer.<\/p>\n

Gallagher added that there was now a \u201cmore subtle threat\u201d since February 1st this year, where all influencers and content\u00a0creators have to obtain a mandatory advertiser permit from the UAE Media Council to publish any\u00a0promotional content, paid or unpaid. \u201cAnd those permits can be revoked if the person fails to\u00a0comply with stringent media regulations.<\/p>\n

\u201cOne of the really problematic things with UAE, and also with the Kingdom of\u00a0Saudi Arabia, is that there\u2019s a mismatch between how they\u2019re perceived and the reality on the\u00a0ground.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe same is also true of Hong Kong, where one of my clients is detained. So they present themselves, the business model is that they present themselves as a haven in the region,\u00a0a place where it\u2019s safe to do business, a place that\u2019s progressive and modern\u00a0and there\u2019s this seamy underbelly which is hidden unless you get caught out.\u201d<\/p>\n

Katie Mellett – 14 minutes ago<\/p>\n

Middle Eastern countries concerned over risk of Iranian civil war\"PeoplePeople run for safety as smoke rises after an airstrike in central Tehran, Iran, March 5th, 2026. Photograph: EPA <\/p>\n

Countries in \u200cthe Middle East have told European officials \u200cthey are concerned about the risk of civil war \u200bin Iran as a result of the conflict between Tehran and the United \u200bStates and Israel, European Union foreign chief \u2060Kaja Kallas said on Thursday.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen we talk \u200cto \u200cthe \u200bcountries in the region, they are also worried about \u2060civil \u200bwars inside…the \u200bregime\u2019s leadership and what is going \u200con there,\u201d she said \u200bahead of a video conference with \u2060EU foreign ministers \u2060and \u200brepresentatives of the Gulf cooperation council on the situation in Iran and the broader Middle East.<\/p>\n

She also said the EU is \u201cextremely worried\u201d about maritime security \u200cin the \u2060region and that it is trying to keep routes \u200csuch as the strait of Hormuz open.<\/p>\n

Katie Mellett – 22 minutes ago<\/p>\n

\"AA mourner poses next to a portrait of Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed amid US-Israel strikes, during the signing of a petition committing to international justice values, held at the Iranian Ambassador’s residence in Jakarta on March 5th, 2026. Photograph: BAY ISMOYO \/ AFP via Getty Images \"AA message reading “Trump and Netanyahu are the root of all wars, death to Trump and Netanyahu” is signed on a whiteboard. Photograph: BAY ISMOYO \/ AFP via Getty Images \"AA mourner writes a message of condolences following the death of Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Photograph: BAY ISMOYO \/ AFP via Getty Images <\/p>\n

Mourners of Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei gathered at the Iranian Ambassador\u2019s residence in Jakarta on Thursday for the signing of a petition committing to international justice values.<\/p>\n

One mourner wrote, \u201cTrump and Netanyahu are the root of all wars, death to Trump and Netanyahu\u201d on a whiteboard.<\/p>\n

Katie Mellett – 48 minutes ago<\/p>\n

US and Israel \u2018drag the Arabs\u2019 into a war, according to Russia\"VehiclesVehicles drive along an expressway against the backdrop of smoke rising after a strike on the Iranian capital of Tehran on March 5th, 2026. Photograph: ATTA KENARE \/ AFP via Getty Images <\/p>\n

Russia has accused the United States and Israel \u200cof trying to drag Arab countries into a \u200bwider Middle East conflict by provoking Iran into striking at targets across \u200bthe region.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey deliberately provoked Iran into \u2060retaliatory strikes against targets in some \u200cArab \u200ccountries, \u200bwhich led to human and material losses, which the \u2060Russian \u200bside deeply regrets,\u201d Russia\u2019s \u200bForeign Ministry said in a \u200cstatement.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn doing so, \u200bthey (Washington and Tel Aviv) are \u2060trying to drag the \u2060Arabs \u200binto a war for someone else\u2019s interests\u201d.<\/p>\n

The only way to prevent the Middle East from being further destabilised was to stop \u200cthe \u201caggression\u201d of the \u2060US and Israel, the ministry added, saying there were no \u200csigns for now that the two \u201caggressors\u201d would \u200bhalt their strikes.<\/p>\n

Katie Mellett – 53 minutes ago<\/p>\n

Minister calling for investigation into fuel price increases<\/p>\n

The Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Peter Burke is calling for a \u201cshort investigation\u201d by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) into price increases on fuel in the wake of the Middle East conflict, reports Vivienne Clarke.<\/p>\n

\u201cHopefully within the next month I\u2019m looking for a short\u00a0investigation to look and see exactly the examples\u00a0in relation to where prices have gone up very significantly that are not reflected in the international markets,\u201d he told RT\u00c9 radio\u2019s Morning Ireland.<\/p>\n

Burke\u00a0said he would be meeting with representatives of the fuel industry later this week where he would be advising them that the CCPC is investigating the sector and asking them to set out the rationale for price increases.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen we look at what\u2019s happening in international markets it is telling a very different story and it\u2019s my job to protect the consumer.\u201d<\/p>\n

The minister said Ireland had very strong and robust competition law which stated very clearly that if\u00a0there was collusion or unfair practices, if competition law had been breached \u201cwe will take action through\u00a0the courts and there is administrative fines which are very significant for those companies.\u201c<\/p>\n

\u201cI think we really need to look at what\u2019s happening in the marketplace right now because what\u2019s very clear to me\u00a0over the last number of days, what\u2019s happening in the international markets in terms of the\u00a0price of crude oil bears no reflection what\u2019s happening in the Irish market where we\u2019ve seen (increases)\u00a0upwards of 50 percent by some consumers from their suppliers.\u201d<\/p>\n

Katie Mellett – 57 minutes ago<\/p>\n

In a post on X, the Irish Embassy in the United Arab Emirates described the situation across the gulf region as \u201cunpredicted and difficult.\u201d<\/p>\n

Katie Mellett – 1 hour ago<\/p>\n

Turkey to closely follow actions by Kurdish militant group<\/p>\n

Turkey said on Thursday \u200cthat it was closely following actions \u200bby the Iranian Kurdish PJAK militant group, adding \u200bthat its actions threatened \u2060Iran\u2019s security and regional stability, \u200camid \u200creports \u200bof discussions between Iranian Kurdish \u2060militias \u200band the \u200bUnited States about \u200cthe U.S. and Israeli \u200bwar against Iran. <\/p>\n

On Tuesday, \u2060sources \u2060told \u200bReuters that the Iranian Kurdish militias had consulted with the United States about \u200cwhether, and how, \u2060to attack Iran\u2019s security forces in \u200cthe western part of \u200bthe country. <\/p>\n

\u201cThe activities of groups that fuel ethnic separatism, such as the terrorist organization PJAK, negatively affect not only Iran\u2019s security but also the overall peace and stability of the region,\u201d Turkey\u2019s defence ministry told a \u200cweekly press briefing in \u2060Ankara. – Reuters<\/p>\n

Katie Mellett – 1 hour ago<\/p>\n

Two people injured in Iran drone attack<\/p>\n

Two people have been injured after two drones were fired into Azerbaijan by Iran.<\/p>\n

The \u200cAzerbaijani \u200bForeign Ministry said one drone \u2060fell \u200bon an airport \u200bin Nakhchivan, near \u200cthe border with \u200bIran, and another landed near \u2060a \u2060school.<\/p>\n

In \u200ba statement, it condemned the attacks, demanded an explanation from Iran, and said Azerbaijan reserved \u200cthe right \u2060to take \u201cappropriate response measures\u201d.<\/p>\n

Azerbaijan has summoned \u200bthe Iranian ambassador in \u2060order to issue a strong \u200cprotest.<\/p>\n

There was no immediate \u200ccomment from Iran.\u00a0– Reuters<\/p>\n

Katie Mellett – 1 hour ago<\/p>\n

South Korea bans travel to Iran for citizens\"TOPSHOTTOPSHOT – Motorists drive along an expressway as plumes of smoke rise after a strike in Tehran on March 5th, 2026. Photograph: ATTA KENARE \/ AFP via Getty Images <\/p>\n

South \u200cKorea has \u200bbanned travel to Iran \u200bfor its \u2060citizens starting \u200cat \u200c6 \u200bp.m. (9am \u2060Irish time) \u200bon Thursday due \u200bto \u200cheightened safety \u200brisk from \u2060the \u2060war, \u200bits foreign ministry said \u200cin a \u2060statement<\/p>\n

Katie Mellett – 1 hour ago<\/p>\n

Azerbaijan confirm drone attacks<\/p>\n

Azerbaijan\u2019s foreign ministry confirm that drone attacks were carried out from the territory of Iran on Nakhchivan and has summoned Iran\u2019s ambassador.<\/p>\n

Katie Mellett – 1 hour ago<\/p>\n

Ireland \u2018ahead of most\u00a0European member countries being able to do evacuation flights\u2019<\/p>\n

Neale Richmond, Minister of State with responsibility for international development and the diaspora has expressed disappointment at the claim by Senator Patricia Stephenson that the fare of \u20ac800 per person for a chartered flight was \u201ca shakedown,\u201d reports Vivienne Clarke.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m very, very disappointed to hear that from Senator\u00a0Stephenson, someone I respect very much. This is standard practice. This was the same when we did\u00a0evacuation flights throughout Covid,\u201d he told Newstalk Breakfast.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere is a contribution. It\u2019s understandable. There\u2019s no mention that children will fly for free. Of course, the six-and-a-half-hour bus ride from\u00a0Dubai to Muscat will be covered. We have not had any pushback from anyone on the\u00a0ground. If people are in financial difficulty, that\u2019s a different story.\u201d<\/p>\n

Richmond said that officials in the region and in the crisis consular centre had worked very\u00a0hard to get 300 Irish citizens on a plane tomorrow from Muscat to Dublin to complement another Emirates commercial flight tonight.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re in constant engagement to increase the amount of flights to get primarily those first and foremost who are stranded in\u00a0transit, but then those who are there on holiday with priority going to the most vulnerable<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re actually ahead of most\u00a0European member countries being able to do evacuation flights. Only the Italians and\u00a0Germans have gone ahead of us. It is our priority.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s a huge Irish population in the region\u00a0and transiting through the region and we want to make sure they\u2019re safe.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Minister said there were 24,000 registered in the region, 16,000 of whom had registered since Saturday, the \u201cvast majority\u201d were not looking to leave.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is their home, about 14,000 Irish people call Dubai itself their home. And I must just\u00a0say the UAE government in particular have been extremely helpful to the Irish on the ground in terms of providing information, security,\u00a0covering accommodation costs for those stranded there.<\/p>\n

There had been great interest in the first charter flight announced, said Richmond. \u201cWe will run as many charter flights as we need. We\u2019re prepared to do more into the week,\u00a0but that depends on demand.\u201d<\/p>\n

Katie Mellett – 1 hour ago<\/p>\n

Kurdistan region \u2018must not become part of any conflict\u2019, says leader<\/p>\n

Nechirvan Barzani, president of the Kurdistan region of Iraq, has issued a statement commemorating the 35th anniversary of the 1991 Kurdish uprising, but in it he has also seemingly hinted at the current conflict unfolding in the Middle East. <\/p>\n

In a statement posted on social media, he said: In this commemoration, we reiterate that the Kurdistan region, as always, must remain a key factor in peace and stability and must not become part of any conflict or military escalation that harms the lives and security of our fellow citizens. Protecting the territorial integrity of the Kurdistan region and our constitutional achievements can only be achieved through the unity, cohesion, and shared national responsibility of all political forces and components in Kurdistan. May this commemoration inspire us to overcome challenges, deepen our culture of coexistence and tolerance. Loyalty to the blood of the martyrs means standing together, hand in hand; let us work to preserve stability and build a better future for the generations to come. <\/p>\n

His statement follows reports that the Iranian military targeted the headquarters of Iranian Kurdish forces in northern Iraq, as Tehran stepped up attacks on Kurdish regions in both Iran and Iraq. <\/p>\n

Kurdish officials told the AP news agency that Kurdish Iranian dissident groups based in northern Iraq were preparing for a potential cross-border military operation in Iran, and the US has asked Iraqi Kurds to support them. – Guardian<\/p>\n

Katie Mellett – 1 hour ago<\/p>\n

Italy to send air defences to Gulf countries<\/p>\n

Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni said her country is planning to send air defence aid to Gulf countries, following in the footsteps of the UK, France and Germany. <\/p>\n

\u201cThis is not only because they are friendly nations, but above all because tens of thousands of Italians live in the region and around 2,000 Italian troops are deployed there, people we want and must protect,\u201d she told the Italian radio station RTL 102.5.<\/p>\n

Katie Mellett – 1 hour ago<\/p>\n

Azerbaijani airport territory hit by missiles and drones<\/p>\n

Missiles and \u200cdrones flying from the direction \u200bof Iran fell on \u200bthe territory of \u2060the airport in \u200cthe \u200cAzerbaijani \u200bexclave of Nakhchivan \u2060on \u200bThursday, \u200ba source close \u200cto the Azerbaijani \u200bgovernment told \u2060Reuters.<\/p>\n

A fire has started as \u2060a \u200bresult of the \u200bincident, the source said, adding \u200cthat an official \u200bstatement would soon follow. It was \u2060not immediately \u2060clear \u200bhow many missiles and drones fell in the area.<\/p>\n

Nakhchivan \u2060International \u200bAirport is located roughly 10 km from \u200cthe border \u2060with Iran. – Reuters<\/p>\n

Katie Mellett – 2 hours ago<\/p>\n

Death Toll of Middle East conflict<\/p>\n

In Iran, 1,045 people have been killed, including 175 school girls and staff.<\/p>\n

In Israel, 10 civilians have been killed. The Israel Defense \u200bForces has not reported any military casualties.<\/p>\n

In Lebanon, 77 people have been killed.<\/p>\n

One person was killed in Bahrain.<\/p>\n

In Kuwait, three people have been killed, including two Kuwaiti soldiers.<\/p>\n

One person was killed in Oman.<\/p>\n

Three people have been killed in the United Arab Emirates.<\/p>\n

Six US service members were killed in Kuwait.<\/p>\n

In Syria, four people were killed.<\/p>\n

Figures according to Reuters<\/p>\n

Katie Mellett – 2 hours ago<\/p>\n

A UK overnight, chartered flight did not leave Oman due to \u2018operational reasons\u2019<\/p>\n

Asked why the flight did not leave as planned, UK Home Office minister Alex Norris told BBC Breakfast, \u201cwell, there are operational reasons that can happen in circumstances where these things are being stood up quickly. I know that\u2019s stressful for those people \u2013 that\u2019s why there\u2019s support on the ground.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe made sure we got them hotel rooms for the night as well and we are facilitating and rebooking today\u2019s flight.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe hope that they do, and there\u2019s multiple flights after it as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

The UK government is taking the war between Iran and the US \u201cexceptionally seriously\u201d, Norris insisted.<\/p>\n

He added: \u201cThis is a very significant situation, one that has profound implications for our nation.<\/p>\n

\u201cHere, we\u2019ve moved quickly. We will continue to work with our partners in the region in our collective self-defence.\u201d<\/p>\n

Katie Mellett – 2 hours ago<\/p>\n

French government opposes Iranian strikes<\/p>\n

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot \u200cspoke with his Iranian counterpart \u200band told him his government opposes the Iranian \u200bstrikes and urged the \u2060release of the French \u200ccitizens \u200ccurrently \u200bheld in Iran, the French foreign \u2060ministry \u200bsaid on \u200bThursday. <\/p>\n

Barrot \u201creiterated France\u2019s commitment \u200cto the stability \u200bof the Middle East, \u2060to \u2060de-escalation and \u200bto the resumption of a demanding diplomatic dialogue, in compliance with international law which \u200cmust govern \u2060the use of force,\u201d the \u200cforeign ministry said in a \u200bstatement.<\/p>\n

Katie Mellett – 2 hours ago<\/p>\n

Who has control of the Strait of Hormuz?\"StraitStrait of Hormuz – Paul Scott <\/p>\n

Iran\u2019s revolutionary guards said, in time \u200bof war, passage through the Strait of Hormuz \u200cwill be under \u2060the control of the \u200cIslamic Republic.<\/p>\n

Previously the US navy said it will escort oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz \u201cas soon as it can\u201d but is focused on the conflict for now, US energy secretary Chris Wright said on Fox News on Wednesday.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, not yet … We\u2019ll do that as soon as we can. Right now, our navy, and of course, our military, is focused on other things, which is \u200cdisarming this Iranian regime,\u201d Wright said, when asked if any commercial vessels had requested US navy assistance in the Gulf.<\/p>\n

President Donald Trump has pledged to provide insurance and naval escorts for ships to contain soaring costs, with oil prices rising on Thursday. At least 200 vessels remain anchored off the coast, according to Reuters estimates.<\/p>\n

Katie Mellett – 2 hours ago<\/p>\n

First group of Irish citizens returned to Dublin yesterday evening<\/p>\n

They\u2019re home!<\/p>\n

The first flight from Dubai in almost 5 days – @emirates<\/a> EK163 – arrived into Dublin Airport just before 11pm, bringing more than 368 passengers back to Ireland. pic.twitter.com\/lMIKtwMtSx<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Dublin Airport (@DublinAirport) March 4, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

\"ElaineElaine Gleeson welcomes home her sister Nora Geary from Limerick to Dublin Airport, on the first Emirates flight to have left Dubai International Airport since the no fly zone due to the Iran\/US War. Photograph: Sam Boal\/Collins Photos <\/p>\n

An emotional arrivals hall last night as the first flight from Dubai arrived into Dublin after almost five days. \u2764\ufe0f\u2708\ufe0f<\/p>\n

Families, friends and loved ones finally reunited. pic.twitter.com\/RBUOcuS6zI<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Dublin Airport (@DublinAirport) March 5, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Emirates flight EK163 touched down just before 11pm, with 368 passengers on board, many of them transiting through Ireland before travelling on to other European destinations.<\/p>\n

Many of those on the flight had been in the UAE city since last Saturday amid the conflict between Iran and the US and Israel, which caused widespread airspace closures in the Middle East, sparking major disruption to travel<\/p>\n

Further direct flights from the Middle East are due to land in Dublin on Thursday, and a Government-chartered plane is expected to fly from Oman to Ireland later this week.<\/p>\n

Some were too overcome to speak as they arrived late on Thursday night, while others described alarms in the middle of the night and seeing missile trails in Dubai where the Fairmont The Palm Hotel and the airport were hit.<\/p>\n

For more, read here.<\/a><\/p>\n

Katie Mellett – 2 hours ago<\/p>\n

US ship on fire following Iranian hits<\/p>\n

According to state media, Iran\u2019s revolutionary guards say they have hit a US tanker in the northern part of the gulf, which is now on fire. – Reuters<\/p>\n

However, the US has not confirmed.<\/p>\n

Katie Mellett – 2 hours ago<\/p>\n

US tells Israel \u2018continue to the end, we are with you\u2019<\/p>\n

US defence secretary, Pete Hegseth, told Israel\u2019s defence minister, Israel Katz to \u201ccontinue to the end, we are with you\u201d, according to a statement by his office. <\/p>\n

Katz expressed his condolences over the deaths of US soldiers in the Iran conflict, and thanked Hegseth and US president Donald Trump for their \u201cgreat support for Israel\u201d. <\/p>\n

\u201cThe cooperation between president Trump and prime minister [Binyamin] Netanyahu against Iran is changing regional and global history,\u201d the statement from the Israeli defence minister\u2019s office said, according to the Times of Israel. – Guardian<\/p>\n

Katie Mellett – 2 hours ago<\/p>\n

US Senate blocks measure to halt \u200cAmerican air assault<\/p>\n

Republican senators in Washington voted against a motion aimed at stopping the air campaign and requiring that military action be authorised by Congress, leaving Donald Trump\u2019s power to direct the war largely unbound. – Guardian<\/p>\n

The US Senate voted 53 to 47 not to advance the resolution, largely along party lines, with all but one Republican voting against the procedural motion and all but one Democrat supporting it. – Reuters<\/p>\n

For more, read here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Katie Mellett – 2 hours ago<\/p>\n

Hamas official killed in Israeli strikes\"SmokeSmoke rises following an Israeli airstrike in Dahiyeh, Beirut\u2019s southern suburbs. Photograph: Hassan Ammar\/AP <\/p>\n

Israel said it carried out strikes on Beirut targeting Hizbullah on Thursday while Lebanese state media reported an Israeli drone strike killed a Hamas official. <\/p>\n

Lebanon\u2019s state-run National News Agency (NNA) reported several strikes early in the day, including two in the Hizbullah stronghold of south Beirut, where smoke was seen rising. <\/p>\n

Israel\u2019s military, which earlier told residents to leave the suburbs where the strikes were reported, said its forces hit several \u201ccommand centres\u201d of the Iran-backed militant group in the city. <\/p>\n

The NNA said a pre-dawn Israeli drone strike hit an apartment in Beddawi, a Palestinian refugee camp near Tripoli, killing senior Hamas official Wassim Atallah al-Ali and his wife. <\/p>\n

This is the first reported targeted killing of a Hamas official since the regional war began on Saturday. – Guardian<\/p>\n

Katie Mellett – 2 hours ago<\/p>\n

US will \u2018bitterly regret\u2019 sinking Iranian warship<\/p>\n

The U.S. has perpetrated an atrocity at sea, 2,000 miles away from Iran’s shores.<\/p>\n

Frigate Dena, a guest of India’s Navy carrying almost 130 sailors, was struck in international waters without warning. <\/p>\n

Mark my words: The U.S. will come to bitterly regret precedent it has set. pic.twitter.com\/cxYiI9BLUk<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) March 5, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Iran\u2019s foreign minister said the US will \u201cbitterly regret\u201d sinking an Iranian warship off the coast of Sri Lanka. <\/p>\n

Abas Araghchi posted on X: The US has perpetrated an atrocity at sea, 2,000 miles away from Iran\u2019s shores. Frigate Dena, a guest of India\u2019s navy carrying almost 130 sailors, was struck in international waters without warning. Mark my words: The US will come to bitterly regret precedent it has set. <\/p>\n

US defence secretary Pete Hegseth earlier confirmed that a US submarine sunk the Iranian warship in the Indian Ocean, saying the ship \u201cthought it was safe in international waters\u201d. <\/p>\n

He said, \u201cinstead it was sunk by a torpedo, a quiet death \u2013 the first sinking of an enemy ship by a torpedo since world war II. Like in that war, back when we were still the war department, we are fighting to win.” – Guardian<\/p>\n

Katie Mellett – 3 hours ago<\/p>\n

Member of exiled Iranian Kurdish group killed by Iranian hit\"PeoplePeople inspect damage at a building whose windows were shattered following air defences’ interception of a projectile or drone over a residential neighbourhood in Arbil, the capital of Iraq’s northern autonomous Kurdish region, on March 4th, 2026. Photograph: Safin HAMID \/ AFP via Getty Images <\/p>\n

Iran says it has targeted Kurdish groups in Iraq and warned \u201cseparatist groups\u201d against action in the widening war. <\/p>\n

Tehran said on Thursday it had hit Iraq-based Kurdish groups \u201copposed to the revolution\u201d, as reports said the US was looking to arm Kurdish militias to infiltrate Iran. <\/p>\n

The strikes, which killed a member from an exiled Iranian Kurdish group, according to a representative, came after a warning from Iranian officials. – Guardian<\/p>\n

Katie Mellett – 3 hours ago<\/p>\n

Iran to respect Turkey\u2019s sovereignty\"PeoplePeople stand next to an Iranian missile after it fell near Qamishli International Airport, near the Turkish border in the Qamishli district of Hasakah, Syria, on March 4th, 2026. Photograph: Amjad Kurdo \/ Middle East Images \/ AFP via Getty Images <\/p>\n

Following the missile Iran fired toward Turkey yesterday and was destroyed by Nato air and missile defence systems, Iran\u2019s armed forces, said in a statement, that they will respect Turkey\u2019s sovereignty and deny firing any missile towards its territory. – Guardian<\/p>\n

Katie Mellett – 3 hours ago<\/p>\n

As many as 24,000 Australians stuck in UAE<\/p>\n

Australia\u2019s government has deployed military assets as part of contingency planning to assist Australians stranded in the Middle East. <\/p>\n

The government is planning contingencies to help tens of thousands of Australian citizens and permanent residents. <\/p>\n

While the government is urging Australians to take up commercial options to get home, the defence department has launched Operation Beech, part of the consular effort to provide assistance.<\/p>\n

As many as 24,000 Australians are stuck in the United Arab Emirates alone. – Guardian<\/p>\n

Katie Mellett – 3 hours ago<\/p>\n

Fresh attacks on Iran\"SmokeSmoke rises after an airstrike in central Tehran, Iran, March 5th 2026. Photograph: EPA <\/p>\n

The Israeli military has reportedly said it is beginning a new widespread wave of attacks in Tehran, as the conflict enters its sixth day. – Guardian<\/p>\n

Iran also launched a wave of missiles at Israel early on Thursday, sending millions of residents into bomb shelters, with attacks on Israeli and American bases. <\/p>\n