US-Israel Iran War Live Updates

Tonight, President Trump will make a high-profile address to the nation, marking his first prime-time speech since the Iran conflict commenced, as his plummeting approval ratings and escalating economic concerns fuel an intensifying storm of domestic pressure against him.

The White House has remained tight-lipped about the address, but it follows hot on the heels of Trump’s assertion that Iran had sought a temporary reprieve from hostilities, a claim that was tempered by conditions that underscored the war’s uncertain trajectory.

Trump is scheduled to speak at 9pm, more than a month after the US and Israel launched their military campaign against Iran, a delay that stands in stark contrast to the customary early addresses typically delivered by presidents at the outset of major conflicts.

Recent polls indicate that Trump’s approval rating has dropped below 40 percent, with disapproval ratings soaring above the mid-50s as voters increasingly express dissatisfaction with both the war and its economic consequences.

Support for the Iran campaign remains in a precarious state, with majorities opposing the offensive and independents turning sharply against it.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has confirmed that his administration is engaging in meaningful security partnerships with several key nations in the Gulf and Middle East.
In a recent Telegram statement, Zelenskyy underscored the far-reaching implications of regional developments, citing their profound impact on global markets, living costs, and technological hurdles that necessitate a unified response.
Zelenskyy revealed that Ukraine has established substantial working relationships with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar, with ongoing discussions taking place with Jordan. Additionally, the country maintains regular communication with Bahrain, Kuwait, and Iraq.
According to Zelenskyy, Ukraine’s military expertise has already begun to yield tangible results, with interceptors demonstrating effectiveness. He also highlighted the existence of several long-term agreements focusing on cooperation and mutual support, as well as ongoing preparations for new initiatives.

According to Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi, no ceasefire proposal has been put forth by his country. Iran’s state-run IRIB news agency cited Araghchi as dismissing reports of a five-point plan supposedly proposed by Iran as unfounded media speculation. Araghchi’s comments also indicated that the conflict will persist until the aggressor is held accountable and Iran receives adequate compensation.

According to a statement by Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ismail Baghaei, as reported by the IRNA news agency, the US involvement in the conflict can be attributed to a misguided Israeli move. This assertion was made in an interview with Al-Masry Al-Youm newspaper, which was cited by the news agency.

Baghaei expressed skepticism towards American diplomacy, stating that the US has a history of using negotiations as a precursor to imposing its demands or resorting to force. He emphasized this point, saying that no one in the world can have faith in American diplomatic efforts.

Baghaei also addressed the health of Iran’s new leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, stating that he is in good health and had not appeared in public due to the ongoing conflict. He claimed that the public’s focus is on the war rather than engaging in discussions about negotiations or diplomacy with the US.

Baghaei pointed to the strike on Shajareh Tayyebeh Girls’ School in Minab, which resulted in the deaths of at least 170 people, as a stark example of the atrocities committed by the US in the past month.

Nepal has implemented a significant price hike for jet fuel, effectively doubling the cost for international flights from Kathmandu, and increasing it by over 100 percent for flights originating from Pokhara and Bhairahawa. The move is aimed at mitigating potential supply disruptions stemming from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Nepal Oil Corporation has cited the need to settle payments with Indian Oil Corporation, the refiner that supplies the fuel, as the reason for the price increase. Domestic flights have also seen a substantial price rise of 97.6 percent, according to Nepal’s state-run petroleum agency. This development has led to a notable surge in domestic airfare, with prices increasing by as much as 50 percent, as per the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal.

Lebanon’s Health Ministry has reported a total of 1,318 fatalities and 3,935 injuries resulting from the Israeli military’s incursion and bombardments, which began on March 2.

A rocket attack on the northern Israeli city of Kiryat Shmona resulted in one casualty, with local medical teams confirming the injury. Reports from Israeli news outlets had previously highlighted significant damage to the area caused by Hezbollah’s shelling.

The anticipation surrounding Trump’s prime-time address, scheduled for just under 12 hours from Tuesday evening, had been centered around the possibility of an announcement marking the war’s conclusion. However, according to sources, that expectation has been effectively quashed, with indications suggesting the conflict may persist for another couple of weeks.

In a stark assessment of the ongoing conflict’s effects on Iran’s medical infrastructure, the director of the country’s Emergency Medical Services Organisation has disclosed that a total of 24 healthcare professionals have lost their lives since the start of the US-Israeli war.

A cacophony of explosions has been echoing through the southwestern region of Lebanon, a hotspot for Israeli military operations over the past 48 hours. The area has witnessed a substantial surge in military activity, with a marked escalation in intensity.
A devastating air strike claimed the lives of two individuals on a motorcycle in the coastal town of al-Mansouri, a location that has previously been targeted by Israeli forces. Yesterday, a nearby vehicle fell victim to a similar attack along the same coastal highway.
In the nearby town of Biyyada, a fierce battle is unfolding between Hezbollah militants and Israeli forces. Israeli troops have established a presence just above Biyyada, with the town’s outskirts now serving as a battleground. The conflict has been marked by intense exchanges of fire, with both sides employing drones and heavy artillery in their efforts.