US-Israel Iran War Live Updates

A plane carrying Iranian officials to diplomatic talks in Pakistan with the US was found to be transporting personal items and photographs of the Iranian school children who lost their lives in a devastating US-Israeli airstrike on February 28, marking the first day of the conflict. The attack on a school in Minab resulted in the tragic loss of at least 168 lives, the majority of whom were children.

Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, a seasoned politician and former commander of the Revolutionary Guard, has taken on the role of lead negotiator for Iran in Islamabad. At 64, he brings a wealth of experience to the table, having previously served as the mayor of Tehran.

In a series of coordinated attacks, Hezbollah militants claimed responsibility for launching a rocket assault on Israeli military personnel stationed in a residence within the town of Shamaa in Tyre, southern Lebanon, at approximately 1:40am local time on Saturday, coinciding with 22:40 GMT on Friday.
The group also reported firing rocket barrages at the Israeli settlements of Kiryat Shmona, Metula, and Misgav Am shortly after midnight.

As the chief negotiator for Iran at the Islamabad talks, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf brings a wealth of experience to the table. At 64 years old, this seasoned politician has a storied past as a former mayor of Tehran and a former commander in the Revolutionary Guard, a position he held during his younger years.

Sources within Al Jazeera Arabic indicate that Israeli military operations have targeted the Lebanese municipalities of Toul and Jebchit, situated in the Nabatieh governorate of southern Lebanon. As of now, the Israeli Defense Forces have not publicly acknowledged the strikes, and there are no reported fatalities. Further updates on this situation will be provided as additional information becomes available.

A drone originating from Lebanon has been tracked by Israeli military forces, prompting the activation of sirens in the Arab al-Aramshe region and several other towns in the Western Galilee. The latest incident comes amidst a backdrop of escalating tensions between Israel and Lebanon, with both sides having engaged in repeated exchanges of fire in recent days, despite ongoing calls for a ceasefire.

In a statement made to the press on Friday, ahead of a crucial meeting between US and Iranian officials in Pakistan, President Donald Trump expressed optimism that the Strait of Hormuz will be reopened in the near future, regardless of Iran’s involvement. The ongoing blockade of the strategic waterway by Tehran has been causing significant disruptions to global energy markets.

Speaking to reporters, Trump emphasized the US’s intention to “unblock the Gulf” and hinted at the willingness of other nations to lend their support. “It won’t be a straightforward process,” Trump cautioned, “but I’m confident that we will see the Strait of Hormuz reopened fairly soon.”

The Trump administration is facing mounting public discontent as a significant majority of Americans are expressing their desire to see the ongoing conflict with Iran brought to a swift conclusion. According to recent polls, nearly two-thirds of the population believe the war has escalated beyond acceptable limits, citing rising fuel and product costs as a major concern. The resurgence of inflation is also taking a toll, generating increased pressure on the administration to reassess its stance.

Internal divisions within the administration have been a long-standing issue, with some officials questioning the initial decision to engage in the conflict. Notably, Vice President JD Vance was a vocal opponent of the war from the outset, yet he will now lead the US delegation to Islamabad this weekend. This development has created a sense of irony, as Vance will be tasked with securing a robust ceasefire agreement with Iran, a goal that runs counter to his initial reservations about the war.

Pakistan’s diplomatic endeavours have yielded significant results, thanks in large part to the unwavering support of key allies such as Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Turkiye, and China, which have maintained close communication with the Pakistani government throughout this process. As a result, Pakistan’s foreign policy has achieved a notable milestone, albeit accompanied by a cautious sense of optimism regarding the potential outcome of these negotiations. According to a reliable source, the groundwork for a deal has been laid, with preliminary discussions conducted by advance teams prior to the arrival of JD Vance and the Iranian delegation. It is anticipated that a mutually beneficial agreement may soon be signed between the United States and Iran. While Pakistan’s efforts are undoubtedly commendable, it is essential to acknowledge that this achievement would not have been possible without the collaborative input of friendly nations, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Turkiye.

In the aftermath of the devastating US-Israeli air strikes on Iran, AJ+ caught up with Behnam Zolfaghari, a seasoned rescue dog trainer, who has been risking his life alongside his courageous canine companions to locate survivors amidst the rubble. Since the conflict escalated on February 28, the skilled sniffer dogs of the Iranian Red Crescent Society have undertaken a staggering 700 search and rescue operations, showcasing their unwavering dedication to saving lives.