The conflict in the Middle East , which erupted on February 28 with the attacks by the US and Israel on Iran, continues.

Israeli-US airstrikes continue to target the Islamic Republic, including the capital Tehran, as well as Lebanon ( where the Sassari Brigade is stationed, under crossfire ), while Iran is targeting US targets in the Gulf and bases hosting European and Italian troops, such as the one in Erbil , which was hit yesterday (killing a French soldier). Meanwhile, the new Supreme Leader , Mojtaba Khamenei, has warned: "The Strait of Hormuz remains closed ; the countries of the region must close the American bases. We will never surrender and we will avenge the blood of our martyrs." For its part, the US has granted temporary authorization allowing countries to purchase Russian oil currently blocked at sea.

Live news for Friday, March 13, 2026:

10:52 PM – Beirut: Israeli attack hits UNIFIL base in southern Lebanon

Israeli shells struck a UNIFIL base in southern Lebanon, state media reported. "Israeli shells fell inside the Nepalese battalion headquarters in the town of Mays al-Jabal," the state news agency reported, referring to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon. UNIFIL and the Israeli military did not immediately comment on the incident.

9:15 PM – Media reports attack on a medical center in Lebanon, several victims.

An Israeli attack on a medical center in the southern Lebanese city of Borj Qalaouiye has resulted in several casualties, according to local media reports. Al Jazeera reports.

9:00 PM – ABC: "US strike group targeting Iran, possibility of attack on Kharg Island"

2,200 soldiers from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit are headed to the Middle East as part of the war against Iran. ABC News reports that the USS Tripoli, USS San Diego, and USS New Orleans, assault and amphibious transport ships, have also been mobilized. The new force is accompanied by approximately 20 fifth-generation F-35B Lightning II fighters, capable of vertical takeoff and landing. It's likely that the strike group could be assigned to an operation to conquer the Iranian island of Kharg in the Persian Gulf, which accounts for approximately 80% of Tehran's oil exports.

7:24 PM – Iraq, pro-Iran groups offer reward for information on US soldiers

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, a coalition of pro-Iranian Shiite groups in the country, has announced a financial reward for any information on the whereabouts of US military personnel. Al Jazeera reports this. In a statement, the group said it will pay 150 million Iraqi dinars ($114,500) for providing "accurate and reliable" information on the whereabouts or movements of US personnel in Iraq that could help them conduct targeted operations.

7:20 PM – Zuppi: "Ruthless and illogical wars reduce civilians to garbage."

"It is always a defeat when the logic of force attempts to replace the patient art of diplomacy. Without negotiation, only an endless series of wars will arise, with the ruthless aim of defeating the enemy." This was stated by the president of the Italian Bishops' Conference (CEI), Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, celebrating Vespers in the Collegiate Church of San Biagio in Cento, on the occasion of the Day of Prayer and Fasting. "Thousands of people have been eliminated, civilians who had nothing to do with the conflict," he denounced, "unknowingly and without any responsibility, they have become targets; some callously call them 'garbage targets.' Artificial intelligence does the rest," but, he added, "can we accept that people are collateral damage? Where have the sparks of peace that should prevent these abominations gone?"

6:40 PM – Pentagon moves 5,000 Marines and other ships to Middle East

The Pentagon is moving about 5,000 Marines and other warships to the Middle East, three officials told the Wall Street Journal.

5:45 PM – Israel: "Since the start of the war, 7,600 attacks have been carried out against Iran and 1,100 in Lebanon."

The Israeli military announced that since the beginning of Operation Roaring Lion on February 28, it has conducted "over 7,600 attacks in Iran and over 1,100 in Lebanon." Specifically, in Iran, "over 2,000" were "against the headquarters and infrastructure of the Iranian terrorist regime and approximately 4,700 against the missile program."

4:55 PM – Trump rejects Kiev's offer: "We don't need them against Iran."

Donald Trump rejected Ukraine's offer to help the United States defend itself from Iranian drones. "No, we don't need their help to defend ourselves from drones," the president said in an interview with Fox News.

4:35 PM – Trump: "The regime will fall, but maybe not immediately."

US President Donald Trump expressed confidence that the Iranian people will rise up to overthrow their government following the US and Israeli military strikes, but added that it might not happen immediately. "I really think it's a huge hurdle for a people who don't have weapons to overcome. I think it's a very big hurdle... It will happen, but probably not right away," Trump told Fox News Radio.

4:10 PM – Trump: "Putin is helping Iran a little in the war."

Vladimir Putin is helping Iran "a little bit" in the war, Donald Trump said in an interview with Fox News. "I think he's helping them a little bit. And he probably thinks we're helping Ukraine, right?" the American president added.

4:00 PM – Hormuz, official denial from Palazzo Chigi

Regarding what was reported today by international press outlets, the Presidency of the Council of Ministers denies the opening of bilateral or direct negotiations with Iran to guarantee the passage of Italian ships through the Strait of Hormuz.

3:45 PM – Italian sources on Hormuz: "No backroom negotiations for merchant ships."

No secret negotiations are underway to guarantee the passage of Italian ships or oil tankers through Hormuz. Italian sources familiar with the matter have confirmed this following a report in the Financial Times, which claimed that Italy and France have opened secret channels with Iran to facilitate the flow of European merchant ships. According to the same sources, the Italian Prime Minister's office and the Foreign Ministry confirm that in their diplomatic contacts, Italian leaders aim to foster conditions for a general military de-escalation, but there is no "backroom negotiation" aimed at preserving only some merchant ships over others.

3:20 PM – Trump: "Ships should get their balls out and cross Hormuz."

Merchant ships waiting near the Strait of Hormuz should "get their balls out and go through." Donald Trump said this in an interview with Fox News on Sunday, but it only came to light today, after several vessels were attacked by Tehran. Several of the tycoon's opponents and Democratic representatives criticized the comment, accusing Trump of underestimating the risks of war.

2:30 PM – "France and Italy seek agreement with Iran for ships in Hormuz."

Some European countries have initiated talks with Tehran in an attempt to negotiate an agreement to guarantee safe passage for their ships through the Strait of Hormuz. The Financial Times reports that "France is one of the countries involved in the talks" and that "Italy has also made attempts to initiate discussions with Tehran."

2:00 PM – Macron after the death of a French soldier: "We will proceed calmly and with composure."

Emmanuel Macron said today that France "will continue to show composure and calm" following the death of its first soldier in the Middle East conflict, Arnaud Frion, who was serving in Iraq. Speaking at the Elysée Palace, where he received Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Macron said: "On behalf of the nation, I want to bow with respect before the memory of Marshal Arnaud Frion. He died for France in an attack near Erbil."

1:15 PM – Hegseth: "Iranian leaders are like rats, Mojtaba is wounded."

"The Iranian leadership is now desperate, it's in the ground, cowardly, that's how rats do it, and we know that the not-so-supreme leader has now been wounded. There was a message yesterday, but we didn't hear a voice, there was no video, it was just a written message, and he called for unity despite killing thousands of protesters. Iran has many video cameras, why a written message? I think you know why. His father is dead, he's scared, he's on the run, so who's in charge of Iran? Maybe Iran itself doesn't know." So said US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth at a press conference today at the Pentagon.

The United States "is decimating the radical Iranian regime in a way never seen before," Hegseth added. "The Iranian regime will only see the American flag and Israel's Star of David," he added, describing it as "their worst nightmare." Hegseth said Iranian missile volumes had decreased by 90%, while one-way attack drones dropped by 95% yesterday. On the Strait of Hormuz, however, Iran's strategy is "clear desperation."

1:15 PM – Supreme Council: "Use of facilities in Italy approved in compliance with international agreements."

The Council favorably noted that, through its own resolution, Parliament has already expressed its opinion on the requests received from friendly and allied countries for assistance in their defense, as well as on the need for the use of military infrastructure present on national territory and granted to US forces to comply with the legal framework established by existing international agreements, which includes, among other things, training and technical-logistical support. The Council also noted that any requests that exceed the scope of activities already regulated by the aforementioned agreements will be submitted to Parliament. This is stated in the final statement of the Supreme Defense Council. The Council examined in depth the guidelines already outlined by the Government in Parliament to address the ongoing crisis in the Mediterranean, the Middle East, and the Gulf States, starting with the commitment to ensuring the safety of the thousands of Italian citizens present in the region and the decision to provide support and assistance to the Gulf States, friends and important strategic partners of Italy, to protect the numerous Italian soldiers present in those areas, based on ongoing missions already authorized by Parliament.

1:15 PM – Supreme Council: "Israel should refrain from excessive reactions to Hezbollah."

The Supreme Defense Council has examined "with particular attention the situation in Lebanon and calls on Israel to refrain from disproportionate reactions to Hezbollah's unacceptable actions, which have dragged Lebanon into a new dramatic conflict. As always, the civilian population is paying the highest price, with numerous casualties and hundreds of thousands of citizens evacuated from southern Lebanon and just as many from the Shiite areas of Beirut." "The Council," the final statement continues, "deems alarming the continued serious violations of Resolution 1701 of 2006 and the repeated unacceptable attacks by Israel on the UNIFIL contingent, currently led by Italy."

1:00 PM – Supreme Defense Council: "Italy is not and will not participate in the war."

The Supreme Defense Council expressed "grave concern" over "the crisis scenario created by the new war underway following the military action of the United States and Israel against Iran." This was stated in the final document of today's meeting, which analyzed "the serious destabilizing effects this crisis is having throughout the Middle East and the Mediterranean region." It was also emphasized that Italy "is not and will not participate in this war" and is "committed to seeking and supporting every effort to restore the negotiation and diplomatic path to the forefront."

The Supreme Defense Council "noted with concern that the crisis in the international order, centered on the UN, with the multiplication of unilateral initiatives, weakens the multilateral system even in the face of common challenges such as the real security concerns linked to the risk of Iran developing nuclear weapons, those relating to the security of Israel and its citizens, and the condemnation of the Tehran regime and its inhumane repression."

12:40 PM – Tehran: "We will teach the US and Israel a lesson."

An Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman said his country will "teach a memorable lesson" to the United States and Israel following their attack on Iran. "We cannot accept the Americans talking about dialogue and ceasefires from time to time, only to be faced with a repetition of these crimes and this war," said Esmail Baghai, referring to the previous conflict last June, which ended after 12 days of fighting. "Our armed forces are firmly determined to teach the enemy a memorable lesson," Baghai added, as reported by the ISNA news agency.

11:50 a.m. – Raid in Beirut, 8 dead

Lebanese authorities announced that eight people were killed in an Israeli airstrike in the south of the country. According to a preliminary report from the Ministry of Health, L'Orient Le Jour reports, the Israeli airstrike that hit a residential building in Faouar, Sidon, left eight dead and nine injured. Rescue operations are still ongoing.

11:40 am – 11 US soldiers killed in the war

The deaths of four crew members aboard a U.S. Air Force tanker that crashed Thursday in western Iraq bring the number of American soldiers killed in the war with Iran to 11, CNN reports. Six U.S. service members were killed in the attack on the port of Shuaiba, Kuwait, on March 1. Another died on Saturday from injuries sustained in an attack in Saudi Arabia earlier this month. According to a statement from U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), six people were aboard the aircraft that crashed Friday, and the search for the two missing is ongoing.

11:13 a.m. – NATO intercepts missile headed for Türkiye

The Turkish Defense Ministry said a ballistic missile launched from Iran was shot down in Turkish airspace by NATO defenses. This is the third such missile in just over a week. "A ballistic missile launched from Iran and entering Turkish airspace was neutralized by NATO air and missile defense systems deployed in the Eastern Mediterranean," the ministry said in a statement.

11:00 a.m. – Tehran, raid during a demonstration

Iranian state television reported a powerful explosion in a Tehran square where demonstrations were expected to take place. Images released by IRIB show thick columns of smoke rising over the city. Among those participating in the protest marches marking Al-Quds Day is reportedly at least one senior official, Ali Larijani, head of the Iranian Security Council.

10:46 a.m. – Iraq: US tanker plane crashes, killing four.

Four of the six crew members were killed in the crash of a tanker aircraft in Iraq, according to U.S. Central Command. Rescue operations are ongoing. The latest update on the accident reiterates that the loss of the aircraft "was not caused by hostile or friendly fire." The circumstances of the accident are under investigation, U.S. Central Command stated.

10:33 a.m. – Trump: "Iran is about to surrender."

According to three G7 officials, Donald Trump told G7 leaders during a virtual meeting on Wednesday that Iran "is about to surrender." The US president boasted about the results of Operation Epic Fury, telling allies, "I got rid of a cancer that threatened all of us." "No one knows who the leader is, so there's no one to announce the surrender," Trump said, mocking Iran's new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, as a "lightweight." At the meeting, all other leaders urged Trump to quickly end the war.

9.40am – Israel bombs the city of Sidon: 10 injured

Injuries were reported following an Israeli airstrike that hit a residential building on the outskirts of the Lebanese city of Sidon, according to the National News Agency. Al-Jazeera reports.

9:29 AM – Pro-Iranian militias threaten France

The Iranian-backed armed group Ashab al-Kahf has announced that it will target "all French interests in Iraq and the region" following the deployment of the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle in the Gulf.

8:30 a.m. – Heavy explosions in Tehran

A series of powerful explosions at short intervals rocked Tehran, according to AFP journalists in Iran, on the 14th day of the war. These unusually intense explosions shook the apartments of two AFP journalists, located several kilometers apart in northern and central Tehran.

7:50 a.m. – Pasdaran: "Anyone who rebels will be punished."

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned that any new anti-government protests will be met with a "more devastating" response than the one in January, when several thousand people were killed. "Today, the enemy, unable to achieve its military objectives on the ground, is again attempting to spread terror and provoke uprisings," the IRGC said in a televised statement, promising "an even more devastating response than that of January 8" in the event of further unrest.

7:37 a.m. – Trump: "It's an honor to kill the scoundrels of Iran."

"We are completely destroying the terrorist regime of Iran, militarily, economically, and in every other way. We have unparalleled firepower, unlimited ammunition, and all the time we want. Look at what's happening to these deranged scoundrels today. They've been killing innocent people around the world for 47 years, and now I, as the 47th President of the United States of America, am killing them. What a great honor it is to do so." So said US President Donald Trump in Truth.

7:08 AM – IDF: Hundreds of new airstrikes on Iran and Lebanon

Over the past 24 hours, dozens of IDF aircraft, coordinated by Israeli intelligence, have completed 20 large-scale strikes in central and western Iran. The Israeli military also announced the killing of a Hezbollah terrorist in the Beirut area, Lebanon.

6:55 a.m. – French soldier killed in Erbil

A French soldier has died during an attack in the Erbil region of Iraq. President Emmanuel Macron announced the news on X, specifying that the victim was Marshal Arnaud Frion of the 7th Alpine Hunters Battalion of Varces. "To his family and his comrades," Macron wrote, "I offer my deepest condolences and the nation's solidarity."

THE WAR: ALL THE NEWS

(Unioneonline)

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