The twelfth day of war in the Middle East following the February 28 attack by the United States and Israel against Iran. After conflicting statements about the end of the conflict—with US President Donald Trump declaring it imminent, contradicted by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu—the Gulf region experienced another night of missile launches and drone explosions.

Iran said it carried out large-scale attacks against U.S. and Israeli targets: a satellite communications center in Haifa, military bases in Israel, and U.S. targets elsewhere in the Middle East, including Iraqi Kurdistan and the U.S. Fifth Fleet naval base in Bahrain.

The news was confirmed by the Israeli military, which said it detected several salvos of missiles aimed at the country, launched from Iran, and activated its air defenses, amid a "wave" of attacks against Iran and Lebanon. "Defense systems are operational to intercept the threat," the army stated on its official Telegram account. Air raid sirens sounded in Jerusalem, and distant explosions were heard. A small number of people were reportedly injured while heading towards protected areas.

Alarm is also raised in Saudi Arabia: the Ministry of Defense reported that the country's military intercepted two drones heading towards an oil field. The facility is the Shaybah facility, in the east of the country. This gigantic field, located near the border with the United Arab Emirates, has already been targeted several times by Iran since the beginning of the Israeli-American offensive.

March 11th news live

10:25 PM – Qatar: "Nine ballistic missiles intercepted"

Qatar's Ministry of Defense announced that Iran launched nine ballistic missiles and several drones at its territory. A post on X stated that the military "successfully intercepted all the drones" and eight missiles, while the remaining one fell in an uninhabited area.

10:17 PM – Trump: "We won the war in an hour."

"We won the war against Iran in an hour." Donald Trump said this at an event in Kentucky, praising the name of the military operation 'Epic Fury'. "It's a beautiful name, only if you win. But we won," the American president emphasized. "We had to take a hike, a little trip to get rid of very dangerous people."

"evil," the tycoon added, explaining: "They killed our people. They wanted to conquer the Middle East. They were about to strike

Israel” and now “they have no idea what happened to them.”

10 PM – US spends $11 billion on raids in six days

During a closed-door briefing on Capitol Hill, Pentagon officials said they estimated the cost of the war against Iran had exceeded $11.3 billion in the first six days alone, three knowledgeable sources told The New York Times.

9:35 PM – Iran: The Chamber approves the majority resolution

The Chamber of Deputies approved the majority resolution on Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's statements to the Chamber on Iran and the EU Council. There were 196 yes votes, 122 no votes, and three abstentions.

9:10 PM – Israel, first joint Iran-Hezbollah attack in the north of the country

Iran and Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed military group in Lebanon, have conducted a coordinated attack in northern Israel, a senior Israeli defense official said, as reported by Sky News. This is the first time the two groups have carried out a joint attack since the Middle East conflict began on February 28. The Israeli military also said it launched a large-scale attack this evening in the southern suburbs of the Lebanese capital, Beirut.

8:45 PM – IDF launches new wave of large-scale attacks on southern Beirut suburbs

The Israeli army said it had launched a new wave of "large-scale" attacks on the southern outskirts of Beirut. Meanwhile, AFP and Lebanese state media reported a series of heavy airstrikes in the area, considered a Hezbollah stronghold.

8:35 PM – Trump assures: "Oil prices will fall."

Donald Trump assured reporters in Ohio that "oil prices will go down." Rising gasoline prices, a result of the war in Iran, are irritating the Republican Party base.

8:30 PM – Trump: "We've destroyed 28 Iranian minelayers."

American forces have destroyed 28 Iranian minelayers. Donald Trump declared this while speaking to reporters in Ohio. Trump spoke of 28 Iranian naval vessels destroyed, less than an hour after declaring that the United States had destroyed "all" of Iran's minelayers and the day after a Pentagon statement reported 16 such vessels destroyed. "We've hit Iran harder than any other country, and we're not done yet," the US president added.

7:20 PM – Israeli raid in southern Lebanon leaves at least eight dead

At least eight people have been killed in a new Israeli airstrike in southern Lebanon. "The provisional death toll from the Israeli attack on the town of Tibnine, in the Bint Jbeil district, stands at eight," the Ministry of Health said in a statement. According to the National News Agency (NNA), the attack targeted a building occupied by displaced people, and five members of the same family were among the victims.

6:30 PM – Israel ready to intensify attacks

Israel is preparing for a potential "significant expansion" of attacks by Iran and Hezbollah, CNN reports, citing two Israeli sources familiar with the situation.

5:55 PM – Trump: "I don't believe Iran planted mines in the Strait of Hormuz."

Donald Trump "does not believe" Iran planted mines in the Strait of Hormuz. Speaking to reporters at the White House, the president also emphasized that "there will be tremendous security" in the Strait.

5:45 PM – Trump insists: "Almost all of Iran has been destroyed."

Donald Trump reiterated that "almost all of Iran has been destroyed." Speaking to reporters before leaving for Ohio and Kentucky, he emphasized that the U.S. military is "hitting" Tehran "very hard."

5:30 PM – Israeli sources: "Our ambassador hasn't been in Madrid since 2024, there's reciprocity."

Israel considers Spain's decision not to return Spanish Ambassador Ana Maria Salomon Perez to Tel Aviv a "reciprocal situation," given that the Israeli embassy in Madrid has also been managed by a chargé d'affaires since May 2024. This is after Israel recalled Ambassador Rodica Radian-Gordon in protest against Spain's decision to recognize a Palestinian state. ANSA learned this from Israeli sources.

5:15 PM – "Iran has planted about a dozen mines in Hormuz."

Iran has planted about a dozen mines in the Strait of Hormuz, a move that will likely complicate the reopening of the strait, Reuters reports online, citing two sources familiar with the matter. One source said the location of most of the mines is known, but declined to explain how the United States intends to handle them. Mine deployment activity is not yet widespread, other sources told CNN, adding that Tehran still retains over 80-90% of its small boats and minelayers, so its forces could easily plant hundreds.

5:00 PM – New explosions in Tehran

In Iran, new explosions have been reported in the capital Tehran, Israeli media reported.

4:40 PM – Macron: "Iran's military capabilities are not reduced to zero."

Iran's military capabilities "are not reduced to zero," said French President Emmanuel Macron, responding to reporters at the end of a video conference with G7 leaders. Asked about the situation and the evolution of the conflict in Iran, Macron said he did not wish to speak "in place of the President of the United States of America. He will clarify matters in the days and hours to come. What is clear to everyone," Macron continued, "is that today we must be able to define clear military and political objectives in this conflict. Significant damage is currently being done to Iran's ballistic and military capabilities. However, Iran continues to attack several countries in the region, and therefore these capabilities are not reduced to zero." At the same time, Macron continued, "various groups linked to Iran continue to act. I am thinking in particular of what is happening in Iraq and Lebanon."

4:00 PM – Macron at the G7: "Reopen navigation in Hormuz as soon as possible."

French President Emmanuel Macron, opening the G7 leaders' video conference on the Middle East crisis, stressed the need to "restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz as quickly as possible." Footage of Macron's remarks was published on the Élysée Palace's X profile.

3:20 PM – Trump: "The war will be over soon; there's practically nothing left to hit."

The war with Iran will end "soon" because "there's basically nothing left to hit," US President Donald Trump said in a telephone interview with Axios. "A little bit of this and a little bit of that... Whenever I want it to end, it will end," Trump said.

"The war is going great. We're way ahead of schedule. We've caused more damage than we thought possible, even in the initial six-week period," Trump told Axios, arguing that "when I want it to end, it will end." "They were trying to hit the rest of the Middle East. They're paying for 47 years of death and destruction they've caused. This is revenge. They're not going to get away with it that easily," the American president added.

2:45 PM – Katz: "The war will continue without time limits as long as necessary."

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said the joint bombing campaign with the United States against Iran will continue "as long as necessary," insisting that the attacks have inflicted heavy losses on Tehran's forces. "This operation will continue without time limits, as long as necessary, until we reach all targets and decide the outcome of the campaign," he said, adding that the Iranian leadership is fleeing "like rats in tunnels." Katz, quoted by the Guardian, reported that Iranian hospital morgues are full, but insisted that the victims are not civilians. He added that the attacks will continue in Tehran and across the country "day after day, target after target." Katz said the attacks will continue "to allow the Iranian people to rise up, take action, and overthrow this regime," adding that "ultimately, this is something that depends on them."

2:10 PM – Oil, Iran: "World should prepare for $200 a barrel."

"We will not allow even a liter of oil to reach the American Zionists (Israel) and their partners. Any ship or tanker headed for them will be a legitimate target. Prepare for a barrel of oil to reach $200, because the price depends on the regional security you have destabilized," said Ebrahim Zolfaqari, spokesman for the Iranian military command, emphasizing that Tehran's armed forces will shift "from mutual attacks to continuous attacks against adversaries. The United States will not be able to control oil prices."

2:00 PM – Spain's government formally revokes its ambassador to Israel

The Spanish government has formally dismissed Ana Salomon, its ambassador to Israel. She has served in office since 2021 and was recalled to consultations in September 2025, following diplomatic tensions with Benjamin Netanyahu's government, followed by the recognition of the State of Palestine in April two years ago. The measure was published in the Official State Gazette and was adopted at the proposal of Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares, with a resolution passed by the Council of Ministers yesterday. The decree, signed by King Felipe VI, thanks the diplomat for her "services."

1:30 PM – Katz: "The operation in Iran continues without time limits."

"The operation led by US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will continue indefinitely until we achieve all objectives and win the campaign," Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated, following a situation assessment held at the Defense Headquarters, along with the Chief of Staff, the head of Military Intelligence, and the head of the Home Front Command, among others.

1:07 PM – Iran: "We will not participate in the World Cup in the USA."

Iran's Sports Minister has ruled out his country's participation in the World Cup in the United States. The FAZ reported this in an article on Donald Trump's position, which assures the team that he will be able to participate. "Since this corrupt government assassinated our leader, we have no intention of participating in the World Cup," Minister Ahmad Donjamali stated on television, emphasizing the "evil measures taken against Iran": "Two wars were forced upon us in eight or nine months, and several thousand of our citizens were killed." "We have absolutely no chance of participating."

1:02 PM – Missile warning from Iran targeting Tel Aviv and northern Israel

Alarms for incoming missiles from Iran are sounding in Tel Aviv and central Israel. Sirens are also sounding in the north of the country.

12:55 PM – Iran's Pasdaran: "US bases in Kuwait and Bahrain hit."

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claims to have attacked U.S. troops in Kuwait, claiming to have struck al-Udairi Air Base, Mohammed al-Ahmad Naval Base, and Ali al-Salem Air Base. In the statement, cited by Al Jazeera, it also claimed to have struck a naval base in Bahrain, which hosts U.S. troops, with missiles and drones.

11:43 AM – The Italian missile frigate is in the Cyprus area to defend the island.

The Italian Navy's missile frigate "Federico Martinengo," which departed the port of Taranto last Friday, has arrived in the Cyprus area to defend the island. The frigate is carrying over 160 Italian soldiers, part of an operation coordinated by Italy, Spain, France, and the Netherlands. The frigate has joined the French aircraft carrier Charles De Gaulle.

11:30 a.m. – IDF: "New large wave of raids in Iran and Beirut"

"The IDF has launched a new, large-scale wave of attacks against the Iranian terrorist regime's infrastructure across Iran and, at the same time, has begun targeting Hezbollah infrastructure in Beirut," an IDF spokesperson said.

11:18 a.m. – Meloni: I spoke with Netanyahu, Italy is against any escalation.

"In recent days, I spoke with Prime Minister Netanyahu, to whom I reiterated Italy's opposition to any escalation, without prejudice to Israel's right to respond to Hezbollah's attacks." Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said this to the Senate, in her remarks ahead of the EU Council and on the Middle East crisis.

11:03 a.m. – Crosetto: "Hormuz is a global problem."

"Hormuz is a global problem, which will impact all global economies. The Hormuz Strait becomes a critical issue for energy transit and for the ships that pass through it, for the entire world, primarily for China, not for Italy or the EU. Therefore, the solution, involving the entire world, must be addressed in the highest possible way. Perhaps it is one of the first areas on which to build a multilateralism that has been buried in recent years. An Italian ship will not solve the Hormuz problem, but Italy can be one of the players that brings together all the world's energies to address an issue that affects the entire world's energy imports." Defense Minister Guido Crosetto said this on the sidelines of the Senate session. If Iran mines the Strait, "it is a problem that involves not only the United States, Israel, the Gulf countries, or Italy, but, I repeat, the world," Crosetto responded. So the question of mining Hormuz or demining Hormuz becomes a problem for a finally international community which, I repeat, perhaps through multilateral mechanisms – I mention one, the UN, which we don't even talk about anymore – addresses this issue."

10:51 a.m. – The Pope: "I am close to Lebanon in this time of trial."

"I am close to all the Lebanese people in this moment of grave trial." The Pope said this at the end of the general audience, recalling that today marks the funeral of Father Pierre El Raii, parish priest of Qlayaa, who was killed in a bombing. "Father Pierre was a true pastor who always remained close to his people," Leo XIV emphasized.

10:15 a.m. – Drones near Dubai airport: 3 injured

Drones crashed near Dubai International Airport, injuring four people, but air traffic is operating normally, the Dubai government said, as Iran continues its attacks against Gulf countries. "Authorities confirm that two drones crashed recently near Dubai International Airport, causing minor injuries to two Ghanaian nationals and a Bangladeshi national, and moderate injuries to an Indian national. Air traffic is operating normally," a statement from Dubai's press office read.

9:30 a.m. – Iran: "Free to attack their banks."

"Last night, the United States and Israel attacked a bank in Iran. As a result of illegitimate and unconventional actions in the war, the enemy has given us free rein to strike economic centers and banks belonging to the Zionist regime and the United States in the region." This was stated by the Central Headquarters of Khatamolanbia, the Iranian Armed Forces' Unified Combatant Command. "The Americans should expect our painful countermeasures," the command warned, adding: "The population of the region should not remain within a one-kilometer radius of the banks."

8:43 a.m. – Tehran: "Punishment for Israel is only just beginning."

"Netanyahu does not want to see the powerful Iranian armed forces punish Israel for its aggression: this is only the beginning," Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on his X account. His comments came after reports from the United States and Israel that Iran's military might has been dismantled. The Iranian diplomat also held talks last night with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, stressing that "the Iranian armed forces are ready for legitimate self-defense and a firm response to US and Israeli aggression, including attacks on US bases and assets in the region."

8:00 a.m. – "Khamenei's son wounded but alive"

President Masoud Pezeshkian's son has claimed that new leader Mojtaba Khamenei is safe despite being injured during a US-Israeli airstrike overnight. This is his response to rumors about the fate of the new supreme leader. The injury reportedly occurred on the first day of the raid.

7:30 a.m. – A British cargo ship was hit in Hormuz.

An unknown projectile struck a cargo ship in the strategic Strait of Hormuz on the border with Iran, causing a fire and forcing the crew to evacuate, a British maritime safety agency reported. "A cargo ship has been reported to have been struck by an unknown projectile in the Strait of Hormuz, causing a fire on board," United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations said.

(Unioneonline)

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