'Rhetorics': Iran's First Reaction After Pete Hegseth's 'Regime Change' Claims | Global Exclusive

Iran's Revolutionary Guards said on Tuesday that they would target leading US technology firms like Apple, Google and Meta if more Iranian leaders were killed in "targeted assassinations".

West Asia War LIVE Updates: US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth declined to ​reaffirm US' commitment ​to NATO's collective defense, saying that would be up to ​President Donald Trump after European allies had failed to stand with the United States in the war against Iran. This comes after Trump's Truth Social post in which he has asked his allies to be responsible for their own energy security.

West Asia War LIVE Updates: Speaking on the role of Iranian diplomats like himself amid this crisis, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Esmaeil Baghaei says, “Everyone is trying to defend their homeland in Iran.”

West Asia War LIVE Updates: On whether Iran is getting direct military support from China and Russia, Iran Deputy Foreign Minister Esmaeil Baghaei said that they are a nation that has learnt through its history and should rely on itself. “Of course we have cooperation with other countries, including China and Russia,” he added.

West Asia War LIVE Updates: Iran Deputy Foreign Minister Esmaeil Baghaei said that the country has not been seeking nuclear weapons and that its nuclear program, which originates from 1960s, 1970s has been “absolutely peaceful.” 

West Asia War LIVE Updates: On safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, Iran Deputy Foreign Minister Esmaeil Baghaei said that his country is at war with the US and Israel and it is normal for any coastal state to act in a similar way, to make sure enemy vessels do not pass through. 

'Every coastal state in similar situations would take similar measures in order to take care of their national security,' Baghaei justified.

West Asia War LIVE Updates: Responding to the possibility of a ground invasion in Iran, Iran Deputy Foreign Minister Esmaeil Baghaei said “People of Iran will teach them a good lesson”.

West Asia War LIVE Updates: Esmaeil Baghaei, Deputy Foreign Minister, Iran says that the regime needs to be prepared for everything, calling the war “unjust” and “dishonourable”. Referring to Israel and US, Baghaei says “these two nuclear-armed regimes who have shown that they do not respect any boundaries, any legal or moral guidelines in doing their war crimes.”  

West Asia War LIVE Updates: Iran Deputy Foreign Minister Esmaeil Baghaei was in an exclusive conversation with Republic Media Network Editor-in-Chief Arnab Goswami after US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth's press briefing. Baghaei said that the world should not be distracted by rhetorics and Iran is determined to defend itself.

West Asia War LIVE Updates: US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said that the new regime in Iran should be wiser than the earlier one, confirming that “regime change” has happened in the Middle Eastern country. Hegesth said that Iran should strike a deal with US and Trump does not bluff. “Khamenei should know better,” he threatened.

West Asia War LIVE Updates: US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth warned that Iran will cut a deal if they are wise, adding that Trump does not bluff.

“They will still shoot the missiles, but we will shoot them down. They will go underground, but we will find them,” Hegseth acknowledged.

Hegseth also claimed that American strikes are damaging the morale of the Iranian military.

West Asia War LIVE Updates: US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Air Force General Dan Caine is slated to hold an on-camera press briefing in the Pentagon Press Briefing Room.

West Asia War LIVE Updates: In a frustrating Truth Social, US President Donald Trump says that countries that is affected due to the oil crunch should either buy it from the U.S, or "build up some delayed courage", go to the Strait of Hormuz and seize control of it.

West Asia War LIVE Updates: Iran has attacked and set ablaze a fully loaded crude oil tanker off Dubai. This comes even after US President Donald Trump ​threatened that the US will obliterate Iran's energy plants if it does not agree to a peace deal.

West Asia War LIVE Updates:  Italy has denied permission for US military aircraft to land at its Sigonella ​air base in Sicily, reports suggested. "Some U.S. bombers" had been ​due to land at the base in eastern ⁠Sicily before heading to the Middle East. ​

As per Corriere della Sera, ⁠permission was not granted as the US had not sought authorisation and Italy's military leadership was not consulted.

West Asia War LIVE Updates: An Israeli military spokesperson told Reuters that the country is prepared to carry out strikes against Iran for several more weeks, suggesting that the war may drag on for a long time.

West Asia War LIVE Updates: Iran has claimed that Israel and the United States have targeted a major pharmaceutical facility that produces critical medicines, including cancer. Former foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said the attacks targeted one of the country’s largest drug manufacturers, that produces anti-cancer, anaesthetic and specialised medicines.

West Asia War LIVE Updates: Competent authorities are responding to an incident in southern Dubai where shrapnel from a successful air defense interception fell on several residential homes. The falling debris caused physical damage to the properties and resulted in minor injuries to four individuals of Asian nationality.

West Asia War LIVE Updates: Iran's army has released footage titled "Come close" featuring its elite commandos, declaring they are ready to confront and defeat American soldiers.

West Asia War LIVE Updates: Debris from an interception fell on homes in southern Dubai, injuring four Asian nationals and causing property damage, according to authorities' statement on X.

West Asia War LIVE Updates: Iran has been without internet for over 744 hours, leading to challenges such as expired domains and unpatched servers, according to monitoring group NetBlocks. Digital isolation significantly impacts daily life.

West Asia War LIVE Updates: EU Energy Commissioner Dan Jorgensen cautioned governments about potential prolonged disruptions in energy markets due to the war, urging preparations and advising reductions in gas and oil consumption to mitigate impacts on supplies.
 

West Asia War LIVE Updates: Iran's judiciary warned that sharing intelligence, including photos or videos of damaged sites, can lead to execution and asset seizure. Meanwhile, 138 arrests were made in Khuzestan for alleged connections to "hostile media" outlets.
 

West Asia War LIVE Updates: The Israeli government approves transferring NIS 2.6 billion to the Defense Ministry for urgent defense needs amid conflict in Iran and Lebanon, while loan payments and ministry budgets are reduced. Reports suggest Israel is low on missile interceptors.

West Asia War LIVE Updates: A US-Israeli “Lucas” drone was intercepted and successfully shot down by the Iranian Army Air Defense Forces in Qeshm.

West Asia War LIVE Updates: The Dalai Lama emphasized that violence breeds further conflict and lasting peace can only be achieved through dialogue. He supports Pope Leo XIV's peace call, urging mutual respect and understanding, and prays for an end to the violence in the Middle East and Ukraine.

West Asia War LIVE Updates: Iranian Red Crescent Society reports aid workers initiated rescue operations in Tehran and Zanjan after US-Israeli attacks, rescuing injured and conducting search operations at Husseiniya Azam.

West Asia War LIVE Updates: The Fars news agency says the golden dome and minaret of the Azam Husseiniya were damaged in northwestern Zanjan in a US-Israeli attack this morning.

West Asia War LIVE Updates: In a post on X, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has lauded the Muslim people of Iraq for standing bravely alongside Iran during what he called an "unjust war." He emphasized that Iraq's support was not imposed by geography but rather forged by the unity of history, identity, and religious values. 

West Asia War LIVE Updates: Iran’s army claims to have downed an MQ-9 drone near Isfahan, calling it a US-Israeli threat. This incident marks the 146th drone shot down by Iran, with the MQ-9 costing around USD 30M.
 

West Asia War LIVE Updates: Iranian forces launched the 88th wave of "Operation True Promise 4," striking a container ship with ballistic missiles and targeting advanced air radars at the American base “Jaber Al-Ahmad” with drones.
 

West Asia War LIVE Updates: Iran's military spokesperson Ebrahim Zolfaqari warned that Iran will "cut off the foot of any aggressor" who enters the country, accusing the US and Israel of strategic miscalculations and vowing to never allow them to dominate the Strait of Hormuz.

West Asia War LIVE Updates: People in Bandar Abbas bid farewell to Rear Admiral Alireza Tangsiri, the martyred commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Navy.

West Asia War LIVE Updates: An attack in Mahallat, Markazi province, left 11 dead and 15 injured, damaging three residential units. Meanwhile, US-Israeli strikes have occurred in Tehran and central Isfahan, according to Iran’s ISNA news agency.
 

West Asia War LIVE Updates: In northwestern Iran, security forces arrested two individuals for allegedly sharing sensitive location information with US-Israeli spies, receiving cryptocurrency in return. They were detained in East Azerbaijan province's Osku area and referred to judicial authorities.
 

West Asia War LIVE Updates: Dubai's Executive Council approved five initiatives to provide financial relief, enhance economic measurement systems, facilitate trade, and strengthen social development, supporting businesses and workforce conditions amid ongoing Middle East tensions, as reported by Gulf News.
 

West Asia War LIVE Updates: The Saudi Ministry of Defense reported intercepting and destroying drones recently, without specifying their locations, and previously intercepted eight ballistic missiles aimed at Riyadh and Eastern Province.

West Asia War LIVE Updates: The Israel Defense Forces announced the completion of another wave of strikes against Iranian infrastructure, emphasizing ongoing efforts to damage the Iranian terror regime. In a post on X, the IDF confirmed targeting key facilities in Tehran and stated that further details would be provided.

West Asia War LIVE Updates: Authorities in Sharjah reported an Iranian drone targeted Thuraya Telecommunications' administrative building on Monday, with no injuries and the situation under control.

West Asia War LIVE Updates: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu proposed rerouting energy pipelines from the Strait of Hormuz westward through Saudi Arabia to the Red Sea and Mediterranean, aiming to mitigate vulnerabilities and decrease reliance on Iran's geographic choke point.
 

West Asia War LIVE Updates: Korean Air will implement emergency management mode starting in April due to rising oil prices from the Middle East conflict, impacting costs. An internal memo indicated that sustained high oil prices could significantly disrupt annual business targets.
 

West Asia War LIVE Updates: Power outages in Tehran, reported after US-Israeli attacks, appear resolved as electricity has been restored. The blackout was attributed to debris hitting an electrical substation and was deemed “short-term”.
 

West Asia War LIVE Updates: A US official revealed  that a military strike targeted a large ammunition depot in Isfahan with 2,000 pound bunker buster bombs, following Trump's video of explosions there.
 

West Asia War LIVE Updates: Donald Trump is reportedly willing to end the US military campaign against Iran, even if the Strait of Hormuz remains mostly closed. He indicated that reopening this vital maritime route does not need to be an immediate requirement for halting hostilities. The Strait, crucial for global oil supply, is a focal point in escalating tensions between the US and Iran, raising concerns over energy security.
 

West Asia War LIVE Updates: Thousands of Iranians marched in Karaj, supporting the government and military. A video showed participants waving flags and chanting “Courage, courage!” The rally occurred after power outages impacted Karaj and Alborz province due to a strike affecting an electric substation. The city is located west of Tehran.

West Asia War LIVE Updates: The Israeli military reports that among the victims are two 21-year-old soldiers, a 22-year-old soldier, and a fourth soldier whose details remain undisclosed. At least 10 Israeli soldiers have been killed in southern Lebanon since March 2.
 

West Asia War LIVE Updates: The Islamic Resistance in Iraq announced 19 operations targeting US bases in Iraq and the region, deploying dozens of drones over the past day.
 

West Asia War LIVE Updates: Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman, Esmail Baghaei, confirmed no negotiations with the US despite American claims of advancing talks. Iranians communicate via intermediaries about nonstarter demands threatening national integrity, including nuclear concessions and Strait of Hormuz issues, while Americans view Iran's demands similarly, like closing Gulf military bases.
 

West Asia War LIVE Updates: The Lebanese group attacked a military checkpoint in Misgav Am, northern Israel, using drones. They also hit an Israeli Merkava tank near al-Qantara and Taybeh with a guided missile, leading to evacuations and smoke cover amid phosphorus fire.
 

West Asia War LIVE Updates: Iraq’s Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) reported that US-Israeli air strikes hit their bases in Babil and Anbar provinces, targeting the 45th Brigade in Jurf al-Nasr and the 31st Brigade in al-Karma. No casualties occurred. The PMF vowed to uphold security and stability amid these ongoing attacks.
 

West Asia War LIVE Updates: Admiral Alireza Tangsiri, commander of the IRGC navy, killed in an Israeli strike, will be buried in Abadan, Khuzestan. His funeral is on Friday in the main square, with burial at the main cemetery. The IRGC confirmed he died from injuries sustained during the attack targeting naval officers.
 

West Asia War LIVE Updates: Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Defence reported the destruction of four additional ballistic missiles, three aimed at Riyadh and one at the Eastern Province, shortly after an initial announcement about intercepting four missiles targeting the capital.
 

West Asia War LIVE Updates: The Dubai Media Office confirmed the safety of all 24 crew members aboard the Kuwaiti oil tanker attacked by Iranian forces while docked at Dubai Port. Firefighting operations are ongoing, with concerns about potential oil spills due to the tanker being fully loaded.

West Asia War LIVE Updates: Iran attacked a fully loaded crude oil tanker off Dubai’s port, igniting a fire and damaging its hull, as reported by Kuwait’s state news agency. Concerns about a potential oil spill were raised due to the tanker’s cargo. Despite sustaining damage and experiencing an onboard fire, no casualties have been reported, and damage assessment is ongoing.

West Asia War LIVE Updates: Explosions rocked Isfahan, Iran, as heavy airstrikes targeted military sites, hitting an ammunition depot and causing massive secondary blasts. President Trump shared explosive footage online, intensifying regional tensions and fears of impending retaliation.

West Asia War LIVE Updates: The White House affirmed ongoing communication with Iran, despite Iran's claims of no direct talks. Press Secretary Leavitt highlighted differences between public rhetoric and private discussions, emphasizing diplomatic progress.

West Asia War LIVE Updates: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu states that the war on Iran has surpassed half of its goals, emphasizing progress in missions rather than a timeline for completion. He refrains from specifying when the conflict might conclude, according to an interview with Newsmax.
 

West Asia War LIVE Updates: US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that the US aims to regain control of the Strait of Hormuz for navigational freedom, potentially through American or multinational escorts. He noted that although individual countries currently negotiate transit with Iran, the US will eventually ensure safe passage.

West Asia War LIVE Updates: Gulf allies of the United States, led by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, are urging President Donald Trump to continue prosecuting the war against Iran, arguing that Tehran hasn't been weakened enough by the monthlong U.S.-led bombing campaign, according to U.S., Gulf and Israeli officials.

West Asia War LIVE Updates: Trump said on Truth Social that his administration “is in serious discussions” with Iran to end military operations, but he threatened mass destruction of the country’s energy resources unless a deal is reached “shortly.”

West Asia War LIVE Updates: Israel’s parliament on Monday passed a law approving the death penalty for Palestinians convicted of murdering Israelis, a measure that has been harshly condemned by the international community and rights groups as discriminatory and inhumane.

British Prime Minster Keir Starmer said that there needs to a joint response by the government and industry to Iran war fallout. Starmer's comments come after a meeting with the leaders of energy, shipping and banking firms. Trump has threatened to seize Iran’s Kharg Island, a crucial facility for oil exports.

“This is going to have to be a joint effort,’’ Starmer said at the start of the meeting. “The government can’t do it on its own."

West Asia War LIVE Updates: Iran Consulate General in Mumbai posted on X that the Americans have not been involved in any direct talks but has only presented “excessive, unreasonable demands” through intermediaries.

West Asia War LIVE Updates: A ​ballistic missile launched from ‌Iran entered Turkish airspace before being shot down by NATO air ​and missile defences deployed in ​the eastern Mediterranean, Reuters reported.

West Asia War LIVE Updates: An industrial building and a fuel tanker at Israel's Oil Refineries, opens new tab in ​the northern city of Haifa was hit ‌by debris from an intercepted missile, Israel's Fire and Rescue Service said, as per a Reuters report.

West Asia War LIVE Updates: Trump says that that if talks don't work with the "third regime" in Iran, US will attack Kharg, Iran's energy-rich island.

West Asia War LIVE Updates: Iran Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei issued a message after the death of its Navy Commander Admiral Alireza Tangsiri. This comes after Donald Trump had recently claimed that Mojtaba Khamenei is dead. The Supreme Leader described the commander as “a courageous son of Tangestan, a soldier of Iran, and a guardian of Islam.”

"After years of struggle, this valiant commander attained martyrdom. His martyrdom in the epic of the third imposed war is a great honor for the people of Bushehr, the youth of the south, the armed forces, and the nation of Iran," the message read.

West Asia War LIVE Updates: Iran supports India as a “trusted player” in the Hormuz crisis, with envoy Mohammad Fathali emphasizing India's potential role in easing tensions, highlighting India's unique position as a stabilizing asset.
 

West Asia War LIVE Updates: Experts analyzing footage suggest that advanced US Precision Strike Missiles were employed in a deadly attack on Iran's Lamerd, killing at least 21. The strikes targeted residential structures and a sports hall, located 300 meters apart, according to Iranian state media reports.
 

West Asia War LIVE Updates: Iran confirmed the death of Revolutionary Guards Navy Commander Alireza Tangsiri, who succumbed to injuries, following claims by Israel's Defence Minister of a lethal operation targeting him and others.
 

West Asia War LIVE Updates: In recent airstrikes in Tehran, around 40 weapon production and research sites were hit. The air force, guided by military intelligence, completed strikes targeting the Iranian regime's infrastructure. Over 80 munitions were deployed, impacting key sites, including an assembly location for long-range anti-aircraft missiles threatening aerial operations, and complexes for producing components for anti-tank and micro anti-aircraft missiles and ballistic missile engines.

West Asia War LIVE Updates: Israel’s Defence Ministry has signed a USD 48 million contract with Elbit Systems for tens of thousands of 155mm artillery shells, aiming to boost domestic arms production and decrease dependence on foreign suppliers amid regional instability.

West Asia War LIVE Updates: Saudi, Turkiye, and Egypt's foreign ministers left Islamabad after talks, emphasizing dialogue and diplomacy as the only solutions to the Gulf crisis.
 

West Asia War LIVE Updates: Australia's PM Anthony Albanese seeks clearer objectives from President Trump regarding the Iran war and advocates for de-escalation. He expressed the need for certainty about the war's aims. While deploying aircraft to support the UAE, Australia has excluded sending naval forces to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
 

West Asia War LIVE Updates: Israeli military reports soldiers injured in three incidents: two from anti-tank fire, three from a drone attack, and one from an operational accident.

West Asia War LIVE Updates: Two people have been executed in Iran for what the semi-official Tasnim news agency said were charges of working with a US-Israeli-backed Iranian opposition group, the Mujahedin-e Khalq (MEK), which has previously taken up arms against the state.

West Asia War LIVE Updates: Donald Trump is considering a military operation to retrieve nearly 1,000lbs of uranium from Iran, although he has not issued the order yet, as he evaluates the risks to US troops. He has advised advisers to push Iran for uranium surrender.
 

West Asia War LIVE Updates: A spokesperson for Saudi Arabia’s Defence Ministry has said five drones were intercepted and destroyed in the past few hours.

West Asia War LIVE Updates: The Israeli military is conducting operations in southern Beirut, urging residents to evacuate seven areas, including Haret Hreik and Shiyah, while claiming to target Hezbollah military sites without providing evidence.
 

West Asia War LIVE Updates: The Kuwait National Guard says it has downed five drones, Kuwait News Agency has reported.

West Asia War LIVE Updates: The Indian Embassy in Kuwait expressed its deepest condolences at the tragic demise of an Indian national. Taking to X, it said, “The Embassy is closely coordinating with the Kuwaiti authorities to render all possible support and assistance”.

West Asia War LIVE Updates: Finance Minister Nicola Willis warns that New Zealand's inflation may rise significantly this year, potentially remaining outside the central bank’s target range, due to the prolonged US-Israeli conflict with Iran affecting supply chains, according to Treasury's latest modelling.
 

West Asia War LIVE Updates: Israeli authorities intercepted two drones over Eilat, reportedly from Yemen, as tensions escalated with the Houthis. While focusing on this new front, the Israeli military also engaged heavily in northern battles against Hezbollah, with sirens sounding and rockets fired at Haifa during the early morning hours.
 

West Asia War LIVE Updates: Australia has reduced taxes on gasoline and diesel by half and eliminated heavy vehicle taxes to alleviate increasing fuel costs, anticipating an expense of 2.55 billion Australian dollars over a three-month period. Tasmania provides complimentary public transport, whereas Victoria eliminates transport costs.
 

West Asia War LIVE Updates: According to the Fars news agency, the attack earlier today resulted in a fire, but was quickly contained by “safe and firefighting teams”. At present, the fire has been “completely contained”, and the situation at the plant is under “complete control”, the agency said.

West Asia War LIVE Updates: Iran's Acting Defence Minister Brigadier General Seyyed Majid Ibn Reza held a key telephone conversation with Turkish Defence Minister Yasar Guler amid the ongoing West Asia conflict involving the United States and Israel, according to Iranian state media Press TV.

West Asia War LIVE Updates: The Israeli military says it is “currently attacking the infrastructure” of the Iranian government “throughout Tehran”.

West Asia War LIVE Updates: In a post on Truth Social Trump says, “Many long sought after targets have been taken out and destroyed by our GREAT MILITARY, the finest and most lethal in the World,” U.S. President Donald Trump wrote in a post on his Truth Social website, without elaborating.

West Asia War LIVE Updates: Hezbollah launched rocket attacks on Dovev and Ghajar villages at 2 AM and 2:50 AM, respectively, and a drone strike on Shoumira barracks in Western Galilee at 3:50AM.
 

West Asia War LIVE Updates: The US president addressed an Iranian toll fee plan for the Strait of Hormuz, stating he needed to confirm its authenticity. He asserted the US could quickly shut it down, claiming it could be done in two minutes, while noting Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, and Bahrain's resistance to Iran.
 

West Asia War LIVE Updates: The US president asserts that Iran will abandon its nuclear weapons ambitions, claiming leaders are currently weakened. He believes they will comply with demands and restore their country, but warns that failure to do so will result in severe consequences, threatening Iran’s existence as a nation if they do not acquiesce.

West Asia War LIVE Updates: Authorities have told people to “remain calm and head to the nearest safe place” in what is the third activation of alarm sirens over the past four hours in Bahrain.

West Asia War LIVE Updates: Trump expressed optimism about a potential deal with Iran, suggesting it could happen soon. He highlighted various alternatives to ground troops and claimed the U.S. is ahead in the conflict. Regarding Mojtaba Khamenei's status, he speculated he might be alive but likely wounded. Trump confirmed communication with Iran about the 15-point plan, stating they provided most points.
 

West Asia War LIVE Updates: The Lebanese group reports launching attacks on northern Israel, firing rockets at Metula and targeting Israeli soldiers and vehicles near the Khiam detention center in southern Lebanon.
 

West Asia War LIVE Updates: US President Donald Trump claimed a regime change in Iran, pointing to the downfall of its new leadership and shifts in power within the Islamic Republic amid regional conflict. He acknowledged the changing narrative regarding Tehran's future and the potential for a formal agreement.
 

West Asia War LIVE Updates: The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on Sunday (local time) confirmed that Iran's Khondab Heavy Water Plant has sustained severe damage and is no longer operational following Israeli strikes on the plant amid the West Asia conflict. In a post on X, the IAEA said that its assessment was based on independent analysis of satellite imagery and technical knowledge of the facility.

West Asia War LIVE Updates: The president announced Iran's agreement to allow 20 oil ships through the Strait of Hormuz. Trump expressed optimism about negotiations, noting Iran's response to a ceasefire plan, stating they accepted most points.
 

West Asia War LIVE Updates: Pakistan announced it will host talks between the U.S. and Iran regarding the ongoing conflict. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar expressed gratitude that both nations trust Pakistan's facilitation abilities. Details on whether the discussions will be direct or indirect remain unclear, following a meeting of top diplomats from Turkey, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia in Islamabad.

West Asia War LIVE Updates: A U.N. peacekeeper was killed and another critically injured by an unknown projectile in southern Lebanon, amid ongoing cross-border violence, UNIFIL reported.

West Asia War LIVE Updates: Israel’s police say it has approved a “limited prayer framework” to open worship at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem as the sacred season of Holy Week gets underway. Major sites holy to Christians, Jews and Muslims in Jerusalem’s Old City have been closed during the Iran war because of safety considerations.

West Asia War LIVE Updates: The US Coast Guard is permitting a Russian tanker carrying 730,000 barrels of crude oil to head towards Cuba, potentially easing the island’s fuel crisis. The tanker is expected to reach Matanzas by Monday night.

West Asia War LIVE Updates: Kuwait's Ministry of Electricity reported that an Indian worker was killed and a service building at a power and water desalination plant was significantly damaged due to Iranian strikes on Sunday evening, according to the ministry's spokesperson.

West Asia War LIVE Updates: Israel's military is suspending the operational deployment of a reserve battalion involved in the detention of a CNN crew in the occupied West Bank. The journalists were held for two hours near Tayasir, with one photojournalist choked and threatened at gunpoint while documenting a settler attack. The battalion will undergo a professional and ethical evaluation before resuming service.
 

West Asia War LIVE Updates: Iranian media reported a strike on Tabriz Petrochemical facility in northern Iran. No hazardous materials were released; the facility processes oil and natural gas into chemicals for everyday products.
 

West Asia War LIVE Updates: Iran's military spokesperson announced that U.S. and Israeli officials' private residences are now legitimate targets, following attacks on Iranian homes. This statement comes as the war in the Middle East expands, entering its first month.

West Asia War LIVE Updates: Israel's military reported dropping over 120 munitions on Tehran's weapons research sites, while Iran's state television announced power restoration in previously affected areas of the city.
 

West Asia War LIVE Updates: The Iranian Navy vowed to target the US aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln with coastal missiles to avenge the sinking of the IRIS Dena, monitoring its movements closely, according to Iranian State Media Press TV and Navy Commander Shahram Irani.
 

West Asia War LIVE Updates: Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has issued an extremely rare message since his succession to the post following his father Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's assassination by US-Israeli airstrikes. In his message, Mojtaba thanked Iraq for supporting Iran "in the face of aggression".

West Asia War LIVE Updates: Brent crude is poised for a record monthly rise, spiking 2.98% to US$115.93 after Yemeni Houthi attacks on Israel intensified the US-Israel war with Iran. This month, Brent has surged 59%, surpassing increases during the 1990 Gulf War, as conflict threatens the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil route.
 

West Asia War LIVE Updates: US President Donald Trump expressed to The Financial Times his desire to "take the oil" in Iran, suggesting the seizure of Kharg Island, and compared it to US actions in Venezuela regarding control of the oil industry.