Oil prices rise again, G7 calls emergency meeting

Trump claims war in Iran could end soon

US President Donald Trump has claimed that the war against Iran could end soon. 

"I think the war is almost over, almost completely," Trump told CBS News. 
He said the US is "way ahead of schedule" and said Iran "has no navy, no communications, no air force." 

He claims that their missiles have been "lowered to a certain degree." 

When asked if he thought the war would end soon, Trump said: "Only the end is on my mind." 

The White House has previously hinted that the war, which is in its tenth day, could last for more than a month.
 

France is expected to send several warships to the Red Sea

Photo: Associated Press

France is expected to deploy more than 10 warships, including an aircraft carrier strike group, to the Mediterranean, the Red Sea and potentially the Strait of Hormuz, as part of defensive support for allies threatened by conflict in the Middle East.

Speaking in Cyprus on Monday, before visiting the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, which arrived this weekend in the eastern Mediterranean, French President Emmanuel Macron sought to reassure his Cypriot counterpart after several drones were intercepted heading towards the island last week.

"When Cyprus is attacked, then Europe is attacked," Macron said after meeting with Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in Paphos.

European states have been largely on the sidelines of developments as the conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran has escalated, hitting Gulf Arab states and bringing Lebanon into the line of fire after the Iranian-backed militant group Hezbollah attacked Israel.

But as roads in the Middle East are affected and the price of oil has risen to over $100 a barrel, European powers are facing the question of how to protect their interests.

"Our goal is to maintain a strictly defensive stance, standing alongside all countries attacked by Iran in its response, to ensure our credibility and contribute to reducing tensions in the region. Ultimately, we aim to guarantee freedom of navigation and maritime security," Macron said.

Iranian missile crashes in Turkish airspace

Photo: Associated Press

An Iranian ballistic missile has been shot down in Turkish airspace, according to the Turkish Defense Ministry.

The ministry said the missile was destroyed by NATO defense systems deployed in the eastern Mediterranean. It added that fragments of the munition fell in empty fields in Gaziantep, in southeastern Turkey.

"Once again, we emphasize that all necessary steps will be taken decisively and without hesitation against any threat directed at the territory and airspace of our country," the Defense Ministry statement said.

This is the second such incident in a week. Official Ankara said NATO defense systems shot down a ballistic missile heading towards Turkish airspace on Wednesday as well.

However, Tehran has officially denied launching the missile.

The "serious" incident prompted NATO chief Mark Rutte to declare that Article 5 is not currently under discussion, amid fears that member states could be directly involved in the war.

NATO's Article 5 states that if a NATO ally is attacked militarily, any other member of the alliance will consider this an attack on all members and will take such action as it deems necessary to assist the attacked country. 

What Trump says about Iran's new supreme leader

Photo: AFP

US President Donald Trump demanded last week that he be involved in selecting Iran's next supreme leader and made it clear that he does not support Mojtaba Khamenei, who was appointed late Sunday as the successor to his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

But what did the American president say about the new supreme leader:

Thursday, March 5: After Mojtaba Khamenei emerged as a leading candidate early last week, Trump called him "an easy one" in an interview with Axios, adding that the Iranian government was "wasting its time" by nominating him. "Khamenei's son is unacceptable to me," he said. "We want someone who will bring harmony and peace to Iran."

Sunday, March 8: "If he doesn't get our approval, he won't last long," Trump told ABC News, adding that ending the war would be a "mutual" decision with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

After Khamenei's appointment: Trump has declined to comment on the decision at length in interviews with the Times of Israel, saying simply "we'll see what happens." 

Iran says there will be no negotiations as long as "aggression" continues

Iran has said it has no interest in negotiations while it is under attack.

"While the aggression  "As long as the military conflict continues, there is very little room to talk about anything other than a decisive response," Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghei said on Monday.

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Sunday that Tehran had accepted a ceasefire to end the 12-day conflict last June, but this time there must be a permanent end to the war.

Baghaei was also asked about US President Donald Trump's suggestion that Iran's borders could change.

Asked last week whether the map of Iran would look the same after this war, Trump said: "I can't tell you that. Probably not."

Baghaei said that President Trump treated the entire world like a real estate deal.

“The US president and others have made statements about many parts of the world, from Canada to other countries – as if the entire planet were a valuable asset and governments were simply real estate agencies,” Baghaei said.

"For the people of Iran, the country's map represents everything that every Iranian is proud of and is willing to sacrifice their lives to protect," he said.

Baghaei said Iran had not launched any missiles towards Turkey or Azerbaijan, both neighboring countries.

Last week, US forces shot down a suspected Iranian missile that was heading towards Turkish airspace.

"Our defense of the country should under no circumstances be interpreted as hostility towards neighboring countries or countries in the region," Baghaei said.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian had told the Azerbaijani president on Sunday that "no illegal defensive or military action has been taken against that country," Baghaei said.

Azerbaijan said on Saturday it had prevented several "terrorist" acts of sabotage planned by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), including a plan to attack a major oil pipeline.

Putin congratulates new supreme leader, reaffirms 'unwavering support' for Iran

Photo: Associated Press

Russian President Vladimir Putin has congratulated Mojtaba Khamenei on taking the position as Iran's new supreme leader, and reaffirmed Moscow's support for Tehran.

"Please accept my sincere congratulations on your appointment as Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran," Putin said in a message published on the Kremlin website.

The Russian leader added that he "reaffirms (Russia's) unwavering support for Tehran and solidarity with our Iranian friends" and promises to "remain a reliable partner."

"At a time when Iran is facing armed aggression, your actions in this high position will undoubtedly require great courage and dedication. I am convinced that you will honorably continue the work of your father and unite the Iranian people in the face of this grave test," Putin said.

Mojtaba Khamenei is the son of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed on the first day of the US-Israeli attacks on Iran, on February 28. 

Iran launches first attacks on Israel under new supreme leader

Photo: Associated Press

Official Tehran launched its first missile attack on Israel on Monday, under the leadership of the new supreme leader, the son of the slain leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Mojtaba Khamenei. 

In a photograph shown by state broadcaster IRIB, a shell is seen on which are written the words: "At your service, Sayyid Mojtaba."

The joint US-Israeli offensive against Iran began in the early hours of February 28. Ten days have passed since then, and the fighting continues, as it has expanded, as Iran is also attacking the Persian Gulf countries, while Israel is also attacking Lebanon, after being attacked by the Iranian-backed militant group Hezbollah. 

Day 10: What's happening with the war on Iran

Photo: Associated Press

Iranians are being instructed to swear allegiance to Mojtaba Khamenei after he was named Iran's new supreme leader. Now the focus is on how he will lead Iran through one of the biggest crises in the country's modern history, and what his first step will be.

The economic fallout from the war has deepened, pushing global oil prices above $100 a barrel for the first time since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. The surge was driven by concerns that the conflict will lead to prolonged restrictions on global oil supplies.

Israel's attacks on Iran's energy resources and fuel depots have pushed the war into a "new phase", a senior Iranian official has warned, threatening retaliatory attacks on energy infrastructure across the region.

What you need to know on the 10th day of the war.

Khamenei Dynasty:

Iran’s main power centers, including the Revolutionary Guard, have quickly lined up behind Mojtaba Khamenei after he was chosen to succeed his assassinated father, Ali Khamenei, as the new supreme leader. The Revolutionary Guard has said it is ready to “fully carry out orders and sacrifice its life” for him. U.S. President Donald Trump said last week that the election of the younger Khamenei would be “unacceptable.” Analysts say Mojtaba’s rise signals a continuation of his father’s hardline policies.

Economic shocks:

The head of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned of the risk of global inflation and said policymakers should prepare for “the unthinkable.” Asian markets have fallen sharply as oil futures have risen. However, Trump has downplayed concerns, saying high oil prices are “a very small price to pay.” South Korea is to impose its first fuel price cap in nearly 30 years as global uncertainty grows.

Regional attacks continue:

Israel has said it has carried out strikes in Beirut and Iran, while Tehran has officially announced missile launches. Gulf states have reported intercepts and attacks overnight, including Bahrain, which said at least 32 people were injured by an Iranian drone that hit a residential area.

Bahrain's national oil company BAPCO has said its operations have been affected after videos showed a large fire in the industrial area in Riffa.

Attack on the school:

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has said the US is still investigating an attack on an Iranian elementary school that state media said killed at least 168 children. The comments came as new video appeared to confirm that a US airstrike had targeted a naval base near the school, adding to evidence contradicting Trump's recent claims that Iran was to blame.

Personnel are ordered to leave:

The US State Department has ordered non-emergency diplomats to leave Saudi Arabia, reflecting the growing risks to American personnel as the conflict deepens. A US service member died after being wounded in an attack last week in the country.

Public oath:

Iran has announced a national rally to be held on Monday to express loyalty to the new supreme leader. Citizens have been called to gather across the country at 3 p.m. local time, according to Iranian state media.

"New phase" of the war:

A senior Iranian official told CNN that there is no sign of a quick end to the conflict. He said Israel's attacks on oil and fuel depots have pushed the war to a new phase and threatened attacks on energy infrastructure, raising fears of further disruptions to oil and gas supplies in the region.

To stay or to leave?:

A Tehran resident said his family is divided over whether to leave the city, adding that people are “under great pressure.” He said the Israeli attacks on fuel depots on Saturday night were the heaviest bombing since the start of the war.

Latest developments from the USA:

Energy prices:

US President Donald Trump and his administration officials are trying to calm concerns about rising fuel prices. White House spokeswoman Caroline Leavitt has described the price hikes as "a short-term interruption."

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has called on Trump to use the US Strategic Petroleum Reserve, the world's largest emergency reserve, to lower energy prices.

Delivery conditions:

Trump has said he will decide together with Israel when the war will end. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will be part of the decision, but Washington will have the final say, Trump said in an interview with The Times of Israel.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also said the US and Trump would set "surrender terms" for Iran, without providing further details.