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LIVE: Trump Demands Surrender, Russia Feeds Iran US Intel

Explosion heard in Iraq's Erbil, smoke seen rising from hotel: AFP

A loud bang was heard on Friday evening in Erbil, the capital of Iraq's autonomous Kurdistan region, before smoke rose from a hotel in the city, an AFP journalist said.

The journalist saw smoke billowing from the upper floors of the Erbil Arjaan by Rotana hotel, and said firefighters had arrived at the scene.

Earlier, the United States warned that Iranian-backed fighters may target hotels in Kurdistan that are frequented by foreigners.

Decision on military strikes on Iran taken after PM Modi left Israel: Foreign Minister Sa'ar

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar on Friday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi could not be briefed on Israel's strikes against Iran during his recent visit to the country as the decision on the military action was made after he had concluded the trip.Modi undertook a two-day visit to Israel, which concluded on February 26. Two days later, Israel and the US launched a joint military offensive against Iran that killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Sa'ar, participating virtually in the Raisina Dialogue, said Israel has "great relations" with Modi and India that have deepened over the years.

"But we could not brief Prime Minister Modi on this because the decision was taken only on Saturday early morning," he said.

Russia passes US intel to Iran: AP sources

Russia has provided Iran with information that can help Tehran strike US military, AP sources say

Israeli jets strike Hezbollah command centres in Beirut

The Israeli Air Force struck several Hezbollah command centres in Beirut's Dahiyeh district, the Israel Defence Forces confirmed on X. The targets included an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps air force command centre, and command centres used by Hezbollah's naval unit, financial unit, and operating council.

IDF says it is dismantling Iran's regional terror network with US

The Israel Defence Forces said Iran's threat extended beyond its borders, with the Iranian regime targeting civilians across the region through Hezbollah and other proxies. "Together with the United States we are dismantling this terror network," it said.

Iran’s threat extends far beyond its borders.
Through Hezbollah and other proxies, the Iranian regime targets civilians across the region.
Together with the United States we are dismantling this terror network. pic.twitter.com/XsIqewO0cG

— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) March 6, 2026

UN chief slams 'unlawful attacks', says Mideast could spiral out of control

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned Friday "unlawful attacks" across the Middle East and warned that the situation could spiral out of control as the conflict spreads to multiple countries.

US and Israeli forces launched a massive air campaign against Iran on February 28. Iran has retaliated with strikes against Israel and Gulf countries.

Washington said it aimed to curb nuclear and missile threats from Tehran but it has also decapitated the country's government, and President Donald Trump is now demanding "unconditional surrender."

"All the unlawful attacks in the Middle East and beyond are causing tremendous suffering and harm to civilians throughout the region -- and pose a grave risk to the global economy, particularly to the most vulnerable people," Guterres said.

Drone attack targets military base at Baghdad airport

 A drone attack targeted on Friday evening a military base at Baghdad airport that hosts a US diplomatic facility, security sources told AFP.

A security official said that "four drones targeted" the military base, while another official reported that at least two of the drones crashed inside it.

Several drone attacks have been intercepted near Baghdad airport since the start of the war in the Middle East.

Sri Lanka takes custody of Iranian ship and transfers 204 of its sailors

The vessel sought assistance as tensions mounted in the Indian Ocean following the sinking of an Iranian warship by a U.S. submarine.

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said they decided to take control of the IRIS Bushehr after discussions with Iranian officials and the ship’s captain, after one of its engines failed.

“No civilian should die in wars. Our approach is that every single life is as precious as our own.” Dissanayake posted on X on Friday.

UK says Iran’s military command is intact but weakened

Britain says Iran’s military command and control remains intact, though weakened, after almost a week of U.S. and Israeli airstrikes.

The Foreign Office says Iran’s governing system likely is resilient enough to continue operating in at least the short term.

In an assessment on Friday, the Foreign Office said Iranian missile and drone attacks are coming at a lower tempo than in the first days of the war, largely due to U.S.-Israeli success at taking out Iran’s missile launchers and air defenses. But Iran’s range of targets is diversifying, with an increasing focus on economic and energy-industry targets, AP reports. 

Indian airlines cancel 278 international flights

Domestic airlines are scheduled to operate 96 flights to and from the Middle East on Friday while the carriers have cancelled 278 international services for the day, the government said on Friday amid the conflict in the region.The situation in the Middle East has disrupted flight operations as there are restrictions as well as closure of airspaces. Some airlines have commenced limited operations to and from the region, where the conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran has escalated in the last few days.

The civil aviation ministry on Friday said due to the ongoing developments in West Asia and the resulting airspace restrictions, flight operations have been impacted across several sectors.