Author: Vividh Bharathi

Washington, March 2 (IANS) The United States and six Gulf nations strongly condemned what they described as “indiscriminate and reckless” missile and drone attacks launched by the Islamic Republic of Iran across the region, calling the strikes a “dangerous escalation” that threatens regional stability.

In a joint statement released by the US State Department, the governments of the United States, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates denounced the attacks on multiple sovereign territories.

“The United States, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates strongly condemn the Islamic Republic of Iran’s indiscriminate and reckless missile and drone attacks against sovereign territories across the region,” the statement said.

The countries said the strikes affected Bahrain, Iraq — including the Iraqi Kurdistan Region — Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

“These unjustified strikes targeted sovereign territory, endangered civilian populations, and damaged civilian infrastructure,” the joint statement said.

The statement described Tehran’s actions as a direct violation of international norms. “The Islamic Republic’s actions represent a dangerous escalation that violates the sovereignty of multiple states and threatens regional stability,” it said.

The governments also accused Iran of targeting countries that were not directly involved in hostilities.

“The targeting of civilians and of countries not engaged in hostilities is reckless and destabilizing behavior,” the statement added.

The seven nations reaffirmed their security cooperation and collective response framework.

“We stand united in defense of our citizens, sovereignty, and territory, and reaffirm our right to self-defence in the face of these attacks,” the statement said.

They also highlighted coordinated air defence efforts across the region.

“We remain committed to regional security and commend the effective air and missile defense cooperation that has prevented far greater loss of life and destruction,” it added.

The joint declaration comes amid rising hostilities between Iran and several regional actors, with missile and drone warfare becoming a central feature of the confrontation.

Iran has in recent years expanded its missile and unmanned aerial vehicle capabilities, which Western and Gulf officials say have altered the security balance in the region. Tehran maintains that its missile programme is defensive in nature.

The United States maintains military bases across the Gulf and has long-standing defence partnerships with Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Regional air defence integration has been a key pillar of US strategy in countering missile and drone threats from Iran and allied groups.

–IANS

lkj/rs

Canberra, March 2 (IANS) Australia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs said on Monday that an estimated 115,000 Australians are currently in the Middle East after flights in and out of the region were canceled amid US-Israeli strikes against Iran.

Penny Wong told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation television that the federal government is awaiting updates on the resumption of commercial flights through the Middle East before committing to repatriation flights for stranded citizens, Xinhua news agency reported.

“Given the number of people in the region, people will get home most quickly if we can facilitate people getting on commercial flights at the moment,” she said.

In a statement issued earlier on Monday, Wong said that the government is now advising Australians not to travel to Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Kuwait, Lebanon, Palestine, Qatar, Syria, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen.

Additionally, she said that Australians should reconsider the need to travel to Jordan, Oman and Saudi Arabia.

Australian citizens already in the Middle East have been advised by the government to closely monitor events and local media, confirm plans directly with airlines or travel agents, review their travel insurance and follow the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) for the latest updates.

Wong said that DFAT has activated its Crisis Center to provide consular support to Australians in the Middle East.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles said the government has taken steps to protect the safety of around 100 defense force personnel currently based in the region.

–IANS

int/rs

Washington, March 2 (IANS) Retired American generals, national security strategists, and leading think tank figures described President Donald Trump’s “Operation Epic Fury” as a historic military campaign, arguing it reshaped deterrence in the Middle East and significantly weakened Iran’s ruling establishment.

Retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg pointed to the operational scale. A comprehensive list of such statements was released by the White House on Sunday.

“For this operation to unfold the way it has, with the strikes occurring and with the assets we are using, is really quite amazing… We’ve done an exceptional job. President Trump has done a great job,” Kellogg said.

Retired Gen. Jack Keane called it deliberate and far-reaching.

“This is a very comprehensive, well-thought-out campaign that I’ve seen the details of, and it’s nothing short of remarkable,” Keane said.

From a strategic standpoint, Ronald Reagan Institute Director Roger Zakheim said the action would alter the regional balance.

“To me, this is strategic in every aspect… The United States is safer because of what happened yesterday,” Zakheim said. He added that it was “the most consequential strategic military action in 47 years.”

Yorktown Institute President Seth Cropsey argued the strike targeted core pillars of Iranian power.

“Attacking Iran’s theocrats, ballistic-missile infrastructure and command-and-control systems leaves the regime weaker than ever,” Cropsey said. He added that the assault “creates an opening to complete Iran’s strategic degradation.”

At the Foundation for Defence of Democracies, CEO Mark Dubowitz said the move broke with precedent.

“No other president in the past or the future would have taken out Khamenei, (Soleimani) and their deadly nuclear, missile and terror capabilities. That’s fact not partisanship,” Dubowitz said.

Foundation for Defence of Democracies Senior Advisor Miad Maleki described the action as long awaited.

“President Trump is the first American president to come to the rescue of the Iranian people and stand against this tyranny. That takes courage and historic vision,” Maleki said.

The Wall Street Journal Editorial Board framed the strike as a deterrent act with broader implications.

“The US-Israeli attack on Iran that began Saturday morning is a necessary act of deterrence against a regime that is the world’s foremost promoter of terrorism. It carries risks as all wars do, but it also has the potential to reshape the Middle East for the better and lead to a safer world,” the board wrote.

Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo cast the moment in sweeping terms.

“President Trump has acted to do no less than to preserve Western civilization,” Pompeo said.

Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett argued the message would resonate regionally.

“The big lesson is do not mess with President Trump… I think the whole region, afterwards, will be thankful — and the world will be thankful — because already now, the world is a safer place compared to yesterday,” Bennett said.

Commentator Hugh Hewitt described the president’s address as measured.

“A very sober but determined speech by President Trump,” Hewitt said.

–IANS

lkj/rs

Washington, March 2 (IANS) Senior US lawmakers across the Republican leadership lined up to back President Donald Trump’s decision to launch “Operation Epic Fury,” describing it as a necessary move to halt Iran’s nuclear ambitions and confront what they called decades of aggression against the United States.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune said Iran’s missile expansion and support for armed groups had created an unacceptable threat.

“For years, Iran’s relentless nuclear ambitions, its expanded ballistic missile inventory, and its unwavering support for terror groups in the region have posed a clear and unacceptable threat to US servicemembers, citizens in the region, and many of our allies,” Thune said.

Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso framed the operation as deterrence restored. The White House releases a comprehensive list of lawmakers and statements on Sunday.

“I applaud President Trump for his decisive action to end the evil terrorist regime in Iran. This is peace through strength,” Barrasso said.

Senate Republican Conference Chair Tom Cotton cited what he described as a long record of hostilities tied to Tehran.

“A nuclear-weapons program. Thousands of missiles. State sponsorship of terror. Iran has waged war against the US for 47 years: the hostage crisis, the Beirut Marine barracks, Khobar Towers, roadside bombs in Iraq and Afghanistan that killed or maimed thousands of American soldiers, the attempted assassination of President Trump,” Cotton said.

Sen. Roger Wicker said the administration had clearly outlined its military goals.

“The President has stated the operation’s goals clearly: thwart permanently the ayatollahs’ desire to create a nuclear weapon, degrade their ballistic missile force and their production capacity, and destroy their naval and terrorism capabilities,” Wicker said.

Speaker Mike Johnson confirmed congressional leaders were informed before the action.

“The Gang of 8 was briefed in detail earlier this week that military action may become necessary to protect American troops and American citizens in Iran,” Johnson said.

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise argued that diplomatic avenues had been exhausted.

“The President has worked tirelessly to establish a lasting peace through diplomacy with Iran. Instead, Iran continued to pursue their sinister ambitions,” Scalise said.

On Sunday talk shows, Sen. Lindsey Graham offered blunt praise.

“The mothership of terrorism is sinking. The captain is dead… Well done, President Trump,” Graham said.

Throughout the day, lawmakers repeatedly pointed to Iran’s nuclear programme, ballistic missile development, and backing of militant groups as justification for the strike, describing it as overdue and strategic.

Under the US Constitution, the president serves as commander-in-chief, though major military operations traditionally prompt oversight debates in Congress. Lawmakers indicated further briefings are expected as the operation unfolds.

Iran has remained a focal point of US national security policy since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, with tensions spanning sanctions, proxy conflicts, and disputes over uranium enrichment.

Preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon has been a bipartisan objective in Washington for decades, even as administrations have differed on the balance between diplomacy, sanctions, and the use of force.

–IANS

lkj/rs

Washington, March 2 (IANS) Several world leaders voiced strong support after President Donald Trump had authorised “Operation Epic Fury,” describing it as a campaign to eliminate what it called an “imminent nuclear threat” posed by the Iranian regime and to dismantle its missile, naval and proxy capabilities, the White House said.

Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Iran had destabilised the region for decades and endorsed Washington’s objective of blocking a nuclear weapon, as per the details of statements released by the White House.

“For decades, the Iranian regime has been a destabilising force, through its ballistic missile and nuclear programs, support for armed proxies, and brutal acts of violence and intimidation… We support the United States acting to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and to prevent Iran continuing to threaten international peace and security,” Albanese said.

Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney framed Iran as a principal source of instability in the Middle East and reiterated Ottawa’s support.

“Canada’s position remains clear: the Islamic Republic of Iran is the principal source of instability and terror throughout the Middle East, has one of the world’s worst human rights records, and must never be allowed to obtain or develop nuclear weapons … Canada supports the United States acting to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and to prevent its regime from further threatening international peace and security,” Carney said.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu thanked Trump directly.

“I thank our great friend, President @realDonaldTrump, for his historic leadership,” Netanyahu said.

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama called for firm action against Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps and backed decisive efforts to prevent Tehran from gaining further military capability.

“It’s high time to cut the rope and go straight to the point. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps is a terrorist organization and it must be treated as such… We fully endorse every decisive effort to prevent once and for all the murderers in Tehran from acquiring nuclear or any other military capacity to harm Israel or any other peace-loving nation in the Middle East. Terrorism must be named. And once named, it must be stopped,” Rama said.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky linked American action to deterrence.

“It is important that the United States is acting decisively. Whenever there is American resolve, global criminals weaken,” Zelensky said.

Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani described the moment as pivotal for Iranians.

“The hour of freedom has come for the people of Iran, thanks to the leadership of the United States and President @realDonaldTrump,” Osmani said.

British Member of Parliament Nigel Farage urged London to align more clearly with Washington.

“The Prime Minister needs to change his mind on the use of our military bases and back the Americans in this vital fight against Iran!” Farage said.

The statements reflect a coordinated message among US allies and partners framing the strikes as a preventive move against nuclear escalation and regional instability.

–IANS

lkj/rs

Washington, March 2 (IANS) A conservative activist urged the US State Department to suspend all visas for Pakistanis, including green cards, in the wake of violent protests at the US consulate in Karachi, escalating rhetoric amid tensions following reported US strikes on Iran.

“The US State Department @StateDept should suspend all visas for Pakistanis, including green cards for as long as they can,” wrote Laura Loomer in a post on X, tagging Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Her comments came after reports of clashes outside the heavily fortified US consulate compound in Pakistan’s port city of Karachi. Loomer claimed that “Six protesters angered by the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader were killed and 20 others were injured after they stormed the heavily fortified US consulate compound in Pakistan’s port city of Karachi.”

She further alleged that “Many others were shot and killed this afternoon after attempting to break in again.”

Loomer wrote: “Disgusting Pakistani terrorists are being shot dead on site by US Marines at the US Consulate in Pakistan today after attempting to break inside and take over the Embassy as a form of retaliation for US strikes on Iran.”

There was no independent confirmation in the material provided of the casualty figures or the specific circumstances of the reported shootings. It was also unclear whether US Marines or local Pakistani security forces were responsible for the response.

Loomer sharply criticised Pakistan, writing: “Pakistan is a disgusting country that harbored Osama Bin Laden and encourages Muslims to be as radical as possible.” She added: “A complete shit hole Muslim country that wants to see Americans and Indians murdered in the name of Islam.”

The US State Department did not immediately respond in the material provided to the call for visa susperrosions.

Karachi, Pakistan’s largest city and economic hub, has witnessed protests in the past over U military actions in the region. American diplomatic facilities in Pakistan operate under tight security, particularly during periods of heightened geopolitical tension.

–IANS

lkj/rs

Washington, March 2 (IANS) The United States raised its travel advisories for Bahrain and Qatar to Level 3 in the aftermath of the launch of US combat operations in Iran, citing security risks and potential disruptions across the Middle East.

The State Department said it updated its Travel Advisory for Bahrain on February 28 “to reflect that the Department authorized the departure of non-emergency US government personnel and family members of US government personnel to leave Bahrain due to security concerns.” The advisory increased “from Level 2 to Level 3.”

The updated advisory states: “Reconsider Travel to Bahrain due to terrorism and armed conflict.”

It added that “Following the onset of hostilities between the United States and Iran on February 28, there has been an ongoing threat of drone and missile attacks from Iran and significant disruptions to commercial flights.”

The department also warned that “Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Bahrain. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning.”

Separately, the State Department raised Qatar’s Travel Advisory to Level 3 on March 1, up from Level 1, again authorising the departure of non-emergency personnel and family members due to security concerns.

The updated notice states: “Reconsider Travel to Qatar due to the threat of armed conflict.”

It cited the same regional developments, noting that “Following the onset of hostilities between the United States and Iran on February 28, there has been an ongoing threat of drone and missile attacks from Iran and significant disruptions to commercial flights.”

The advisory further said, “The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) and/or a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) for the region, including Qatar. This is due to risks to civil aviation from political and military tensions in the region.”

A day earlier, the State Department had issued a “Worldwide Caution”.

“Following the launch of US combat operations in Iran, Americans worldwide and especially in the Middle East should follow the guidance in the latest security alerts issued by the nearest US embassy or consulate,” the alert said.

It added that travelers “may experience travel disruptions due to periodic airspace closures” and advised Americans worldwide “to exercise increased caution.”

Both advisories urge US citizens to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), monitor local media, develop communication plans, and review country security reports.

Level 3 advisories — “Reconsider Travel” — are issued when there are serious risks to safety and security. They fall below Level 4, the highest advisory, which urges Americans not to travel.

–IANS

lkj/rs

Washington, March 2 (IANS) US President Donald Trump called the sweeping American military assault on Iran “one of the largest, most complex, most overwhelming military offensives the world has ever seen,” declaring that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is dead and vowing that combat operations will continue “until all of our objectives are achieved.”

In an address to the nation posted on Truth Social, outlining what he said was a 36-hour campaign, Trump described “Operation Epic Fury” as unprecedented in scale.

“Nobody’s seen anything like it. We have hit hundreds of targets in Iran, including Revolutionary Guard facilities, Iranian air defense systems,” he said.

He added that “we knocked out nine ships plus their naval building, all in a matter of literally minutes.”

Trump declared that “Iran’s formerly supreme leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, is dead,” calling him “this wretched and vile man” who “had the blood of hundreds and even thousands of Americans on his hands and was responsible for the slaughter of countless thousands of innocent people all across many countries.”

He claimed that “all over Iran, the voices of the Iranian people could be heard cheering and celebrating in the streets when his death was announced.”

According to Trump, “the entire military command is gone as well, and many of them want to surrender into saving their lives.”

“They want immunity. They’re calling by the thousands,” he said.

He confirmed American casualties. “Earlier today, CENTCOM shared the news that three US military service members have been killed in action,” he said.

“As one nation, we grieve for the true American patriots who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation, even as we continue the righteous mission for which they gave their lives,” Trump added.

He acknowledged the possibility of further losses. “And sadly, there will likely be more. Before it ends, that’s the way it is,” he said, adding, “we’ll do everything possible where that won’t be the case.”

Framing the campaign as necessary to prevent future threats, Trump said, “We cannot allow a nation that raises terrorist armies to possess such weapons that would allow them to extort the world to their evil will.”

“These actions are right, and they are necessary to ensure that Americans will never have to face a radical, bloodthirsty terrorist regime armed with nuclear weapons and lots of threats,” he said.

He urged Iranian forces to stand down. “I once again urge the Revolutionary Guard, the Iranian military police and to lay down your arms and receive full immunity or face certain death,” Trump said. “It will be certain death. Won’t be pretty.”

In a direct appeal to Iranians, he added: “I call upon all Iranian patriots who yearn for freedom to seize this moment, to be brave, be bold, be heroic, and take back your country. America is with you.”

–IANS

lkj/rs