Category: WORLD

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

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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

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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

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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

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Washington, March 2 (IANS) The US launched a sweeping military offensive against Iran early striking more than 1,000 military targets within 24 hours under “Operation Epic Fury,” in what officials described as a campaign to dismantle the Iranian regime’s security apparatus and neutralise sites posing an “imminent threat.”

Launched at the direction of President Donald Trump at 1.15 am on February 28, the US Central Command forces are striking targets to dismantle the Iranian regime’s security apparatus, prioritizing locations that pose an imminent threat,” CENTCOM said.

In a fact sheet, CENTCOM lists “Targets Struck: Over 1,000” in the first 24 hours.

The scale of assets deployed signals a coordinated, multi-domain campaign. The fact sheet lists B-2 stealth bombers, F-35 stealth fighters, F-22, F-16, and F-18 fighter jets, and A-10 attack aircraft. Electronic warfare and surveillance platforms, including EA-18G electronic attack aircraft, airborne early warning and control aircraft, reconnaissance aircraft, and communication relay systems, were also used.

Missile defence systems such as Patriot interceptor missile systems and THAAD anti-ballistic missile systems were part of the deployment. Naval assets included nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and guided-missile destroyers.

Unmanned and ground systems were also employed. The document cites MQ-9 Reapers, LUCAS drones, and M-142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems. Strategic lift and refuelling aircraft, including C-17 Globemaster and C-130 cargo aircraft, supported the operation.

The fact sheet notes the use of “Counter-Drone Systems” and adds: “… and special capabilities we can’t list here!”

The types of targets struck indicate a focus on Iran’s command structure and missile infrastructure. Listed targets include “Command and Control Centers,” “IRGC Joint Headquarters,” and “IRGC Aerospace Forces Headquarters.”

Integrated air defence systems and ballistic missile sites were hit. Naval targets included “Iranian Navy Ships,” “Iranian Navy Submarines,” and “Anti-ship Missile Sites.” The document also lists “Military Communication Capabilities” among the sites targeted.

No casualty figures or battle damage assessments were provided. The language frames the operation as threat-driven and pre-emptive, centred on locations posing “an imminent threat.”

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has long played a central role in Iran’s security and missile programmes, including ballistic missile development and regional military coordination.

–IANS

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Washington, March 1 (IANS) President Donald Trump said US forces have destroyed and sunk nine Iranian naval ships and struck key military facilities, escalating what appears to be a widening confrontation with Tehran.

“I have just been informed that we have destroyed and sunk 9 Iranian Naval Ships, some of them relatively large and important,” Trump wrote. “We are going after the rest — They will soon be floating at the bottom of the sea, also!”

He added, “In a different attack, we largely destroyed their Naval Headquarters. Other than that, their Navy is doing very well!”

US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed major air operations overnight. “Last night, U.S. B-2 stealth bombers, armed with 2,000 lb. bombs, struck Iran’s hardened ballistic missile facilities,” it said. “No nation should ever doubt America’s resolve.”

CENTCOM also reported that an Iranian Jamaran-class corvette was hit at the start of what it described as Operation Epic Fury. “An Iranian Jamaran-class corvette was struck by U.S. forces during the start of Operation Epic Fury,” the command said. “The ship is currently sinking to the bottom of the Gulf of Oman at a Chah Bahar pier.”

It cited Trump’s earlier warning to Iranian forces, saying members of Iran’s armed forces, the IRGC and police, “must lay down your weapons.” It added: “Abandon ship.”

The military command rejected Tehran’s claim that its response had targeted only US military assets. “During a UN Security Council meeting yesterday, the Iranian Ambassador to the U.N. stated their response has been directed solely and exclusively at the bases and assets of the United States. LIE.”

CENTCOM alleged that Iran was “actively targeting civilians” and had attacked more than a dozen locations. These included Dubai International Airport, Kuwait International Airport, Zayed International Airport in Dubai, Erbil International Airport in Iraq, the Fairmont Palm Hotel in Dubai, the Burj Al Arab Hotel in Dubai, the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Bahrain, the Port of Dubai, the Haifa Oil Refinery, residential areas in Beit Shemesh and Tel Aviv in Israel, the residential area of Era Views Towers in Bahrain, and residential areas in Qatar.

The developments mark one of the most direct military exchanges between Washington and Tehran in years. The reported use of B-2 stealth bombers armed with heavy munitions underscores the scale of the strikes.

The Gulf of Oman, where the Jamaran-class vessel was reported to be sinking, lies along a critical maritime corridor for global energy supplies. Any sustained naval engagement in the region could have implications for shipping and oil markets, particularly for Asian economies dependent on Gulf crude.

Tensions between the United States and Iran have flared repeatedly over Iran’s ballistic missile programme and its regional activities. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has been at the centre of previous confrontations in the Gulf.

–IANS

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Washington, March 1 (IANS) Indian-American Republican donor Asha Jadeja Motwani, who attended a two-hour dinner with President Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago this weekend alongside about 20 Republican donors, described the unfolding military action against Iran as a defining geopolitical moment that she believes will “change the destiny of the Middle East”.

“Yes, it is a historic time here in Mar-a-Lago. While we were here for something else, actually, war was declared. This is obviously going to change the destiny of the Middle East. This is not a small war,” Motwani told IANS in an interview.

Motwani said the group also interacted with senior administration officials, including CIA Director John Ratcliffe. “The CIA had been following them (Iranian leadership) for a month,” she said, adding that “the CIA and the Mossad were already there in Iran tracking the Ayatollah.”

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and several senior leaders were reportedly killed in air strikes carried out jointly by Israel and the United States.

She argued that the operation reflected a deliberate and expansive strategy. “I don’t think there’s going to be a let-up. I think this is part of a much larger geopolitical strategy that President Trump has in mind,” she said, describing it as “a well-thought-out strategy to change the course of the Middle East”.

Asked about the President’s broader objective, Motwani said it was “to establish America as the hegemon and to remove all conversation that’s happening in the Middle East”. Referring to threats against Israel, she said: “You say one word against Israel, and you’re going to pay a price. This is huge. This is a good thing. I’m glad this is happening.” She added, “Kudos to President Trump for pulling this off.”

On the atmosphere at Mar-a-Lago, she said, “The mood is upbeat, but focused and very serious.” She acknowledged casualties in the early phase of operations. “We already have lost three people, and I think four have been injured,” she said, adding that “the administration understands the seriousness of this operation and the potential costs that we could incur.”

At the same time, she expressed confidence in the outcome. “The mood is serious, but it’s mission accomplished right now,” she said.

On the implications for India, Motwani said it was “not by accident” that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had been in Israel shortly before the strike. “My guess is that this was well orchestrated, and India and the US are in partnership to support Israel. This is how it’s going to be for the future,” she said.

She added: “Prime Minister Modi, President Trump and Netanyahu are in very close connection and alignment about where they’re headed. So it’s a good thing for India.” However, she cautioned that “the Chabahar port might be affected, and India has invested in that”.

India has invested in Iran’s Chabahar port as part of its connectivity strategy to Afghanistan and Central Asia.

–IANS

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Washington, March 1 (IANS) Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett on Sunday said Israel’s campaign against Iran is steadily eroding the regime’s grip on power, arguing that sustained strikes are weakening the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and creating space for the Iranian people to determine their future.

“Well, we’ve got plenty of targets to weaken and weaken the regime, the IRGC, a siege of all the terror apparatus that is terrorising its own people,” Bennett said in an interview with Fox News Sunday.

He described the initial phase of operations as focused on eliminating top leadership, saying, “The first wave was to decapitate the leadership.” He added that after taking down air defences, Israel could now move to dismantle the broader security structure.

“When you hit the main centres of command and operation and coordination, you can weaken it,” Bennett said. “Imagine that the Iranian people have chains of oppression on them. We’re weakening those chains. But ultimately it’s up to the Iranian people to rise up and tear those chains and fight for their own freedom.”

Bennett emphasised that Israel’s objective was defensive. “Israel’s precise goal was not regime change,” he said. “Our goal is to defend ourselves and to remove the horrible nightmare that was on top of us for such a long time.”

He argued that inaction would have left Israel and others exposed to a growing threat. “Had we not acted now, Iran would have had tens of thousands of ballistic missiles, including intercontinental ballistic missiles, and nuclear arms that could hit Israel, Europe and the United States,” he said.

Bennett also suggested the Iranian military structure had already suffered major blows. “The IRGC today is not the IRGC from a month ago. It’s much weaker. Its commander has been taken out. Much of its command has been eliminated, and we’ve just started,” he said.

However, he acknowledged uncertainty about internal developments in Iran. “Whenever you talk about public action or uprising, no one can really know, because it could take days, it could take months, and it could not happen,” Bennett said.

He drew a comparison to the collapse of the Soviet Union. “Remember the former Soviet Union in the 80s, no one knew when it would collapse. This is a very similar regime in terms of corruption, rot, disconnection from the people and just the sheer evil,” he said.

On the broader regional implications, Bennett said, “I think the big lesson is: Do not mess with President Trump.” He added, “Already now, the world is a safer place compared to yesterday.”

Israel has long viewed Iran’s nuclear and missile programmes as existential threats. Tensions have escalated over Tehran’s enrichment activities and its support for armed groups across West Asia.

With Iranian leadership reportedly shaken and regional tensions rising, Bennett’s remarks underscore Israel’s position that continued military pressure is necessary, even as questions remain over how events inside Iran will ultimately unfold.

–IANS

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Washington, March 1 (IANS) Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Sunday condemned the US strikes that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, calling them unlawful aggression and signalling that Tehran will respond without compromise.

Speaking to ABC News, Araghchi rejected Washington’s justification outright.

“What the United States is doing is an act of aggression. What we are doing is the act of self-defence,” he said.

The statement lays out Iran’s diplomatic and legal position — casting the United States as the aggressor and framing Tehran’s response as legitimate under international law.

Araghchi offered no hint of de-escalation.

“We are defending ourselves, whatever it takes,” he said.

The language signals open-ended retaliation authority. Araghchi did not outline a timeline. He did not specify targets. He did not indicate readiness for negotiations.

His remarks come as US officials describe an ongoing campaign aimed at degrading Iran’s missile infrastructure. But Araghchi did not acknowledge damage to Iran’s military capabilities. Nor did he suggest instability within the political system following Khamenei’s death.

American lawmakers, meanwhile, signalled that operations would continue.

Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Tom Cotton said the coming days would see “a methodical and systematic focus on Iran’s missiles, its missile launchers, and ultimately its missile manufacturing capability.”

He also warned, “There’s no doubt, though, that Iran is going to continue to target our bases in the region, our Arab friends, and Israel.”

Other US leaders questioned the intelligence basis of the strike. Senator Mark Warner said, “There was no imminent threat to the United States.”

He added, “We have had very little visibility into what happens next after the supreme leader is eliminated.”

Senator Adam Schiff also criticised the scale of the action, saying, “There was simply no basis to go in with this massive military campaign, with the goal of regime change.”

With its supreme leader dead, Iran now enters a period of transition. Under its constitution, the Assembly of Experts is responsible for selecting a successor, though the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps holds significant influence within the system.

For now, Tehran’s message remains defiant. Araghchi’s words leave little ambiguity: Iran does not view itself as defeated — and any response, in his phrase, will come “whatever it takes.”

–IANS

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Washington, March 1 (IANS) The reported killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has pushed the Islamic Republic into uncertain territory, with American lawmakers and Iranian officials offering sharply different assessments of what may follow within Tehran’s power structure.

Speaking to CNN, Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Tom Cotton said the military campaign would continue. “What the American people will see in the days ahead is going to be a methodical and systematic focus on Iran’s missiles, its missile launchers and ultimately its missile manufacturing capability,” he said.

Cotton added, “There’s no doubt that Iran is going to continue to target our bases in the region, our Arab friends and Israel.”

In an interview with CBS News, Cotton said the President had “no plan for any kind of large-scale ground force inside Iran”, instead describing an “extended air and naval campaign”.

But Senator Mark Warner, Vice Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, warned that Washington had limited clarity on developments inside Iran. Speaking to CNN, Warner said, “We have had very little visibility into what happens next after the Supreme Leader is eliminated.”

On ABC News, Democratic Senator Adam Schiff criticised what he described as the broader objective. “There was simply no basis to go in with this massive military campaign, with the goal of regime change,” he said. He added that Iran “posed no imminent threat of attack to the United States”.

Schiff also said he was “glad the regime is gone” and that “at least the leader of that terrible regime is gone”, but cautioned against creating expectations of American troops supporting an internal uprising.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi rejected the US justification. Speaking to ABC News, he said, “What the United States is doing is an act of aggression. What we are doing is an act of self-defence.”

“We are defending ourselves, whatever it takes,” he added.

The contrasting statements reflect deep uncertainty over how Iran’s leadership transition may unfold. While Washington has signalled continued military pressure, Tehran has framed the strikes as unlawful aggression.

–IANS

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