Day 7 of the US/Israel-Iran war... Message: We are ready for a long-term war!

As the US and Israeli attacks on Iran enter their seventh day, the conflict continues to spread to new fronts in the region.

The Iranian Ministry of Health announced that 1,045 people have lost their lives in the attacks.

While US President Donald Trump called on Iranian forces to "lay down their arms," threatening that they would otherwise be "killed," Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps spokesperson Ali Mohammad Naini stated that they are "ready for a long-term war" and that new weapons will be deployed.

The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps announced that it has launched a new wave of missile attacks against Israel. During Iran's retaliatory strikes, a missile hit a location in Tel Aviv, causing a fire, while sirens sounded in several areas and air defense systems were activated.

It was announced that the death toll from Israel's attacks on Lebanon has risen to 123, with 683 injured, while it was reported that 2 Israeli soldiers, one of them seriously, were wounded in clashes between Hezbollah and Israeli troops in southern Lebanon. The Israeli army also conducted airstrikes on the Dahiyeh district of Beirut.

While Bahrain and Kuwait issued statements regarding the Iranian attacks, Italy temporarily closed its embassy in Tehran for security reasons.

Meanwhile, it was reported that a series of violent explosions occurred in the eastern and western parts of the Iranian capital, Tehran, following the sound of aircraft.

In a statement from the US Central Command, black-and-white footage was shared showing the moment an Iranian drone ship was struck.

Here are the latest developments from the seventh day of the war...

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12:45

MOVE FROM AZERBAIJAN REGARDING IRAN

The Russian agency Ifax reported that Azerbaijan has withdrawn its diplomats from Iran. Yesterday, missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles originating from Iran fell within the borders of the airport in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. Following the incident, in which two people were injured, Azerbaijani President İlham Aliyev described the attack on Nakhchivan as an "act of terror." Aliyev had demanded an apology and an explanation from the Tehran administration.

11:48

"HEZBOLLAH STRONGHOLD" HIT

Israel continues to conduct airstrikes on Beirut. This time, Israeli aircraft targeted the Dahiyeh district, known as the "Hezbollah stronghold." It was reported that a violent explosion occurred and a dense cloud of smoke rose over the area.

11:31

SOUNDS OF EXPLOSIONS IN TEL AVIV

Following the announcement of a missile attack from Iran, sounds of explosions were heard in the skies over Tel Aviv and other regions in Israel. Iranian state television announced that missiles had been launched at "targets in the heart of Tel Aviv." AFP journalists in Tel Aviv reported two nearly simultaneous waves of explosions echoing across the city.

09:50 | MESSAGE FROM THE HOUTHIS TO ISRAEL AND THE US

Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, leader of the Iran-aligned Houthis in Yemen, made harsh statements regarding the US and Israeli attacks on Iran. Stating that they could intervene militarily if developments in the region escalate, Houthi sent the message, "Our fingers are on the trigger."

09:30 | JAPAN ANNOUNCES 2 OF ITS CITIZENS ARE BEING HELD IN IRAN

Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi stated that 2 Japanese citizens are being held in custody in Iran and demanded their immediate release.

According to a report by the Kyodo news agency, Minister Motegi made the statement before the Diet session in the Japanese Parliament.

Stating that 2 Japanese citizens have been detained in Iran, where US and Israeli attacks continue, Motegi reported that he has established contact with these individuals and that they are currently safe.

Motegi said, "The government strongly demands the immediate release of these individuals and will provide as much support as possible by remaining in contact with them, their families, and the relevant parties."

One of these individuals is believed to be the Tehran bureau chief of the Japanese state broadcaster NHK, who was detained by local authorities on January 20.

09:23 | ISRAELI MILITARY ANNOUNCES: 26 WAVES OF AIRSTRIKES ON BEIRUT

The Israeli military announced that it has carried out 26 waves of airstrikes on the Lebanese capital, Beirut, since March 2.

09:10 | IRAN'S INTERIM LEADERSHIP COUNCIL CONVENES TO DISCUSS ELECTION OF NEW LEADER

In Iran, the interim Leadership Council has met for the 4th time to set the agenda for the election of a new leader.

According to Iranian state television, Ali Larijani, Secretary-General of the Supreme National Security Council, also attended the meeting to provide information on the latest developments.

At the fourth meeting of the interim Leadership Council, plans were made for the Assembly of Experts to convene to select a leader and for the introduction of the future leader.

08:15 | MESSAGE FROM THE US: "WE ARE JUST GETTING STARTED"

Holding a press conference at the Pentagon, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth stated that the attacks on Iran have 'just begun' and that it was a 'miscalculation' for Iran to think that the US could not sustain the war.

07:54 | INTENSE ISRAELI ATTACK ON LEBANON: SOUTHERN BEIRUT AND BEKAA TARGETED

Israeli warplanes carried out intense airstrikes on the southern suburbs of Beirut and the southern and eastern regions of Lebanon.

Israel targeted the Burj al-Barajneh, Hureyk, Hadath, and Haret Hreik areas in the southern suburbs of Beirut.

The airstrikes, which particularly affected the area around the Sahel Hospital as well as the al-Jamous and al-Mashrafiyah districts, caused significant damage to buildings and businesses and sparked fires.

The Israeli military also conducted airstrikes in southern Lebanon on Nabatieh, Baysariyeh, Tibnin, Kafr Chouba, Jebchit, Wadi Zebqin, and Mazraat Hilta, as well as on the town of Douris in the eastern Bekaa region.

The Lebanese Ministry of Health had announced that the death toll from Israeli attacks had risen to 123, with 683 people injured.

07:41 | US MILITARY ANNOUNCES AN IRANIAN UAV SHIP HAS BEEN STRUCK

The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) ship, stated to belong to Iran, has been struck.

CENTCOM shared black-and-white footage on its social media platform showing the moment the Iranian-attributed UAV ship was struck.

The post stated, "US forces are not backing down from the mission to sink the entire Iranian navy. Today, an Iranian UAV carrier ship, roughly the size of a World War II-era aircraft carrier, was struck and is currently in flames."

05:43 | SAUDI ARABIA: 3 BALLISTIC MISSILES AND 2 UAVS DESTROYED IN AIRSPACE

The Saudi Arabian Ministry of Defense announced that 3 ballistic missiles and 2 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) were intercepted and destroyed within the country's airspace.

In a statement released by the Ministry on the social media platform X, it was noted that 3 ballistic missiles targeting the Prince Sultan Air Base in the country were intercepted by air defense systems.

The statement emphasized that one UAV was destroyed in the east of the country and one in the Al-Kharj province, though no details were shared regarding the region from which the missiles and UAVs were launched.

The statement noted that this coincided with the period when various regions of Saudi Arabia were targeted by Iran following the attacks launched by Israel and the US against Iran on February 28.

05:13 | VIOLENT EXPLOSIONS IN TEHRAN FOLLOWING AIRCRAFT NOISES

A series of very violent explosions occurred in the Iranian capital, Tehran, after the sound of aircraft was heard.

Aircraft noises were heard in Tehran.

In Tehran, where air defense systems were activated, 7-8 consecutive explosions occurred, and smoke covered the city.

The sound of aircraft continues to be heard in the city.

05:10 | US BASE TARGETED: QATAR ANNOUNCES UAV ATTACK WAS THWARTED

Qatar reported that a drone (UAV) attack targeting the US Al-Udeid Air Base in Doha has been thwarted.

In a statement from the Qatari Ministry of Defense, it was stated, "The Qatar Air Defense Forces have thwarted a drone attack targeting the Al-Udeid Air Base."

In a statement from the Ministry of Interior, it was announced that the security threat level was high and the public was urged to stay indoors and away from windows and open areas for their own safety; it was later announced that the danger had passed and the situation had returned to normal.

04:57 | SOUNDS OF EXPLOSIONS IN TEHRAN

It has been reported that sounds of explosions were heard in the eastern and western parts of the Iranian capital, Tehran.

According to state television, explosions have occurred in Tehran.

According to reports in local media, aircraft noises were heard first, followed by the sounds of explosions in the eastern and western parts of the city.

03:54 | IRANIAN REVOLUTIONARY GUARD CORPS: WE ARE READY FOR A LONG-TERM WAR

Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps spokesperson Ali Mohammad Naini stated that they are "ready for a long-term war" and that their new weapons are on the way.

According to state television, Naini made the statement regarding the US and Israeli attacks on Iran.

Emphasizing that the enemy should expect painful blows with every wave of operations, Naini noted that they are "ready for a long-term war until the aggressors are punished."

Touching upon his country's preparations, Naini said, "Iran's new initiatives and weapons are on the way and have not yet been widely used."

03:45 | 2 HOTELS AND 1 RESIDENCE HIT IN MANAMA

Bahrain announced that 2 hotels and 1 residence in the capital, Manama, were hit during Iran's retaliatory attacks.

In a statement issued by the Bahraini Ministry of Interior, information was provided regarding the locations hit in the capital, Manama, during Iran's latest attacks.

The statement noted that 2 hotels and 1 residence were hit in Manama, resulting in material damage, but reported no loss of life or injuries.

03:07 | BAHRAIN: 78 MISSILES AND 129 DRONES DESTROYED IN IRANIAN ATTACKS

Bahrain announced that 78 missiles and 129 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have been neutralized so far in Iran's retaliatory attacks.

In a statement issued by the Bahraini military, citizens were urged to stay at home, go out only for essential needs, and remain extremely cautious for security reasons.

The statement, which warned that updates should only be followed from official sources, stated, "Since the beginning of the attacks, 78 missiles and 129 unmanned aerial vehicles targeting Bahrain have been destroyed."

03:01 | ITALY TEMPORARILY CLOSES ITS EMBASSY IN TEHRAN

Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani stated that they have closed their embassy in the Iranian capital, Tehran, for security reasons, but that they will continue their diplomatic relations with Iran.

The Italian government has made a decision regarding the Italian embassy in Tehran amid the crisis in the Middle East, which began with the US and Israeli attacks on Iran on February 28 and continued with Iran's retaliation, which also encompasses regional countries.

Minister Tajani stated in a post on the social media platform X, owned by the US-based company, late last night: "For security reasons, we have closed the Italian Embassy in Tehran."

Stating that Italy's Ambassador to Tehran, Paola Amadei, and the 50-person Italian delegation accompanying her have crossed from Iran into Azerbaijan, Tajani noted the following:

"We continue to maintain our diplomatic relations with Tehran to protect the Italians remaining in Iran and our national interests. The embassy will continue its operations from Baku."

In his post, Tajani also shared a video of his phone conversation with Ambassador Amadei. The footage shows the moment Ambassador Amadei tells Minister Tajani that they set off the previous evening and reached the Azerbaijani border in a 5-vehicle convoy without stopping or sleeping.

Meanwhile, in a statement to the Italian press, Tajani emphasized that they have not severed diplomatic relations with Tehran, noting that they are not at war with Iran and that the embassy has been temporarily closed for security reasons.

Tajani reported that Cardinal Dominique Joseph Mathieu, the Latin Archbishop of Tehran-Isfahan, was also among the delegation that crossed from Iran to Azerbaijan.

Italy had reduced its staff at the Tehran Embassy during the protests around the New Year period, and shortly before the US and Israeli attacks on Iran began, it had advised its citizens in Iran on February 27 to be "cautious" and for those there for tourism purposes to leave the country.

02:53 | IRAN ANNOUNCES IT HAS SHOT DOWN AN ISRAELI UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE

Iran reported that an Israeli unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) was shot down in the city of Isfahan.

In its report on the matter, state television stated, "The Revolutionary Guard Corps air defense systems managed to shoot down a Zionist (Israeli) drone over the skies of Isfahan tonight."

On the other hand, the semi-official Tasnim News Agency reported that the drone in question was attempting to target certain locations in Isfahan, noting that this was the second drone shot down by air defense systems.

02:44 | TURKEY TO ORGANIZE BUS SERVICES BETWEEN DOHA AND RIYADH

The Turkish Embassy in Doha announced that, due to the closure of Qatari airspace following Iran's retaliatory strikes against US and Israeli attacks, bus services are being planned between Doha and the Saudi Arabian capital, Riyadh, for Turkish citizens wishing to travel from Qatar.

The Embassy stated that the measure is not an evacuation, but is intended to facilitate travel for citizens who wish to reach Riyadh Airport to catch flights.

02:25 | 67 SOLDIERS INJURED IN KUWAIT

Kuwait has announced that 67 of its soldiers have been injured so far in Iran's retaliatory attacks.

A report by the official Kuwaiti news agency KUNA included a statement from Defense Ministry Spokesperson Saud al-Atwan regarding the Iranian attacks.

Accordingly, Atwan stated that 212 ballistic missiles and 394 unmanned aerial vehicles have been neutralized in Iran's retaliatory attacks to date.

Pointing out that 67 soldiers have been wounded since the beginning of the Iranian attacks, Atwan noted that all the wounded are receiving treatment and their conditions are stable.

02:10 | LEBANON ANNOUNCES: DEATH TOLL IN ISRAELI ATTACKS RISES TO 123

Lebanon announced that the death toll from Israeli attacks on Lebanon since March 2 has risen to 123, with the number of wounded reaching 683.

Information regarding Israel's attacks on Lebanon was provided in a statement from the Lebanese Ministry of Health.

The statement indicated that the number of people killed in attacks carried out by Israel from the morning of Monday, March 2, to the present has risen to 123, and the number of wounded has risen to 683.

In a written statement from the Disaster Management Unit affiliated with the Lebanese government, it was stated that approximately 96,000 of those displaced due to the attacks had been placed in 441 temporary shelters.

02:05 | 2 SOLDIERS WOUNDED, 1 SERIOUSLY, IN SOUTHERN LEBANON

The Israeli army announced that two of its soldiers, one of them seriously, were wounded in southern Lebanon, where it has begun to expand its ground invasion.

In a statement from the Israeli army, it was reported that clashes took place between Hezbollah and Israeli soldiers in southern Lebanon.

The statement noted that two soldiers were wounded in the clash, one seriously, and specified that the soldier who was seriously wounded held the rank of officer.

The statement also recorded that the soldiers were taken to the hospital and their families were notified.

Hezbollah had announced earlier in the day that it had targeted Israeli soldiers in southern Lebanon with anti-tank missiles.

Meanwhile, the Israeli army had launched airstrikes on the Dahiyeh district in Beirut, the capital of Lebanon, where it had issued displacement orders and attack threats.

02:03 | ATTACK ON LEBANON'S CAPITAL: EXPLOSIONS IN DAHIYEH

The Israeli army carried out airstrikes on the Dahiyeh district in Beirut, the capital of Lebanon, where it had issued displacement orders and attack threats. Thick smoke rose from the area following the attack.

02:02 | KUWAIT: 67 SOLDIERS WOUNDED IN IRANIAN ATTACKS

Kuwait has announced that 67 of its soldiers have been wounded so far in Iran's retaliatory attacks.

02:00 | MISSILE ATTACK FROM IRAN ON ISRAEL: FIRE BREAKS OUT IN TEL AVIV

In a retaliatory strike by Iran, which has been the target of joint attacks by the US and Israel, a missile hit an area in Tel Aviv, causing a fire.

Following the start of Iran's retaliations, alarms were activated across Israel, and air defense systems were seen attempting to intercept the missiles.

Israel's Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper reported that a missile or a piece of shrapnel that fell into an empty warehouse in a residential area in central Israel caused the fire.

The report stated that shrapnel hitting buildings in Elad, east of Tel Aviv, and Shoham, near Ben Gurion Airport, also caused damage.

The Israeli emergency service Magen David Adom announced that there were no casualties in the areas hit by shrapnel following Iran's retaliatory strikes.

The Israeli volunteer medical organization "United Hatzalah" announced that two people were slightly injured in central Israel due to shrapnel.

Meanwhile, images seen in the skies over Tel Aviv, believed to be of a multi-stage missile, drew attention.

Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency stated in its report, "In tonight's attack, multi-warhead missiles were used in the name of the girls of the Minab school."

01:42 | TRUMP'S THREAT TO IRAN: "LAY DOWN YOUR WEAPONS OR YOU WILL BE KILLED"

US President Donald Trump argued that it is too late for Iran to reach a deal, stating, "I call on the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, the army, and the police to lay down their weapons, or they will all be killed."

Trump addressed the Iran agenda at the White House while hosting the Inter Miami team, which won the MLS American soccer league championship last year.

Claiming that they decided to attack Iran alongside Israel because otherwise Iran would strike them, Trump alleged that they have largely destroyed Iran's navy, missiles, and air force so far.

Trump said, "The Iranians want me to sign a deal; I told them it is too late. Right now, we want to fight more than they do."

Stating that they had struck 24 Iranian ships, Trump said, "I call on the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, the army, and the police to lay down their arms, or they will all be killed. I also call on the Iranian people to rise up and take back their country."

Trump also claimed that 60 percent of Iran's missiles and 64 percent of its missile launchers had been destroyed in the US and Israeli attacks.

"We want to finish our business with Iran first," Trump said, emphasizing that they would then turn their attention to Cuba and take steps regarding that country.

Call for Iranian diplomats to "seek asylum"

Addressing Iranian diplomats serving around the world, Trump said, "We call on Iranian diplomats to seek asylum."

Noting that they are monitoring the process regarding who will be Iran's new leader, Trump stated that regardless of who the new leader is, they want to ensure that "Iran will not threaten America, Israel, or its other neighbors."

01:26 | CRITICAL VOTE IN US CONGRESS: WAR POWERS RESOLUTION REGARDING IRAN REJECTED

The US House of Representatives has rejected the "war powers" resolution, which would have required Congressional approval for President Donald Trump's attacks on Iran.

In the vote held at the House of Representatives general assembly, the bill was rejected with 219 votes against and 212 in favor.

Thus, the bill introduced by Republican Congressman Thomas Massie and Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna, which aimed to prevent Trump from carrying out military action against Iran without Congressional approval, was not passed.

A similar bill voted on in the Senate to limit Trump's attacks on Iran had also failed to pass.

The "War Powers Act" of 1973 ties the US President's decision to initiate war against any country to Congressional approval and mandates that the president notify Congress in advance of such a move.

Speaking to members of the press before the vote, Senate Minority Leader Democrat Chuck Schumer stated, "Wars without clear goals do not remain small. They become bigger, bloodier, longer, and more expensive. This is not a necessary war. This is a war of choice."

01:10 | CENTCOM DENIES US PLANE WAS DOWNED

In a statement released by the US Central Command (CENTCOM), it was stated, "Rumors are circulating that a US warplane was shot down over the Persian Gulf. These are baseless and untrue."

The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps has announced that it has launched a new wave of missile attacks on Israel.

News Source: 12punto