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Israel and US attack Iran live updates: US jets hit by friendly fire in Kuwait as Trump says Iran war could last weeks

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Some of the world's biggest travel hubs are at a standstill as Israel, the US and Iran continue to exchange missile and drone fire.

The Israeli military has begun striking Hezbollah in Lebanon, with explosions heard over Beirut.

US President Donald Trump says the US-Israeli operation in Iran could go on for four weeks.

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Here's what you need to know

Good evening,

If you're just joining us, here's what you need to know to get up to speed.

US Centcomsays three US fighter jets wereshot down over Kuwaitin a "friendly fire incident", with no injuries reported.Saudi Arabia's biggest oil refinerywas shut as a precautionary measureafter two drones were intercepted at the facilityPrime Minister Anthony Albaneselabelledplanned Australian memorials for Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in US-Israeli strikes, inappropriate.Kuwaithasintercepted hostile droneson the third consecutive day ofIranian retaliatory strikeson neighbouring Gulf states.- Blasts have also been heard in Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi,according to media reports. US President Donald Trumpsays48 Iranian leaders have been killed by US and Israeli strikes.Iran's foreign ministeraccused Mr Trump of blowing up negotiations, sayinga deal was "within reach"before the attacks began.- The Israeli military says it has begun strikingwith explosions heard overHezbollahinLebanon,Beirut. Peoplehave begun fleeingthe city as a result.

More of your questions answered

More of your questions answered:

*Jacqui has said: *

Any truth to the posts and chatter on social media claiming Netanyahu has fled to Germany?

If Benjamin Netanyahu travelled to Germany, the government would be obliged to arrest him. That's because there is an ICC arrest warrant out for him. So no, no truth to those.

*Paul has asked: *

We are hunkered down in our hotel in Amman. We hear air raid sirens each day. Can you let me know the extent of the bombing in Amman and how safe it is to move around within Amman?

G'day Paul. Amman isn't being bombed, as such. Right now, many of its neighbours are, though. What you're hearing is Jordan's military shooting down missiles fired by Iran, destined for Israel.

When a missile is shot out of the sky, one danger is averted but another is created. While the missile will no longer reach its target, it has been blown into pieces and they still have to fall somewhere. The largest pieces of a destroyed missile may need to be destroyed again. But even small pieces of falling debris can be deadly.

If Jordan's military shoots the missiles down, then its likely the fragments will fall in Jordan. I'm a journalist, not a security analyst, so I am not telling you how safe it is to leave your hotel. You should rely on advice from authorities in Jordan, and information on the Australian government's SmartTraveller website for that.

*Jess has asked: *

What precedent (if any) is there of the initial US/Israel strikes being ruled as unlawful under international criminal law, and what (if any) impact could this have on the US, Israel and their relationships with other jurisdictions?

Most international criminal law is administered by the International Criminal Court. Neither Israel nor the US are signatories to that court. That doesn't mean people from those countries can't be prosecuted by it, but could it provide a clue as to what those countries think of international law?

Taking the ICC element out of things briefly, most of the analysis I've seen is that the strikes on Iran will likely mean some countries (particularly Gulf states) will more closely align themselves with the US and Israel.

Your question is great, but I think its predicated on the idea that the international community clutches their pearls when horrible things happen that may contrevene international law. And we've seen time and again that's not the case.

*Charlie has asked: *

What is Trump's reason and end goal for this war in Iran? He says it's due to Iran being very close to having the ability to create a nuclear weapon, yet last year as we all know the US military "obliterated" Iran's nuclear facilities. So his argument for bombing Iran this time seems invalid.

It's not entirely clear what the end goal is. Trump has said he would like to see regime change in Iran. Maybe if that happens the war will stop. Trump has also expressed concern about the prospect of Iran developing a nuclear weapon. While the US did damage Iran's nuclear sites in its strikes last year, it's difficult to blow up an entire program. Estimates as to how far Iran are away from developing a bomb vary. If Iran walked away from its nuclear program then maybe that would end the war? Maybe Trump would change the goal posts again?

The US strikes during the 12-day war came at the end of it. The US strikes this time came at the beginning of things. And that has created a very different set of parameters for the rest of us trying to work out what comes next.

Ambassador urges Australians stuck in Qatar to register with DFAT

Australia's ambassador to Qatar, Shane Flanagan, has posted a message to X, addressing Australians stuck in the country.

"I appreciate how concerning developments have been over the past 48 hours and I know that many of you are feeling worried about your safety, your families and what comes next," he says.

"Please know that we're closely monitoring the situation and working around the clock to support you.

"The situation remains fluid, the closure of airspace has caused significant travel disruptions, and we understand how stressful that uncertainty can be."

He adds that Australian citizens, permanent residents and their families can register on DFAT's registration portal to receive direct updates.

Click here to go to it directly or call the 24-hour consular emergency call centre on +61 2 6261 3305.

Breaking: Fourth US service member dies

US Centcom says a fourth service member has been killed in action in the Middle East.

The service member was seriously wounded in an Iranian attack and has died from their inuries.

Israel issues evacuation orders for Lebanon

Israel is issuing evacuation orders to several areas in Lebanon's south as it claims to target Hezbollah infrastructure.

"Urgent warning to all residents of Lebanon," the start of the warnings say in Arabic, then specifying various neighbourhoods.

The warnings come attached with pictures highlighting buildings in red, warning residents within 300 metres of that structure.

The warnings are for more than a dozen different towns and areas including:

• Bednayel
• Tyre
• Msayk
• Deir Qanun Nahr
• Hermel
• Al-Lubweh
• Ain Bard
• Deir Azharani
• Hous al-Ghanam
• Al-Sultaniyah
• Tul
• Haboush
• Bint Jbeil
• Qana
• Maroun al-Ras
• The lower Nabatieh

The military also said it will target the Al-Qard Al-Hasan Association, which is a Hezbollah-affiliated financial institution.

Israel has targeted it in the past and says it is "responsible for a significant portion of the funding of the Hezbollah terrorist organization and assists the organization in its terrorist activity".

Flights in the Middle East generally suspended

Has Abu Dhabi airport opened up? I can see some flights leaving on flightradar24

• jack

Thanks for your question, Jack.

There were reports that a flight from Abu Dhabi is expected to arrive in Moscow later on Monday, according to Russia's TASS news agency, citing Sheremetyevo airport.

But generally global airlines have suspended flights across the Middle East.

Etihad Airways had announced that all its flights to and from Abu Dhabi are suspended until 2pm local time March 3 (9pm AEDT).

A number of Virgin Australia flights were cancelled on Monday, and several others are cancelled for Tuesday due to Qatar's airspace being closed.

• VA1 (Sydney-Doha)
• VA2 (Doha-Sydney)
• VA7 (Melbourne-Doha)
• VA8 (Doha-Melbourne)
• VA16 (Doha-Brisbane)
• VA22 (Doha-Perth)

The airline says it is contacting affected customers directly, but it says to closely monitor flight information and updated advice.

Qatar's foreign ministry spokesperson had earlier said the country intercepted Iranian attacks on civilian infrastructure, including the international airport.

China condemns US and Israeli strikes on Iran

China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi has labelled the US and Israeli attacks on Iran “unacceptable”, calling for an immediate ceasefire and a return to negotiations to prevent a broader regional conflict.

In a phone call with** Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov**, Mr Wang said it was unacceptable to openly kill the leader of a sovereign state and promote regime change, according to China’s state-run Xinhua news agency.

“These actions violate international law and basic norms of international relations,” Mr Wang said.

China’s foreign ministry said some Chinese nationals had been injured in the attacks and others stranded, and warned against travel to the region.

On Chinese social media, reaction has been divided.

Some supported Israel and the US targeting Iran’s supreme leader, describing it as “the end of theocracy”.

Others suggested Iran had been “completely infiltrated”, while some likened the events to a video game — sudden and unreal.

Authorities do not appear to be moving quickly to censor online discussion, with a range of views still visible across major platforms.

'We should expect a lot more fire from Iran today'

ABC correspondent Bridget Rollason is in Jerusalem covering the war.

She was speaking to people at an area on the city's outskirts when the latest volley of missiles was fired from Iran.

📽️: ABC correspondent describes missile strikes on Israel

Just a bit ago sirens echoed in Jerusalem and other parts of Israel, warning of missiles coming from Iran.

ABC Middle East correspondent Matthew Doran was at a cemetery in Beit Shemesh, the site of a strike that killed nine people.

While there, everyone was told to get low to the ground, as air defence systems shot down Iranian missiles.

This is what was happening:

Loading...### US fighter jets shot down in 'friendly fire incident'

US Centcom has released a statement about the US fighter jets that went down over Kuwait.

It says it was an apparent "friendly fire incident".

"During active combat — that included attacks from Iranian aircraft, ballistic missiles, and drones — the US Air Force fighter jets were mistakenly shot down by Kuwaiti air defences," US Centcom said.

"All six aircrew ejected safely, have been safely recovered, and are in stable condition.

" Kuwait has acknowledged this incident, and we are grateful for the efforts of the Kuwaiti defence forces and their support in this ongoing operation.

"The cause of the incident is under investigation."

IAEA unable to reach Iranian nuclear authorities

The International Atomic Energy Agency says it has no indication that Israeli and US attacks on Iran have hit any nuclear facilities.

However, ** IAEA director general Rafael Grossi** says the agency has been unable to reach Iran's nuclear authorities.

"We have no indication that any of the nuclear installations … have been damaged or hit," he said in a statement to the IAEA's board.

"Efforts to contact the Iranian nuclear regulatory authorities … continue, with no response so far."

Grossi reiterated his call for all parties to "exercise maximum restraint" to avoid further escalation.

Iran's ambassador to the UN nuclear watchdog today said the country's nuclear facility at Natanz was hit in US-Israeli strikes.

"Again they attacked Iran's peaceful, safeguarded nuclear facilities yesterday," Reza Najafi told reporters at the IAEA's board meeting.

Saudi Arabia shuts oil refinery after drone strike

Saudi Arabia's biggest oil refinery was shut as a precautionary measure after two drones were intercepted at the facility, according to a Reuters source.

Aramco's Ras Tanura refinery produces 550,000 barrels per day.

But Saudi Arabia's energy minister said the limited fire caused by debris from the attack was under control.

He said there had been no injuries.

Meanwhile, the European Commission said it had not seen any immediate impact on the European Union's security of oil supply from the escalating conflict in the Middle East.

"At this stage, we do not foresee an immediate oil SOS [security of supply] impact," the Commission said in an email to EU governments, seen by Reuters.

More of your questions answered

I'm only answering questions in which people use good manners.

*Zac has asked: *

What is next? How long until there is no more missiles being fired? Will Iran give up or will the US get tired of this continuous conflict?

Zac, it's a great question. What's next? Who knows. Most analysts believe the war will escalate from where it is right now. Trump has said the war could go for a month, so that's one estimate. Right now, it's not clear what would end the war. Trump and Netanyahu say they are keen on regime change in Iran. History tells us that there are a complex series of events that need to happen for that to take place. And even if there is regime change, would that even end the war? Perhaps whatever comes next would also be unpalatable to the US and Israel.

Here's something I can make a firm prediction on. Iran, in its current state, is unlikely to "give up". If anything, the regime will attack its Gulf neighbours, US millitary assets in the region, and Israel more ferociously in the days ahead to prove it is still calling the shots in the country.

Will the US get tired of this "continuous conflict"? I also think that's unlikely. They've deployed so many assets to the region. It was a clear show of intent, that they are there for the long haul if they want to be ... whatever the long haul is.

Xavier has asked:

I'm going overseas via Dubai in a few weeks on Emirates. What does this war mean for that?

Xavier, you're speaking to someone who just took 29 hours to get from London to Jerusalem. It's usually a five-hour flight. Let's just say that this time, we had to go round "the long way".

Right now, the airspace in the UAE, where Dubai is, is closed. That means no commercial flights. It's not clear when it will open. If the war is still going at the time you're supposed to travel, that will be a problem for you. If it stops, the airspace is likely to reopen very quickly (hours after it's deemed safe by aviation authorities).

*Neil has said: *

Trump says Iran is a headache for the region and world, and bombs the Ayatollah. Russia is a deadly brain tumour for the region and world and he grovels to Putin like a whipped puppy!

I will take that as a comment.

*Simon has asked: *

Why no reporting of the girls killed at an Iranian school on Saturday?

Simon! Can I draw your attention to this:

Person parachuting after US jets fell

Reuters has verified social media footage showing a person parachuting over Kuwait after US fighter jets fell.

Kuwait's Ministry of Defense said several US warplanes crashed but that all pilots were safe.

The image shows a person parachuting in Al Jahra, Kuwait.

Israel downplays imminent ground invasion of Lebanon

Israel has downplayed the possibility of a ground invasion of Lebanon, as it boosts its military presence near the border.

"We haven't expanded our presence on the ground inside Lebanon," military spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani told an online news briefing.

Earlier, Brigadier General Effie Defrin, another Israeli military spokesperson, told reporters that all options remained on the table when asked about the prospects of a ground invasion of Lebanon after Hezbollah launched rockets at Israel.

Israel says it precisely struck a senior Hezbollah "terrorist" in Beirut, not acknowledging civilian causalities.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz earlier named Hezbollah chief Naim Kassem as a "target for elimination".

Lebanese state news agency NNA said an initial tally showed 31 people had been killed and 149 injured in the strikes.

IDF claims to have killed two senior Iranian intelligence officials

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) says it has killed two senior members of Iran's intelligence community. They are:

Seyed Yahya Hamidi, who is a deputy minister of intelligenceJalal Pour Hossein, who is head of counterintelligence at the Ministry of Intelligence

The IDF did not provide the exact time the two men were killed.

In a statement issued at 11:45am Monday local time (8:45pm AEDT), it said it had struck the Tehran headquarters of the Iranian Intelligence Ministry "a short time ago".

Pilot stranded, hears 'thump' at Dubai International Airport

Australian pilot, Mike, has been left stranded in Dubai after the International Airport was shut down following damage from an Iranian strike.

He was there for training and was due to return home on Saturday when chaos unfolded.

"I heard the thump," he said.

"There was nothing for a few minutes then all the sirens started and there was just a cavalcade of trucks and tankers and then the airport lit up."

He's now at a hotel near the airport and said he can see a large hole in the terminal.

"There was a lot of activity after it happened that's for sure, but I think the terminal may have been emptied out so luckily that's probably why there were less injuries," he said.

Like many others stranded, Mike's travel agent has been re-booking his ticket every day in hope flights resume and he said when they do, he won't hesitate to get on board.

"If they tell me tonight, 'You're going', I'm happy to get on and everyone else should feel fine that they can get on and go flying, no problem at all," he said.

"They're not going to launch airplanes out of here until they know it's safe.

"And really, from Dubai out to Australia, you’re heading out to the south so you’re actually flying away from the zone."

Your questions answered

Thank you for your amazing questions coming in. I'm going to do my best to answer them.

*Sean has asked: *

Who is Lebanon firing at?

Lebanon, the country, isn't firing at anyone, but Hezbollah — a group which is prescribed as a terrorist organisation by the Australian government — is. It controls large parts of southern Lebanon as well as areas in the country's capital, Beirut.

Hezbollah is firing over the border at northern Israel.

This situation really underlines how complicated the security and political reality in the Middle East is compared to Australia. For example, the idea that a terrorist organisation could control parts of NSW or Queensland while an elected government holds power over other areas of the state, would seem crazy. But that's how it is in Lebanon.

Hezbollah is one of Iran's proxy groups in the region. Iran funds it, and provides it with weapons. Hezbollah and Israel have fought multiple wars over the past few decades. This week another one has started.

Yasna has asked:

Have they only striked in Tehran, or other areas? My family live in norther Iran and I am sort of scared.

Hi Yasna, sorry to hear your family are affected by the war. Many parts of Iran are being struck by the US and Israeli militaries. I've made this map, which shows you where the main areas were for attacks in Iran** on Sunday evening only**. It will give you a sense of how widespread they are.

*Jude has asked: *

I was wondering if China or Russia have made any further comment on the conflict?

Let me answer this one with some context.

Russia has expressed condolences with Iran publicly. It isn't in a position to help militarily at the moment (the Kremlin has got its own war to worry about). Iran has supplied Russia with heaps of drones to fire at Ukraine over the past four years, so it would seem this relationship isn't working in both directions right now.

China has a balancing act to deal with. It relies on the Gulf states for oil, particularly Iran. The fact Iran has been attacking countries like the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait is an issue for China in terms of the bigger picture. Some analysts believe Iran's decision to attack neighbours will push them futher into the arms of the US and Israel. That could create a whole lot of complications for China down the track.

There's a few hypotheticals here, but let me boil it down for you with this question: Could China one day soon have to distance itself from Iran and look elsewhere for its oil? If it did, that would be a major headache for Beijing. Publicly, China has urged a ceasefire to be declared.

*S has asked: *

How might this conflict affect the US midterm elections? Could it be used as a pretext to suspend elections?

You've asked two questions, and I'm going to give you two answers:

• Trump came to office promising less foreign interventions, so presumably some people voted for him based on that information and they will be annoyed with him. Is it enough to change their votes? Who knows. The mid terms are eight months away. That's a long time in Donald Trump's America. There will be plenty of things that happen between now and then. Lots of things affect the way people vote (the price of groceries, foreign wars, etc). This conflict may be a big deal for some people and affect the way they vote, for others it will not be on their radars.
• I think this is a stretch. The midterms are eight months away, and while the US military in the Middle Eeast is being attacked, the actual country is not. If the country was being attacked and it was deemed too dangerous to hold elections, well, that's a different story. But that's not happening.

Attack on British Air Force base first since 1986

In the UK people are waking up to the news that a drone strike has hit Britain's Royal Air Force base of Akrotiri in Cyprus overnight, which we reported on earlier.

It's the first attack on the British military facility since a rocket attack by Libyan militants in 1986.

There was limited damage and no casualties, but the strike is being seen as an escalation in the conflict.

Akrotiri, which is south-west of the coastal city of Limassol, is one of two bases Britain has retained in the former colony since independence in 1960.

As well as the military facilities, families of serving personnel live on the base.

President of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides said a Shahed-type unmanned aerial vehicle hit Akrotiri at three minutes past midnight local time.

"All the competent services of the republic are on alert and in full operational readiness," President Christodoulides said in a speech.

"I want to be clear: Our country does not participate in any way and does not intend to be part of any military operation."

On Sunday, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he had accepted a US request to use its bases for defensive strikes against Iranian missiles in storage depots or launchers.

A 'difficult time' for Iranian Australians: PM

Albanese acknowledges that this is a "difficult time", especially for Iranian Australians with loved ones in Iran.

He continues: "But the community here in Australia is certainly supportive of human rights."

He says one of the reasons many Iranians fled to other countries is because of the regime.

Albanese earlier in the interview said Iran had demonstrated in recent days "why they remain a threat to peace and stability in the region", referencing retaliatory attacks on British and French bases in the Middle East.