Seen in the News

[Stanley]

HERE'S the latest update from Iran.
The US military confirms a refuelling aircraft went down over western Iraq, while saying neither hostile or friendly fire were to blame. A statement says "rescue efforts are ongoing" after an incident involving two planes, the second of which landed safely. Earlier, Israel said it had launched a new wave of strikes against the Iranian capital Tehran - it has also targeted Hezbollah in Lebanon today. Elsewhere, a statement attributed to Iran's new supreme leader was read out on state-controlled TV - it is his first since assuming power and included a commitment to continue blocking the Strait of Hormuz. Mojtaba Khamenei has not been seen in public since succeeding his father. There is speculation he has been injured or even killed, says BBC Persian. At least three more cargo ships have been attacked in the Gulf, apparently by Iran. Iranian state media say Iranian forces were behind at least one strike. The UN Refugee Agency says 3.2 million people have been displaced inside Iran since Israel and the US launched their attacks on 28 February

[Stanley]

HERE'S the latest on Iran......
President Donald Trump says the US has "totally obliterated" every military target on Iran's Kharg Island, but spared the oil infrastructure. The island accounts for 90% of Iran's oil exports and is an economic lifeline for Tehran, the BBC's Mikey Kay explains. Earlier, two officials told the BBC's partner CBS news that the US is expected to send a marine unit and more warships to the Middle East. Plans have not been confirmed but the unit, which can carry out amphibious raids, is typically made up of up to 5,000 Marines and sailors across several warships. The BBC has approached the US military and the Pentagon for comment - while our diplomatic correspondent says the reports suggest Washington is considering an expanded range of options in its war on Iran. Meanwhile, Iranian outlets publish footage of officials attending pro-establishment rallies in Tehran to mark Quds Day, an annual pro-Palestinian event. Iran and Hezbollah carried out a joint attack on Israel, and Israel has also carried out waves of strikes on Lebanon and Iranian targets. Earlier, the Israeli military dropped leaflets over Beirut, urging residents to rise up against the Iranian-backed armed group - one man tells our reporter he thought it was an air strike