Israel’s Chief of Staff of the Defense Forces, Lieutenant General Yaal Zamir, announced that the country is entering the next phase of its military operation against Iran. He stated that the campaign aims to further weaken Iran’s ruling system and military capabilities. According to Zamir, Israel and the United States have strategically isolated Iran, leaving it in an unprecedentedly weak position.

The general said Israel has been conducting uninterrupted attacks on Iran for the past six days, progressing according to plan. He confirmed that the initial phase of surprise strikes has been completed, during which Israel established air superiority and reduced the effectiveness of Iran’s ballistic missile systems. Zamir added that the next phase will focus on further dismantling Iran’s military and governance structures, hinting at undisclosed upcoming actions.

Addressing the situation in Lebanon, Zamir remarked that Hezbollah made a strategic mistake by joining the conflict. He said Israel is now carrying out powerful strikes both along Lebanon’s frontlines and deeper inside the country.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has declared that Iran is fully prepared to repel any potential United States ground assault. His remarks came as the conflict involving Israel and the United States deepens. Speaking to NBC, Araghchi said Iran is not fearful of a US ground invasion and is waiting for such a move, expressing confidence that Iranian forces could resist effectively. He warned that any US ground attack would be disastrous for Washington.

Araghchi also stated that Iran is not seeking a ceasefire in the ongoing war. Referring to a previous 12-day conflict with Israel in June of the previous year, he claimed that Israel had been the first to request a ceasefire. He emphasized that in the current war, there are no victors, asserting that Iran’s success lies in its ability to resist its adversaries.

The comments come as reports indicate widespread damage to civilian infrastructure in Iran and continued missile exchanges between Iran and Israel, underscoring the intensifying regional conflict.

The United Nations refugee agency has reported that more than 330,000 people have been displaced across the Middle East due to ongoing warfare. According to the agency, around 100,000 people have fled from Tehran, while over 84,000 have been displaced within Lebanon. Additionally, approximately 118,000 people have relocated to Afghanistan and Pakistan. Although internal displacement within Iran is significantly higher, the number of people crossing international borders remains comparatively low.

During the same period, more than 30,000 people have entered Syria from Lebanon, according to the report cited by Al Jazeera. The situation reflects the widespread humanitarian impact of the conflict across multiple countries in the region, with Iran, Lebanon, Afghanistan, and Pakistan all affected by large-scale population movements.

The report underscores the growing regional instability and the strain on neighboring countries as they manage the influx of displaced populations.

Iran’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Alireza Enayati, has expressed appreciation to Riyadh for pledging not to allow its airspace, waters, or territory to be used by the United States or Israel for attacks on Iran. Speaking to AFP, Enayati said Iran values Saudi Arabia’s repeated assurances that its territory will not serve as a platform for aggression against Iran.

Before the outbreak of war, Saudi Arabia had supported diplomatic efforts to ease tensions between Tehran and Washington and consistently maintained that it would not permit its territory or airspace to be used for attacks on Iran. However, following the joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, diplomatic relations between Tehran and Riyadh faced new challenges. Iran retaliated by targeting U.S. bases across the Middle East, including attacks near the U.S. embassy and energy facilities in Saudi Arabia.

On March 1, Saudi Arabia summoned the Iranian ambassador to express strong condemnation of the attacks. Deputy Foreign Minister Walid Elkhareiji reaffirmed Riyadh’s commitment to protecting its sovereignty and warned that indiscriminate strikes threaten regional stability.

European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has said that the ongoing war in the Middle East is a direct result of the weakening of international law. Speaking at the University of Zurich in Switzerland, she argued that major powers have undermined the global order by taking unilateral actions. Kallas specifically pointed to Russia while also criticizing China and the United States for contributing to this erosion.

She stated that the current chaos across the Middle East reflects the consequences of the decline in respect for international law. According to Kallas, Russia’s aggression in Ukraine has encouraged other nations to act with a sense of impunity, further destabilizing international norms.

The remarks come amid reports of widespread damage in Iran and escalating regional conflict, underscoring the broader implications of weakened global governance structures.

The Lloyd’s Market Association (LMA), representing insurers in London’s maritime market, has welcomed a U.S. initiative to ensure safe passage for vessels not under sanctions through the Strait of Hormuz. The association emphasized that maintaining secure sea routes is vital for global trade and economic stability. According to Neil Roberts, head of LMA’s Marine and Aviation division, around 1,000 ships are currently positioned in the Gulf and nearby waters, about half of which are oil and gas tankers.

Roberts explained that most ships remain anchored due to normal security concerns among owners and captains, though insurance coverage for these vessels remains active. Since Sunday, about 40 ships have crossed the Strait of Hormuz. Data from maritime analytics firm Kpler, released Wednesday, indicated that vessel traffic through the strait has dropped by roughly 90 percent compared to the previous week.

The slowdown in maritime movement underscores heightened regional risks, with potential implications for global energy supply and trade stability if the situation persists.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi directly addressed U.S. President Donald Trump, declaring that his Plan A had failed and that Plan B would face an even greater failure. Posting on the social media platform X, Araghchi wrote that the attempt for a quick military victory under Plan A did not succeed and warned that any follow-up strategy would meet a worse outcome. He added that the opportunity for a unique agreement had ended with the last round of negotiations.

Araghchi further stated that the approach of prioritizing Israel, which he described as “Israel First,” always results in “America Last.” His remarks came amid heightened tensions between Iran, the United States, and Israel, as reported by Al Jazeera.

The statement underscores Iran’s firm stance against U.S. policy directions and signals that diplomatic openings for compromise have closed, according to the Iranian minister’s comments.

U.S. President Donald Trump has stated that he believes he must personally be involved in the selection of Iran’s next supreme leader following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In an interview with Axios, Trump said Iran would be “wasting time” if it attempted to appoint a successor without U.S. participation.

Trump acknowledged that Khamenei’s son, Mojtaba Khamenei, is being viewed as a possible successor but declared that he would not accept him. He described Mojtaba as weak and said he was unacceptable to him, emphasizing that the United States wants someone who can bring harmony and peace to Iran.

The president further warned that he would reject any new Iranian leader who continues the policies of the previous leadership, cautioning that such continuity could lead to renewed conflict with the United States within five years.

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has threatened to unleash Gaza-style destruction on Beirut’s southern suburbs, warning that the area could face devastation similar to that seen in Gaza. The statement came after Israel’s military ordered residents of the entire area to evacuate. Smotrich, a far-right member of Israel’s government, made the remarks during a video statement while visiting Israel’s northern border.

He referred to the extensive damage in Khan Younis, a city in southern Gaza, saying that Beirut’s Dahieh district would soon resemble it. Smotrich accused Hezbollah of making a grave mistake and vowed that the group would pay a heavy price. He also claimed that Israel was striking at Iran’s leadership while simultaneously targeting Hezbollah. The comments were reported by Al Jazeera.

The warning marks an escalation in rhetoric amid heightened regional tensions, as Israel signals readiness to expand its military operations beyond Gaza if provoked.

The United Arab Emirates Ministry of Interior has issued a nationwide emergency alert, warning residents of a possible missile attack. According to the report, the government urged people to immediately take shelter in the nearest safe buildings and to stay away from windows, doors, and open areas. The alert was issued late on March 5, 2026.

The warning came about an hour after the UAE Ministry of Defense announced that it would respond to missile and drone attacks originating from Iran. Earlier, the UAE confirmed that it had intercepted six missiles and 131 drones launched from Iran, though one missile and six drones had struck its territory.

Authorities have not provided further details on potential damages or casualties. The emergency alert indicates heightened security measures across the country as officials monitor the situation closely.

National Citizen Party (NCP) convener and opposition chief whip Nahid Islam has called for the immediate formation of a constitutional reform council, warning that key state institutions are being systematically politicized. He made the remarks on Thursday evening at an iftar event in a Gulshan hotel, organized in honor of foreign diplomats to mark the NCP’s founding anniversary.

Nahid Islam alleged that the reform process promised under the July Charter has been disrupted, accusing the government of politicizing major state bodies such as Bangladesh Bank and the Anti-Corruption Commission. He emphasized that the establishment of the reform council is clearly stated in the July Charter and urged the international community to take note of the situation. According to him, depoliticizing state institutions is essential to ensure they serve public welfare.

His statement reflects growing opposition concern over institutional neutrality and the pace of promised political reforms under the July Charter framework.

Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis central Naib-e-Ameer Maulana Rezaul Karim Jalali has called on the government to immediately implement the recently concluded referendum verdict and the July Charter. He made the remarks on Thursday, March 5, during a discussion, prayer, and iftar gathering organized by the party’s Sylhet district branch at Talotola in Sylhet city.

During the event, Jalali emphasized that the people of the country are eagerly waiting to see the implementation of the referendum verdict and the July Charter, warning that the public will not tolerate any delay. He also highlighted the spiritual significance of the holy month of Ramadan, describing it as the month of the Quran’s revelation and urging everyone to stay connected with the Quran for success in this world and the hereafter.

The meeting was presided over by Sylhet district president Maulana Muhammad Iqbal Hossain and attended by several senior leaders of Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis and allied parties, including former MP Maulana Advocate Shahinur Pasha Chowdhury and other local political and religious figures.

Police in Gazipur recovered the body of Kamruzzaman Molla, 65, vice president of the Citizens for Good Governance (Sujon) Gazipur district branch, who was found dead with his hands and feet tied and a rope around his neck. The body was discovered beside a road in the Dhirashram area under Gazipur Metropolitan’s Sadar Police Station. The incident was confirmed by Officer-in-Charge Aminul Islam on Thursday.

According to police and family members, Molla went missing on Wednesday after visiting the Gazipur court for a case-related matter. When he did not return home, relatives began searching for him. Later that night, locals found a body by the roadside, which was identified as Molla’s. His brother said he had no known disputes but suggested possible business-related enmity. Sujon’s general secretary described Molla as a responsible and active leader, while police suspect he was strangled before his body was dumped.

The body was sent to Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmad Medical College Hospital for autopsy. Molla’s son filed a case, and police said the investigation is ongoing to uncover the motive and perpetrators.

The Israeli military has claimed responsibility for killing a Hamas commander named Wasim Attallah Ali in an attack in the northern Lebanese city of Tripoli. According to a statement posted on Telegram, Israeli naval forces carried out the operation that resulted in Attallah’s death. The military described him as a trainer of Hamas fighters.

The report stated that Hamas has not yet issued any immediate response to Israel’s claim. The incident adds to ongoing tensions between Israel and Hamas, with recent developments in the region drawing international attention. The killing took place amid heightened regional instability and continued hostilities involving multiple fronts.

Further details about the operation, including the exact timing and circumstances of the attack, were not provided in the available statement.

Hasanat Abdullah, the chief organizer (southern region) of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and a member of parliament, has issued an apology after a video of him making objectionable comments about a senior BNP leader spread on social media. In a post on his verified Facebook account on Thursday night, he acknowledged the incident and expressed regret, noting that a child’s voice was also heard in the video, making the matter more sensitive.

Abdullah explained that the video had been recorded during the election period and was originally intended for a closed group, but it was later circulated widely online. He offered an unconditional apology, stating that such behavior was inappropriate and pledging to prevent similar incidents in the future. He emphasized the importance of maintaining decency and harmony in political discourse.

The NCP leader further stated that in post-fascist politics, personal attacks and the spread of hatred or hostility should not be tolerated, reaffirming his commitment to healthy, tolerant, and responsible political practices.