U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM): The U.S. destroyed 11 Iranian ships in the Gulf of Oman
An Iranian drone struck a hotel in Bahrain, injuring two employees of the U.S. Department of Defense.
The U.S. military reported that two Department of Defense employees were injured when an Iranian drone hit a hotel in Bahrain.
It is not clarified whether they were civilians or members of the armed forces, and no additional details are being provided.
The U.S. Embassy in Bahrain on Sunday advised American citizens to avoid hotels in Manama, expressing concern that they could be targeted.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Army Chief Gen. Dan Kane to Hold Press Conference on U.S. Military Operation Against Iran
According to a Ministry of War update on social media, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and U.S. Army Chief of Staff General Dan Kane are scheduled to give a press briefing at 8 a.m. (3 p.m. Greece time) regarding the U.S. military operation against Iran.
Drones Likely Launched from Lebanon Reach Cyprus
The drones that arrived at the British base in Cyprus were likely launched from Lebanon, according to protothema.gr correspondents in Israel.
Video Conference Between Mitsotakis and Embassy Heads Concludes
The video conference of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis with the heads of Greece’s embassies and consulates in Cyprus, Iran, and the Middle East has concluded.
The Prime Minister was briefed on the extremely difficult situation on the ground and emphasized that the government’s top priority is the safety and support of Greek citizens in the region.
During the meeting, plans for repatriation were discussed, to be implemented once air traffic is restored and conditions on the ground permit.
Qatar halts LNG production
QatarEnergy, Qatar’s state-owned energy company, has suspended liquefied natural gas (LNG) production following military strikes on its facilities in Ras Laffan and Mesaieed, the company said in a statement.
Qatar, alongside the United States and Australia, is one of the world’s leading LNG exporters.
14:28 – Middle East stability is critical; only a diplomatic solution can endure, says von der Leyen
In a statement, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen outlined a three-point position on the unfolding situation in the Middle East, stressing that only a diplomatic solution can provide lasting stability.
According to von der Leyen, there is renewed hope for the people of Iran, and the European Union supports their right to determine their own future. At the same time, every effort must be made to de-escalate the conflict and prevent its spread, and Iran must cease attacks against its neighbors and sovereign states.
She emphasized that regional stability is crucial and that a durable solution must involve halting Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs and ending destabilizing actions in the region. She also referred to a meeting of European Commissioners participating in the Commission’s Security Council, scheduled for 14:00 Greek time.
In her full statement, von der Leyen said:
“The situation in the Middle East remains unstable. But three things are clear. First, there is renewed hope for the people of Iran who have long suffered. We strongly support their right to determine their own future. Second, we must do everything possible to de-escalate tensions and prevent the conflict from spreading. Iran must stop its reckless and indiscriminate attacks against its neighbors and sovereign states. Third, regional stability is of paramount importance. The only lasting solution is a diplomatic one. This means a credible transition for Iran, including the cessation of both its nuclear and ballistic programs, as well as an end to destabilizing actions in the region. This afternoon we will discuss the overall situation at the Security Council meeting of the Commission. From energy and nuclear issues to migration and security, Europe must be prepared for the consequences of recent developments.”
14:27 – Three Paphos communities placed under stay-at-home order
Local authorities, following instructions from Civil Defence, have ordered residents of three Paphos communities — Timi, Acheleia and Mandria — to remain at home, according to philenews.
Timi Deputy Mayor Giorgos Polykarpou said clear instructions were issued for residents of Timi and neighboring communities to stay indoors and avoid movement outside their homes.
He added that the timing was difficult as classes had just ended at the Timi Regional Primary School, which serves several communities, requiring local authorities to act swiftly to help students and parents return home safely.
14:25 – IDF says Hezbollah intelligence chief killed
The Israel Defense Forces said they killed Hussein Makled, identified as head of Hezbollah’s intelligence headquarters, during a raid in Beirut last night.
14:19 – Israeli military issues evacuation order for parts of Beirut
The Israeli military has issued a large-scale evacuation order for parts of southern Beirut as it continues to strike Hezbollah targets inside Lebanon.
In a post on X, IDF spokesperson Avichay Adraee said those within the evacuation zone are near “facilities and interests associated with Hezbollah.”
“For your safety and the safety of your family members, you must immediately evacuate this building and the adjacent ones and stay at least 300 meters away,” he added.
No EU country opposes reinforcing the Aspides naval mission in the Gulf
No EU member state has opposed strengthening the EU’s Aspides naval mission in the Persian Gulf amid the risk of Iranian attacks, but the bloc has yet to take a final decision, the Financial Times reported, citing four sources briefed on the negotiations.
According to the sources, the EU is discussing extending the Aspides mission to the Strait of Hormuz due to the risk of potential Iranian strikes.
“The proposal for an extension, which was presented at several meetings of EU ministers and military officials over the past 24 hours, has not been rejected by any member state but has not yet been approved,” the sources said.
Reuters had earlier reported that EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas announced the reinforcement of the Aspides mission in the Persian Gulf, the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean. Agence France-Presse, citing a source, said two French warships are expected to join the mission shortly.
14:13 – Cyprus thanks Greece for its assistance
Cyprus government spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis thanked Greece in a post on Twitter for dispatching the two frigates and the pair of F-16s.
“We thank the Greek government for its response following today’s telephone conversation between President Christodoulides and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis,” he wrote.
As part of heightened precautionary measures due to developments in the wider region, it was agreed that Greece would send two Hellenic Navy frigates to the Republic of Cyprus — the frigate Kimon and another frigate equipped with the “Centaur” anti-drone system.
A pair of Hellenic Air Force F-16 fighter jets is also being deployed to Cyprus in the framework of enhanced preventive measures and cooperation between the two countries.
14:11 – Limited access to information from Iran: heightened nighttime security, rising prices and internet blackout
Access to Iran remains restricted even during relatively calm periods, as international news organizations often do not receive entry permits, limiting on-the-ground coverage and verification.
Two sources who spoke remotely to the BBC reported a heavy security presence overnight on the streets of Tehran and nearby Karaj. Since the escalation began, prices of essential goods have reportedly risen, while streets remain largely deserted.
There is also growing public frustration over the ongoing internet shutdown. According to internet monitoring group NetBlocks, the disruption has lasted more than 48 hours.
Despite light traffic overall, increased activity has been observed at bakeries and gas stations, as residents rush to stock up on supplies and fuel.
At the same time, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it had received reports that a hospital in Tehran suffered “minor collateral damage” following a Sunday strike on nearby military infrastructure. The hospital, it said, was not the intended target.
Greece sends two frigates and F-16s to Cyprus after second strike on Akrotiri, joint defence doctrine activated
Greece is dispatching two frigates and a pair of F-16 fighter jets to Cyprus following a second drone strike near the British base at Akrotiri, Defence Minister Nikos Dendias announced. He will travel to Cyprus tomorrow for coordination after speaking with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. The decision activates the unified Greece–Cyprus defence doctrine.
Earlier, two drones heading toward the British base were intercepted, while sirens sounded again around noon. The British bases and Paphos airport were evacuated as a precaution, and heightened security measures were implemented in the area.
One of the frigates being deployed is the “Kimon,” while the second will carry the anti-drone “Centaur” system. Cypriot authorities have also taken civil protection measures, identifying shelters and temporary accommodation sites for residents if needed.
Alert lifted at Paphos Airport
Cypriot media report that staff at Paphos Airport, which had been evacuated earlier, are returning to their posts.
02/03/2026 13:56
Tel Aviv denies strike on Netanyahu’s office
Israeli officials are denying reports of a strike on Netanyahu’s office, according to updates on the Protothema.gr live blog by Aleiferis and Charamidis.
02/03/2026 13:54
Around 20 injured in Qatar since Saturday
Approximately 20 people have been injured in Iranian attacks on Qatar since Iran began striking countries in the region amid the U.S.-Israeli bombing campaign, a spokesperson for Qatar’s Foreign Ministry told CNN, adding that such attacks will not go unanswered.
The injuries are “mostly minor,” and Qatar “managed to thwart most of these attacks,” which caused “minimal damage,” Majed Al Ansari told the network.
“Naim Qassem will end up like Khamenei…”
Israel’s Defense Minister, Israel Katz, following strikes on Hezbollah positions in Lebanon, stated that “Naim Qassem will end up like Khamenei…”.
Revolutionary Guards General Majid Ebnelreza was appointed on Monday by Iranian President Pezeshkian as Iran’s Deputy Defense Minister, after his predecessor was killed in U.S. and Israeli strikes.
02/03/2026 13:43
One dead in tanker attack off Oman
One person was killed in an attack on an oil tanker off Muscat, which also caused an explosion and fire, according to Omani authorities, as Iran continues its retaliatory campaign in the Gulf.
“The oil tanker MKD VYOM, flying the flag of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, was attacked by an unmanned vessel 52 nautical miles off the coast of Muscat province. The tanker was carrying approximately 59,463 metric tons of cargo,” Oman’s Maritime Security Center said in a statement.
“The attack caused a fire and explosion in the main engine room, resulting in the death of one crew member, an Indian national,” the statement added.
02/03/2026 13:29
Lebanon bans Hezbollah’s military activity
Lebanon’s Prime Minister: Hezbollah’s military activities are prohibited. We are determined to declare a ceasefire and resume negotiations.
02/03/2026 13:26
Moment of the attack in Beersheba with two injured
02/03/2026 13:25
Two Greek frigates sent to Cyprus
Greece is dispatching two frigates to Cyprus. One of them is the Belharra-class frigate Kimonas.
02/03/2026 13:19
Two drones intercepted at Akrotiri
Two drones targeting the British base at Akrotiri, Cyprus, were intercepted in time, according to the Cypriot government spokesperson.
02/03/2026 13:15
Images from the evacuation at Paphos airport
02/03/2026 13:13
Three U.S. aircraft shot down in Kuwait
The U.S. Central Command announced that three F-15 fighter jets were accidentally shot down by Kuwait’s air defense early this morning.
“All six crew members ejected safely, have been recovered, and are in stable condition,” the U.S. said, adding: “Kuwait has acknowledged the incident, and we appreciate the efforts and support of the Kuwaiti armed forces during this ongoing operation.”
02/03/2026 13:10
Explosions currently in Tehran
02/03/2026 13:06
Joint statement by the U.S. and six Gulf allies
Iran’s actions in the region constitute a “dangerous escalation” threatening stability in the Middle East, according to a joint statement by the U.S. and six Gulf allies.
“Targeting civilians and non-combatant states is reckless behavior undermining stability,” the statement said, issued by the Kuwaiti Foreign Ministry.
The statement, originally in Arabic, was jointly issued by Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Jordan, the UAE, and the U.S. These countries affirmed their “right to self-defense” amid ongoing Iranian attacks.
According to the statement, attacks have occurred in Bahrain, Iraq (including the Kurdistan region), Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.
02/03/2026 13:05
Cyprus expresses displeasure at Starmer: “No clear clarification on bases in Cyprus”
The Cypriot government expressed strong dissatisfaction with the U.K. over the lack of clear and timely assurances that British bases in Cyprus would be used solely for humanitarian purposes. Government spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis stated after the National Council meeting that “in this context, we do not rule out any option.”
He added that although there was a clarifying statement today from the U.K. Foreign Secretary, prior communications to Nicosia at multiple levels were clear that the bases’ role would be strictly humanitarian.
“This has been and remains our official and longstanding position: Cyprus functions as a humanitarian hub, and that is the role we seek to highlight,” he said.
Letymbiotis confirmed that all necessary diplomatic steps will be taken to express Nicosia’s concerns about how the message was communicated and about the lack of timely notification for Cypriot citizens near the Akrotiri bases.
Asked about former Attorney General Kostas Clerides’ assertion that Cyprus has the legal right to renegotiate the status and operating terms of the bases, Letymbiotis responded: “In this context, we do not rule out any option.”
02/03/2026 13:03
See photos and videos from the Akrotiri base
02/03/2026 12:58
All British bases in Cyprus being evacuated
Cypriot media report that orders have been issued to evacuate all British bases in Cyprus, specifically Akrotiri and Dhekelia.
The RAF base at Akrotiri is a strategically important U.K. installation in the Eastern Mediterranean and has been repeatedly used in operations across the region.
02/03/2026 12:49 – Marinakis: “This is a large-scale warlike situation”
Government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis addressed the developments in Iran and their impact on, among other things, air travel during his opening remarks at a briefing for political reporters:
The Greek government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is closely monitoring developments in Iran and the broader Middle East. All Greek embassies in the region remain open, on high alert, and in continuous communication with Greek citizens.
Emergency contact numbers, embassy and consulate details, registration platforms for repatriation, and other relevant announcements are regularly updated on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website as well as the official websites of Greece’s diplomatic missions in Iran and the Middle East.
The Ministry has activated ten (10) emergency hotlines for consular assistance to Greek citizens regarding the situation in the Middle East, three (3) of which are exclusively for Greeks in the United Arab Emirates. The Ministry’s Crisis Management Unit has also been mobilized to provide consular support.
It should be made clear that no flights can operate while the airspace in the region remains closed. Once air traffic is restored, diplomatic authorities are ready to provide all necessary assistance to Greeks wishing to return home.
As of now, the airspace remains largely closed. In countries where Greek citizens are present and flight restrictions are less severe, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is planning repatriation flights, potentially within the day.
Citizens are urged to follow announcements on the Ministry’s website, its foreign missions, and social media channels.
Yesterday, Foreign Minister Gerapetritis received a detailed briefing from heads of Greek embassies and consulates in Iran and the wider region regarding on-the-ground conditions and issued instructions for managing this complex crisis. The Prime Minister is holding the same meeting at this time.
It must be understood that this is a large-scale warlike situation, due to the involvement of multiple states and the fact that two affected countries (Qatar and the UAE) are major travel hubs, leaving Greek travelers stranded in several other nations. This challenge affects all countries with citizens in the region. Greece is ensuring the safety of its citizens and remains fully prepared to prioritize their return as soon as flight restrictions are lifted.
02/03/2026 12:47 – Media outlets supporting the Iranian Revolutionary Guards claim that ballistic missiles were launched targeting the British RAF base in Cyprus.
02/03/2026 12:43 – U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the United States did not attack Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei or the leadership of the Islamic Republic, according to U.S. House Representative Mike Turner.
02/03/2026 12:37 – EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Iran: “From energy to nuclear, transport to migration and security, we must be prepared for the consequences of recent events.”
Updated: UK Foreign Secretary: Iran targeted the runway of the military base at Akrotiri, Cyprus.
- At least 555 people have died in Iran, while Lebanon’s Ministry of Health reported 31 fatalities from Israeli bombings, including senior Hezbollah officials.
- Developments in the Middle East have triggered a stock market decline, with Athens’ General Index opening down 4% (Read more HERE).
02/03/2026 11:13
Israeli Embassy in Athens: Range of Iranian missiles extends to Europe
The Israeli Embassy in Athens stated: “The threat from the Iranian regime is not directed only at Israel and the countries of the region. The range of Iranian ballistic missiles extends all the way to Europe.”
Updated: The Kuwaiti Ministry of Defense reported early Monday morning that several U.S. fighter jets had crashed, emphasizing that all crew members survived. According to a ministry spokesperson, rescue operations were immediately launched, with crews removed from the crash sites and transported to hospitals for assessment and first aid, while coordination with U.S. authorities regarding the incident is ongoing.
Amid these rising tensions in the Middle East—following Iranian attacks on Saudi oil facilities and Israeli operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon—Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is holding a videoconference with the heads of Greek embassies and consulates in Iran and the wider Middle East to assess the evolving situation and ensure the safety of Greek citizens in the region.
Israel has launched a broad offensive against Hezbollah, expanding the Middle East conflict after the group fired missiles and drones into Israeli territory overnight, with Beirut and other parts of Lebanon coming under heavy bombardment that killed at least 31 people and injured more than 140, according to Lebanon’s Health Ministry. The head of the Israel Defense Forces, Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, said Israel had shifted from defense to an “offensive campaign” and warned of “many days of fighting.”
The escalation follows joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran and the reported death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, a development that has intensified regional instability. Explosions were reported Monday morning in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Tehran and other cities, while Kuwait said it intercepted hostile drones and unconfirmed reports indicated a US F-15 may have crashed there. In Bahrain, debris from an intercepted missile struck a ship, killing one person and injuring two.
Cyprus was placed on alert after a drone strike caused limited damage at the RAF base in Akrotiri, prompting emergency meetings by President Nikos Christodoulides, who stressed that Cyprus is not participating in military operations.
Meanwhile, oil and diesel prices surged amid fears over the Strait of Hormuz, Gulf states and the United States reaffirmed their right to self-defense against Iranian attacks, airspace closures disrupted regional aviation, and evacuation plans were prepared for foreign nationals as the crisis entered a dangerous new phase.
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