Iran fired two ballistic missiles at the US-UK military base Diego Garcia in the Chagos Islands.
The Ministry of Defence confirmed the attempted strike and condemned Tehran’s “reckless attacks”.
Iran launched two intermediate-range ballistic missiles toward the base but that they did not hit it, in what has been described by Iranian media as a “significant step”.
Donald Trump has said he is considering “winding down” the war with Iran, as he told countries that use the Strait of Hormuz shipping lane that they must “guard and police” it themselves.
The US president wrote on Truth Social on Friday evening: “We are getting very close to meeting our objectives as we consider winding down our great military efforts in the Middle East with respect to the Terrorist Regime of Iran”.
However, reports have emerged that the Pentagon have drawn up plans for putting boots on the ground, which would involve US troops seizing Kharg Island in the Persian Gulf.
Speaking to reporters outside the White House earlier on Friday, Mr Trump rejected calls for a ceasefire and proclaimed victory over Iran.
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Starmer speaks to Crown Prince of Bahrain
Sir Keir Starmer has spoken to the Crown Prince of Bahrain, Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, to discuss the war in the Middle East, Downing Street said.
A spokesperson said: “The Prime Minister spoke to His Royal Highness, Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, this morning.
“The leaders began by discussing the situation on the ground, and the Prime Minister outlined the UK’s latest support for Bahrain, including deploying a team of experts to help counter drone attacks.
“Both condemned Iran’s ongoing attacks on critical national infrastructure and the Strait of Hormuz. The Prime Minister updated on the US use of UK bases in the collective self-defence of the region, including to degrade the missile sites and capabilities being used to attack shipping.
“Discussing diplomatic efforts in the region, the Prime Minister welcomed Bahrain joining the growing list of signatories to the UK-led joint statement condemning Iran’s attacks and calling for de-escalation. The Prime Minister also thanked His Highness for Bahrain’s continued leadership in the United Nations to drive forward an end to the conflict.
“The leaders looked forward to speaking again soon.”
Holly Evans21 March 2026 12:19
Bahrain says Patriot missile system involved in March 9 blast over residential area
A Patriot air defence system was involved in the interception of an Iranian drone over a residential area of Bahrain on March, Bahrain's government said on Saturday, describing an incident that led to civilian injuries.
The interception prevented a drone strike and saved lives, the spokesperson said. The US military had previously said an Iranian drone had struck a residential neighbourhood on 9 March, injuring civilians.
Holly Evans21 March 2026 12:04
US deploys three more assault ships and 2,500 marines to region
The United States is deploying three more amphibious assault ships and roughly 2,500 additional marines to the Middle East, an official told The Associated Press.
Two other US officials confirmed that ships were deploying, without saying where they were heading.
Days earlier the US redirected another group of amphibious assault ships carrying another 2,500 marines from the Pacific to the Middle East.
The marines will join more than 50,000 US troops already in the region.
Mr Trump has said he has no plans to send ground forces into Iran but has also asserted that he retains all options.
Holly Evans21 March 2026 11:44
India's Modi speaks to Iranian president
India's prime minister Narendra Modi said in a post on X on Saturday that he had spoken with Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian.
Modi condemned attacks on critical infrastructure in the Middle East region, while also reiterating the importance of ensuring that shipping lanes remain open and secure.
"Appreciated Iran's continued support for the safety and security of Indian nationals in Iran," Modi added.
Holly Evans21 March 2026 11:25
More than 1,000 killed in Lebanon in Israeli strikes
More than 1,000 people have been killed in Lebanon and over 1 million displaced in the Israeli attacks.
Israel said Saturday's attacks on Iran included Tehran, Karaj, west of the capital, and the central city of Isfahan. Three members of a family were killed in a strike on a residential building in the city of Ramsar, Iranian media quoted a local governor as saying.
Before its strikes on Lebanon, the Israeli military said it had issued evacuation warnings for seven neighbourhoods in the southern suburbs of Beirut. Four Hezbollah militants were killed in southern Lebanon, one in a "ground engagement" and three using tank fire, it said.
Holly Evans21 March 2026 11:12
Teachers, athletes and students arrested in new Iran crackdown during US-Israel war
While the fate of many detainees arrested during the nationwide protests in January – which many consider to have been a “national uprising” – remains unclear, reports received by Independent Persian indicate that a new wave of arrests has begun across various cities in Iran. Informed sources say that since the start of US and Israeli attacks on the Islamic Republic on 28 February, the scale of arrests has expanded, with thousands detained on security-related charges.
Ahmadreza Radan, the Islamic Republic’s police chief, announced last Sunday that 500 people had been arrested on charges of “sending information to the enemy and anti-Iranian media”. He described the detainees as “spies” and claimed that half of the cases were “serious”. Without presenting any concrete evidence, Radan added that those arrested had “provided intelligence on targeting sites, maintained contact with subversive groups, and attempted to disrupt public order”.
The Ministry of Intelligence also announced on Monday the arrest and prosecution of 39 more individuals on the pretext of “recording images of the aftermath of airstrikes and sending them to Persian-language media outlets abroad”.
Read the full article here:
Teachers, athletes and students arrested in new Iran crackdown during US-Israel war
Amirhossein Miresmaeili reports on an increase in security-related arrests in Iran during its conflict with the US and IsraelHolly Evans21 March 2026 10:59
Iran informs IAEA of attack on Natanz nuclear site, watchdog says
Iran has informed the International Atomic Energy Agency that the Natanz nuclear enrichment site was attacked on Saturday, the agency said in a post on X.
No increase in off-site radiation levels was reported, the United Nations nuclear watchdog said, adding that it is looking into the report.
Holly Evans21 March 2026 10:46
Ministry of Defence condemns Iran's attempted attack on Diego Garcia
The UK has condemned Iran’s “reckless attacks” after it targeted the Diego Garcia military base in the Chagos Islands.
A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said:“Iran’s reckless attacks, lashing out across the region and holding hostage the Strait of Hormuz, are a threat to British interests and British allies.
“RAF jets and other UK military assets are continuing to defend our people and personnel in the region.
“This government has given permission to the US to use British bases for specific and limited defensive operations.”
Holly Evans21 March 2026 10:28
Iranian man and Romanian woman charged with submarine base incident
An Iranian man and a Romanian woman have been charged after two people tried to enter the naval base which is the home of the UK’s nuclear deterrent.
A 34-year-old man and a 31-year-old woman were charged following the incident at HM Naval Base Clyde, which is known as Faslane.
A statement from Police Scotland said: “Around 5pm on Thursday, March 19, 2026 we were made aware of two people attempting to enter HM Naval Base Clyde.
“A 34-year-old Iranian man and a 31-year-old Romanian woman have been arrested and charged in connection with the incident.
“They are due to appear at Dumbarton Sheriff Court on Monday, March 23.
“Inquiries are ongoing.”
Faslane is home to the core of the UK’s submarine fleet and the Trident nuclear deterrent.
The Royal Navy has previously said that two people unsuccessfully tried to enter the base.
Holly Evans21 March 2026 10:15
