Iran rejects Trump’s ultimatum and launches new strikes as F-16 fighter jet crashes over Kuwait and explosions rock Dubai, Doha and Cyprus – live updates

The president of Lebanon decried Israeli attacks on the country, saying it does not want to enter the war.

President Joseph Aoun did not mention Hezbollah in his remarks, which had claimed responsibility for strikes on an Israeli missile defense in his statement.

Israeli officials have said they responded to that attack by striking Hezbollah locations in southern Lebanon.’

‘While we condemn the Israeli aggressions on Lebanese territory, we warn that persisting in using Lebanon once again as a platform for support wars in which we have no involvement will expose our homeland once more to risks for which those parties … bear responsibility,’ Aoun said in a statement.

‘This is something the state will not allow to be repeated, and the Lebanese people—who are still working to this day to heal the wounds caused by previous confrontations—will not accept it.’

The US Embassy in Kuwait has urged Americans in the country to shelter in place.

‘Do not come to the Embassy. Take cover in your residence on the lowest available floor and away from windows. Do not go outside,’ the embassy posted on X.

It also advised Americans to immediately seek cover if they hear a loud explosion or siren, go to the lowest level of a building if indoors and stay away from any windows or openings.

‘Be aware that even if the incoming missile or drone is intercepted, falling debris represents a significant risk,’ it said.

Israel launched strikes on Lebanon’s capital Beirut after the militant group Hezbollah fired missiles across the border early this morning.

Lebanon’s Health Ministry said at least 31 people were killed in the strikes, which follow the US and Israel pounding targets across Iran on Sunday as part of an intensifying military campaign which followed the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Fresh airstrikes were reported overnight across Iran, while explosions were heard in Dubai on Monday and Bahrain’s Interior Ministry urged people to ‘head to the nearest safe place’ as sirens sounded across the country.

The overnight strikes were the first time in more than a year that Hezbollah claimed a strike against Israel, saying in a statement that the strikes were carried out in retaliation for the killing of Mr Khamenei and for ‘repeated Israeli aggressions’.

Good morning and welcome to our live coverage as the US-Israel war with Iran enters its third day.

Iran has vowed it will never surrender as it rejects an ultimatum from Donald Trump to lay down its weapons.

Iranian top national security official Ali Larijani confirmed the country will not negotiate with the US.

His post on X referenced a Wall Street Journal report, citing US and Arab officials, said he had made a fresh attempt to resume nuclear talks with Washington.