US-Israel vs Iran War News Live Updates: Iran Claims Second American Refuelling Plane Shot Down In Iraq

US-Israel vs Iran War Live News Updates: The conflict between Iran and Israel entered its 14th day on Friday, with both sides intensifying their rhetoric and military actions. The war has continued to disrupt the region, affecting oil supplies, shipping routes and the security situation across several countries. Iranian media reports several explosions in Tehran.

Here is a look at the key developments so far.

US Aircraft Incident in Iraq: The US military said an American refuelling aircraft went down over western Iraq. Officials said the aircraft was not brought down by hostile or friendly fire. Rescue efforts are under way after the incident, which reportedly involved two planes. The second aircraft landed safely. The US military did not provide further details, including whether any service members were hurt or killed.

Netanyahu’s message to Iran:  Benjamin Netanyahu said top Iranian nuclear scientists have been killed in Israeli strikes. The Israeli Prime Minister confirmed that several leading scientists were among those killed during the attacks. Netanyahu also criticised Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei. He described him as a “puppet of the Revolutionary Guards” and said the leader cannot appear in public. His comments came hours after Iranian state television aired a statement said to be from Khamenei on Thursday. Khamenei has not been seen publicly since being chosen as Iran’s new supreme leader. Reports say he was injured at the start of the war. Netanyahu also addressed the Iranian public during the briefing. He said the moment for a “new path of freedom” for Iran was approaching.

Oil Threats and Strait of Hormuz: Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned it could set the region’s oil and gas infrastructure “on fire” if Iranian energy sites are attacked. The statement attributed to Khamenei also called for the closure of the Strait of Hormuz as a “tool of pressure” amid major disruption in global oil markets.

Strikes in Lebanon and Shipping Attacks: Fresh Israeli strikes hit suburbs of Beirut after Defence Minister Israel Katz instructed the military to prepare for expanded operations against Hezbollah.

At least three more cargo ships were also attacked in the Gulf, reportedly by Iran. Iranian state media said Iranian forces were behind at least one strike.

Meanwhile, the UN Refugee Agency said 3.2 million people have been displaced inside Iran since Israel and the US launched their attacks on February 28.