Iranian security chief Ali Larijani refuses to talk with US, blames Trump for chaos
Iranian Security Chief Ali Larijani attends a ceremony by the Lebanese Shi’ite movement Hezbollah to mark the first anniversary of Israel’s assassination of longtime leader Hassan Nasrallah in the southern suburbs of Beirut on September 27, 2025.
Anwar Amro | AFP | Getty Images
Iranian Security Chief Ali Larijani said Iran has no plans to negotiate with the United States.
“We will not negotiate with the US,” a former adviser to the late supreme leader said in a post on X, denying reports that the US was seeking to restart negotiations.
“Trump has thrown the region into turmoil with ‘false hope’ and now fears further casualties of US troops,” he said in an earlier post.
— Li Yingshan
Kuwait reports drone interception as Iran continues retaliatory strikes
On February 11, 2026, an Iranian-made unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) “Shahed 136” was displayed at a rally commemorating the 47th anniversary of the victory of the Islamic Revolution in Azadi (Freedom) Square in western Tehran, Iran.
Null Photo | Null Photo | Getty Images
Kuwait’s civil defense chief announced on Monday that the country’s air defense force had successfully intercepted the majority of hostile Iranian drones approaching the border through sea routes.
Kuwaiti officials also confirmed that no injuries were reported from the interception operation, according to state media reports.
According to the Gulf Cooperation Council, Iran launched a wave of drones and missiles at several Arab countries over the weekend, including Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Qatar.
Since then, countries such as Bahrain and the UAE have reported successfully intercepting hundreds of Iranian drones.
Officials in Bahria province said the attack involved an Iranian Shahed-136 drone. The drone is an inexpensive, domestically produced drone that functions like a guided missile to reach a predetermined target.
— Dylan Butts
US and Gulf states vow “self-defense” and issue joint warning to Iran
A group of Middle Eastern countries and the United States issued a joint statement Sunday night condemning Iran’s missile and drone attacks and affirming its right to self-defense.
“The Islamic Republic’s actions represent a dangerous escalation that violates the sovereignty of multiple states and threatens regional stability. Targeting civilians and countries not taking part in hostilities is reckless and destabilizing behavior,” the statement said.
“We stand united in the defense of our people, sovereignty, and territory and reaffirm our right to self-defense in the face of these attacks. We remain committed to regional security and commend the effective air and missile defense cooperation that prevented far greater loss of life and destruction.”
— Anique Bao
Marco Rubio to brief Congressional leaders as Iran conflict escalates
Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to provide an update to top leaders in the House and Senate at 4pm ET on Monday.
This comes against a backdrop of coordinated attacks on Iran by the United States and Israel, and Iranian retaliation targeting American military bases in the region, including the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.
— Li Yingshan
Israeli military retaliates against Lebanon-based militant group Hezbollah
The Israel Defense Forces said it was retaliating against the Lebanon-based militant group Hezbollah for targeting Israeli civilians.
“In response to projectile fire in northern Israel, the Israel Defense Forces are attacking Hezbollah targets throughout Lebanon,” the Israel Defense Forces said in a statement published in X.
“Hezbollah is acting on behalf of the Iranian regime, firing on Israeli civilians and wreaking havoc on Lebanon. IDF units are preparing for such scenarios as part of Operation Roaring Lion and are prepared for all-front scenarios,” the statement said.
In 2024, the Israel Defense Forces killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, who led the Iran-backed extremist group for more than 30 years.
— Vinay Dwivedi
Britain allows US to use base for Iranian missile attack after ‘scorched earth’ policy
British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer speaks in response to the incident at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue in Crumpsall, Manchester, 10 Downing Street, London, UK, October 2, 2025.
James Manning via Reuter
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said in a speech posted on X on Sunday that Britain had allowed the US to use military bases in the Middle East to destroy Iranian missiles and missile launchers.
Starmer framed his decision as one of self-defense.
The Prime Minister said the move follows Iranian attacks across the region that have harmed Britain’s interests, people and allies, even though the UK was not involved in the initial attack on Iran by the US and Israel.
“We all remember the mistakes of Iraq and we have all learned the lessons,” Starmer said. “We were not involved in the initial attack on Iran, and we will not participate in any future offensive actions,” he said.
“But Iran is pursuing a scorched-earth strategy,” he added. “That is why we are supporting the collective self-defense of our allies and peoples in the region, because that is our duty to the British people. It is the best way to eliminate the immediate threat and prevent the situation from worsening further.”
Against this background, he said the UK’s decision to allow the US to use the base was consistent with international law.
—Greg Iakursi
