BBC News Briefing

4 March, 2026

Sofia has long brown hair and brown eyes and is wearing a green top

Sofia Lotto Persio

Hello. While Israel continues striking both Iran and Lebanon, Iran has hit US targets in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. Correspondent Barbara Plett-Usher looks at the Gulf states' reaction to Iran's attacks. In Africa, BBC Monitoring has tracked the kidnapping of foreign nationals across the Sahel region. And finally, watch millions of people celebrating the Hindu festival of Holi.

TOP OF THE AGENDA

Iran hits US targets in UAE and Qatar

Smoke rises after reported Iranian missile attacks, following United States and Israel strikes on Iran, as seen from Doha, Qatar, March 1.

Most Iranian missiles are being intercepted across the region, but falling debris has started fires and killed people. Credit: Reuters

Israel has renewed its attacks on Iran, saying it is targeting security headquarters across the capital Tehran. You can follow the latest updates here. Iran has retaliated by firing hundreds of missiles and drones at Israel and nearby Arab countries, targeting US military bases, but also civilian and energy infrastructure. The US military has identified the six soldiers killed on a base in Kuwait on Sunday, while Qatar's foreign ministry spokesman told journalists on Tuesday that "all the red lines have already been crossed." Iran's strategy "risks pushing Gulf states closer to Washington, even having them join the war effort in some form", writes correspondent Barbara Plett-Usher.

Read Barbara's analysis

Watch: Footage verified by the BBC and news agencies shows multiple explosions across Iran since 28 February.

From Lebanon: Correspondent Hugo Bachega explains how the country has been dragged into the war between the US, Israel and Iran.

Spain reacts: Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has delivered a strong rebuttal to US President Donald Trump by declaring his opposition to war.

WORLD HEADLINES

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Kristi Noem grilled over Alex Pretti statement

The US homeland security secretary has defended her record in a testimony before a Senate committee.

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US and Ecuador forces in drug trafficking operation

Ecuador's President Daniel Noboa has said the US was among "regional allies" taking part in the fight against drug cartels.

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Norway crown princess's son faces more charges

He has been charged with reckless behaviour and violating a restraining order, a month after his rape trial began.

Read more >

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Pregnant women's brains shed grey matter

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Here's how >

NEWS FROM THE UK

Repatriation: The UK government has chartered a flight from Oman to help British nationals who want to leave the Middle East.

Asylum: The Home Office says it will stop student visas to nationals of four countries that are most likely to claim asylum after their studies.

Crown Estate: Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is giving up the lease on another royal property.

BEYOND THE HEADLINES

Kidnapping of foreigners soars in Sahel

Eva Greztmacher looks up in sunglasses. A blue sky and desert scrubland can be seen behind her. She is wearing a necklace with a ring as a pendant.

Eva Greztmacher is believed to be the first EU citizen to be kidnapped in Niger after a coup in 2023. Credit: Christoph Greztmacher

Growing insecurity and new jihadist tactics led to a notable increase in high-profile abductions of foreign nationals across Africa's Sahel region in 2025. Analysis by BBC Monitoring of these kidnappings shows that, in terms of numbers, Chinese workers bore the brunt of foreign abductions.