Saudi defense ministry intercepts six drones in Eastern Region

French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday confirmed that Chief Warrant Officer Arnaud Frion was killed and several soldiers wounded in an attack in Iraq’s Erbil region, calling the strike “unacceptable.”

“To his family, to his brothers in arms, I want to express all the affection and solidarity of the Nation,” Macron posted on X. “Several of our soldiers have been wounded. France stands by their side and with their loved ones."

“Their presence in Iraq is part of the strict framework of the fight against terrorism. The war in Iran cannot justify such attacks,” Macron said.

White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller told Fox News on Thursday that Operation Epic Fury has been “an unprecedented military success” against Iran’s regime, highlighting the operation’s achievements and its impact on Tehran’s military capabilities.

A spokesperson for Iran’s Khatam al‑Anbiya Central Headquarters warned on Thursday that any attack on Iran’s energy infrastructure and ports would ignite fires across regional oil and gas facilities that benefit the US and its allies.

IDF International Spokesperson Nadav Shoshani said on Thursday that the IDF dismantled over 250 UAVs and neutralized hundreds of launchers as it expanded strikes on Iran’s UAV network, including one targeting operatives preparing to launch drones toward Israel.

A New York Times visual investigation published on Thursday found 16 attacks on merchant vessels in the Strait of Hormuz and nearby waters since Feb. 28, killing eight seafarers and leaving one missing.

The attacks targeted 10 tankers, three container ships, three bulk carriers, and one tug boat.