Highlights: Iran strikes Israeli cities, US bases as war enters day 27; Washington says it 'will hit harder'
THE TIMES OF INDIA | Mar 26, 2026, 16:46:40 IST
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Highlights: Iran strikes Israeli cities, US bases as war enters day 27; Washington says it 'will hit harder'

Tensions in the Middle East continue to escalate sharply as diplomatic signals from Tehran and Washington remain deeply contradictory. Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi has firmly rejected claims of ongoing negotiations with the United States, insisting that Tehran’s current policy is rooted in “resistance” rather than dialogue.
Speaking on state television, he dismissed any talk of negotiations as premature and even as an “admission of defeat,” underscoring Iran’s hardened stance amid nearly a month of active conflict.

Trump administration had proposed a 15-point ceasefire plan to Iran, according to a person familiar with the proposal, even as the US military prepares to deploy at least 1,000 additional troops to a region where around 50,000 are already stationed.

The proposal was conveyed to Tehran through intermediaries from Pakistan, which has also offered to host renewed talks between Washington and Tehran. The New York Times earlier reported that the plan had already been delivered to Iranian officials.

At the same time, the Pentagon is deploying two Marine Expeditionary Units, adding roughly 5,000 Marines and thousands of sailors to the region. Israeli officials, who have been urging Donald Trump to continue military action against Iran, were reportedly caught off guard by the ceasefire proposal. The move is being framed as an attempt by Trump to maintain “maximum flexibility” as the situation evolves. The White House has not commented.

Earlier, Trump said the US was engaged in talks with Iran to end the conflict, even as fighting intensified, with airstrikes hitting Iranian targets and Tehran launching missiles and drones toward Israel and other locations. Iran, however, has denied that any negotiations are underway. Meanwhile, tensions around the Strait of Hormuz have disrupted global shipping, driven up fuel prices and raised concerns about the global economy.

Any potential negotiations face significant hurdles. Disagreements over Iran’s missile and nuclear programmes persist, and it remains unclear who within Iran’s leadership would be authorised—or willing—to negotiate amid ongoing Israeli strikes. Tehran also remains deeply distrustful of Washington following past attacks during diplomatic engagements.

Separately, at least 1,000 troops from the 82nd Airborne Division are expected to be deployed to the Middle East in the coming days. Known as a rapid-response force, the unit is trained for operations in hostile environments, including securing key infrastructure. The Marine deployments have also fuelled speculation that the US could attempt to seize Kharg Island, a critical node in Iran’s oil network. Iran has warned it could mine the Persian Gulf if US troops appear poised to land.

Trump has also held off on earlier threats to target Iran’s power infrastructure as talks potentially take shape, a move analysts say could buy time for military positioning while leaving the door open for a diplomatic off-ramp.

Key points:

  • US proposes a 15-point ceasefire plan to Iran via Pakistani intermediaries
  • Additional US troop deployments signal continued military buildup in the region
  • Iran denies talks even as conflict with Israel intensifies
  • Strait of Hormuz tensions disrupt global shipping and fuel markets
  • Any negotiations face major hurdles amid distrust and ongoing strikes
15:05 (IST) Mar 25
US Iran War: US strategic power has turned into strategic defeat, claims Iran
According to Iran’s state media outlet Press TV, Lieutenant Colonel Ebrahim Zolfaqari, spokesperson for the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, said on Wednesday that the “strategic power” once projected by the US has now “turned into a strategic defeat.”

His remarks came after US President Donald Trump appeared to de-escalate tensions, stepping back from a reported 48-hour ultimatum to launch strikes on Iranian power plants. The move followed a warning from Tehran that any such attack would trigger retaliatory strikes on energy and power infrastructure across the region.

Commenting on the shift, Zolfaqari said, “if the self-proclaimed superpower of the world could have escaped this predicament, it would have done so by now. Do not call your defeat an agreement.”
14:43 (IST) Mar 25
West Asia conflict part of a pattern of aggression against sovereign nations: Rights org
The Jan Hastakshep, a civil rights organisation, has criticised the NDA government for its “deafening silence” amid the ongoing US-Israel-Iran conflict, calling the attack on Iran “unprovoked.”

In a statement released after a seminar held on Tuesday, the group said the current crisis—like similar conflicts in the past—reflects a continuing pattern of US military aggression against sovereign nations.

The seminar was inaugurated by former Union minister Mani Shankar Aiyar and attended by journalists Praveen Sahni and Saeed Naqvi, along with JNU Teachers’ Association president Saeed Akhtar Hussain, among others.

“Amidst the US-Israel-Iran conflict, the Narendra Modi government has steered India's foreign policy to a juncture where it is currently crawling on its knees,” the statement said.
14:29 (IST) Mar 25
Israel Iran War: No negotiations have taken place between US, Iran, says Tehran envoy to Pak
Iran’s ambassador to Pakistan, Reza Amiri Moghadam, said on Wednesday that no direct or indirect talks have taken place between Washington and Tehran, contradicting US President Donald Trump’s claims of tentative diplomatic progress. He added that it is normal for friendly countries to consult with both sides to try to end the conflict.
14:06 (IST) Mar 25
Israel Iran War News: UN sounds alarm as Middle East war rages on; Israel hits Iran missile sites
The UN’s human rights chief has warned that states are “flirting with unmitigated catastrophe” in the Middle East, describing the situation as extremely dangerous and unpredictable. Volker Türk stressed that war must not be allowed to return as a tool of international relations, urging urgent restraint.

Amid rising tensions, Iran has reportedly received a 15-point ceasefire proposal from the United States, according to Pakistani officials. The plan includes sanctions relief, limits on Iran’s nuclear and missile programmes, oversight by the International Atomic Energy Agency, and guarantees for shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. While Tehran denies engaging in talks, mediators describe the proposal as a comprehensive basis for negotiations.

Meanwhile, violence has escalated in Lebanon. Israeli forces launched fresh strikes on southern regions and Beirut’s suburbs, while the Iran-backed Hezbollah said it fired more than 100 rockets at Israeli positions. Israel also reported ground operations targeting weapons sites. The intensifying cross-border conflict highlights growing fears of a wider regional war.
13:56 (IST) Mar 25
US Iran War: No fuel shortage, say oil firms; urge public to avoid panic buying
State-run oil companies have reassured the public that there is no shortage of petrol, diesel or LPG, urging people not to believe rumours or resort to panic buying. Indian Oil Corporation said fuel stations remain fully stocked and operational, warning that misinformation could disrupt normal supply.

Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited also dismissed reports of shortages, stressing that supplies remain stable and distribution is running smoothly nationwide.

While the West Asia conflict has affected global energy supply chains, India’s diversified sourcing has helped maintain adequate crude supplies. However, LPG availability has been tighter, leading authorities to prioritise domestic use and limit supply to commercial sectors.
13:55 (IST) Mar 25
Israel Iran War: Crude tumbles, stocks rally on hopes for Iran war de-escalation
Oil prices fell sharply while global stock markets rallied on Wednesday after signs of possible de-escalation between the United States and Iran. Reports indicated Washington had sent a peace proposal to Tehran, while Iran signalled it would allow “non-hostile” vessels to pass through the vital Strait of Hormuz, easing fears over disrupted energy supplies.

Crude prices dropped more than six per cent, with Brent briefly falling below $100 a barrel, after Donald Trump expressed optimism about ongoing negotiations. However, losses narrowed later in the day as uncertainty persisted. Analysts cautioned that the deployment of additional US troops to the Middle East suggested risks of escalation remained.

Markets responded positively, with gains across Asia and beyond. Meanwhile, the economic strain of the conflict is becoming evident globally, as rising energy costs prompt emergency measures and policy responses from governments facing mounting pressure.
13:12 (IST) Mar 25
Israel Iran War: New strike targets former paramilitaries in western Iraq
A fresh air strike in western Iraq has again targeted the former paramilitary coalition Popular Mobilisation Forces, a day after a similar attack killed 15 fighters. A security official said two missiles struck the same base in Anbar province, with casualties reported but not confirmed. Tuesday’s strike was the deadliest since the regional conflict began on 28 February.

The PMF, now formally part of Iraq’s armed forces but including Iran-backed factions, blamed the earlier attack on the United States. In response, the Iraqi government authorised the group’s “right to respond”.

Amid ongoing tensions, military aircraft were heard over Baghdad, while both US-linked and Iran-aligned forces continue exchanging strikes across the region.
12:58 (IST) Mar 25
Israel Iran War News: Israel says struck naval missile production site in Tehran
The Israeli military said on Wednesday it had targeted a naval cruise missile production facility in Tehran linked to Iran’s defence ministry. It stated that two key sites were struck in recent days using intelligence-led air force operations. The facilities were reportedly involved in developing long-range missiles capable of hitting targets at sea and on land. Israel said the strikes further weaken Iran’s military production infrastructure.
12:41 (IST) Mar 25
US Iran War: Iran turns back Karachi-bound ship trying to pass through Strait of Hormuz
Iran has turned back a Pakistan-bound container vessel attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz, citing a “lack of permission”. According to Alireza Tangsiri, the IRGC Navy intercepted the ship, identified as SELEN, after it failed to comply with required legal protocols.

Tangsiri stated that all vessels must coordinate fully with Iran’s maritime authorities before entering the strategic waterway. He described the action as an assertion of Iran’s maritime sovereignty, adding that such enforcement was made possible with public support. The move underscores Tehran’s tightening control over one of the world’s most critical energy transit routes.
12:32 (IST) Mar 25
Israel Iran War: Sharif briefs Saudi Crown Prince as Pak pushes to mediate US-Iran talks
Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday briefed Mohammed bin Salman on Islamabad’s diplomatic efforts to ease tensions in West Asia, as the region faces escalating conflict. In a post on X, Sharif said the two leaders discussed the situation alongside exchanging Eid al-Fitr greetings.

Sharif emphasised the urgent need for de-escalation, an end to hostilities, and unity within the Muslim world, while outlining Pakistan’s outreach aimed at promoting peace and stability. He also reaffirmed strong support for Saudi Arabia following recent attacks.

The call followed Sharif’s offer to host talks between the US and Iran, positioning Pakistan as a potential mediator. Reports suggest a US ceasefire proposal has already been conveyed to Tehran through Islamabad.

Separately, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held discussions with counterparts from the UAE, UK and China, stressing that dialogue remains the only viable path to resolving the crisis.
12:18 (IST) Mar 25
US Iran War: Kim Jong Un says Iran war justifies North Korea's nuclear deterrence
Kim Jong Un has defended North Korea’s nuclear programme, arguing that the ongoing Iran conflict highlights the need for a powerful military deterrent. Speaking to the Supreme People's Assembly, he accused the United States of pursuing “terrorism and invasions” and warned that only strong force can guarantee national security.

Kim pledged to further strengthen the country’s nuclear capabilities and maintain a rapid-response posture against perceived threats. He also hardened his stance towards South Korea, formally labelling it the “most hostile nation” and warning of severe consequences for any provocation.

Meanwhile, Donald Trump claimed progress in talks with Iran, though Tehran has denied negotiations, insisting peace depends on an end to US and Israeli military actions.
12:03 (IST) Mar 25
Israel Iran War News: Oil falls more than 4% and Asian shares gain over Trump's talk of negotiations with Iran
Oil prices fell by more than 4% on Wednesday, while Asian markets rallied on hopes of easing tensions between Iran and the United States. Japan’s Nikkei 225 surged 3%, with strong gains also seen in South Korea, Hong Kong and mainland China. Markets were buoyed by comments from Donald Trump suggesting progress in talks with Tehran and his decision to delay threats of strikes linked to the Strait of Hormuz.

Brent crude dropped 4.2% to around $96 a barrel, while US crude fell nearly 4%, reflecting optimism that supply disruptions may ease. The Strait remains a critical route for global energy shipments, and recent tensions had driven sharp price spikes.

Reports of a proposed US ceasefire plan have added to cautious optimism, though Iran has publicly dismissed the idea of negotiations. Pakistan has offered to host talks, even as conflict continues across the region.
12:00 (IST) Mar 25
Iran War News: Iran’s message to US troops as Washington weighs boots on ground
Iran has issued a stark warning to the United States as Donald Trump considers expanding military involvement in the region. In a message posted on X, Admiral Ali Akbar Ahmadian, a senior representative of Ali Khamenei, declared that Iranian forces have spent decades preparing for asymmetric warfare and are ready for direct confrontation. His message to US troops was blunt: “Come closer.”

"For years, we have been anticipating the Americans' entry into the designated points, and for over two decades, we have been training for this moment with the strategy of asymmetric warfare," he wrote on X.
11:33 (IST) Mar 25
Iran War News: US reportedly sends peace plan as Iran opens to 'non-hostile' oil vessels
Washington has reportedly put forward a peace proposal to Iran, as Donald Trump expressed cautious optimism on Tuesday about ending nearly a month of conflict. Tehran signalled a potential de-escalation by announcing that “non-hostile” oil vessels would be permitted to pass through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.

These tentative diplomatic developments emerged alongside continued violence. An Iranian missile injured civilians in Israel, which responded with further strikes and reiterated plans to expand operations in southern Lebanon.

Trump stated that the United States was “in negotiations right now” with Iran, though Tehran has not confirmed formal talks. He also alluded to a significant Iranian gesture linked to the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran had partially blockaded in response to US and Israeli attacks, disrupting global energy markets. Shortly afterwards, Iran reassured the International Maritime Organization that safe passage would be granted to neutral shipping, easing oil prices.

Reports suggest Washington’s proposal includes a temporary ceasefire and renewed nuclear negotiations, potentially involving limits on Iran’s uranium enrichment in exchange for sanctions relief and civil nuclear cooperation at Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant. The plan was reportedly conveyed via Pakistan.

Despite diplomatic signals, military activity continues to intensify. Israel has launched extensive airstrikes across Iran and escalated its campaign against Hezbollah in Lebanon. Meanwhile, the United States is reportedly preparing to deploy additional troops to the region, underlining the fragile and uncertain path towards de-escalation.
11:06 (IST) Mar 25
Iran War News: Lebanon state media says Israeli strikes kill 9 in south
Lebanese state media reported on Wednesday that Israeli air strikes killed at least nine people across southern Lebanon, including fatalities in a town near Sidon and a Palestinian refugee camp. According to officials, six people died in the Sidon area, while three others were killed in a separate strike on another town.

Israel has intensified its campaign against the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah, whose rocket attacks on 2 March drew Lebanon further into a wider regional conflict linked to US-Israeli strikes on Iran.

Lebanon’s National News Agency, citing the health ministry, said four people were killed in a strike on Adloun, while two others died when an apartment in the Mieh Mieh refugee camp was hit, injuring four more. Earlier reports indicated that an attack on Habboush killed three people and wounded 18.

The Israeli military did not immediately comment but said its forces had destroyed weapons storage sites and killed several militants. Hezbollah claimed it had launched multiple retaliatory attacks on Israeli positions.
10:52 (IST) Mar 25
Iran War News: Iranian military mocks Trump's claim of US-Iran negotiations
An Iranian military spokesperson has openly ridiculed US efforts to broker a ceasefire, casting doubt over the viability of a 15-point plan reportedly put forward by Washington. Lieutenant Colonel Ebrahim Zolfaghari, speaking on behalf of Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, dismissed claims by US President Donald Trump that negotiations were underway, suggesting instead that the United States was “negotiating with itself”.

In a televised statement, Zolfaghari reiterated Tehran’s uncompromising stance, declaring that Iran would never reach an agreement with Washington “now or ever”. The proposal, reportedly delivered via Pakistani intermediaries who have offered to host talks, has yet to receive any formal engagement from Iran.

Meanwhile, the United States is reinforcing its military presence in the region, with the Pentagon deploying additional Marine units and naval personnel. The move is seen as an attempt to maintain strategic flexibility amid escalating tensions.

The conflict continues to intensify, with ongoing airstrikes and retaliatory missile attacks across the region. Rising oil prices and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz are fuelling global economic concerns, while increasing domestic pressure is mounting on the White House to bring the war to a close.
10:43 (IST) Mar 25
Iran War News: Top WTO official sounds fertiliser warning over Middle East war
Disruptions to fertiliser supplies caused by the Middle East conflict are posing a serious threat to global food security, according to a senior World Trade Organization official. Iran’s effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz — a key route through which around a third of the world’s fertilisers pass — has raised concerns over both shortages and rising prices.

Jean-Marie Paugam, the WTO’s Deputy Director-General, warned that reduced fertiliser availability would not only limit crop yields but also drive up costs, with effects worsening over time as harvests decline. The Gulf region, a major fertiliser producer due to its abundant natural gas reserves, has seen production disrupted by the war, with some facilities forced to close.
10:25 (IST) Mar 25
Israel Iran War News: Despite negotiation claims, US likely to deploy 82nd Airborne troops to Middle East, claims report
As the conflict in West Asia enters its fourth week, the United States is reportedly preparing to deploy elements of the 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East, according to CBS News. The move, which may involve fewer than 1,500 troops, comes despite President Donald Trump’s assertion that negotiations with Iran are underway and that the war could soon end. Trump claimed Iran’s military capabilities had been effectively destroyed and suggested the US held overwhelming control.

However, Iran has strongly rejected this narrative. A military spokesperson, in remarks shared by Fars News, described the situation as a strategic defeat for the US and dismissed the idea of negotiations, suggesting Washington was “negotiating with itself”. Iran also released footage of the 80th wave of its Operation True Promise 4, showing continued missile strikes on US-Israeli targets.

Tehran has denied any ongoing talks, insisting peace will only come if US-Israeli actions cease, leaving prospects for resolution uncertain.
10:15 (IST) Mar 25
Benchmark indices BSE Sensex and NSE Nifty extended their rally in early trade on Wednesday, supported by a sharp fall in crude oil prices and positive cues from Asian markets amid hopes of easing tensions in West Asia. The Sensex rose over 880 points to nearly 74,954, while the Nifty gained more than 300 points to cross 23,220.

Among Sensex constituents, gains were led by Mahindra & Mahindra, UltraTech Cement and HDFC Bank, while Infosys and Tech Mahindra lagged.

Global oil benchmark Brent crude fell over 4 per cent to below USD 100 per barrel, boosting investor sentiment. Asian indices, including Nikkei 225 and Hang Seng, traded higher, although US markets ended lower overnight.

Market optimism has been driven by signs of potential diplomatic engagement between United States and Iran. However, uncertainty persists as Tehran has denied formal talks. Meanwhile, foreign investors continued selling equities, while domestic institutions provided support.
10:02 (IST) Mar 25
Israel Iran War News: 'You are negotiating with yourselves,' Iran's military takes dig at Trump's negotiation claims
A spokesperson for Khatam al-Anbia Headquarters has dismissed claims by Donald Trump that Washington is engaged in negotiations with Iran to end the ongoing conflict. In a video released by Fars News Agency, the spokesperson mocked the suggestion, saying the United States appeared to be “negotiating with itself” amid mounting internal divisions.

The statement accused Washington of attempting to reframe what it described as a “strategic defeat” as a diplomatic breakthrough, insisting that Iran would not be misled by what it called media narratives. It also warned that regional stability would depend on the strength of Iran’s armed forces, adding that energy markets would remain volatile until that reality was acknowledged.

The spokesperson reiterated that Iranian forces would not reach any agreement with the US or Israel, stressing that such a position would not change under any circumstances.

Trump had earlier said talks were under way and suggested the war could soon conclude, claiming US military dominance. However, Tehran has denied any negotiations are taking place, maintaining that peace will only be possible once US and Israeli military operations cease.
09:45 (IST) Mar 25
Israel Iran War News: Iran sets tough conditions for ceasefire talks as tensions with the US escalate
A report by The Wall Street Journal says representatives of Iran have signalled to the administration of Donald Trump that any return to ceasefire negotiations would require major concessions. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps is said to have consolidated power and is pressing demands including the closure of US bases in the Gulf, reparations, the lifting of all sanctions, and permission to retain its missile programme without restriction.

Separately, the Trump administration has put forward a 15-point ceasefire plan via intermediaries, reportedly from Pakistan, who have offered to host talks. According to The New York Times, the proposal comes as Washington prepares to reinforce its regional presence, with additional troops and marine units joining roughly 50,000 already deployed.

Despite renewed diplomatic signals, tensions remain high. Israel continues strikes on Iranian targets, while Tehran denies negotiations are under way. Any talks face significant obstacles, including deep mistrust and uncertainty over who holds authority to negotiate within Iran’s leadership.
09:42 (IST) Mar 25
Israel Iran War News: Iran launches wave 80 of counter strikes even as Trump claims Iran wants to make a deal
Iran on Wednesday released footage of the 80th wave of its “Operation True Promise 4”, showing missiles launched towards US and Israeli positions, even as Donald Trump suggested a negotiated settlement may be approaching. He stated that talks were under way and expressed confidence that the conflict could soon end, claiming Iran’s military capabilities had been largely neutralised.

Earlier, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said the previous wave had penetrated Israel’s air defences, striking intelligence and military-related sites in Tel Aviv, Beersheba and surrounding areas.

At the United Nations, Iran’s deputy envoy Reza Dehghani defended the strikes as lawful self-defence, while condemning US and Israeli actions. He warned that states enabling attacks on Iran could face consequences, and stressed that Tehran’s response remained limited to military targets.
09:18 (IST) Mar 25
Iran War News: Fire at Kuwait airport after drones hit fuel tank
Drones struck a fuel tank at Kuwait International Airport on Wednesday, igniting a fire, according to the Gulf state’s civil aviation authority, as Iran continues its campaign in a regional conflict now nearing four weeks. Preliminary reports indicated the damage was limited and no casualties were recorded. Fire crews were deployed to contain the blaze.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards stated via state broadcaster IRIB that missiles and drones had targeted military bases hosting US forces in Kuwait, Jordan, Bahrain, as well as sites in Israel. Kuwaiti forces reportedly intercepted several drones, while neighbouring states activated defences.

Air raid sirens sounded in Bahrain, and debris fell near Amman without causing harm. Saudi Arabia also intercepted drones. The conflict, which began on February 28, has repeatedly disrupted aviation, prompting major airlines to suspend or reduce services.
09:09 (IST) Mar 25
US Iran War: Oil falls more than 5%, Asian shares gain over Trump's talk of Iran negotiations
Oil prices dropped sharply by more than 5 per cent on Wednesday, while Asian stock markets rallied amid growing optimism over a possible de-escalation in the Iran conflict and renewed prospects for US–Iran negotiations. Investor sentiment was buoyed by reports that the administration of US President Donald Trump had proposed a 15-point ceasefire plan, alongside his decision to delay a threatened escalation linked to the Strait of Hormuz.

Markets across Asia reacted positively. Japan’s Nikkei 225 surged 2.8 per cent in early trading, while South Korea’s Kospi climbed 3.1 per cent. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng rose 1.2 per cent and the Shanghai Composite gained 0.9 per cent. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 and Taiwan’s Taiex also posted strong gains.

Oil prices, which had recently surged due to fears of disruption in the vital Strait of Hormuz, fell back on hopes of easing tensions. Brent crude dropped nearly 6 per cent, while US benchmark crude also declined significantly.
08:50 (IST) Mar 25
Israel Iran War: Iran Guards say fired missiles at Israel, Kuwait, Jordan and Bahrain
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards announced that they had launched missile strikes against Israel as well as military bases hosting US forces in Kuwait, Jordan and Bahrain, according to Iranian state television on Wednesday.

In a statement carried by state broadcaster IRIB, the Guards said that “targets in the heart of the occupied territories” referring to Israel along with US military installations across the region, had been hit using precision-guided missiles powered by both liquid and solid fuel, as well as attack drones.
08:38 (IST) Mar 25
Iran War News: Iranian FM slams 'double standards' in global order, welcomes German President's remarks on Israel-US 'aggression' on Iran
Iran’s foreign minister, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, has strongly criticised what he sees as the erosion of international law, accusing Western countries of applying double standards in global conflicts. Writing on X, he argued that differing responses to Gaza and Ukraine, alongside what he described as silence over actions by Israel and the United States against Iran, demonstrate a selective approach to upholding legal norms.

Despite his criticism, Araghchi acknowledged German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier for condemning violations against Iranians, calling it a rare and commendable stance. He urged others who value the rule of law to speak out more consistently.

Meanwhile, Russia expressed concern over rising tensions, with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov warning of the risks posed by strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities. In contrast, US President Donald Trump claimed significant military success against Iran and suggested that Tehran is now seeking negotiations following heavy losses to its military capabilities.
08:21 (IST) Mar 25
Israel Iran War News: Lebanon declares Iran's ambassador-designate 'persona non grata'; Israel says move justified
Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Raggi has announced that the government has withdrawn its approval for Iranian ambassador-designate Mohammad Reza Shibani, declaring him persona non grata and ordering him to leave the country by March 29. In a statement shared on X, Raggi said he had instructed the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants to summon Iran’s Chargé d’Affaires in Beirut to formally convey the decision.

The move has drawn international attention, with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar describing it as both “justified” and necessary. He argued that Iran has undermined Lebanon’s sovereignty through its backing of Hezbollah and urged Beirut to take further concrete action against the group, including addressing its political representation within the government.

Meanwhile, tensions in the region remain high. The Israeli military reported that a ballistic missile launched by Iran landed in Beirut following strikes aimed at Israel. Evacuation orders were also issued for several neighbourhoods in the Lebanese capital’s southern suburbs amid ongoing operations targeting Hezbollah infrastructure.

Lebanon’s National News Agency reported minor injuries after debris from an intercepted missile fell in areas north of Beirut. Separately, Israel claimed responsibility for a strike in Hazmieh that killed a Quds Force operative allegedly involved in planning attacks.
08:03 (IST) Mar 25
US Iran War: US proposes 15-point ceasefire plan to Iran amid troop surge
Trump administration has proposed a 15-point ceasefire plan to Iran, according to a person familiar with the proposal, even as the US military prepares to deploy at least 1,000 additional troops to a region where around 50,000 are already stationed.

The proposal was conveyed to Tehran through intermediaries from Pakistan, which has also offered to host renewed talks between Washington and Tehran. The New York Times earlier reported that the plan had already been delivered to Iranian officials.

At the same time, the Pentagon is deploying two Marine Expeditionary Units, adding roughly 5,000 Marines and thousands of sailors to the region. Israeli officials, who have been urging Donald Trump to continue military action against Iran, were reportedly caught off guard by the ceasefire proposal. The move is being framed as an attempt by Trump to maintain “maximum flexibility” as the situation evolves. The White House has not commented.
07:34 (IST) Mar 25
US Iran war: Kuwaiti forces shoot down drones amid missile, UAV attacks
Kuwaiti Army said it is responding to missile and drone attacks, urging the public to follow official safety instructions.

In a post on X, it added that any explosions heard were due to interception operations.

The statement followed an update from the Kuwaiti National Guard, which said it had shot down five drones within its areas of responsibility. Earlier, a separate drone strike triggered a fire in a fuel tank at Kuwait International Airport.
07:25 (IST) Mar 25
Iran War News: 'We negotiate with bombs': US signals hardline stance on Iran
US war secretary Pete Hegseth said, "Never has a modern military, been so rapidly and historically obliterated, defeated, from day one, with overwhelming firepower... that’s why we see ourselves as part of this negotiation as well. We negotiate with bombs. You have a choice, as we loiter over the top of Tehran... about your future."
07:10 (IST) Mar 25
Iran war news: Trump says Iran agrees to no nukes
Donald Trump has claimed that Iran has “agreed they will not have a nuclear weapon” as part of ongoing negotiations he says his administration is conducting with unnamed Iranian officials.

However, this has long been the official stance of Iran’s government.

In 2015, Iran formally committed that “under no circumstances” would it “ever seek, develop or acquire any nuclear weapons” under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), an agreement signed with the US, UK, France, Germany, Russia, China and the European Union.

Trump later withdrew the United States from the deal in 2018.
06:51 (IST) Mar 25
Israel Iran War News: Iran allows passage of 'non-hostile vessels' through Strait of Hormuz
The Iranian mission in New York on Wednesday declared that they will allow the passage of what it called "non-hostile vessels" through the Strait of Hormuz.

The mission announced in a post on X, "Non-hostile vessels, including those belonging to or associated with other States, may--provided that they neither participate in nor support acts of aggression against Iran and fully comply with the declared safety and security regulations--benefit from safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz in coordination with the competent Iranian authorities."
06:14 (IST) Mar 25
Israel Iran War: Fire at Kuwait airport after drones hit fuel tank: aviation agency
Drones hit a fuel tank and sparked a fire at Kuwait International Airport, the Gulf state's civil aviation authority said on Wednesday, reporting no casualties.

Citing preliminary information, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation said in a statement posted online that the attack had caused only "limited" damage.

"The relevant authorities immediately implemented the approved emergency procedures" and firefighters had been deployed to bring the blaze under control, said agency spokesman Abdullah Al-Rajhi.

The Kuwait airport has come under attack several times since the regional war began on February 28, when Israel and the United States launched strikes on Iran.

On March 14, the civil aviation authority said an attack with "several drones" targeted the airport and "struck its radar system". No casualties were reported.

Drones hit fuel tanks at the airport on March 8, and an earlier attack on a passenger terminal left several people mildly wounded and caused some damage.

06:01 (IST) Mar 25
Israel Iran War: Israel military says striking Tehran
The Israeli military said early Wednesday that it was striking targets in the Iranian capital Tehran, shortly after it announced a salvo of missiles had been fired towards Israel by Iran.

"Initial report -- the IDF has begun a wave of strikes targeting infrastructure of the Iranian terror regime across Tehran," the Israeli military wrote on its official Telegram channel.
05:44 (IST) Mar 25
Israel Iran War: Trump says the US is in talks with Iran as diplomatic efforts pick up
President Donald Trump said for a second day that the U.S. was in talks with Iran to end the war as diplomatic efforts picked up Tuesday and Iran issued a newly defiant statement. Airstrikes battered the Islamic Republic while Iranian missiles and drones targeted Israel and sites across the region.

Meanwhile, more American troops prepared to head to the Middle East. The troops from the 82nd Airborne Division will be sent in the coming days, three people with knowledge of the plans told The Associated Press. Thousands of Marines are already heading to the region.

Iran has denied that any negotiations are taking place, and Trump delayed his self-imposed deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran's chokehold on that crucial waterway has snarled international shipping, sent fuel prices skyrocketing and threatened the world economy.

Pakistan offered to host diplomatic talks, but Iran vowed to fight “until complete victory.”

Any talks between the U.S. and Iran would face monumental challenges. Many of Washington’s shifting objectives, particularly over Iran’s ballistic missile and nuclear programs, remain difficult to achieve. It’s not clear who in Iran’s government would have the authority to negotiate — or be willing to, as Israel has vowed to continue taking out leaders after killing several.

Iran remains highly suspicious of the United States, which twice under the Trump administration has attacked during high-level diplomatic talks, including with the Feb. 28 strikes that started the current war.
05:17 (IST) Mar 25
Israel Iran War: Multiple casualties following Israeli air strikes in southern Lebanon
The National News Agency (NNA) reported additional casualties in southern Lebanon following Israeli air strikes. According to the report, two people were killed after their apartment was hit in the Mieh Mieh refugee camp near Sidon. The attack also left four people hurt.

In a separate incident, an air strike on the town of Adloun, in the Sidon district, killed four people and left one other injured.

We have reported earlier that three people were killed in an Israeli air strike targeting the town of Habboush, in the Nabatieh district of southern Lebanon.
05:14 (IST) Mar 25
Israel Iran War: 290 US troops have been wounded in the Iran war
Of the total wounded to date, 255 service members have returned to duty, said Capt. Tim Hawkins, spokesperson for US Central Command.

That leaves 35 wounded and out of action, with 10 still considered seriously wounded, Hawkins said.

The total of 290 is an increase of 90 since the last update, provided March 16. Last week 20 service members were too injured to return to their posts.
04:52 (IST) Mar 25
Israel Iran War News: UK’s Starmer, Saudi crown prince discussed US-Israel war on Iran
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has discussed the US-Israel war on Iran with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, a Downing Street spokesperson said, reports Al Jazeera.

Starmer reiterated support for Saudi Arabia amid ongoing attacks across the region and updated the Saudi crown prince on the deployment of further UK defensive military equipment, the spokesperson said.

“Iran’s ongoing attacks, including on critical national infrastructure, were appalling,” Starmer said.

“Following the UK-led joint statement last week, the UK was now working with partners on what a viable plan could look like to ensure the flow of goods through the key maritime route,” Downing Street said, quoting Starmer.
04:20 (IST) Mar 25
Iran-Israel War: Israeli strikes killed 33 people in a day, says Lebanon
The Lebanese government's Disaster Risk Management Unit said that the number of people killed in the last daily reporting period was 33, while 90 others were injured, Al Jazeera reported.
04:19 (IST) Mar 25
Israel Iran War: 'Trump is transactional, doesn't think strategically': Ex-US NSA Bolton
Former National Security Advisor of the United States, John Bolton, said that US President Donald Trump is buying time to see if Iran is ready for talks.
Bolton, in a conversation with ANI, said that Trump doesn't do policy in a way that most people understand.

He said, "When we say he (Donald Trump) is transactional, it means that he doesn't think strategically. He doesn't even do policy the way most people understand. He could see Monday morning Washington time that the Asian markets, Japan, China, had gone down 3.5 per cent, so fearing the opening of the New York markets in a couple of hours, he may have thought I need to do something to buy time. That would be one reason, and at the same time, see if the Iranians really have any interest in having discussions. So he has bought himself some time until Friday. The test of whether these discussions were ever realistic, we'll see in a few days."

When asked about his views on Iran rejecting US President Trump's five-day postponement of all strikes on Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure, Bolton said it is "hard to believe that these countries are close to an agreement".

"I think Trump has reached out through intermediaries to see if there's some kind of deal that can be cut with the regime in Tehran, perhaps through Turkey, through Pakistan, perhaps others. All we know for sure is that Iran denies that anything is going on, although they say they have received notes. The regime of the Ayatollahs sees this attack as existential for them. It's not clear what Trump's objective is. I think it should be regime change, but I'm not sure that's his objective. I think Trump is so transactional that there's always a risk that he would look for some way to declare victory and get out. At this point, that has to mean opening the Strait of Hormuz," he added. '
04:18 (IST) Mar 25
Israel Iran War: Iran agreed not to have nuclear weapon, sent big present to US: Trump
US President Donald Trump said Iran agreed never to have a nuclear weapon and sent a “significant prize” related to the Strait of Hormuz even as he declared victory in the three-week war.

Speaking to reporters at the Oval Office on Tuesday, Trump claimed Iran was keen to “make a deal” and indicated that Vice President J D Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Special envoy on Middle East Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner were leading the negotiations.

The President said that the current Iranian leadership had already undergone significant changes.

“It’s what we really have, regime change. You know, this is a change in the regime because the leaders are all very different from the ones that we started off with that created all those problems,” he said.

Earlier, Trump endorsed a social media post by Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on facilitating the talks between Iran and the US. Sharif also offered to host the talks for a comprehensive settlement of the ongoing conflict.
03:18 (IST) Mar 25
Israel Iran War: Israeli military warns of inbound missiles from Iran
Israel's military warned late on Tuesday that Iran had fired missiles towards the country and that anti-missile defences were active following a day of more than a dozen missile alerts.

"A short while ago, the IDF identified missiles launched from Iran toward the territory of the State of Israel. Defensive systems are operating to intercept the threat," the Israeli military said on its official Telegram.
02:06 (IST) Mar 25
Iran War News: Trump says Iran gave US 'gift' linked to Strait of Hormuz
US President Donald Trump said Tuesday that Iran gave him a "very big present" related to the Strait of Hormuz, boosting his confidence that he was talking to the right people in Tehran to end the war.

The cryptic announcement came a day after Trump unexpectedly postponed threatened attacks on Iran's power plants and said Washington was in negotiations with unspecified figures in Iran.

Tehran has denied being part of any talks to end the war, which is now in its fourth week and has disrupted global oil supplies passing through the strategic Hormuz Strait.

"They did something yesterday that was amazing actually. They gave us a present and the present arrived today. And it was a very big present worth a tremendous amount of money," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office.

"That meant one thing to me -- we're dealing with the right people."


01:25 (IST) Mar 25
Iran War News: 'We will have control of anything we want': Donald Trump on US-Iran negotiations
On whether the negotiations with Iran are regarding who is going to control the Strait of Hormuz from now on, US President Donald Trump said, "We will have control of anything we want. If we can end this without more lives being down, without knocking out $10 billion electric plants, that are brand new, the apple of their eye, I would like to be able to do that. They can't have certain things. It starts with no nuclear weapons, and they have agreed to that."

"There won't be any nuclear weapons. We are in about the best bargaining position. We are way ahead of schedule. They have no Navy, no Air Force and no missile protection," he added.
01:12 (IST) Mar 25
Iran War News: Lebanon orders Iran’s ambassador out, escalating a postwar crackdown on Tehran’s influence
Lebanon’s foreign ministry declared Iran’s ambassador to Beirut persona non grata Tuesday, ordering him to leave the country by the end of the week.
The decision was the clearest sign yet of deteriorating relations between the two countries and raises tensions within Lebanon over the role of Tehran and its Lebanon-based ally, the militant Hezbollah group.

The decision is the latest step taken by Lebanon’s government against Iran after the most recent Israel-Hezbollah war broke out on March 2, during which Israel’s military killed several members of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard in strikes around the long-suffering country.

Hezbollah triggered the latest war by firing rockets into Israel two days after Israel and the United States began their attacks on Iran, in which they killed top Iranian officials including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Hezbollah said one of the reasons it attacked Israel was to avenge the killing of Khamenei, who was one of the most important Shiite Muslim religious figures worldwide.
00:52 (IST) Mar 25
Iran-Israel War: Who is Trump’s administration talking to in Iran?
On who exactly in Iran is he speaking with, regarding the ceasefire amidst the ongoing West Asia Conflict, US President Donald Trump said, "We killed all their leadership. Then they meant to choose new leaders, and we killed all of them. We have a new group, and we can easily do that, but let's see how they turn out. This is a change in the regime because the leaders are all very different from the ones that we started off with, who created all those problems... "
00:42 (IST) Mar 25

The fact that they are talking to us and they are talking sense. It all starts with: they cannot have a nuclear weapon. They said, what are the top 10? I said, number 1, 2 and 3 is they can't have a nuclear weapon... They have agreed that they will never have a nuclear weapon.

Donald Trump

00:40 (IST) Mar 25
Iran War News: Trump says Iran 'agreed to not have nuclear weapon'
Donald Trump said. "We are in negotiations, as it turned out. What I said yesterday was absolutely correct. We are in negotiations right now and they are doing it along with Marco Rubio, JD Vance, and we have a number of people doing it.

"I can tell you the other side would like to make a deal... We are roaming free over Tehran, we can do whatever we want... They have agreed they will not have a nuclear weapon," he added.
00:23 (IST) Mar 25
Iran-Israel War: US still deciding how to resume nuclear tests, says official
The United States has not yet decided how it will resume nuclear testing, a senior official said Tuesday, after President Donald Trump ordered an end to a decades-old moratorium.

Thomas DiNanno, the under secretary of state for arms control and international security, repeated that it would not be an atmospheric test of the sort seen at the start of the nuclear era.

"We are still assessing," DiNanno told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

"We have made no decision specifically on how or what any testing program would look like."

Trump said in October that the United States would resume nuclear testing for the first time since 1992.

Trump later allowed the expiration of New START, the last remaining treaty with Russia that limited deployment of nuclear warheads, as he called for a new agreement that also includes China, whose arsenal is much smaller than those of the other two powers but quickly growing.
00:14 (IST) Mar 25
Iran-Israel War: Israel army says plans in Iran, Lebanon unchanged regardless of talks
63 More Updates
The Iran war has continues unabated, with military escalation spreading across the Middle East even as diplomatic signals remain deeply contradictory. At the centre of the confusion is the sharp disconnect between US President Donald Trump’s claim that Iran “wants to make a deal” and Tehran’s outright denial that any negotiations are taking place.

On the ground, the conflict continues to intensify. Israeli strikes on Lebanon have killed over 1,000 people and displaced nearly a million, while Iran has reported more than 1,500 deaths. Casualties have also been recorded in Israel and among US troops, underlining how the war has already moved beyond a limited confrontation into a wider regional crisis. The involvement of multiple actors, from Iran-backed militias in Iraq to actions by Iran, the US, and Israel, has increased the risk of a prolonged, multi-front conflict with no clear exit.

At the same time, the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz remains a key pressure point. Trump’s decision to delay strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure has temporarily eased global tensions, particularly in energy markets. Oil prices, which had surged past $100 per barrel amid fears of supply disruptions, showed signs of stabilising after the announcement. However, markets remain highly sensitive to developments, with sharp swings reflecting the uncertainty around how the conflict may evolve.

The war’s geopolitical complexity is further deepened by emerging international alignments. Ukraine has warned of growing military cooperation between Russia and Iran, particularly in drone warfare and intelligence sharing. This raises concerns that the conflict could intersect with other global flashpoints, potentially drawing in more countries and widening its impact beyond the Middle East.

Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts are quietly underway behind the scenes. Countries like Egypt, Turkey, Oman and Pakistan are reportedly acting as intermediaries, attempting to de-escalate tensions and prevent attacks on critical energy infrastructure. While these backchannel efforts suggest that communication has not completely broken down, public statements from both Washington and Tehran indicate that trust remains extremely low and positions remain far apart.

Humanitarian concerns are also mounting. Millions have been displaced across Iran and Lebanon, while repeated strikes on infrastructure, including power grids and oil facilities, threaten to worsen living conditions. In several areas, access to electricity and basic services has already been disrupted. Beyond the region, the economic impact is being felt globally. Rising fuel prices have pushed up transport and daily costs, forcing households in many countries to cut back on routine spending.