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
09:30 (IST) Mar 24
US Iran war: IRGC says, 'We negotiate with enemies with impact-driven strikes'
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has announced the 78th phase of its retaliatory campaign, “Operation True Promise 4,” saying it carried out fresh strikes on Israeli locations and several United States military bases in the region, according to Press TV. In a statement issued Tuesday, the IRGC said the latest wave included missile and drone attacks on what it called “highly sensitive” Israeli targets, including Dimona, Tel Aviv and Eilat, along with US-linked sites. It described the strikes as part of its wider response to attacks on Iran, adding that it was “negotiating through impact-driven operations.”
09:14 (IST) Mar 24
Israel Iran war news: Iranian professor, two children killed in strike on Tehran residence
A leading scholar and professor at a science university in Tehran has been killed, alongside his two children, in a US-Israeli attack targeting his residence north of the Iranian capital, according to local media. Iran’s English-language news channel Press TV identified the victim as Saeed Shamaghdari, who teaches at the engineering department of the Iran University of Science and Technology. According to Press TV, his son, Mohammad, and daughter, Reyhaneh, were also killed in the attack.
09:12 (IST) Mar 24
Israel Iran war news: Pro-government rallies held in Tehran despite threats
Pro-government supporters gathered on the streets of Tehran as the conflict entered its 25th day, voicing support for the Iranian leadership and criticising the US-Israel military campaign. The demonstrations took place despite warnings of further strikes and heavy rain in the capital.

Large crowds were seen on Valiasr Street, one of Tehran’s main roads, waving national flags and raising slogans in support of the government. Visuals shared by local media showed people using loudspeakers and gathering in groups across the stretch.
09:03 (IST) Mar 24
Israel Iran war news: Iran’s death toll has surpassed 1,500, health ministry says
Iran’s death toll has surpassed 1,500, its health ministry has said. Meanwhile, in Israel, 15 people have been killed by Iranian strikes. At least 13 US military members have been killed, along with more than a dozen civilians in the occupied West Bank and Gulf Arab states.
08:42 (IST) Mar 24
Iran war news: 'Sanctioning Iran impacts global market', says Iranian Consul General
Iran's Consul General in Mumbai, Saeid Reza Mosayeb Motlagh, said Western sanctions against Iran have had significant repercussions on global markets and contributed to the broader tensions currently unfolding in West Asia.Speaking to ANI about the impact of sanctions imposed by Western countries, Motlagh said the measures reflect a "long-standing pattern of hostility toward Iran" and have "intensified to the point of armed confrontation and direct attacks on Iran."
08:26 (IST) Mar 24
Iran War News: South Korea cuts fuel use, extends price caps as Iran war strains economy
South Korea has announced new measures to reduce fuel consumption and control rising costs as the Iran war disrupts global energy supplies. At a Cabinet meeting, President Lee Jae Myung said the country must act together to manage the growing economic pressure, comparing the situation to challenges faced during the Covid-19 pandemic and past financial crises.

As part of the steps, public employees using fossil-fuel vehicles will have to keep their cars off the road at least one day each week starting Wednesday. The rule will not apply to electric and hydrogen vehicles, which are being encouraged as alternatives.
08:23 (IST) Mar 24
Israel Iran War News China urges citizens to leave Israel; evacuation via Egypt planned
China has asked its citizens in Israel to leave the country as soon as possible, warning that the security situation in the region is continuing to deteriorate. In a statement, the Chinese Embassy in Israel said people should avoid taking risks and either evacuate or return home at the earliest.

The embassy said the Chinese government is organising another evacuation operation through the Taba border crossing with Egypt. The move comes as missile and drone attacks on Israel have increased in scale and frequency, leading to more casualties and damage to property.

According to the statement, there have been repeated incidents of people getting injured because they were unable to reach bomb shelters in time during attacks. The embassy has also advised Chinese nationals who remain in Israel to stay away from airports, ports, power plants, refineries, and other sensitive or strategic locations.
08:08 (IST) Mar 24
Iran War News: Strikes hit energy sites in Isfahan, Khorramshah
Fresh reports from Iran suggest that key energy-linked facilities have been hit in recent strikes, adding to the uncertainty around the current phase of the conflict. According to the semiofficial Fars News Agency, attacks targeted sites in Isfahan and Khorramshahr during the day on Monday.

The attacks come as US President Donald Trump extended his deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, saying the US will hold off striking Iranian power plants for five more days.


08:06 (IST) Mar 24
Iran news: Iran launches fresh missiles at Israel; Kuwait activates air defences
The Israeli military has said that more missiles have been launched from Iran towards its territory, marking another round of escalation in the ongoing conflict. In a brief statement, the military confirmed that its air defence systems are actively working to intercept the incoming missiles, as alerts continue across affected areas.

Meanwhile, for the second time in less than an hour, the Kuwaiti army has said its air defences are responding to missile and drone attacks, and urged people to follow safety instructions from authorities.
07:21 (IST) Mar 24
Israel Iran War News: Iran reports strikes on energy sites, raises questions over pause in US action
A semiofficial Iranian news agency has reported fresh airstrikes on key energy infrastructure, adding another layer of uncertainty to the already volatile situation. According to Fars news agency, which is closely linked to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, two separate energy sites were hit early Tuesday.

The report claims that natural gas infrastructure in Isfahan was struck, while another attack targeted a gas pipeline connected to the Khorramshahr power plant. The timing of the report is significant, as it comes shortly after US President Donald Trump announced a temporary delay in potential strikes on Iranian energy facilities, raising questions about whether military action is continuing despite public signals of restraint.

So far, neither the United States nor Israel has officially confirmed carrying out strikes in these locations. However, both countries have previously conducted operations without immediate public acknowledgment, leaving room for ambiguity.

It also remains unclear whether the energy sites were directly targeted or were incidentally affected during broader strikes in the area. The reported attacks highlight the continued vulnerability of critical infrastructure and suggest that, despite diplomatic messaging, ground-level escalation may still be ongoing.
07:19 (IST) Mar 24
Israel Iran War New: US eyes Iran parliament speaker as possible interlocutor
Amid signs of a possible diplomatic shift in the Iran war, the United States is reportedly exploring new political pathways, including considering Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf as a potential interlocutor or even a future leader for engagement.

According to reports, some officials within the White House see Ghalibaf as a strong and influential figure within Iran’s political system who could play a role in shaping the next phase of the conflict. However, the approach remains exploratory.

Ghalibaf himself, however, has taken a sharply critical stance against the United States and its allies. In recent remarks, he rejected claims made by Trump about ongoing negotiations between Washington and Tehran, stating that no such talks have taken place. He also accused the US of attempting to influence global financial and oil markets through its statements.

In a series of public comments, Ghalibaf framed the conflict in ideological terms, asserting that Iran is “fighting for humanity” and positioning the war as part of a broader global divide.
07:17 (IST) Mar 24
Iran War News: US issues global alert, asks citizens to leave Iraq
The United States has issued an urgent security warning for its citizens, citing a rise in attacks by Iran-aligned militias targeting American personnel and interests in Iraq. The advisory, released by the US State Department, urges all US nationals to leave Iraq immediately, describing the security environment as highly dangerous and unpredictable.

According to the statement, these militia groups have carried out widespread attacks across the country, including in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region. The warning highlights ongoing risks from missiles, drones, and rocket fire in Iraqi airspace, moving within the country increasingly unsafe. US citizens have also been advised not to approach the embassy in Baghdad or the consulate in Erbil due to security concerns. While the US mission in Iraq remains operational in a limited capacity, routine consular services, including visa processing, have been suspended.

The advisory comes with a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” warning for Iraq, the highest level issued by the State Department, indicating extreme risk to personal safety. Authorities have provided emergency contact channels for citizens still in the country, while emphasising the need for immediate evacuation.
07:14 (IST) Mar 24
Israel Iran War News: Asia turns back to coal as fuel supply fears rise
As the Iran war disrupts global energy flows, several Asian economies are increasingly falling back on coal to meet rising power demand, highlighting the far-reaching economic consequences of the conflict. The region’s heavy dependence on imported fuel—much of which passes through the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz—has left it particularly vulnerable to supply shocks.


Liquefied natural gas (LNG), once seen as a cleaner “bridge fuel” in the transition away from coal and oil, is now facing supply constraints. LNG, which is natural gas cooled into liquid form for easier transport, has been central to energy strategies across Asia, with the United States expanding exports to the region in recent years. While it burns cleaner than coal, it still contributes to emissions, particularly methane.


However, disruptions linked to the ongoing conflict have pushed countries to prioritise immediate energy security over long-term climate goals. India has ramped up coal usage to meet increased summer electricity demand, while South Korea has lifted restrictions on coal-based power generation. Indonesia is leaning on its domestic coal reserves, and countries such as Thailand, the Philippines, and Vietnam are also increasing coal-fired electricity output.
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.