US-Israel-Iran War News Live Updates: Trump says considering 'winding down' Iran war; US eases oil sanctions on Iran
THE TIMES OF INDIA | Mar 21, 2026, 08:10:19 IST
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US-Israel-Iran War News Live Updates: Trump says considering 'winding down' Iran war; US eases oil sanctions on Iran

Israel Iran War Live: US President Donald Trump said on Friday he was considering “winding down” military operations against Iran, signalling a possible shift in the conflict that began on 28 February. Writing on Truth Social, he said the United States was “very close” to achieving its objectives, while the White House suggested the campaign remained on track to conclude within weeks.

At the same time, Washington moved to ease pressure on global energy markets by temporarily lifting sanctions on Iranian oil already loaded onto tankers, allowing sales until 19 April. Officials estimate the measure could release around 140 million barrels of crude, helping to stabilise prices amid supply disruptions linked to tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.

Despite these signals, fighting has continued. Iran launched fresh drone and missile attacks on Saudi Arabia and Israel, while also reportedly firing two long-range ballistic missiles towards the US–UK base at Diego Garcia, underscoring its expanding capabilities. Neither missile struck its target.

The conflict has intensified following Israeli strikes on Iran’s South Pars gas field, prompting Tehran to escalate attacks on regional energy infrastructure and shipping routes. Oil flows remain constrained, driving up global fuel and food prices.

Key points

  • Israel launched fresh air strikes on Beirut and southern Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah, with casualties reported in southern towns.
  • Saudi Arabia intercepted 22 Iranian drones overnight, highlighting continued aerial threats across the region.
  • The United States temporarily eased sanctions on Iranian oil shipments already at sea to stabilise global supply, despite Tehran insisting it has no surplus crude.
  • Iran denied involvement in attacks in Oman and Turkey, while its leadership claimed its enemies were being weakened in the conflict.
  • Explosions were reported in Tehran, while air raid sirens sounded across Israeli cities following missile threats.
  • Iranian-linked drone strikes hit major energy infrastructure in Kuwait and Qatar, causing fires and significant economic damage.
  • The conflict is driving global economic strain, with surging fuel prices, rising bond yields, and governments introducing emergency measures to offset costs.
08:10 (IST) Mar 21
Iran war news: Israel military says striking 'regime targets' in Tehran
The Israeli military said it carried out strikes on what it described as “regime targets” in Tehran early on Saturday, following reports of multiple waves of Iranian missile fire directed at Israel. The Iranian capital has faced near-daily bombardment since the war began on 28 February, after a joint US-Israeli attack that reportedly killed senior officials, including the country’s supreme leader.

Iran has responded with missile and drone strikes against Israel, US assets in the Gulf, and other regional targets. Israel also reported intercepting missiles and striking sites linked to ballistic weapons, vowing to further weaken Iran’s military capabilities.
07:54 (IST) Mar 21
Iran war news: Trump's Iran war rattles US swing voters ahead of midterms
Donald Trump’s conflict with Iran is weighing heavily on independent voters, a key group that could determine whether Republicans retain control of Congress in November’s midterm elections. In Pennsylvania, a crucial swing state, reactions range from concern to outright opposition.

Some voters fear the US is being drawn into another prolonged conflict. Retiree Jolene Lloyd criticised the war, comparing it to Iraq and Vietnam, and said rising living costs, particularly fuel prices, had strengthened her decision to back Democrats. Polling reflects this sentiment, with a clear majority of independents opposing military action and many saying the administration has failed to explain its strategy.

Others remain supportive, albeit cautiously. Welder Vince Lucisano, who voted for Trump, said he backed action against Iran but would worry if US ground troops were deployed.
07:38 (IST) Mar 21
Iran recently launched two ballistic missiles towards the joint US–UK military base on Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean, according to The Wall Street Journal, citing US officials. Neither missile struck the target, located about 2,500 miles (4,000 km) from Iran, but the incident suggests Tehran may possess longer-range capabilities than previously believed.

Reports indicate one missile failed mid-flight, while the other was intercepted by a US warship, though it remains unclear whether it was successfully destroyed. The Pentagon has not commented.

Diego Garcia, part of the Chagos Islands, is a key strategic base used by US forces for operations in Asia and the Middle East. Britain retains control of the base while planning to return the islands to Mauritius, a decision criticised by President Donald Trump.
07:22 (IST) Mar 21
Iran news: Trump says considering 'winding down' Iran war, US eases oil sanctions
US President Donald Trump said on Friday he was considering “winding down” military operations against Iran, suggesting the conflict that began on 28 February could soon de-escalate. In a post on Truth Social, he said the United States was close to achieving its objectives, while the White House indicated the campaign was progressing ahead of schedule.

At the same time, Washington temporarily eased sanctions on Iranian oil already loaded onto tankers, allowing limited sales until 19 April in an effort to ease pressure on global energy supplies. The move could release up to 140 million barrels of oil, as prices rise following disruptions linked to tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and attacks on regional energy infrastructure.

Despite this, hostilities continued to intensify. Iran launched fresh drone and missile strikes on Saudi Arabia and Israel, while Israeli forces carried out attacks in Tehran and Beirut. Energy facilities in Kuwait and Qatar were also hit.
07:07 (IST) Mar 21
Iran news: Israel says striking Hezbollah in Beirut
The Israeli military said it carried out a fresh wave of air strikes on Beirut early on Saturday, targeting positions linked to the Iran-backed group Hezbollah, after urging residents in several districts to evacuate.

The conflict intensified after Hezbollah began launching rockets into Israel on 2 March, saying it was in retaliation for the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Israel has since expanded its campaign, striking sites across Lebanon and deploying ground forces in the south.

Lebanese state media reported further Israeli strikes overnight on Tyre and Naqoura, while an attack on a house in Ghandouriyeh killed at least one person. Hezbollah said it had targeted Israeli troops in southern villages and fired rockets across the border.

US ambassador Michel Issa backed calls for a truce but suggested Israel was not yet prepared to halt its operations.
07:00 (IST) Mar 21
Iran news: Iran warns of targeting tourist destinations as US-Israel war enters third week
Iran has warned it may widen its retaliatory actions to include recreational and tourist sites across the globe, according to Al Jazeera. The country’s senior military spokesman, General Abolfazl Shekarchi, stated that “parks, recreational areas and tourist destinations” would no longer be safe for its adversaries. The remarks have heightened concerns that Tehran could revert to asymmetric operations beyond the Middle East as a means of exerting pressure.

Tensions have escalated following Israeli strikes on Iran’s South Pars offshore gas field earlier in the week. In response, Iran has intensified attacks on energy infrastructure in Gulf Arab states. Notably, two waves of Iranian drones targeted Kuwait’s Mina Al-Ahmadi refinery on Friday, sparking a fire at one of the region’s largest facilities, capable of processing around 730,000 barrels per day.

Iran has also cautioned the United Arab Emirates, warning it could strike Ras al-Khaimah if Iranian-held Gulf islands are attacked again from UAE territory. Meanwhile, officials in Tehran say there is no surplus crude oil available for export, dismissing recent US suggestions of easing restrictions as misleading.
06:33 (IST) Mar 21
Israel-Iran war: Israel says striking Hezbollah in Beirut
The Israeli military launched a series of strikes on Beirut early Saturday, targeting the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah, after warning residents in several areas to evacuate.

Lebanon was drawn into the Middle East conflict when Hezbollah began firing rockets into Israel on March 2, following the killing of Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Since then, Israel has carried out strikes across Lebanon and deployed ground forces into the country’s southern regions.
06:07 (IST) Mar 21
Iran war news: Saudi Arabia intercepts more than 20 drones in east
"10 drones intercepted and destroyed in the eastern region," the Saudi defence ministry posted on X initially.

The ministry later posted that its air defences had shot down 12 more drones, also in the east.
05:50 (IST) Mar 21
Israel-Iran war: Israeli strikes kill one, wound two in south Lebanon, says State media
05:50 (IST) Mar 21
Iran war news: Saudi Arabia intercepts 10 drones in east: Defence ministry
"10 drones intercepted and destroyed in the eastern region," the Saudi defence ministry posted on X.
05:29 (IST) Mar 21
'Detached from reality': Iran slams US over 'winning' claims, says 'same script' from Vietnam war

Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi criticized U.S. messaging on the regional conflict, comparing it to discredited Vietnam War briefings. He cited discrepancies between U.S. claims of victory and events like an F-35 being downed and U.S. aircraft carriers repositioning, suggesting a detached-from-reality narrative.

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05:11 (IST) Mar 21
US-Iran News: US halts sanctions on Iranian oil stranded in tankers at sea until April 19 amid soaring prices
The US Treasury on Friday temporarily lifted sanctions on Iranian oil already loaded onto vessels before March 20, in a bid to ease the supply crunch caused by the ongoing Middle East conflict.

The authorization permits the delivery and sale of crude oil and other petroleum products already aboard Iranian ships and will remain in effect until April 19, the Treasury said in a statement.

The move by the Office of Foreign Assets Control, which Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Thursday was under review, follows a similar temporary easing of sanctions on Russian oil at sea. Friday’s authorization does not apply to oil shipments destined for Cuba, North Korea, or Russian-occupied areas of Ukraine.
05:05 (IST) Mar 21
US-Iran News: US pauses sanctions on Iranian oil stranded on tankers at sea
US paused sanctions on Iranian oil stranded on tankers at sea until April 19, as Washington seeks to curb soaring prices.
04:53 (IST) Mar 21
Pro-Iran group Ashab al-Kahf claims attack on US diplomatic facility in Iraq
Pro-Iranian militant group Ashab al-Kahf said it was responsible for attacks on a US diplomatic facility in Iraq, according to a statement, quoted by Reuters.
04:48 (IST) Mar 21
Iran says it has no oil surplus to offer global markets
Iran on Friday said it has no surplus crude available for international markets, pushing back against comments by the US treasury secretary suggesting Washington could ease sanctions on Iranian oil shipments at sea.

“Currently, Iran basically has no surplus crude oil left on the water or for supply in other international markets, and the US treasury secretary's statement is solely aimed at giving hope to buyers,” Iranian oil ministry spokesman Saman Ghoddoosi said in a post on X.
04:41 (IST) Mar 21
US-Iran News: US Embassy in Baghdad's logistics base targeted three times on Friday, says Iran
Iran said it targeted a logistics base linked to the US Embassy in Baghdad three times on Friday, according to state broadcaster IRIB.

CNN reported it has sought comment from the US Embassy regarding the alleged attacks.

A day earlier, the US Embassy in Baghdad issued a security alert urging American citizens to leave Iraq immediately, warning that “Iran-aligned terrorist militias have encouraged and conducted widespread attacks on U.S. citizens and targets associated with the United States throughout Iraq,” the notice said.
04:38 (IST) Mar 21
No sign Trump is winding down military operation, says Iran: Report
Tehran has rejected Donald Trump’s claim that the United States is considering winding down its military operations, with a senior Iranian official saying there is no evidence of reduced activity in the region.

“Contrary to Trump’s claims of a reduction in military activity in the region, Iran has no such estimate and concludes that the enemy’s military posture in the region hasn’t changed significantly,” the official told CNN.

The remarks come after Trump suggested in a social media post that US operations could be scaled back, even as officials indicated that thousands of additional troops were being deployed to the Middle East.

The Iranian official dismissed the statement as “Trump’s psychological operations to control the markets,” amid continued disruption following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

Oil prices climbed to $112 per barrel on Friday as the key waterway—through which around 20% of global oil supply passes—remains largely shut. Goldman Sachs has warned elevated prices could persist through 2027.

“Tehran has concluded that it should not teach Trump a lesson or a temporary response; it should teach him a historical lesson,” the official said.
04:13 (IST) Mar 21
Iran news: Iran threatens world tourism sites
Iran issued fresh threats against recreational and tourist sites worldwide on Friday, as Ali Khamenei struck a defiant tone and insisted the country continued to develop its missile capabilities.

The escalation came as the United States moved additional warships and around 2,500 Marines into the region, three weeks into a conflict launched alongside Israel.
03:47 (IST) Mar 21
Switzerland blocks arms sales to US over Iran war
Switzerland has halted new arms sales to the United States, citing its long-standing policy of neutrality toward countries involved in armed conflicts.

“The export of war materiel to countries involved in the international armed conflict with Iran cannot be authorized for the duration of the conflict,” the government said in a statement on Friday. “Exports of war materiel to the USA cannot currently be authorized.”
03:28 (IST) Mar 21
Israel military warns residents of Beirut's southern suburbs to evacuate
"The IDF continues to operate and strike Hezbollah's terrorist military infrastructure throughout the suburbs with increasing force," said the Israeli military's Arabic-language spokesman Avichay Adraee on his official Telegram channel, as quoted by AFP.
03:27 (IST) Mar 21
High oil prices knock down stocks and erase Wall Street's hopes for a cut to interest rates amid Middle East crisis
A renewed surge in oil prices rattled stock markets on Friday, dashing expectations of a Federal Reserve rate cut later this year.

The S&P 500 declined 1.5%, marking its fourth consecutive weekly loss — the longest losing streak in a year. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 443 points, or 1%, while the Nasdaq Composite dropped 2%.

Selling pressure intensified after oil prices reversed early losses and climbed sharply through the afternoon. Brent crude, the global benchmark, jumped 3.3% to settle at $112.19 per barrel, while U.S. benchmark crude rose 2.3% to $98.32 per barrel.
03:04 (IST) Mar 21
US Iran news: 'Hormuz Strait will have to be guarded by nations who use it — US does not': Trump
The Hormuz Strait will have to be guarded and policed, as necessary, by other Nations who use it — The United States does not! If asked, we will help these Countries in their Hormuz efforts, but it shouldn’t be necessary once Iran’s threat is eradicated. Importantly, it will be an easy Military Operation for them. Thank you for your attention to this matter!also said Trump in a statement on Truth Social.
03:03 (IST) Mar 21
US-Iran News: US considering 'winding down' military operations in Iran, says Trump
"We are getting very close to meeting our objectives as we consider winding down our great Military efforts in the Middle East with respect to the Terrorist Regime of Iran: (1) Completely degrading Iranian Missile Capability, Launchers, and everything else pertaining to them. (2) Destroying Iran’s Defense Industrial Base. (3) Eliminating their Navy and Air Force, including Anti Aircraft Weaponry. (4) Never allowing Iran to get even close to Nuclear Capability, and always being in a position where the U.S.A. can quickly and powerfully react to such a situation, should it take place. (5) Protecting, at the highest level, our Middle Eastern Allies, including Israel, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, and others," said Trump on TruthSocial.
02:45 (IST) Mar 21
Trump says US close to meeting Middle East war objectives
The US President said the United States is “getting very close to meeting objectives as it considers winding down its military efforts in the Middle East."
02:42 (IST) Mar 21
Israel Iran war: Israel police probe blast sites after Iran missile warning
Israeli police said on Friday they were investigating multiple blast impact sites around Tel Aviv after warnings that Iran had fired missiles and air raid sirens sounded across the city.

Sirens and explosions were also reported in Jerusalem, including an earlier blast just a few hundred metres from key religious landmarks such as the Al-Aqsa Mosque, the Western Wall and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, according to AFP correspondents.

AFP could not independently verify whether the explosions were caused by direct missile strikes or debris from intercepted projectiles.

Police said they were “handling several impact sites of munitions” in the Tel Aviv district, with military search and rescue teams also deployed.

“a short while ago, Israel Police received reports of munitions falling within the Tel Aviv District,” police said, adding that officers and bomb disposal units were working to secure the sites and that no casualties had been reported so far.
02:19 (IST) Mar 21
Iran says it has no oil surplus to offer global markets
02:04 (IST) Mar 21
Trump says US, Israel want 'similar things' in Iran war
US President Donald Trump said that the United States and Israel are broadly aligned in their objectives in the war with Iran.

“The relationships are, is a very good one, I think so. We want more or less similar things,” Trump told CNN while departing the White House.

His remarks came hours after he criticised Nato allies as “cowards” for not assisting the US in securing the Strait of Hormuz, which remains largely shut, driving up global oil prices.
01:44 (IST) Mar 21
Trump says 'he thinks' Israel will end Iran war when US does
President Donald Trump on Friday said Israel could be ready to end its war with Iran once the United States completes its military operations, responding “I think so” when asked about the possibility.
01:39 (IST) Mar 21
Iran war news: Trump says UK should have acted faster on Iran
President Donald Trump on Friday said the United Kingdom should have acted faster in offering help to the United States in its military action against Iran.

This comes as UK allowed US to use British military bases to strike Iran sites targeting the Strait of Hormuz.
01:30 (IST) Mar 21
Trump 'doesn't want ceasefire' with Iran
"I don't want to do a ceasefire. You know you don't do a ceasefire when you're literally obliterating the other side," Trump told journalists at the White House.
01:10 (IST) Mar 21
US Iran news: Why Kharg Island is significant for Iran

Kharg Island is widely regarded as the backbone of Iran’s crude export system, serving as the country’s primary oil terminal. Located roughly 25 kilometres off Iran’s northwestern Gulf coast, it functions as a key hub where crude is stored and loaded onto tankers bound for international markets.

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01:08 (IST) Mar 21
'US could take out Iran's Kharg Island at any time if President gives order,' says White House
The United States could “take out” Iran’s Kharg Island at any time, the White House said on Friday, following reports that President Donald Trump is considering plans to occupy or blockade the key oil hub.

According to Axios, Trump is weighing an operation targeting Kharg Island to pressure Tehran into reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route that has been largely disrupted.

The US is also deploying additional Marines to the Middle East, according to media reports, in a move that could signal preparations for a potential ground operation as the US-Israeli campaign enters its third week.

“The United States Military can take out Kharg Island at any time if the President gives the order,” White House Principal Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly said in a statement.

“Thanks to a detailed planning process, the entire administration is and was prepared for any potential action taken by the terrorist Iranian regime,” she added.

“President Trump knew full well that Iran would try to stop the freedom of navigation and free flow of energy, and he has already taken action to destroy over 40 minelaying vessels.”
00:46 (IST) Mar 21
US Iran news: US imposes new Sanctions on Hezbollah
The US Department of the Treasury on Friday sanctioned a network of 16 individuals and entities led by alleged Hezbollah financier and former public investment official Alaa Hassan Hamieh.

The department said the individuals and companies — based in Lebanon, Syria, Poland, Slovenia, Qatar and Canada — were involved in multiple economic ventures and are estimated to have facilitated the diversion of more than $100 million since 2020.

It described the network as a key funding source for Hezbollah.

The US Department of State designated Hezbollah as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist in 2001, having earlier labelled it a Foreign Terrorist Organization in 1997.
00:41 (IST) Mar 21
US ambassador welcomes Lebanon's proposal for talks with Israel
The US ambassador to Lebanon on Friday welcomed the Lebanese president’s proposal to begin direct negotiations with Israel aimed at ending the latest conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.

Lebanon was drawn into the wider Middle East conflict after Iran-backed Hezbollah launched rocket attacks on Israel on March 2, following the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Speaking after a meeting with Maronite Patriarch Bechara al-Rai in Beirut, envoy Michel Issa said, “We appreciate the importance of the issue for the president and the importance of his responsibility in finally deciding that he must meet with the Israelis, because matters are not resolved without talking,”.
00:18 (IST) Mar 21
US Iran news: Pentagon made 'detailed preparations for deploying US ground forces into Iran', claims report
The Pentagon has drawn up detailed plans for a potential deployment of US ground forces into Iran, with senior commanders submitting requests as Donald Trump weighs options in the ongoing conflict, according to CBS News report.

While Trump said, “No, I'm not putting troops anywhere,” he added, “If I were, I certainly wouldn't tell you.” The White House stressed no decision has been made.

Preparations include handling possible detainees and mobilising rapid-response forces such as the 82nd Airborne Division and Marine expeditionary units, with additional troops and warships already heading to the Middle East.
00:08 (IST) Mar 21
US Iran news: Former US National Counterterrorism Center Director Joe Kent says pro-war ‘echo chamber’ pushed Trump toward Iran strike
Former US National Counterterrorism Center Director Joe Kent on Friday accused pro-war voices in the US and Israel of persuading President Donald Trump to launch strikes on Iran, despite what he described as a lack of concrete evidence of an imminent threat.

Speaking on The Megyn Kelly Show, Kent alleged that Israeli leadership and US allies, including Lindsey Graham, created an “echo chamber” around Trump, pushing for months for military action while sidelining dissenting views.

“I saw the bubble being created around President Trump,” Kent said, referring to his decision to resign earlier this week over concerns about the war. “The president was isolated, and so he was just hearing that echo chamber.”

Kent said the run-up to the Iran strike differed significantly from the deliberations preceding last year’s US bombing of Iranian nuclear sites, which he described as involving extensive internal debate.

Instead, he claimed that Benjamin Netanyahu and his advisers, along with pro-war allies of Trump, pushed for swift action before the administration had fully assessed the potential consequences.

“Whatever argument they used, the effect was that President Trump was then led to believe that if he took action now, this whole thing would be quick and easy,” Kent said.

Kent’s remarks marked his second interview since stepping down, following a conversation with Tucker Carlson.

The White House rejected his claims, with press secretary Karoline Leavitt stating earlier this week that his resignation letter contained “falsehoods” and that he was not involved in key discussions leading up to the conflict.
23:50 (IST) Mar 20
Iraq declares force majeure on foreign-operated oilfields amid Hormuz disruption
Iraq has declared force majeure on all oilfields operated by foreign companies after regional military operations disrupted navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, halting most of the country’s crude exports, according to oil ministry sources quoted by Reuters.
23:43 (IST) Mar 20
UK agrees to let US use British bases to strike Iranian missile sites targeting Strait of Hormuz
The British government on Friday authorised the United States to use its military bases in the UK to launch strikes against Iranian missile sites targeting vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.

British ministers held discussions the same day on the ongoing Iran conflict and Tehran’s disruption of traffic through the strategic waterway, according to a Downing Street statement.
23:28 (IST) Mar 20
Israel Iran war: EAM Jaishankar speaks to Australian and Canadian counterparts
"Very pleased to speak with my Australian counterpart @SenatorWong. Shared our assessments of the ongoing West Asia conflict. Also discussed Indo-Pacific issues," the external affairs minister said on social media.
23:07 (IST) Mar 20
US Iran news: Iran hits Kuwaiti oil refinery again as explosions boom over Tehran
An oil refinery in Kuwait was hit by an Iranian drone strike, while sirens sounded across Israel warning of incoming fire. At the same time, explosions were reported over Tehran as Israeli strikes continued, even as the country marked the Persian New Year.

As the conflict entered its third week, Iran showed no signs of scaling back attacks on Gulf energy infrastructure. Kuwaiti authorities said two waves of drone strikes targeted the Mina Al-Ahmadi refinery, triggering a fire that emergency crews were working to contain. The facility, which has a capacity of about 730,000 barrels per day, had already suffered damage in a previous strike a day earlier and is one of three key refineries in the oil-rich Gulf nation.

The escalation follows Israel’s strike on Iran’s South Pars gas field on Wednesday, after which Tehran intensified attacks on energy targets across Gulf Arab states. Meanwhile, loud blasts were also reported in Jerusalem after the Israeli military warned of incoming Iranian missiles.
22:06 (IST) Mar 20
'No nuclear aspirations, no war with neighbours': Iran's message to Gulf nations
“Our difficulties are the result of the interference of enemies,” he said.

“Our dear neighbours who surround us, you are our brothers… We have come to resolve all these differences with you,” he said.
He said Iran proposed that “to establish peace and stability in the region, a regional security structure be formed from Islamic countries”. “We do not need the presence of outsiders in the region.”

He stressed Iran was not seeking nuclear weapons, saying the Supreme Leader had declared they were religiously forbidden, and no officials were permitted to pursue plans to obtain them.
21:52 (IST) Mar 20
Israel Iran war: Israel says killed intelligence head of Iran's Basij force
"Earlier this week, the air force, guided precisely by military intelligence, struck the senior leadership of the Basij unit in the heart of Tehran, in an attack that eliminated the unit's commander, Gholamreza Soleimani, along with several other senior commanders," the military said.

"The IDF now confirms that in this strike Ismaeil Ahmadi, who served as head of the intelligence directorate of the Basij unit, was also eliminated."
21:19 (IST) Mar 20
'Iranian gift for Eid': Israel accuses Tehran of attacking 'holy sites'
"The Iranian attack on the holy sites sacred to all three religions reveals the madness of the Iranian regime, which claims to be religious," Israel's foreign ministry wrote on X, calling it an "Iranian gift" for the Muslim holiday Eid al-Fitr.
21:00 (IST) Mar 20
Iran war news: Khamenei says enemy 'defeated' in written Nowruz message
"At the moment, due to the particular unity that has been created between you our compatriots -- despite all the differences in religious, intellectual, cultural and political origins -- the enemy has been defeated," said Khamenei.
20:53 (IST) Mar 20
'Scheme by Zionist enemy': Iran's Mojtaba Khamenei on attacks in Turkey and Oman
Iranian new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei claimed that attacks in Turkey and Oman are part of a “scheme by the Zionist enemy” to create divisions among regional nations.

“We share with neighboring countries the creed, the interests, and the confrontation against the forces of global arrogance,” Mojtaba Khamenei said.
20:15 (IST) Mar 20
PM Modi speaks to Bahrain king, discusses free navigation of ships amid Hormuz fallout
"Had a fruitful discussion with the King of Bahrain, His Majesty King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa. Conveyed warm greetings on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr to him and the people of Bahrain. We discussed the current situation in the West Asian region. Condemned attacks on the energy and civilian infrastructure in the region, underscoring their adverse impact on global food, fuel and fertilizer security," PM Modi said in a post on X.

"Reiterated the importance of ensuring freedom of navigation and keeping shipping lines open and secure. Thanked His Majesty for his continued support for the well-being of the Indian community in Bahrain," he added.
20:01 (IST) Mar 20
US Iran news: US to deploy of thousands of additional troops to the Middle East, officials say
The United States military is sending thousands of additional Marines and sailors to the Middle East, three US officials told Reuters.

One official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the USS Boxer—along with the Marine Expeditionary Unit on board—is set to depart from the US West Coast roughly three weeks earlier than originally planned.
19:38 (IST) Mar 20
'Parks, tourist destinations' worldwide won't be safe for enemies': Iran issues big warning
Iran’s top military spokesperson, Abolfazl Shekarchi, warned that “parks, recreational areas and tourist destinations” around the world would no longer be safe for Tehran’s adversaries.

The remarks come as Iran faces continued airstrikes from the United States and Israel, raising fresh concerns that, as the conflict drags on, Tehran could resort to carrying out or supporting militant attacks beyond the Middle East as a means of pressure.

“From now on, based on the information we have about you, even parks, recreational areas and tourist destinations anywhere in the world will no longer be safe for you,” Shekarchi said in a statement published online by Iranian state television.
18:55 (IST) Mar 20
Iran war news: 913 Indians cross into Armenia, Azerbaijan from Iran; all 284 stranded pilgrims return home, says MEA

"As I told before, through Iran, many Indian citizens who are in Iran are returning to the country through Armenia and Azerbaijan. In that, there has been an increase in the number I told yesterday. Now, 913 Indian citizens have crossed the border in Armenia and Azerbaijan from Iran with the help of the embassy, and many people have already returned among them," MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.

18:34 (IST) Mar 20
US Iran news: China calls for end to war in Middle East warning of economic impact
China urged an immediate end to the conflict in the Middle East, cautioning that the nearly three-week-long war could have serious repercussions for global energy supplies, shipping routes, and trade, as fighting continues with no clear signs of easing.

"History and reality have repeatedly shown the world that force is not the solution to problems and armed conflict ‌will only ⁠breed new ⁠hatred," Lin Jian, a spokesperson for China's foreign ministry said when asked whether Beijing had a ​message for Muslim communities as they mark the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
47 More Updates
The ongoing conflict between Iran, Israel and the United States continues, with direct attacks on energy infrastructure and widening regional involvement pushing the war towards a broader geopolitical and economic crisis. What began as a coordinated US-Israel offensive targeting Iranian military and nuclear capabilities has now expanded into a multi-front conflict involving missile exchanges, proxy warfare, and economic disruption.

Iran sharply escalated the situation by launching attacks on oil and gas facilities across the Gulf on Thursday, in retaliation for an Israeli strike on a key Iranian gas field. These strikes have significantly raised the stakes, as energy infrastructure forms the backbone of the global economy. In response, US President Donald Trump issued a stark warning, saying Washington could “massively blow up” Iran’s gas infrastructure if attacks continue. At the same time, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed that Iran’s ability to enrich uranium and develop ballistic missiles has been effectively neutralised, though Tehran continues to demonstrate its offensive capabilities through sustained missile and drone strikes.

Israeli strikes continued in Tehran, coinciding with Iran’s Nowruz celebrations, while Iran fired multiple missile barrages at Israeli cities, triggering widespread air raid sirens. The battlefield has also expanded geographically. The conflict has spilled into Lebanon, where fighting with the Iran-backed group Hezbollah has intensified. Israeli strikes there have killed over 1,000 people and displaced more than a million, underlining the humanitarian cost of the war.

One of the most critical flashpoints is the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil transit route. The near halt in tanker traffic due to security threats has severely disrupted global supply chains. Oil prices have surged dramatically, with Brent crude rising above $110 per barrel and even briefly touching higher levels, fuelling fears of inflation worldwide. The impact is already being felt by consumers through rising fuel and transport costs, which are expected to push up prices of essential goods globally.

International concern is mounting. The United Nations Security Council has held urgent discussions, while European leaders have called for a halt to attacks on energy infrastructure and the reopening of key shipping routes.

At the same time, divisions are emerging between the US and Israel over strategy, particularly regarding attacks on Iranian energy sites. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday asserted Israel’s independent military decision-making even as he emphasised close coordination with the United States amid the ongoing conflict with Iran. His statement came a day after Trump said he knew nothing about Israel's strike on Iran's Assaluyeh gas compound.