An Iranian ballistic missile struck the Haifa oil refinery complex in northern Israel on Thursday. The facility, operated by the Bazan Group, is one of Israel’s largest energy installations and a key hub for fuel and chemical production in the Haifa Bay area. The attack, part of a broader barrage from Iran and Hezbollah in Lebanon, caused localized damage to infrastructure, including a power line hit by shrapnel, which led to a brief outage in northern Israel.

Emergency response teams were deployed to the site, where firefighting efforts were underway to control a resulting blaze. Electricity was restored to most affected areas within 45 minutes, according to Israel Electric Corporation. Officials are also assessing the possibility of a hazardous materials incident. No casualties have been reported so far.

Preliminary assessments suggest the missile carried a cluster warhead, resulting in multiple impact points across Haifa.

The Bazan refinery, located in a densely populated area of Haifa Bay, has long been a strategic target due to its size, industrial significance, and proximity to residential zones. Environmental and civic groups have long called for its relocation, citing pollution and safety risks. In 2022, the Israeli government approved a plan to move the facility by 2030, with work on dismantling adjacent oil tanks scheduled to begin this year.

The attack follows Iran’s retaliation for earlier Israeli strikes on Iranian gas infrastructure. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed it targeted the Haifa refinery and other “security and military support centers” with “pinpoint missiles.” The Ashdod refinery in southern Israel was also reportedly targeted, though no immediate confirmation of damage was available.

This marks the second major Iranian attack on the Haifa refinery in less than a year—last June, a similar strike killed three workers and shut down all facilities. The Bazan Group confirmed the complete shutdown of all facilities following the March 19 strike due to significant damage to the power plant, with efforts underway to restore electricity in coordination with Israel Electric Company.

Meanwhile a U.S. F-35 Lightning II fighter jet was forced to make an emergency landing Thursday, at a U.S. airbase in the Middle East after being struck by what is believed to be Iranian fire during a combat mission over Iran.

Captain Tim Hawkins, a spokesperson for U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), confirmed the incident in a statement: "We are aware of reports that a U.S. F-35 aircraft conducted an emergency landing at a regional U.S. airbase after flying a combat mission over Iran. The aircraft landed safely, and the pilot is in stable condition. This incident is under investigation."

IRGC said its air defense systems struck the F-35 over central Iran around 2:50 a.m. local time. The IRGC said the jet was “seriously damaged” and that its fate remains “under investigation,” with a “high possibility” it crashed. Iranian state media, including Press TV and Tasnim News Agency, released footage footage allegedly showing the moment of impact, featuring explosions, smoke trails, and the aircraft veering off course.

The strike on the F-35 comes amid escalating regional tensions following Israel’s attack on Iran’s South Pars Gas Field on March 18, which prompted Iran to retaliate by striking Qatar’s Ras Laffan Industrial City, causing extensive damage. Iran’s IRGC claimed responsibility for the F-35 incident, releasing video footage purportedly showing radar locks and missile engagement over central Iran. The authenticity of the video has not been independently verified.

The incident is reportedly the first confirmed case of Iran striking a U.S. aircraft since the conflict began on February 28, 2026. Other U.S. aircraft losses during the conflict include three F-15s shot down by friendly fire from Kuwaiti defenses and a KC-135 tanker crash in western Iraq that killed all six crew members—not attributed to hostile fire.

Iran operates a layered air defense network, including Russian-supplied S-300PMU-2 systems and its indigenous Bavar-373 system, which it claims is more capable than the Russian S-400.

The F-35 is a fifth-generation stealth fighter valued at over $100 million per unit and central to U.S. and allied airpower. Its vulnerability in contested airspace raises strategic concerns. Despite the U.S. military's assertion of air dominance and claims that Iran’s air defenses had been "flattened," the event raises significant questions about the survivability of fifth-generation stealth aircraft in contested airspace.

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Israeli strikes killed Iran’s intelligence minister, Esmail Khatib, on March 18, 2026, just hours after eliminating two other top Iranian officials—Ali Larijani, head of the Supreme National Security Council, and Gholamreza Soleimani, commander of the Basij militia. The assassinations were part of a broader Israeli and U.S. military campaign that began on February 28, targeting Iran’s leadership and strategic infrastructure.

In a major escalation, Israel struck Iran’s South Pars gas field, the world’s largest natural gas field, located off the coast of Bushehr and shared with Qatar. The attack damaged petrochemical facilities in Asaluyeh, cutting off gas supplies to Iraq and worsening domestic energy shortages in Iran. U.S. officials confirmed awareness of the strike but stated they did not participate.

Iran responded swiftly, launching missile and drone attacks on Israel, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar. Iranian forces targeted energy infrastructure and military sites, with missiles killing two people in Ramat Gan, near Tel Aviv. Iran also intensified its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting global oil transit and pushing Brent crude above $110 per barrel.

Hezbollah, Iran’s ally in Lebanon, escalated attacks on Israel, firing rockets into Israeli territory. In response, Israel conducted intense airstrikes across Beirut and southern Lebanon, killing at least 12 people, including a senior Hezbollah media official, and destroying key bridges over the Litani River. Over 1 million Lebanese have been displaced, and more than 900 killed since the conflict began.

Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, vowed retaliation, stating the killers of Larijani “will have to pay.” Iran’s president, Masoud Pezeshkian, warned the attacks on energy infrastructure could have “uncontrollable consequences” with global ramifications.

Qatar condemned both the Israeli strike on South Pars and Iran’s retaliatory attack on its energy hub, which caused extensive damage and halted most of its gas exports. The UAE and EU also denounced the targeting of energy infrastructure, calling it a dangerous escalation threatening global energy security.

On his part, President Trump on Truth Social wrote: "Israel, out of anger for what has taken place in the Middle East, has violently lashed out at a major facility known as South Pars Gas Field in Iran. A relatively small section of the whole has been hit. The United States knew nothing about this particular attack, and the country of Qatar was in no way, shape, or form, involved with it, nor did it have any idea that it was going to happen. Unfortunately, Iran did not know this, or any of the pertinent facts pertaining to the South Pars attack, and unjustifiably and unfairly attacked a portion of Qatar’s LNG Gas facility. NO MORE ATTACKS WILL BE MADE BY ISRAEL pertaining to this extremely important and valuable South Pars Field unless Iran unwisely decides to attack a very innocent, in this case, Qatar - In which instance the United States of America, with or without the help or consent of Israel, will massively blow up the entirety of the South Pars Gas Field at an amount of strength and power that Iran has never seen or witnessed before. I do not want to authorize this level of violence and destruction because of the long term implications that it will have on the future of Iran, but if Qatar’s LNG is again attacked, I will not hesitate to do so."

Iranian authorities claims over 1,300 civilians have died since the war began. The U.S. has lost 13 service members, and Israel 14 civilians. The conflict continues to spiral, with rising fears of a broader regional war and a global energy crisis.

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The director of the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC), Joe Kent resigned on Tuesday, in protest of President Donald Trump’s decision to go to war with Iran. In a resignation letter posted on X, Kent stated, “I cannot in good conscience support the ongoing war in Iran. Iran posed no imminent threat to our nation, and it is clear that we started this war due to pressure from Israel and its powerful American lobby.”

Kent, a 45-year-old U.S. Army and CIA veteran with 11 overseas deployments, cited his personal loss—his wife, Navy cryptologic technician Shannon Kent was killed in a 2019 suicide bombing in Syria—as a key reason for his opposition. He wrote, “As a Gold Star husband... I cannot support sending the next generation off to fight and die in a war that serves no benefit to the American people.”

The Army veteran accused high-ranking Israeli officials and influential U.S. media figures of running a “misinformation campaign” that undermined Trump’s “America First” foreign policy and pushed the U.S. into war. Kent praised Trump’s earlier actions like the killing of Qassem Soleimani and defeating ISIS but claimed the Iran war marked a betrayal of that approach.

Responding to reporters at the White House, Trump dismissed Kent’s concerns, calling him “a nice guy” but “very weak on security,” and said his resignation was “a good thing.” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt called Kent’s claims about Israeli influence “insulting and laughable,” asserting Trump acted on “strong and compelling evidence” of an Iranian threat.

Kent’s superior and Director of National Intelligence and Tulsi Gabbard defended the administration’s decision, stating Trump had the authority to determine what constitutes an imminent threat based on intelligence briefings.

The resignation drew mostly praise online, while pro-Israel activists and the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) accused Kent of promoting antisemitic tropes, particularly in blaming Israel and its lobby. This marks the most high-profile departure from the Trump administration since the Iran conflict began on February 28, 2026, and highlights growing internal dissent over the war’s justification.

Here's Kent's letter:

Director of National Intelligence National Counterterrorism Center

President Trump,

After much reflection, I have decided to resign from my position as Director of the National Counterterrorism Center, effective today.

I cannot in good conscience support the ongoing war in Iran. Iran posed no imminent threat to our nation, and it is clear that we started this war due to pressure from Israel and its powerful American lobby.

I support the values and the foreign policies that you campaigned on in 2016, 2020, 2024, which you enacted in your first term. Until June of 2025, you understood that the wars in the Middle East were a trap that robbed America of the precious lives of our patriots and depleted the wealth and prosperity of our nation.

In your first administration, you understood better than any modern President how to decisively apply military power without getting us drawn into never-ending wars. You demonstrated this by killing Qasam Solamani and by defeating ISIS.

Early in this administration, high-ranking Israeli officials and influential members of the American media deployed a misinformation campaign that wholly undermined your America First platform and sowed pro-war sentiments to encourage a war with Iran. This echo chamber was used to deceive you into believing that Iran posed an imminent threat to the United States, and that should you strike now, there was a clear path to a swift victory. This was a lie and is the same tactic the Israelis used to draw us into the disastrous Iraq war that cost our nation the lives of thousands of our best men and women. We cannot make this mistake again.

As a veteran who deployed to combat 11 times and as a Gold Star husband who lost my beloved wife Shannon in a war manufactured by Israel, I cannot support sending the next generation off to fight and die in a war that serves no benefit to the American people nor justifies the cost of American lives.

I pray that you will reflect upon what we are doing in Iran, and who we are doing it for. The time for bold action is now. You can reverse course and chart a new path for our nation, or you can allow us to slip further toward decline and chaos. You hold the cards.

It was an honor to serve in your administration and to serve our great nation.

Joseph Kent Director, National Counterterrorism Center

Here's Tulsi's statement:

Donald Trump was overwhelmingly elected by the American people to be our President and Commander in Chief. As our Commander in Chief, he is responsible for determining what is and is not an imminent threat, and whether or not to take action he deems necessary to protect the safety and security of our troops, the American people and our country. 

The Office of the Director of National Intelligence is responsible for helping coordinate and integrate all intelligence to provide the President and Commander in Chief with the best information available to inform his decisions. 

After carefully reviewing all the information before him, President Trump concluded that the terrorist Islamist regime in Iran posed an imminent threat and he took action based on that conclusion.

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Iran’s Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani, and head of the Basij paramilitary force Gholamreza Soleimani were confirmed dead following Israeli airstrikes on Tehran, according to Iranian state media. Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz announced the killings, calling it a major blow to Iran’s leadership.

Larijani, seen as Iran’s de facto leader in recent weeks and a close ally of the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was the most senior Iranian official killed since Khamenei’s death on the first day of the war. Iran initially published a handwritten note attributed to Larijani on social media, but later confirmed his death.

The strikes occurred amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, with Iran blocking the Strait of Hormuz—a critical global oil shipping route—after U.S.-Israel operations began. President Donald Trump demanded that NATO allies, including the UK and France, send naval forces to secure the strait.

However, European leaders Emmanuel Macron, Keir Starmer, and others rejected the request, citing concerns over escalating conflict. "No matter what, we are not going to participate in war against Iran. We will not give bases to the US to attack," Starmer said Monday.

In response, Trump posted on Truth Social: “We don’t need or desire NATO help,” calling the alliance’s refusal a “foolish mistake.” He reiterated that the war would end “soon,” and oil prices would “drop like a rock.”

The UK’s foreign secretary, Yvette Cooper, acknowledged the UK’s support for diplomacy, while MP Liz Saville Roberts questioned whether the US-Israeli strikes were premature and illegal given the ongoing viability of a negotiated solution. Steve Witkoff, Trump’s special envoy was expected to brief senators behind closed doors, but critics demanded public testimony to hold him accountable.

UK’s national security adviser Jonathan Powell reportedly attended the final nuclear talks between the US and Iran in Geneva in late February 2026 and concluded that Iran’s offer was "surprising" and significant enough to prevent a rush to war.

Powell, a seasoned mediator with deep experience in international diplomacy, brought his own team of nuclear experts to the talks—unlike the US delegation, which relied on Rafael Grossi, the IAEA director general, as a technical advisor, a role experts say he was not suited for. Powell believed progress had been made, particularly on Iran’s proposal to down-blend its 400–440kg stockpile of highly enriched uranium, pause domestic enrichment for three to five years, and eliminate future stockpiles—all under IAEA supervision.

Iran also reportedly offered a permanent agreement without sunset clauses, a major departure from the 2015 deal, and proposed an economic bonanza, including US participation in a future civil nuclear program and the lifting of nearly 80% of sanctions.

Witkoff and Jared Kushner, the president’s son-in-law, were central to the US delegation. However, their lack of technical expertise in nuclear issues drew criticism.

Nuclear experts said Witkoff’s public statements were riddled with basic errors, and a former US official called their approach "malpractice" for not bringing a proper technical team. A Gulf diplomat with knowledge of the talks said: “We regarded Witkoff and Kushner as Israeli assets that dragged a president into a war he wants to get out of.”

This sentiment was echoed in other reports, which suggest Witkoff and Kushner were seen not as honest brokers but as agents advancing an Israeli agenda, with strong ties to pro-Israel figures like Jewish billionare Miriam Adelson and Prime Minister Netanyahu.

The US and Israel launched a full-scale attack on Iran two days after the Geneva talks ended, just before a scheduled follow-up in Vienna. Powell’s presence and assessment were confirmed by three sources, and his view—that a diplomatic path remained viable—helps explain the UK’s reluctance to support the US strike, which it deemed premature and unlawful.

The perception of deception was further fueled by the fact that the US scheduled follow-up talks and even a trip by Secretary of State Marco Rubio to Israel—actions that contradicted the administration’s claim that diplomacy had failed. In the final session, Iran agreed to a 3–5 year enrichment pause, but the US, after consulting Trump, demanded a 10-year pause—an unrealistic demand given Iran’s enrichment facilities had been destroyed in 2025.

Israel intensified airstrikes, targeting Iranian infrastructure and Hezbollah sites in Lebanon, while Iran retaliated with missile barrages, including one that hit the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant—though no damage was confirmed. The conflict now threatens to draw in more regional actors, with Russia reportedly seeking to keep Iran engaged in the war.

Meanwhile the U.S. National Counterterrorism Center director, Joe Kent, resigned in protest, stating he “cannot in good conscience support the ongoing war,” citing no imminent threat from Iran.

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JD Vance told reporters at the White House on Monday, that journalists were attempting to "drive a wedge" between him and President Donald Trump over the U.S.-led military campaign against Iran, known as Operation Epic Fury. Standing beside Trump in the Oval Office during a press event announcing a new anti-fraud task force, the vice president defended his support for the war, stating, “You’re trying to drive a wedge between members of the administration, between me and the president.”

Despite his past reputation as a leading anti-interventionist, Vance has publicly backed Trump’s decision to strike Iran, citing a consistent presidential stance since 2015: Iran must not acquire a nuclear weapon. He emphasized a key distinction: “We have a smart president, whereas in the past we’ve had dumb presidents.” The vice president asserted he trusts Trump to avoid repeating the mistakes of previous administrations, particularly the prolonged conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Vance, a Marine Corps veteran who served in Iraq, built his political identity on skepticism toward foreign military interventions. In 2023, he praised Trump’s reluctance to start wars, calling it “the enduring legacy of Mr. Trump’s first term.”

Two senior Trump administration officials reportedly revealed that Vance had been “skeptical” about the Iran strikes, expressing concerns about success and opposing the war in private. He also privately criticized U.S. strikes on the Houthis in Yemen, calling them a “mistake” in a leaked Signal chat.

Despite these past positions, Vance has since aligned publicly with Trump, calling for unity and praying for the safety of U.S. troops. Trump acknowledged Vance was “maybe less enthusiastic” about the war but said he “was still quite enthusiastic” and praised him as “great.”

The White House and Vance’s team have dismissed speculation of a rift, with spokespersons calling such attempts “totally misguided.” Vance’s silence during the early days of the operation and his cautious tone have fueled media scrutiny, but he has maintained that he keeps strategic discussions with the president confidential to protect national security.

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Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran’s newly appointed supreme leader, narrowly survived a U.S.-Israel missile strike on February 28, 2026, that killed his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, his wife Zahra Haddad-Adel, son Bagher Khamenei, and brother-in-law Misbah al-Huda Bagheri Kani, according to a leaked audio recording from Mazaher Hosseini, head of protocol for the late supreme leader.

The audio, obtained by The Telegraph, reveals that Mojtaba Khamenei stepped outside the Tehran compound for a brief moment—“to do something”—just seconds before the attack. He was returning upstairs when three Blue Sparrow ballistic missiles struck the compound. “God’s will was that Mojtaba had to go out to the yard to do something and then return. He was outside and was heading upstairs when they struck the building with a missile. His wife, Ms Haddad, was martyred instantly,” according to the recording.

The strike targeted multiple locations within the compound, including the residence of the supreme leader, Mojtaba’s home on an upper floor, and his brother-in-law’s residence. The missiles were powerful enough to cut Misbah al-Huda Bagheri Kani’s head in half.

Mohammad Shirazi, head of Khamenei’s military bureau, was “blown to pieces” — only “a few kilos of flesh” were recovered for identification. Mojtaba Khamenei sustained only a minor leg injury, according to Hosseini, though other reports suggest more severe trauma, including potential loss of a leg or serious internal injuries.

The attack was part of Operation Epic Fury, a coordinated U.S.-Israel campaign targeting Iran’s leadership and military infrastructure.

Despite surviving, Mojtaba Khamenei has not appeared publicly since the strike, fueling global speculation. Reports claim he was flown to Moscow for emergency surgery at a presidential palace, reportedly offered by Russian President Vladimir Putin. However, Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said the new leader is “in good health and fully managing the situation.”

U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed on Monday, that American officials do not know whether Mojtaba Khamenei is alive or dead, saying: “We don’t know … if he’s dead or not. I will say that nobody has seen him, which is unusual.”

The new supreme leader’s first public message was read by state media, declaring: “I assure everyone that we will not refrain from avenging the blood of your martyrs.”

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President Donald Trump delivered a series of remarks at the White House on Monday, expressing frustration and surprise over Iran’s attacks on Gulf states, particularly the UAE, and intensifying pressure on European allies to secure the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump said he was "not happy" with the UK and "very surprised" by its response to Iran’s attacks, accusing longtime allies of lacking enthusiasm for helping the U.S. in the crisis. He reiterated his demand that countries benefiting from the free flow of oil through the Strait—such as Japan, South Korea, and China—should assist in reopening it, saying, “They should be thanking me” and “they should be helping us.”

Despite claiming the Iranian regime was “literally obliterated” and that the U.S. had struck over 7,000 targets, including naval vessels and missile production sites, Iran continued to launch drone and missile attacks on Israel, the UAE, and U.S. bases. A drone strike hit a fuel tank near Dubai International Airport, causing a fire and briefly halting flights, while Iranian missiles were intercepted over central Israel, with debris falling near Jerusalem’s Old City.

In response to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz—critical for transporting a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas—UAE authorities closed its airspace as an “exceptional precautionary measure” amid escalating regional threats. The UAE’s air defense systems intercepted incoming drones and missiles, and Abu Dhabi’s Shah gas field was damaged in a drone attack, suspending operations.

Trump claimed he had spoken with French President Emmanuel Macron, who he said was willing to help, and promised to announce soon which nations would join the U.S. effort. However, European countries, including France, Germany, and the UK, rejected his call for military involvement, with Germany’s foreign minister stating the Iran conflict was “not a matter for NATO.” Greece also confirmed it would not engage in military operations in the strait.

Trump’s shift from previously dismissing allies’ help—such as saying the UK “doesn’t need to meet up with the team” or that he “doesn’t need help” from Ukraine—now marks a significant about-face, raising questions about the U.S. military’s preparedness for Iran’s retaliation.

The conflict has caused global oil prices to surge by about 40% in March, sparking panic buying in regions like Australia, where fuel prices exceeded A$2.30 per litre. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) convened fuel suppliers, including Chevron and BP, to justify pricing.

In Lebanon, Israel launched ground operations in southern Lebanon, intensifying its campaign against Hezbollah. Over 831,000 Lebanese have been displaced**, with more than 850 killed, including 105 children. Israel stated displaced residents cannot return until northern Israel is safe.

The war began on February 28, 2026, when the U.S. and Israel launched “major combat operations” against Iran, killing Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. His son, Mojtaba Khamenei, was chosen as Iran’s new Supreme Leader. Iran has vowed to continue fighting wherever it is, calling the Strait of Hormuz closed only to U.S., Israeli, and allied vessels.

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A large explosion struck Ferdowsi Square in Tehran on Friday, during an annual Quds Day rally where thousands chanted “death to Israel” and “death to America.” The blast occurred after Israel issued a warning via a Farsi-language X account, urging people to evacuate the area.

However, due to near-total internet shutdowns in Iran, few likely saw the alert. There were no immediate reports of casualties, but the strike underscored the escalating conflict. Top Iranian leaders attended the march, including the president, they mocked US War Secretary Pete Hegseth for claiming they're in hiding like rats.

U.S. and Israeli airstrikes have intensified across Iran since the war began on February 28, following the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in a joint U.S.-Israeli operation. His son, Mojtaba Khamenei, succeeded him and has not been seen publicly since. Hegseth stated that Mojtaba Khamenei is “wounded and likely disfigured”, though no evidence was provided. He also claimed that over 15,000 enemy targets have been struck since the war began—more than 1,000 per day.

Gen. Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, emphasized targeting Iran’s minelaying capabilities and missile infrastructure. Both officials suggested Iranian leadership is on the run, with Hegseth using strong rhetoric implying they are hiding "like rats," though he did not use that exact phrase in the provided sources.

In Lebanon, Israeli strikes killed at least 773 people, including over 100 children, with 850,000 displaced. Fighting with Iran-backed Hezbollah has escalated, and Israeli shells hit a UN base in southern Lebanon. Iran continues to target financial and energy infrastructure, vowing to keep the strait closed.

Iran has retaliated with daily missile and drone attacks on Israel and Gulf states, effectively closing the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting global oil flows. Brent crude hovered around $100 per barrel, up 40% since the war began. The U.S. Navy shot down Iranian ballistic missiles over Turkey, and attacks have hit Dubai, Oman, and Saudi Arabia.

The U.S. death toll stands at 13 service members, including six airmen killed in a KC-135 refueling plane crash in Iraq, unrelated to enemy fire. Three other U.S. fighter jets were downed by friendly fire from Kuwaiti forces.

President Donald Trump claimed in Fox News interview Friday, the war would end “when I feel it in my bones” and said the U.S. would continue “more of the same.” A $10 million reward has been offered for information on the whereabouts of Iran’s top leaders.

Late Friday, Trump announced that the United States Central Command had conducted one of the most powerful bombing raids in Middle Eastern history, "totally obliterated every military target" on Iran’s Kharg Island, a strategically vital oil export hub located about 15 miles off Iran’s southwestern coast in the Persian Gulf.

The island, often referred to as Iran’s “crown jewel” and “oil lifeline,” handles approximately 90% of Iran’s crude oil exports, with a loading capacity of around 7 million barrels per day. It serves as the primary terminal for Iran’s oil shipments, mainly destined for China and India. Despite nearly two weeks of U.S. and Israeli-led strikes against Iran, the island’s oil infrastructure had remained untouched—until now.

In a Truth Social post, Trump stated he had **chosen not to destroy the oil infrastructure“for reasons of decency,” but issued a stark warning: “Should Iran, or anyone else, do anything to interfere with the Free and Safe Passage of Ships through the Strait of Hormuz, I will immediately reconsider this decision.”

"Moments ago, at my direction, the United States Central Command executed one of the most powerful bombing raids in the History of the Middle East, and totally obliterated every MILITARY target in Iran’s crown jewel, Kharg Island, the president wrote. "Our Weapons are the most powerful and sophisticated that the World has ever known but, for reasons of decency, I have chosen NOT to wipe out the Oil Infrastructure on the Island. However, should Iran, or anyone else, do anything to interfere with the Free and Safe Passage of Ships through the Strait of Hormuz, I will immediately reconsider this decision. During my First Term, and currently, I rebuilt our Military into the Most Lethal, Powerful, and Effective Force, by far, anywhere in the World. Iran has NO ability to defend anything that we want to attack — There is nothing they can do about it! Iran will NEVER have a nuclear weapon, nor will it have the ability to threaten the United States of America, the Middle East or, for that matter, the World! Iran’s Military, and all others involved with this Terrorist Regime, would be wise to lay down their arms, and save what’s left of their country, which isn’t much! Thank you for your attention to this matter. President DONALD J. TRUMP."

The strike targeted military facilities including missile storage sites and Iranian mine depots**, according to a U.S. military official. The attacks caused massive explosions and shook the island like an earthquake, with employees reporting nearly two hours of nonstop airstrikes. Iran’s Oil Ministry confirmed the scale and destructiveness of the assault.

Global oil markets reacted sharply: Brent crude futures closed above $100 per barrel for the second consecutive day, surging over 40% since the war began. Analysts warn that even limited damage to Kharg’s infrastructure could disrupt global supply chains due to ripple effects on shipping, insurance, and market confidence.

The U.S. has also significantly increased its military presence in the region, deploying 2,500 Marines and the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli. While a ground seizure of Kharg Island remains a high-risk option, the Pentagon has not ruled out future actions. Trump emphasized that the military campaign will continue “as long as necessary,” claiming it is “way ahead of schedule.”

Iran has responded by closing the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway through which about 20% of the world’s traded oil passes, and continues launching missile and drone attacks on Israel and Gulf states.

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Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran’s newly appointed supreme leader, issued his first public statement on Thursday, following the assassination of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in a U.S.-Israeli strike on February 28. The statement, read aloud on Iranian state television by a news anchor emphasized unwavering resistance and national unity.

Khamenei vowed "never-ending" revenge for the deaths of Iranian civilians, including over 170 people—mostly children—killed in a missile strike on a girls’ elementary school in Minab, which a preliminary U.S. military investigation suggests was caused by outdated intelligence. He declared that Iran will continue blocking the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil shipping route, as a strategic lever, and warned that attacks on U.S. military bases in the region would persist. He also urged Gulf Arab nations to close American military bases on their soil, calling Washington’s promise of security a “lie,” and stated that Iran would explore new fronts where its adversaries are less experienced.

The supreme leader expressed deep personal loss, mourning his father, his wife, sister, her child, and another sister’s spouse—members of his family killed in the strikes. He praised Iran’s armed forces and allied groups like Hezbollah and the Houthis for their support, while reaffirming Iran’s commitment to friendship with neighboring countries despite ongoing hostilities. His message avoided any mention of internal reforms or economic hardship, focusing instead on defiance and retaliation.

The statement, delivered without visual confirmation of Khamenei’s health, has fueled speculation about his whereabouts and physical condition, especially after earlier reports claimed he was injured in the initial attacks.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian earlier laid out three conditions for ending the war with the U.S. and Israel on March 11: recognition of Iran’s legitimate rights, payment of reparations for damages, and firm international guarantees against future aggression. The offer for a truce, made via social media, stands in stark contrast to Khamenei’s hardline stance.

Meanwhile, the war continues to escalate, with Iranian forces intensifying attacks on vessels in the Persian Gulf—two oil tankers were struck near Basra, and a third near Dubai—while drone and missile strikes have hit energy infrastructure in Bahrain and Oman.

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has sent oil prices soaring by 10%, disrupting global markets and raising fears of a broader economic crisis. The U.N. has reported that up to 3.2 million Iranians have been displaced, and around 800,000 people in Lebanon have fled due to Israeli bombardment of Beirut. Despite U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent calls for a swift end to the conflict, Israeli officials remain skeptical of regime change in Iran, and the war shows no sign of de-escalation.

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President Trump is facing mounting economic concerns as the U.S.-Israel-led war against Iran intensifies, triggering global market volatility and soaring energy prices. Oil prices surged nearly 30% to $119 a barrel during a “Monday Meltdown,” before stabilizing around $100, amid fears of prolonged disruption to global oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz.

In the U.S., the average gasoline price rose to $3.48 per gallon, up 48 cents in a week. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a loss of 92,000 jobs in February, with unemployment rising to 4.4%—a major concern for Trump ahead of November’s midterm elections.

Trump, however, has repeatedly downplayed the economic toll, calling the spike a "very small price to pay" for eliminating Iran’s nuclear threat.

Despite declaring the war “very complete, pretty much” and asserting that Iran’s navy, air force, and communications have been destroyed, Trump has also insisted the U.S. “hasn’t won enough” and remains “more determined than ever” for “ultimate victory.” He told CBS News the war was “very complete, pretty much” and “far ahead of schedule,” while simultaneously later declaring it a “short-term excursion.”

Trump's contradictory messaging has fueled uncertainty: while he told Republican lawmakers the conflict would be a “short-term excursion,” he also warned it could last “at least another week” and hinted at possible U.S. naval escorts for oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz. However the Navy has informed shipping industry leaders that military escorts are not currently possible, as Iran reportedly begins to lay mines in the strait.

During a press conference Monday, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reiterated the administration’s goal of a “scoped” operation, stating the U.S. knows “exactly what we’re attempting to achieve,” but declined to confirm whether the war was in its beginning, middle, or end. Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, acknowledged Iran was adapting to the U.S. campaign but avoided specifying the most challenging changes.

The war has expanded beyond Iran, with Israeli strikes intensifying in Lebanon, where Hezbollah has retaliated, raising fears of a broader regional conflict. Over 30,000 people have been displaced in Lebanon, and humanitarian groups warn of a deepening crisis in a country still recovering from the 2024 war.

Iran has launched sustained missile and drone attacks on Gulf states, including the UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, with over 1,000 attacks reported by UAE officials. The Islamic Republic has also targeted civilian infrastructure, including fuel storage and airports, in a strategy aimed at pressuring the global economy.

The U.S. has struck nearly 2,000 targets in Iran, including military installations, nuclear facilities, and leadership compounds. The U.S. military claims to have destroyed 17 Iranian ships, including a submarine, and degraded Iran’s missile and drone capabilities. A suspected strike on an Iranian school in Minab killed up to 168 people, mostly children, raising international condemnation.

Allies are increasingly frustrated. The UK’s delayed deployment of naval assets and France’s cautious response have drawn Trump’s ire, with him criticizing Prime Minister Keir Starmer as “not Winston Churchill.” France, however, has deployed its aircraft carrier to the Mediterranean, while NATO has pledged to defend Turkey after a suspected Iranian ballistic missile was intercepted over the country.

Trump’s administration has faced criticism for launching the war without consulting key allies, with European diplomats calling the approach “uncoordinated” and “unpredictable.” Analysts warn that without a clear endgame, the war risks triggering civil unrest in Iran, a refugee crisis, or further regional destabilization.

Trump’s rhetoric on Truth Social has been defiant: “Too Late!” he wrote after claiming he rejected Iran’s attempt to negotiate, declaring, “Their air defense, Air Force, Navy and Leadership is gone.” Yet the war’s economic and geopolitical fallout continues to grow, with global markets on edge and allies scrambling to manage the consequences.

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Thick black smoke and acidic, oil-tainted rainfall blanketed Tehran early Sunday, following Israeli airstrikes on multiple fuel depots, including the Aghdasieh and Shahran facilities in Tehran and an oil depot in Karaj. The attacks, part of a broader Israeli campaign targeting Iranian infrastructure, caused massive fires that burned for hours, leaving residents struggling to breathe and reporting skin irritation, sore eyes, and headaches.

Iran’s Red Crescent Society warned the public that the rainfall could be “highly dangerous and acidic,” potentially causing chemical burns and lung damage.

This comes a day after Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian apologized in a televised address, to neighboring Gulf countries for attacks carried out by Iran’s armed forces, calling them “brothers” and stating, “I deem it necessary to apologise to neighbouring countries that were attacked.”

Pezeshkian claimed the strikes were due to “miscommunication” within Iran’s military chain of command and announced a new order: Iran’s armed forces would not attack neighboring countries unless first attacked. He emphasized Iran’s intent to pursue regional cooperation and peace, while condemning U.S. demands for unconditional surrender.

Hours after Pezeshkian’s apology, U.S. President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social, declaring, “Today Iran will be hit very hard!” and warning that “under serious consideration for complete destruction and certain death, because of Iran’s bad behavior, are areas and groups of people that were not considered for targeting up until this moment in time.”

Trump later claimed Iran had “surrendered to Middle East neighbours,” a statement contradicted by Iran’s continued missile and drone attacks on Gulf states.

Despite the apology, following Trump's taunting social media posts, Iran launched fresh waves of attacks on Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Lebanon, with drones and missiles intercepted by Gulf defenses. Explosions were reported near Dubai International Airport, and a Pakistani driver was killed by debris from an intercepted missile.

In Lebanon, Israeli strikes killed at least 16 people, and Hezbollah clashed with Israeli forces in eastern Lebanon. The U.S. and Israel have conducted over 3,000 strikes in seven days, targeting Iranian military sites, naval vessels, and missile systems, including a desalination plant on Qeshm Island—though both U.S. and Israeli officials denied involvement.

The conflict began on February 28, 2026, after U.S.-Israeli strikes killed Iran’s supreme leader and top military officials, triggering a regional war. Iran has since retaliated with missile and drone barrages, while the U.S. and Israel maintain air dominance.

Israeli forces have since been bombarding Southern Lebanon since Hezbollah militants joined the war following Khamenei's killing by Israeli airstrikes in Tehran.

Over 1,300 in Iranian civilians, 200 in Lebanon and seven American service members have reportedly been killed in the war. Global leaders, including UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Russian President Vladimir Putin, have called for an immediate ceasefire, warning of a broader regional catastrophe.

Meanwhile Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei has been formally appointed as Iran’s new Supreme Leader by the Assembly of Experts, the 88-member clerical body responsible for selecting the country’s top religious and political authority. The announcement came just over a week after his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in a U.S.-Israeli airstrike, along with his wife, son, daughter and nephew. The Assembly confirmed the appointment in a statement issued just after midnight Tehran time, calling it a “decisive vote” and urging national unity around the new leader.

The appointment marks a pivotal moment in Iran’s political trajectory, signaling that hardline factions remain firmly in control despite the devastating attacks. Mojtaba Khamenei, 57, is a mid-ranking cleric with deep ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), having served as his father’s close aide for decades.

Though he lacks the high clerical rank of his father and has never held elected office, he has cultivated influence through his role in Iran’s security and economic networks. His selection is unprecedented in the Islamic Republic’s history, representing a de facto family succession.

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly vowed to target the new supreme leader, stating his government will strike Iran’s rulers “without mercy” and that the new leader is an “unequivocal target for elimination.” The Israeli Defense Forces have already intensified strikes on Iranian military and strategic facilities, in what they describe as a coordinated effort to destabilize the regime.

Trump has rejected the appointment, calling Mojtaba Khamenei “unacceptable” and asserting that any new leader must have U.S. approval to “last long.” In an interview with ABC News, Trump declared, “If he doesn't get approval from us, he's not going to last long,” and later told the Times of Israel that the war’s end would be a “mutual” decision with Netanyahu. The comments have been widely interpreted as a threat of continued military pressure, even as Iran’s leadership defiantly insists the selection was a legal and sovereign process.

Iran’s leadership has responded with unity. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps pledged full obedience and readiness to sacrifice for the new leader, while President Pezeshkian and security chief Ali Larijani welcomed the appointment, framing it as a sign of national resilience. Larijani stated that the enemies “thought the country would reach a dead end,” but the Assembly proceeded with the selection “despite threats” — including from Trump.

Despite international pressure and internal challenges, Mojtaba Khamenei’s rise underscores the regime’s determination to maintain continuity and power — even as the country faces existential threats. His leadership will likely deepen Iran’s hardline stance, with no immediate signs of diplomatic engagement.

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IRIS Dena, an Iranian frigate, was sunk by a U.S. submarine in international waters approximately 25 miles south of Sri Lanka on March 4, 2026, just days after completing a peacetime naval exercise hosted by India. The ship had participated in Exercise MILAN 2026 and the International Fleet Review 2026 in Visakhapatnam, India, from February 15 to 25, where it represented Iran alongside 74 other nations. The vessel was en route home when it was struck by a single Mark 48 torpedo fired from a U.S. fast-attack submarine.

The sinking occurred amid escalating hostilities between the U.S., Israel, and Iran, now in its sixth day. The conflict has spread beyond the Middle East, with Iran and its proxies launching retaliatory strikes across the region, including in Cyprus and U.S. allied territories. The U.S. Department of Defense released video footage showing the frigate breaking apart after the torpedo strike.

Sri Lanka’s navy responded to a distress signal, recovering 87 bodies and rescuing 32 survivors, with around 10 sailors still unaccounted for. A second Iranian naval vessel entered Sri Lanka’s exclusive economic zone afterward, prompting concerns over regional stability.

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi condemned the attack as an “atrocity at sea,” accusing the U.S. of violating international norms by targeting a warship that had been a “guest of India’s Navy” and was not engaged in hostilities. He warned the U.S. would “bitterly regret the precedent it has set.”

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth described the strike as a demonstration of American military capability and referred to the IRIS Dena as a “prize ship.” President Donald Trump reiterated the war’s objective: to “wipe out Iran’s navy.”

The U.S. has justified the attack under a March 2 executive order by Trump aimed at ensuring the free flow of commerce through the Strait of Hormuz. Analysts debate the legality, noting the Dena was en route home and not engaged in hostilities.

India has remained silent on the incident, drawing sharp criticism from opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, who accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of failing to uphold India’s role as a “net security provider” in the Indian Ocean. Former diplomat Kanwal Sibal emphasized India’s moral responsibility, noting the ship was in the region due to India’s invitation.

Australia, while not directly involved in the attack, has expressed concern over the incident, as the U.S. submarine reportedly carried three Australian personnel.

The sinking marks a significant escalation in the conflict, which has now spread far beyond the Middle East, with ongoing airstrikes between Iran, Israel, and U.S. forces. The incident has triggered diplomatic tensions and raised concerns about the safety of maritime routes and international law.

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U.S. and Israeli forces have intensified their bombardment of Iran for the fifth consecutive day, targeting government, military, and infrastructure sites across 24 of Iran’s 31 provinces.

Strikes have hit Tehran’s central districts, including the Basij paramilitary headquarters, internal security command centers, and missile launch sites, according to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). The attacks have caused widespread destruction, with smoke rising over Tehran, Karaj, and Isfahan, and a school in Minab struck by three missiles, killing an estimated 180 children—a claim confirmed by Iran’s Health Ministry but not independently verified.

Iran has responded with a wave of retaliatory strikes, launching hundreds of drones and missiles across the Middle East. These attacks have targeted U.S. military bases in Qatar (Al Udeid), Bahrain (U.S. Navy 5th Fleet), Kuwait, the UAE, Jordan, Oman, and Saudi Arabia, as well as Israeli cities including Tel Aviv and Beit Shemesh. In Israel, nine people were killed and over 20 injured in a missile strike on Beit Shemesh, while 40 buildings in Tel Aviv were damaged. The U.S. military confirmed six soldiers killed, with 18 injured, and three U.S. fighter jets crashed in Kuwait, though all crew survived.

Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militant group in Lebanon, has engaged in direct combat with the IDF, launching rocket and drone attacks on northern Israel, including a strike near Haifa. In response, Israel launched over 60 strikes on Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon and Beirut, killing at least 50 people and injuring 335, including civilians. Israeli forces have reportedly entered southern Lebanon, seizing strategic areas to prevent cross-border attacks. The IDF has been attacking Hezbollah targets over the past year in violation of the ceasefire agreement brokered by the U.S.

Iran’s retaliatory campaign includes attacks on energy infrastructure and diplomatic compounds, such as the U.S. consulate in Dubai and the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh, both hit by drones. Qatar Airways suspended all flights after missile strikes on Al Udeid base, and Qatar’s air defenses intercepted 65 missiles and 12 drones. The UK’s RAF Akrotiri base in Cyprus was also struck by an Iranian drone, causing minimal damage.

So far in the war, casualty estimates include 1,045 dead in Iran, 11 in Israel, 6 U.S. soldiers, and 18 in Gulf states. The Israeli government has barred journalists from publishing pictures of the damages done by Iranian missiles across the Jewish state.

The conflict has disrupted energy supplies, grounded airlines, and triggered regional evacuations, with Lebanon, Qatar, and the UAE declaring emergency measures.

The nuclear watchdog (IAEA) confirmed no radiological release in Iran, noting damage at two buildings near Isfahan but no harm to nuclear facilities.

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed during the initial wave of strikes, a development that has significantly escalated the conflict. Iran has declared all U.S. military installations in the region as legitimate targets under its “decentralized Mosaic Defence” strategy.

U.S. officials say the conflict could last weeks or longer, with President Trump asserting that "someone from within" the Iranian government may replace the current regime after the war. He again suggested the U.S conducted initial strikes under pressure from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Netanyahu reportedly asked the White House for clarifications earlier this week after learning that Trump administration officials might be communicating with the Iranian governement. He was told no such talks took place.

Trump has been facing harsh criticisms from his MAGA supporters and 'America first' conservative critics who accuse him of "betrayal," and being a "traitor" for breaking his campaign promise of "no new wars." They slam the president for "sending Americans to die in Israel's war."

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