The conflict that began on February 28, 2026, has now spread far beyond Iran and Israel, drawing in Gulf nations, global powers, and key shipping routes. Nearly two weeks in, strikes, counter-strikes, and political fallout are intensifying, with no clear path to de-escalation.
From missile interceptions across the Gulf to fresh US strikes near the Strait of Hormuz, the situation on March 18 remains fluid and volatile. Leaders across the world are reacting in sharply different tones, some doubling down on military action, others urging restraint and diplomacy.
Middle East tensions after US-Israel strikes on Iran: Top Updates
Iran says it will target Israel and US energy facilities after South Pars gas field attack Iran on Wednesday said that Israel and the US attacked South Pars gas facilities, the world's largest natural gas field, located offshore, in the Gulf, between Iran and Qatar.
Calling the US and Israeli strikes on South Pars gas field "dangerous and irresponsible", Iran said "all oil and gas refineries and centres in the regime and the Gulf region in which the Americans have a stake will be targeted".
Earlier today, Qatar said that the gas facility was attacked by Israel.
Iranian women's football team arrives in the country
Iranian women's football team's convoy has reached the country, reported state media on Wednesday. The team convoy reached Iran after crossing Turkey. The players had refused to sing the Iranian national anthem during a match played in Australia. After facing backlash, seven of the players sought asylum in Australia. However, five of them rejected the Asylum offer and returned to the country.
https://twitter.com/TehranTimes79/status/2034242087684649156
(Courtesy: Iran's MEHR NEWS)
'What would happen if we finished off what's left of the Iranian terror state?' Trump's question to 'non-responsive' allies
US President Donald Trump, whose call for a joint military initiative to reopen the Strait of Hormuz didn't receive the desired support from allies, on Wednesday, posed a question to the United States' "non-responsive" allies.
“I wonder what would happen if we "finished off” what’s left of the Iranian Terror State, and let the Countries that use it, we don’t, be responsible for the so called “Straight?” Trump asked.
He added, "That would get some of our non-responsive “Allies” in gear, and fast!!!”
Israel claims Iranian Intelligence Minister Khatib was killed in overnight strikes
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz on Wednesday claimed that Iranian Intelligence Minister Khatib, who was targeted in overnight strikes, has also been killed.
"Last night Iran's Intelligence Minister Khatib was also eliminated," Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said in a statement.
Iran has so far not confirmed this. Earlier on Tuesday, Israeli strikes had killed Ali Larijani, the head of the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC).
Israel ‘attempted strike’ on Iran intelligence chief: Report
Israeli forces reportedly attempted to target Iran’s intelligence chief Ismail Khataib, according to the Jerusalem Post. Iranian media also flagged the strike, but his status remains unclear.
Tehran insisted its political system remains stable despite the killing of senior figures. Officials said the country does not depend on any single individual.
Israel ‘attempted strike’ on Iran intelligence chief: Report
Israeli forces reportedly attempted to target Iran’s intelligence chief Ismail Khataib, according to the Jerusalem Post. Iranian media also flagged the strike, but his status remains unclear.
Tehran insisted its political system remains stable despite the killing of senior figures. Officials said the country does not depend on any single individual.
Strait of Hormuz traffic collapses as oil flows disrupted
Ship movements through the key oil route have dropped sharply, with fewer than 10 vessels crossing daily. Around 125 million barrels of crude are now stuck in the Gulf amid the crisis.
Iran invokes ‘right to self-defence’ under UN Charter
Tehran said its missile and drone attacks are legitimate responses under Article 51 of the UN Charter. It maintained that it is acting to defend its sovereignty and civilians.
Iran claims over 1,300 civilian deaths since Feb 28 strikes
In its communication to the UN, Iran alleged that more than 1,300 civilians, including women and children, have been killed since the conflict began. The figures could not be independently verified.
Iran moves UN, seeks action against US and Israel
Iran’s envoy to the UN urged the Security Council to hold the US and Israel accountable for what it called violations of international law. Tehran also demanded a formal investigation into the strikes.
India ramps up maritime monitoring amid Hormuz tensions
An Indian oil tanker reached Mundra safely as authorities continued close monitoring of shipping routes. Naval deployments under Operation Sankalp remain active to secure trade flows.
UAE condemns attacks, says over 2,000 missiles and drones launched
The UAE said Iranian strikes have continued for over two weeks, targeting civilian areas and infrastructure. Officials warned the escalation threatens regional and global security.
Saudi intercepts drone near Riyadh, missile debris falls near air base
Saudi forces shot down a drone approaching Riyadh’s diplomatic quarter and intercepted a ballistic missile. Debris fell near Prince Sultan Air Base, but no damage was reported.
Iran says system ‘intact’, rejects impact of top leadership losses
Iran’s Foreign Minister said the country’s political system remains stable despite the killing of senior figures like Ali Larijani. He insisted governance would continue without disruption.
Israel carries out ‘wide-scale’ airstrikes on Tehran
The Israeli Air Force said it struck command centres, missile sites and security infrastructure in Tehran. Targets included facilities linked to Iran’s Revolutionary Guards and internal security forces.
Iran says strikes extended beyond Israel to US-linked sites
Iran claimed its retaliatory attacks also hit US-linked facilities across Qatar, Bahrain, UAE, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia. The developments point to a widening regional footprint of the conflict.
Iran claims over 230 casualties in ongoing retaliation
The IRGC said its latest strikes have resulted in more than 230 casualties, including those killed and injured. Independent verification of these figures remains unclear.
‘Partial blackout’ reported in Tel Aviv after strikes
Iranian state media claimed parts of Tel Aviv experienced power disruptions following the missile attacks. The situation reportedly affected rescue and response operations on the ground.
Multi-warhead missiles used in latest Iran strikes
Iran said the operation involved Khorramshahr-4, Qadr, Emad, and Kheibar Shekan missiles. These were part of what it called the “61st wave” of its ongoing retaliatory campaign.
Iran claims strikes on 100+ targets in Tel Aviv
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said they hit over 100 military and security targets in Tel Aviv during a fresh wave of attacks. The strikes were described as retaliation for the killing of Ali Larijani.
Saudi Arabia calls urgent regional meeting amid escalating crisis
Saudi Arabia will host foreign ministers from Arab and Islamic countries to coordinate efforts on regional security. The meeting aims to explore ways to contain the conflict and prevent further escalation.
Global hunger risks surge as war drives fuel and food costs
The UN’s World Food Programme warned the conflict could push millions more into hunger if oil prices remain high. Rising fuel and transport costs are already disrupting food supply chains worldwide.
Iran missile may have used cluster warhead, no injuries reported
An Iranian missile fired at central Israel appears to have carried a cluster bomb warhead, dispersing multiple submunitions. While infrastructure damage was reported, no casualties were confirmed from this specific strike.
US warship with Marines heads towards West Asia
A US Navy assault ship, USS Tripoli, is moving towards West Asia with Marines onboard, according to tracking data. The deployment comes as Washington expands its military footprint amid the conflict.
Australian base near Dubai hit in Iranian strike, no injuries
Australia confirmed an Iranian projectile landed near Al Minhad Air Base in the UAE, where its troops are stationed. No personnel were hurt, though minor damage was reported to facilities after a small fire.
Iran says Larijani’s death a ‘national loss’, vows continuity
Senior leaders said Larijani’s killing would not derail the country’s course, stressing that the “path of the revolution” would continue. Officials described him as a central figure in Iran’s security and political structure.
Iran leadership vows ‘severe revenge’ after Larijani’s killing
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian paid tribute to Ali Larijani, calling him a key figure in the country’s leadership. He warned that those behind the strike would face a “severe revenge” for the killing.
Civilian toll rises in UAE amid ongoing strikes
Officials confirmed two military personnel and six civilians have been killed so far, including foreign nationals. Over 150 people have been injured, with authorities remaining on high alert for further attacks.
UAE details scale of attacks, hundreds of missiles and drones intercepted
Authorities said 10 ballistic missiles and 45 drones were intercepted on March 17 alone. Since the conflict began, the UAE claims to have neutralised over 300 missiles and more than 1,600 drones targeting its territory.
UAE air defences engage again as fresh threats detected
The UAE said its air defence systems were once again activated to intercept incoming missiles and drones from Iran. This marks a second such engagement within hours, pointing to a sharp escalation in aerial threats.
Trump defends strikes, says action prevented ‘nuclear holocaust’
Trump said scrapping the Iran nuclear deal and launching strikes prevented a potential nuclear disaster. He claimed US forces had destroyed key Iranian military assets, including air defences, and leadership targets.
China calls for restraint, announces humanitarian aid
China urged all sides to halt military action, warning of global economic fallout. It also announced humanitarian assistance for countries affected by the conflict, including Iran and Lebanon.
Germany, EU push for diplomacy, reject military role
Germany called for immediate diplomatic efforts to end the conflict, with European nations showing reluctance to join military operations in the region.
Intelligence chief resigns, sparks political storm in US
National Counterterrorism Center Director Joe Kent resigned, saying Iran posed “no imminent threat”. The White House rejected his claim, insisting the decision to strike was based on strong intelligence.
NATO allies stay out, Trump expresses frustration
Trump criticised NATO partners for refusing to join the campaign, saying the US did not need their support despite decades of security backing.
Trump says US ‘not ready to leave yet’, exit coming ‘soon’
Trump indicated the US would eventually withdraw but gave no timeline. He said Iran had been “decimated from every standpoint” and that Washington was ahead of schedule.
Strait of Hormuz tensions spark global concern
Iran’s parliamentary leadership warned the strategic waterway would not return to its “pre-war status”, raising fresh fears over oil supply disruptions. China also flagged risks to global trade routes.
Explosions reported near US Embassy in Baghdad
Multiple blasts were reported in Baghdad, including areas close to the US Embassy in the heavily fortified Green Zone, signalling the conflict’s widening footprint.
Ukraine deploys air defence experts to Middle East
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said around 200 Ukrainian specialists are assisting in countering Iranian drone threats. He highlighted how low-cost drones are reshaping modern warfare.
IDF warns it will target Iran’s leadership if needed
Israeli military spokesperson Effie Defrin said Israel would pursue anyone posing a threat, including Iran’s leadership. He added that the campaign could continue for weeks, possibly extending into April.
Netanyahu signals deeper strikes inside Iran
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said operations were being carried out deep inside Iran to weaken the regime. He described Larijani as a central figure and hinted at more undisclosed actions ahead.
Israel expands strikes to Lebanon under Operation ‘Roaring Lion’
The Israeli military said it struck Hezbollah rocket launchers and operatives across Lebanon to prevent attacks on its territory. The campaign has already targeted hundreds of launch sites since it began.
UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain activate air defences amid missile threats
Air defence systems across the UAE intercepted incoming missiles and drones from Iran, with residents hearing loud blasts during interceptions. Kuwait and Bahrain also reported similar defence responses, urging people to stay in safe locations.
Two killed in Iranian missile strike on central Israel
A man and a woman were killed in Ramat Gan after a ballistic missile attack, according to Magen David Adom. Shrapnel also hit Beni Brak, leaving one person lightly injured.
US strikes Iranian missile sites near Strait of Hormuz
US forces used “multiple 5,000-pound deep penetrator munitions” to target hardened missile sites along Iran’s coast near the Strait of Hormuz. US Central Command said these weapons posed a direct threat to international shipping in the region.
Trump: ‘War proceeding very well’, says Iran hit hard
US President Donald Trump said operations against Iran were “proceeding very well”, insisting Tehran must never acquire nuclear weapons. He claimed the damage inflicted could take a decade to repair. “They could leave today, and it would take 10 years to rebuild,” he said.
Iran confirms killing of top security official Ali Larijani
Iran confirmed that Ali Larijani, secretary of its Supreme National Security Council, was killed in strikes along with senior officials. The Basij commander Gholamreza Soleimani was also reported dead in the same wave of attacks.