US and Iranian accounts sharply diverged on Friday as the West Asia conflict threw up another dangerous flashpoint, this time over a US military refuelling aircraft lost over Iraq. While Iran-linked statements claimed the aircraft was brought down by resistance groups, the US military said the incident did not involve hostile or friendly fire.
The war, which began on February 28 after joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran, has continued to widen in tone, threat perception, and diplomatic fallout.
Latest developments in the US-Iran conflict
Tehran to give safe passage to Indian ships in Strait of Hormuz: Iran envoy Iran's Ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali, on Friday, indicated that Indian ships could soon get safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, which has brought transit through the crucial waterway to a standstill. Pointing out that India and Iran share common interests in the region, Fathali said, "Yes, because India is our friend. You will see it within two or three hours. We believe that Iran and India share common interests in the region." "As ambassador in India, I say that the Indian government in this situation, after the war, helped us in different fields," he added. The Ambassador's statement comes a day after Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi said that Tehran has permitted ships from some countries to transit the Strait of Hormuz. He also dismissed allegations about Iran laying mines in the Strait, saying "this is not true, it is closed during the war". The Minister said Iran will not let enemy countries use the Strait.
China extends USD 200,000 help to Iran, condemns US strike on Iranian school
China condemns all indiscriminate attacks against civilians and non-military targets. We deeply mourn for the students from Shajarah Tayyebeh primary school in Iran’s Hormozgan province and extend sincere sympathies to their families. The Red Cross Society of China has decided to provide the Red Crescent Society of Iran with US$200,000 in emergency humanitarian assistance as special funds to support the bereaved parents. China stands ready to continue providing necessary assistance to Iran in a humanitarian spirit to help the Iranian people get through this difficult time.
Two Indians killed, 10 injured after attack in Muscat; mission rendering all assistance: MEA
Aseem Mahajan, Additional Secretary (Gulf), on Friday shared updates about the death of two Indians who passed away in Muscat and also provided an update on Safesea Vishnu, noting that the efforts are underway to repatriate the 15 Indian nationals and also to bring back the mortal remains of the Indian national.
Mahajan said that of the 10 injured, five had been discharged while others were receiving treatment--with none having serious injuries. He underlined that the mission remains in close touch and continues to provide all assistance.
"I wish to share with all of you an incident which has happened in Sohar City in Muscat today. There was an attack, and in this incident, two Indian nationals have died. We express our deepest condolences to their families. Of the 11 injured, 10 are Indians. Out of them, 5 have been discharged after receiving treatment, and 5 others are receiving treatment in local hospitals. None of them are reported to have serious injuries. Our mission is in close touch with the concerned company and local authorities and is rendering all assistance", Mahajan said.
"Don't need to worry about it": US War Secy dismisses Khamenei's call for 'continued blockade' of Strait of Hormuz
US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth on Friday dismissed concerns over the Supreme Leader of Iran, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei's, call for a continued blockade of the Strait of Hormuz amid the conflict in West Asia, saying the US is fully prepared to ensure freedom of navigation in the strategic waterway.
Speaking alongside the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dan Caine, during a Pentagon briefing, Hegseth said, "As the world is seeing, they are exercising sheer desperation in the Strait of Hormuz - something we're dealing with; we have been dealing with it. Don't need to worry about it."
"The only thing prohibiting transit in the strait right now is Iran shooting at shipping," the US War Secretary added.
Iran’s internet blackout enters 14th day, connectivity still near zero
Iran is now facing its longest continuous internet disruption in weeks, with the nationwide blackout stretching into its 14th day.
According to cybersecurity monitoring group NetBlocks, access to the global internet in the country remains at just about 1 percent of normal levels. This means most users across Iran are still unable to connect to international websites and services.
The outage has severely limited communication inside and outside the country. Online traffic data shows that connectivity has remained extremely low throughout the shutdown, with only minimal access available in some areas.
⚠️ Update: iran's wartime internet blackout has entered its 14th day with connectivity still at 1% of ordinary levels after 312 hours.
— NetBlocks (@netblocks) March 13, 2026
As authentic voices are silenced and civilians are left without vital updates, a steady flow of regime-approved content fills the void. pic.twitter.com/IBtNdPf8yq
Iran says it hit Israeli base with drones, threatens more strikes
Iran’s military has announced that it carried out drone attacks targeting an Israeli military base in Beersheba.
The claim was published in a statement reported by the Tasnim news agency. In the message, Iranian officials said the operation focused on Israeli military locations and indicated that the action was not a one-time move.
They added that further attacks would continue in the next few hours, suggesting additional strikes on other military sites.
Israel warns of escalation after strike on Lebanon bBridge
Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz has issued a strong warning to Lebanon following a military strike on a bridge in the south of the country.
The strike targeted the Zrariyeh bridge over the Litani River earlier today. Speaking after the attack, Katz said, “This is just the beginning.”
He repeated his demand that the Lebanese government disarm Hezbollah, saying Israel would step up its operations if that does not happen. According to comments reported by Israel’s Ynet News, Katz accused Lebanon’s government of failing to meet its commitments on this issue.
He warned that Israel could increase strikes on what he described as national infrastructure used by Hezbollah. He also said further actions could include territorial consequences until the disarmament goal is achieved.
Loud blasts rock Tehran area during al-Quds day rally
Sudden explosions were reported near a large al-Quds Day gathering in Tehran, creating panic among people present at the event.
Eyewitness accounts say several blasts were heard on major streets close to where thousands had assembled. The sounds came from the surrounding area, not far from the rally site, according to reports shared by journalists covering the scene.
Footage circulated by Iran’s Nournews showed protesters reacting quickly after what seemed to be an aerial strike in the distance. In the video, people can be seen shouting and looking toward the sky, while thick smoke rises behind them.
The atmosphere reportedly shifted within moments as the noise spread across nearby roads. Authorities have not yet released official details about the source of the explosions, possible targets, or any injuries.
More updates are expected as the situation develops and investigations continue.
Four people trapped after Israeli air strike in southern Lebanon
Four people are believed to be trapped under debris after an Israeli air strike hit the town of Qalila in southern Lebanon, according to the National News Agency.
Local reports say civil defence teams have reached the site and are working to rescue the trapped individuals. Emergency crews are trying to remove the rubble and locate the people as quickly as possible.
No further details about their condition have been released so far. The situation remains ongoing, and rescue efforts are continuing in the area.
Four people trapped after Israeli air strike in southern Lebanon
Four people are believed to be trapped under debris after an Israeli air strike hit the town of Qalila in southern Lebanon, according to the National News Agency.
Local reports say civil defence teams have reached the site and are working to rescue the trapped individuals. Emergency crews are trying to remove the rubble and locate the people as quickly as possible.
No further details about their condition have been released so far. The situation remains ongoing, and rescue efforts are continuing in the area.
Larijani says Israel’s attack during Tehran rally shows weakness
Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, has reacted to reported Israeli attacks during demonstrations held in Tehran on al-Quds Day.
Larijani said the timing of the attack shows Israel’s fear and confusion. According to him, such actions reflect weakness rather than strength.
He stated that the strikes were carried out out of fear.
Larijani also commented on US President Donald Trump, saying the president has not understood that the Iranian people are strong, aware, and determined. He suggested that this lack of understanding has shaped Washington’s approach toward Tehran.
Turkish ship passes Strait of Hormuz after Iran’s approval
A ship owned by Turkish interests has safely crossed the Strait of Hormuz after getting permission from Iran, Turkey’s Transport Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu said.
According to local reports, the vessel was one of 15 Turkish-owned ships that were waiting near Iranian waters. Turkish officials had been in contact with Tehran about the situation. The minister said that approval was received for one ship that had previously used an Iranian port, and it was then allowed to continue its journey.
Uraloglu was quoted as saying that permission was officially granted by Iranian authorities, enabling the ship to pass through the important waterway without any problem.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most strategic shipping routes, especially for oil transport. In recent statements, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) warned that it could target vessels passing through strait in response to US-Israeli strikes. Such threats raised concerns about possible disruptions to global oil supplies.
For now, the Turkish-owned vessel has crossed the strait with approval, while discussions continue regarding the other ships waiting in the region.
Iran reiterates demand to dismantle US military bases in region
Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei renewed calls for the removal of US military bases across West Asia. Analysts say the demand reflects a long-standing strategic goal of Tehran, even as Gulf states and Israel continue to view US presence as essential for regional security.
Energy markets and Hormuz security key risks from conflict, expert says
Ero warned the conflict could heavily affect global energy markets, particularly if disruptions spread to the Strait of Hormuz. She said choking oil supply routes was always likely to be part of Iran’s pressure tactics, raising concerns about energy prices and global economic stability.
Analyst warns killing of Khamenei could reshape Iran’s war strategy
Comfort Ero, president of the International Crisis Group, said the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and the rapid rise of a successor could alter Tehran’s escalation strategy. She said Iran had been preparing for a wider confrontation after earlier clashes involving the US and Israel.
Israel says underground missile facility destroyed in southern Iran
Israeli forces claimed they struck an underground site in Shiraz used to produce and store ballistic missiles intended for launches against Israel. The Israeli military also said facilities tied to air defence systems and components used in weapons production were hit during the operation.
Israeli Air Force says fresh strikes hit Tehran, Shiraz and Ahvaz
The Israeli Air Force said it carried out multiple waves of strikes targeting Iranian military infrastructure in Tehran, Shiraz, and Ahvaz.
According to the IAF, the operation hit missile-related facilities, air defence sites and regime headquarters used by personnel involved in planning attacks. Israel said the strikes form part of a broader effort to weaken Iran’s military capabilities.
Iran football team pushes back against Trump’s World Cup comments
Iran’s national football team said participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup cannot be decided by any single country after US President Donald Trump suggested it might be unsafe for them to play.
The team said FIFA governs the tournament and insisted no nation can exclude Iran from the competition.
US strategic oil reserve release signals market pressure
The same report noted Washington’s decision to release up to 172 million barrels from the US strategic petroleum reserve beginning next week.
Analysts said the move reflects growing pressure on energy markets as tensions threaten supply routes such as the Strait of Hormuz.
Report says Russia, China emerging as economic winners of conflict
A Jefferies report said rising oil prices triggered by the conflict are strengthening Russia’s energy revenues while China’s relatively stable domestic markets are benefiting from global uncertainty.
The report also suggested the situation has eased concerns for India over buying Russian crude.
US envoy in India warns Hormuz disruption could hit global oil supplies
US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor said attempts to blockade the Strait of Hormuz could destabilise global energy markets and threaten oil supply chains.
Speaking in New Delhi, he described India as a “vital partner” in efforts to maintain stability in global oil prices amid the conflict.
Israel strikes Hezbollah-linked bridge in southern Lebanon
The Israel Defense Forces said it carried out an airstrike on the Al-Zrariya Bridge over the Litani River in Lebanon, claiming Hezbollah used it as a key crossing point for fighters and weapons movement.
Israel said the strike aimed to disrupt militant activity directed against Israeli forces and civilians.
IRGC claims fresh missile barrage under ‘Operation True Promise 4’
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it launched the 44th phase of its “Operation True Promise 4”, firing Kheibar Shekan missiles toward multiple Israeli and US-linked targets.
Tehran claimed the strikes hit sites in Tel Aviv, Eilat and other locations across what it called occupied territories.
Air raid sirens sound at key NATO-linked Incirlik airbase in Türkiye
Sirens were reported at Türkiye’s Incirlik airbase near Adana, according to Turkish state media. The facility hosts US forces and is considered a major NATO installation in the region.
Drone crash in Oman kills two expatriate workers
Two expatriate workers were killed and several others injured after debris from a downed drone fell in an industrial zone in Sohar province of Oman.
Authorities said another drone was also intercepted in the same area during the incident.
US officials reportedly underestimated risk of Hormuz disruption
The administration of US President Donald Trump may have underestimated the likelihood that Iran would attempt to shut the Strait of Hormuz following American strikes, CNN reported citing sources familiar with planning discussions.
Officials said contingency planning for such a scenario existed but detailed economic impact analysis was not central to operational decision-making before the campaign began.
Read full report here
Israel says Hezbollah and IRGC-linked commanders killed in recent operations
The Israel Defense Forces said recent operations eliminated several commanders linked to Iran and Hezbollah, including Abu Dharr Mohammadi, an IRGC missile unit coordinator within Hezbollah in Beirut.
Israel also claimed to have killed Ali Muslim Tabaja of the Imam Hossein Division and Abu Ali Riyan, a Radwan Force commander in southern Lebanon. The IDF said it also destroyed dozens of command centres and killed more than 100 fighters linked to the Radwan Force.
Israeli Air Force claims over 200 strikes inside Iran in past 24 hours
The Israeli Air Force said dozens of fighter jets carried out extensive sorties over western and central Iran in the last day, striking more than 200 targets.
According to the IAF, the operations hit missile launchers, defence systems and facilities linked to weapons production as part of Operation Roar of the Lion. Israel said the aim was to reduce missile attacks on its territory.
Iran warns of ‘devastating response’ if energy infrastructure is attacked
Iran’s military headquarters, Khatam al-Anbiya, warned that any strike on the country’s energy infrastructure or ports would trigger what it called a “crushing and devastating response.”
The spokesperson said such an attack would lead to oil and gas infrastructure across the region being set ablaze, including facilities linked to the United States and its allies.
Dubai building hit by debris after aerial interception; Saudi Arabia downs drones
Authorities in Dubai said debris from an intercepted aerial threat caused minor damage to a building in the city centre but no injuries were reported. At the same time, Saudi Arabia said its air defences shot down several drones targeting locations across the kingdom, including in Al-Kharj and the eastern region.
UK maritime agency warns attacks appear aimed at wider shipping disruption
UKMTO said recent strikes do not appear to target vessels linked to Western ownership alone, suggesting a broader campaign designed to disrupt maritime traffic.
The organisation also warned that unmanned systems capable of striking infrastructure at long distances could threaten ports, offshore energy sites and logistics hubs across the region.
Around 138 vessels pass through the Strait of Hormuz each day, making the waterway a crucial artery for global energy trade.
Maritime threat level in Gulf and Hormuz remains ‘critical’, warns UK maritime body
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said the security situation across the Arabian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, and Gulf of Oman remains at a critical level. Since March 1, more than 20 incidents involving commercial vessels and offshore infrastructure have been reported in the region.
Iran says it will not close Strait of Hormuz but claims right to secure it
Iran’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani, said Tehran does not plan to shut the Strait of Hormuz despite the ongoing conflict.
Speaking at the UN, he said Iran respects freedom of navigation under international law but retains the right to safeguard security in the strategic waterway. He blamed the escalating tensions in the region on what he described as “destabilising actions” by the United States.
Israel hints at possible action against Iran’s new supreme leader
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a stark warning to Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, suggesting Israeli operations could extend to top Iranian leadership if necessary.
Asked if Israel might target him as it did his father, Netanyahu said he would not offer “life insurance policies” to leaders of groups Israel calls terrorist organisations. He also claimed the regional balance had shifted, saying Israel was now “initiating and attacking with unprecedented force.”
US Democrats intensify attack on Trump’s Iran war, call it illegal and costly
Senate Democrats stepped up criticism of President Trump’s war in Iran, calling the conflict illegal, expensive, and unconstitutional. Senator Tim Kaine said the United States had been taken into war without congressional authorisation and argued that the costs for troops, civilians and American households were already severe.
Other Democratic lawmakers demanded immediate public hearings with top administration officials, saying the Trump government must answer questions under oath in open view. The political fight also widened into a debate over the war’s growing financial burden, with fresh concern over oil prices, taxpayer spending, and the lack of a clear endpoint.
Iran announces ‘week of national unity’; new supreme leader backs continued Hormuz closure
Iranian First Vice President Mohammad-Reza Aref said the coming week would be observed as the “Week of National Unity and Solidarity for Iran”. He said the move was inspired by the first message from Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, who stressed unity and the public’s continued role in national strength and security.
Separately, Iran’s UN envoy said Tehran remained committed to freedom of navigation under the law of the sea, but argued the current situation in the Strait of Hormuz was the result of US aggression against Iran. Mojtaba Khamenei had earlier called for the continued closure of the Strait, saying that lever “must definitely continue to be used”.
UN chief warns West Asia crisis is a grave threat to global peace and security
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the unfolding Middle East crisis poses a serious danger to international peace and security and has caused immense suffering for civilians. In a post on X, he called for de-escalation and dialogue, saying these remain the only way out.
He urged all sides to stop hostilities, respect international law, and protect civilians. His remarks came as the conflict’s diplomatic fallout continued to build at the United Nations.
White House says US ready to escort commercial vessels through Strait of Hormuz if needed
As shipping concerns deepen, the White House said President Trump is fully prepared to provide US Navy escorts to commercial vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz if he considers it necessary. Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly also said the US military had destroyed more than 20 inactive mine-laying boats, with more action to come.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the Navy could begin escort operations, possibly with an international coalition, once conditions allow safe passage. The remarks came as maritime movement through the strategic waterway slowed sharply amid attacks on vessels and rising fears over energy supplies.
Iranian foreign minister says US failed to understand Tehran’s ‘no nuclear weapons’ proposal
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said Friday that American negotiators rejected Iran’s proposal meant to ensure there would be “no nuclear weapons” because they did not understand the technical side of it. In a post on X, he said “factual knowledge matters” and used that argument to hit back at Washington’s approach.
He also dismissed the idea that Americans would gain from rising oil prices and tariffs, saying such shocks would enrich corporations while hurting households. In parallel, senior Iranian official Ali Larijani warned that wars cannot be won “with a few tweets” and said any US attack on Iran’s power capacity could plunge the wider region into darkness.
Trump says Iran is ‘paying a big price right now’ as situation moves ‘very rapidly’
Speaking at a Women’s History Month event at the White House, US President Donald Trump said developments involving Iran were moving “very rapidly” and praised the strength of the American military. He said the US was now doing what “should have been done” long ago and described Iran as “a nation of terror and hate”.
Trump did not offer operational details in the remarks, but said he had not expected to use the military this much. He also argued that the capabilities being used now were shaped by his earlier effort to rebuild US forces.
Iran claims US refuelling aircraft was shot down; CENTCOM rejects hostile fire claim
Iran’s state media, citing the spokesman for the Central Headquarters of Iran’s Military, said a US military refuelling plane was struck by a missile fired by resistance groups in western Iraq. Press TV also cited an IRGC statement claiming air defence systems of the Resistance Front targeted a Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker while it was refuelling an aggressor fighter jet.
But CENTCOM confirmed only the loss of a US KC-135 over Iraq during Operation Epic Fury and said the aircraft went down in friendly airspace. It said two aircraft were involved, one crashed in western Iraq and the other landed safely, adding that the incident was “not due to hostile fire or friendly fire” and rescue efforts were underway.