Tensions in West Asia are intensifying nearly two weeks after the United States launched military strikes on Iran, widening a conflict that began on February 28. Military exchanges, political clashes in Washington, and diplomatic outreach across the region are unfolding simultaneously as Operation Epic Fury enters a new phase.
New remarks from the White House, the Pentagon, and leaders in Iran and Israel show just how fast the situation is changing. From the Gulf to the wider region, the conflict is now affecting security, shipping, and energy supply in ways that are being watched very closely.
US-Israel-Iran war: UPDATES
Trump says war with Iran to end "soon" as "practically nothing left" to target
US President Donald Trump on Wednesday said that the ongoing war with Iran would end "soon", claiming that there is "practically nothing left to target" after sustained military strikes.
In a brief phone interview with Axios, Trump said the military campaign had progressed faster than initially anticipated and inflicted more damage than expected.
"The war is going great. We are way ahead of the timetable. We have done more damage than we thought possible, even in the original six-week period," Trump said as quoted by Axios. (ANI)
IEA members to release 400 million barrels of oil from reserves to ease the the impact of Middle East conflict
The International Energy Agency on Wednesday said that member countries will release 400 million barrels of oil from reserves to ease the impact of the Middle East war. The announcement came after Iran said that it will not allow a single liter of crude oil to pass through the Strait of Hormuz in the wake of US-Israeli attacks.
Iran says Thai-flagged ship fired upon after ignoring warnings
In a statement carried by the IRNA news agency, the IRGC on Wednesday said that the Thai-flagged ship, along with the Israel-owned 'Express Room' were fired upon after they ignored the warnings.
"Express Room," owned by Israel and flying the Liberian flag, as well as the container ship "Mayuree Naree," were fired upon and stopped by Iranian fighters after ignoring warnings and alerts from the IRGC Navy and illegally insisting on passing through the Strait of Hormuz," the IRGC said.
Iran says it won't allow even a single litre of oil to pass through the Strait of Hormuz
Iran on Wednesday said that it will "not allow even a single litre of oil" to pass through the Strait of Hormuz and reach the US, Israel and their partners.
"Any vessel or tanker bound to them will be a legitimate target," a spokesman for Tehran's Khatam al-Anbiya military command headquarters said.
"Get ready for the oil barrel to be at $200 because the oil price depends on the regional security, which you have destabilised," the spokesman added.
The spokesman further stated that Iran will now follow the policy of "strike upon strike", moving away from the existing policy of reciprocal strikes.
Switzerland temporarily closes its embassy in Tehran, staff safely out of Iran
Switzerland on Wednesday said that it has temporarily closed its embassy in Tehran due to the ongoing war and increasing security risks.
The Swiss ambassador to Iran and five other staff members left Iran by land and are safely outside the country, the foreign office said in a statement. "They will return to Tehran as soon as the situation allows," it added.
Iran to target US banks, financial institutions, says Tehran after US-Israeli strikes kill bank staff
Iran’s joint military command on Wednesday said that it will now target US banks and financial institutions in the region after American-Israeli strikes killed a bank staff in Tehran.
BREAKING NEWS: A Thai-flagged cargo ship came under attack near the Strait of Hormuz, leaving the vessel damaged and forcing 23 crew members to evacuate, reports Thailand media.
Iranian missile strike in Tel Aviv caught on camera
Iranian local media have shared purported footage that appears to show the moment an Iranian missile struck Tel Aviv, with the Iron Dome system failing to intercept it.
https://twitter.com/PressTV/status/2031668495025365445
Iran strikes have killed 12 people in Israel, authorities say
Iran’s missile and drone attacks on Israel have killed at least 12 people and injured more than 2,000, according to Israeli health officials. The strikes followed US-Israel military action against Iran earlier in the conflict.
Iran strikes have killed 12 people in Israel, authorities say
Iran’s missile and drone attacks on Israel have killed at least 12 people and injured more than 2,000, according to Israeli health officials. The strikes followed US-Israel military action against Iran earlier in the conflict.
Two drones strike area near Dubai International Airport
Authorities in Dubai said two drones fell near Dubai International Airport, causing minor injuries to three people and moderate injuries to one Indian national. Air traffic operations at the airport were not disrupted.
Dubai Media Office confirmed that the drones landed in the surrounding area but did not cause significant damage to airport infrastructure.
Students say situation in Iran causing anxiety
Student representatives say many Indian nationals in Iranian universities are increasingly worried about their safety. Mohammad Momin Khan of the All India Medical Students Association said students from multiple campuses have been calling for evacuation support.
“Students are calling continuously and requesting evacuation as they believe no part of Iran is currently safe,” he said.
Indian students begin evacuation planning from Iran
Indian students studying in Iran have started making arrangements to leave the country as safety concerns grow. The first group is expected to head toward the Armenia border on Thursday, with evacuation routes also available through Azerbaijan.
Students from Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences and Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences have been advised on travel options as authorities and student groups coordinate the departures.
Several students have chosen to return to India on commercial flights instead of immediately crossing land borders. Many have booked Flydubai flights scheduled between March 15 and March 16 from nearby international airports.
At Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, authorities have suggested an evacuation route via Shiraz–Qom–Baku, from where students can take international flights back to India.
Australia grants humanitarian visas to Iranian women footballers
Australia has granted humanitarian visas to two more Iranian women football players, allowing them to remain in the country during the conflict. The athletes had travelled for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup before seeking protection.
Officials said the players would stay safely in Australia after concerns emerged they could face repercussions if they returned to Iran.
Over 7,000 passengers flown to India from West Asia
Indian airlines have brought back 7,047 passengers on 45 inbound flights from West Asia amid the escalating crisis. Authorities are coordinating additional flight slots and alternate routes to ensure passenger safety.
The Aviation Ministry has also allowed airlines to use Muscat as an alternate airport for several Gulf routes during the ongoing conflict.
Qatar Airways to operate limited flights amid regional disruption
Qatar Airways said it will run a limited flight schedule from Doha starting March 12 after receiving temporary clearance from the country’s aviation authority. The airline plans to operate 29 flights, including services to cities such as Mumbai, New Delhi, London, and New York.
The carrier stressed the flights are temporary arrangements to assist stranded passengers while Qatari airspace remains largely restricted.
Iranian envoy warns of environmental fallout from strikes
Iran told the UN that attacks on fuel storage facilities had released toxic pollutants into the atmosphere. Iravani said explosions triggered severe air pollution and raised health risks, particularly for children and the elderly.
He claimed rainfall after the strikes further spread contaminants, creating what he described as “serious environmental contamination.”
Iran accuses US, Israel of targeting civilians
Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations, Amir-Saeid Iravani, accused the United States and Israel of deliberately attacking civilian infrastructure across Iran. Speaking at the UN, he claimed the strikes had caused widespread damage and casualties.
Iravani said more than 1,300 civilians had been killed and thousands of homes, schools and medical facilities destroyed. He urged the UN Security Council to intervene and halt what he called a “bloody war”.
Cargo vessel hit by projectile near Strait of Hormuz
A container ship travelling near the Strait of Hormuz was struck by an unidentified projectile, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). The incident happened about 25 nautical miles northwest of Ras Al Khaimah in the UAE.
The vessel reportedly sustained damage but all crew members are safe. Authorities are investigating the incident as tensions around the critical oil shipping route intensify.
Iran leader Mojtaba Khamenei “safe and sound”: President’s son
Yousef Pezeshkian, son of Iran’s president, said Mojtaba Khamenei, who was recently named Iran’s new supreme leader, is “safe and sound”. The statement came after reports suggested Khamenei had been injured during US-Israel strikes.
Posting on Telegram, Pezeshkian said he checked with contacts who confirmed there was “no problem” with Khamenei’s health.
Iran launches fresh wave of missile strikes under ‘Operation True Promise 4’
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it launched the 37th wave of missile attacks late Tuesday night as part of its retaliatory campaign against the United States and Israel. The operation, carried out over more than three hours, involved what Tehran described as “continuous, multi-layered missile strikes” using some of its heaviest weapons.
According to the IRGC statement, missiles targeted locations in Erbil in Iraqi Kurdistan, the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet in Bahrain, and military sites in Be’er Ya’akov and Tel Aviv. Iran said the strikes involved Kheibar Shekan, Qadr and Khorramshahr missiles, as retaliation for the ongoing US-Israel bombing campaign against Iranian targets.
IDF says nearly half of Iranian missiles carried cluster bomb warheads
Israel’s military said close to half of the roughly 300 ballistic missiles launched by Iran toward Israel carried cluster bomb warheads. According to the Israel Defence Forces (IDF), most of the missiles were intercepted on Tuesday. One missile struck an open area near Beit Shemesh outside Jerusalem but caused no injuries.
Cluster munitions scatter dozens of smaller explosives over a wide radius, making them highly dangerous to civilians. The weapons are banned under the 2008 Convention on Cluster Munitions, though Israel, Iran, and the United States are not signatories.
Iranian envoy accuses Israel of killing diplomats in Beirut strike
Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations has accused Israel of assassinating four senior Iranian diplomats in Beirut. In a letter to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, envoy Amir Saeid Iravani described the alleged strike on March 8 at the Ramada Hotel as a “heinous act of terrorism.”
Iravani said the diplomats had moved to the hotel after Israel publicly threatened Iranian officials in Lebanon. He argued that targeting diplomatic representatives violates international law and UN conventions protecting foreign officials.
Israel targets Hezbollah financing network in Lebanon
The Israel Defence Forces said it carried out another wave of airstrikes against facilities linked to the Hezbollah-affiliated Al-Quard Al-Hassan Association in Lebanon. The group is accused by Israel of financing weapons purchases and paying militant salaries.
The IDF also announced the killing of Hassan Salameh, commander of Hezbollah’s ‘Nassar’ Unit, in an air strike in the Jwaya area. The military said Salameh had held several senior positions within the organisation.
Russia and Iran discuss war fallout in diplomatic call
Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi spoke with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to review the rapidly evolving conflict in West Asia. Tehran said the discussion focused on the security consequences of what it called US-Israeli military aggression against Iran.
Araghchi told Lavrov that Iran would continue defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Moscow reiterated its criticism of US and Israeli actions and signalled readiness to assist diplomatic efforts aimed at easing tensions.
During the call with Moscow, Iran urged the UN Security Council to address what it called violations of international law. Tehran warned that ignoring the situation could lead to wider instability across the region and beyond.
Lavrov reportedly conveyed Russia’s willingness to help facilitate dialogue to reduce tensions and stabilise the region as the conflict continues to expand.
US destroys suspected mine boats in Strait of Hormuz
US President Donald Trump warned Iran against placing mines in the Strait of Hormuz, calling for any such devices to be removed immediately. “If Iran has put out any mines in the Hormuz Strait… we want them removed, IMMEDIATELY!” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
He warned that failure to do so would trigger military consequences “at a level never seen before.” Trump later said US forces had already “hit, and completely destroyed, 10 inactive mine-laying boats and/or ships.” US Central Command confirmed the operation, saying strikes were continuing under Operation Epic Fury.
War will end when objectives met: White House
The White House said the US campaign in Iran will continue until the military goals of Operation Epic Fury are achieved. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that President Donald Trump will ultimately decide when the operation concludes.
“Ultimately, the operations will end when the commander-in-chief determines the military objectives have been met,” she said. The Pentagon initially estimated the campaign could take four to six weeks.
US jets flying deep into Iranian skies: Pentagon
The Pentagon said US fighter aircraft are now operating deep inside Iranian airspace after much of Iran’s advanced air defence network was neutralised. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen Dan Caine said higher-end missile systems were no longer posing a major threat.
“We’re able to move around fighters that are moving deeper with relative impunity,” he said. According to the Pentagon, more than 5,000 targets have been struck since the campaign began.
Around 140 US troops wounded in conflict
About 140 American service members have been wounded during the first days of the military campaign, the Pentagon said. Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said most injuries were minor and many soldiers had already returned to duty.
“Approximately 140 US service members have been wounded over 10 days of sustained attacks,” Parnell said. Eight personnel remain severely injured and are receiving advanced medical care.
US senators clash over Iran war strategy
Political tensions in Washington deepened as senators argued over the administration’s handling of the conflict. Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer criticised the government for what he described as conflicting explanations about the war.
“Trump’s explanation about his war in Iran grows more confusing and more contradictory every hour,” Schumer said. Republican leaders defended the operation and accused Democrats of politicising national security issues.
Trump may still consider sending troops
The White House has not ruled out the possibility of deploying US troops on the ground in Iran. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the President prefers to keep military options open as commander-in-chief.
“As for boots on the ground, the President has talked about this repeatedly; wisely, he does not rule options out,” she said during a briefing.
White House vows to keep Hormuz shipping lane open
Washington said protecting oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz is a central objective of its military strategy. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said President Trump would not allow Iran to block the passage.
“If they do anything to stop the flow of oil or goods within the Strait of Hormuz, they will be hit by the world's most powerful military,” she said. The administration has also offered political risk insurance to tankers operating in the Gulf.
Israeli forces strike targets in Tehran and Tabriz
The Israeli Defence Forces said it conducted coordinated strikes targeting security and military facilities in Tehran and Tabriz. According to the IDF, the targets included command centres linked to ballistic missile operations and intelligence units.
Israel also reported intercepting missiles launched from Iran. Authorities asked residents in affected areas to move to protected spaces when alerts were issued.
Iran denies planning pre-emptive strike on US
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi rejected claims that Tehran was preparing an attack on US forces. In a post on X, he described the American military campaign as a miscalculation.
“The claim that Iran was planning on attacking the US or US forces… is a sheer and utter lie,” he wrote. Araghchi called Operation Epic Fury a “grave misadventure".
Iranian frigate attack sparks war crime accusation
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei accused the United States of committing a “war crime” after the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena was reportedly torpedoed near Sri Lanka earlier this month.
“We honour the fallen sailors of the Dena frigate… In a brutal act amounting to a war crime, the United States attacked the vessel,” he wrote on X. Around 87 sailors were reported killed in the incident.
Farmers warn Iran war could push fertiliser prices higher
American farm leaders told lawmakers that the conflict could increase global fertiliser and fuel prices. Zippy Duvall, president of the American Farm Bureau Federation, said geopolitical tensions were already putting pressure on the agricultural sector.
“The conflict in Iran is expected to make the cost of fuel and fertiliser soar even further,” he said. Rising fertiliser costs could make farming financially unsustainable for some producers.