Did the US attack yet another school in Iran, similar to the Minab strike, that too using missiles untested for warfare? A New York Times investigation report has claimed that the US military used a combat-untested Precision Strike Missile, or PrSM, in a strike that hit an Iranian sports hall and an adjacent elementary school in Lamerd, southern Iran, on February 28, the first day of the Iran–US–Israel war. Iranian officials cited in media reports had stated that this strike, and others nearby in the city of Lamerd, killed at least 21 people including children.<h2>What the NYT report claims</h2>The NYT report on Sunday (Mar 29), citing weapons experts and visual analysis, claimed that a weapon “bearing the hallmarks of a newly developed US-made ballistic missile” was used in the attack that struck a sports hall and an adjacent elementary school near a military facility in southern Iran. The Times, as well as some other global media outlets, verified videos of two strikes in Lamerd, as well as aftermath footage from the attacks.The weapon’s features, explosions and damage are consistent with a short-range ballistic missile called the Precision Strike Missile, or PrSM, &nbsp;the NYT report said citing munitions experts.The sports hall in Lamerd was being used by a girls’ volleyball team at the time of the attack, according to reports. Of the 21 victims, there were two schoolgirls aged 10 and 11, and their volleyball coach, reports said.<h2>About the Precision Strike Missile allegedly used on the Iran school</h2>In use was a short-range ballistic missile developed by the US Army and Lockheed Martin.The Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) is designed to detonate just above its target and disperse small tungsten pellets outwards, the report said.Munitions experts matched the missile’s silhouette in flight videos, mid-air fireball, and pockmarked damage patterns from the pellets to the PrSM, it said.Videos that capture one strike, in a residential area about 900 feet from the sports hall and school, showed the weapon in flight, with a distinctive silhouette.“The missile erupts in a large fireball mid-air. Another video, filmed from a security camera directly across from the sports hall, shows the strike on the hall and adjacent school,” said the report.Photos of the aftermath showed that both sites were pockmarked with holes, apparently from the tungsten pellets.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-big-day-iran-strikes-war-oil-hormuz-escalation-1774853787077">Donald Trump says ‘big day in Iran’ claims key targets destroyed amid talks of diplomacy</a><h2>Iran as weapons testing ground? Pentagon is allegedly using untested missiles in Iran</h2>According to the report, the Pentagon used missiles untested in combat in the deadly attack that struck civilian sites near a military compound on February 28, including on Lamerd.&nbsp;The PrSM had only finished prototype testing in 2025 and had not been used in a war till the alleged attack.An unnamed US official told the NYT that the missile used in the Lamerd strike was indeed a PrSM.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-war-trump-says-us-military-destroyed-long-sought-targets-in-iran-wion-1774862113291/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-war-trump-says-us-military-destroyed-long-sought-targets-in-iran-wion-1774862113291/embed</a><h2>The newly revealed strike took place on the same day as the deadly Minab school strike</h2>The newly reported strike took place on the same day as the widely reported and condemned attack on a primary school in Minab, hundreds of miles away.&nbsp;It was revealed days later that a US Tomahawk cruise missile was used in the Minab strike, killing 175 people, mostly young schoolgirls.If confirmed, the Lamerd incident would be the second American strike on an Iranian school or civilian educational and sports facility on February 28.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/live-blog-us-israel-iran-war-tehran-confirms-killing-of-guards-navy-commander-alireza-tangsiri-1774857239834">US-Israel-Iran war LIVE | Iran military claims Israel behind attack on Kuwait desalination plant</a><h2>Iranian military sites may have been the intended targets</h2>Both sites were apparently located near facilities belonging to the Iranian military or the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).&nbsp;It could have been a case of a missed target.The US has not officially confirmed or denied the alleged Lamerd attack at the time of writing.Earlier, the Pentagon had acknowledged using Tomahawks and other precision weapons in the broader campaign.&nbsp;Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Reports are claiming that a US missile strike on a school in Iran used a new, untested missile 

Did the US attack yet another school in Iran, similar to the Minab strike, that too using missiles untested for warfare? A New York Times investigation report has claimed that the US military used a combat-untested Precision Strike Missile, or PrSM, in a strike that hit an Iranian sports hall and an adjacent elementary school in Lamerd, southern Iran, on February 28, the first day of the Iran–US–Israel war. Iranian officials cited in media reports had stated that this strike, and others nearby in the city of Lamerd, killed at least 21 people including children. What the NYT report claims The NYT report on Sunday (Mar 29), citing weapons experts and visual analysis, claimed that a weapon “bearing the hallmarks of a newly developed US-made ballistic missile” was used in the attack that struck a sports hall and an adjacent elementary school near a military facility in southern Iran. The Times, as well as some other global media outlets, verified videos of two strikes in Lamerd, as well as aftermath footage from the attacks. The weapon’s features, explosions and damage are consistent with a short-range ballistic missile called the Precision Strike Missile, or PrSM, the NYT report said citing munitions experts. The sports hall in Lamerd was being used by a girls’ volleyball team at the time of the attack, according to reports. Of the 21 victims, there were two schoolgirls aged 10 and 11, and their volleyball coach, reports said. About the Precision Strike Missile allegedly used on the Iran school In use was a short-range ballistic missile developed by the US Army and Lockheed Martin. The Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) is designed to detonate just above its target and disperse small tungsten pellets outwards, the report said. Munitions experts matched the missile’s silhouette in flight videos, mid-air fireball, and pockmarked damage patterns from the pellets to the PrSM, it said. Videos that capture one strike, in a residential area about 900 feet from the sports hall and school, showed the weapon in flight, with a distinctive silhouette. “The missile erupts in a large fireball mid-air. Another video, filmed from a security camera directly across from the sports hall, shows the strike on the hall and adjacent school,” said the report. Photos of the aftermath showed that both sites were pockmarked with holes, apparently from the tungsten pellets. Also read: Donald Trump says ‘big day in Iran’ claims key targets destroyed amid talks of diplomacy Iran as weapons testing ground? Pentagon is allegedly using untested missiles in Iran According to the report, the Pentagon used missiles untested in combat in the deadly attack that struck civilian sites near a military compound on February 28, including on Lamerd. The PrSM had only finished prototype testing in 2025 and had not been used in a war till the alleged attack. An unnamed US official told the NYT that the missile used in the Lamerd strike was indeed a PrSM. https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-war-trump-says-us-military-destroyed-long-sought-targets-in-iran-wion-1774862113291/embed The newly revealed strike took place on the same day as the deadly Minab school strike The newly reported strike took place on the same day as the widely reported and condemned attack on a primary school in Minab, hundreds of miles away. It was revealed days later that a US Tomahawk cruise missile was used in the Minab strike, killing 175 people, mostly young schoolgirls. If confirmed, the Lamerd incident would be the second American strike on an Iranian school or civilian educational and sports facility on February 28. Also read: US-Israel-Iran war LIVE | Iran military claims Israel behind attack on Kuwait desalination plant Iranian military sites may have been the intended targets Both sites were apparently located near facilities belonging to the Iranian military or the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). It could have been a case of a missed target. The US has not officially confirmed or denied the alleged Lamerd attack at the time of writing. Earlier, the Pentagon had acknowledged using Tomahawks and other precision weapons in the broader campaign. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Reports are claiming that a US strike on a school in Iran used a new, untested missile. The strike happened the same day as 175 people were killed in another missile attack on a school in Minab.

US hit another Iranian school using a precision missile untested for war on the same day as Minab strike, claims report

As the US-Israel war with Iran continues to escalate and fears of a prolonged conflict loom, Eyal Zamir, Chief of the General Staff of the Israel Defence Forces (IDF), warned that the Israeli military is “going to collapse on itself” due to severe manpower shortages. Zamir flagged these concerns during a security cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu this week.&nbsp;“I am raising 10 red flags in front of you,” Zamir told ministers, The Times of Israel reported, citing a Channel 13 report on Thursday.&nbsp;The IDF is currently short of approximately 20,000 soldiers, with some reports suggesting a minimum gap of 12,000 combat troops required to sustain ongoing operations.&nbsp;Israel has been in a continuous state of conflict for over two years since the Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023. In addition to its operations in Gaza, the IDF has also launched bombing and ground campaigns in Lebanon targeting Hezbollah.&nbsp;Reservists are now entering their sixth or seventh mobilisation cycles. Zamir warned that “the reserves will not hold,” as the burden on these citizens and their families has reached an unsustainable level.&nbsp;He also highlighted the absence of three critical laws: a new Haredi conscription law, an updated reserve duty law, and legislation to extend mandatory military service back to 36 months (after it was reduced to 30 months in 2024).&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-iran-war-will-conclude-in-weeks-rubio-says-us-can-achieve-objectives-without-ground-troops-1774633450914">'Iran war will conclude in weeks': Rubio says US can achieve objectives without ground troops</a>&nbsp;Haredim are ultra-Orthodox Jews in Israel who have historically been exempted from serving in the IDF due to a 1948 arrangement and religious objections.&nbsp;Due to the shortage, “significant gaps” are emerging in operational coverage. Zamir noted that an infantry battalion was recently diverted from the Lebanese border to the West Bank to manage rising settler violence and regional instability.&nbsp;The government’s move to legalise dozens of West Bank outposts has further increased the burden, requiring a “full protection package” that the military currently lacks the manpower to provide.&nbsp;Leader of the opposition Yair Lapid launched a sharp attack on Netanyahu following these revelations, saying the Prime Minister would not be able to claim he was not responsible.&nbsp;“The warning was given by the Chief of Staff, but there is no figure in the security system who does not stand behind it. The government must stop the cowardice, immediately halt all budgets to Haredi draft evaders, send the military police after deserters, and draft the Haredim without hesitation,” he wrote in a social media post.&nbsp;(Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.)

The IDF is currently short of approximately 20,000 soldiers, with some reports suggesting a minimum gap of 12,000 combat troops required to sustain ongoing operations.



As the US-Israel war with Iran continues to escalate and fears of a prolonged conflict loom, Eyal Zamir, Chief of the General Staff of the Israel Defence Forces (IDF), warned that the Israeli military is “going to collapse on itself” due to severe manpower shortages. Zamir flagged these concerns during a security cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu this week. “I am raising 10 red flags in front of you,” Zamir told ministers, The Times of Israel reported, citing a Channel 13 report on Thursday. The IDF is currently short of approximately 20,000 soldiers, with some reports suggesting a minimum gap of 12,000 combat troops required to sustain ongoing operations. Israel has been in a continuous state of conflict for over two years since the Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023. In addition to its operations in Gaza, the IDF has also launched bombing and ground campaigns in Lebanon targeting Hezbollah. Reservists are now entering their sixth or seventh mobilisation cycles. Zamir warned that “the reserves will not hold,” as the burden on these citizens and their families has reached an unsustainable level. He also highlighted the absence of three critical laws: a new Haredi conscription law, an updated reserve duty law, and legislation to extend mandatory military service back to 36 months (after it was reduced to 30 months in 2024). Also Read: 'Iran war will conclude in weeks': Rubio says US can achieve objectives without ground troops Haredim are ultra-Orthodox Jews in Israel who have historically been exempted from serving in the IDF due to a 1948 arrangement and religious objections. Due to the shortage, “significant gaps” are emerging in operational coverage. Zamir noted that an infantry battalion was recently diverted from the Lebanese border to the West Bank to manage rising settler violence and regional instability. The government’s move to legalise dozens of West Bank outposts has further increased the burden, requiring a “full protection package” that the military currently lacks the manpower to provide. Leader of the opposition Yair Lapid launched a sharp attack on Netanyahu following these revelations, saying the Prime Minister would not be able to claim he was not responsible. “The warning was given by the Chief of Staff, but there is no figure in the security system who does not stand behind it. The government must stop the cowardice, immediately halt all budgets to Haredi draft evaders, send the military police after deserters, and draft the Haredim without hesitation,” he wrote in a social media post. (Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.)

The IDF is currently short of approximately 20,000 soldiers, with some reports suggesting a minimum gap of 12,000 combat troops required to sustain ongoing operations.

‘Israeli military will collapse on itself’: IDF chief raises ‘10 red flags’ amid manpower shortage

Amid the ongoing war in West Asia, Iran, in a symbolic gesture, thanked several countries, including India, for their support and solidarity by writing their names on missiles launched against Israel. These strikes were carried out in retaliation for the US-Israeli bombing campaign that began on February 28.&nbsp;Visuals shared by the Consulate General of Iran in Mumbai on X showed Iranian military personnel using blue markers to write messages of gratitude on projectiles moments before launch towards targets in Israel and US military installations.&nbsp;&nbsp;One of the inscriptions read, “Thank you, people of India,” a message that has since sparked intense international debate over shifting diplomatic alignments in the region.&nbsp;“Gratitude from Iran’s Aerospace Force to the people of Spain, Pakistan, India, and Germany for their support and solidarity, especially during the 83rd wave of missile response to the US and Israel,” the post stated.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Gratitude from Iran’s Aerospace Force to the people of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Spain?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Spain</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Pakistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Pakistan</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a>, and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Germany?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Germany</a> for their support and solidarity; especially during the 83rd wave of missile response to the U.S. and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Israel?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Israel</a>.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Iran?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Iran</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/US?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#US</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/War?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#War</a> <a href="https://t.co/5QjqIBFiXj">pic.twitter.com/5QjqIBFiXj</a>&mdash; Consulate General of the I.R. Iran in Mumbai (@IRANinMumbai) <a href="https://twitter.com/IRANinMumbai/status/2037341182439854466?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 27, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

These messages appeared during what has been termed the “83rd wave” of Operation True Promise 4, an extensive military campaign involving the launch of hundreds of drones and missiles from Iranian territory. Beyond India, the IRGC also inscribed notes of thanks to the people of Spain, Germany, and Pakistan.&nbsp;In a separate development, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced sweeping restrictions on maritime movement, declaring that shipping linked to “allies and supporters of Israeli-American enemies” would not be permitted through any route or destination, according to Iranian state media.&nbsp;However, India remains among the few countries that have successfully navigated the Strait of Hormuz. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed on Friday that four India-flagged vessels have passed through the key waterway despite Iran’s effective closure of one of the world’s most critical shipping routes.&nbsp;Indians have also been at the forefront of humanitarian aid efforts for Iran, particularly from Jammu and Kashmir. In recent weeks, civilians in parts of the region have organised donation drives to support those affected by the conflict. Contributions have included cash, jewellery, and household items, with many accounts highlighting personal sacrifice.

Visuals shared by the Consulate General of Iran in Mumbai on X showed Iranian military personnel using blue markers to write messages of gratitude on projectiles moments before launch towards targets in Israel and US military installations. 


Amid the ongoing war in West Asia, Iran, in a symbolic gesture, thanked several countries, including India, for their support and solidarity by writing their names on missiles launched against Israel. These strikes were carried out in retaliation for the US-Israeli bombing campaign that began on February 28. Visuals shared by the Consulate General of Iran in Mumbai on X showed Iranian military personnel using blue markers to write messages of gratitude on projectiles moments before launch towards targets in Israel and US military installations. One of the inscriptions read, “Thank you, people of India,” a message that has since sparked intense international debate over shifting diplomatic alignments in the region. “Gratitude from Iran’s Aerospace Force to the people of Spain, Pakistan, India, and Germany for their support and solidarity, especially during the 83rd wave of missile response to the US and Israel,” the post stated.

Visuals shared by the Consulate General of Iran in Mumbai on X showed Iranian military personnel using blue markers to write messages of gratitude on projectiles moments before launch towards targets in Israel and US military installations.&nbsp;

‘Thank You India’ on Iranian missiles during 83rd strike wave on Israel, US

India on Friday (March 17) said Pakistan remains in denial over the atrocities it committed during ‘Operation Searchlight’ in 1971, including the systematic and targeted killing of millions of innocent Bangladeshi people and widespread sexual violence against women, which forced millions to flee and seek refuge in India.&nbsp;Speaking at a weekly press briefing in New Delhi, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that Pakistan’s actions “shook the conscience of the world” and reaffirmed that India supported Bangladesh in its pursuit of justice.&nbsp;Jaiswal made these remarks when asked about a recent message shared by Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to mark Genocide Day. The message included graphic archival footage depicting the pre-planned massacre carried out by Pakistani forces, highlighting brutal attacks on unarmed civilians, intellectuals, and students at Dhaka University, Pilkhana, and Rajarbagh Police Lines. The video described the events as one of the most heinous genocides in modern history.&nbsp;The development is being seen as a significant shift in the stance of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which has historically faced criticism for downplaying the 1971 atrocities. The reference to the events as a “pre-planned massacre” and a “heinous genocide” marks a notable change in narrative.&nbsp;On Jaishankar’s ongoing visit to France for the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, the MEA said the External Affairs Minister highlighted the need for UN Security Council reforms, streamlining peacekeeping operations, and strengthening humanitarian supply chains during discussions in Paris.&nbsp;Jaishankar also met his counterparts from France, Canada, South Korea, Japan, Brazil, the UK, Germany, and Ukraine on the sidelines of the meeting.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bangladesh-india-signal-fresh-chapter-as-dhaka-celebrates-56-years-of-independence-1774547801121">Bangladesh, India signal fresh chapter as Dhaka celebrates 56 years of independence</a>&nbsp;“Our conversations with global partners continue. The External Affairs Minister is currently in France for the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on March 26–27,” Jaiswal said.&nbsp;Turning to the West Asia conflict and its energy fallout, Jaiswal said four India-flagged LPG tankers successfully passed through the Strait of Hormuz. He added that India remains in close contact with key stakeholders in West Asia, including Iran, to ensure energy security.&nbsp;He further stated that there is no immediate need to evacuate Indian nationals from Gulf countries, adding that hundreds of commercial flights from India to multiple destinations in the region continue to operate normally.

Randhir Jaiswal said that Pakistan’s actions “shook the conscience of the world” and reaffirmed that India supported Bangladesh in its pursuit of justice.

India on Friday (March 17) said Pakistan remains in denial over the atrocities it committed during ‘Operation Searchlight’ in 1971, including the systematic and targeted killing of millions of innocent Bangladeshi people and widespread sexual violence against women, which forced millions to flee and seek refuge in India. Speaking at a weekly press briefing in New Delhi, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that Pakistan’s actions “shook the conscience of the world” and reaffirmed that India supported Bangladesh in its pursuit of justice. Jaiswal made these remarks when asked about a recent message shared by Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to mark Genocide Day. The message included graphic archival footage depicting the pre-planned massacre carried out by Pakistani forces, highlighting brutal attacks on unarmed civilians, intellectuals, and students at Dhaka University, Pilkhana, and Rajarbagh Police Lines. The video described the events as one of the most heinous genocides in modern history. The development is being seen as a significant shift in the stance of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which has historically faced criticism for downplaying the 1971 atrocities. The reference to the events as a “pre-planned massacre” and a “heinous genocide” marks a notable change in narrative. On Jaishankar’s ongoing visit to France for the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, the MEA said the External Affairs Minister highlighted the need for UN Security Council reforms, streamlining peacekeeping operations, and strengthening humanitarian supply chains during discussions in Paris. Jaishankar also met his counterparts from France, Canada, South Korea, Japan, Brazil, the UK, Germany, and Ukraine on the sidelines of the meeting. Also Read: Bangladesh, India signal fresh chapter as Dhaka celebrates 56 years of independence “Our conversations with global partners continue. The External Affairs Minister is currently in France for the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on March 26–27,” Jaiswal said. Turning to the West Asia conflict and its energy fallout, Jaiswal said four India-flagged LPG tankers successfully passed through the Strait of Hormuz. He added that India remains in close contact with key stakeholders in West Asia, including Iran, to ensure energy security. He further stated that there is no immediate need to evacuate Indian nationals from Gulf countries, adding that hundreds of commercial flights from India to multiple destinations in the region continue to operate normally.

Randhir Jaiswal said that Pakistan’s actions “shook the conscience of the world” and reaffirmed that India supported Bangladesh in its pursuit of justice.

'Pakistan remains in denial over 1971 atrocities': India backs Bangladesh’s fight for justice

President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Friday that Ukraine has signed a deal with Saudi Arabia to share its drone defence expertise and technology and help the country tackle multiple aerial attacks from Iran. Zelensky said Saudi Arabia has been facing similar ballistic missile and drone attacks from Iran that Ukraine had been resisting from Russia over the last four years.&nbsp;“We are ready to share our expertise and systems with Saudi Arabia and to work together to strengthen the protection of lives,” Zelensky said in a post on X.&nbsp;Kyiv is leveraging its expertise in downing Russian drones to help Gulf nations, which are being attacked with the same kind of Iranian-designed Shahed drones that Russia fires on Ukraine.&nbsp;Ukraine has been using a mix of cheap drone interceptors, electronic jamming tools, and anti-aircraft guns to down Russian drones fired at its cities for over four years now. It also touts its anti-drone defences as the best in the world.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-slaughtered-in-cold-blood-iran-fm-araghchi-accuses-us-of-war-crimes-over-minab-school-bombing-calls-it-calculated-assault-1774604612770">‘Slaughtered in cold blood’: Iran FM Araghchi accuses US of ‘war crimes’ over Minab school bombing, calls it ‘calculated assault’</a>&nbsp;<h2>‘Looking for assistance in defending Ukraine in exchange’: Zelensky</h2>&nbsp;Zelensky said that in exchange he would be looking for assistance in defending Ukraine against the ongoing Russian invasion.&nbsp;“We would like Middle Eastern states to also give us an opportunity to strengthen ourselves. They have certain air defence missiles of which we don’t have enough. That’s what we’d like to reach a deal on,” he said in an interview with the French newspaper Le Monde.&nbsp;“Saudi Arabia also has capabilities that are of interest to Ukraine, and this cooperation can be mutually beneficial,” Zelensky said.&nbsp;The deal is not only about interceptors as such but about building a system, integrating it with other air defence components, Ukrainian experience in its use, AI, and all the other elements of data analysis needed to counter Shaheds and other drones, said a Ukrainian official seeking anonymity.&nbsp;During his visit to Saudi Arabia, Zelensky also met with Ukrainian anti-drone experts deployed to the country facing drone and missile attacks from Tehran in retaliation for the US and Israel strikes on Iran.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-situation-dynamic-petrol-diesel-prices-to-be-reviewed-every-15-days-says-govt-1774609798246">‘Situation dynamic’: Petrol, diesel prices to be reviewed every 15 days, says govt</a><h2>‘Approached by Gulf states for help,’ say Ukrainian drone companies</h2>&nbsp;As per reports, several Ukrainian drone companies have been approached by Gulf states for help but have not yet been given the green light by the government in Kyiv.&nbsp;Representatives of Ukrainian companies that make anti-drone electronic warfare systems said they had been approached by Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates and were told to discuss this with the Ukrainian government first.&nbsp;Ukraine has proposed swapping its interceptors for vastly more expensive air defence missiles that Gulf countries are using to down Iranian drones. Ukraine says it needs more of them to fend off Russian missile attacks.

Ukraine has been using a mix of cheap drone interceptors, electronic jamming tools, and anti-aircraft guns to down Russian drones fired at its cities for over four years now. Kyiv also touts its anti-drone defences as the best in the world.

President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Friday that Ukraine has signed a deal with Saudi Arabia to share its drone defence expertise and technology and help the country tackle multiple aerial attacks from Iran. Zelensky said Saudi Arabia has been facing similar ballistic missile and drone attacks from Iran that Ukraine had been resisting from Russia over the last four years. “We are ready to share our expertise and systems with Saudi Arabia and to work together to strengthen the protection of lives,” Zelensky said in a post on X. Kyiv is leveraging its expertise in downing Russian drones to help Gulf nations, which are being attacked with the same kind of Iranian-designed Shahed drones that Russia fires on Ukraine. Ukraine has been using a mix of cheap drone interceptors, electronic jamming tools, and anti-aircraft guns to down Russian drones fired at its cities for over four years now. It also touts its anti-drone defences as the best in the world. Also Read: ‘Slaughtered in cold blood’: Iran FM Araghchi accuses US of ‘war crimes’ over Minab school bombing, calls it ‘calculated assault’ ‘Looking for assistance in defending Ukraine in exchange’: Zelensky Zelensky said that in exchange he would be looking for assistance in defending Ukraine against the ongoing Russian invasion. “We would like Middle Eastern states to also give us an opportunity to strengthen ourselves. They have certain air defence missiles of which we don’t have enough. That’s what we’d like to reach a deal on,” he said in an interview with the French newspaper Le Monde. “Saudi Arabia also has capabilities that are of interest to Ukraine, and this cooperation can be mutually beneficial,” Zelensky said. The deal is not only about interceptors as such but about building a system, integrating it with other air defence components, Ukrainian experience in its use, AI, and all the other elements of data analysis needed to counter Shaheds and other drones, said a Ukrainian official seeking anonymity. During his visit to Saudi Arabia, Zelensky also met with Ukrainian anti-drone experts deployed to the country facing drone and missile attacks from Tehran in retaliation for the US and Israel strikes on Iran. Also Read: ‘Situation dynamic’: Petrol, diesel prices to be reviewed every 15 days, says govt ‘Approached by Gulf states for help,’ say Ukrainian drone companies As per reports, several Ukrainian drone companies have been approached by Gulf states for help but have not yet been given the green light by the government in Kyiv. Representatives of Ukrainian companies that make anti-drone electronic warfare systems said they had been approached by Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates and were told to discuss this with the Ukrainian government first. Ukraine has proposed swapping its interceptors for vastly more expensive air defence missiles that Gulf countries are using to down Iranian drones. Ukraine says it needs more of them to fend off Russian missile attacks.

Ukraine has been using a mix of cheap drone interceptors, electronic jamming tools, and anti-aircraft guns to down Russian drones fired at its cities for over four years now. Kyiv also touts its anti-drone defences as the best in the world.

Ukraine signs air defence deal with Saudi Arabia, offers its drone expertise

“Wolf warriors” is a term usually associated with Chinese diplomats for their aggressive methods, both in real life and online. Perhaps the diplomatic missions of Iran could now be described as the new wolf warriors of the Islamic Republic, pushing ahead with different forms of information warfare even as much of their leadership is wiped out through decapitation strikes by Israel and the US since February 28.<h2>Iranian diplomatic missions deploy memes, photos and emotional text in information war</h2>Since the killing of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in an Israeli air strike, the Iranian diplomatic corps transformed into a coordinated digital force. There is a clear escalation in messaging from Iranian embassies, consulates and UN missions. They are conducting elements of both war and diplomacy via X and other social media platforms in real time.<h2>Ministry of Foreign Affairs: The central command</h2>With Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi as its face, Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs is acting as the primary narrative hub. English-language posts from its diplomatic missions consistently frame the war as “US-Israeli aggression”, highlighting civilian harm and infrastructure damage. The alleged US-Israel bombing of a school in Minab, in which 165 mostly girl children reportedly died, has been repeatedly presented as a potential war crime.Throgh its missions, Iran is highlighting diplomatic outreach to countries including India, Russia, Turkey, Japan, Egypt and Sri Lanka. In the absence of extensive offline diplomatic activity, this online messaging serves as Iran's de facto international engagement and a tool to reinforce the legitimacy of the Islamic Republic.&nbsp;At the same time, these posts are closely watched by global oil, gas and shipping industries, as Iran uses its control over the Strait of Hormuz as a key non-military lever.<h2>Iran missions to the UN: The only major global platform available to Islamic Republic</h2>Iran’s permanent mission to the UN has significantly amplified its online presence, disputing US and Israeli claims and rejecting assertions of maritime disruptions. Its posts included images showing the aftermath of the Minab school attack, with captions questioning how children at school desks could be considered an imminent threat.Iran’s UN mission in Geneva has relied on international law and humanitarian discourse to push for debates at the UN Human Rights Council. It frames incidents such as the Minab strike as violations of international humanitarian law.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-launched-far-more-missile-drone-strikes-on-gulf-states-than-israel-claims-report-1774597564760">Iran launched far more missile, drone strikes on Gulf states than Israel, claims report</a><h2>Iran’s Europe mission: Confrontation and critique</h2>Iran’s mission to the European Union uses a more confrontational style, publicly criticising European leaders and institutions for what it calls “selective outrage”. Social media posts from the mission often juxtapose European responses to other conflicts, particularly Ukraine, with perceived silence on Iranian casualties, aiming to highlight double standards.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-war-us-president-says-strikes-paused-for-10-days-at-iran-s-request-1774587573008/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-war-us-president-says-strikes-paused-for-10-days-at-iran-s-request-1774587573008/embed</a><h2>Iranian embassies and consulates: Localised messaging, global reach</h2>Among the most active are Iranian embassies and consulates in key countries. Iranian missions in India have been posting messages highlighting bilateral ties and diplomatic dialogue. Iran has often acknowledged India’s relatively neutral stance on the war, even as it reportedly exempted vessels bound for India from any Strait of Hormuz disruption.From the social media handles of Iranian missions in Pakistan, the tone is sharper. Posts frequently questioned Western positions and dismissed recent calls for negotiation as insincere.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-war-pentagon-to-send-10-000-more-ground-troops-as-iran-mobilises-1-million-say-reports-pressure-tactic-or-costly-mistake-of-us-1774588399102">Iran war: Pentagon to send 10,000 more ground troops as Iran mobilises 1 million, say reports. Pressure tactic or costly mistake of US?</a><h2>Iranian diplomatic missions act as force multipliers, using memes, humour&nbsp;</h2>Several posts blend humour and meme culture. It is relatively unusual for Iran to mix satire with official messaging, but the approach appears aimed at increasing engagement with younger, globally connected audiences. The embassies are acting as force multipliers of the regime in creating a narrative suitable for it.<h2>Analysis: A battle for minds in the age of short attention spans</h2>From an information warfare perspective, Iranian embassies now function as “always-on” communication nodes, sharing real-time updates and countering adversaries’ claims. This online activity also projects a sense of continuity and stability within the Iranian regime despite sustained bombardment by Israel and the US.This diplomatic effort forms part of a broader Iranian digital presence that incorporates visual storytelling, sharp-edged humour and, at times, AI-generated content. It is a battle for minds, aimed at countering narratives from the US, Israel and the West. With much of its military infrastructure under pressure, Iran is seeking to influence international opinion and reinforce its claim of lawful self-defence under international law.Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Iran’s diplomatic missions, embassies and consulates have turned into a coordinated digital force, using social media memes, visuals, emotional language and legal arguments to shape global opinion, even as its actions are hitting trade and causing tensions in the entire Gulf region  

“Wolf warriors” is a term usually associated with Chinese diplomats for their aggressive methods, both in real life and online. Perhaps the diplomatic missions of Iran could now be described as the new wolf warriors of the Islamic Republic, pushing ahead with different forms of information warfare even as much of their leadership is wiped out through decapitation strikes by Israel and the US since February 28. Iranian diplomatic missions deploy memes, photos and emotional text in information war Since the killing of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in an Israeli air strike, the Iranian diplomatic corps transformed into a coordinated digital force. There is a clear escalation in messaging from Iranian embassies, consulates and UN missions. They are conducting elements of both war and diplomacy via X and other social media platforms in real time. Ministry of Foreign Affairs: The central command With Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi as its face, Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs is acting as the primary narrative hub. English-language posts from its diplomatic missions consistently frame the war as “US-Israeli aggression”, highlighting civilian harm and infrastructure damage. The alleged US-Israel bombing of a school in Minab, in which 165 mostly girl children reportedly died, has been repeatedly presented as a potential war crime. Throgh its missions, Iran is highlighting diplomatic outreach to countries including India, Russia, Turkey, Japan, Egypt and Sri Lanka. In the absence of extensive offline diplomatic activity, this online messaging serves as Iran's de facto international engagement and a tool to reinforce the legitimacy of the Islamic Republic. At the same time, these posts are closely watched by global oil, gas and shipping industries, as Iran uses its control over the Strait of Hormuz as a key non-military lever. Iran missions to the UN: The only major global platform available to Islamic Republic Iran’s permanent mission to the UN has significantly amplified its online presence, disputing US and Israeli claims and rejecting assertions of maritime disruptions. Its posts included images showing the aftermath of the Minab school attack, with captions questioning how children at school desks could be considered an imminent threat. Iran’s UN mission in Geneva has relied on international law and humanitarian discourse to push for debates at the UN Human Rights Council. It frames incidents such as the Minab strike as violations of international humanitarian law. Also read: Iran launched far more missile, drone strikes on Gulf states than Israel, claims report Iran’s Europe mission: Confrontation and critique Iran’s mission to the European Union uses a more confrontational style, publicly criticising European leaders and institutions for what it calls “selective outrage”. Social media posts from the mission often juxtapose European responses to other conflicts, particularly Ukraine, with perceived silence on Iranian casualties, aiming to highlight double standards. https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-war-us-president-says-strikes-paused-for-10-days-at-iran-s-request-1774587573008/embed Iranian embassies and consulates: Localised messaging, global reach Among the most active are Iranian embassies and consulates in key countries. Iranian missions in India have been posting messages highlighting bilateral ties and diplomatic dialogue. Iran has often acknowledged India’s relatively neutral stance on the war, even as it reportedly exempted vessels bound for India from any Strait of Hormuz disruption. From the social media handles of Iranian missions in Pakistan, the tone is sharper. Posts frequently questioned Western positions and dismissed recent calls for negotiation as insincere. Also read: Iran war: Pentagon to send 10,000 more ground troops as Iran mobilises 1 million, say reports. Pressure tactic or costly mistake of US? Iranian diplomatic missions act as force multipliers, using memes, humour Several posts blend humour and meme culture. It is relatively unusual for Iran to mix satire with official messaging, but the approach appears aimed at increasing engagement with younger, globally connected audiences. The embassies are acting as force multipliers of the regime in creating a narrative suitable for it. Analysis: A battle for minds in the age of short attention spans From an information warfare perspective, Iranian embassies now function as “always-on” communication nodes, sharing real-time updates and countering adversaries’ claims. This online activity also projects a sense of continuity and stability within the Iranian regime despite sustained bombardment by Israel and the US. This diplomatic effort forms part of a broader Iranian digital presence that incorporates visual storytelling, sharp-edged humour and, at times, AI-generated content. It is a battle for minds, aimed at countering narratives from the US, Israel and the West. With much of its military infrastructure under pressure, Iran is seeking to influence international opinion and reinforce its claim of lawful self-defence under international law. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Iran’s diplomatic missions, embassies and consulates have turned into a coordinated digital force, using social media memes, visuals, emotional language and legal arguments to shape global opinion, even as its actions are hitting trade and causing tensions in the entire Gulf region &nbsp;

Iran's online 'wolf warriors': How embassies and consulates are fighting the information warfare, using humour, emotions, and memes

Iran formally notified the United Nations on Thursday (Mar 26) about media reports detailing alleged US and Israeli plans to assassinate senior Iranian officials — including Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi. Iran's UN Ambassador Amir Saeed Iravani sent official letters to both UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the President of the Security Council, demanding attention.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/big-relief-for-indian-consumers-petrol-excise-slashed-to-3-diesel-duty-cut-to-zero-as-oil-prices-bite-amid-iran-war-1774580655511">India cuts petrol and diesel taxes — but prices for consumers to stay the same. Here's what FM Sitharaman said</a><h2>What did Iran say?</h2>In its letters to the UN Chief and UNSC president, Iran's UN Ambassador Amir Saeed Iravani said that "reports indicate that the United States and the Israeli regime have identified and designated high-ranking officials of the Islamic Republic of Iran, including the Speaker of the Islamic Consultative Assembly, Mr. Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, as assassination targets," Iravani wrote, adding that any so-called suspension of such plans was described in the reports as "merely temporary." In other words, these plans are paused for now, not cancelled."The conditional nature of the alleged 'suspension' also confirms that the threat remains real, deliberate, and ongoing," he said, calling it a flagrant violation of the UN Charter, international human rights law, and what he described as the basic foundations of peaceful relations between states.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-a-bad-start-for-iran-s-new-supreme-leader-trump-confirms-cia-told-him-mojtaba-khamenei-is-gay-1774570805558">'A bad start' for Iran's new Supreme Leader? Trump confirms CIA told him Mojtaba Khamenei is gay | Watch Viral video</a><h2>The Gulf nations get a warning too</h2>In separate letters, Iravani went after Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates — accusing all four of allowing their territory and airspace to be used by the US and Israel to carry out strikes on Iranian soil.Iran "expressed its strong and firm protest" against what it called illegal actions, and pointedly asked the Gulf states to stop it, or face the consequences. Tehran said it "reserves its legitimate right to take all necessary and appropriate measures" — including the"inherent right of self-defence -- in order to safeguard its sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence." &nbsp;Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Iran has just warned the UN of assassination plots against its top leaders. Tehran has flagged reports naming senior officials like Baqer Ghalibaf and Abbas Araghchi as targets, calling the threat “real and ongoing.” What exactly did Iran say, and who else did it warn? Scroll down.

Iran formally notified the United Nations on Thursday (Mar 26) about media reports detailing alleged US and Israeli plans to assassinate senior Iranian officials — including Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi. Iran's UN Ambassador Amir Saeed Iravani sent official letters to both UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the President of the Security Council, demanding attention. Also read | India cuts petrol and diesel taxes — but prices for consumers to stay the same. Here's what FM Sitharaman said What did Iran say? In its letters to the UN Chief and UNSC president, Iran's UN Ambassador Amir Saeed Iravani said that "reports indicate that the United States and the Israeli regime have identified and designated high-ranking officials of the Islamic Republic of Iran, including the Speaker of the Islamic Consultative Assembly, Mr. Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, as assassination targets," Iravani wrote, adding that any so-called suspension of such plans was described in the reports as "merely temporary." In other words, these plans are paused for now, not cancelled. "The conditional nature of the alleged 'suspension' also confirms that the threat remains real, deliberate, and ongoing," he said, calling it a flagrant violation of the UN Charter, international human rights law, and what he described as the basic foundations of peaceful relations between states. Also read | 'A bad start' for Iran's new Supreme Leader? Trump confirms CIA told him Mojtaba Khamenei is gay | Watch Viral video The Gulf nations get a warning too In separate letters, Iravani went after Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates — accusing all four of allowing their territory and airspace to be used by the US and Israel to carry out strikes on Iranian soil. Iran "expressed its strong and firm protest" against what it called illegal actions, and pointedly asked the Gulf states to stop it, or face the consequences. Tehran said it "reserves its legitimate right to take all necessary and appropriate measures" — including the"inherent right of self-defence -- in order to safeguard its sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence." Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Iran has just warned the UN of assassination plots against its top leaders. Tehran has flagged reports naming senior officials like Baqer Ghalibaf and Abbas Araghchi as targets, calling the threat “real and ongoing.” What exactly did Iran say, and who else did it warn? Scroll down.

Iran threatens Gulf nations with 'self-defence' retaliation, flags ‘assassination plots’ against Araghchi and Ghalibaf at UN

A New York Times report has claimed that many American troops in West Asia were forced to relocate to hotels and office spaces throughout the Gulf region after Iran bombed their bases. Citing military personnel and American officials, the report said that the land-based US military is, in essence, fighting the war while working remotely. The only exceptions are fighter pilots and crews operating and maintaining jets and conducting strikes, it said.<h2>US bases in Gulf region now vulnerable due to Iran bombardment&nbsp;</h2>In response to the joint US-Israel strikes since February 28, Iran has launched missile strikes on US bases across the Middle East. With their bases now vulnerable, many troops have been dispersed or relocated to “alternative” locations.Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) has urged civilians to report US troop locations.Thousands of US troops are now dispersedThoudands out of of the nearly 40,000 US troops in the region have now been dispersed, some even to Europe. Many remain in the Middle East in less secure, improvised locations, as per the NYT report.&nbsp;One official said this shift has made the war &nbsp;“much harder to prosecute,” reducing operational capability.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-if-they-take-any-step-iran-threatens-retaliation-over-plan-to-occupy-island-by-enemies-1774469648698">'If they take any step…': Iran threatens retaliation over plan to 'occupy island by enemies'</a><h2>How exactly are American troops operating remotely?</h2>According to the report, US troops are operating in a operating in a dispersed, improvised network, instead of centralised bases. They have set up “expedient operation centres” in hotels, office buildings, and other temporary facilities across the region. They continue to carry out core tasks like intelligence analysis, targeting, coordination of strikes, and command-and-control functions using portable and scaled-down systems, said the report.&nbsp;<h2>Warfighting from remote locations is not a feasible option</h2>The paper quoted Retired Air Force specialist Wes J Bryant as saying: “You can’t just put all that equipment on the top of a hotel… Some of it is unwieldy.”&nbsp;“You’re absolutely going to lose capability.”&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-war-tehran-says-strait-of-hormuz-open-for-friendly-nations-like-india-wion-1774506577245/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-war-tehran-says-strait-of-hormuz-open-for-friendly-nations-like-india-wion-1774506577245/embed</a><h2>Iran’s ballistic capabilities rendered traditional US bases unsafe&nbsp;</h2>The ballistic missile and drone capabilities were on full display in Iran during this conflict,reflecting poor prewar planning. The US did not anticipate it or evacuate nonessential personnel.&nbsp;The facilities were not reinforced and US troops were not prepared or did not have the right equipment ahead of the Iran strikes. At Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia, a lack of reinforced structures contributed to casualties in an attack, said the NYT report.Refuelling tankers were deployed hastily with minimal preparation. And a collision between two KC-135 aircraft killed six service members over Iraq.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-clears-stance-on-trump-s-peace-plan-after-unleash-hell-threat-by-us-west-asia-war-1774483434830">'We do not intend to negotiate but...': Iran clears stance on Trump's peace plan after 'unleash hell' threat by US</a><h2>US military is capable of decentralised execution, but it comes with costs</h2>The US military can continue operations even when dispersed. As one official told the paper, “down to the last individual soldier, we’re still going to be operating.” But still, there are some tradeoffs in this scenario. The remote setup limits war effectiveness as critical equipment cannot be fully deployed in such spaces as much as at established military bases.&nbsp;Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Iran's missile and drone strikes on US bases across the Middle East have forced some American troops there to shift to hotels and alternative sites, says a report. These dispersed operations come with logistical challenges.

A New York Times report has claimed that many American troops in West Asia were forced to relocate to hotels and office spaces throughout the Gulf region after Iran bombed their bases. Citing military personnel and American officials, the report said that the land-based US military is, in essence, fighting the war while working remotely. The only exceptions are fighter pilots and crews operating and maintaining jets and conducting strikes, it said. US bases in Gulf region now vulnerable due to Iran bombardment In response to the joint US-Israel strikes since February 28, Iran has launched missile strikes on US bases across the Middle East. With their bases now vulnerable, many troops have been dispersed or relocated to “alternative” locations. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) has urged civilians to report US troop locations. Thousands of US troops are now dispersed Thoudands out of of the nearly 40,000 US troops in the region have now been dispersed, some even to Europe. Many remain in the Middle East in less secure, improvised locations, as per the NYT report. One official said this shift has made the war “much harder to prosecute,” reducing operational capability. Also read: 'If they take any step…': Iran threatens retaliation over plan to 'occupy island by enemies' How exactly are American troops operating remotely? According to the report, US troops are operating in a operating in a dispersed, improvised network, instead of centralised bases. They have set up “expedient operation centres” in hotels, office buildings, and other temporary facilities across the region. They continue to carry out core tasks like intelligence analysis, targeting, coordination of strikes, and command-and-control functions using portable and scaled-down systems, said the report. Warfighting from remote locations is not a feasible option The paper quoted Retired Air Force specialist Wes J Bryant as saying: “You can’t just put all that equipment on the top of a hotel… Some of it is unwieldy.” “You’re absolutely going to lose capability.” https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-war-tehran-says-strait-of-hormuz-open-for-friendly-nations-like-india-wion-1774506577245/embed Iran’s ballistic capabilities rendered traditional US bases unsafe The ballistic missile and drone capabilities were on full display in Iran during this conflict, reflecting poor prewar planning. The US did not anticipate it or evacuate nonessential personnel. The facilities were not reinforced and US troops were not prepared or did not have the right equipment ahead of the Iran strikes. At Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia, a lack of reinforced structures contributed to casualties in an attack, said the NYT report. Refuelling tankers were deployed hastily with minimal preparation. And a collision between two KC-135 aircraft killed six service members over Iraq. Also read: 'We do not intend to negotiate but...': Iran clears stance on Trump's peace plan after 'unleash hell' threat by US US military is capable of decentralised execution, but it comes with costs The US military can continue operations even when dispersed. As one official told the paper, “down to the last individual soldier, we’re still going to be operating.” But still, there are some tradeoffs in this scenario. The remote setup limits war effectiveness as critical equipment cannot be fully deployed in such spaces as much as at established military bases. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Iran's missile and drone strikes on US bases across the Middle East have forced some American troops there to shift to hotels and alternative sites, says a report. These dispersed operations come with logistical challenges.

'Work from Home' for US soldiers? Iran attacks damaged their Gulf bases so much that some now operate from hotels, remote locations: Report

Troops from the US Army’s 82nd Airborne Division are preparing for possible deployment to the Middle East, New York Times and other American outlets have reported. There is no official confirmation, but defence officials cited in the reports said that the rapid-response troops, including paratroopers, could soon be on the move to possibly join the Iran-US-Israel war.<h2>Who are the 82nd Airborne Division’s Immediate Response Force (IRF)?</h2>IRF is a high-readiness brigade of some 3,000 soldiers. The Middle East deployment could involve around 2,000 troops, including headquarters and command elements led by Maj Gen Brandon Tegtmeier, according to the reports. There could be a larger brigade-scale mobilisation too. Their training exercises in early March were cancelled, and flight movements have been recorded from Fort Bragg, North Carolina, towards the Middle East region, said the reports.<h2>82nd Airborne Division: Capable of rapid “first-in” operations</h2>The paratroopers from 82nd Airborne Division can deploy in 18 hours of notice, and are trained for airborne assaults including parachuting into hostile territory to secure airfields, bridges, or similar infrastructure. Reports suggest they could be used to reinforce US operations, support US Marines reportedly being deployed to the region, and secure strategic sites such as Kharg Island, which is critical to Iran’s oil exports and the Strait of Hormuz.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-us-war-iran-fires-missiles-at-israel-kuwait-jordan-and-bahrain-wion-1774427357890/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-us-war-iran-fires-missiles-at-israel-kuwait-jordan-and-bahrain-wion-1774427357890/embed</a><h2>82nd Airborne Division deployment inside Iran could mark big war escalation</h2>The 82nd’s troops are light infantry, meaning they can arrive quickly but initially lack heavy armour, relying instead on speed, surprise, and follow-on forces for sustained combat. Their deployment could be a significant escalation in the Iran-Israel- US war.&nbsp;Separatel reports said that the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, comprising over 2,000 Marines, has been positioned in the region.The two could act in tandem: Marines could lead initial assaults or infrastructure operations, while 82nd paratroopers would reinforce and hold ground.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/mojtaba-khamenei-advisor-says-war-will-continue-despite-trump-netanyahu-5-day-halt-how-iran-has-reacted-so-far-1774322779656">Khamenei's advisor says ‘war will continue’ despite Trump's '5-day halt' announcement — How Iran has reacted so far</a><h2>The All-American: 82nd Airborne Division is famous for D-Day operations of World War II</h2>The 82nd Airborne Division is one of the US military’s most elite and combat-ready formations, famously called the “All American”. Their specialities include airborne infantry operations and rapid-response deployment for crises worldwide. There are multiple brigade combat teams, aviation support, artillery, and logistics units within the division.&nbsp;Their past missions range from humanitarian aid to high-intensity warfare.But their biggest reputation comes from D-Day deployment during World War II. In the early hours of June 6, 1944, around 6,400 paratroopers from the division dropped behind German enemy lines in Normandy as part of Operation Overlord. They were tasked with securing key routes, capturing bridges, and protecting the western flank of Allied landings at Utah Beach.The division suffered casualties in the chaotic deployment, yet small groups of paratroopers regrouped, seized critical positions like Sainte-Mère-Église, and blocked German counterattacks. The 82nd Division fought bravely and continuously in Normandy for 33 days without relief, playing a crucial role in the success of the Allied invasion.The 82nd fought in major WWII campaigns including Operation Market Garden and the Battle of the Bulge. They helped shift the course of the war in Europe, eventually earning a Presidential Unit Citation.In subsequent years, they also served in Korea, Vietnam, the Gulf War, Iraq, and Afghanistan.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-zero-trust-iran-dumps-witkoff-kushner-as-us-negotiators-gives-ultimatum-to-trump-this-american-must-lead-peace-talks-1774407776585">'Zero trust': Iran dumps Witkoff, Kushner as US negotiators, gives ultimatum to Trump: THIS American must lead peace talks</a><h2>Analysis: Reports of 82nd Division deployment are psychological warfare as much as real offensive</h2>Even as the Pentagon remains tight-lipped, the talk of deployment of the 82nd Airborne Division itself can be seen as significant, even a form of psychological warfare. It shows the seriousness the US attaches to the war even as President Donald Trump pursues peace. The five-day pause announced by him could be a gap for such troop deployments, and part of a maximum pressure strategy against Iran.For now, the situation remains fluid. Reports suggest planning and preparation rather than confirmed orders, and the exact scale or mission could change quickly.If deployed, these paratroopers—descendants of the soldiers who dropped into Normandy—would once again be positioned at the leading edge of US military action, raising the possibility of airborne operations in one of today’s most volatile war situations. &nbsp;Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos. &nbsp;

Iran war update: Troops from the 82nd Airborne Division of US may deploy to the Middle East, according to reports. They are rapid-response paratroopers from a unit known for their historic D-Day legacy from World War II

Troops from the US Army’s 82nd Airborne Division are preparing for possible deployment to the Middle East, New York Times and other American outlets have reported. There is no official confirmation, but defence officials cited in the reports said that the rapid-response troops, including paratroopers, could soon be on the move to possibly join the Iran-US-Israel war. Who are the 82nd Airborne Division’s Immediate Response Force (IRF)? IRF is a high-readiness brigade of some 3,000 soldiers. The Middle East deployment could involve around 2,000 troops, including headquarters and command elements led by Maj Gen Brandon Tegtmeier, according to the reports. There could be a larger brigade-scale mobilisation too. Their training exercises in early March were cancelled, and flight movements have been recorded from Fort Bragg, North Carolina, towards the Middle East region, said the reports. 82nd Airborne Division: Capable of rapid “first-in” operations The paratroopers from 82nd Airborne Division can deploy in 18 hours of notice, and are trained for airborne assaults including parachuting into hostile territory to secure airfields, bridges, or similar infrastructure. Reports suggest they could be used to reinforce US operations, support US Marines reportedly being deployed to the region, and secure strategic sites such as Kharg Island, which is critical to Iran’s oil exports and the Strait of Hormuz. https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-us-war-iran-fires-missiles-at-israel-kuwait-jordan-and-bahrain-wion-1774427357890/embed 82nd Airborne Division deployment inside Iran could mark big war escalation The 82nd’s troops are light infantry, meaning they can arrive quickly but initially lack heavy armour, relying instead on speed, surprise, and follow-on forces for sustained combat. Their deployment could be a significant escalation in the Iran-Israel- US war. Separatel reports said that the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, comprising over 2,000 Marines, has been positioned in the region. The two could act in tandem: Marines could lead initial assaults or infrastructure operations, while 82nd paratroopers would reinforce and hold ground. Also read: Khamenei's advisor says ‘war will continue’ despite Trump's '5-day halt' announcement — How Iran has reacted so far The All-American: 82nd Airborne Division is famous for D-Day operations of World War II The 82nd Airborne Division is one of the US military’s most elite and combat-ready formations, famously called the “All American”. Their specialities include airborne infantry operations and rapid-response deployment for crises worldwide. There are multiple brigade combat teams, aviation support, artillery, and logistics units within the division. Their past missions range from humanitarian aid to high-intensity warfare. But their biggest reputation comes from D-Day deployment during World War II. In the early hours of June 6, 1944, around 6,400 paratroopers from the division dropped behind German enemy lines in Normandy as part of Operation Overlord. They were tasked with securing key routes, capturing bridges, and protecting the western flank of Allied landings at Utah Beach. The division suffered casualties in the chaotic deployment, yet small groups of paratroopers regrouped, seized critical positions like Sainte-Mère-Église, and blocked German counterattacks. The 82nd Division fought bravely and continuously in Normandy for 33 days without relief, playing a crucial role in the success of the Allied invasion. The 82nd fought in major WWII campaigns including Operation Market Garden and the Battle of the Bulge. They helped shift the course of the war in Europe, eventually earning a Presidential Unit Citation. In subsequent years, they also served in Korea, Vietnam, the Gulf War, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Also read: 'Zero trust': Iran dumps Witkoff, Kushner as US negotiators, gives ultimatum to Trump: THIS American must lead peace talks Analysis: Reports of 82nd Division deployment are psychological warfare as much as real offensive Even as the Pentagon remains tight-lipped, the talk of deployment of the 82nd Airborne Division itself can be seen as significant, even a form of psychological warfare. It shows the seriousness the US attaches to the war even as President Donald Trump pursues peace. The five-day pause announced by him could be a gap for such troop deployments, and part of a maximum pressure strategy against Iran. For now, the situation remains fluid. Reports suggest planning and preparation rather than confirmed orders, and the exact scale or mission could change quickly. If deployed, these paratroopers—descendants of the soldiers who dropped into Normandy—would once again be positioned at the leading edge of US military action, raising the possibility of airborne operations in one of today’s most volatile war situations. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Iran war update: Troops from the 82nd Airborne Division of US may deploy to the Middle East, according to reports. They are rapid-response paratroopers from a unit known for their historic D-Day legacy from World War II

Who are the 82nd Airborne Division of US, who might parachute down on Iran? Unit famed for World War II D-Day ops going to Middle East, claim reports

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (Mar 24) revealed that he has sent a peace plan to Iran, nearly after almost a month of starting the war in West Asia. The announcement by US president about diplomatic solution came despite Iranian missile causing injuries in Israel, and Tehran accusing Israel of attacking Bushehr nuclear plant. Stating that America is "in negotiations right now" with Iran, despite no formal statement from Tehran, Trump added that his peace plan starts with Iranians agreeing to not have a nuclear weapon. However, amid efforts of diplomacy, The Wall Street Journal reported that the United States is planning to send 3,000 soldiers from the elite 82nd Airborne Division to the West Asia.&nbsp;Hinting at a gesture by Iranians, Trump said that they gave the Trump administration a "present"." Trump did not clarify what that meant. "They did something yesterday that was amazing actually. They gave us a present and the present arrived today. And it was a very big present worth a tremendous amount of money. "That meant one thing to me -- we're dealing with the right people," the POTUS told reporters in the Oval Office. Trump had earlier hinted that he is talking to a “top person” who is not Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei. Unconfirmed report claimed that the person is Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. Meanwhile, Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has offered to host US-Iran talks, which Trump said involved top officials including Vice President JD Vance. He also shared the post by the Pak PM.&nbsp;The New York Times, quoting unnamed officials, said that the United States had sent the 15-point plan to Iran through Pakistan. Israel's Channel 12 said that Trump was proposing a one-month ceasefire. Iran would also ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran in turn would see an end to all sanctions. Iran would also receive assistance in developing civil nuclear energy at Bushehr, a key site which dates from before the 1979 Islamic revolution.&nbsp;The 15-point framework sent by Trump reportedly are:<ol><li>One-month ceasefire</li><li>Dismantle all nuclear capabilities</li><li>No pursuit of nuclear weapons</li><li>End all uranium enrichment</li><li>Transfer all nuclear material to IAEA</li><li>Close Natanz, Isfahan &amp; Fordow sites</li><li>Unrestricted IAEA inspections&nbsp;</li><li>Abandon regional proxies</li><li>Halt funding &amp; arming of proxies</li><li>Keep Strait of Hormuz open&nbsp;</li><li>Limit missile program later</li><li>Defensive-only military forces&nbsp;</li><li>Lift all sanctions</li><li>Support Bushehr nuclear energy</li><li>End snapback sanctions</li></ol>&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/live-blog-us-israel-iran-war-live-trump-claims-productive-iran-talks-postpones-power-plant-strikes-for-5-days-1774328081269">US-Israel-Iran war | PM Modi calls for de-escalation, reopening of Hormuz as he speaks in Rajya Sabha</a><h2>Iran allows 'non-hostile' ships to transit Strait of Hormuz</h2>Soon after Trump said that he has sent peace proposal, Iran, in a message circulated by the International Maritime Organization, assured safe passage to "non-hostile vessels" going through the Strait of Hormuz. "Non-hostile vessels, ​including those belonging to or associated with other States, may - provided ​that they neither participate in nor support acts of aggression against Iran and ‌fully ⁠comply with the declared safety and security regulations - benefit from safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz in coordination with the competent Iranian authorities," Iran said in a note to the UN. Iran has "taken necessary and proportionate measures to prevent ​the aggressors and ​their supporters from ⁠exploiting the Strait of Hormuz to advance hostile operations against Iran," the note added, adding vessels, ​equipment, and any assets belonging to the S or ​Israel, “as ⁠well as other participants in the aggression, do not qualify for innocent or non-hostile passage.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-sets-these-conditions-to-end-israel-us-war-after-trump-s-5-day-halt-closure-of-us-bases-to-hormuz-control-1774326659739">Iran sets THESE conditions to end war after Trump's 5-day halt</a><h2>What are the Iranian demands and promises?</h2>Channel 12 reported that Iran has put forward a set of demands to the United States while indicating a willingness to allow inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). According to the report, Tehran has sought security guarantees that Washington would not carry out future attacks against it, along with the establishment of a new maritime order that would eventually place the Strait of Hormuz under Iranian control. The demands also include the closure of all US military bases across West Asia and financial compensation proportional to the damage Iran sustained during the conflict.&nbsp;In return, Iran is said to have expressed readiness to halt its ballistic missile development for five years, reduce uranium enrichment, and participate in discussions on adjusting its stockpile of 60 per cent highly enriched uranium. The report added that Tehran is open to allowing IAEA inspections of its centrifuges and has agreed to halt funding for proxy forces across the region.&nbsp;Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Abandon regional proxies 9. Halt funding &amp; arming of proxies 10. Keep Strait of Hormuz open 11. Limit missile program later 12. Defensive-only military forces 13. Lift all sanctions 14. Support Bushehr nuclear energy 15. End snapback sanctions Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/live-blog-us-israel-iran-war-live-trump-claims-productive-iran-talks-postpones-power-plant-strikes-for-5-days-1774328081269">US-Israel-Iran war | PM Modi calls for de-escalation, reopening of Hormuz as he speaks in Rajya Sabha</a><h2>Iran allows 'non-hostile' ships to transit Strait of Hormuz</h2>Soon after Trump said that he has sent peace proposal, Iran, in a message circulated by the International Maritime Organization, assured safe passage to "non-hostile vessels" going through the Strait of Hormuz. "Non-hostile vessels, ​including those belonging to or associated with other States, may - provided ​that they neither participate in nor support acts of aggression against Iran and ‌fully ⁠comply with the declared safety and security regulations - benefit from safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz in coordination with the competent Iranian authorities," Iran said in a note to the UN. Iran has "taken necessary and proportionate measures to prevent ​the aggressors and ​their supporters from ⁠exploiting the Strait of Hormuz to advance hostile operations against Iran," the note added, adding vessels, ​equipment, and any assets belonging to the S or ​Israel, “as ⁠well as other participants in the aggression, do not qualify for innocent or non-hostile passage.” Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-sets-these-conditions-to-end-israel-us-war-after-trump-s-5-day-halt-closure-of-us-bases-to-hormuz-control-1774326659739">Iran sets THESE conditions to end war after Trump's 5-day halt</a><h2>What are the Iranian demands and promises?</h2>Channel 12 reported that Iran has put forward a set of demands to the United States while indicating a willingness to allow inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). According to the report, Tehran has sought security guarantees that Washington would not carry out future attacks against it, along with the establishment of a new maritime order that would eventually place the Strait of Hormuz under Iranian control. The demands also include the closure of all US military bases across West Asia and financial compensation proportional to the damage Iran sustained during the conflict. In return, Iran is said to have expressed readiness to halt its ballistic missile development for five years, reduce uranium enrichment, and participate in discussions on adjusting its stockpile of 60 per cent highly enriched uranium. The report added that Tehran is open to allowing IAEA inspections of its centrifuges and has agreed to halt funding for proxy forces across the region. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

US President Donald Trump has proposed a peace plan to Iran amid ongoing conflict, with Tehran signaling limited cooperation, including IAEA inspections and safe Hormuz passage, while demanding security guarantees, sanctions relief, and regional changes.

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (Mar 24) revealed that he has sent a peace plan to Iran, nearly after almost a month of starting the war in West Asia. The announcement by US president about diplomatic solution came despite Iranian missile causing injuries in Israel, and Tehran accusing Israel of attacking Bushehr nuclear plant. Stating that America is "in negotiations right now" with Iran, despite no formal statement from Tehran, Trump added that his peace plan starts with Iranians agreeing to not have a nuclear weapon. However, amid efforts of diplomacy, The Wall Street Journal reported that the United States is planning to send 3,000 soldiers from the elite 82nd Airborne Division to the West Asia. Hinting at a gesture by Iranians, Trump said that they gave the Trump administration a "present"." Trump did not clarify what that meant. "They did something yesterday that was amazing actually. They gave us a present and the present arrived today. And it was a very big present worth a tremendous amount of money. "That meant one thing to me -- we're dealing with the right people," the POTUS told reporters in the Oval Office. Trump had earlier hinted that he is talking to a “top person” who is not Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei. Unconfirmed report claimed that the person is Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. Meanwhile, Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has offered to host US-Iran talks, which Trump said involved top officials including Vice President JD Vance. He also shared the post by the Pak PM. The New York Times, quoting unnamed officials, said that the United States had sent the 15-point plan to Iran through Pakistan. Israel's Channel 12 said that Trump was proposing a one-month ceasefire. Iran would also ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran in turn would see an end to all sanctions. Iran would also receive assistance in developing civil nuclear energy at Bushehr, a key site which dates from before the 1979 Islamic revolution. The 15-point framework sent by Trump reportedly are: One-month ceasefire Dismantle all nuclear capabilities No pursuit of nuclear weapons End all uranium enrichment Transfer all nuclear material to IAEA Close Natanz, Isfahan & Fordow sites Unrestricted IAEA inspections Abandon regional proxies Halt funding & arming of proxies Keep Strait of Hormuz open Limit missile program later Defensive-only military forces Lift all sanctions Support Bushehr nuclear energy End snapback sanctions Also Read: US-Israel-Iran war | PM Modi calls for de-escalation, reopening of Hormuz as he speaks in Rajya Sabha Iran allows 'non-hostile' ships to transit Strait of Hormuz Soon after Trump said that he has sent peace proposal, Iran, in a message circulated by the International Maritime Organization, assured safe passage to "non-hostile vessels" going through the Strait of Hormuz. "Non-hostile vessels, including those belonging to or associated with other States, may - provided that they neither participate in nor support acts of aggression against Iran and ‌fully ⁠comply with the declared safety and security regulations - benefit from safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz in coordination with the competent Iranian authorities," Iran said in a note to the UN. Iran has "taken necessary and proportionate measures to prevent the aggressors and their supporters from ⁠exploiting the Strait of Hormuz to advance hostile operations against Iran," the note added, adding vessels, equipment, and any assets belonging to the S or Israel, “as ⁠well as other participants in the aggression, do not qualify for innocent or non-hostile passage.” Also Read: Iran sets THESE conditions to end war after Trump's 5-day halt What are the Iranian demands and promises? Channel 12 reported that Iran has put forward a set of demands to the United States while indicating a willingness to allow inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). According to the report, Tehran has sought security guarantees that Washington would not carry out future attacks against it, along with the establishment of a new maritime order that would eventually place the Strait of Hormuz under Iranian control. The demands also include the closure of all US military bases across West Asia and financial compensation proportional to the damage Iran sustained during the conflict. In return, Iran is said to have expressed readiness to halt its ballistic missile development for five years, reduce uranium enrichment, and participate in discussions on adjusting its stockpile of 60 per cent highly enriched uranium. The report added that Tehran is open to allowing IAEA inspections of its centrifuges and has agreed to halt funding for proxy forces across the region. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

US President Donald Trump has proposed a peace plan to Iran amid ongoing conflict, with Tehran signaling limited cooperation, including IAEA inspections and safe Hormuz passage, while demanding security guarantees, sanctions relief, and regional changes.

Trump sends 15-point plan peace plan: From no nuclear weapon to end of sanctions - FULL LIST

Israeli reports, amplified in US media, are claiming that US President Donald Trump is seeking a one-month ceasefire with Iran. Reports to this effect, published in Israel's Channel 12 and American outlets, should be taken with a pinch of salt as Iranian officials continue to deny that any peace negotiations are taking place. The proposed one-month ceasefire forms part of a broader 15-point plan sent by the US to Iran, the reports claimed. The objective is to use the current five-day pause as a diplomatic window to finalise a wider agreement. This development is being closely watched amid rising tensions in the Middle East.<h2>What Israeli and American media reported about the one-month ceasefire</h2>Citing unnamed sources familiar with the discussions, Israeli and US media reports claimed that senior US advisers Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff are leading the peace efforts. The proposal reportedly includes an immediate 30-day ceasefire that halts all hostilities. It also outlines indirect negotiations during the pause to finalise a 15-point agreement. The structure is being described as similar to past ceasefire arrangements involving Israel in Lebanon and Gaza. The plan was reportedly conveyed to Iran through intermediaries in Pakistan. Shehbaz Sharif, the Pakistani prime minister, has publicly offered to facilitate direct or indirect US–Iran talks.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/mojtaba-khamenei-advisor-says-war-will-continue-despite-trump-netanyahu-5-day-halt-how-iran-has-reacted-so-far-1774322779656">Khamenei's advisor says ‘war will continue’ despite Trump's '5-day halt' announcement — How Iran has reacted so far</a><h2>What the US is seeking from Iran: A hard pill to swallow</h2>The reported US proposal outlines key US demands aimed at long-term regional stability and nuclear non-proliferation, which are highly unlikely to be fully accepted by Iran. It includes the complete dismantling of Iran’s nuclear weapons capability. It requires a permanent commitment that Iran will not pursue nuclear weapons in the future. The plan demands the immediate cessation of uranium enrichment activities. It seeks the transfer or neutralisation of existing enriched uranium stockpiles.&nbsp;Another condition is that Iran ends funding, arming, and support for regional proxy groups and allied militias. The proposal also includes strict limits on ballistic missile development, allowing it only for self-defence.&nbsp;It additionally calls for guarantees that the Strait of Hormuz remains open and secure for international shipping.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/riyadh-tells-iranian-diplomat-team-members-to-leave-in-24-hours-1774201497988/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/riyadh-tells-iranian-diplomat-team-members-to-leave-in-24-hours-1774201497988/embed</a><h2>What is reportedly being offered to Iran</h2>In exchange, the proposal is said to include incentives for Iran. It offers full relief from existing economic sanctions. It also includes support for civilian nuclear energy development, particularly at the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant. The proposal further mentions the removal of the threat of UN “snapback” sanctions against Iran.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/iran-war-580mn-in-oil-bets-placed-15-minutes-before-trump-post-on-iran-talks-1774333940056">Rs 5,373 crore in mystery oil bets placed 15 minutes before Trump's Iran talks post: Report</a><h2>‘Iran can’t be trusted': Israeli reaction to the proposal</h2>According to Israeli media reports, officials in Israel were surprised by the timing of the recently announced five-day pause. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not directly address the reported plan but said that Iran’s “current regime” cannot be trusted in any diplomatic agreement. His remarks reflected continued scepticism within Israel’s leadership.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-no-direct-or-indirect-talks-iran-denies-conversation-with-trump-after-us-prez-claims-detailed-constructive-talks-1774268919778">‘No direct or indirect talks’: Iran denies conversation with Trump after US prez claims 'detailed, constructive’ talks</a><h2>Iran vehemently denies ceasefire talks</h2>Iranian officials have consistently rejected claims of negotiations, ceasefires, or truce discussions with the US or Israel. Authorities in Tehran have described such reports as “bluffs”, “fake news”, or attempts to influence global markets, particularly energy prices. Iran has instead reiterated its own conditions for any future engagement. It is seeking guarantees against further military action. It is also demanding compensation for damages caused. Additionally, it is calling for a full withdrawal of US and Israeli presence from the Gulf region.&nbsp;Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Donald Trump is pursuing a 30-day ceasefire, Israeli media reports claimed, even as Tehran denied any talks. A proposed 15-point plan includes nuclear limits and sanctions relief on Iran.

Israeli reports, amplified in US media, are claiming that US President Donald Trump is seeking a one-month ceasefire with Iran. Reports to this effect, published in Israel's Channel 12 and American outlets, should be taken with a pinch of salt as Iranian officials continue to deny that any peace negotiations are taking place. The proposed one-month ceasefire forms part of a broader 15-point plan sent by the US to Iran, the reports claimed. The objective is to use the current five-day pause as a diplomatic window to finalise a wider agreement. This development is being closely watched amid rising tensions in the Middle East. What Israeli and American media reported about the one-month ceasefire Citing unnamed sources familiar with the discussions, Israeli and US media reports claimed that senior US advisers Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff are leading the peace efforts. The proposal reportedly includes an immediate 30-day ceasefire that halts all hostilities. It also outlines indirect negotiations during the pause to finalise a 15-point agreement. The structure is being described as similar to past ceasefire arrangements involving Israel in Lebanon and Gaza. The plan was reportedly conveyed to Iran through intermediaries in Pakistan. Shehbaz Sharif, the Pakistani prime minister, has publicly offered to facilitate direct or indirect US–Iran talks. Also read: Khamenei's advisor says ‘war will continue’ despite Trump's '5-day halt' announcement — How Iran has reacted so far What the US is seeking from Iran: A hard pill to swallow The reported US proposal outlines key US demands aimed at long-term regional stability and nuclear non-proliferation, which are highly unlikely to be fully accepted by Iran. It includes the complete dismantling of Iran’s nuclear weapons capability. It requires a permanent commitment that Iran will not pursue nuclear weapons in the future. The plan demands the immediate cessation of uranium enrichment activities. It seeks the transfer or neutralisation of existing enriched uranium stockpiles. Another condition is that Iran ends funding, arming, and support for regional proxy groups and allied militias. The proposal also includes strict limits on ballistic missile development, allowing it only for self-defence. It additionally calls for guarantees that the Strait of Hormuz remains open and secure for international shipping. https://www.wionews.com/videos/riyadh-tells-iranian-diplomat-team-members-to-leave-in-24-hours-1774201497988/embed What is reportedly being offered to Iran In exchange, the proposal is said to include incentives for Iran. It offers full relief from existing economic sanctions. It also includes support for civilian nuclear energy development, particularly at the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant. The proposal further mentions the removal of the threat of UN “snapback” sanctions against Iran. Also read: Rs 5,373 crore in mystery oil bets placed 15 minutes before Trump's Iran talks post: Report ‘Iran can’t be trusted': Israeli reaction to the proposal According to Israeli media reports, officials in Israel were surprised by the timing of the recently announced five-day pause. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not directly address the reported plan but said that Iran’s “current regime” cannot be trusted in any diplomatic agreement. His remarks reflected continued scepticism within Israel’s leadership. Also read: ‘No direct or indirect talks’: Iran denies conversation with Trump after US prez claims 'detailed, constructive’ talks Iran vehemently denies ceasefire talks Iranian officials have consistently rejected claims of negotiations, ceasefires, or truce discussions with the US or Israel. Authorities in Tehran have described such reports as “bluffs”, “fake news”, or attempts to influence global markets, particularly energy prices. Iran has instead reiterated its own conditions for any future engagement. It is seeking guarantees against further military action. It is also demanding compensation for damages caused. Additionally, it is calling for a full withdrawal of US and Israeli presence from the Gulf region. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Donald Trump is pursuing a 30-day ceasefire, Israeli media reports claimed, even as Tehran denied any talks. A proposed 15-point plan includes nuclear limits and sanctions relief on Iran.

Iran Israel war: US seeking a month-long ceasefire? Israeli and American media claims say...

Even as US President Donald Trump sent peace plan to Iran, he said that his secretary of war Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine were two people who were disappointed. The statement by Trump came a day after he appeared to blame Hegseth for starting the war with Iran. After the swearing in of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin at the Oval Office on Tuesday (Mar 24), Trump said that the Pentagon chief and Caine were “the only two people that were quite disappointed" with the fact that Iran war might wrap up soon.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-sends-15-point-plan-peace-plan-tehran-opens-hormuz-for-non-hostile-oil-vessels-no-nuclear-weapon-to-end-of-sanctions-1774403435419">Trump sends 15-point plan peace plan</a>&nbsp;“I think this thing’s going to be settled very soon and they go, ‘Oh, that’s too bad.’ Pete didn’t want it to be settled,” the president said.&nbsp;“They were not interested in settlement. They were interested in just winning this thing," Trump added. Trump also declared victory and slammed media for criticising his administration. “You know, I don’t like to say this, we’ve won this, because this war has been won, the only one that likes to keep it going is the fake news,” the president said. During the same event, Hegseth said that Pentagon&nbsp;is also a part of this negotiations, adding, "We negotiate with bombs.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-sets-these-conditions-to-end-israel-us-war-after-trump-s-5-day-halt-closure-of-us-bases-to-hormuz-control-1774326659739">Iran sets THESE conditions to end war after Trump's 5-day halt</a><h2>US and changing narratives of the war</h2>The POTUS has provided conflicting statements about the reason and length of the war that he started along with Israel by attacking Iran on Feb 28. Now, he is seen shifting the blame at Hegseth as his approval ratings fall. Speaking at a roundtable on public safety with the Tennessee Safe Task Force in Memphis on Monday (Mar 23), Trump singled out Hegseth as an early advocate of military intervention. “Pete, I think you were the first one to speak up and you said let’s do it because you can’t let them have a nuclear weapon,” Trump said&nbsp;Since the war began, Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have been the public face of the operation and have also faced heat because of conflicting statements from the White House at different points on various issues ranging from objective of the war to the triggering factor of the pre-emptive attack to regime-change plans.&nbsp;Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Donald Trump signaled optimism on ending the Iran war, while revealing divisions within his administration, with Pete Hegseth favoring continued military action. Trump claimed victory but kept options open amid ongoing negotiations and tensions.

Even as US President Donald Trump sent peace plan to Iran, he said that his secretary of war Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine were two people who were disappointed. The statement by Trump came a day after he appeared to blame Hegseth for starting the war with Iran. After the swearing in of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin at the Oval Office on Tuesday (Mar 24), Trump said that the Pentagon chief and Caine were “the only two people that were quite disappointed" with the fact that Iran war might wrap up soon. Also Read: Trump sends 15-point plan peace plan “I think this thing’s going to be settled very soon and they go, ‘Oh, that’s too bad.’ Pete didn’t want it to be settled,” the president said. “They were not interested in settlement. They were interested in just winning this thing," Trump added. Trump also declared victory and slammed media for criticising his administration. “You know, I don’t like to say this, we’ve won this, because this war has been won, the only one that likes to keep it going is the fake news,” the president said. During the same event, Hegseth said that Pentagon is also a part of this negotiations, adding, "We negotiate with bombs.” Also Read: Iran sets THESE conditions to end war after Trump's 5-day halt US and changing narratives of the war The POTUS has provided conflicting statements about the reason and length of the war that he started along with Israel by attacking Iran on Feb 28. Now, he is seen shifting the blame at Hegseth as his approval ratings fall. Speaking at a roundtable on public safety with the Tennessee Safe Task Force in Memphis on Monday (Mar 23), Trump singled out Hegseth as an early advocate of military intervention. “Pete, I think you were the first one to speak up and you said let’s do it because you can’t let them have a nuclear weapon,” Trump said Since the war began, Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have been the public face of the operation and have also faced heat because of conflicting statements from the White House at different points on various issues ranging from objective of the war to the triggering factor of the pre-emptive attack to regime-change plans. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Donald Trump signaled optimism on ending the Iran war, while revealing divisions within his administration, with Pete Hegseth favoring continued military action. Trump claimed victory but kept options open amid ongoing negotiations and tensions.

'He didn’t want it settled': Trump blames Hegseth again for Iran war

As the Iran war enters its fourth week, Tehran, as per reports, has signalled it will no longer engage with President Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff or his son-in-law Jared Kushner. According to reports from The Guardian, Tehran is refusing to engage further with Witkoff or Kushner, claiming earlier back-channel talks were a "deception" used to mask preparations for US strikes under Operation Epic Fury. Instead, Tehran has now demanded that another US official lead the talks. Who? US Vice President JD Vance. This demand comes as Pakistan and Oman scramble to host a summit between Vance and Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, even as the Trump administration continues its military campaign against Iranian assets.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/did-patriot-missiles-down-3-american-f-15-jets-over-kuwait-trump-accidentally-reveals-little-mishap-1774396550862">Patriot missiles downed American F-15 jets over Kuwait? Trump reveals 'mishap'</a><h2>Iras says “zero trust” in current US channel</h2>Iranian sources cited in the report said the country had “zero trust” in Washington following the breakdown of earlier talks and the subsequent US strikes, which began more than three weeks ago.Negotiations over Iran’s nuclear programme had still been ongoing when the US and Israel launched military action on February 28. Iranian officials now view those discussions as misleading, believing they were used to create a false sense of diplomacy while preparations for strikes were underway."With the previous negotiating team, there’s no chance," one diplomatic source told the publication. "The Iranian side regards the request for negotiations as another round of deception for the US-Israeli regime to find out a loophole to aggravate the strikes again," they added.The same source added that any future engagement would require a change in personnel. "If the negotiations are going to have any outcome, JD Vance should join." they insisted that "With Witkoff and Kushner, nothing will come out of it. We have seen that in the past".Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/435-000-barrels-of-oil-at-risk-as-iran-war-drives-up-oil-prices-fire-rages-at-one-of-us-largest-refineries-after-massive-port-arthur-blast-watch-1774325959958">Massive blast rocks Valero’s Port Arthur refinery amid Iran blockade of Strait of Hormuz—is the US energy hub under attack?</a><h2>When will US-Iran talks happen?</h2>There is no clear confirmation from Iran that formal talks are imminent. Iran’s parliamentary speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who has been mentioned as a potential lead negotiator on Tehran’s side, has dismissed reports of planned discussions as "fake news." However, as per reports, indirect communication channels remain open.Iran has confirmed that "certain friendly states" have been conveying messages from the US regarding negotiations.&nbsp;Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Iran shuts the door on Trump’s top negotiators: Reports say Tehran now has “zero trust” in the current US channel and is refusing to engage with Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.

So, who does Iran want instead to lead talks? Scroll down to find out.

As the Iran war enters its fourth week, Tehran, as per reports, has signalled it will no longer engage with President Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff or his son-in-law Jared Kushner. According to reports from The Guardian, Tehran is refusing to engage further with Witkoff or Kushner, claiming earlier back-channel talks were a "deception" used to mask preparations for US strikes under Operation Epic Fury. Instead, Tehran has now demanded that another US official lead the talks. Who? US Vice President JD Vance. This demand comes as Pakistan and Oman scramble to host a summit between Vance and Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, even as the Trump administration continues its military campaign against Iranian assets. Also read | Patriot missiles downed American F-15 jets over Kuwait? Trump reveals 'mishap' Iras says “zero trust” in current US channel Iranian sources cited in the report said the country had “zero trust” in Washington following the breakdown of earlier talks and the subsequent US strikes, which began more than three weeks ago. Negotiations over Iran’s nuclear programme had still been ongoing when the US and Israel launched military action on February 28. Iranian officials now view those discussions as misleading, believing they were used to create a false sense of diplomacy while preparations for strikes were underway. "With the previous negotiating team, there’s no chance," one diplomatic source told the publication. "The Iranian side regards the request for negotiations as another round of deception for the US-Israeli regime to find out a loophole to aggravate the strikes again," they added. The same source added that any future engagement would require a change in personnel. "If the negotiations are going to have any outcome, JD Vance should join." they insisted that "With Witkoff and Kushner, nothing will come out of it. We have seen that in the past". Also read | Massive blast rocks Valero’s Port Arthur refinery amid Iran blockade of Strait of Hormuz—is the US energy hub under attack? When will US-Iran talks happen? There is no clear confirmation from Iran that formal talks are imminent. Iran’s parliamentary speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who has been mentioned as a potential lead negotiator on Tehran’s side, has dismissed reports of planned discussions as "fake news." However, as per reports, indirect communication channels remain open. Iran has confirmed that "certain friendly states" have been conveying messages from the US regarding negotiations. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Iran shuts the door on Trump’s top negotiators: Reports say Tehran now has “zero trust” in the current US channel and is refusing to engage with Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.So, who does Iran want instead to lead talks? Scroll down to find out.

'Zero trust': Iran dumps Witkoff, Kushner as US negotiators, gives ultimatum to Trump: THIS American must lead peace talks

KUWAIT CITY / WASHINGTON: In a stunning departure from military protocol, President Donald Trump has confirmed that the three American F-15 jets shot down over the skies of Kuwait were targeted by the US' own Patriot missiles. Speaking on Tuesday (Mar 24), Trump revealed that Kuwaiti forces—using US-made Patriot missiles—accidentally shot down three allied aircraft after misidentifying them as enemy threats.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/435-000-barrels-of-oil-at-risk-as-iran-war-drives-up-oil-prices-fire-rages-at-one-of-us-largest-refineries-after-massive-port-arthur-blast-watch-1774325959958">Massive blast rocks Valero’s Port Arthur refinery amid Iran blockade of Strait of Hormuz—is the US energy hub under attack?</a><h2>A little mishap?</h2>Speaking to the press in the Oval Office, the President downplayed the March 2 incident as a "little mishap," and said all three pilots of the U.S. F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jets successfully ejected and are "flying today"."They shot down three planes with our missiles. They happen to be our planes," he said, adding that all pilots survived and were already back in action. "The pilots made it… pretty amazing," Trump said. "They’re flying today."Trump insisted that "the Kuwaitis made a mistake, they fired...They thought they were firing at the enemy. It was, as the expression goes, friendly fire." Watch what he said here:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Absolute humiliation for the Pentagon. Trump accidentally reveals that US forces shot down THREE of their own allied planes over Kuwait due to sheer incompetence. They are firing multi million dollar missiles at themselves. Total disaster. <a href="https://t.co/dLjKAS0af5">pic.twitter.com/dLjKAS0af5</a>&mdash; Furkan Gözükara (@FurkanGozukara) <a href="https://twitter.com/FurkanGozukara/status/2036520142289473957?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>What happened over Kuwait?</h2>On March 2, the third day of the Iran war, three US F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jets went down during ongoing military operations in the region. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) later confirmed the crash, calling it an "apparent friendly fire" incident during active combat.According to CENTCOM, the aircraft were mistakenly targeted by Kuwaiti air defences while operating in support of a mission. All six crew members ejected safely and were recovered.Kuwait, in its initial response, acknowledged the incident and said "technical measures" were taken in coordination with US forces. An investigation has been launched, but officials have not publicly detailed what went wrong.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/us-s-oil-gambit-how-trump-is-using-iranian-crude-to-bankrupt-tehran-amid-strait-of-hormuz-blockade-in-pics-1774056598032">US's oil gambit: How Trump is using Iranian crude to bankrupt Tehran amid Strait of Hormuz blockade | In Pics</a><h2>Conflicting versions emerge</h2>The situation has become more complicated with new claims surfacing. An earlier report by The Wall Street Journal, citing US officials, said the jets may not have been hit by ground-based systems as initially believed. Instead, it claimed a Kuwaiti Air Force F/A-18 Hornet mistakenly fired three missiles, each striking a US jet.According to that account, a single Hornet pilot launched all three missiles during a moment of confusion as Iranian drones were reportedly entering Kuwaiti airspace.Iranian media, meanwhile, has offered a different version altogether. Semi-official outlets such as Mehr News and Tasnim claimed Iran was responsible for shooting down the aircraft, though no evidence has been presented to support that assertion. &nbsp;Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.&nbsp;

Did US-made Patriot missiles just shoot down American jets over Kuwait on March 2? Trump calls it a “little mishap” after three F-15s were hit in a shocking friendly fire incident. What really happened in the skies? Scroll down.

KUWAIT CITY / WASHINGTON: In a stunning departure from military protocol, President Donald Trump has confirmed that the three American F-15 jets shot down over the skies of Kuwait were targeted by the US' own Patriot missiles. Speaking on Tuesday (Mar 24), Trump revealed that Kuwaiti forces—using US-made Patriot missiles—accidentally shot down three allied aircraft after misidentifying them as enemy threats. Also read | Massive blast rocks Valero’s Port Arthur refinery amid Iran blockade of Strait of Hormuz—is the US energy hub under attack? A little mishap? Speaking to the press in the Oval Office, the President downplayed the March 2 incident as a "little mishap," and said all three pilots of the U.S. F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jets successfully ejected and are "flying today". "They shot down three planes with our missiles. They happen to be our planes," he said, adding that all pilots survived and were already back in action. "The pilots made it… pretty amazing," Trump said. "They’re flying today." Trump insisted that "the Kuwaitis made a mistake, they fired...They thought they were firing at the enemy. It was, as the expression goes, friendly fire." Watch what he said here:

Did US-made Patriot missiles just shoot down American jets over Kuwait on March 2? Trump calls it a “little mishap” after three F-15s were hit in a shocking friendly fire incident. What really happened in the skies? Scroll down.

Did Patriot missiles down 3 American F-15 jets over Kuwait? Trump accidentally reveals 'little mishap' | Watch

As confusion over a deal between Iran and the United States regarding the ongoing war persists, Revolutionary Guards on Tuesday (March 24) threatened to conduct “heavy” missile and drone attacks on Israel in support of Lebanese and Palestinian civilians.&nbsp;“We warn the regime's criminal army that if its crimes against civilians in Lebanon and Palestine persist, Israeli forces will be the target of heavy missile and drone strikes,” the Guards said in a statement.&nbsp;Israel has been targeting Gaza and Lebanon over Hamas and Hezbollah since the October 7, 2023, attack. It escalated these attacks on Lebanon after the US-Israel coalition started its bombing campaign in Iran targeting Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and the top Iranian leadership.&nbsp;These warnings from Iran’s powerful Guards come as many conflicting reports on the status of the ongoing US–Israel–Iran conflict persist, after US President Donald Trump on Monday announced in a social media post a five-day postponement of all planned military strikes against Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure. The pause is intended to provide a window for ongoing diplomatic talks aimed at reaching a “complete and total resolution” of hostilities in the region.&nbsp;Notably, the US President underlined that the instruction to the Department of Defence is contingent upon the continued success of these detailed and constructive meetings, which are scheduled to continue throughout the week.However, Iran officially dismissed Donald Trump’s assertion that the two countries are engaged in “very good and productive” conversations to resolve the war.<h2>Iran vows ‘heavy’ missile fire on Israel</h2>Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said on Tuesday that the military will take control of southern Lebanon all the way to the Litani River.&nbsp;“All five bridges over the Litani that were used by Hezbollah for the passage of terrorists and weapons have been blown up, and the IDF (Israeli military) will control the rest of the bridges and the security zone up to the Litani,” Katz said during a visit to a military command centre in Israel.&nbsp;Katz added that the hundreds of thousands of South Lebanon residents who were displaced by the Middle East war this month “will not return south of the Litani River until security is guaranteed for the residents of northern Israel.”&nbsp;(Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.)

Israel has been targeting Gaza and Lebanon over Hamas and Hezbollah since the October 7, 2023, attack. It escalated these attacks on Lebanon after the US-Israel coalition started its bombing campaign in Iran.

As confusion over a deal between Iran and the United States regarding the ongoing war persists, Revolutionary Guards on Tuesday (March 24) threatened to conduct “heavy” missile and drone attacks on Israel in support of Lebanese and Palestinian civilians. “We warn the regime's criminal army that if its crimes against civilians in Lebanon and Palestine persist, Israeli forces will be the target of heavy missile and drone strikes,” the Guards said in a statement. Israel has been targeting Gaza and Lebanon over Hamas and Hezbollah since the October 7, 2023, attack. It escalated these attacks on Lebanon after the US-Israel coalition started its bombing campaign in Iran targeting Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and the top Iranian leadership. These warnings from Iran’s powerful Guards come as many conflicting reports on the status of the ongoing US–Israel–Iran conflict persist, after US President Donald Trump on Monday announced in a social media post a five-day postponement of all planned military strikes against Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure. The pause is intended to provide a window for ongoing diplomatic talks aimed at reaching a “complete and total resolution” of hostilities in the region. Notably, the US President underlined that the instruction to the Department of Defence is contingent upon the continued success of these detailed and constructive meetings, which are scheduled to continue throughout the week. However, Iran officially dismissed Donald Trump’s assertion that the two countries are engaged in “very good and productive” conversations to resolve the war. Iran vows ‘heavy’ missile fire on Israel Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said on Tuesday that the military will take control of southern Lebanon all the way to the Litani River. “All five bridges over the Litani that were used by Hezbollah for the passage of terrorists and weapons have been blown up, and the IDF (Israeli military) will control the rest of the bridges and the security zone up to the Litani,” Katz said during a visit to a military command centre in Israel. Katz added that the hundreds of thousands of South Lebanon residents who were displaced by the Middle East war this month “will not return south of the Litani River until security is guaranteed for the residents of northern Israel.” (Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.)

Israel has been targeting Gaza and Lebanon over Hamas and Hezbollah since the October 7, 2023, attack. It escalated these attacks on Lebanon after the US-Israel coalition started its bombing campaign in Iran.

Iran vows missile and drone attacks on Israel to support Lebanese and Palestinians

Iran has appointed Brigadier General Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr, a former Revolutionary Guards commander, as the new Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) on Tuesday (March 24). The appointment, approved by Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei and decreed by President Masoud Pezeshkian, follows the death of his predecessor, Ali Larijani, in a targeted airstrike last week.&nbsp;Zolghadr's appointment comes after a joint US-Israeli bombing campaign launched on February 28 and subsequent precision strikes throughout March, which resulted in the most significant decapitation of Iranian leadership in the history of the Islamic Republic.&nbsp;The most prominent casualty was Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in the opening salvo alongside his immediate family during a strike on his residence in Tehran. The offensive simultaneously eliminated the core of Iran’s military and security command, including the Commander-in-Chief of the IRGC, Major General Mohammad Pakpour; the Chief of the General Staff, Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi; and the Minister of Defence, Brigadier General Aziz Nasirzadeh.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/recession-fears-in-europe-as-eurozone-business-activity-slows-amid-iran-war-1774349069173">Recession fears in Europe as Eurozone business activity slows amid Iran war</a>&nbsp;As the campaign expanded into mid-March, further strikes targeted transitional and secondary leadership, leading to the deaths of Ali Larijani, the Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, and Gholamreza Soleimani, the head of the paramilitary Basij forces. These losses have forced a rapid and radical restructuring of the Iranian state under the new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei.&nbsp;Meanwhile, confusion over a potential deal between Iran and the United States regarding the ongoing war persists. On Monday, Donald Trump announced in a social media post a five-day postponement of all planned military strikes against Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure. The pause is intended to provide a window for ongoing diplomatic talks aimed at reaching a “complete and total resolution” of hostilities in the region.&nbsp;Notably, the US President underlined that the instruction to the Department of Defence is contingent upon the continued success of these detailed and constructive meetings, which are scheduled to continue throughout the week.However, Iran officially dismissed Donald Trump’s assertion that the two countries are engaged in “very good and productive” conversations to resolve the war.&nbsp;&nbsp;(Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.)

Zolghadr's appointment comes after a joint US-Israeli bombing campaign launched on February 28 and subsequent precision strikes throughout March, which resulted in the most significant decapitation of Iranian leadership in the history of the Islamic Republic.

Iran has appointed Brigadier General Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr, a former Revolutionary Guards commander, as the new Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) on Tuesday (March 24). The appointment, approved by Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei and decreed by President Masoud Pezeshkian, follows the death of his predecessor, Ali Larijani, in a targeted airstrike last week. Zolghadr's appointment comes after a joint US-Israeli bombing campaign launched on February 28 and subsequent precision strikes throughout March, which resulted in the most significant decapitation of Iranian leadership in the history of the Islamic Republic. The most prominent casualty was Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in the opening salvo alongside his immediate family during a strike on his residence in Tehran. The offensive simultaneously eliminated the core of Iran’s military and security command, including the Commander-in-Chief of the IRGC, Major General Mohammad Pakpour; the Chief of the General Staff, Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi; and the Minister of Defence, Brigadier General Aziz Nasirzadeh. Also Read: Recession fears in Europe as Eurozone business activity slows amid Iran war As the campaign expanded into mid-March, further strikes targeted transitional and secondary leadership, leading to the deaths of Ali Larijani, the Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, and Gholamreza Soleimani, the head of the paramilitary Basij forces. These losses have forced a rapid and radical restructuring of the Iranian state under the new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei. Meanwhile, confusion over a potential deal between Iran and the United States regarding the ongoing war persists. On Monday, Donald Trump announced in a social media post a five-day postponement of all planned military strikes against Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure. The pause is intended to provide a window for ongoing diplomatic talks aimed at reaching a “complete and total resolution” of hostilities in the region. Notably, the US President underlined that the instruction to the Department of Defence is contingent upon the continued success of these detailed and constructive meetings, which are scheduled to continue throughout the week. However, Iran officially dismissed Donald Trump’s assertion that the two countries are engaged in “very good and productive” conversations to resolve the war. (Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.)

Zolghadr's appointment comes after a joint US-Israeli bombing campaign launched on February 28 and subsequent precision strikes throughout March, which resulted in the most significant decapitation of Iranian leadership in the history of the Islamic Republic.

Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr replaces slain Ali Larijani as Iran’s top security chief; all you need to know

As US President Donald Trump announced a five-day halt on the military strikes in Iran, hinting at the end of West Asia war, several reports claimed that Pakistan may be playing an active role in negotiating the deal. Though, the White House, for now, has brushed aside the claims as “speculations”, reports claimed that Steve Witkoff, the US West Asia envoy, is in Islamabad. If true, this surprise diplomatic initiative by Pakistan comes at a time when the country is embroiled in its worst conflict with neighbouring Afghanistan. There is no confirmation on the reports from any official authorities including Pakistan, the US or Iran.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/did-donald-trump-just-blame-pete-hegseth-for-iran-war-with-defence-secretary-seated-nearby-us-president-says-1774333544146">Did Donald Trump just blame Pete Hegseth for Iran war? With defence secretary seated nearby, US president says...</a><h2>Pakistan link in Iran talks</h2>Channel 12 reported quoting sources that US Vice President JD Vance, US special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, will meet with Iranian officials in Islamabad. &nbsp;The Times of Israel reported about an unnamed Israeli official who said that mediating countries are trying to convene a meeting in Islamabad, Pakistan, between the US and Iran -- possibly as soon as later this week.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-sets-these-conditions-to-end-israel-us-war-after-trump-s-5-day-halt-closure-of-us-bases-to-hormuz-control-1774326659739">Iran sets THESE conditions to end war after Trump's 5-day halt: From closure of US bases to Hormuz control - Full list</a>&nbsp;Moreoever, reports also added that Pakistan Army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir spoke to Trump on Sunday, followed by a phone call between Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. The Financial Times reported that senior officials from Egypt, Pakistan and Turkiye engaged US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Iran’s foreign minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi to pass messages about finding a possible off-ramp.<h2>How Iran and Pakistan reacted?</h2>&nbsp;As the news surfaced, Pakistan Foreign Office spokesman Tahir Andrabi was quoted by the Dawn newspaper saying, "If the parties desire, Islamabad is always willing to host talks." Iran has not yet responded to the claims. On March 12, when Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian for the first time spoke about conditions that the Islamic Republic would put forward to end the war, he had held a telephonic conversation with leaders of Russia and Pakistan. Iranian Foreign Ministry's statement after Trump's announcement also hints at “friendly nations” and their mediation. Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said that although some friendly nations had sent messages indicating that the United States had requested talks, Iran did not respond. He added that Iran had responded in line with its “principled positions."&nbsp;<h2>What White House said?</h2>Responding to the development, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said nothing concrete could be said. In response to an ANI query, Leavitt said that it should not be deemed as final until it is formally announced by the White House. Leavitt responded, "These are sensitive diplomatic discussions, and the US will not negotiate through the press. This is a fluid situation, and speculation about meetings should not be deemed as final until they are formally announced by the White House."&nbsp;&nbsp;Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations, and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.

After Donald Trump paused strikes on Iran, reports suggest Pakistan may mediate talks in Islamabad involving US envoys. While officials call it speculation, backchannel contacts hint at possible diplomatic efforts to ease tensions in the ongoing conflict.

As US President Donald Trump announced a five-day halt on the military strikes in Iran, hinting at the end of West Asia war, several reports claimed that Pakistan may be playing an active role in negotiating the deal. Though, the White House, for now, has brushed aside the claims as “speculations”, reports claimed that Steve Witkoff, the US West Asia envoy, is in Islamabad. If true, this surprise diplomatic initiative by Pakistan comes at a time when the country is embroiled in its worst conflict with neighbouring Afghanistan. There is no confirmation on the reports from any official authorities including Pakistan, the US or Iran. Also Read: Did Donald Trump just blame Pete Hegseth for Iran war? With defence secretary seated nearby, US president says... Pakistan link in Iran talks Channel 12 reported quoting sources that US Vice President JD Vance, US special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, will meet with Iranian officials in Islamabad. The Times of Israel reported about an unnamed Israeli official who said that mediating countries are trying to convene a meeting in Islamabad, Pakistan, between the US and Iran -- possibly as soon as later this week. Also Read: Iran sets THESE conditions to end war after Trump's 5-day halt: From closure of US bases to Hormuz control - Full list Moreoever, reports also added that Pakistan Army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir spoke to Trump on Sunday, followed by a phone call between Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. The Financial Times reported that senior officials from Egypt, Pakistan and Turkiye engaged US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Iran’s foreign minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi to pass messages about finding a possible off-ramp. How Iran and Pakistan reacted? As the news surfaced, Pakistan Foreign Office spokesman Tahir Andrabi was quoted by the Dawn newspaper saying, "If the parties desire, Islamabad is always willing to host talks." Iran has not yet responded to the claims. On March 12, when Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian for the first time spoke about conditions that the Islamic Republic would put forward to end the war, he had held a telephonic conversation with leaders of Russia and Pakistan. Iranian Foreign Ministry's statement after Trump's announcement also hints at “friendly nations” and their mediation. Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said that although some friendly nations had sent messages indicating that the United States had requested talks, Iran did not respond. He added that Iran had responded in line with its “principled positions." What White House said? Responding to the development, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said nothing concrete could be said. In response to an ANI query, Leavitt said that it should not be deemed as final until it is formally announced by the White House. Leavitt responded, "These are sensitive diplomatic discussions, and the US will not negotiate through the press. This is a fluid situation, and speculation about meetings should not be deemed as final until they are formally announced by the White House." Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations, and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.

After Donald Trump paused strikes on Iran, reports suggest Pakistan may mediate talks in Islamabad involving US envoys. While officials call it speculation, backchannel contacts hint at possible diplomatic efforts to ease tensions in the ongoing conflict.

Pakistan eyes peace broker role between US and Iran as Trump halts war? What we know

Hours after US President Donald Trump announced a five-day postponement of strikes on Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure on Monday (March 23), Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf dismissed reports of negotiations with the United States as "fake news" and asserted that the "Iranian people demand complete and remorseful punishment of the aggressors".&nbsp;"No negotiations have been held with the US, and fake news is being used to manipulate the financial and oil markets and escape the quagmire in which the US and Israel are trapped," Ghalibaf said in a post on X, adding, "All Iranian officials stand firmly behind their supreme leader and people until this goal is achieved".&nbsp;Speaking to reporters at Palm Beach, Trump claimed that the United States and Iran had reached ‘major points of agreement’ and confirmed that Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner participated in the talks. He declined to identify the Iranian counterpart in detail, describing the individual only as a respected leader and clarifying that it was not Mojtaba Khamenei.&nbsp;“They want very much to make a deal. We’d like to make a deal too,” Trump said, adding that more phone discussions were expected on Monday, with a face-to-face meeting anticipated soon. He also outlined a short timeline for progress, stating, “We’re doing a five-day period, we’ll see how that goes. If it goes well, we’re going to end up settling this. Otherwise, we’ll just keep bombing our little hearts out.”&nbsp;However, Iran has categorically denied these assertions, saying Tehran did not have any negotiations with the United States.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">1/ Iranian people demand complete and remorseful punishment of the aggressors. All Irainan officials stand firmly behind their supreme leader and people until this goal is achieved.&mdash; محمدباقر قالیباف | MB Ghalibaf (@mb_ghalibaf) <a href="https://twitter.com/mb_ghalibaf/status/2036108696040747128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 23, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

This series of claims and counterclaims from Washington and Tehran was set off by Trump’s social media post, in which he announced a five-day postponement of all planned military strikes against Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure.&nbsp;Notably, the US President underlined that the instruction to the Department of War is contingent upon the continued success of these detailed and constructive meetings, which are scheduled to continue throughout the week.&nbsp;“I am pleased to report that the United States of America and the country of Iran have had, over the last two days, very good and productive conversations regarding a complete and total resolution of our hostilities in the Middle East,” Trump said in a post on Truth Social.&nbsp;“Based on the tenor and tone of these in-depth, detailed, and constructive conversations, which will continue throughout the week, I have instructed the Department of War to postpone any and all military strikes against Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure for a five-day period, subject to the success of the ongoing meetings and discussions,” he added.&nbsp;&nbsp;(Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.)&nbsp;

Speaking to reporters at Palm Beach, Trump claimed that the United States and Iran had reached ‘major points of agreement’ and confirmed that Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner participated in the talks.

Hours after US President Donald Trump announced a five-day postponement of strikes on Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure on Monday (March 23), Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf dismissed reports of negotiations with the United States as "fake news" and asserted that the "Iranian people demand complete and remorseful punishment of the aggressors". "No negotiations have been held with the US, and fake news is being used to manipulate the financial and oil markets and escape the quagmire in which the US and Israel are trapped," Ghalibaf said in a post on X, adding, "All Iranian officials stand firmly behind their supreme leader and people until this goal is achieved". Speaking to reporters at Palm Beach, Trump claimed that the United States and Iran had reached ‘major points of agreement’ and confirmed that Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner participated in the talks. He declined to identify the Iranian counterpart in detail, describing the individual only as a respected leader and clarifying that it was not Mojtaba Khamenei. “They want very much to make a deal. We’d like to make a deal too,” Trump said, adding that more phone discussions were expected on Monday, with a face-to-face meeting anticipated soon. He also outlined a short timeline for progress, stating, “We’re doing a five-day period, we’ll see how that goes. If it goes well, we’re going to end up settling this. Otherwise, we’ll just keep bombing our little hearts out.” However, Iran has categorically denied these assertions, saying Tehran did not have any negotiations with the United States.

Speaking to reporters at Palm Beach, Trump claimed that the United States and Iran had reached ‘major points of agreement’ and confirmed that Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner participated in the talks.

‘US and Israel are trapped’: Iran trashes Trump’s ‘negotiation’ claims, vows crushing punishment

Less than a Hour after US President Donald Trump announced a five-day postponement of strikes on Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure on Monday (March 23), the Israeli military in a social media post said it is “currently conducting strikes” on Iranian regime targets across Tehran.&nbsp;"The Air Force has begun, a short while ago, another wave of strikes targeting infrastructure of the Iranian terror regime across Tehran," the Israeli air force wrote in the post.&nbsp;Earlier in the day, Trump announced in a social media post a five-day postponement of all planned military strikes against Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure. The pause is intended to provide a window for ongoing diplomatic talks aimed at reaching a "complete and total resolution" of hostilities in the region.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/oil-prices-tumble-and-global-stocks-rally-as-trump-pauses-iran-strikes-1774274524422">Oil prices tumble, global stocks rally as Trump pauses Iran strikes</a>&nbsp;Notably, the US President underlined that the instruction to the Department of War is contingent upon the continued success of these detailed and constructive meetings, which are scheduled to continue throughout the week.&nbsp;Meanwhile, Joe Kent, the former Director of the National Counterterrorism Center who resigned on March 17, over the handling of the West Asia conflict and the direction of US policy, said the first step toward de-escalation must be restraining Israel’s military actions. “Step 1 in de-escalation must be restraining the Israelis; all efforts to negotiate will follow this pattern,” he wrote on X.&nbsp;Kent warned that even when the US President publicly signals de-escalation, “Israel takes major strikes to destroy the negotiations &amp; in turn weaken our ability to negotiate. The war accelerates,” suggesting that continued escalation risks derailing diplomatic efforts and prolonging the conflict.&nbsp;In his resignation letter, Kent, a 20-year Green Beret veteran and Gold Star husband who lost his wife, Shannon, to a previous Middle Eastern conflict, asserted that "Iran posed no imminent threat to our nation" and claimed the war was manufactured due to "pressure from Israel and its powerful American lobby."&nbsp;(Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.)&nbsp;

Joe Kent, the former Director of the National Counterterrorism Center who resigned on March 17, over the handling of the West Asia conflict and the direction of US policy, said the first step toward de-escalation must be restraining Israel’s military actions.

Less than a Hour after US President Donald Trump announced a five-day postponement of strikes on Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure on Monday (March 23), the Israeli military in a social media post said it is “currently conducting strikes” on Iranian regime targets across Tehran. "The Air Force has begun, a short while ago, another wave of strikes targeting infrastructure of the Iranian terror regime across Tehran," the Israeli air force wrote in the post. Earlier in the day, Trump announced in a social media post a five-day postponement of all planned military strikes against Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure. The pause is intended to provide a window for ongoing diplomatic talks aimed at reaching a "complete and total resolution" of hostilities in the region. Also Read: Oil prices tumble, global stocks rally as Trump pauses Iran strikes Notably, the US President underlined that the instruction to the Department of War is contingent upon the continued success of these detailed and constructive meetings, which are scheduled to continue throughout the week. Meanwhile, Joe Kent, the former Director of the National Counterterrorism Center who resigned on March 17, over the handling of the West Asia conflict and the direction of US policy, said the first step toward de-escalation must be restraining Israel’s military actions. “Step 1 in de-escalation must be restraining the Israelis; all efforts to negotiate will follow this pattern,” he wrote on X. Kent warned that even when the US President publicly signals de-escalation, “Israel takes major strikes to destroy the negotiations & in turn weaken our ability to negotiate. The war accelerates,” suggesting that continued escalation risks derailing diplomatic efforts and prolonging the conflict. In his resignation letter, Kent, a 20-year Green Beret veteran and Gold Star husband who lost his wife, Shannon, to a previous Middle Eastern conflict, asserted that "Iran posed no imminent threat to our nation" and claimed the war was manufactured due to "pressure from Israel and its powerful American lobby." (Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.)

Joe Kent, the former Director of the National Counterterrorism Center who resigned on March 17, over the handling of the West Asia conflict and the direction of US policy, said the first step toward de-escalation must be restraining Israel’s military actions.

Israel strikes Tehran minutes after Trump’s ‘pause’; ex-US counterterrorism chief Joe Kent says ‘Step 1 in de-escalation must be…’

Oil prices dropped sharply moments after US President Donald Trump announced a five-day postponement of strikes on Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure on Monday (March 23). Brent crude fell over 15 per cent during the session, dropping to $96 per barrel and sliding below $100 for the first time since March 11, while the US benchmark West Texas Intermediate (WTI) fell 13.5 per cent, reaching a session low of $80.28.&nbsp;However, prices later rebounded, with Brent rising to $104 per barrel and WTI climbing to $90.55.&nbsp;US stock futures surged on the news. The S&amp;P 500 jumped 1.4%, while Dow Jones futures rose over 800 points (1.9%) before the opening bell, clawing back some of the losses sustained since the war began on February 28.&nbsp;European bourses staged a dramatic recovery. The FTSE 100 (London), DAX (Frankfurt), and CAC 40 (Paris) all swung from nearly 2% down in morning trading to positive territory within minutes of the Truth Social post. The relief came too late for most Asian markets, which had already closed with heavy losses.&nbsp;Earlier in the day, Trump announced in a social media post a five-day postponement of all planned military strikes against Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure.&nbsp;Notably, the US President underlined that the instruction to the Department of War is contingent upon the continued success of these detailed and constructive meetings, which are scheduled to continue throughout the week.&nbsp;The US President has come under intense domestic and international pressure due to rising energy prices caused by Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz, through which around 20 per cent of global oil transits. Crude oil has been trading above $100 a barrel since the start of the conflict.&nbsp;This relief in markets comes after a period of volatility driven by Iran’s effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Crude oil had remained above $100 a barrel since the conflict began.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-pauses-all-military-strikes-against-iranian-energy-sites-for-five-days-1774264303064">Trump pauses all military strikes against Iranian energy sites for five days</a>Confusing messaging from Trump also added to market volatility, as he kept the US stance on the Strait of Hormuz unclear. Earlier, he had called for multilateral naval support from European allies to force open the vital waterway. However, after being snubbed by partners, he said Washington was not concerned, as it does not depend on the strait for its energy needs. On Saturday, he again shifted his position by issuing a deadline to Iran.&nbsp;The pause comes after 24 days of intense fighting, which began on February 28 following a joint US-Israeli bombing campaign that targeted top Iranian leadership, including the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and senior security chief Ali Larijani, along with several high-ranking military commanders.&nbsp;Despite the US and Israel targeting its leadership and critical infrastructure, Iran remains defiant. The country has adopted a tit-for-tat strategy, attacking oil and energy facilities across Gulf nations and surprising the US by targeting the Diego Garcia military base, around 4,000 km from Iran. This demonstrated Tehran’s missile capabilities, which the US had previously claimed were significantly reduced in its strikes.&nbsp;&nbsp;(Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.)

Brent crude fell over 15 per cent during the session, dropping to $96 per barrel and sliding below $100 for the first time since March 11, while the US benchmark West Texas Intermediate (WTI) fell 13.5 per cent, reaching a session low of $80.28.

Oil prices dropped sharply moments after US President Donald Trump announced a five-day postponement of strikes on Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure on Monday (March 23). Brent crude fell over 15 per cent during the session, dropping to $96 per barrel and sliding below $100 for the first time since March 11, while the US benchmark West Texas Intermediate (WTI) fell 13.5 per cent, reaching a session low of $80.28. However, prices later rebounded, with Brent rising to $104 per barrel and WTI climbing to $90.55. US stock futures surged on the news. The S&P 500 jumped 1.4%, while Dow Jones futures rose over 800 points (1.9%) before the opening bell, clawing back some of the losses sustained since the war began on February 28. European bourses staged a dramatic recovery. The FTSE 100 (London), DAX (Frankfurt), and CAC 40 (Paris) all swung from nearly 2% down in morning trading to positive territory within minutes of the Truth Social post. The relief came too late for most Asian markets, which had already closed with heavy losses. Earlier in the day, Trump announced in a social media post a five-day postponement of all planned military strikes against Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure. Notably, the US President underlined that the instruction to the Department of War is contingent upon the continued success of these detailed and constructive meetings, which are scheduled to continue throughout the week. The US President has come under intense domestic and international pressure due to rising energy prices caused by Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz, through which around 20 per cent of global oil transits. Crude oil has been trading above $100 a barrel since the start of the conflict. This relief in markets comes after a period of volatility driven by Iran’s effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Crude oil had remained above $100 a barrel since the conflict began. Also Read: Trump pauses all military strikes against Iranian energy sites for five days Confusing messaging from Trump also added to market volatility, as he kept the US stance on the Strait of Hormuz unclear. Earlier, he had called for multilateral naval support from European allies to force open the vital waterway. However, after being snubbed by partners, he said Washington was not concerned, as it does not depend on the strait for its energy needs. On Saturday, he again shifted his position by issuing a deadline to Iran. The pause comes after 24 days of intense fighting, which began on February 28 following a joint US-Israeli bombing campaign that targeted top Iranian leadership, including the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and senior security chief Ali Larijani, along with several high-ranking military commanders. Despite the US and Israel targeting its leadership and critical infrastructure, Iran remains defiant. The country has adopted a tit-for-tat strategy, attacking oil and energy facilities across Gulf nations and surprising the US by targeting the Diego Garcia military base, around 4,000 km from Iran. This demonstrated Tehran’s missile capabilities, which the US had previously claimed were significantly reduced in its strikes. (Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.)

Brent crude fell over 15 per cent during the session, dropping to $96 per barrel and sliding below $100 for the first time since March 11, while the US benchmark West Texas Intermediate (WTI) fell 13.5 per cent, reaching a session low of $80.28.

Oil prices tumble, global stocks rally as Trump pauses Iran strikes

Iran war, Strait of Hormuz, and NATO troop withdrawals: NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has said he was “absolutely convinced” that an international effort would soon secure the Strait of Hormuz amid the Iran-US-Israel war. He expressed the need to protect global trade and freedom of navigation in the strait, through which 20 per cent of global oil trade flows. Just a couple of days before his interviews with US broadcasters, a quieter development unfolded: NATO troops were filmed leaving positions in Iraq, reportedly for “safer locations”.<h2>NATO completes relocation of personnel from Iraq</h2>The troops of the alliance, of which the US is a key member, moved to safer positions in Europe, including Joint Force Command Naples. It was described as a temporary “posture adjustment” in response to escalating regional threats linked to Iran. This is essentially due to the growing risk of Iranian drone and missile attacks on Western facilities in the region.<h2>NATO’s dual narrative: Talking about strength but acting with caution</h2>Rutte spoke about a newly formed 22-country coalition, comprising several NATO members alongside Japan, South Korea, Australia, and Gulf states such as UAE and Bahrain. Their objective was to coordinate naval escorts, patrols, and minesweeping operations to stabilise shipping lanes in the Hormuz corridor. At the time of writing, however, not a single military deployment has taken place from this coalition to secure the strait.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-urges-political-diplomatic-solution-as-trump-s-48-hour-hormuz-deadline-nears-1774263280134">Russia urges political, diplomatic solution as Trump’s 48-hour Hormuz deadline nears</a><h2>Despite Trump’s initial appeal, NATO has not acted on Article 5</h2>In his remarks, Rutte was accommodative of US President Donald Trump’s appeal to nations to help secure the strait. However, in reality, there has been no invocation of Article 5, the so-called “one for all, all for one” clause of NATO. There is no unified alliance deployment in the region either.Against this backdrop, NATO’s withdrawal from Iraq reflects a different reality. The alliance is sensitive to direct risk exposure of its troops in volatile theatres. NATO’s physical footprint has been reduced in the region, and the advisory and training mission continues remotely.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-war-tehran-blames-us-for-closure-of-strait-of-hormuz-1774251885773/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-war-tehran-blames-us-for-closure-of-strait-of-hormuz-1774251885773/embed</a><h2>Risk management is central to NATO approach</h2>The dual approach is partly because Iraq presented an immediate and direct threat environment for stationed NATO personnel. Their relocation reduces vulnerability. The public signalling from Rutte on securing Hormuz is more of a reassurance to global markets and key allies that energy supply chains remain a priority.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-navy-guides-india-flagged-vessels-through-strait-of-hormuz-1774256529979">Indian Navy guides India-flagged vessels through Strait of Hormuz</a><h2>Securing Strait of Hormuz: Who is actually committing forces?</h2>Among NATO members, the UK has taken a leading role in planning and logistical support, but even London has been explicit that this is not a NATO warfighting mission. Other top NATO members France, Germany, and Italy have also shown caution, stressing diplomacy, post-conflict stabilisation, and limited engagement rather than direct naval deployment in the region. The G7, which includes key NATO members, has issued statements supporting the protection of global energy supplies, but without necessarily committing military assets.<h2>NATO is slow-pedalling the Iran situation&nbsp;</h2>The challenge for NATO is balancing competing priorities: maintaining global economic stability, avoiding deep military entanglement, and preserving alliance cohesion amid differing national interests. This is the main reason for what appears to be doublespeak. It is, at best, calibrated communication while maintaining strategic ambiguity.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-we-will-completely-close-the-strait-of-hormuz-iran-responds-to-trump-s-48-hour-ultimatum-1774196432013">‘We will completely close the Strait of Hormuz’: Iran responds to Trump’s 48-hour ultimatum</a><h2>Perspective: NATO story is about politics, not just words</h2>For observers, this is typical alliance behaviour, as alliances speak with one voice but act with many. Public assurances often coexist with private caution, as is evident in the NATO approach in the current Iran war context. In essence, NATO is not working as a unified bloc to reopen the strait. It is attempting a carefully assembled coalition, navigating geopolitical risk and political reality, one decision at a time.&nbsp;Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos. &nbsp;

Iran war: NATO talked about securing the Strait of Hormuz with a coalition of nations, while quietly withdrawing its troops from Iraq. A calculated strategy of risk management? NATO's differing signalling is part of  coalition diplomacy and strategic ambiguity amid an ever-changing war

Iran war, Strait of Hormuz, and NATO troop withdrawals: NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has said he was “absolutely convinced” that an international effort would soon secure the Strait of Hormuz amid the Iran-US-Israel war. He expressed the need to protect global trade and freedom of navigation in the strait, through which 20 per cent of global oil trade flows. Just a couple of days before his interviews with US broadcasters, a quieter development unfolded: NATO troops were filmed leaving positions in Iraq, reportedly for “safer locations”. NATO completes relocation of personnel from Iraq The troops of the alliance, of which the US is a key member, moved to safer positions in Europe, including Joint Force Command Naples. It was described as a temporary “posture adjustment” in response to escalating regional threats linked to Iran. This is essentially due to the growing risk of Iranian drone and missile attacks on Western facilities in the region. NATO’s dual narrative: Talking about strength but acting with caution Rutte spoke about a newly formed 22-country coalition, comprising several NATO members alongside Japan, South Korea, Australia, and Gulf states such as UAE and Bahrain. Their objective was to coordinate naval escorts, patrols, and minesweeping operations to stabilise shipping lanes in the Hormuz corridor. At the time of writing, however, not a single military deployment has taken place from this coalition to secure the strait. Also read: Russia urges political, diplomatic solution as Trump’s 48-hour Hormuz deadline nears Despite Trump’s initial appeal, NATO has not acted on Article 5 In his remarks, Rutte was accommodative of US President Donald Trump’s appeal to nations to help secure the strait. However, in reality, there has been no invocation of Article 5, the so-called “one for all, all for one” clause of NATO. There is no unified alliance deployment in the region either. Against this backdrop, NATO’s withdrawal from Iraq reflects a different reality. The alliance is sensitive to direct risk exposure of its troops in volatile theatres. NATO’s physical footprint has been reduced in the region, and the advisory and training mission continues remotely. https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-war-tehran-blames-us-for-closure-of-strait-of-hormuz-1774251885773/embed Risk management is central to NATO approach The dual approach is partly because Iraq presented an immediate and direct threat environment for stationed NATO personnel. Their relocation reduces vulnerability. The public signalling from Rutte on securing Hormuz is more of a reassurance to global markets and key allies that energy supply chains remain a priority. Also read: Indian Navy guides India-flagged vessels through Strait of Hormuz Securing Strait of Hormuz: Who is actually committing forces? Among NATO members, the UK has taken a leading role in planning and logistical support, but even London has been explicit that this is not a NATO warfighting mission. Other top NATO members France, Germany, and Italy have also shown caution, stressing diplomacy, post-conflict stabilisation, and limited engagement rather than direct naval deployment in the region. The G7, which includes key NATO members, has issued statements supporting the protection of global energy supplies, but without necessarily committing military assets. NATO is slow-pedalling the Iran situation The challenge for NATO is balancing competing priorities: maintaining global economic stability, avoiding deep military entanglement, and preserving alliance cohesion amid differing national interests. This is the main reason for what appears to be doublespeak. It is, at best, calibrated communication while maintaining strategic ambiguity. Also read: ‘We will completely close the Strait of Hormuz’: Iran responds to Trump’s 48-hour ultimatum Perspective: NATO story is about politics, not just words For observers, this is typical alliance behaviour, as alliances speak with one voice but act with many. Public assurances often coexist with private caution, as is evident in the NATO approach in the current Iran war context. In essence, NATO is not working as a unified bloc to reopen the strait. It is attempting a carefully assembled coalition, navigating geopolitical risk and political reality, one decision at a time. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Iran war: NATO talked about securing the Strait of Hormuz with a coalition of nations, while quietly withdrawing its troops from Iraq. A calculated strategy of risk management? NATO's differing signalling is part of &nbsp;coalition diplomacy and strategic ambiguity amid an ever-changing war

Iran war and NATO doublespeak: Chief Rutte says ‘will secure Hormuz Strait’ as alliance troops quietly exit Iraq to 'secure locations’

It was a US-operated Patriot missile from the air defence system in a Bahraini US military base that injured dozens of civilians in the early days of the Iran–US–Israel war, not an Iranian drone as reported earlier, claimed a recent report based on open-source analysis. This is being seen in some circles as part of an alleged wider ‘false flag’ operations, in which Iran is being blamed for strikes it did not carry out, in order to enable the regional spread of the conflict, and to drag reluctant European nations and NATO members into it. Such claims are also being made about the alleged Iranian missile strikes targeting Diego Garcia military base and Turkey. The US, Israel, and allies have frequently accused Iran of directing or launching attacks on locations hosting US military assets or supporting anti-Iran operations. Iran has repeatedly denied responsibility for several incidents. Here is a situation analysis:<h2>Key incidents of possible false flag operations: Accusations and Iran’s denials</h2><h2>Missile attacks on Diego Garcia</h2>The accusation: American, British, and Israeli officials recently claimed that Iran launched two intermediate-range or ballistic missiles towards the joint US–UK base, located in the British Indian Ocean Territory. Later, The Wall Street Journal and others reported that one missile failed mid-flight, while another was intercepted by an American warship. Israel framed this ‘unsuccessful’ attack as evidence of Iranian missile capabilities potentially reaching up to 4,000 km, posing a threat to Europe. Notably, this news was reported at a time when Britain and many European nations were reluctant to join the war or open up their military bases to US forces.Iran’s denial: Soon after, senior Iranian officials said Iran was not responsible for the missile launches. Tehran issued a clear and repeated denial of involvement.Also read: <a href="">US issues worldwide travel alert as Iran war escalates, after Trump's 48-hour ultimatum</a><h2>Ballistic missile incidents involving Turkey</h2>The accusations: In mid-March, NATO member Turkey reported multiple interceptions of Iranian ballistic missiles. It said the missiles were detected over Turkish airspace and the Eastern Mediterranean. Reports at the time said NATO air defence systems were activated amid fears of escalation. Notably, this occurred when NATO was still not directly involved in the war in any military capacity.Iran’s denial of involvement: Both the Iranian military and Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei denied firing missiles or drones towards Turkey. Iran formally communicated this to Turkey and proposed a joint probe. It also warned of possible Israeli “false flag” operations aimed at damaging Iran–Turkey relations.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/trump-issues-new-warning-of-total-decimation-if-iran-ignores-48-hour-strait-of-hormuz-ultimatum-1774220783475">'You’ll find out...': Trump issues new warning of ‘total decimation’ if Iran ignores 48-hour Strait of Hormuz ultimatum</a><h3>Attacks on Bahrain’s US Fifth Fleet base and nearby areas</h3>Accusations against Iran: In the initial days of the war, which began with US–Israeli joint strikes on Iran on 28 February, Bahrain reported that large numbers of missiles and drones from Iran were intercepted. Some incidents caused civilian injuries, fires near refineries, and at least one death in the Bahraini capital of Manama. The US and Gulf allies accused Iran of directly targeting states hosting US military infrastructure.Iran’s denials, explanations, and open-source analysis: A recent report in Reuters, citing the Middlebury Institute of International Studies, said open-source research concluded “with moderate-to-high confidence” that at least one of the missiles was likely launched from a US Patriot battery located about 7 km to the south-west of the impacted neighbourhood, where several injuries were reported. Alongside such research, Iran has frequently denied targeting Bahrain. Its Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said, “We are not attacking our neighbours in the Persian Gulf countries, we are targeting the presence of the US in these countries.” Tehran has framed its actions as strategic responses to US and Israeli military presence, not aggression against Gulf nations or their people.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-war-iran-warns-of-catastrophe-as-trump-threat-looms-new-war-targets-emerge-1774241955862/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-war-iran-warns-of-catastrophe-as-trump-threat-looms-new-war-targets-emerge-1774241955862/embed</a><h2>Perspective: broader geopolitical context of ‘false flag’ operations</h2>Iran has denied initiating the war and rejected claims of pre-emptive attacks on American forces.Araghchi called US allegations of planned attacks “a sheer and utter lie”. Iran has accused Israel of driving escalation and staging such false flag operations, including in Turkey and Oman.Across the Gulf region, including the UAE, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, similar missile and drone incidents have been reported. Even as the US–Israel–Iran conflict has expanded beyond the Middle East, Iran has often denied involvement in several attacks. It maintains that the targets are US military presence, not neighbouring countries, while alleging “false flag” operations by the US and Israel.Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

False flag debate is raging on Iran strikes in the Gulf region. Open-source analysis suggests a US Patriot missile, not an Iranian drone, caused civilian injuries in Bahrain. Iran also denied attacks in Diego Garcia, and Turkey. Here is some perspective for you

It was a US-operated Patriot missile from the air defence system in a Bahraini US military base that injured dozens of civilians in the early days of the Iran–US–Israel war, not an Iranian drone as reported earlier, claimed a recent report based on open-source analysis. This is being seen in some circles as part of an alleged wider ‘false flag’ operations, in which Iran is being blamed for strikes it did not carry out, in order to enable the regional spread of the conflict, and to drag reluctant European nations and NATO members into it. Such claims are also being made about the alleged Iranian missile strikes targeting Diego Garcia military base and Turkey. The US, Israel, and allies have frequently accused Iran of directing or launching attacks on locations hosting US military assets or supporting anti-Iran operations. Iran has repeatedly denied responsibility for several incidents. Here is a situation analysis: Key incidents of possible false flag operations: Accusations and Iran’s denials Missile attacks on Diego Garcia The accusation: American, British, and Israeli officials recently claimed that Iran launched two intermediate-range or ballistic missiles towards the joint US–UK base, located in the British Indian Ocean Territory. Later, The Wall Street Journal and others reported that one missile failed mid-flight, while another was intercepted by an American warship. Israel framed this ‘unsuccessful’ attack as evidence of Iranian missile capabilities potentially reaching up to 4,000 km, posing a threat to Europe. Notably, this news was reported at a time when Britain and many European nations were reluctant to join the war or open up their military bases to US forces. Iran’s denial: Soon after, senior Iranian officials said Iran was not responsible for the missile launches. Tehran issued a clear and repeated denial of involvement. Also read: US issues worldwide travel alert as Iran war escalates, after Trump's 48-hour ultimatum Ballistic missile incidents involving Turkey The accusations: In mid-March, NATO member Turkey reported multiple interceptions of Iranian ballistic missiles. It said the missiles were detected over Turkish airspace and the Eastern Mediterranean. Reports at the time said NATO air defence systems were activated amid fears of escalation. Notably, this occurred when NATO was still not directly involved in the war in any military capacity. Iran’s denial of involvement: Both the Iranian military and Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei denied firing missiles or drones towards Turkey. Iran formally communicated this to Turkey and proposed a joint probe. It also warned of possible Israeli “false flag” operations aimed at damaging Iran–Turkey relations. Also read: 'You’ll find out...': Trump issues new warning of ‘total decimation’ if Iran ignores 48-hour Strait of Hormuz ultimatum Attacks on Bahrain’s US Fifth Fleet base and nearby areas Accusations against Iran: In the initial days of the war, which began with US–Israeli joint strikes on Iran on 28 February, Bahrain reported that large numbers of missiles and drones from Iran were intercepted. Some incidents caused civilian injuries, fires near refineries, and at least one death in the Bahraini capital of Manama. The US and Gulf allies accused Iran of directly targeting states hosting US military infrastructure. Iran’s denials, explanations, and open-source analysis: A recent report in Reuters, citing the Middlebury Institute of International Studies, said open-source research concluded “with moderate-to-high confidence” that at least one of the missiles was likely launched from a US Patriot battery located about 7 km to the south-west of the impacted neighbourhood, where several injuries were reported. Alongside such research, Iran has frequently denied targeting Bahrain. Its Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said, “We are not attacking our neighbours in the Persian Gulf countries, we are targeting the presence of the US in these countries.” Tehran has framed its actions as strategic responses to US and Israeli military presence, not aggression against Gulf nations or their people. https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-war-iran-warns-of-catastrophe-as-trump-threat-looms-new-war-targets-emerge-1774241955862/embed Perspective: broader geopolitical context of ‘false flag’ operations Iran has denied initiating the war and rejected claims of pre-emptive attacks on American forces. Araghchi called US allegations of planned attacks “a sheer and utter lie”. Iran has accused Israel of driving escalation and staging such false flag operations, including in Turkey and Oman. Across the Gulf region, including the UAE, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, similar missile and drone incidents have been reported. Even as the US–Israel–Iran conflict has expanded beyond the Middle East, Iran has often denied involvement in several attacks. It maintains that the targets are US military presence, not neighbouring countries, while alleging “false flag” operations by the US and Israel. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

False flag debate is raging on Iran strikes in the Gulf region. Open-source analysis suggests a US Patriot missile, not an Iranian drone, caused civilian injuries in Bahrain. Iran also denied attacks in Diego Garcia, and Turkey. Here is some perspective for you

US, Bahrain probably LIED about Iran drone attack. It was not the only ‘false flag’ – Diego Garcia, Turkey 'missile strikes' could be...

Iran has hit Israel's Dimona town after threatening to target Israel’s Dimona nuclear site if the US and Israel push for regime change in Tehran. The heavily guarded facility in the Negev Desert is believed to be central to Israel’s nuclear weapons programme. 

Iran has hit Israel's Dimona town after threatening to target Israel’s Dimona nuclear site if the US and Israel push for regime change in Tehran. The heavily guarded facility in the Negev Desert is believed to be central to Israel’s nuclear weapons programme.&nbsp;

Why Iran’s missile strike near Israel’s Dimona could be a nuclear disaster amid ongoing war

Amid the escalating war with Iran, the United States has sped up the deployment of thousands of additional troops and sailors to West Asia. Three warships, USS Boxer, USS Portland, and USS Comstock, carrying around 2,500 Marines, departed Naval Base San Diego, The Jerusalem Post reported, citing local media reports.&nbsp;The USS Boxer functions as a small aircraft carrier, while the USS Portland and USS Comstock are amphibious landing vessels.&nbsp;The war in West Asia has entered its third week, with Iran remaining defiant despite US-Israeli strikes successfully killing Tehran’s top leadership. In the last week alone, four top leaders of the Islamic Republic, including powerful security chief Ali Larijani, were killed in airstrikes. Earlier, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was also killed in similar attacks.&nbsp;The war, triggered by US-Israeli strikes on February 28 targeting top Iranian leadership and key strategic locations across the country, has spread across the region. Tehran has struck US bases across Gulf nations and effectively blocked the Strait of Hormuz, which accounts for nearly 20 per cent of global oil shipments.<h2>What is USS Boxer?</h2>The USS Boxer (LHD-4) is a formidable Wasp-class amphibious assault ship that serves as a cornerstone of the United States Navy’s power projection and maritime strategy. Commissioned in February 1995, the vessel is the fourth of its class and is designed to operate as a multi-purpose command hub for global operations.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-sends-humanitarian-aid-to-afghanistan-after-pakistani-strikes-kill-over-400-in-kabul-rehab-hospital-1774017238802">India sends humanitarian aid to Afghanistan after Pakistani strikes kill over 400 in Kabul rehab hospital</a>&nbsp;Currently, the US Navy maintains a fleet of seven active Wasp-class ships, which are being progressively supplemented and eventually replaced by the newer America-class amphibious assault ships. The USS Boxer is approximately 844 feet long, with a displacement of over 40,500 tonnes, effectively functioning as a “small aircraft carrier” tailored for specialised expeditionary warfare.&nbsp;The main utility of the USS Boxer lies in its “tri-phibious” capability, allowing it to coordinate strikes from sea, land, and air simultaneously. Its primary mission is to transport, deploy, and support a Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) of nearly 2,000 personnel.&nbsp;Unlike standard carriers, the Boxer features a massive “well deck”, a floodable internal compartment that allows hovercraft and landing craft to float directly out of the ship’s stern.&nbsp;&nbsp;Its expansive flight deck accommodates a versatile air wing, including F-35B stealth fighters, MV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft, and various attack helicopters. Beyond combat, the ship also serves as a mobile medical facility with 600 beds and six operating rooms, making it an essential asset for humanitarian aid and disaster relief missions worldwide.

The main utility of the USS Boxer lies in its “tri-phibious” capability, allowing it to coordinate strikes from sea, land, and air simultaneously. Its primary mission is to transport, deploy, and support a Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) of nearly 2,000 personnel.

Amid the escalating war with Iran, the United States has sped up the deployment of thousands of additional troops and sailors to West Asia. Three warships, USS Boxer, USS Portland, and USS Comstock, carrying around 2,500 Marines, departed Naval Base San Diego, The Jerusalem Post reported, citing local media reports. The USS Boxer functions as a small aircraft carrier, while the USS Portland and USS Comstock are amphibious landing vessels. The war in West Asia has entered its third week, with Iran remaining defiant despite US-Israeli strikes successfully killing Tehran’s top leadership. In the last week alone, four top leaders of the Islamic Republic, including powerful security chief Ali Larijani, were killed in airstrikes. Earlier, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was also killed in similar attacks. The war, triggered by US-Israeli strikes on February 28 targeting top Iranian leadership and key strategic locations across the country, has spread across the region. Tehran has struck US bases across Gulf nations and effectively blocked the Strait of Hormuz, which accounts for nearly 20 per cent of global oil shipments. What is USS Boxer? The USS Boxer (LHD-4) is a formidable Wasp-class amphibious assault ship that serves as a cornerstone of the United States Navy’s power projection and maritime strategy. Commissioned in February 1995, the vessel is the fourth of its class and is designed to operate as a multi-purpose command hub for global operations. Also Read: India sends humanitarian aid to Afghanistan after Pakistani strikes kill over 400 in Kabul rehab hospital Currently, the US Navy maintains a fleet of seven active Wasp-class ships, which are being progressively supplemented and eventually replaced by the newer America-class amphibious assault ships. The USS Boxer is approximately 844 feet long, with a displacement of over 40,500 tonnes, effectively functioning as a “small aircraft carrier” tailored for specialised expeditionary warfare. The main utility of the USS Boxer lies in its “tri-phibious” capability, allowing it to coordinate strikes from sea, land, and air simultaneously. Its primary mission is to transport, deploy, and support a Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) of nearly 2,000 personnel. Unlike standard carriers, the Boxer features a massive “well deck”, a floodable internal compartment that allows hovercraft and landing craft to float directly out of the ship’s stern. Its expansive flight deck accommodates a versatile air wing, including F-35B stealth fighters, MV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft, and various attack helicopters. Beyond combat, the ship also serves as a mobile medical facility with 600 beds and six operating rooms, making it an essential asset for humanitarian aid and disaster relief missions worldwide.

The main utility of the USS Boxer lies in its “tri-phibious” capability, allowing it to coordinate strikes from sea, land, and air simultaneously. Its primary mission is to transport, deploy, and support a Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) of nearly 2,000 personnel.

What is USS Boxer? US warship deployed in West Asia as Iran war enters third week

After the US was snubbed by allies over the Hormuz coalition, Switzerland on Friday (March 20) decided that it will not authorise the export of war material to America during the West Asia conflict. The move is in line with the long-standing Swiss principle of military neutrality as it has already refused Washignton's requests for flights over its territory since the start of the war on February 28.&nbsp;"The export of war materiel to countries involved in the international armed conflict with Iran cannot be authorised for the duration of the conflict," said a government statement.&nbsp;The Alpine country stated that a group of experts will regularly review exports to countries involved in conflict to assess their compatibility with neutrality.&nbsp;"Existing licences and exports of other goods will now be regularly reviewed by an interdepartmental group of experts, particularly with regard to their compatibility with neutrality. "Exports of war materiel to the USA cannot currently be authorised," and existing US licences will now face regular review, it said, whilst adding that Switzerland has not issued war materiel export licences to Israel or Iran for years, it added.&nbsp;The United States sources combat materials, including parts and spares for its fighter aircraft, large-calibre ammunition and specialised explosives, along with small arms and military aircraft.<h2>Allies snub Trump on Hormuz coalition</h2>Despite US President Donald Trump announcing a potential military coalition to reopen the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, several of America's European allies have declined requests to join the war, focusing instead on defensive measures.&nbsp;German Chancellor Friedrich Merz explicitly ruled out participation in the conflict, emphasising that NATO remains a defensive alliance rather than a tool for military intervention. His firm stance highlights a growing rift between the US and its European allies.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-our-missile-industry-irgc-spokesman-warned-hours-before-being-killed-in-us-israel-strikes-1774005620904">‘Our missile industry…’: IRGC spokesman warned hours before being killed in US-Israel strikes</a>&nbsp;Similarly, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has insisted that the country will not be drawn into a wider war in West Asia, as European leaders collectively ruled out sending warships to the Strait.&nbsp;Spain will not take part in any military mission in the region, as Madrid’s defence and foreign affairs ministers stated on Monday that they consider the US-Israeli war on Iran to be outside the bounds of international law.&nbsp;Canada also has no intention of joining military operations against Iran. Foreign Minister Anita Anand told Bloomberg on Tuesday that Canada was not consulted prior to the offensive and "has no intention of participating.&nbsp;President Emmanuel Macron stated during a cabinet meeting on Tuesday that France is not a party to the conflict and will not take part in operations to "liberate" the Strait of Hormuz in the current context.&nbsp;Meanwhile, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni joined the growing European backlash, calling the military campaign part of a trend of interventions "outside the scope of international law," while still acknowledging the threat Tehran poses to regional security.&nbsp;Even after meeting Trump at the White House on Thursday, Japan’s Prime Minister Sane Takaichi maintained a delicate "neutral but supportive" stance. She cited that Tokyo is exploring only "legally permissible options" to aid the United States in the ongoing war.&nbsp;(Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.)

The Alpine country stated that a group of experts will regularly review exports to countries involved in conflict to assess their compatibility with neutrality.

After the US was snubbed by allies over the Hormuz coalition, Switzerland on Friday (March 20) decided that it will not authorise the export of war material to America during the West Asia conflict. The move is in line with the long-standing Swiss principle of military neutrality as it has already refused Washignton's requests for flights over its territory since the start of the war on February 28. "The export of war materiel to countries involved in the international armed conflict with Iran cannot be authorised for the duration of the conflict," said a government statement. The Alpine country stated that a group of experts will regularly review exports to countries involved in conflict to assess their compatibility with neutrality. "Existing licences and exports of other goods will now be regularly reviewed by an interdepartmental group of experts, particularly with regard to their compatibility with neutrality. "Exports of war materiel to the USA cannot currently be authorised," and existing US licences will now face regular review, it said, whilst adding that Switzerland has not issued war materiel export licences to Israel or Iran for years, it added. The United States sources combat materials, including parts and spares for its fighter aircraft, large-calibre ammunition and specialised explosives, along with small arms and military aircraft. Allies snub Trump on Hormuz coalition Despite US President Donald Trump announcing a potential military coalition to reopen the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, several of America's European allies have declined requests to join the war, focusing instead on defensive measures. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz explicitly ruled out participation in the conflict, emphasising that NATO remains a defensive alliance rather than a tool for military intervention. His firm stance highlights a growing rift between the US and its European allies. Also Read: ‘Our missile industry…’: IRGC spokesman warned hours before being killed in US-Israel strikes Similarly, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has insisted that the country will not be drawn into a wider war in West Asia, as European leaders collectively ruled out sending warships to the Strait. Spain will not take part in any military mission in the region, as Madrid’s defence and foreign affairs ministers stated on Monday that they consider the US-Israeli war on Iran to be outside the bounds of international law. Canada also has no intention of joining military operations against Iran. Foreign Minister Anita Anand told Bloomberg on Tuesday that Canada was not consulted prior to the offensive and "has no intention of participating. President Emmanuel Macron stated during a cabinet meeting on Tuesday that France is not a party to the conflict and will not take part in operations to "liberate" the Strait of Hormuz in the current context. Meanwhile, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni joined the growing European backlash, calling the military campaign part of a trend of interventions "outside the scope of international law," while still acknowledging the threat Tehran poses to regional security. Even after meeting Trump at the White House on Thursday, Japan’s Prime Minister Sane Takaichi maintained a delicate "neutral but supportive" stance. She cited that Tokyo is exploring only "legally permissible options" to aid the United States in the ongoing war. (Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.)

The Alpine country stated that a group of experts will regularly review exports to countries involved in conflict to assess their compatibility with neutrality.

Is US getting isolated? Switzerland suspends military exports as Western allies reject Hormuz coalition

Despite Donald Trump claiming multiple times that the US military has destroyed Tehran's capability to produce missiles, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps on Friday said that the country continues to manufacture missiles despite the escalation in strikes.&nbsp;IRGC spokesman Brig Gen Ali Mohammad Naini, referencing how Iranian schools consider a score of 20 as perfect, said, “Our missile industry score is 20, and there is no concern in this regard because we are producing missiles even during war conditions, which is remarkable. There is no particular problem in stockpiling.” He also said the war would continue.&nbsp;Hours later, Tehran confirmed that US-Israeli strikes had killed IRGC spokesman, Ali Mohammad Naini.&nbsp;Naini was martyred in a criminal, cowardly terrorist attack by the American-Zionist side at dawn,” the Guards said in a statement on their Sepah News website.&nbsp;On Thursday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that “Iran no longer has the capacity to enrich uranium and manufacture ballistic missiles.”&nbsp;In parallel, speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump claimed the military operation had already “obliterated” Iran’s military infrastructure.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-mulling-kharg-island-takeover-to-force-iran-to-open-strait-of-hormuz-report-1774004752258">Trump mulling Kharg Island takeover to force Iran to open Strait of Hormuz: Report</a>&nbsp;He described the conflict as a “little excursion” and said that the US and Israel had effectively destroyed the regime’s power.&nbsp;Earlier, on March 16, Trump stated that US-led strikes had achieved a 90 per cent reduction in Iran’s ballistic missile launches and a 95 per cent reduction in drone attacks. He asserted that the US had struck over 7,000 targets, focusing specifically on manufacturing plants to ensure the “ability to rebuild is getting close to zero.”&nbsp;The killing of Ali Mohammad Naini marks the fourth major blow to Iranian leadership this week, following the assassinations of Ali Larijani, Gholamreza Soleimani, and Esmaeil Khatib. This rapid succession of losses, occurring just weeks after the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on February 28, has left the regime’s security apparatus in a state of unprecedented flux.&nbsp;The removal of these veteran figures has shifted the heavy burden of wartime command onto the newly appointed Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, and a thinning circle of loyalists, as the conflict continues to escalate.&nbsp;(Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.)&nbsp;

The killing of Ali Mohammad Naini marks the fourth major blow to Iranian leadership this week, following the assassinations of Ali Larijani, Gholamreza Soleimani, and Esmaeil Khatib.

Despite Donald Trump claiming multiple times that the US military has destroyed Tehran's capability to produce missiles, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps on Friday said that the country continues to manufacture missiles despite the escalation in strikes. IRGC spokesman Brig Gen Ali Mohammad Naini, referencing how Iranian schools consider a score of 20 as perfect, said, “Our missile industry score is 20, and there is no concern in this regard because we are producing missiles even during war conditions, which is remarkable. There is no particular problem in stockpiling.” He also said the war would continue. Hours later, Tehran confirmed that US-Israeli strikes had killed IRGC spokesman, Ali Mohammad Naini. Naini was martyred in a criminal, cowardly terrorist attack by the American-Zionist side at dawn,” the Guards said in a statement on their Sepah News website. On Thursday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that “Iran no longer has the capacity to enrich uranium and manufacture ballistic missiles.” In parallel, speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump claimed the military operation had already “obliterated” Iran’s military infrastructure. Also Read: Trump mulling Kharg Island takeover to force Iran to open Strait of Hormuz: Report He described the conflict as a “little excursion” and said that the US and Israel had effectively destroyed the regime’s power. Earlier, on March 16, Trump stated that US-led strikes had achieved a 90 per cent reduction in Iran’s ballistic missile launches and a 95 per cent reduction in drone attacks. He asserted that the US had struck over 7,000 targets, focusing specifically on manufacturing plants to ensure the “ability to rebuild is getting close to zero.” The killing of Ali Mohammad Naini marks the fourth major blow to Iranian leadership this week, following the assassinations of Ali Larijani, Gholamreza Soleimani, and Esmaeil Khatib. This rapid succession of losses, occurring just weeks after the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on February 28, has left the regime’s security apparatus in a state of unprecedented flux. The removal of these veteran figures has shifted the heavy burden of wartime command onto the newly appointed Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, and a thinning circle of loyalists, as the conflict continues to escalate. (Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.)

The killing of Ali Mohammad Naini marks the fourth major blow to Iranian leadership this week, following the assassinations of Ali Larijani, Gholamreza Soleimani, and Esmaeil Khatib.

‘Our missile industry…’: IRGC spokesman Naeini’s warning hours before death in US-Israeli strikes

Iran has warned the United Kingdom that providing American forces with access to British military bases would be considered as ‘participation in acts of aggression’. This was made clear by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in a phone call with his British counterpart, Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, reports said on Friday (Mar 20). The news came days after Britain reportedly allowed the US limited access to an RAF base in Cyprus for defensive operations, such as surveillance and support missions. Here is why this development puts Britain in a tight spot, particularly as President Donald Trump had expressed displeasure in the UK not doing more to help the US.<h2>What did Iran tell Britain on US use of British military bases?</h2>Iran’s Foreign Minister Araghchi spoke with UK Foreign Secretary Cooper over the phone, explicitly warning that allowing the US access to use British military bases would be viewed as “participation in aggression”.“Such actions will certainly be regarded as participation in aggression and will be recorded in the history of relations between the two countries,” Iranian state media reported, citing Araghchi’s statement.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-war-trump-not-happy-with-uk-as-starmer-distances-from-iran-war-1773744262572/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-war-trump-not-happy-with-uk-as-starmer-distances-from-iran-war-1773744262572/embed</a><h2>UK had agreed ‘limited US use’ of British bases</h2>Araghchi’s reported warning came after the government of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer agreed to limited US use of its bases.The UK is doing a balancing act. In a recent joint statement with other major European states such as France, the UK condemned Iranian aggression against its Gulf allies and Jordan.But the UK’s direct involvement in the war is a political hot potato for Starmer. Britain is portraying its actions as purely defensive, involving the protection of its nearly 30,000 citizens living in the Gulf region and regional partners, as well as securing its energy security.However, Starmer’s government insists it does not want to be dragged into a wider war.The UK, which did not participate in the initial US–Israeli offensive strikes of February 28 that sparked off the ongoing war, supports diplomatic de-escalation and a “negotiated settlement with Iran”.The phone call from Araghchi came days after Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper visited Saudi Arabia and joined Gulf Cooperation Council meetings to condemn Iranian counterstrikes, and coordinated energy security measures with GCC nations.While directly avoiding offensive combat, the UK is stressing the defence of its allies from what it called “reckless Iranian aggression”.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-iran-war-strait-of-hormuz-keir-starmer-allies-criticism-1773835187478">Donald Trump suggests ‘finishing off' Iran, says Starmer is 'no Churchill'</a><h2>The issue of US access to UK military bases</h2>In the initial days of the war, Starmer refused a US request to use Royal Air Force sites for offensive strikes on Iran.This was cited by the government as evidence that it was not an “active participant”.But in early March, Starmer authorised US use of the UK base in Cyprus for “specific and limited defensive” operations targeting Iranian missile sites and launchers threatening Britain and regional allies.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/keir-starmer-denies-rift-trump-uk-hormuz-operation-1773661379152">Keir Starmer denies rift with Donald Trump, says UK won’t be drawn into wider war</a>&nbsp;Cooper defended this as necessary short-term defensive support while continuing to push for diplomacy.UK ministers said it was right for Britain not to be an active participant in offensive operations in the war, stressing de-escalation.

Iran warned the UK that allowing US use of British military bases will be seen as “aggression”. The UK is insisting that it has a limited, defensive role in the war, as PM Starmer tries to avoid being dragged into it

Iran has warned the United Kingdom that providing American forces with access to British military bases would be considered as ‘participation in acts of aggression’. This was made clear by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in a phone call with his British counterpart, Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, reports said on Friday (Mar 20). The news came days after Britain reportedly allowed the US limited access to an RAF base in Cyprus for defensive operations, such as surveillance and support missions. Here is why this development puts Britain in a tight spot, particularly as President Donald Trump had expressed displeasure in the UK not doing more to help the US. What did Iran tell Britain on US use of British military bases? Iran’s Foreign Minister Araghchi spoke with UK Foreign Secretary Cooper over the phone, explicitly warning that allowing the US access to use British military bases would be viewed as “participation in aggression”. “Such actions will certainly be regarded as participation in aggression and will be recorded in the history of relations between the two countries,” Iranian state media reported, citing Araghchi’s statement. https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-war-trump-not-happy-with-uk-as-starmer-distances-from-iran-war-1773744262572/embed UK had agreed ‘limited US use’ of British bases Araghchi’s reported warning came after the government of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer agreed to limited US use of its bases. The UK is doing a balancing act. In a recent joint statement with other major European states such as France, the UK condemned Iranian aggression against its Gulf allies and Jordan. But the UK’s direct involvement in the war is a political hot potato for Starmer. Britain is portraying its actions as purely defensive, involving the protection of its nearly 30,000 citizens living in the Gulf region and regional partners, as well as securing its energy security. However, Starmer’s government insists it does not want to be dragged into a wider war. The UK, which did not participate in the initial US–Israeli offensive strikes of February 28 that sparked off the ongoing war, supports diplomatic de-escalation and a “negotiated settlement with Iran”. The phone call from Araghchi came days after Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper visited Saudi Arabia and joined Gulf Cooperation Council meetings to condemn Iranian counterstrikes, and coordinated energy security measures with GCC nations. While directly avoiding offensive combat, the UK is stressing the defence of its allies from what it called “reckless Iranian aggression”. Also read: Donald Trump suggests ‘finishing off' Iran, says Starmer is 'no Churchill' The issue of US access to UK military bases In the initial days of the war, Starmer refused a US request to use Royal Air Force sites for offensive strikes on Iran. This was cited by the government as evidence that it was not an “active participant”. But in early March, Starmer authorised US use of the UK base in Cyprus for “specific and limited defensive” operations targeting Iranian missile sites and launchers threatening Britain and regional allies. Also read: Keir Starmer denies rift with Donald Trump, says UK won’t be drawn into wider war Cooper defended this as necessary short-term defensive support while continuing to push for diplomacy. UK ministers said it was right for Britain not to be an active participant in offensive operations in the war, stressing de-escalation.

Iran warned the UK that allowing US use of British military bases will be seen as “aggression”. The UK is insisting that it has a limited, defensive role in the war, as PM Starmer tries to avoid being dragged into it

Iran warns UK: Providing US access to military bases would be considered ‘participation in aggression’

The Iran-US-Israel conflict is turning into an economic war as an oil tanker operator reportedly paid Tehran a $2 million fee for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran is now charging “favoured” countries millions of dollars per oil tanker for safe passage, even as gasoline prices have crossed $8 a gallon in some US pumps.&nbsp;<h2>The cost of war: Oil companies feel the pinch; Iran mulls Strait of Hormuz transit surcharge</h2>According to Lloyd’s List Intelligence, cited by the Financial Times and other media, at least one tanker operator is understood to have paid around $2 million as part of an agreement to transit via Iran’s newly established “safe corridor” along the Strait of Hormuz. This is a route near Iranian territorial waters around Larak Island, where the IRGC Navy and port authorities are reportedly conducting visual vetting and verification of vessels. Based on recent reports, at least nine vessels have used this corridor, mostly from diplomatically cleared nations such as India, Pakistan and China.As per reports, India did not pay for passage of its LPG carriers Shivalik and Nanda Devi. A Pakistan-flagged Karachi tanker was also similarly cleared through government-to-government talks.While Iran is negotiating such arrangements with operators on a case-by-case basis, its parliament is debating formalised surcharges. Iran, in effect, is creating a “protection” racket in Strait of Hormuz.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-missile-strike-hits-haifa-oil-refinery-israel-reports-no-significant-damage-1773957556388">Iran missile strike hits Haifa oil refinery, Israel reports ‘no significant damage’</a><h2>Trump administration moves to allow passage of Iranian oil</h2>Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the US will allow 140 million barrels of Iranian oil already at sea to move. This de-sanctioning will free up roughly 10–14 days of global supply and drive prices down in the near term. This Iranian oil was originally headed mostly to China.This is the second instance of the US de-sanctioning oil in recent weeks, following the decision to allow Russian oil meant mainly for India to pass through.&nbsp;These are short-term releases of existing cargoes to bring down global oil prices, which have crossed $100 per barrel in recent days.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-release-140-million-barrels-of-sanctioned-iranian-oil-floating-on-water-says-bessent-1773930578453">US to release 140 million barrels of sanctioned Iranian oil floating on water, says Bessent</a><h2>Iran’s twin war strategy: Shut Hormuz, attack Gulf energy installations</h2>In the past few days, Iran has intensified attacks on oil and gas installations in Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Kuwait. Combined with its threats of selective closure of the Strait of Hormuz to enemy vessels, the strategy appears to be working in driving up oil prices. Surcharges and payments to Iran for passage would amount to the country funding the war through its leverage over Hormuz traffic.While Bessent framed the freeing up of Iranian oil as using its own barrels “against Tehran”, the real goal appears to be to stabilise oil prices for US consumers and industry: America acts when Americans are pinched.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-war-attacks-on-oil-infrastructure-in-west-asia-triggers-price-spike-1773926960482/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-war-attacks-on-oil-infrastructure-in-west-asia-triggers-price-spike-1773926960482/embed</a>Brent crude has spiked by up to 60 per cent since the joint US–Israeli strikes on Iran on 28 February started the war, hitting $118 per barrel at one point.&nbsp;At the pump, US gas prices are up sharply, with some reports citing increases of up to 90 cents per gallon nationally.In reality, overall tanker traffic through Hormuz has collapsed. Only around 15 vessels have transited in recent days, mostly Iran-linked ones.

Iran is leveraging control over the Strait of Hormuz by charging tanker fees, and US is desanctioning Iranian oil stuck at sea. Spike in global crude prices is driving up US petrol costs. All in all, we are witnessing an economic warfare

The Iran-US-Israel conflict is turning into an economic war as an oil tanker operator reportedly paid Tehran a $2 million fee for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran is now charging “favoured” countries millions of dollars per oil tanker for safe passage, even as gasoline prices have crossed $8 a gallon in some US pumps. The cost of war: Oil companies feel the pinch; Iran mulls Strait of Hormuz transit surcharge According to Lloyd’s List Intelligence, cited by the Financial Times and other media, at least one tanker operator is understood to have paid around $2 million as part of an agreement to transit via Iran’s newly established “safe corridor” along the Strait of Hormuz. This is a route near Iranian territorial waters around Larak Island, where the IRGC Navy and port authorities are reportedly conducting visual vetting and verification of vessels. Based on recent reports, at least nine vessels have used this corridor, mostly from diplomatically cleared nations such as India, Pakistan and China. As per reports, India did not pay for passage of its LPG carriers Shivalik and Nanda Devi. A Pakistan-flagged Karachi tanker was also similarly cleared through government-to-government talks. While Iran is negotiating such arrangements with operators on a case-by-case basis, its parliament is debating formalised surcharges. Iran, in effect, is creating a “protection” racket in Strait of Hormuz. Also read: Iran missile strike hits Haifa oil refinery, Israel reports ‘no significant damage’ Trump administration moves to allow passage of Iranian oil Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the US will allow 140 million barrels of Iranian oil already at sea to move. This de-sanctioning will free up roughly 10–14 days of global supply and drive prices down in the near term. This Iranian oil was originally headed mostly to China. This is the second instance of the US de-sanctioning oil in recent weeks, following the decision to allow Russian oil meant mainly for India to pass through. These are short-term releases of existing cargoes to bring down global oil prices, which have crossed $100 per barrel in recent days. Also read: US to release 140 million barrels of sanctioned Iranian oil floating on water, says Bessent Iran’s twin war strategy: Shut Hormuz, attack Gulf energy installations In the past few days, Iran has intensified attacks on oil and gas installations in Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Kuwait. Combined with its threats of selective closure of the Strait of Hormuz to enemy vessels, the strategy appears to be working in driving up oil prices. Surcharges and payments to Iran for passage would amount to the country funding the war through its leverage over Hormuz traffic. While Bessent framed the freeing up of Iranian oil as using its own barrels “against Tehran”, the real goal appears to be to stabilise oil prices for US consumers and industry: America acts when Americans are pinched. https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-war-attacks-on-oil-infrastructure-in-west-asia-triggers-price-spike-1773926960482/embed Brent crude has spiked by up to 60 per cent since the joint US–Israeli strikes on Iran on 28 February started the war, hitting $118 per barrel at one point. At the pump, US gas prices are up sharply, with some reports citing increases of up to 90 cents per gallon nationally. In reality, overall tanker traffic through Hormuz has collapsed. Only around 15 vessels have transited in recent days, mostly Iran-linked ones.

Iran is leveraging control over the Strait of Hormuz by charging tanker fees, and US is desanctioning Iranian oil stuck at sea. Spike in global crude prices is driving up US petrol costs. All in all, we are witnessing an economic warfare

Crude war: Oil tanker firm paid Iran $2 million for Strait of Hormuz safe passage; Iran mulls surcharge as US gas costs $8 at some pumps

The Iranian women's football team, who was embroiled in asylum drama over the past two weeks and a half, has returned home barring two members of the entourage. Seven members of the Iranian squad had applied for a asylum in Australia during the Asian Cup but five of them, including skipper Zahra Ghanbari, turned back on the decision. The women's team made its way back to Iran through a long route via Malaysia, Oman and then to Istanbul and Turkey’s land Gurbulak-Bazargan border to enter the home country. The members, who were branded 'wartime traitors' by national media not so long ago, will now have a welcome ceremony on Thursday (Mar 19).<h2>Iranian women's football team members go back on Australia asylum - A timeline</h2>The whole drama started when some of the members didn't sing the national athem ahead of their first match in the tournament. The players who did not sing the national anthem were declared 'wartime traitors' &nbsp;by the Iranian national media. The players did sing the anthem in the next matches but the narrative had been set by then.Also Watch - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-messi-reaches-900-goal-milestone-breakdown-of-his-career-in-numbers-1773886740778">Messi reaches 900-goal mark but Inter Miami out of CONCACAF Champions Cup</a>After the incident, five of the Iranian players escaped the Gold Coast hotel to reach Australian embassy and apply for asylum, which they were granted after a little push from US President Donald Trump.Two more of the squad members including one staff applied for the asylum later on and were granted the request as well.Iran accused Australia of coercing athletes into asylum while activists accused Iran of thretaning the families of athletes over asylum decision.<h2>What next for the women's football team members?</h2>After the athletes were given asylum, Iran changed tone and called the players 'children of homeland', promising a welcome ceremony in Tehran.Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, in a post on X, said the players are "children of the homeland, and the people of Iran embrace them."Ghalibaf also said that the players "disappointed the enemies [of Iran] and did not surrender to deception and intimidation by anti-Iran elements," by deciding to comeback to home.Iran's football federation chief Mehadi Taj was present to welcome the women's team at the border and was quoted saying: "We have all gathered here to say well done and to express our appreciation. Although they are women, they showed manly courage and strength," as reported by the Guardian.

The whole drama started when some of the Iran players didn't sing the national athem ahead of their first match in the tournament. Out of 7 who were granted asylum in Australia, 5 decided to return home, leaving only two in island country.

The Iranian women's football team, who was embroiled in asylum drama over the past two weeks and a half, has returned home barring two members of the entourage. Seven members of the Iranian squad had applied for a asylum in Australia during the Asian Cup but five of them, including skipper Zahra Ghanbari, turned back on the decision. The women's team made its way back to Iran through a long route via Malaysia, Oman and then to Istanbul and Turkey’s land Gurbulak-Bazargan border to enter the home country. The members, who were branded 'wartime traitors' by national media not so long ago, will now have a welcome ceremony on Thursday (Mar 19). Iranian women's football team members go back on Australia asylum - A timeline The whole drama started when some of the members didn't sing the national athem ahead of their first match in the tournament. The players who did not sing the national anthem were declared 'wartime traitors' by the Iranian national media. The players did sing the anthem in the next matches but the narrative had been set by then. Also Watch - Messi reaches 900-goal mark but Inter Miami out of CONCACAF Champions Cup After the incident, five of the Iranian players escaped the Gold Coast hotel to reach Australian embassy and apply for asylum, which they were granted after a little push from US President Donald Trump. Two more of the squad members including one staff applied for the asylum later on and were granted the request as well. Iran accused Australia of coercing athletes into asylum while activists accused Iran of thretaning the families of athletes over asylum decision. What next for the women's football team members? After the athletes were given asylum, Iran changed tone and called the players 'children of homeland', promising a welcome ceremony in Tehran. Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, in a post on X, said the players are "children of the homeland, and the people of Iran embrace them." Ghalibaf also said that the players "disappointed the enemies [of Iran] and did not surrender to deception and intimidation by anti-Iran elements," by deciding to comeback to home. Iran's football federation chief Mehadi Taj was present to welcome the women's team at the border and was quoted saying: "We have all gathered here to say well done and to express our appreciation. Although they are women, they showed manly courage and strength," as reported by the Guardian.

The whole drama started when some of the Iran players didn't sing the national athem ahead of their first match in the tournament. Out of 7 who were granted asylum in Australia, 5 decided to return home, leaving only two in island country.

Iranian women's football team players, including those who were granted asylum in Australia, return home

The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) released a high-profile photograph on Tuesday (March 17) showing Benjamin Netanyahu in a military command centre, appearing to direct a fresh wave of strikes against Iran. The move comes as the government aggressively pushes back against viral social media claims suggesting the Prime Minister had been killed or incapacitated.&nbsp;The image, captioned "Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordering the elimination of senior Iranian regime officials," depicts the leader in an active operational role. It follows days of intense online speculation, dubbed the "death buzz", which peaked over the weekend with unverified reports from Iranian state media and conspiracy theories involving "deepfake" AI videos.&nbsp;The release of the photo coincided with a major claim from the Israeli Defence Ministry that Ali Larijani, a top Iranian security official and former Speaker of Parliament, was killed in a targeted strike. While Iranian sources initially disputed the report, the IDF later declared Larijani "eliminated," describing him as a central figure in directing recent crackdowns.<h2>Proof of life campaign</h2>Israeli PMO’s strategy to debunk rumours has involved a flurry of public activity:&nbsp;Cafe Video: On Sunday, Netanyahu posted a casual video from a cafe near Jerusalem, joking about the rumours by saying he was "dying for coffee." Nowruz Message: On Monday, he recorded a direct address to the Iranian people, wishing them a "year of freedom" for the Persian New Year.&nbsp;Command Centre Photo: Tuesday’s photo is seen as the "hardest" proof of life yet, placing him at the helm of Operation Roaring Lion.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Photo: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordering the elimination of senior Iranian regime officials. <a href="https://t.co/av6rIqNOFt">pic.twitter.com/av6rIqNOFt</a>&mdash; Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) <a href="https://twitter.com/IsraeliPM/status/2033836294145446128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Escalation in West Asia</h2>These developments come as several barrages of Iranian missiles and drones made it through Israel's famed air defence system, with analysts crediting Tehran's strategic launching of these strikes and the saturation of Israel's defence system.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-stands-firm-as-west-asia-conflict-fails-to-dent-trade-momentum-piyush-goyal-1773747201092">India stands firm as West Asia conflict fails to dent trade momentum: Piyush Goyal</a>&nbsp;The war in West Asia, sparked by joint US-Israeli strikes on February 28, has entered its 18th day with no sign of either side being ready to back down.&nbsp;&nbsp;On the opening day of the military campaign, US-Israeli forces targeted the top leadership of the Islamic Republic, killing Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in a decapitation strike on a high-security compound in Tehran.&nbsp;In retaliation, Tehran resorted to launching missile and drone strikes on strategic locations, including US military bases in Gulf nations and key energy and financial centres in these countries, along with closing the Strait of Hormuz to put pressure on Washington.&nbsp;(Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.)

The image, captioned "Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordering the elimination of senior Iranian regime officials," depicts the leader in an active operational role.

The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) released a high-profile photograph on Tuesday (March 17) showing Benjamin Netanyahu in a military command centre, appearing to direct a fresh wave of strikes against Iran. The move comes as the government aggressively pushes back against viral social media claims suggesting the Prime Minister had been killed or incapacitated. The image, captioned "Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordering the elimination of senior Iranian regime officials," depicts the leader in an active operational role. It follows days of intense online speculation, dubbed the "death buzz", which peaked over the weekend with unverified reports from Iranian state media and conspiracy theories involving "deepfake" AI videos. The release of the photo coincided with a major claim from the Israeli Defence Ministry that Ali Larijani, a top Iranian security official and former Speaker of Parliament, was killed in a targeted strike. While Iranian sources initially disputed the report, the IDF later declared Larijani "eliminated," describing him as a central figure in directing recent crackdowns. Proof of life campaign Israeli PMO’s strategy to debunk rumours has involved a flurry of public activity: Cafe Video: On Sunday, Netanyahu posted a casual video from a cafe near Jerusalem, joking about the rumours by saying he was "dying for coffee." Nowruz Message: On Monday, he recorded a direct address to the Iranian people, wishing them a "year of freedom" for the Persian New Year. Command Centre Photo: Tuesday’s photo is seen as the "hardest" proof of life yet, placing him at the helm of Operation Roaring Lion.

The image, captioned "Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordering the elimination of senior Iranian regime officials," depicts the leader in an active operational role.

Netanyahu 'ordering' Iran strikes in new command centre photo as Israel fights death rumours

India's Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar has hailed ​direct talks with Iran as the most effective way ‌to restart shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and suggested that the talks with the Iranians will continue as it is yielding result. Jaishankar on Sunday (Mar 16) also spoke to foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia and the UAE and discussed the situation in West Asia. ​On Mar 12, India's crude vessel passed through Strait of Hormuz and reached Mumbai Port safely. On Mar 15, two more LPG tanker passed the strategic chokepoint safely. Reportedly, the Indian Navy has deployed at least three warships in the Gulf of Oman to monitor and provide air-defense cover for India-bound merchant traffic.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/s-jaishankar-comments-on-india-iran-talks-says-its-better-that-we-coordinate-get-a-solution-1773605694252/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/s-jaishankar-comments-on-india-iran-talks-says-its-better-that-we-coordinate-get-a-solution-1773605694252/embed</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;In an interview with the Financial ⁠Times, Jaishankar said, “Certainly, from India’s perspective, it ‌is better that we reason and we coordinate and we get a solution than we don’t…While this is a welcome ‌development, there is continuing conversation because there is continued work on that." Stating that his conversation has “yeilded some results," he clarified that there was no “blanket arrangement” for Indian-flagged ships and that Iran had not received anything in exchange. When asked whether European countries ‌could replicate India’s arrangement, Jaishankar said each relationship with ​Iran “stands on its own merits.” About Indian ships crossing the Hormuz, Jaishankar highlighted that it was an example of “what diplomacy could bring.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-as-a-sincere-friend-china-responds-after-trump-urges-countries-to-send-warships-to-secure-strait-of-hormuz-amid-iran-threat-1773524775265/amp">'As a sincere friend...': China responds after Trump urges countries to send warships to secure Strait of Hormuz</a><h2>Jaishankar speaks with his Saudi Arabia, UAE counterparts</h2>After Jaishankar held the phone conversations with Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan on Saturday night, Jaishankar posted on X: “Discussed ongoing developments related to the conflict in West Asia.” On the UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Jaishankar said: “Exchanged views on various aspects of the regional situation.” Earlier on Thursday night, Jaishankar spoke to his Iranian counterpart Seyed Abbas Araghchi.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-just-for-fun-trump-wants-to-hit-iran-s-kharg-island-again-despite-totally-obliterated-target-claims-1773543729124">Trump wants to hit Iran’s Kharg Island again despite 'totally obliterated target' claims</a>

Jaishankar and his Iranian counterpart first spoke on Feb 28 when the joint US-Israeli strikes began. The second call between the two took place on March 5, following the death of the Supreme Leader. During this call, the Iranian Foreign Minister expressed his country's thanks for India's “humane gesture” in allowing the Iranian vessel IRIS Lavan to dock in Kochi due to technical issues. Meanwhile, Indian Prime Minister has spoken to leaders of several countries in West Asia including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian.&nbsp;(Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.)

External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said India’s direct talks with Iran helped reopen shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, allowing Indian LPG carriers to pass safely. He stressed there is no blanket deal for Indian vessels amid tensions linked to the Iran–Israel war.

India's Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar has hailed direct talks with Iran as the most effective way ‌to restart shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and suggested that the talks with the Iranians will continue as it is yielding result. Jaishankar on Sunday (Mar 16) also spoke to foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia and the UAE and discussed the situation in West Asia. On Mar 12, India's crude vessel passed through Strait of Hormuz and reached Mumbai Port safely. On Mar 15, two more LPG tanker passed the strategic chokepoint safely. Reportedly, the Indian Navy has deployed at least three warships in the Gulf of Oman to monitor and provide air-defense cover for India-bound merchant traffic. https://www.wionews.com/videos/s-jaishankar-comments-on-india-iran-talks-says-its-better-that-we-coordinate-get-a-solution-1773605694252/embed In an interview with the Financial ⁠Times, Jaishankar said, “Certainly, from India’s perspective, it ‌is better that we reason and we coordinate and we get a solution than we don’t…While this is a welcome ‌development, there is continuing conversation because there is continued work on that." Stating that his conversation has “yeilded some results," he clarified that there was no “blanket arrangement” for Indian-flagged ships and that Iran had not received anything in exchange. When asked whether European countries ‌could replicate India’s arrangement, Jaishankar said each relationship with Iran “stands on its own merits.” About Indian ships crossing the Hormuz, Jaishankar highlighted that it was an example of “what diplomacy could bring.” Also Read: 'As a sincere friend...': China responds after Trump urges countries to send warships to secure Strait of Hormuz Jaishankar speaks with his Saudi Arabia, UAE counterparts After Jaishankar held the phone conversations with Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan on Saturday night, Jaishankar posted on X: “Discussed ongoing developments related to the conflict in West Asia.” On the UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Jaishankar said: “Exchanged views on various aspects of the regional situation.” Earlier on Thursday night, Jaishankar spoke to his Iranian counterpart Seyed Abbas Araghchi. Also Read: Trump wants to hit Iran’s Kharg Island again despite 'totally obliterated target' claims

External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said India’s direct talks with Iran helped reopen shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, allowing Indian LPG carriers to pass safely. He stressed there is no blanket deal for Indian vessels amid tensions linked to the Iran–Israel war.

'India's diplomacy yielding results':  Jaishankar hails talks with Iran amid Hormuz blockage, denies 'blanket arrangement' for Indian-flagged ships