Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi on Wednesday (Sep 23) said that he warned the European Union and NATO officials against facilitating or supporting Israeli and US military actions in Gaza and Iran in meetings with European Union High Representative Kaja Kallas and other EU counterparts. Calling the US-Israeli campaign “war crimes,” he threatened the allies of “severe long-term consequences”. Araghchi also said that NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte should know by now that “groveling never satisfies a bully”.In a post on X, Araghchi wrote, “In meetings with @kajakallas and other EU counterparts, I warned of the severe long-term consequences of facilitating and supporting Israeli-U.S. war crimes, whether in Gaza or Iran.”“That major folly aside, @SecGenNATO should know by now that grovelling never satisfies a bully,” he added.His comments came in response to Rutte’s remarks on war in Iran. The NATO chief had said that more than 5,000 planes have taken off from European bases to support the US military operation Epic Fury against Iran since the strikes on February 28.&nbsp;“You could argue that it would have been impossible to do Operation Epic Fury without having Europe as a power projection platform for the US,” he had said. “5,000 planes have taken off from European bases in support of Epic Fury since February 28th this year.”<h2>Iran, US hold ‘constructive and promising’ talks</h2>Araghchi’s warning came as Washington and Tehran held their first known high-level talks in months on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York on Tuesday (Sep 22). US President Donald Trump said Iranian and American representatives met for three hours, with Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff and his son-in-law Jared Kushner taking part alongside Araghchi. Witkoff said mediators had “shuttled between the two sides throughout the day” and described the discussions as “constructive and promising”.Trump, however, struck a sharply different tone during his UN address, saying he was still weighing whether to reach a deal with Iran or “annihilate” the Islamic Republic.“I have a big decision to make – will a deal be made with Iran that lets them rebuild and create a far greater country?” Trump said.“Or do I annihilate the Islamic Republic and do it quickly, never giving them a chance to kill and destroy people and countries again? Do I drive them into hell with no chance of survival?”<h2>Hormuz demands</h2>Iranian state media reported that Tehran had laid out conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, including the immediate lifting of the US naval blockade, payment of frozen Iranian assets and an end to the war on all resistance fronts.The talks come as Trump says there is “a lot of momentum” for a possible deal, while Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian is scheduled to address the UN General Assembly on Wednesday.

Iran’s Araghchi warned the EU and NATO of “severe long-term consequences” over US-Israeli actions as Iran and the US held talks in New York amid tensions over the Strait of Hormuz.

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi on Wednesday (Sep 23) said that he warned the European Union and NATO officials against facilitating or supporting Israeli and US military actions in Gaza and Iran in meetings with European Union High Representative Kaja Kallas and other EU counterparts. Calling the US-Israeli campaign “war crimes,” he threatened the allies of “severe long-term consequences”. Araghchi also said that NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte should know by now that “groveling never satisfies a bully”. In a post on X, Araghchi wrote, “In meetings with @kajakallas and other EU counterparts, I warned of the severe long-term consequences of facilitating and supporting Israeli-U.S. war crimes, whether in Gaza or Iran.” “That major folly aside, @SecGenNATO should know by now that grovelling never satisfies a bully,” he added. His comments came in response to Rutte’s remarks on war in Iran. The NATO chief had said that more than 5,000 planes have taken off from European bases to support the US military operation Epic Fury against Iran since the strikes on February 28. “You could argue that it would have been impossible to do Operation Epic Fury without having Europe as a power projection platform for the US,” he had said. “5,000 planes have taken off from European bases in support of Epic Fury since February 28th this year.” Iran, US hold ‘constructive and promising’ talks Araghchi’s warning came as Washington and Tehran held their first known high-level talks in months on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York on Tuesday (Sep 22). US President Donald Trump said Iranian and American representatives met for three hours, with Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff and his son-in-law Jared Kushner taking part alongside Araghchi. Witkoff said mediators had “shuttled between the two sides throughout the day” and described the discussions as “constructive and promising”. Trump, however, struck a sharply different tone during his UN address, saying he was still weighing whether to reach a deal with Iran or “annihilate” the Islamic Republic. “I have a big decision to make – will a deal be made with Iran that lets them rebuild and create a far greater country?” Trump said. “Or do I annihilate the Islamic Republic and do it quickly, never giving them a chance to kill and destroy people and countries again? Do I drive them into hell with no chance of survival?” Hormuz demands Iranian state media reported that Tehran had laid out conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, including the immediate lifting of the US naval blockade, payment of frozen Iranian assets and an end to the war on all resistance fronts. The talks come as Trump says there is “a lot of momentum” for a possible deal, while Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian is scheduled to address the UN General Assembly on Wednesday.

Iran’s Araghchi warned the EU and NATO of “severe long-term consequences” over US-Israeli actions as Iran and the US held talks in New York amid tensions over the Strait of Hormuz.

‘Severe long-term consequences’: Iran’s Araghchi warns EU, NATO against supporting US-Israeli military actions

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Monday that all Iranian commercial airline operations across the globe will shut down on Wednesday. Bessent warned that any international hub servicing Iranian planes would face complete exclusion from the American banking system. Foreign operators can not refuel the aircraft, provide landing facilities, or sell passenger tickets without risking their access to dollar clearing."On September 23rd, all the Iranian airlines will be shut down around the world," Bessent told US television network CNBC, outlining broad secondary sanctions aimed at isolating Tehran's civil aviation network.Bessent also added that they have sanctioned three banks: the Dubai branch of Banque Misr, Egypt’s second-largest bank, Golden Global Yatirim Bankasi, of Turkey and VTB Bank, Russia's second-largest bank. He emphasised that the Treasury is systematically moving to target foreign "enablers," warning international firms that continuing to deal with Iran poses an "extinction-level event" for their businesses.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/8000-bees-stolen-queensland-hives-20000-suspected-inside-job-1789998442635">8,000 bees worth over $20,000 stolen from hives in Queensland</a>“We’ve seen enablers throughout the world. We know who they are. They know who they are, and we are putting a stop to it,” he said.When asked whether they have done anything in China, Bessent said, "We did. And with many countries, having quiet behind-the-scenes discussions is better than having a public display. And the Chinese and the Chinese financial authorities, including Governor Pan at the PBOC, have been very engaged in the process. "&nbsp;This broad aviation embargo is a massive escalation under the US Treasury's Operation Economic Fury. Iranian authorities have not responded to these claims made by the US Treasury Secretary.&nbsp;

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Iranian airlines will shut worldwide on September 23 and warned hubs servicing them of banking restrictions.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Monday that all Iranian commercial airline operations across the globe will shut down on Wednesday. Bessent warned that any international hub servicing Iranian planes would face complete exclusion from the American banking system. Foreign operators can not refuel the aircraft, provide landing facilities, or sell passenger tickets without risking their access to dollar clearing. "On September 23rd, all the Iranian airlines will be shut down around the world," Bessent told US television network CNBC, outlining broad secondary sanctions aimed at isolating Tehran's civil aviation network. Bessent also added that they have sanctioned three banks: the Dubai branch of Banque Misr, Egypt’s second-largest bank, Golden Global Yatirim Bankasi, of Turkey and VTB Bank, Russia's second-largest bank. He emphasised that the Treasury is systematically moving to target foreign "enablers," warning international firms that continuing to deal with Iran poses an "extinction-level event" for their businesses. Also Read: 8,000 bees worth over $20,000 stolen from hives in Queensland “We’ve seen enablers throughout the world. We know who they are. They know who they are, and we are putting a stop to it,” he said. When asked whether they have done anything in China, Bessent said, "We did. And with many countries, having quiet behind-the-scenes discussions is better than having a public display. And the Chinese and the Chinese financial authorities, including Governor Pan at the PBOC, have been very engaged in the process. " This broad aviation embargo is a massive escalation under the US Treasury's Operation Economic Fury. Iranian authorities have not responded to these claims made by the US Treasury Secretary.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Iranian airlines will shut worldwide on September 23 and warned hubs servicing them of banking restrictions.

Iranian airlines to shut worldwide on Sept 23, Bessent warns of US banking ban

Videos purportedly showing an illuminated object moving through Tehran’s night sky have spread widely across social media, prompting speculation that the lights may have come from a drone, aircraft or another airborne object. However, neither the location of the recordings nor the identity of the object has been independently verified. The footage shows several lights moving across a dark sky, but offers no dependable reference point to determine the object’s size, altitude, distance or speed.&nbsp;Several accounts on X circulated the videos on September 20, with some claiming the footage had been recorded over Tehran the previous day. One post said the sighting occurred near Azadegan, a district in the Iranian capital. Social media users have offered several explanations for the lights, describing them variously as a drone, a formation of drones, an aircraft or an LED-equipped kite. The available footage, however, does not contain enough evidence to establish which explanation, if any, is correct.The term “unidentified flying object” describes an aerial sighting that has not been identified. It does not, by itself, establish that an object has an unusual or extraterrestrial origin.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-administration-planning-to-impose-sweeping-sanctions-on-icc-over-netanyahu-arrest-warrant-1789962520143">Trump administration planning to impose sweeping sanctions on ICC over Netanyahu arrest warrant</a><h2>Watch the video here</h2>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">A number of videos are circulating showing an unidentified object in the skies above Tehran, Iran, it’s not immediately clear what is being filmed. <a href="https://t.co/bHNAQGFPNv">pic.twitter.com/bHNAQGFPNv</a>&mdash; OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) <a href="https://x.com/sentdefender/status/2101836899702689834?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 21, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Echoes of a 1976 Tehran sighting</h2>The recent videos started circulating close to the 50th anniversary of a documented aerial sighting over Tehran on September 19, 1976. There is no evidence linking the latest footage to that earlier incident. The US National Security Agency’s declassified archive includes a Joint Chiefs of Staff report concerning the 1976 sighting, along with a Defense Intelligence Agency summary and a report from the US defence attaché.&nbsp;Those records describe reports of a bright object and the deployment of Iranian F-4 fighter aircraft to investigate it. While the existence of the documents has helped keep the 1976 episode a recurring subject of interest, they provide no evidence about the object shown in the latest videos. Without access to the original footage, supporting location data or an official identification, the latest sighting remains an unresolved and unverified social-media claim.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">WATCH: Another angle of the mysterious object in the skies over Tehran. 🛸 <a href="https://t.co/51UrUppvnG">pic.twitter.com/51UrUppvnG</a>&mdash; Scott M (@EODWX5) <a href="https://x.com/EODWX5/status/2101817640591188449?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 20, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Tehran night-sky videos showing unexplained lights spark drone and aircraft claims, but their location, identity and authenticity remain unverified

Videos purportedly showing an illuminated object moving through Tehran’s night sky have spread widely across social media, prompting speculation that the lights may have come from a drone, aircraft or another airborne object. However, neither the location of the recordings nor the identity of the object has been independently verified. The footage shows several lights moving across a dark sky, but offers no dependable reference point to determine the object’s size, altitude, distance or speed. Several accounts on X circulated the videos on September 20, with some claiming the footage had been recorded over Tehran the previous day. One post said the sighting occurred near Azadegan, a district in the Iranian capital. Social media users have offered several explanations for the lights, describing them variously as a drone, a formation of drones, an aircraft or an LED-equipped kite. The available footage, however, does not contain enough evidence to establish which explanation, if any, is correct. The term “unidentified flying object” describes an aerial sighting that has not been identified. It does not, by itself, establish that an object has an unusual or extraterrestrial origin. Also Read: Trump administration planning to impose sweeping sanctions on ICC over Netanyahu arrest warrant Watch the video here

Tehran night-sky videos show unexplained lights, sparking drone and aircraft claims, but the footage has not been independently verified

WATCH | Mysterious lights over Tehran caught on video. Drone, aircraft or something else?

Pentagon has been accused of hiding the total fatalities in the US war in Iran by at least four. According to a Washington Post report, which cites five anonymous public officials, at least 22 US soldiers have died compared to 18 acknowledged publicly by the Pentagon. &nbsp;These reports have been denied by the US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth.&nbsp;Hegseth, in a post on X, called the report, “This is DISGUSTING and FAKE. A complete LIE.”“Shame on the Washington Post — they’re worse than Iranian state media.”Major Sorffly Davius, who served in the 42nd Infantry Division at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, died of “undetermined causes”, and Sergeant Devin Seibel, who was assigned to the Air Ambulance Company, 2nd Battalion, 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, Fort Carson, died on May 31 in Erbil Air Base, Iraq, during a “training-related incident,” were not included in the Pentagon’s Defence Casualty Analysis System, reported Washington Post.Another official reportedly placed the figure at 23. He added that three US contractors who were based in the US CENTCOM region have died since the conflict began.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sweden-pm-ulf-kristersson-resigns-centre-left-election-win-1789665664898">Sweden PM Kristersson resigns after centre-left bloc narrowly wins election</a>The discrepancy has come under heavy scrutiny alongside reports that at least 820 US service members have been wounded since the conflict began. Some of the family members have reportedly said that they have faced severe bureaucratic hurdles while trying to access survivor benefits due to the classification of the Iran war as “not a war”, "intermittent strikes" or "small potatoes".US Air Force Major John "Alex" Klinner died in a crash in Iraq in March, in an unspecified incident involving another aircraft while his KC-135 Air Force refuelling aircraft was in “friendly” airspace, supporting the war against Iran. His spouse, Libby Klinner, posted on Instagram last week that the Pentagon told her, “we haven't officially declared war”, so she and her kids aren't eligible for Death Gratuity and some other benefits."So, not only was my husband killed in a war he never wanted to participate in, but now the benefits we're left with are being dictated by semantics and public perception," she added.JD Vance, the US vice president, was asked about her case at a White House briefing on Thursday."We want to be as helpful as we can and ensure she gets everything that she is entitled to," he said. “My message to her would be, 'We love you, we're grateful for the sacrifice, and we very much take very seriously our commitment to get you what you need to get.”Beyond fatalities, families of the hundreds of wounded service members have accused the Pentagon of underreporting and downplaying the severity of injuries. Pete Hegseth publicly stated that nearly 90 per cent of wounded personnel suffered only "minor injuries" and returned to duty, though medical records and family testimonies from the Shuaiba attack on March 1, 2026 paint a different picture.57-year-old Chief Warrant Officer Rodney Bearman, who suffered a concussion, hearing and vision loss, and permanent damage to his lungs, was classified as “not seriously injured”. Similarly, Sergeant First Class Cory Hicks, who suffered a complex traumatic brain injury (TBI) and extensive shrapnel wounds that required multiple emergency surgeries and long-term care at Walter Reed National Military Medical Centre, was classified as “minor”.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Washington Post reports that at least 22 US troops have died in the Iran war, four more than the Pentagon’s public tally, a claim denied by Pete Hegseth.

Pentagon has been accused of hiding the total fatalities in the US war in Iran by at least four. According to a Washington Post report, which cites five anonymous public officials, at least 22 US soldiers have died compared to 18 acknowledged publicly by the Pentagon. These reports have been denied by the US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth. Hegseth, in a post on X, called the report, “This is DISGUSTING and FAKE. A complete LIE.” “Shame on the Washington Post — they’re worse than Iranian state media.” Major Sorffly Davius, who served in the 42nd Infantry Division at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, died of “undetermined causes”, and Sergeant Devin Seibel, who was assigned to the Air Ambulance Company, 2nd Battalion, 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, Fort Carson, died on May 31 in Erbil Air Base, Iraq, during a “training-related incident,” were not included in the Pentagon’s Defence Casualty Analysis System, reported Washington Post. Another official reportedly placed the figure at 23. He added that three US contractors who were based in the US CENTCOM region have died since the conflict began. Also Read: Sweden PM Kristersson resigns after centre-left bloc narrowly wins election The discrepancy has come under heavy scrutiny alongside reports that at least 820 US service members have been wounded since the conflict began. Some of the family members have reportedly said that they have faced severe bureaucratic hurdles while trying to access survivor benefits due to the classification of the Iran war as “not a war”, "intermittent strikes" or "small potatoes". US Air Force Major John "Alex" Klinner died in a crash in Iraq in March, in an unspecified incident involving another aircraft while his KC-135 Air Force refuelling aircraft was in “friendly” airspace, supporting the war against Iran. His spouse, Libby Klinner, posted on Instagram last week that the Pentagon told her, “we haven't officially declared war”, so she and her kids aren't eligible for Death Gratuity and some other benefits. "So, not only was my husband killed in a war he never wanted to participate in, but now the benefits we're left with are being dictated by semantics and public perception," she added. JD Vance, the US vice president, was asked about her case at a White House briefing on Thursday. "We want to be as helpful as we can and ensure she gets everything that she is entitled to," he said. “My message to her would be, 'We love you, we're grateful for the sacrifice, and we very much take very seriously our commitment to get you what you need to get.” Beyond fatalities, families of the hundreds of wounded service members have accused the Pentagon of underreporting and downplaying the severity of injuries. Pete Hegseth publicly stated that nearly 90 per cent of wounded personnel suffered only "minor injuries" and returned to duty, though medical records and family testimonies from the Shuaiba attack on March 1, 2026 paint a different picture. 57-year-old Chief Warrant Officer Rodney Bearman, who suffered a concussion, hearing and vision loss, and permanent damage to his lungs, was classified as “not seriously injured”. Similarly, Sergeant First Class Cory Hicks, who suffered a complex traumatic brain injury (TBI) and extensive shrapnel wounds that required multiple emergency surgeries and long-term care at Walter Reed National Military Medical Centre, was classified as “minor”.

Washington Post reports that at least 22 US troops have died in the Iran war, four more than the Pentagon’s public tally, a claim denied by Pete Hegseth.

Pentagon accused of hiding US Iran war deaths as Hegseth denies report

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on Friday (Sep 18) ruled out sending troops or military assets into the Iran war, saying Seoul would protect its interests without entering the conflict. He added that it was “clear” that US President Donald Trump wants dialogue with Pyongyang. This comes amid reports suggesting that Seoul was considering a possible role in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, which has been disrupted since the war began in the Middle East. The disruption of the key route has sent oil prices across the globe to record highs.“There will be no involvement or intervention in the war. We will not deploy troops or military assets in that manner,” Lee told reporters at a press conference at the presidential Blue House.Lee said South Korea would instead focus on protecting its merchant ships, oil shipments and citizens. Seoul would “carry out the minimum necessary activities” for that purpose, while maintaining its existing principle of non-involvement.“We have upheld the principle of non-involvement and non-intervention in the war until now,” Lee said. “And we will continue to uphold it going forward.”Trump has criticised Seoul over what he viewed as a lack of support for the Iran war. His administration also scaled back major joint military exercises with South Korea this summer, a decision that raised concerns among the US ally.<h2>Trump ‘clearly’ wants talks with Kim</h2>Lee also said Trump “clearly” wants to resume dialogue with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, who has so far not clearly responded to the US president’s overtures.“Trump wants dialogue, and I am also urging President Trump to engage in dialogue,” he said.Last month, Trump said that he planned to meet Kim later this year and stressed the importance of being able to “get along” with the North Korean leader.Seoul is continuing “preliminary coordination efforts” to facilitate talks between Washington and Pyongyang, Lee said, although he acknowledged that such a meeting “remains difficult... but is not impossible.”<h2>US ties face difficult negotiations</h2>Lee also said negotiations over South Korea’s $350 billion US investment commitment remained “very complex and difficult”.While the two sides were reportedly close to an agreement, Lee said he found some terms “difficult to accept” and that discussions were continuing.

South Korea rules out sending troops to the Iran war as Lee says Seoul will protect its interests. He also says Trump wants dialogue with Kim Jong Un amid strained US-South Korea ties.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on Friday (Sep 18) ruled out sending troops or military assets into the Iran war, saying Seoul would protect its interests without entering the conflict. He added that it was “clear” that US President Donald Trump wants dialogue with Pyongyang. This comes amid reports suggesting that Seoul was considering a possible role in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, which has been disrupted since the war began in the Middle East. The disruption of the key route has sent oil prices across the globe to record highs. “There will be no involvement or intervention in the war. We will not deploy troops or military assets in that manner,” Lee told reporters at a press conference at the presidential Blue House. Lee said South Korea would instead focus on protecting its merchant ships, oil shipments and citizens. Seoul would “carry out the minimum necessary activities” for that purpose, while maintaining its existing principle of non-involvement. “We have upheld the principle of non-involvement and non-intervention in the war until now,” Lee said. “And we will continue to uphold it going forward.” Trump has criticised Seoul over what he viewed as a lack of support for the Iran war. His administration also scaled back major joint military exercises with South Korea this summer, a decision that raised concerns among the US ally. Trump ‘clearly’ wants talks with Kim Lee also said Trump “clearly” wants to resume dialogue with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, who has so far not clearly responded to the US president’s overtures. “Trump wants dialogue, and I am also urging President Trump to engage in dialogue,” he said. Last month, Trump said that he planned to meet Kim later this year and stressed the importance of being able to “get along” with the North Korean leader. Seoul is continuing “preliminary coordination efforts” to facilitate talks between Washington and Pyongyang, Lee said, although he acknowledged that such a meeting “remains difficult... but is not impossible.” US ties face difficult negotiations Lee also said negotiations over South Korea’s $350 billion US investment commitment remained “very complex and difficult”. While the two sides were reportedly close to an agreement, Lee said he found some terms “difficult to accept” and that discussions were continuing.

South Korea rules out sending troops to the Iran war as Lee says Seoul will protect its interests. He also says Trump wants dialogue with Kim Jong Un amid strained US-South Korea ties.

‘We will not deploy troops’: Lee rules out South Korea role in Iran war, says Trump ‘clearly’ wants talks with Kim

The White House has rejected a UN human rights report that found ‘reasonable grounds’ to believe the United States committed war crimes in two strikes in Iran on February 28, including an attack on a school in the southern city of Minab. White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly dismissed the findings and accused the UN Human Rights Council of having ‘accomplished nothing for human rights while spouting unserious nonsense for decades’, according to The Washington Post. Kelly also said the only party in the conflict to have committed war crimes was the Iranian government.&nbsp;The UN Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Iran said the two US strikes killed at least 178 civilians. One of the attacks hit the Shajareh Tayyebeh Primary School in Minab, where Iranian authorities reported more than 150 deaths, including around 120 schoolchildren. The mission concluded that the school was the intended point of impact and described the attack as an indiscriminate strike that caused civilian deaths and damaged civilian infrastructure. It said US forces failed to take adequate steps to verify that the building was a legitimate military objective before carrying out the attack.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/this-city-in-asia-has-the-world-s-coolest-neighbourhood-for-2026-check-the-full-list-1789704814981">THIS city in Asia has the world’s coolest neighbourhood for 2026. Check the full list</a>&nbsp;The second strike examined by the UN mission targeted a sports facility and residential area in Lamerd, killing civilians and damaging nearby infrastructure. The two incidents formed the basis for the mission's conclusion that there were reasonable grounds to believe war crimes had been committed. The United States has not publicly accepted responsibility for the Minab school attack. Earlier investigations by The Washington Post and other outlets found evidence pointing to US involvement.&nbsp;&nbsp;A preliminary US assessment reported by CBS also indicated that American forces were likely responsible, while suggesting the school may have been struck because outdated intelligence incorrectly identified the area as a military site. A separate Washington Post investigation reported that the school had appeared on a US target list and may have been mistakenly identified as a military facility.&nbsp;The UN mission's findings do not amount to a criminal judgment, and the fact-finding body does not have the authority to bring criminal prosecutions. Its report is due to be presented to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva for discussion. The same UN report also accused Iranian authorities of crimes against humanity during a crackdown on anti-government protests, including allegations of killings, torture and arbitrary detention.

The White House rejects a UN report alleging US war crimes in Iran, including the deadly Minab school strike and a second attack in Lamerd

The White House has rejected a UN human rights report that found ‘reasonable grounds’ to believe the United States committed war crimes in two strikes in Iran on February 28, including an attack on a school in the southern city of Minab. White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly dismissed the findings and accused the UN Human Rights Council of having ‘accomplished nothing for human rights while spouting unserious nonsense for decades’, according to The Washington Post. Kelly also said the only party in the conflict to have committed war crimes was the Iranian government. The UN Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Iran said the two US strikes killed at least 178 civilians. One of the attacks hit the Shajareh Tayyebeh Primary School in Minab, where Iranian authorities reported more than 150 deaths, including around 120 schoolchildren. The mission concluded that the school was the intended point of impact and described the attack as an indiscriminate strike that caused civilian deaths and damaged civilian infrastructure. It said US forces failed to take adequate steps to verify that the building was a legitimate military objective before carrying out the attack. Also Read: THIS city in Asia has the world’s coolest neighbourhood for 2026. Check the full list The second strike examined by the UN mission targeted a sports facility and residential area in Lamerd, killing civilians and damaging nearby infrastructure. The two incidents formed the basis for the mission's conclusion that there were reasonable grounds to believe war crimes had been committed. The United States has not publicly accepted responsibility for the Minab school attack. Earlier investigations by The Washington Post and other outlets found evidence pointing to US involvement. A preliminary US assessment reported by CBS also indicated that American forces were likely responsible, while suggesting the school may have been struck because outdated intelligence incorrectly identified the area as a military site. A separate Washington Post investigation reported that the school had appeared on a US target list and may have been mistakenly identified as a military facility. The UN mission's findings do not amount to a criminal judgment, and the fact-finding body does not have the authority to bring criminal prosecutions. Its report is due to be presented to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva for discussion. The same UN report also accused Iranian authorities of crimes against humanity during a crackdown on anti-government protests, including allegations of killings, torture and arbitrary detention.

The White House rejected a UN report finding reasonable grounds to believe US strikes in Iran, including a Minab school attack, were war crimes

White House rejects UN report alleging US war crimes findings over Minab school strike

A United Nations fact-finding mission on Iran said on Thursday (Sep 17) that it has found “reasonable grounds” to believe that US forces were responsible for two military strikes in Iran in February that amounted to war crimes, including a deadly attack on a primary school. The mission said the strikes targeted a school in Minab and a sports facility in Lamerd. Its findings are part of a report that will be presented to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. The mission also found that the Iranian authorities committed crimes against humanity during their crackdown against anti-government protests.The strike on Shajareh Tayyebeh Primary School in Minab killed more than 150 people, including around 120 children, according to Iranian officials. The UN mission said the school was a clearly identifiable civilian site and found no evidence that it was being used for military purposes.It concluded that the attack was indiscriminate and caused civilian deaths and damage to civilian infrastructure. The mission also said the failure to update targeting information and confirm the school was a military objective went beyond mere negligence.The report said: “Rather, the US directed the strikes at the building of the school while being aware of a substantial risk of striking a civilian object and acting recklessly as regards the possibility that this would happen.”The mission reached a similar conclusion about a strike on a sports centre in Lamerd, saying it damaged nearby homes and a school and killed or injured 22 civilians. US Central Command had previously said American forces did not conduct strikes in Lamerd on that day.<h2>Iran accused of crimes against humanity</h2>The UN mission also examined Iran’s response to anti-government protests that began in late December. It found what it described as a widespread and systematic attack on civilians, involving unlawful killings, torture, arbitrary detention, enforced disappearances and restrictions on freedom of expression.The mission said it could not independently verify the reported death toll but believed the number killed and injured was likely significantly higher than official figures of 3,038 deaths and 25,000 injuries.The report said the government’s response, including killings, internet shutdowns and use of the death penalty, represented a significant escalation in the suppression of dissent.UN fact-finding missions are investigative rather than judicial bodies. Their findings do not themselves launch criminal cases but can potentially be used in investigations by national courts or international tribunals.

A UN probe found “reasonable grounds” to believe US strikes in Iran amounted to war crimes, including the deadly Minab school attack. It also accused Iran of crimes against humanity.

A United Nations fact-finding mission on Iran said on Thursday (Sep 17) that it has found “reasonable grounds” to believe that US forces were responsible for two military strikes in Iran in February that amounted to war crimes, including a deadly attack on a primary school. The mission said the strikes targeted a school in Minab and a sports facility in Lamerd. Its findings are part of a report that will be presented to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. The mission also found that the Iranian authorities committed crimes against humanity during their crackdown against anti-government protests. The strike on Shajareh Tayyebeh Primary School in Minab killed more than 150 people, including around 120 children, according to Iranian officials. The UN mission said the school was a clearly identifiable civilian site and found no evidence that it was being used for military purposes. It concluded that the attack was indiscriminate and caused civilian deaths and damage to civilian infrastructure. The mission also said the failure to update targeting information and confirm the school was a military objective went beyond mere negligence. The report said: “Rather, the US directed the strikes at the building of the school while being aware of a substantial risk of striking a civilian object and acting recklessly as regards the possibility that this would happen.” The mission reached a similar conclusion about a strike on a sports centre in Lamerd, saying it damaged nearby homes and a school and killed or injured 22 civilians. US Central Command had previously said American forces did not conduct strikes in Lamerd on that day. Iran accused of crimes against humanity The UN mission also examined Iran’s response to anti-government protests that began in late December. It found what it described as a widespread and systematic attack on civilians, involving unlawful killings, torture, arbitrary detention, enforced disappearances and restrictions on freedom of expression. The mission said it could not independently verify the reported death toll but believed the number killed and injured was likely significantly higher than official figures of 3,038 deaths and 25,000 injuries. The report said the government’s response, including killings, internet shutdowns and use of the death penalty, represented a significant escalation in the suppression of dissent. UN fact-finding missions are investigative rather than judicial bodies. Their findings do not themselves launch criminal cases but can potentially be used in investigations by national courts or international tribunals.

A UN probe found “reasonable grounds” to believe US strikes in Iran amounted to war crimes, including the deadly Minab school attack. It also accused Iran of crimes against humanity.

Did US commit war crimes in Iran? UN probe flags deadly Minab school strike

While missile and drone attacks have dominated the protracted Iran war, cyberwar is emerging as a new battlefield. After suffering damage to its military bases across West Asia, the US is now probing whether Iran launched cyberattacks on oil tankers.&nbsp;On August 21 and 24, a team of cyber experts from the FBI and US Coast Guard boarded two foreign-flagged commercial oil tankers in the Gulf of Mexico that were heading to Texas. The agencies had received complaints about network breaches on the vessels.&nbsp;After assessing the potential harm to the ships, the teams did not detect any operational disruption or physical danger to the crews. However, Rear Admiral Amy Grable, who heads the US Coast Guard's cyber command, told CBS News that investigators did find evidence of malicious cyber activity.&nbsp;While the US has not directly blamed Iran, Iran's Mehr News Agency reported a cyberattack on one of the vessels, VL Prosperity, on August 20.&nbsp;VL Prosperity is a supertanker capable of carrying roughly 2.3 million barrels of oil. It departed from Egypt's Sidi Kerir port on August 1.&nbsp;According to Mehr News Agency, the vessel was targeted in a major cyberattack in the Strait of Gibraltar on August 7. The report claimed that hackers infiltrated the vessel's engine room systems.The hackers allegedly reduced the engine's cooling flow, increased the engine speed and disabled its fuel and engine oil tank systems. Crucially, the report claimed that all communications on the vessel were cut off for around 30 hours.&nbsp;However, the report did not identify who was responsible for the attack.&nbsp;Modern commercial vessels increasingly rely on internet-connected systems for navigation, propulsion and steering. A successful cyberattack could potentially cause a vessel to block a waterway, trigger a pollution incident or create security hazards for ports and waterways.&nbsp;Even a relatively small disruption can have a major economic impact, given the importance of commercial shipping and oil supplies.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-urges-iran-to-rein-in-houthis-after-saudi-arabia-s-appeal-for-help-report-1789657903169">China urges Iran to rein in Houthis after Saudi Arabia’s appeal for help: Report</a>&nbsp;American agencies, including the FBI, have also issued advisories warning critical infrastructure stakeholders about alleged Iranian-affiliated cyber hacking activity.&nbsp;According to the agencies, these threats pose a serious concern to America's drinking water and wastewater systems, as well as sectors that rely on them.&nbsp;In July this year, more than 30 community water systems in Minnesota were targeted in a coordinated cyberattack. Subsequently, the FBI warned that cyberattacks had been reported in at least seven US states and had degraded water operations.&nbsp;According to reports, US agencies are probing a possible Iranian connection to these attacks.It remains to be seen what steps the US can take to minimise the risk of such incidents and protect critical infrastructure from potential cyberattacks.

The US is investigating possible Iranian-linked cyberattacks on commercial oil tankers after cyber experts found evidence of malicious activity on two vessels heading to Texas.

While missile and drone attacks have dominated the protracted Iran war, cyberwar is emerging as a new battlefield. After suffering damage to its military bases across West Asia, the US is now probing whether Iran launched cyberattacks on oil tankers. On August 21 and 24, a team of cyber experts from the FBI and US Coast Guard boarded two foreign-flagged commercial oil tankers in the Gulf of Mexico that were heading to Texas. The agencies had received complaints about network breaches on the vessels. After assessing the potential harm to the ships, the teams did not detect any operational disruption or physical danger to the crews. However, Rear Admiral Amy Grable, who heads the US Coast Guard's cyber command, told CBS News that investigators did find evidence of malicious cyber activity. While the US has not directly blamed Iran, Iran's Mehr News Agency reported a cyberattack on one of the vessels, VL Prosperity, on August 20. VL Prosperity is a supertanker capable of carrying roughly 2.3 million barrels of oil. It departed from Egypt's Sidi Kerir port on August 1. According to Mehr News Agency, the vessel was targeted in a major cyberattack in the Strait of Gibraltar on August 7. The report claimed that hackers infiltrated the vessel's engine room systems. The hackers allegedly reduced the engine's cooling flow, increased the engine speed and disabled its fuel and engine oil tank systems. Crucially, the report claimed that all communications on the vessel were cut off for around 30 hours. However, the report did not identify who was responsible for the attack. Modern commercial vessels increasingly rely on internet-connected systems for navigation, propulsion and steering. A successful cyberattack could potentially cause a vessel to block a waterway, trigger a pollution incident or create security hazards for ports and waterways. Even a relatively small disruption can have a major economic impact, given the importance of commercial shipping and oil supplies. Also Read: China urges Iran to rein in Houthis after Saudi Arabia’s appeal for help: Report American agencies, including the FBI, have also issued advisories warning critical infrastructure stakeholders about alleged Iranian-affiliated cyber hacking activity. According to the agencies, these threats pose a serious concern to America's drinking water and wastewater systems, as well as sectors that rely on them. In July this year, more than 30 community water systems in Minnesota were targeted in a coordinated cyberattack. Subsequently, the FBI warned that cyberattacks had been reported in at least seven US states and had degraded water operations. According to reports, US agencies are probing a possible Iranian connection to these attacks. It remains to be seen what steps the US can take to minimise the risk of such incidents and protect critical infrastructure from potential cyberattacks.

The US is investigating possible Iranian-linked cyberattacks on commercial oil tankers after cyber experts found evidence of malicious activity on two vessels heading to Texas.

US fears Iranians launched cyberattacks on oil tankers | Gravitas

Fourteen Russian spy satellites flew over the US military’s Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia in March, just days before a major Iranian strike on the facility during the US-Israeli war with Iran, according to a CNN investigation. The March 27 attack involved at least one missile and several drones. It wounded 12 US service members and damaged or destroyed key American military equipment, including a Boeing E-3 Sentry, an Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft capable of tracking aircraft and missiles hundreds of kilometres away.&nbsp;CNN, citing unnamed US sources, reported that intelligence obtained from Russian satellites played an important role in helping Iran conduct the precision strike. Although the US media outlet did not get the Russian satellite imagery itself, the network analysed orbital tracking data with assistance from the European Space Agency's Aurora Programme and US-based Kayhan Space. The analysis identified Russian satellite Cosmos 2573 passing over Prince Sultan Air Base two days before the attack, along with 13 other Russian reconnaissance satellites.&nbsp;Cosmos 2573 is equipped with detailed imaging capabilities, including synthetic aperture radar (SAR), which can collect data in darkness and through cloud cover. The technology can also detect physical changes involving high-value military assets. CNN noted that the AWACS aircraft had been moved from its usual pre-war position, yet Iranian forces were still able to locate and destroy it.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-general-assembly-2026-what-is-veto-power-which-countries-have-it-and-how-does-it-work-1789630638774">UN General Assembly 2026: What is veto power. Which countries have it and how does it work?</a>&nbsp;According to the network, sources linked Russia's alleged assistance to Iran to intelligence that the US has provided to Ukraine for strikes against Russian targets. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had previously claimed that Russia provided Iran with satellite imagery of Prince Sultan Air Base. “I think that it’s in Russia’s interest to help Iranians. And I don’t believe, I know, that they share information,” Zelensky said in an interview with NBC following the attack.&nbsp;Zelensky said he received daily briefings from Ukrainian intelligence agencies showing that Russian satellites photographed the Saudi airbase on March 20, March 23 and March 25, suggesting that preparations for the attack were underway. The Kremlin, however, has denied that Russia provided satellite imagery to Iran.

Fourteen Russian spy satellites reportedly flew over Prince Sultan Air Base before Iran's March 27 strike, raising questions over Moscow's role

Fourteen Russian spy satellites flew over the US military’s Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia in March, just days before a major Iranian strike on the facility during the US-Israeli war with Iran, according to a CNN investigation. The March 27 attack involved at least one missile and several drones. It wounded 12 US service members and damaged or destroyed key American military equipment, including a Boeing E-3 Sentry, an Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft capable of tracking aircraft and missiles hundreds of kilometres away. CNN, citing unnamed US sources, reported that intelligence obtained from Russian satellites played an important role in helping Iran conduct the precision strike. Although the US media outlet did not get the Russian satellite imagery itself, the network analysed orbital tracking data with assistance from the European Space Agency's Aurora Programme and US-based Kayhan Space. The analysis identified Russian satellite Cosmos 2573 passing over Prince Sultan Air Base two days before the attack, along with 13 other Russian reconnaissance satellites. Cosmos 2573 is equipped with detailed imaging capabilities, including synthetic aperture radar (SAR), which can collect data in darkness and through cloud cover. The technology can also detect physical changes involving high-value military assets. CNN noted that the AWACS aircraft had been moved from its usual pre-war position, yet Iranian forces were still able to locate and destroy it. Also Read: UN General Assembly 2026: What is veto power. Which countries have it and how does it work? According to the network, sources linked Russia's alleged assistance to Iran to intelligence that the US has provided to Ukraine for strikes against Russian targets. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had previously claimed that Russia provided Iran with satellite imagery of Prince Sultan Air Base. “I think that it’s in Russia’s interest to help Iranians. And I don’t believe, I know, that they share information,” Zelensky said in an interview with NBC following the attack. Zelensky said he received daily briefings from Ukrainian intelligence agencies showing that Russian satellites photographed the Saudi airbase on March 20, March 23 and March 25, suggesting that preparations for the attack were underway. The Kremlin, however, has denied that Russia provided satellite imagery to Iran.

According to report, fourteen Russian spy satellites flew over a US base in Saudi Arabia days before Iran's March 27 strike

Russia-Iran intelligence link? 14 satellites may have helped Iran hit US airbase in Saudi Arabia

The US Treasury said on Wednesday that its Financial Crimes Enforcement Network had convened a meeting of global financial institutions to advance Operation Economic Outcast for isolating Tehran by limiting its ability to fund the war.“The event armed financial institutions with the information they need to shut down revenue streams and procurement networks tied to the Iranian regime,” the US Treasury said.&nbsp;It further said in the statement that the event was organised to share information about the facilitators that provide Iran with access to banking relationships.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fed-raises-rates-for-first-time-in-3-years-kevin-warsh-defies-trump-as-inflation-mounts-1789583250156">Fed raises rates for first time in 3 years, Kevin Warsh defies Trump as inflation mounts</a>&nbsp;“Treasury continues to sever every economic lifeline Tehran has left,” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a statement.&nbsp;“Financial institutions are in lockstep with the US government in support of Operation Economic Outcast, and we will continue to work closely with the private sector in the fight against the murderous Iranian regime.”After the meeting, the US said soon “there will be no space for the Iranian regime to rebuild its capacity to inflict terror against America and the world.”&nbsp;<h2>World would plunge into energy crisis if US leaves: JD Vance&nbsp;</h2>&nbsp;Vice President JD Vance said the world would be plunged into an energy crisis if the US decides to end its involvement with the war in Iran and leave the region.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/there-s-no-pak-china-boundary-india-rejects-so-called-boundary-joint-commission-tells-islamabad-to-stop-theatrics-1789573593070">‘There’s no Pak-China boundary’: India rejects ‘so-called’ boundary joint commission, tells Islamabad to stop ‘theatrics’</a>&nbsp;“What I would say to anybody who’s frustrated right now is the alternative here, which is the United States effectively says to the Middle East, ‘You’re on your own,’ would mean necessarily a worldwide energy crisis, so long as the Iranians keep on shooting at shipping, which we know that’s exactly what they would do,” Vance said on Wednesday morning.“I think the president is taking the responsible course of action,” Vance said. “He’s protecting America’s assets in the region while also ensuring that world energy markets continue to get a supply of oil and natural gas.”

The event was organised to share information about the facilitators that provide Iran with access to banking relationships. After the meeting, the US said soon “there will be no space for the Iranian regime to rebuild its capacity to inflict terror against America and the world.”

The US Treasury said on Wednesday that its Financial Crimes Enforcement Network had convened a meeting of global financial institutions to advance Operation Economic Outcast for isolating Tehran by limiting its ability to fund the war. “The event armed financial institutions with the information they need to shut down revenue streams and procurement networks tied to the Iranian regime,” the US Treasury said. It further said in the statement that the event was organised to share information about the facilitators that provide Iran with access to banking relationships. Also Read: Fed raises rates for first time in 3 years, Kevin Warsh defies Trump as inflation mounts “Treasury continues to sever every economic lifeline Tehran has left,” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a statement. “Financial institutions are in lockstep with the US government in support of Operation Economic Outcast, and we will continue to work closely with the private sector in the fight against the murderous Iranian regime.” After the meeting, the US said soon “there will be no space for the Iranian regime to rebuild its capacity to inflict terror against America and the world.” World would plunge into energy crisis if US leaves: JD Vance Vice President JD Vance said the world would be plunged into an energy crisis if the US decides to end its involvement with the war in Iran and leave the region. Also Read: ‘There’s no Pak-China boundary’: India rejects ‘so-called’ boundary joint commission, tells Islamabad to stop ‘theatrics’ “What I would say to anybody who’s frustrated right now is the alternative here, which is the United States effectively says to the Middle East, ‘You’re on your own,’ would mean necessarily a worldwide energy crisis, so long as the Iranians keep on shooting at shipping, which we know that’s exactly what they would do,” Vance said on Wednesday morning. “I think the president is taking the responsible course of action,” Vance said. “He’s protecting America’s assets in the region while also ensuring that world energy markets continue to get a supply of oil and natural gas.”

The event was organised to share information about the facilitators that provide Iran with access to banking relationships. After the meeting, the US said soon “there will be no space for the Iranian regime to rebuild its capacity to inflict terror against America and the world.”

US Treasury rallies global financial institutions for Op Economic Outcast to isolate Iran

The cost of US President Donald Trump's war on Iran has risen to an estimated $38.1 billion till August, according to a report released by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO). According to the report, the war could cost America another $2 billion to $3 billion for each additional month of fighting.The CBO lists the report, "Estimating the Costs of Combat Operations Against Iran," among its current defence and national security studies.Of the over $38 billion spent on the war, more than half was spent on replacing missiles and other munitions used in the conflict. Meanwhile, increased flying hours accounted for another $10.4 billion. Higher fuel prices added an estimated $2.7 billion, according to the figures in the report.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-s-iran-war-faces-fresh-house-rebuke-7-republicans-join-democrats-in-push-to-end-conflict-ahead-of-midterms-1789528209869">Trump's Iran war faces fresh House rebuke; 7 Republicans join Democrats in push to end conflict ahead of midterms</a>The conflict has also placed heavy pressure on the US missile-defence stockpile. The CBO estimates that as much as two-thirds of the nation's missile-defence interceptors have been used since June 2025, largely as the US helped defend Israel against Iranian attacks."Rebuilding DoD’s inventory of interceptors would probably take at least five years, even if production was increased," the CBO said in the report, requested by Rep. Brendan Boyle, the Pennsylvania Democrat and top Democrat on the House Budget Committee.<h2>Missile shortages could affect US readiness</h2>The depletion of interceptor stocks could have wider implications for US military planning, particularly in a potential conflict involving an adversary with large inventories of ballistic and cruise missiles.The CBO specifically pointed to China and a possible conflict over Taiwan, warning that shortages could become "especially problematic" under those circumstances.The pace of weapons use has also strained the broader US defence industrial base. A recent Defense Department inspector general assessment cited shortages of solid rocket motors, explosives, propellants and skilled workers as obstacles to rebuilding stockpiles.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/one-third-of-israelis-call-jewish-west-bank-rioters-israeli-terrorists-poll-finds-1789533323445">One-third of Israelis call Jewish West Bank rioters ‘Israeli terrorists': Poll</a><h2>War pushing up inflation and fuel prices</h2>The economic effects of the conflict are extending beyond the Pentagon. Disruptions to oil and natural gas shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, along with interruptions to shipping through the Red Sea, have pushed up energy and transportation costs.The CBO estimates that by the first quarter of 2027, the war could add 0.5 percentage points to year-over-year inflation as measured by the personal consumption expenditures price index, the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation gauge. Core PCE inflation could be 0.3 percentage points higher, it said."The price of almost every product reflects shipping costs," the CBO said. By early 2027, gasoline and other fuels are expected to account for about 40% of the conflict’s impact on consumer prices, according to the analysis.

The US-Iran war has already cost Washington tens of billions of dollars, with the bill still rising. But the biggest concern may extend beyond money, as US missile-defence stocks face a potentially years-long recovery.

The cost of US President Donald Trump's war on Iran has risen to an estimated $38.1 billion till August, according to a report released by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO). According to the report, the war could cost America another $2 billion to $3 billion for each additional month of fighting. The CBO lists the report, "Estimating the Costs of Combat Operations Against Iran," among its current defence and national security studies. Of the over $38 billion spent on the war, more than half was spent on replacing missiles and other munitions used in the conflict. Meanwhile, increased flying hours accounted for another $10.4 billion. Higher fuel prices added an estimated $2.7 billion, according to the figures in the report. Also read | Trump's Iran war faces fresh House rebuke; 7 Republicans join Democrats in push to end conflict ahead of midterms The conflict has also placed heavy pressure on the US missile-defence stockpile. The CBO estimates that as much as two-thirds of the nation's missile-defence interceptors have been used since June 2025, largely as the US helped defend Israel against Iranian attacks. "Rebuilding DoD’s inventory of interceptors would probably take at least five years, even if production was increased," the CBO said in the report, requested by Rep. Brendan Boyle, the Pennsylvania Democrat and top Democrat on the House Budget Committee. Missile shortages could affect US readiness The depletion of interceptor stocks could have wider implications for US military planning, particularly in a potential conflict involving an adversary with large inventories of ballistic and cruise missiles. The CBO specifically pointed to China and a possible conflict over Taiwan, warning that shortages could become "especially problematic" under those circumstances. The pace of weapons use has also strained the broader US defence industrial base. A recent Defense Department inspector general assessment cited shortages of solid rocket motors, explosives, propellants and skilled workers as obstacles to rebuilding stockpiles. Also read | One-third of Israelis call Jewish West Bank rioters ‘Israeli terrorists': Poll War pushing up inflation and fuel prices The economic effects of the conflict are extending beyond the Pentagon. Disruptions to oil and natural gas shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, along with interruptions to shipping through the Red Sea, have pushed up energy and transportation costs. The CBO estimates that by the first quarter of 2027, the war could add 0.5 percentage points to year-over-year inflation as measured by the personal consumption expenditures price index, the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation gauge. Core PCE inflation could be 0.3 percentage points higher, it said. "The price of almost every product reflects shipping costs," the CBO said. By early 2027, gasoline and other fuels are expected to account for about 40% of the conflict’s impact on consumer prices, according to the analysis.

The US-Iran war has already cost Washington tens of billions of dollars, with the bill still rising. But the biggest concern may extend beyond money, as US missile-defence stocks face a potentially years-long recovery.

Trump’s Iran war has cost US $38.1 billion, CBO estimates; missile stocks face major strain

The US military fired as many as 70 or more high-end air-defense interceptors last week to counter an Iranian missile attack targeting US forces in Jordan, according to US and regional officials familiar with the matter. The scale of the response highlights Iran’s growing ability to challenge American air defenses and force the US military to expend costly interceptors at a rapid pace.US &nbsp;forces launched between 60 and 70 Patriot interceptors against an Iranian barrage of roughly 20 ballistic missiles, officials said. The US also fired more than a dozen Thaad interceptors, according to one official. Another official said the expenditure was comparable to what the US had used over an entire week at other points during the war.&nbsp;The exchange illustrates a fundamental challenge in missile defense: the attacker can often force the defender to spend multiple interceptors against a smaller number of incoming weapons. Iran appears to have adapted its tactics specifically to increase the pressure on US defenses. The latest attack was particularly difficult to counter because Iranian missiles were equipped with warheads capable of separating into multiple projectiles as they approached their targets, according to officials.&nbsp;Despite the extensive defensive response, not every projectile was intercepted. No US troops were killed in the attack, but Iranian missiles reportedly struck fighter jets and other aircraft at Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan, one official said. Iranian missile attacks have become increasingly sophisticated throughout the war. US officials say Tehran has experimented with different missile types, flight paths, maneuvers and warhead configurations in an effort to overwhelm American and allied defenses.&nbsp;In July, an Iranian missile attack on Jordan killed three US servicemembers. US officials have said Iran obtained high-resolution satellite imagery of the base from Chinese entities before that strike, according to officials familiar with the incident. US Central Command, which oversees American military operations in the Middle East, declined to comment. Jordanian officials also declined to comment. “Reports suggesting that the United States’ munitions are depleted are completely false,” Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said. “The U.S. military remains the strongest and most capable fighting force in the world.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/like-a-thug-kash-patel-grilled-by-senate-democrats-over-fbi-firings-journalist-investigations-and-hiring-policy-1789524514540">'Like a thug you are using agency to go after..': Kash Patel grilled by Senate Democrats over FBI firings, journalist investigations and hiring policy</a>&nbsp;President Trump said on Monday on social media that the US maintains large numbers of interceptors in its stockpiles and is increasing production. Lockheed Martin, the manufacturer of Patriot interceptors, produced a record 620 interceptors in 2025 and has set a target of producing approximately 2,000 annually. At the same time, a new report from the Defense Department’s inspector general said the war “has resulted in strategic inventory shortfalls and revealed industrial base bottlenecks for munitions resupply.”&nbsp;The conflict has created a race between Iran’s ability to produce and launch ballistic missiles and the US military’s supply of interceptors capable of stopping them. Iran has reportedly recovered missiles from underground facilities that were targeted by US strikes earlier in the war. Tehran has also recently restarted missile production using parts held in stockpiles.&nbsp;The latest Iranian attacks on Jordan followed an escalating cycle of military exchanges. Tehran has sought to counter increasing US economic pressure. After Iranian missiles came close to US warships in the region, the US military responded by destroying five Iranian oil tankers. Iran subsequently attacked US troops in Jordan, targeting a location it had repeatedly struck during the summer.

Iran’s missile attack on Jordan forced the US to fire up to 70 Patriot interceptors, exposing growing pressure on American air-defense stocks

The US military fired as many as 70 or more high-end air-defense interceptors last week to counter an Iranian missile attack targeting US forces in Jordan, according to US and regional officials familiar with the matter. The scale of the response highlights Iran’s growing ability to challenge American air defenses and force the US military to expend costly interceptors at a rapid pace. US forces launched between 60 and 70 Patriot interceptors against an Iranian barrage of roughly 20 ballistic missiles, officials said. The US also fired more than a dozen Thaad interceptors, according to one official. Another official said the expenditure was comparable to what the US had used over an entire week at other points during the war. The exchange illustrates a fundamental challenge in missile defense: the attacker can often force the defender to spend multiple interceptors against a smaller number of incoming weapons. Iran appears to have adapted its tactics specifically to increase the pressure on US defenses. The latest attack was particularly difficult to counter because Iranian missiles were equipped with warheads capable of separating into multiple projectiles as they approached their targets, according to officials. Despite the extensive defensive response, not every projectile was intercepted. No US troops were killed in the attack, but Iranian missiles reportedly struck fighter jets and other aircraft at Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan, one official said. Iranian missile attacks have become increasingly sophisticated throughout the war. US officials say Tehran has experimented with different missile types, flight paths, maneuvers and warhead configurations in an effort to overwhelm American and allied defenses. In July, an Iranian missile attack on Jordan killed three US servicemembers. US officials have said Iran obtained high-resolution satellite imagery of the base from Chinese entities before that strike, according to officials familiar with the incident. US Central Command, which oversees American military operations in the Middle East, declined to comment. Jordanian officials also declined to comment. “Reports suggesting that the United States’ munitions are depleted are completely false,” Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said. “The U.S. military remains the strongest and most capable fighting force in the world.” Also Read: 'Like a thug you are using agency to go after..': Kash Patel grilled by Senate Democrats over FBI firings, journalist investigations and hiring policy President Trump said on Monday on social media that the US maintains large numbers of interceptors in its stockpiles and is increasing production. Lockheed Martin, the manufacturer of Patriot interceptors, produced a record 620 interceptors in 2025 and has set a target of producing approximately 2,000 annually. At the same time, a new report from the Defense Department’s inspector general said the war “has resulted in strategic inventory shortfalls and revealed industrial base bottlenecks for munitions resupply.” The conflict has created a race between Iran’s ability to produce and launch ballistic missiles and the US military’s supply of interceptors capable of stopping them. Iran has reportedly recovered missiles from underground facilities that were targeted by US strikes earlier in the war. Tehran has also recently restarted missile production using parts held in stockpiles. The latest Iranian attacks on Jordan followed an escalating cycle of military exchanges. Tehran has sought to counter increasing US economic pressure. After Iranian missiles came close to US warships in the region, the US military responded by destroying five Iranian oil tankers. Iran subsequently attacked US troops in Jordan, targeting a location it had repeatedly struck during the summer.

Iran’s latest missile attack on Jordan forced US forces to fire up to 70 Patriot interceptors, highlighting growing pressure on American air defenses

US fires up to 70 interceptors against Iran attack on Jordan, putting supplies under pressure

The US House of Representatives on Tuesday (Sep 15) approved a measure calling on President Donald Trump to end the war with Iran, delivering a fresh political rebuke to the administration’s handling of the conflict just weeks before the November midterm elections.It marks the third time the Democratic-led House, with support from a small number of Republicans, has voted to push Trump to withdraw US troops from Iran. The House vote comes at a politically significant moment, with lawmakers heading into the final weeks before the November midterm elections.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kill-all-in-the-name-of-fbi-arrests-pennsylvania-21-year-old-over-alleged-isis-inspired-mass-casualty-attack-plot-1789524553059">FBI foils ISIS-inspired mass-casualty attack in Pennsylvania, arrests man</a><h2>Republicans join hands with Democrats to stop Trump's war on Iran</h2>Democrats, as per reports, are portraying Tuesday’s vote as their most significant effort yet to challenge the administration, coming as Congress approaches its final stretch before the elections.Seven Republicans joined Democrats in backing the measure, up from four GOP lawmakers who supported the previous two resolutions.Among the new Republican supporters were Iowa Reps. Mariannette Miller-Meeks and Zach Nunn, both of whom represent competitive districts, as well as South Carolina Rep. Nancy Mace, who is leaving Congress at the end of her current term.The Republicans who had previously supported similar resolutions were Reps. Thomas Massie of Kentucky, Tom Barrett of Michigan, Warren Davidson of Ohio and Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/top-military-commanders-from-us-israel-and-7-arab-nations-held-secret-meeting-on-iran-war-1789503060237">Top military brass from US, Israel, Arab nations hold secret meeting on Iran War</a><h2>Trump targets GOP critics</h2>House Republican leaders have not formally directed their members to vote either way on such resolutions. Trump, however, has openly criticised Republicans who have opposed his position on the Iran war, signaling that he views the issue as an important test of loyalty.The White House has previously applied pressure on Republicans during congressional efforts to curb the president’s military authority. One such attempt ended dramatically in the Senate. A sufficient number of Republicans initially backed the measure, only for pressure from the White House to lead a GOP senator to reverse their vote.&nbsp;

Trump is facing another challenge from Capitol Hill over the Iran war. Seven Republicans joined Democrats in the latest House vote, marking a larger GOP break from the president as the November midterms draw closer.

The US House of Representatives on Tuesday (Sep 15) approved a measure calling on President Donald Trump to end the war with Iran, delivering a fresh political rebuke to the administration’s handling of the conflict just weeks before the November midterm elections. It marks the third time the Democratic-led House, with support from a small number of Republicans, has voted to push Trump to withdraw US troops from Iran. The House vote comes at a politically significant moment, with lawmakers heading into the final weeks before the November midterm elections. Also read | FBI foils ISIS-inspired mass-casualty attack in Pennsylvania, arrests man Republicans join hands with Democrats to stop Trump's war on Iran Democrats, as per reports, are portraying Tuesday’s vote as their most significant effort yet to challenge the administration, coming as Congress approaches its final stretch before the elections. Seven Republicans joined Democrats in backing the measure, up from four GOP lawmakers who supported the previous two resolutions. Among the new Republican supporters were Iowa Reps. Mariannette Miller-Meeks and Zach Nunn, both of whom represent competitive districts, as well as South Carolina Rep. Nancy Mace, who is leaving Congress at the end of her current term. The Republicans who had previously supported similar resolutions were Reps. Thomas Massie of Kentucky, Tom Barrett of Michigan, Warren Davidson of Ohio and Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania. Also read | Top military brass from US, Israel, Arab nations hold secret meeting on Iran War Trump targets GOP critics House Republican leaders have not formally directed their members to vote either way on such resolutions. Trump, however, has openly criticised Republicans who have opposed his position on the Iran war, signaling that he views the issue as an important test of loyalty. The White House has previously applied pressure on Republicans during congressional efforts to curb the president’s military authority. One such attempt ended dramatically in the Senate. A sufficient number of Republicans initially backed the measure, only for pressure from the White House to lead a GOP senator to reverse their vote.

Trump is facing another challenge from Capitol Hill over the Iran war. Seven Republicans joined Democrats in the latest House vote, marking a larger GOP break from the president as the November midterms draw closer.

Trump's Iran war faces fresh House rebuke; 7 Republicans join Democrats in push to end conflict ahead of midterms

The inspector general of the Defense Department of the United States in its report released on Monday (Sep 14) said that the conflict with Iran has led to a shortfall of US munitions and “bottlenecks” in supply chains and that Washington is working to replenish weaponry.&nbsp;“Pentagon is working to streamline procurement processes and production lead times, and to stockpile critical materials, components, and selected munitions to respond rapidly to a contingency,” said the report.&nbsp;Though, much of the information has been reported earlier, the Pentagon inspector general’s report was more comprehensive in terms of the conflict’s costs in American lives, taxpayer dollars and physical damage.&nbsp;It is going to take US three years to replenish advanced missiles and defensive missile interceptors to prewar levels, say experts, as reported by Reuters.<h2>Trump, Hegseth shun report of munition shortfall</h2>Meanwhile, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has denied Defense Department’s inspector general's report that the US is running low on munitions.&nbsp;While US President Donald Trump on his Truth Social on Monday said the U.S. is “producing more Exquisite and Elite Weapons than at any time in our History. They are being delivered on a daily basis to our Forces in the Middle East and beyond.”&nbsp;Earlier too he has lashed out at reports of munitions shortfalls saying US has “virtually unlimited” amounts of ammunition.&nbsp;<h2>US drones destroyed, aircraft damaged</h2>&nbsp;Notably, the watchdog report covering conflict between April 1 to June 30, also acknowledged that Iranian strikes damaged and destroyed hundreds of buildings and other structures at US bases in Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Jordan and Oman.&nbsp;The report also revealed damage to dozens of American aircraft and drones, including the destruction of as many as 30 MQ-9 Reaper drones that cost around $30 million apiece. Seven KC-135 refueling aircraft were also damaged or destroyed, including five that were struck by Iranian munitions while on the ground in Saudi Arabia, said the report further.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Though, much of the information has been reported earlier, the Pentagon inspector general’s report was more comprehensive in terms of the conflict’s costs in American lives, taxpayer dollars and physical damage.

The inspector general of the Defense Department of the United States in its report released on Monday (Sep 14) said that the conflict with Iran has led to a shortfall of US munitions and “bottlenecks” in supply chains and that Washington is working to replenish weaponry. “Pentagon is working to streamline procurement processes and production lead times, and to stockpile critical materials, components, and selected munitions to respond rapidly to a contingency,” said the report. Though, much of the information has been reported earlier, the Pentagon inspector general’s report was more comprehensive in terms of the conflict’s costs in American lives, taxpayer dollars and physical damage. It is going to take US three years to replenish advanced missiles and defensive missile interceptors to prewar levels, say experts, as reported by Reuters. Trump, Hegseth shun report of munition shortfall Meanwhile, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has denied Defense Department’s inspector general's report that the US is running low on munitions. While US President Donald Trump on his Truth Social on Monday said the U.S. is “producing more Exquisite and Elite Weapons than at any time in our History. They are being delivered on a daily basis to our Forces in the Middle East and beyond.” Earlier too he has lashed out at reports of munitions shortfalls saying US has “virtually unlimited” amounts of ammunition. US drones destroyed, aircraft damaged Notably, the watchdog report covering conflict between April 1 to June 30, also acknowledged that Iranian strikes damaged and destroyed hundreds of buildings and other structures at US bases in Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Jordan and Oman. The report also revealed damage to dozens of American aircraft and drones, including the destruction of as many as 30 MQ-9 Reaper drones that cost around $30 million apiece. Seven KC-135 refueling aircraft were also damaged or destroyed, including five that were struck by Iranian munitions while on the ground in Saudi Arabia, said the report further.

Though, much of the information has been reported earlier, the Pentagon inspector general’s report was more comprehensive in terms of the conflict’s costs in American lives, taxpayer dollars and physical damage.

US weapons stockpiles, military bases hit in Iran war, shortfall of munitions: US watchdog report

On April 2, as the Iran-US war intensified, two-seat F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jet was shot down by an Iranian shoulder-fired missile in the south of Isfahan and two US officers were stranded after ejecting safely. Now, declassified videos shared for the first time by CBS News on Monday (Sep 14) has shown the dramatic rescue.The pilots landed roughly five miles apart and have been identified only by their operational call signs, Alpha and Bravo. While the Iranian forces launched a search operation for them, US forces also planned a rescue operation.&nbsp;&nbsp;Declassified video shows high-risk, daytime penetration deep into hostile territory to secure the F-15E’s pilot, callsign Alpha. Another infrared footage shows the exact moment the weapon systems officer, Bravo, was rescued after evading capture for nearly two days with a broken back. This one details two elite U.S. Air Force Pararescue operators (PJs) advancing up a steep, 7,000-foot mountain ridgeline, physically grabbing the wounded officer, and guiding him safely onto a rescue helicopter. The footage also documents the aftermath: a makeshift desert airstrip, where two massive MC-130J special operations transport aircraft became disabled.&nbsp;WATCH VIDEO HERE&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Video of “Bravo’s” Rescue in Iran Shows Him Running to the Helicopter After an Official Story of a Man Too Hurt to Move Every state has security secrets. That is understood. But when a “spectacular mission” is sold to the public some six months later—on 60 Minutes, with newly… <a href="https://t.co/cLZkqKdigu">pic.twitter.com/cLZkqKdigu</a>&mdash; mahmoud khalil (@sahel2212) <a href="https://x.com/sahel2212/status/2099446866706300963?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 14, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>How CIA rescued the pilot?</h2>Earlier in April, two US officials told CNN that special operations forces carried out the successful rescue mission. The CIA operatives mounted a deception campaign beforehand to throw off potential Iranian captors. CIA operatives circulated the information inside Iran that both crew members had been recovered to confuse Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps members who were frantically themselves looking to capture the downed officer. Navy SEAL Team 6 commandos extracted the ejected US F-15E pilot from Iran, said a New York Times report, though there was no confirmation from the US authorities. The CIA ultimately identified the officer’s exact location and shared the information with the military.&nbsp;Meanwhile, at a remote airstrip in Iran, two MC-130J special operations transport aircraft had been waiting to take the commandos and the rescued airman out of the country. But they had been damaged during the operation. The military decided to send in new planes and blew up the damaged ones to prevent them from falling into Iranian hands. “WE GOT HIM!” President Trump wrote on social media after spending Saturday monitoring the operation from the White House. “Over the past several hours, the United States Military pulled off one of the most daring Search and Rescue Operations in U.S. History,” he said.

Newly declassified footage has revealed dramatic moments from two separate US military rescue missions in Iran, showing how American Air Force officers were brought to safety after their F-15E fighter jet was shot down in Iran

On April 2, as the Iran-US war intensified, two-seat F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jet was shot down by an Iranian shoulder-fired missile in the south of Isfahan and two US officers were stranded after ejecting safely. Now, declassified videos shared for the first time by CBS News on Monday (Sep 14) has shown the dramatic rescue.The pilots landed roughly five miles apart and have been identified only by their operational call signs, Alpha and Bravo. While the Iranian forces launched a search operation for them, US forces also planned a rescue operation. Declassified video shows high-risk, daytime penetration deep into hostile territory to secure the F-15E’s pilot, callsign Alpha. Another infrared footage shows the exact moment the weapon systems officer, Bravo, was rescued after evading capture for nearly two days with a broken back. This one details two elite U.S. Air Force Pararescue operators (PJs) advancing up a steep, 7,000-foot mountain ridgeline, physically grabbing the wounded officer, and guiding him safely onto a rescue helicopter. The footage also documents the aftermath: a makeshift desert airstrip, where two massive MC-130J special operations transport aircraft became disabled. WATCH VIDEO HERE

Newly declassified footage has revealed dramatic moments from two separate US military rescue missions in Iran, showing how American Air Force officers were brought to safety after their F-15E fighter jet was shot down in Iran

How US Air Force officers were rescued after being shot down in Iran | WATCH

The Strait of Hormuz has remained at the centre of growing geopolitical tensions, with threats, attacks and maritime standoffs unfolding over the past six months. This timeline tracks the key incidents, major flashpoints and escalating tensions that have put the strategic waterway under global scrutiny and raised concerns over shipping, oil supplies and regional security.


Hormuz tensions: Six months of threats, attacks & standoffs

As U.S. President Donald Trump’s Iran war lingers on without any resolution, America's military continues to suffer losses in West Asia on an unprecedented scale. After its warships, U.S. naval assets are also being damaged by Iran's strikes...Iran released footage of ballistic missiles being fired at the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan earlier this week. It claimed to have caused heavy damage while targeting maintenance and repair hangars, aircraft preparation facilities and shelters housing fighter jets. This retaliation came in response to, U.S. destroying five oil tankers.On its part, Jordan stated that it intercepted 18 out of 20 ballistic missiles fired by Iran, whereas the remaining two fell in uninhabited areas. The ground reality though may be stark. According to CBS News, multiple American military aircraft were damaged in the Iranian strike on Jordan. One A-10 Thunderbolt attack aircraft, popularly known as the Warthog, lost a wing. The report claimed that eight F-15 Eagle fighter jets also sustained light damage and, were put back into service.Amid depleting stockpile of Patriot missiles, U.S. forces reportedly used over thirty of these missiles, to tackle the Iranian offensive. Since the beginning of the war, U.S. bases in West Asia have suffered immense damage running into billions of dollars. Multiple other U.S. air assets have also been damaged or destroyed in the last six months. U.S. has already lost at least 45 MQ-9 Reaper drones, which accounts for 25% of its overall fleet.Iran has also claimed to have struck F-35 Lightning jets on multiple occasions, a claim which U.S. has consistently denied. In mid-March, one KC-135 fueling plane went down over Iraq, resulting in the death of all six crew members. Besides this, five more Stratotankers were reportedly damaged, in an Iranian missile strike on, Saudi Arabia's Prince Sultan Air Base.In another blow for U.S., Iran also claimed the downing of an E-3 Sentry airborne warning and control system aircraft, which can track drones, missiles and aircraft from hundreds of kilometres away. In April, two MC-130J Commando II special operations aircraft were reportedly destroyed during a mission, to evacuate a stranded U.S. airman. One Jolly Green II search-and-rescue helicopter also sustained damage during this operation. Additionally, U.S. Navy confirmed the loss of, a Triton surveillance drone.Iran has also claimed to have destroyed multiple THAAD and Patriot air defence systems at U.S. bases. On the naval front too, a potential setback for Pentagon can be in the offing. Some experts fear that Iran can potentially reverse engineer a U.S. military underwater drone, which it captured earlier this week.While U.S. claimed that this drone was an older model that suffered a malfunction, it is said to be an advanced drone which can stay underwater for up to ten days, and is designed to operate with minimal human input.Despite repeated military setbacks, Trump insisted that U.S. is winning, the war with Iran. At a time when Brent crude oil price has crossed 100 U.S. dollars per barrel, he sought to assure Americans that the oil price would plummet as soon as the war ends. While claiming that Iran is falling apart, he also made it clear that the war will continue beyond the midterm polls. Listen in to what he said.Ahead of the Jewish New Year, Israel issued yet another warning to Iran, threatening to retaliate forcefully if Tehran launches an attack on its soil for any reason.With Iran's fierce resistance and Trump's unwillingness to negotiate, it is amply clear that tensions in West Asia, are unlikely to cool down anytime soon.

Iran’s strikes have damaged US aircraft and military assets across West Asia, adding to mounting American military losses in the war.

As U.S. President Donald Trump’s Iran war lingers on without any resolution, America's military continues to suffer losses in West Asia on an unprecedented scale. After its warships, U.S. naval assets are also being damaged by Iran's strikes... Iran released footage of ballistic missiles being fired at the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan earlier this week. It claimed to have caused heavy damage while targeting maintenance and repair hangars, aircraft preparation facilities and shelters housing fighter jets. This retaliation came in response to, U.S. destroying five oil tankers. On its part, Jordan stated that it intercepted 18 out of 20 ballistic missiles fired by Iran, whereas the remaining two fell in uninhabited areas. The ground reality though may be stark. According to CBS News, multiple American military aircraft were damaged in the Iranian strike on Jordan. One A-10 Thunderbolt attack aircraft, popularly known as the Warthog, lost a wing. The report claimed that eight F-15 Eagle fighter jets also sustained light damage and, were put back into service. Amid depleting stockpile of Patriot missiles, U.S. forces reportedly used over thirty of these missiles, to tackle the Iranian offensive. Since the beginning of the war, U.S. bases in West Asia have suffered immense damage running into billions of dollars. Multiple other U.S. air assets have also been damaged or destroyed in the last six months. U.S. has already lost at least 45 MQ-9 Reaper drones, which accounts for 25% of its overall fleet. Iran has also claimed to have struck F-35 Lightning jets on multiple occasions, a claim which U.S. has consistently denied. In mid-March, one KC-135 fueling plane went down over Iraq, resulting in the death of all six crew members. Besides this, five more Stratotankers were reportedly damaged, in an Iranian missile strike on, Saudi Arabia's Prince Sultan Air Base. In another blow for U.S., Iran also claimed the downing of an E-3 Sentry airborne warning and control system aircraft, which can track drones, missiles and aircraft from hundreds of kilometres away. In April, two MC-130J Commando II special operations aircraft were reportedly destroyed during a mission, to evacuate a stranded U.S. airman. One Jolly Green II search-and-rescue helicopter also sustained damage during this operation. Additionally, U.S. Navy confirmed the loss of, a Triton surveillance drone. Iran has also claimed to have destroyed multiple THAAD and Patriot air defence systems at U.S. bases. On the naval front too, a potential setback for Pentagon can be in the offing. Some experts fear that Iran can potentially reverse engineer a U.S. military underwater drone, which it captured earlier this week. While U.S. claimed that this drone was an older model that suffered a malfunction, it is said to be an advanced drone which can stay underwater for up to ten days, and is designed to operate with minimal human input. Despite repeated military setbacks, Trump insisted that U.S. is winning, the war with Iran. At a time when Brent crude oil price has crossed 100 U.S. dollars per barrel, he sought to assure Americans that the oil price would plummet as soon as the war ends. While claiming that Iran is falling apart, he also made it clear that the war will continue beyond the midterm polls. Listen in to what he said. Ahead of the Jewish New Year, Israel issued yet another warning to Iran, threatening to retaliate forcefully if Tehran launches an attack on its soil for any reason. With Iran's fierce resistance and Trump's unwillingness to negotiate, it is amply clear that tensions in West Asia, are unlikely to cool down anytime soon.

Iran’s strikes have damaged US aircraft and military assets across West Asia, adding to mounting American military losses in the war.

Gravitas | Iran hammers US air power in West Asia after Navy badly hit

Iran’s nuclear programme is once again at the centre of a growing geopolitical confrontation, as Tehran faces international pressure while deepening nuclear cooperation with Russia.

Iran operates Russian-designed nuclear infrastructure at Bushehr, while further Russian-Iranian nuclear projects are also under development. Iranian officials have described expanding cooperation with Moscow, including work involving nuclear power and radiopharmaceuticals.

At the same time, Iran’s fortified nuclear facilities remain a major concern for the United States and its allies. The heavily fortified Pickaxe Mountain site near Natanz has emerged as a particular focus amid the continuing US-Iran conflict.

The International Atomic Energy Agency has also referred Iran to the UN Security Council over its failure to cooperate with a long-running investigation into undeclared uranium traces. Iran continues to insist that its nuclear programme is peaceful.

As Russia deepens its relationship with Tehran, the nuclear question is becoming an increasingly important part of the wider geopolitical contest.

Watch GRAVITAS for a closer look at Iran’s nuclear capabilities, Russia’s expanding role and what this partnership could mean for the future of the region.

Iran's Nuclear Fortress Is Getting Stronger as Russia Expands Its Nuclear Ties | GRAVITAS 

As U.S. President Donald Trump's Iran war lingers on without any resolution, the country's military continues to suffer losses in West Asia on an unprecedented scale. According to a report, one A-10 Thunderbolt aircraft and 8 F-15 Eagle fighter jets were damaged during Iran's recent strike on Jordan.

Iran Hammers U.S. Air Power in West Asia After Navy Badly Hit | GRAVITAS 

Donald Trump wants Americans to believe several things at once.The Iran war — or “military conflict,” as he has also called it — will end immediately after the November midterms. Iran cannot hold out much longer. Republicans must retain Congress. And if they do, every American adult could receive a $5,000 “Trump dividend.”There is only one problem.The arithmetic, the battlefield and even some of Trump's own advisers appear to be telling a different story.A war with two deadlinesTrump says Iran will not be able to sustain its resistance beyond the midterm elections.Yet the Wall Street Journal reports that senior advisers including Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have privately discussed with Trump the possibility that Tehran could withstand American pressure through the remainder of his presidency — potentially beyond January 2029.That is not a minor difference.It is the difference between weeks and years.It also exposes the strange ambiguity surrounding America's confrontation with Iran. Trump himself has played down the terminology, describing it as a “military conflict” and “small potatoes” for the United States.But terminology cannot alter consequences.Americans are dead. Military assets are deployed. Oil markets have been disrupted. Fuel prices have become a political liability. And Washington is threatening further strikes against Iran.Call it a war or call it a military conflict. Americans ultimately experience its consequences through lives, prices and public money.Welcome to the Trump showThen came Dallas.Republicans staged their first-ever midterm convention, an unusual spectacle designed to energise a party facing a difficult November election.Trump made clear who the central character was.“I’m asking you to pretend that I’m on the ballot,” he told supporters.The convention became so centred on the president that Republican National Committee Chairman Joe Gruters informally called it “Trumpapalooza.”But the spectacle also exposed the risk of building an entire congressional election around one man.Several Republicans facing difficult races stayed away. Trump described the arena as packed, although reporters observed largely empty sections in the upper levels. Online viewership was modest.The show was enormous.Whether the enthusiasm matched it is another question.$5,000 for a Republican victoryThen came Trump's biggest promise.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><a href="https://x.com/hashtag/RaceToPower?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RaceToPower</a> | A war that ends after an election. A $5,000 cheque if Republicans win. A bill that could hit $1.35 TRILLION. Trump says: pretend he&#39;s on the ballot. But who pays for the promises? Tonight&#39;s <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/TheVerdict?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TheVerdict</a> with <a href="https://x.com/eriknjoka?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@eriknjoka</a> <a href="https://t.co/JZTgjHxqHB">pic.twitter.com/JZTgjHxqHB</a>&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://x.com/WIONews/status/2098081923126141031?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 10, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

If Republicans retain the House and Senate, Trump says he will issue a $5,000 dividend to every American adult.It is an extraordinary proposition.With roughly 270 million American adults, distributing $5,000 to each would cost approximately $1.35 trillion.And that follows Trump's earlier proposal for a $2,000 tariff dividend — another cash promise that never materialised.Critics immediately asked the obvious question: is promising voters money if your party wins effectively buying political support?Legally, the answer is more complicated than the accusation. The proposed payment is not directly conditioned on an individual casting a Republican vote, and any actual distribution would require congressional approval.Politically, however, the optics are extraordinary.Vote Republican, Trump says, and there could be $5,000 waiting on the other side.But where does $1.35 trillion come from?That is the question the spectacle could not answer.The United States is already running enormous annual deficits and carrying a colossal national debt.American households remain concerned about affordability. The Iran conflict has put additional pressure on energy prices. Tariffs have created their own costs.Trump's answer to economic anxiety is now another enormous cheque.But governments cannot create $1.35 trillion without consequences.Either the money must come from additional revenue, spending cuts, borrowing — or some combination of all three.A dividend without a credible funding mechanism is not an economic programme.It is a promise.The Democrat at the Republican conventionThere was another extraordinary moment in Dallas.Democratic Senator John Fetterman appeared by video to introduce Republican Senator Dave McCormick, describing him as a friend and promising cooperation with Trump to protect Pennsylvania's steel industry.For Democrats, the optics were uncomfortable.But suggestions that Fetterman had somehow been “bought” go beyond the available evidence. He subsequently reaffirmed that he remains a Democrat.What his appearance demonstrated instead was something more politically interesting: the ideological fractures inside America's parties are becoming increasingly difficult to conceal.And then there is VenezuelaBehind the spectacle and the cheques sits another extraordinary economic gamble.Washington has taken a 35% position, structured through warrants, in a Venezuelan oil venture as the Trump administration attempts to turn access to Venezuela's enormous petroleum reserves into an American strategic asset.Trump has promoted the Venezuelan arrangement as a route toward greater energy security and lower fuel prices.The attraction is obvious.A prolonged confrontation with Iran threatens energy flows through the Gulf. Venezuela possesses the world's largest proven oil reserves. Washington therefore has powerful incentives to diversify where its energy security comes from.But this too raises questions.The Venezuelan arrangement has already attracted scrutiny over its structure, legality and the extraordinary involvement of the Pentagon in a commercial oil venture.America is therefore fighting — or conducting a “military conflict” — against one major oil power while simultaneously deepening its economic leverage over another.That may prove strategic foresight.It may also demonstrate just how complicated and expensive America's new geopolitical order is becoming.Reality versus spectacleThis was ultimately the contradiction running through Dallas.Trump spoke about American greatness while voters worry about affordability.He promised $5,000 cheques while the government is already deeply in deficit.He predicted an imminent end to the Iran conflict while his own advisers reportedly contemplate a struggle lasting years.He asked Americans to pretend that his name is on the ballot.Perhaps that was the most revealing statement of the convention.Because November increasingly appears to be about Donald Trump — his war, his economy, his promises and his political survival.But Americans cannot pay grocery bills with political theatre.They cannot fill their tanks with applause.And before Washington writes a $1.35 trillion cheque, voters are entitled to ask the simplest question of all:Who is going to pay for it?

Republicans staged their first-ever midterm convention, an unusual spectacle designed to energise a party facing a difficult November election. Trump made clear who the central character was.

Donald Trump wants Americans to believe several things at once. The Iran war — or “military conflict,” as he has also called it — will end immediately after the November midterms. Iran cannot hold out much longer. Republicans must retain Congress. And if they do, every American adult could receive a $5,000 “Trump dividend.” There is only one problem. The arithmetic, the battlefield and even some of Trump's own advisers appear to be telling a different story. A war with two deadlines Trump says Iran will not be able to sustain its resistance beyond the midterm elections. Yet the Wall Street Journal reports that senior advisers including Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have privately discussed with Trump the possibility that Tehran could withstand American pressure through the remainder of his presidency — potentially beyond January 2029. That is not a minor difference. It is the difference between weeks and years. It also exposes the strange ambiguity surrounding America's confrontation with Iran. Trump himself has played down the terminology, describing it as a “military conflict” and “small potatoes” for the United States. But terminology cannot alter consequences. Americans are dead. Military assets are deployed. Oil markets have been disrupted. Fuel prices have become a political liability. And Washington is threatening further strikes against Iran. Call it a war or call it a military conflict. Americans ultimately experience its consequences through lives, prices and public money. Welcome to the Trump show Then came Dallas. Republicans staged their first-ever midterm convention, an unusual spectacle designed to energise a party facing a difficult November election. Trump made clear who the central character was. “I’m asking you to pretend that I’m on the ballot,” he told supporters. The convention became so centred on the president that Republican National Committee Chairman Joe Gruters informally called it “Trumpapalooza.” But the spectacle also exposed the risk of building an entire congressional election around one man. Several Republicans facing difficult races stayed away. Trump described the arena as packed, although reporters observed largely empty sections in the upper levels. Online viewership was modest. The show was enormous. Whether the enthusiasm matched it is another question. $5,000 for a Republican victory Then came Trump's biggest promise.

Republicans staged their first-ever midterm convention, an unusual spectacle designed to energise a party facing a difficult November election. Trump made clear who the central character was.

The Trump Show: A $5,000 promise, a war without an end and a trillion-dollar question | The Verdict

The US-Iran war has escalated after Iranian strikes targeted the US Air Base in Jordan, where American forces are stationed. According to reports, multiple U.S. military aircraft were damaged in the attack. 

US-Iran war: US military aircraft damaged in strikes at Jordan air base

US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that the war with Iran would end “immediately” after the elections, slated for early November, and claimed that Tehran will not be able to sustain the conflict for much longer.“I think the war is going to end immediately after the election,” Trump said, while claiming that Iran was trying to influence the US vote.The US president was speaking to reporters while waiting to board Air Force One to travel to the GOP midterm convention in Texas.&nbsp;Trump said Iran is trying to shape the outcome of the US midterm election in the hope that it would then have to deal with a weaker group of politicians who would leave Tehran alone and allow them to develop a nuclear weapon.&nbsp;“All they want is a nuclear weapon. And if they had a nuclear weapon, the whole world is in deep trouble,” he said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/satellite-images-show-construction-surge-at-iran-s-pickaxe-nuclear-site-amid-us-war-1788980343140">Satellite images show construction surge at Iran’s Pickaxe nuclear site amid US war</a>&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">.<a href="https://x.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> on Iran: &quot;I&#39;m doing much more than a nuclear deal. There&#39;s a lot more than nuclear... That&#39;s 99.9, but there&#39;s going to be a lot of other things on the table that wouldn&#39;t have been on the table three months ago.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/jMlzGARkpw">pic.twitter.com/jMlzGARkpw</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://x.com/RapidResponse47/status/2097759930509922641?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 9, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;<h2>‘Conflict now far more than about nuclear programme’&nbsp;</h2>&nbsp;Trump said the conflict was now about more than Iran’s nuclear programme, indicating that Washington would seek broader outcomes.“I am doing much more than a nuclear deal. There is a lot more than nuclear,” Trump said. “We are gonna have nuclear, that’s 99.9 (per cent), but there is gonna be a lot of other things on the table.”&nbsp;“There’s going to be a lot of other things on the table that wouldn’t have been on the table three months ago,” he added.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/singapore-s-pm-world-s-highest-paid-leader-gets-64-hike-surges-far-ahead-of-his-global-peers-1788966635640">Singapore’s PM, world’s highest paid leader, gets 64% hike; surges far ahead of his global peers</a><h2>Trump rules out active negotiations with Iran</h2>&nbsp;He also said the US was not actively seeking negotiations with Tehran, although he left open the possibility for talks taking place.&nbsp;Asked about the possibility of resumed talks with Tehran, Trump said that he is not looking to negotiate with Iran in the near future, before the midterms.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/festivals-are-inclusive-if-muslim-comes-to-garba-cm-fadnavis-s-wife-amruta-after-vhp-bans-entry-1788959055047">‘Festivals are inclusive, if Muslim comes to garba...’: CM Fadnavis’s wife Amruta after VHP bans entry</a>&nbsp;“We’re not looking for it, to be honest,” Trump said, adding, “Originally, I wanted to make a deal. We’re so far down the line, they have very little country left right now, so we’re not looking for it. Yes, a negotiation could possibly happen but it’s not something we’re looking at.”&nbsp;Replying to a question on Israel, Trump said that he would be speaking to officials about the recent sanctions on illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank.

Trump said the conflict was now about more than Iran’s nuclear programme, indicating that Washington would seek broader outcomes. There will be a lot of other things on the table that wouldn’t have been there three months ago, he added.

US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that the war with Iran would end “immediately” after the elections, slated for early November, and claimed that Tehran will not be able to sustain the conflict for much longer. “I think the war is going to end immediately after the election,” Trump said, while claiming that Iran was trying to influence the US vote. The US president was speaking to reporters while waiting to board Air Force One to travel to the GOP midterm convention in Texas. Trump said Iran is trying to shape the outcome of the US midterm election in the hope that it would then have to deal with a weaker group of politicians who would leave Tehran alone and allow them to develop a nuclear weapon. “All they want is a nuclear weapon. And if they had a nuclear weapon, the whole world is in deep trouble,” he said. Also Read: Satellite images show construction surge at Iran’s Pickaxe nuclear site amid US war

Trump said the conflict was now about more than Iran’s nuclear programme, indicating that Washington would seek broader outcomes. There will be a lot of other things on the table that wouldn’t have been there three months ago, he added.

Trump says Iran war will end immediately after US midterms, claims Tehran trying to sway vote

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has claimed it captured a US unmanned underwater vehicle near the entrance to the Strait of Hormuz, calling it one of the most advanced systems operated by the US military.Iranian state media identified the vessel as the Dive-LD, an autonomous underwater vehicle manufactured by California-based defence technology company Anduril Industries. The IRGC Navy described the submarine as a “prize” now in Iranian possession.The US military, however, disputed the significance of the incident. A Pentagon spokesperson said the underwater drone had malfunctioned more than a day before Iran announced the seizure and had been surveying regional waters as part of ongoing US operations.The defective vehicle was an older Dive-LD model and “neither collected sensitive data nor carried any classified sonar or radar equipment”, the spokesperson said.<h2>What is Dive-LD?</h2>The Dive-LD is a roughly 5.8-metre (19-foot) autonomous underwater vehicle weighing about three tonnes. According to Anduril, the underwater drone can operate for up to 10 days without requiring it to return to base and can dive to depths of around 6,000 metres (19,700 feet).Its modular design allows it to carry different sensors and payloads. Its stated missions include intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, mine countermeasures, seabed mapping and inspection of underwater infrastructure such as cables and pipelines.<h2>Why does it matter?</h2>US defence officials have been investing heavily in autonomous underwater and surface systems to monitor large areas, gather intelligence and track adversary vessels without exposing sailors to danger.Anduril confirmed that one of its Dive-LD vessels had been lost but played down the military significance of its capture.“Dive-LD is an attritable autonomous system,” an Anduril spokesperson said, meaning the vehicle was designed to operate in dangerous environments where losing the system was considered an expected possibility.The company said the vessel had already delivered significant value during thousands of hours of operations in the US Central Command area.The US Navy began receiving Dive-LD systems in 2025, with the vehicles being used by its unmanned undersea units. Anduril is also supplying the Navy with the larger Dive-XL system, which shares design characteristics with Australia’s Ghost Shark autonomous submarine.

Iran claims it captured a US Dive-LD underwater drone near the Strait of Hormuz, but Washington says the malfunctioning vehicle was an older model that carried no sensitive data or classified equipment.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has claimed it captured a US unmanned underwater vehicle near the entrance to the Strait of Hormuz, calling it one of the most advanced systems operated by the US military. Iranian state media identified the vessel as the Dive-LD, an autonomous underwater vehicle manufactured by California-based defence technology company Anduril Industries. The IRGC Navy described the submarine as a “prize” now in Iranian possession. The US military, however, disputed the significance of the incident. A Pentagon spokesperson said the underwater drone had malfunctioned more than a day before Iran announced the seizure and had been surveying regional waters as part of ongoing US operations. The defective vehicle was an older Dive-LD model and “neither collected sensitive data nor carried any classified sonar or radar equipment”, the spokesperson said. What is Dive-LD? The Dive-LD is a roughly 5.8-metre (19-foot) autonomous underwater vehicle weighing about three tonnes. According to Anduril, the underwater drone can operate for up to 10 days without requiring it to return to base and can dive to depths of around 6,000 metres (19,700 feet). Its modular design allows it to carry different sensors and payloads. Its stated missions include intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, mine countermeasures, seabed mapping and inspection of underwater infrastructure such as cables and pipelines. Why does it matter? US defence officials have been investing heavily in autonomous underwater and surface systems to monitor large areas, gather intelligence and track adversary vessels without exposing sailors to danger. Anduril confirmed that one of its Dive-LD vessels had been lost but played down the military significance of its capture. “Dive-LD is an attritable autonomous system,” an Anduril spokesperson said, meaning the vehicle was designed to operate in dangerous environments where losing the system was considered an expected possibility. The company said the vessel had already delivered significant value during thousands of hours of operations in the US Central Command area. The US Navy began receiving Dive-LD systems in 2025, with the vehicles being used by its unmanned undersea units. Anduril is also supplying the Navy with the larger Dive-XL system, which shares design characteristics with Australia’s Ghost Shark autonomous submarine.

Iran claims it captured a US Dive-LD underwater drone near the Strait of Hormuz, but Washington says the malfunctioning vehicle was an older model that carried no sensitive data or classified equipment.

What is Dive-LD? All you need to know about the US underwater drone Iran claims to have captured

Several vessels in the Gulf region were on fire on Wednesday (Sep 9), according to a British maritime agency, as Iran said it had attacked 20 ships attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. The latest incidents come amid a deadlock in the six-month war, with Iran maintaining its grip on the strategic waterway while Washington continues to press its counterblockade of Iranian ports. Meanwhile, Iran’s foreign ministry condemned the US strikes on its oil tankers, calling the attacks a threat to regional security.The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said “several merchant vessels in the Northern Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman” were “subject to disabling fire as part of ongoing military activity in the region”.The agency also reported a vessel 24 nautical miles northwest of Port Rashid, in the UAE, that appeared to be listing.“The Master of a tanker has reported sighting a vessel listing while at anchor, possibly indicating water ingress following an attack from an unknown projectile,” it said.<h2>Iran claims attacks on 20 ships</h2>Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said they had attacked two US vessels, eight oil tankers and 10 “non-compliant vessels” trying to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, state media reported. The claims came after US strikes on Iranian vessels, with Tehran also threatening to attack oil tankers off Kuwait and Bahrain.The Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes, has remained at the centre of the confrontation. Any disruption to traffic through the narrow waterway could have wider consequences for energy markets and commercial shipping.The latest reports add to concerns over the safety of vessels operating in the Gulf and surrounding waters. While the maritime agency did not identify the ships involved, its warning underscores the risks facing commercial traffic as military activity continues.The incidents also highlight the growing pressure on shipping operators navigating the region, where attacks and counterattacks have raised fears of further escalation.<h2>Iran condemns US strikes on tankers</h2>Iranian foreign ministry on Wednesday (Sep 9) condemned the US strikes on oil carriers. It added that the Iranian forces targeted the US military facilities in the region in “self-defence”.“The aggressive actions by the United States against Iranian commercial vessels not only increase the dangers of tensions in the region but are also considered an overt threat to regional and international peace and security,” the ministry said in a statement.

Iran claims attacks on 20 ships in the Strait of Hormuz as vessels catch fire in the Gulf. Tehran condemns US strikes on oil tankers, raising fears of wider regional escalation.

Several vessels in the Gulf region were on fire on Wednesday (Sep 9), according to a British maritime agency, as Iran said it had attacked 20 ships attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. The latest incidents come amid a deadlock in the six-month war, with Iran maintaining its grip on the strategic waterway while Washington continues to press its counterblockade of Iranian ports. Meanwhile, Iran’s foreign ministry condemned the US strikes on its oil tankers, calling the attacks a threat to regional security. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said “several merchant vessels in the Northern Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman” were “subject to disabling fire as part of ongoing military activity in the region”. The agency also reported a vessel 24 nautical miles northwest of Port Rashid, in the UAE, that appeared to be listing. “The Master of a tanker has reported sighting a vessel listing while at anchor, possibly indicating water ingress following an attack from an unknown projectile,” it said. Iran claims attacks on 20 ships Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said they had attacked two US vessels, eight oil tankers and 10 “non-compliant vessels” trying to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, state media reported. The claims came after US strikes on Iranian vessels, with Tehran also threatening to attack oil tankers off Kuwait and Bahrain. The Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes, has remained at the centre of the confrontation. Any disruption to traffic through the narrow waterway could have wider consequences for energy markets and commercial shipping. The latest reports add to concerns over the safety of vessels operating in the Gulf and surrounding waters. While the maritime agency did not identify the ships involved, its warning underscores the risks facing commercial traffic as military activity continues. The incidents also highlight the growing pressure on shipping operators navigating the region, where attacks and counterattacks have raised fears of further escalation. Iran condemns US strikes on tankers Iranian foreign ministry on Wednesday (Sep 9) condemned the US strikes on oil carriers. It added that the Iranian forces targeted the US military facilities in the region in “self-defence”. “The aggressive actions by the United States against Iranian commercial vessels not only increase the dangers of tensions in the region but are also considered an overt threat to regional and international peace and security,” the ministry said in a statement.

Iran claims attacks on 20 ships in the Strait of Hormuz as vessels catch fire in the Gulf. Tehran condemns US strikes on oil tankers, raising fears of wider regional escalation.

Gulf on fire: Iran claims attacks on 20 ships, condemns US strikes on tankers

As Tehran continues to resist US pressure, Pentagon has come in for fresh criticism. It has now been accused of trying to deny benefits to families of US soldiers who have died in the Iran war.This came to light after Libby Klinner, the widow of Major Alex Klinner, voiced her frustration on social media.&nbsp;She was reportedly told by a military officer that she was ineligible for certain combat-related benefits, citing that US is technically not at war.Major Klinner was one of the six crew members of a KC-135 refueling aircraft that crashed in western Iraq in March.&nbsp;After her social media post went viral, US Air Force officials contacted her to initiate a review of her husband’s pay. Subsequently, they clarified that she would be receiving the full pay and benefits her husband was owed, including hazard pay as well as combat-related tax breaks.&nbsp;In wake of this, Libby Klinner urged everyone to ensure that every martyr's family should get clarity on the benefits from the outset.&nbsp;18 US military personnel have been killed and 780 others have been wounded since the beginning of the Iran war.&nbsp;Also, multiple bases across West Asia have suffered damage running into billions of dollars due to Iranian retaliatory strikes.&nbsp;The American leadership has been trying to downplay the Iran war ahead of November's midterm elections.&nbsp;For instance, US Vice President JD Vance rejected using the word 'war' to characterise US operations in Iran, saying that there was no active shooting.&nbsp;US President Donald Trump also backed Vance's stance, adding that the operation against Iran is 'small potatoes' for America.&nbsp;Now, after CENTCOM forces struck three Iranian crude oil carriers over the weekend in response to IRGC's ballistic missile attack on US warships, Tehran issued a stern warning.&nbsp;Iran's parliament speaker and key negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf emphasised that every violation of his country's security and assets will be met with a faster, heavier and more painful response...&nbsp;This is not all.&nbsp;Iran wants to further strengthen its stranglehold over the Strait of Hormuz.&nbsp;In an interview, Iran's supreme national security council head, Mohsen Rezai, announced that Tehran will soon announce a restricted zone outside Hormuz.&nbsp;Any vessel entering this zone will be placed on Iran's sanctions list.&nbsp;Amid this, Iran also revealed that its negotiations with Oman regarding designating a safe route for passage of ships through Hormuz have reached the final stage...&nbsp;While there has been a temporary lull in attacks between US and Iran, Israel has intensified its attacks on Lebanon. Plumes of smoke were seen after a barrage of artillery fire by Israel.&nbsp;In overnight air strikes by IDF on a village in southern Lebanon, at least eleven people, including two children, were killed. Visuals showed a spate of destruction.&nbsp;Rescuers were seen desperately trying to search for survivors amid the rubble...&nbsp;Now, as depleting weapon stockpiles haunt US and West Asia continues to bear the brunt of Iran's retaliatory strikes, is there a growing rethink on America's role in the region?&nbsp;Qatar, for instance, advocated a focus on self-sufficiency.&nbsp;As US struggles to break the stalemate, former Pentagon chief Leon Panetta issued a warning.&nbsp;He opined that the Iran war risks becoming another 'forever war' in West Asia and is likely to continue for six more months without being resolved...

As many as 18 US military personnel have been killed and 780 others have been wounded since the beginning of the Iran war. Also, multiple bases across West Asia have suffered damage running into billions of dollars due to Iranian retaliatory strikes.

As Tehran continues to resist US pressure, Pentagon has come in for fresh criticism. It has now been accused of trying to deny benefits to families of US soldiers who have died in the Iran war. This came to light after Libby Klinner, the widow of Major Alex Klinner, voiced her frustration on social media. She was reportedly told by a military officer that she was ineligible for certain combat-related benefits, citing that US is technically not at war. Major Klinner was one of the six crew members of a KC-135 refueling aircraft that crashed in western Iraq in March. After her social media post went viral, US Air Force officials contacted her to initiate a review of her husband’s pay. Subsequently, they clarified that she would be receiving the full pay and benefits her husband was owed, including hazard pay as well as combat-related tax breaks. In wake of this, Libby Klinner urged everyone to ensure that every martyr's family should get clarity on the benefits from the outset. 18 US military personnel have been killed and 780 others have been wounded since the beginning of the Iran war. Also, multiple bases across West Asia have suffered damage running into billions of dollars due to Iranian retaliatory strikes. The American leadership has been trying to downplay the Iran war ahead of November's midterm elections. For instance, US Vice President JD Vance rejected using the word 'war' to characterise US operations in Iran, saying that there was no active shooting. US President Donald Trump also backed Vance's stance, adding that the operation against Iran is 'small potatoes' for America. Now, after CENTCOM forces struck three Iranian crude oil carriers over the weekend in response to IRGC's ballistic missile attack on US warships, Tehran issued a stern warning. Iran's parliament speaker and key negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf emphasised that every violation of his country's security and assets will be met with a faster, heavier and more painful response... This is not all. Iran wants to further strengthen its stranglehold over the Strait of Hormuz. In an interview, Iran's supreme national security council head, Mohsen Rezai, announced that Tehran will soon announce a restricted zone outside Hormuz. Any vessel entering this zone will be placed on Iran's sanctions list. Amid this, Iran also revealed that its negotiations with Oman regarding designating a safe route for passage of ships through Hormuz have reached the final stage... While there has been a temporary lull in attacks between US and Iran, Israel has intensified its attacks on Lebanon. Plumes of smoke were seen after a barrage of artillery fire by Israel. In overnight air strikes by IDF on a village in southern Lebanon, at least eleven people, including two children, were killed. Visuals showed a spate of destruction. Rescuers were seen desperately trying to search for survivors amid the rubble... Now, as depleting weapon stockpiles haunt US and West Asia continues to bear the brunt of Iran's retaliatory strikes, is there a growing rethink on America's role in the region? Qatar, for instance, advocated a focus on self-sufficiency. As US struggles to break the stalemate, former Pentagon chief Leon Panetta issued a warning. He opined that the Iran war risks becoming another 'forever war' in West Asia and is likely to continue for six more months without being resolved...

As many as 18 US military personnel have been killed and 780 others have been wounded since the beginning of the Iran war. Also, multiple bases across West Asia have suffered damage running into billions of dollars due to Iranian retaliatory strikes.

Did US refuse payout for soldier killed in Iran War? Pentagon faces fresh scrutiny | Gravitas

The widow of a US Air Force major has raised concerns over how military benefits and combat classifications are communicated to families after the death of her husband during a US military operation in Iraq. Libby Klinner, whose 33-year-old husband, Major Alex Klinner, was killed in March, said she was initially told that she was not eligible for additional benefits because Congress had not formally declared war.&nbsp;Major Klinner was one of six crew members aboard a KC-135 refuelling aircraft that crashed in western Iraq while supporting US strikes against Iran. Since the conflict with Iran started more than six months ago, 18 US service members have reportedly been killed and 780 wounded. “My husband lost his life because we’re in a war, and then I was told that because it’s not technically a war, we lose out on something,” Ms Klinner was quoted as saying to the Associated Press. “It all comes down to principle.”&nbsp;Her comments were widely shared online, prompting the US Air Force to clarify the situation. Officials said Major Klinner's final pay cheque had included hazard pay and combat-related tax benefits. US officials also acknowledged that the family had initially received incorrect information. They said his final pay cheque included “combat pay”, worth $225 a month, although it had been incorrectly itemised. The payment was not dependent on Congress issuing a formal declaration of war.&nbsp;“What this experience made clear to me is how difficult it can be for a grieving family to navigate classifications, terminology and government processes at the very moment we are least equipped to do so,” Ms Klinner said in a statement. “No Gold Star family should have to become an expert in government language to understand what they are entitled to. Alex understood the risks that came with his service, and he trusted that if the worst happened, his family would be taken care of.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/putting-3d-on-2d-surface-why-is-africa-s-true-size-not-shown-on-the-world-map-1788757697609">Putting 3D on 2D surface - Why is Africa's true size not shown on the world map?</a><h2>What is the eligibility of military compensation?</h2>Eligibility for different forms of military compensation can depend on several factors, including deployment status and duty location. As a result, service members' pay can change repeatedly during the year, potentially creating confusion and administrative errors. Klinner said her experience should prompt a broader discussion about ensuring military families receive clear and accurate information when they are dealing with the loss of a loved one.&nbsp;“I want the conversation to focus on making sure every family facing an unimaginable loss has that same clarity from the start,” said Klinner. “Getting this right for the families left behind isn’t a footnote, it’s part of how we honour the service and sacrifice of those we lost.”&nbsp;US Vice President JD Vance was questioned about the case during a White House briefing on Thursday. “We want to be as helpful as we can and ensure she gets everything that she is entitled to,” he said. “My message to her would be, ‘We love you, we’re grateful for the sacrifice and we very much take very seriously our commitment to get you what you need to get.’”&nbsp;Asked whether US operations against Iran should be described as a war, Vance rejected the terminology, saying there was “no active shooting”. President Donald Trump has also repeatedly referred to the military campaign against Iran as a war. However, he backed Vance's position on Friday and described the strikes as “intermittent”.&nbsp;He said “A lot of people don’t call it a war. I call it a military conflict, because it’s small potatoes for us.” The dispute over terminology comes amid wider complaints from military families about how the Pentagon has classified injuries suffered by US personnel during operations against Iran.&nbsp;Some families have alleged that the extent of injuries has been downplayed and that wounded personnel have not always been treated as combat casualties. The US Army has denied those claims. The US military has generally been cautious about releasing detailed information about injuries. US Central Command is not required to disclose such information in cases where personnel return to duty relatively quickly.&nbsp;Trump has also met with relatives of US service members killed during military operations, including the parents of 25-year-old Lt Tyler James Feehan. “He talked to me as a mother who lost her son,” said Shari Feehan, Lt Feehan’s mother. “He saw the devastation. He witnessed that, and so he knows.”

US Air Force widow Libby Klinner raises concerns over military benefits after Major Alex Klinner’s death, amid debate over Iran conflict classifications

The widow of a US Air Force major has raised concerns over how military benefits and combat classifications are communicated to families after the death of her husband during a US military operation in Iraq. Libby Klinner, whose 33-year-old husband, Major Alex Klinner, was killed in March, said she was initially told that she was not eligible for additional benefits because Congress had not formally declared war. Major Klinner was one of six crew members aboard a KC-135 refuelling aircraft that crashed in western Iraq while supporting US strikes against Iran. Since the conflict with Iran started more than six months ago, 18 US service members have reportedly been killed and 780 wounded. “My husband lost his life because we’re in a war, and then I was told that because it’s not technically a war, we lose out on something,” Ms Klinner was quoted as saying to the Associated Press. “It all comes down to principle.” Her comments were widely shared online, prompting the US Air Force to clarify the situation. Officials said Major Klinner's final pay cheque had included hazard pay and combat-related tax benefits. US officials also acknowledged that the family had initially received incorrect information. They said his final pay cheque included “combat pay”, worth $225 a month, although it had been incorrectly itemised. The payment was not dependent on Congress issuing a formal declaration of war. “What this experience made clear to me is how difficult it can be for a grieving family to navigate classifications, terminology and government processes at the very moment we are least equipped to do so,” Ms Klinner said in a statement. “No Gold Star family should have to become an expert in government language to understand what they are entitled to. Alex understood the risks that came with his service, and he trusted that if the worst happened, his family would be taken care of.” Also Read: Putting 3D on 2D surface - Why is Africa's true size not shown on the world map? What is the eligibility of military compensation? Eligibility for different forms of military compensation can depend on several factors, including deployment status and duty location. As a result, service members' pay can change repeatedly during the year, potentially creating confusion and administrative errors. Klinner said her experience should prompt a broader discussion about ensuring military families receive clear and accurate information when they are dealing with the loss of a loved one. “I want the conversation to focus on making sure every family facing an unimaginable loss has that same clarity from the start,” said Klinner. “Getting this right for the families left behind isn’t a footnote, it’s part of how we honour the service and sacrifice of those we lost.” US Vice President JD Vance was questioned about the case during a White House briefing on Thursday. “We want to be as helpful as we can and ensure she gets everything that she is entitled to,” he said. “My message to her would be, ‘We love you, we’re grateful for the sacrifice and we very much take very seriously our commitment to get you what you need to get.’” Asked whether US operations against Iran should be described as a war, Vance rejected the terminology, saying there was “no active shooting”. President Donald Trump has also repeatedly referred to the military campaign against Iran as a war. However, he backed Vance's position on Friday and described the strikes as “intermittent”. He said “A lot of people don’t call it a war. I call it a military conflict, because it’s small potatoes for us.” The dispute over terminology comes amid wider complaints from military families about how the Pentagon has classified injuries suffered by US personnel during operations against Iran. Some families have alleged that the extent of injuries has been downplayed and that wounded personnel have not always been treated as combat casualties. The US Army has denied those claims. The US military has generally been cautious about releasing detailed information about injuries. US Central Command is not required to disclose such information in cases where personnel return to duty relatively quickly. Trump has also met with relatives of US service members killed during military operations, including the parents of 25-year-old Lt Tyler James Feehan. “He talked to me as a mother who lost her son,” said Shari Feehan, Lt Feehan’s mother. “He saw the devastation. He witnessed that, and so he knows.”

US Air Force widow Libby Klinner questions US military benefits after her husband’s death, sparking debate over combat pay, war classifications and support for families

Is US not paying soldiers fighting against Iran? 'Conflict vs war' debate amid widow's claim of not getting benefits

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf declared the era of "proportionate responses" is over, warning any future US aggression will trigger a "faster, heavier, and more painful" reply. It comes after US forces struck three Iranian oil tankers off Kharg Island and near Jask, retaliating for IRGC missiles fired at two Navy warships — both of which evaded the attack. Iran hit back, targeting tankers and US-linked vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.


US-Iran war: Ghalibaf issues fresh threat, vows further attacks will be 'more painful' 

IRAN-US WAR: Iran has issued a fresh warning to the United States, with Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf saying Tehran will no longer limit itself to “proportionate” responses. He warned that any future attack on Iranian interests or security would trigger a “faster, heavier and more painful” response.

The warning comes amid a sharp escalation around the Strait of Hormuz, with the US and Iran exchanging attacks at sea. The United States has struck three Iranian oil tankers, while Iran has claimed attacks against US-linked vessels and American warships. Some Iranian claims about damage to US vessels have been disputed by Washington.

The IRGC has also claimed that Iranian forces fired missiles at a US aircraft carrier and destroyer. The claims come as Washington continues its naval and economic pressure campaign against Tehran.

IRAN-US WAR | Iran Warns US Of ‘Faster, Heavier, More Painful’ Response As Hormuz Tensions Escalate

Former US defence secretary Leon Panetta has said that the United States’ war with Iran is likely to drag on for another six months and risks becoming another “forever war in the Middle East”, with no clear end in sight.“It’s no mystery that the United States and Iran are caught in a terrible stalemate, in which there really are very few options available to bring this war to an end,” said the ex-Pentagon chief, who served in former President Barack Obama’s administration and oversaw the operation that led to al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden’s death in 2011.&nbsp;Panetta, who also served as CIA director, suggested in an interview with the Guardian that the conflict is on course to become “another failed war” in the Middle East “like Iraq and Afghanistan”.“I think the likelihood is this war is going to continue for another six months without being resolved,” he added.&nbsp;Panetta’s remarks come days after the US army secretary, Dan Driscoll, resigned abruptly, departing amid the conflict after reports of tensions with the defence secretary, Pete Hegseth, over a series of firings.&nbsp;US service members “are going to war at a time when there’s tremendous turmoil at the Pentagon, in the command structure, which really creates a sense that there’s nobody in charge”, said Panetta, who served as defence secretary from 2011 to 2013.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>‘Adversaries of US meeting and supporting each other’</h2>&nbsp;“My biggest concern right now is we live in a very dangerous world, with the primary threats coming from China, from Russia, from North Korea, and from terrorism, and yes, from Iran as well. But what I’m concerned about is that we’re sending a message of weakness to our primary adversaries,” he added.Panetta claimed that the adversaries of the US are meeting and supporting each other in this axis that’s been created.&nbsp;However, the Pentagon had said in a statement that it was “firing on all cylinders” under Hegseth’s leadership.“The premise that the Department is in disarray is completely baseless and an insult to every dedicated professional and warfighter in this building who comes to work every day to defend this nation. This is what reform looks like,” it said.&nbsp;<h2>‘Hope Trump admin learsn long deployment of USS Abraham Lincoln’</h2>&nbsp;Panetta also said he hopes the Pentagon and Trump’s broader administration learn from what happened with the extremely long deployment of the USS Abraham Lincoln. “Bottom line is, you do not deploy people endlessly into a war zone without making some kind of plans for rotation,” Panetta said.&nbsp;Earlier this week, JD Vance told reporters that he would not describe the current military conflict with Iran a “war”. And asked whether he expected the conflict to be over by November’s US midterm elections, the vice-president said, “I think the reality is I don’t know the answer to that question. You would have to ask the Iranians.”&nbsp;<h2>‘US often entangles in wars that drain American resources’</h2>&nbsp;Last week, Panetta said that the US has often become entangled in wars that only drain American resources and compared the ongoing conflict to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.“I think we’re locked into an unwinnable war that is going to continue as other wars have continued without any satisfactory conclusion,” he told CNN in a July-end interview.&nbsp;“Whether it was Iraq, whether it was Afghanistan, or whether it’s Iran, we are finding ourselves in unwinnable wars that ultimately consume the United States, hurt our economy, and most importantly, I think, make us look weak to the rest of the world,” Panetta added.

Former US defence secretary Leon Panetta said he hopes the Pentagon and Trump’s administration learn from what happened with the extremely long deployment of the USS Abraham Lincoln. He added that people should not be deployed endlessly in a war zone without making any plans for rotation.

Former US defence secretary Leon Panetta has said that the United States’ war with Iran is likely to drag on for another six months and risks becoming another “forever war in the Middle East”, with no clear end in sight. “It’s no mystery that the United States and Iran are caught in a terrible stalemate, in which there really are very few options available to bring this war to an end,” said the ex-Pentagon chief, who served in former President Barack Obama’s administration and oversaw the operation that led to al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden’s death in 2011. Panetta, who also served as CIA director, suggested in an interview with the Guardian that the conflict is on course to become “another failed war” in the Middle East “like Iraq and Afghanistan”. “I think the likelihood is this war is going to continue for another six months without being resolved,” he added. Panetta’s remarks come days after the US army secretary, Dan Driscoll, resigned abruptly, departing amid the conflict after reports of tensions with the defence secretary, Pete Hegseth, over a series of firings. US service members “are going to war at a time when there’s tremendous turmoil at the Pentagon, in the command structure, which really creates a sense that there’s nobody in charge”, said Panetta, who served as defence secretary from 2011 to 2013. ‘Adversaries of US meeting and supporting each other’ “My biggest concern right now is we live in a very dangerous world, with the primary threats coming from China, from Russia, from North Korea, and from terrorism, and yes, from Iran as well. But what I’m concerned about is that we’re sending a message of weakness to our primary adversaries,” he added. Panetta claimed that the adversaries of the US are meeting and supporting each other in this axis that’s been created. However, the Pentagon had said in a statement that it was “firing on all cylinders” under Hegseth’s leadership. “The premise that the Department is in disarray is completely baseless and an insult to every dedicated professional and warfighter in this building who comes to work every day to defend this nation. This is what reform looks like,” it said. ‘Hope Trump admin learsn long deployment of USS Abraham Lincoln’ Panetta also said he hopes the Pentagon and Trump’s broader administration learn from what happened with the extremely long deployment of the USS Abraham Lincoln. “Bottom line is, you do not deploy people endlessly into a war zone without making some kind of plans for rotation,” Panetta said. Earlier this week, JD Vance told reporters that he would not describe the current military conflict with Iran a “war”. And asked whether he expected the conflict to be over by November’s US midterm elections, the vice-president said, “I think the reality is I don’t know the answer to that question. You would have to ask the Iranians.” ‘US often entangles in wars that drain American resources’ Last week, Panetta said that the US has often become entangled in wars that only drain American resources and compared the ongoing conflict to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. “I think we’re locked into an unwinnable war that is going to continue as other wars have continued without any satisfactory conclusion,” he told CNN in a July-end interview. “Whether it was Iraq, whether it was Afghanistan, or whether it’s Iran, we are finding ourselves in unwinnable wars that ultimately consume the United States, hurt our economy, and most importantly, I think, make us look weak to the rest of the world,” Panetta added.

Former US defence secretary Leon Panetta said he hopes the Pentagon and Trump’s administration learn from what happened with the extremely long deployment of the USS Abraham Lincoln. He added that people should not be deployed endlessly in a war zone without making any plans for rotation.

Iran War may drag on for another 6 months: Ex-US defence secretary Leon Panetta

Iran’s top negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf on Sunday (Sep 6) threatened a “faster” and “more intense” attack after US strikes on Iranian tankers a day earlier. The American military on Saturday (Sep 5) said that it disabled three Iranian crude oil carriers after two US Navy ships were targeted by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Following the US strikes, Tehran retaliated by attacking a US naval drone trying to enter the Strait of Hormuz. IRGC also targeted three oil tankers in the strait and three US military vessels in other areas.“The Americans must have understood that the era of proportionate responses has come to an end,” Ghalibaf said in a speech carried by state media. He added that “any aggression against Iran’s interests and security will receive a faster, more intense and more painful response”.<h2>CENTCOM strikes Iranian oil tankers</h2>Earlier on Saturday (Sep 5), US Central Command (CENTCOM) on Saturday (Sep 5) said that it struck three Iranian crude oil tankers. The strikes come after the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) targeted two US Navy Warships in the region with ballistic missiles. The US military said that CENTCOM “permanently disabled” disabled Iranian crude oil carriers after Tehran’s “failed attacks” on its vessels.Without specifying which US Navy vessels were targeted by the IRGC, CENTCOM said that “a US aircraft carrier and a guided-missile destroyer successfully evaded multiple unprovoked Iranian attacks.”“Following Iran’s failed attacks, CENTCOM permanently disabled the IRGC crude oil carriers M/T Downy off the coast of Kharg Island and M/T Stark 1 near Jask. American forces also completely destroyed the unladen crude oil carrier M/T Kylo (also known as the “Noxen”) in the Gulf of Oman, striking the vessel in multiple critical locations to render it inoperable after the crew was directed to abandon ship,” the CENTCOM statement read.It added that Iranian tankers were part of a “multibillion-dollar shadow network that funds the IRGC and its regional proxies.”<h2>Economic war wages on</h2>Speaking on the blockade of Iranian ports imposed by Washington, Ghalibaf called on authorities to better manage Iranian imports to counter what he described as the US campaign “seeking to paralyse the supply cycle and energy management”.Revolutionary Guards spokesman Hossein Mohebi on Sunday (Sep 6) said that Tehran was seeking to inflict damage on the US economy through this war.“If America wants to inflict one dollar of economic damage on Iran, it inflicts tens of dollars of damage on itself,” he added.

Iran’s top negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf threatened a “faster” and “more intense” response after US strikes disabled three Iranian oil carriers, warning that Washington would face a “more painful” retaliation.

Iran’s top negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf on Sunday (Sep 6) threatened a “faster” and “more intense” attack after US strikes on Iranian tankers a day earlier. The American military on Saturday (Sep 5) said that it disabled three Iranian crude oil carriers after two US Navy ships were targeted by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Following the US strikes, Tehran retaliated by attacking a US naval drone trying to enter the Strait of Hormuz. IRGC also targeted three oil tankers in the strait and three US military vessels in other areas. “The Americans must have understood that the era of proportionate responses has come to an end,” Ghalibaf said in a speech carried by state media. He added that “any aggression against Iran’s interests and security will receive a faster, more intense and more painful response”. CENTCOM strikes Iranian oil tankers Earlier on Saturday (Sep 5), US Central Command (CENTCOM) on Saturday (Sep 5) said that it struck three Iranian crude oil tankers. The strikes come after the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) targeted two US Navy Warships in the region with ballistic missiles. The US military said that CENTCOM “permanently disabled” disabled Iranian crude oil carriers after Tehran’s “failed attacks” on its vessels. Without specifying which US Navy vessels were targeted by the IRGC, CENTCOM said that “a US aircraft carrier and a guided-missile destroyer successfully evaded multiple unprovoked Iranian attacks.” “Following Iran’s failed attacks, CENTCOM permanently disabled the IRGC crude oil carriers M/T Downy off the coast of Kharg Island and M/T Stark 1 near Jask. American forces also completely destroyed the unladen crude oil carrier M/T Kylo (also known as the “Noxen”) in the Gulf of Oman, striking the vessel in multiple critical locations to render it inoperable after the crew was directed to abandon ship,” the CENTCOM statement read. It added that Iranian tankers were part of a “multibillion-dollar shadow network that funds the IRGC and its regional proxies.” Economic war wages on Speaking on the blockade of Iranian ports imposed by Washington, Ghalibaf called on authorities to better manage Iranian imports to counter what he described as the US campaign “seeking to paralyse the supply cycle and energy management”. Revolutionary Guards spokesman Hossein Mohebi on Sunday (Sep 6) said that Tehran was seeking to inflict damage on the US economy through this war. “If America wants to inflict one dollar of economic damage on Iran, it inflicts tens of dollars of damage on itself,” he added.

Iran’s top negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf threatened a “faster” and “more intense” response after US strikes disabled three Iranian oil carriers, warning that Washington would face a “more painful” retaliation.

‘More intense, more painful response’: Iran’s Ghalibaf threatens after US strikes on oil tankers

Some of the highest-ranking officials in the US military have undergone polygraph tests as part of an investigation into the leak of highly classified information about the country’s weapons stockpiles, CBS reported, citing US officials.&nbsp;The investigation focuses on sensitive details about the supply of advanced weapons and ammunition. US officials became concerned because only a small number of people had access to the information.&nbsp;According to CBS, President Donald Trump was furious over the leaks. Officials also examined whether someone with access to the classified information could be working for a foreign intelligence service.&nbsp;However, the investigation did not include every senior military official. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine, for example, did not take a polygraph test, according to the report.&nbsp;The latest action follows reports from July that the United States had started rationing some munitions, particularly missile interceptors, because of concerns over supplies after months of fighting with Iran.&nbsp;The reports prompted a stronger response from the Pentagon. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that the Pentagon and the Justice Department had created a joint task force to investigate and prosecute people suspected of leaking sensitive government information to the media.&nbsp;Senior US officials rejected claims that the country faced a serious ammunition shortage.&nbsp;Trump said, “We have a lot of ammunition, different types,” while also acknowledging that “for some of the more sophisticated stuff, we'd certainly like to have more.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/13-years-on-nia-court-convicts-10-in-jhiram-ghati-attack-that-killed-29-including-senior-congress-leaders-1788620941877">13 years on, NIA court convicts 10 in Jhiram Ghati attack that killed 29 including senior Congress leaders</a><h3>Around 50 Joint Staff members tested</h3>The New York Times reported on Friday that around 50 members of the military’s Joint Staff had been ordered to take polygraph tests.&nbsp;The Joint Staff serves as the Pentagon’s main planning and advisory body. Investigators are trying to determine how classified information about US weapons stockpiles reached journalists.&nbsp;Polygraph tests are normally used during background checks and security clearance reviews for government employees who handle highly sensitive information.&nbsp;Using the tests on such a large scale during a leak investigation is highly unusual. Analysts and officials told the media that the move could be rare, if not unprecedented.&nbsp;The investigation comes as the Trump administration intensifies efforts to stop unauthorised disclosures of classified information from within the US government.

Trump administration has expanded a rare investigation into classified weapons leaks by subjecting some senior US military officials and around 50 Joint Staff members to polygraph tests.

Some of the highest-ranking officials in the US military have undergone polygraph tests as part of an investigation into the leak of highly classified information about the country’s weapons stockpiles, CBS reported, citing US officials. The investigation focuses on sensitive details about the supply of advanced weapons and ammunition. US officials became concerned because only a small number of people had access to the information. According to CBS, President Donald Trump was furious over the leaks. Officials also examined whether someone with access to the classified information could be working for a foreign intelligence service. However, the investigation did not include every senior military official. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine, for example, did not take a polygraph test, according to the report. The latest action follows reports from July that the United States had started rationing some munitions, particularly missile interceptors, because of concerns over supplies after months of fighting with Iran. The reports prompted a stronger response from the Pentagon. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that the Pentagon and the Justice Department had created a joint task force to investigate and prosecute people suspected of leaking sensitive government information to the media. Senior US officials rejected claims that the country faced a serious ammunition shortage. Trump said, “We have a lot of ammunition, different types,” while also acknowledging that “for some of the more sophisticated stuff, we'd certainly like to have more.” Also Read: 13 years on, NIA court convicts 10 in Jhiram Ghati attack that killed 29 including senior Congress leaders Around 50 Joint Staff members tested The New York Times reported on Friday that around 50 members of the military’s Joint Staff had been ordered to take polygraph tests. The Joint Staff serves as the Pentagon’s main planning and advisory body. Investigators are trying to determine how classified information about US weapons stockpiles reached journalists. Polygraph tests are normally used during background checks and security clearance reviews for government employees who handle highly sensitive information. Using the tests on such a large scale during a leak investigation is highly unusual. Analysts and officials told the media that the move could be rare, if not unprecedented. The investigation comes as the Trump administration intensifies efforts to stop unauthorised disclosures of classified information from within the US government.

Trump administration has expanded a rare investigation into classified weapons leaks by subjecting some senior US military officials and around 50 Joint Staff members to polygraph tests.

US military officials face lie detector tests over depleting weapons stockpile leak amid Iran war

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