US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth on Tuesday (Mar 24) said that the United States “negotiates with bombs” even as the White House stated that the diplomatic path remains open to end the war with Iran. Hegseth reiterated US President Donald Trump’s stance that Washington will not allow Tehran to possess a nuclear weapon. This comes as the war in West Asia entered its 26th day on March 25.While speaking at the swearing-in ceremony for the Secretary of Homeland Security, Hegseth claimed that it was the first time in history that a modern military had been so obliterated.“The air campaign we’ve conducted was one for the history books,” Hegseth said. “We have a president who, when he sends his warfighters out to fight, he unties their hands to actually go out and destroy the enemy as viciously as possible from moment one.”He doubled down, saying, “We negotiate with bombs.”“Never in history has a modern military… been so rapidly and historically obliterated, defeated, from day one with overwhelming firepower,” he said. “You have a choice, as we loiter over the top of Tehran, about your future.”He added, “The President has made it clear that you will not have a nuclear weapon. The war department agrees, our job is to ensure that. We are keeping our hand on that throttle as long and as hard as is necessary to ensure that the interests of the United States of America are achieved on that battlefield.”“He has been very clear with us about what we need to accomplish... creating the conditions for them never to have a nuclear capability, and that is exactly what we are doing in a historic fashion.”Trump blames Hegseth for starting Iran warMeanwhile, Trump blamed the Secretary of War for starting the war with Iran. In the same ceremony, the US president said, “I think this thing’s going to be settled very soon and they go, ‘Oh, that’s too bad.’ Pete didn’t want it to be settled.” He added, “They were not interested in settlement. They were interested in just winning this thing,”Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump said that the US is in negotiations with Iran. He also claimed that Iran offered him a “very big present” related to oil and gas, without sharing any details.Hostilities began on February 28 when the US and Israeli military launched strikes on Iran, killing Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei and several other top Iranian officials. The operation was named ‘Epic Fury’ by the US and ‘Lion’s Roar’ by Israel. The attacks came amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran and ongoing talks over Iran’s nuclear program.In retaliation, Iran launched attacks on Israel and US military bases in the region, including in Bahrain, Kuwait, the UAE, Iraq, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Azerbaijan. Iran has ruled out any possibility of a ceasefire, while US President Donald Trump has claimed victory multiple times, suggesting that the objective is nearly met. Meanwhile, Israel has expanded its operations in Lebanon, targeting Iran’s ally Hezbollah and has ruled out diplomacy with the Lebanese government.Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth says the US “negotiates with bombs” in Iran war, while US President Donald Trump claims talks are ongoing and blames Hegseth for starting the war.

US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth on Tuesday (Mar 24) said that the United States “negotiates with bombs” even as the White House stated that the diplomatic path remains open to end the war with Iran. Hegseth reiterated US President Donald Trump’s stance that Washington will not allow Tehran to possess a nuclear weapon. This comes as the war in West Asia entered its 26th day on March 25. While speaking at the swearing-in ceremony for the Secretary of Homeland Security, Hegseth claimed that it was the first time in history that a modern military had been so obliterated. “The air campaign we’ve conducted was one for the history books,” Hegseth said. “We have a president who, when he sends his warfighters out to fight, he unties their hands to actually go out and destroy the enemy as viciously as possible from moment one.” He doubled down, saying, “We negotiate with bombs.” “Never in history has a modern military… been so rapidly and historically obliterated, defeated, from day one with overwhelming firepower,” he said. “You have a choice, as we loiter over the top of Tehran, about your future.” He added, “The President has made it clear that you will not have a nuclear weapon. The war department agrees, our job is to ensure that. We are keeping our hand on that throttle as long and as hard as is necessary to ensure that the interests of the United States of America are achieved on that battlefield.” “He has been very clear with us about what we need to accomplish... creating the conditions for them never to have a nuclear capability, and that is exactly what we are doing in a historic fashion.” Trump blames Hegseth for starting Iran war Meanwhile, Trump blamed the Secretary of War for starting the war with Iran. In the same ceremony, the US president said, “I think this thing’s going to be settled very soon and they go, ‘Oh, that’s too bad.’ Pete didn’t want it to be settled.” He added, “They were not interested in settlement. They were interested in just winning this thing,” Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump said that the US is in negotiations with Iran. He also claimed that Iran offered him a “very big present” related to oil and gas, without sharing any details. Hostilities began on February 28 when the US and Israeli military launched strikes on Iran, killing Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei and several other top Iranian officials. The operation was named ‘Epic Fury’ by the US and ‘Lion’s Roar’ by Israel. The attacks came amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran and ongoing talks over Iran’s nuclear program. In retaliation, Iran launched attacks on Israel and US military bases in the region, including in Bahrain, Kuwait, the UAE, Iraq, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Azerbaijan. Iran has ruled out any possibility of a ceasefire, while US President Donald Trump has claimed victory multiple times, suggesting that the objective is nearly met. Meanwhile, Israel has expanded its operations in Lebanon, targeting Iran’s ally Hezbollah and has ruled out diplomacy with the Lebanese government. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth says the US “negotiates with bombs” in Iran war, while US President Donald Trump claims talks are ongoing and blames Hegseth for starting the war.

‘We negotiate with bombs’: Hegseth boasts even as Trump claims Iran talks underway

Criton Tornaritis, president of the Cyprus Chess Federation (CCF), has criticised Indian grandmaster Koneru Humpy for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fide-candidates-indian-grandmaster-koneru-humpy-withdraws-citing-personal-safety-and-well-being-1774244894966">withdrawing from upcoming FIDE Candidates</a> tournament citing security concerns. Humpy had withdrawn from the tournament, which is scheduled from March 28 to April 7 in Cyprus, because of the host country's proximity to the ongoing war in West Asia involving Iran, Israel and the US. Humpy called the decision hard but a necessary one in her social media post. Tornaritis, however, doesn't agree with Humpy's claim to Cyprus being called unsafe and found the Indian grandmaster's claim to be not true.<h2>Why Cyprus chess chief isn't happy with Humpy's statement on withdrawing from FIDE Candidates?</h2>Taking to X, Tornaritis wrote that he is "sincerely disappointed by Koneru Humpy’s decision to withdraw, citing that Cyprus 'is not safe'."Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tiger-woods-returns-golf-legend-competes-in-tgl-finals-ahead-of-2026-masters-decision-1774364271593">Woods is Back! Golf king competes in TGL Finals ahead of 2026 Masters decision</a>"The 2026 Women’s Candidates Tournament is one of the most important and prestigious chess events in the world. This claim is simply incorrect. Spreading unfounded concerns harms the sport and shows a lack of respect for the organizers and the players who are participating. At the highest level of chess, decisions should be based on calculation and facts—not fear or misinformation. It was a bad move," he added in reponse to Humpy's comment that FIDE should not have chosen Cyprus as host amid the security concern.<h2>Why FIDE Candidates event is important?</h2>The winner of FIDE Candidates tournament winnner gets to challenge the FIDE World Champion. With Humpy out of contention, R Vaishali and Divya Deshmukh will now represent Indian women in the event. The winner of the tournament will challenge China's Ju Wenjun for the women's title.<h2>Tornaritis also calls out US grandmaster Hikaru Nakamura as well</h2>Tornaritis also called out US grandmaster Nakamura's claim of prolonged power cuts in Cyprus and wrote on X: "I’m genuinely curious where you read that, because it certainly doesn’t reflect the reality in Cyprus. And just to be clear, there are no “electricity cuts across Cyprus” in general. Perhaps there’s been some confusion with another country?"

The winner of FIDE Candidates tournament winnner gets to challenge the FIDE World Champion. With Humpy out of contention, R Vaishali and Divya Deshmukh will now represent Indian women in the event. The winner of the tournament will challenge China's Ju Wenjun for the women's title.

Criton Tornaritis, president of the Cyprus Chess Federation (CCF), has criticised Indian grandmaster Koneru Humpy for withdrawing from upcoming FIDE Candidates tournament citing security concerns. Humpy had withdrawn from the tournament, which is scheduled from March 28 to April 7 in Cyprus, because of the host country's proximity to the ongoing war in West Asia involving Iran, Israel and the US. Humpy called the decision hard but a necessary one in her social media post. Tornaritis, however, doesn't agree with Humpy's claim to Cyprus being called unsafe and found the Indian grandmaster's claim to be not true. Why Cyprus chess chief isn't happy with Humpy's statement on withdrawing from FIDE Candidates? Taking to X, Tornaritis wrote that he is "sincerely disappointed by Koneru Humpy’s decision to withdraw, citing that Cyprus 'is not safe'." Also Read - Woods is Back! Golf king competes in TGL Finals ahead of 2026 Masters decision "The 2026 Women’s Candidates Tournament is one of the most important and prestigious chess events in the world. This claim is simply incorrect. Spreading unfounded concerns harms the sport and shows a lack of respect for the organizers and the players who are participating. At the highest level of chess, decisions should be based on calculation and facts—not fear or misinformation. It was a bad move," he added in reponse to Humpy's comment that FIDE should not have chosen Cyprus as host amid the security concern. Why FIDE Candidates event is important? The winner of FIDE Candidates tournament winnner gets to challenge the FIDE World Champion. With Humpy out of contention, R Vaishali and Divya Deshmukh will now represent Indian women in the event. The winner of the tournament will challenge China's Ju Wenjun for the women's title. Tornaritis also calls out US grandmaster Hikaru Nakamura as well Tornaritis also called out US grandmaster Nakamura's claim of prolonged power cuts in Cyprus and wrote on X: "I’m genuinely curious where you read that, because it certainly doesn’t reflect the reality in Cyprus. And just to be clear, there are no “electricity cuts across Cyprus” in general. Perhaps there’s been some confusion with another country?"

The winner of FIDE Candidates tournament winnner gets to challenge the FIDE World Champion. With Humpy out of contention, R Vaishali and Divya Deshmukh will now represent Indian women in the event. The winner of the tournament will challenge China's Ju Wenjun for the women's title.

'Spreading unfounded concerns': Cyprus chess chief calls Indian grandmaster Humpy's decision to withdraw from FIDE Candidates 'bad move'

After Donald Trump threatened Tehran with 'obliterating' power plants and gave a deadline to Tehran over opening the Strait of Hormuz, Iran's military responded with a warning to completely close the vital waterway if the US military targets power infrastructure.&nbsp;"If the United States' threats regarding Iran's power plants are carried out... the Strait of Hormuz will be completely closed, and it will not be reopened until our destroyed power plants are rebuilt," the military's operational command Khatam Al-Anbiya said in a statement carried by state TV.&nbsp;Tehran's army added that it will also strike Israel's "power plants, energy, and information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure", along with power plants in regional countries hosting US bases and companies with US shareholders. It asserted that these measures will be taken "to defend our country and the interests of our nation".&nbsp;The traffic through the vital Strait, which accounts for nearly 20 per cent of crude oil and liquefied natural gas, has been brought to a standstill since the start of the war.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-deploys-ice-agents-to-airports-as-dhs-funding-standoff-enters-fifth-week-1774188023973">Trump deploys ICE agents to airports as DHS funding standoff enters fifth week</a>&nbsp;These statments follows US President Donald Trump’s latest 48-hour ultimatum to Iran, issued on Saturday, warning that the United States will "obliterate" Iran's power plants, starting with the largest first, if the Strait of Hormuz is not fully reopened.&nbsp;Based on the timing of the post, the 48-hour window is set to expire late Monday night, as global oil prices surge due to the effective closure of the waterway.&nbsp;"If Iran doesn't FULLY OPEN, WITHOUT THREAT, the Strait of Hormuz, within 48 HOURS from this exact point in time, the United States of America will hit and obliterate their various POWER PLANTS, STARTING WITH THE BIGGEST ONE FIRST!" Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social.&nbsp;The US President came under intense domestic and international pressure from rising energy prices, with crude oil trading above $100 a barrel since the start of the war on February 28. Confusing messaging from Donald Trump also added to market volatility, as he kept the US stance on the Strait of Hormuz unclear. Earlier, he had called for multilateral naval support from European allies to force open the vital waterway. However, after being snubbed by partners, he said Washington was not concerned, as it does not depend on the strait for its energy needs. On Saturday, he again shifted his position by issuing a deadline to Iran.&nbsp;Meanwhile, Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian echoed the military’s stance, saying, “The illusion of erasing Iran from the map shows desperation against the will of a history-making nation. Threats and terror only strengthen our unity,” in a social media post.&nbsp;At the same time, he asserted that "The Strait of Hormuz is open to all except those who violate our soil."&nbsp;The war, triggered by a joint US-Israeli bombing campaign targeting top Iranian leadership in an apparent attempt to spark regime change, and key strategic and military locations, entered its third week.&nbsp;Despite the US and Israel killing its top leadership and targeting key infrastructure, Iran remains defiant. It has adopted a tit-for-tat strategy by attacking oil and energy facilities across Gulf nations and surprised the US by targeting the Diego Garcia military base, which is around 4,000 km away from Iran, showcasing Tehran's missile capabilities, which the US had claimed were significantly reduced in its strikes.&nbsp;(Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.)&nbsp;

Tehran's army threatened that it will also strike Israel's "power plants, energy, and information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure."

After Donald Trump threatened Tehran with 'obliterating' power plants and gave a deadline to Tehran over opening the Strait of Hormuz, Iran's military responded with a warning to completely close the vital waterway if the US military targets power infrastructure. "If the United States' threats regarding Iran's power plants are carried out... the Strait of Hormuz will be completely closed, and it will not be reopened until our destroyed power plants are rebuilt," the military's operational command Khatam Al-Anbiya said in a statement carried by state TV. Tehran's army added that it will also strike Israel's "power plants, energy, and information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure", along with power plants in regional countries hosting US bases and companies with US shareholders. It asserted that these measures will be taken "to defend our country and the interests of our nation". The traffic through the vital Strait, which accounts for nearly 20 per cent of crude oil and liquefied natural gas, has been brought to a standstill since the start of the war. Also Read: Trump deploys ICE agents to airports as DHS funding standoff enters fifth week These statments follows US President Donald Trump’s latest 48-hour ultimatum to Iran, issued on Saturday, warning that the United States will "obliterate" Iran's power plants, starting with the largest first, if the Strait of Hormuz is not fully reopened. Based on the timing of the post, the 48-hour window is set to expire late Monday night, as global oil prices surge due to the effective closure of the waterway. "If Iran doesn't FULLY OPEN, WITHOUT THREAT, the Strait of Hormuz, within 48 HOURS from this exact point in time, the United States of America will hit and obliterate their various POWER PLANTS, STARTING WITH THE BIGGEST ONE FIRST!" Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social. The US President came under intense domestic and international pressure from rising energy prices, with crude oil trading above $100 a barrel since the start of the war on February 28. Confusing messaging from Donald Trump also added to market volatility, as he kept the US stance on the Strait of Hormuz unclear. Earlier, he had called for multilateral naval support from European allies to force open the vital waterway. However, after being snubbed by partners, he said Washington was not concerned, as it does not depend on the strait for its energy needs. On Saturday, he again shifted his position by issuing a deadline to Iran. Meanwhile, Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian echoed the military’s stance, saying, “The illusion of erasing Iran from the map shows desperation against the will of a history-making nation. Threats and terror only strengthen our unity,” in a social media post. At the same time, he asserted that "The Strait of Hormuz is open to all except those who violate our soil." The war, triggered by a joint US-Israeli bombing campaign targeting top Iranian leadership in an apparent attempt to spark regime change, and key strategic and military locations, entered its third week. Despite the US and Israel killing its top leadership and targeting key infrastructure, Iran remains defiant. It has adopted a tit-for-tat strategy by attacking oil and energy facilities across Gulf nations and surprised the US by targeting the Diego Garcia military base, which is around 4,000 km away from Iran, showcasing Tehran's missile capabilities, which the US had claimed were significantly reduced in its strikes. (Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.)

Tehran's army threatened that it will also strike Israel's "power plants, energy, and information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure."

‘We will completely close the Strait of Hormuz’: Iran responds to Trump’s 48-hour ultimatum

Iran is not thought to have either the ability or the intention to strike the UK with its missiles, a senior cabinet minister has said, after Tehran’s launch of two missiles toward the UK-US base on Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean. According to reports, one missile failed to reach its target while the other was intercepted by a US naval vessel. The strike marked Iran’s longest-range attack since it came under assault from the US and Israel.&nbsp;Addressing Israeli warnings that Iran could potentially target the UK and parts of Europe, Communities Secretary Steve Reed said there is no current intelligence suggesting Iran is aiming at Britain, or even possesses the capability to do so.&nbsp;Responding to why Israel issued such warnings, he remarked that those concerns should be directed to Israeli authorities. He emphasised that the UK would not be drawn into the conflict, while maintaining readiness to act in coordination with allies to safeguard British citizens and interests.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-nobody-thought-they-were-going-to-hit-trump-on-iran-s-strikes-on-gulf-nations-but-experts-clearly-warned-him-beforehand-1773757268350">‘Nobody thought they were going to hit’: Trump on Iran’s strikes on Gulf nations. But experts clearly warned him beforehand</a>&nbsp;Reed further stated that he had seen no evidence indicating Iran is attempting to strike Europe. He added that even in such a scenario, the UK has sufficient defensive strength to protect itself.&nbsp;Speaking about the Diego Garcia incident, Reed confirmed that one missile was intercepted while the other did not reach its destination, though he declined to provide details on how close it came to the base.&nbsp;The government under Prime Minister Keir Starmer had earlier declined a US request to use British bases for initial strikes on Iran in February, partly due to concerns over potential violations of international law.

However, the UK has since permitted the use of its bases for operations aimed at Iranian targets that threaten British allies and regional interests. This was expanded on Saturday to include strikes on missile launch sites targeting commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-will-make-trump-sorry-who-is-ali-larijani-iran-s-security-chief-whom-israel-claims-to-have-killed-1773749337229">‘Will make Trump sorry’: Who is Ali Larijani, Iran's Security Chief whom Israel claims to have killed?</a>&nbsp;Reed reiterated that the UK’s priority remains reducing tensions and avoiding deeper involvement in the conflict. “If you take the decision, as any British government should, that we will defend British people and British assets across the region, and the Iranians start targeting different assets, then of course, we have to respond to that and defend them as well. That doesn’t take away one iota from our interest and focus on de-escalation,” he told Sky News.&nbsp;He also declined to comment on Donald Trump’s warning, giving Tehran 48 hours to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face severe consequences for its energy infrastructure, stating that the US president can speak for his own position.&nbsp;When pressed further, Reed reiterated that questions regarding such statements should be directed to Trump himself, while underlining that the UK’s stance remains unchanged: it does not intend to be drawn into the war.

Cabinet Minister Steve Reed dismissed Israeli warnings, stating no evidence suggests Iran can or intends to strike the UK. This follows an unsuccessful Iranian missile attack on the Diego Garcia base.

Iran is not thought to have either the ability or the intention to strike the UK with its missiles, a senior cabinet minister has said, after Tehran’s launch of two missiles toward the UK-US base on Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean. According to reports, one missile failed to reach its target while the other was intercepted by a US naval vessel. The strike marked Iran’s longest-range attack since it came under assault from the US and Israel. Addressing Israeli warnings that Iran could potentially target the UK and parts of Europe, Communities Secretary Steve Reed said there is no current intelligence suggesting Iran is aiming at Britain, or even possesses the capability to do so. Responding to why Israel issued such warnings, he remarked that those concerns should be directed to Israeli authorities. He emphasised that the UK would not be drawn into the conflict, while maintaining readiness to act in coordination with allies to safeguard British citizens and interests. Also read: ‘Nobody thought they were going to hit’: Trump on Iran’s strikes on Gulf nations. But experts clearly warned him beforehand Reed further stated that he had seen no evidence indicating Iran is attempting to strike Europe. He added that even in such a scenario, the UK has sufficient defensive strength to protect itself. Speaking about the Diego Garcia incident, Reed confirmed that one missile was intercepted while the other did not reach its destination, though he declined to provide details on how close it came to the base. The government under Prime Minister Keir Starmer had earlier declined a US request to use British bases for initial strikes on Iran in February, partly due to concerns over potential violations of international law.

Cabinet Minister Steve Reed dismissed Israeli warnings, stating no evidence suggests Iran can or intends to strike the UK. This follows an unsuccessful Iranian missile attack on the Diego Garcia base.

‘No evidence Iran can hit UK’: Minister pushes back on Israel warning

Mojtaba Khamenei’s absence fuels doubts over Iran’s leadership as CIA and Mossad search for clues. Reports suggest IRGC may hold real power amid escalating US-Israel-Iran war.

Mojtaba Khamenei’s absence fuels doubts over Iran’s leadership as CIA and Mossad search for clues. Reports suggest IRGC may hold real power amid escalating US-Israel-Iran war.

Who is running Iran amid war? Mojtaba Khamenei’s absence ‘beyond weird’ as CIA, Mossad look for signs

Iranian representative to the United Nations ‌International Maritime Organisation on Sunday (Mar 22) said that Tehran is ready to cooperate with the ‌maritime agency to improve safety and protect seafarers in the Gulf amid the ongoing hostilities. Ali Mousavi added that the Strait of Hormuz remains open to all shipping vessels except those linked to the Islamic Republic’s enemies. He also blamed the US and Israeli attacks for the current situation of the strategic waterway. This comes after US President Donald Trump on Saturday (Mar 21) gave an ultimatum to Tehran, demanding the opening of the strait and threatening to “obliterate” the country’s power plants.According to the semi-official ⁠Mehr news agency, Ali Mousavi said that the passage through the narrow waterway was possible by coordinating security and safety arrangements with Iran. He said, “Diplomacy ‌remains Iran’s priority. However, a complete cessation of aggression as well as mutual trust and ‌confidence are more important.” Mousavi said that the “root of current situation ‌in Strait of Hormuz” was Israeli and US attacks against Iran.<h2>Trump gives ultimatum to Iran</h2>As the hostilities in West Asia continue, US President Donald Trump on Saturday (Mar 21) issued a stark warning to Iran, giving Tehran a 48-hour deadline to fully reopen the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. Trump also threatened to “obliterate” the country’s power plants if his demands are not met by Iran.In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump wrote, “If Iran doesn’t FULLY OPEN, WITHOUT THREAT, the Strait of Hormuz, within 48 HOURS from this exact point in time, the United States of America will hit and obliterate their various POWER PLANTS, STARTING WITH THE BIGGEST ONE FIRST.”In response, Iran's military on Sunday (Mar 22) renewed threats against the region’s infrastructure, warning to strike energy, information technology and desalination sites.“Following previous warnings, if Iran’s fuel and energy infrastructure is violated by the enemy, all energy, information technology and desalination infrastructure belonging to the US and the regime in the region will be targeted,” the Iranian military’s operational command Khatam Al-Anbiya said in a statement carried by Fars news agency.<h2>Strait of Hormuz crisis</h2>Amid the escalating tensions in West Asia, Iran has shut down the Strait of Hormuz and warned that any vessel attempting to pass could be targeted and set on fire, with several oil tankers being hit in recent days. In recent days, at least 3 India-flagged LPG tankers have crossed the strait after discussions with Iran.The Strait of Hormuz is the only maritime outlet for ports located in the Persian Gulf. Its blockage has significantly affected global energy supply, triggering a sharp rise in oil prices.Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Iran said it is ready to cooperate with the UN maritime agency to ensure Gulf shipping safety but blamed US-Israel strikes for the Hormuz crisis, saying the strait is open except to “enemy-linked” vessels.

Iranian representative to the United Nations ‌International Maritime Organisation on Sunday (Mar 22) said that Tehran is ready to cooperate with the ‌maritime agency to improve safety and protect seafarers in the Gulf amid the ongoing hostilities. Ali Mousavi added that the Strait of Hormuz remains open to all shipping vessels except those linked to the Islamic Republic’s enemies. He also blamed the US and Israeli attacks for the current situation of the strategic waterway. This comes after US President Donald Trump on Saturday (Mar 21) gave an ultimatum to Tehran, demanding the opening of the strait and threatening to “obliterate” the country’s power plants. According to the semi-official ⁠Mehr news agency, Ali Mousavi said that the passage through the narrow waterway was possible by coordinating security and safety arrangements with Iran. He said, “Diplomacy ‌remains Iran’s priority. However, a complete cessation of aggression as well as mutual trust and ‌confidence are more important.” Mousavi said that the “root of current situation ‌in Strait of Hormuz” was Israeli and US attacks against Iran. Trump gives ultimatum to Iran As the hostilities in West Asia continue, US President Donald Trump on Saturday (Mar 21) issued a stark warning to Iran, giving Tehran a 48-hour deadline to fully reopen the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. Trump also threatened to “obliterate” the country’s power plants if his demands are not met by Iran. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump wrote, “If Iran doesn’t FULLY OPEN, WITHOUT THREAT, the Strait of Hormuz, within 48 HOURS from this exact point in time, the United States of America will hit and obliterate their various POWER PLANTS, STARTING WITH THE BIGGEST ONE FIRST.” In response, Iran's military on Sunday (Mar 22) renewed threats against the region’s infrastructure, warning to strike energy, information technology and desalination sites. “Following previous warnings, if Iran’s fuel and energy infrastructure is violated by the enemy, all energy, information technology and desalination infrastructure belonging to the US and the regime in the region will be targeted,” the Iranian military’s operational command Khatam Al-Anbiya said in a statement carried by Fars news agency. Strait of Hormuz crisis Amid the escalating tensions in West Asia, Iran has shut down the Strait of Hormuz and warned that any vessel attempting to pass could be targeted and set on fire, with several oil tankers being hit in recent days. In recent days, at least 3 India-flagged LPG tankers have crossed the strait after discussions with Iran. The Strait of Hormuz is the only maritime outlet for ports located in the Persian Gulf. Its blockage has significantly affected global energy supply, triggering a sharp rise in oil prices. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Iran said it is ready to cooperate with the UN maritime agency to ensure Gulf shipping safety but blamed US-Israel strikes for the Hormuz crisis, saying the strait is open except to “enemy-linked” vessels.

Iran blames US, Israel for situation in Hormuz, says ready to cooperate with IMO for Gulf maritime safety

The United States reportedly used ‘bunker buster’ bombs to strike Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility in an airstrike on Saturday (Mar 21). This comes after Iran’s main enrichment site was hit as the war in West Asia enters its fourth week. According to a statement carried by Iranian media, the facility’s enrichment complex was targeted in a morning attack.According to Israel’s Kan public broadcaster report, citing unspecified sources, the attack was carried out by the US and ‘buster bunker’ bombs were used to target the site.<h2>Iran retaliates</h2>In retaliation, Iran launched strikes near Israel’s Dimona, which houses a nuclear facility. Iranian state TV reported that the attack was a “response” to an earlier strike on its own nuclear site.During the June 2025 conflict, which lasted 12 days, the US dropped more than a dozen GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator munitions on the Fordo and Natanz underground nuclear facilities. The bombs are known to be the world’s most powerful bunker busters and can strike targets up to 80 metres deep. They are designed to be dropped from B-2 stealth bombers, which the US has already used in the recent operation against Iran.<h2>Trump gives ultimatum to Iran</h2>As the hostilities in West Asia continue, US President Donald Trump on Saturday (Mar 21) issued a stark warning to Iran, giving Tehran a 48-hour deadline to fully reopen the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. Trump also threatened to “obliterate” the country’s power plants if his demands are not met by Iran.In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump wrote, “If Iran doesn’t FULLY OPEN, WITHOUT THREAT, the Strait of Hormuz, within 48 HOURS from this exact point in time, the United States of America will hit and obliterate their various POWER PLANTS, STARTING WITH THE BIGGEST ONE FIRST.”In response, Iran's military on Sunday (Mar 22) renewed threats against the region’s infrastructure, warning to strike energy, information technology and desalination sites.“Following previous warnings, if Iran’s fuel and energy infrastructure is violated by the enemy, all energy, information technology and desalination infrastructure belonging to the US and the regime in the region will be targeted,” the Iranian military’s operational command Khatam Al-Anbiya said in a statement carried by Fars news agency.<h2>Iran war enters Day 23</h2>The conflict in West Asia has entered its 23rd day on March 22. Hostilities began on February 28 when the US and Israeli military launched strikes on Iran, killing Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei and several other top Iranian officials. The operation was named ‘Epic Fury’ by the US and ‘Lion’s Roar’ by Israel. The attacks came amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran and ongoing talks over Iran’s nuclear program. In retaliation, Iran launched attacks on Israel and US military bases in the region, including in Bahrain, Kuwait, the UAE, Iraq, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Azerbaijan.Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

The US reportedly carried out an airstrike on Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility using bunker-buster bombs, targeting its enrichment complex as the West Asia conflict entered its fourth week.

The United States reportedly used ‘bunker buster’ bombs to strike Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility in an airstrike on Saturday (Mar 21). This comes after Iran’s main enrichment site was hit as the war in West Asia enters its fourth week. According to a statement carried by Iranian media, the facility’s enrichment complex was targeted in a morning attack. According to Israel’s Kan public broadcaster report, citing unspecified sources, the attack was carried out by the US and ‘buster bunker’ bombs were used to target the site. Iran retaliates In retaliation, Iran launched strikes near Israel’s Dimona, which houses a nuclear facility. Iranian state TV reported that the attack was a “response” to an earlier strike on its own nuclear site. During the June 2025 conflict, which lasted 12 days, the US dropped more than a dozen GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator munitions on the Fordo and Natanz underground nuclear facilities. The bombs are known to be the world’s most powerful bunker busters and can strike targets up to 80 metres deep. They are designed to be dropped from B-2 stealth bombers, which the US has already used in the recent operation against Iran. Trump gives ultimatum to Iran As the hostilities in West Asia continue, US President Donald Trump on Saturday (Mar 21) issued a stark warning to Iran, giving Tehran a 48-hour deadline to fully reopen the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. Trump also threatened to “obliterate” the country’s power plants if his demands are not met by Iran. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump wrote, “If Iran doesn’t FULLY OPEN, WITHOUT THREAT, the Strait of Hormuz, within 48 HOURS from this exact point in time, the United States of America will hit and obliterate their various POWER PLANTS, STARTING WITH THE BIGGEST ONE FIRST.” In response, Iran's military on Sunday (Mar 22) renewed threats against the region’s infrastructure, warning to strike energy, information technology and desalination sites. “Following previous warnings, if Iran’s fuel and energy infrastructure is violated by the enemy, all energy, information technology and desalination infrastructure belonging to the US and the regime in the region will be targeted,” the Iranian military’s operational command Khatam Al-Anbiya said in a statement carried by Fars news agency. Iran war enters Day 23 The conflict in West Asia has entered its 23rd day on March 22. Hostilities began on February 28 when the US and Israeli military launched strikes on Iran, killing Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei and several other top Iranian officials. The operation was named ‘Epic Fury’ by the US and ‘Lion’s Roar’ by Israel. The attacks came amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran and ongoing talks over Iran’s nuclear program. In retaliation, Iran launched attacks on Israel and US military bases in the region, including in Bahrain, Kuwait, the UAE, Iraq, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Azerbaijan. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

The US reportedly carried out an airstrike on Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility using bunker-buster bombs, targeting its enrichment complex as the West Asia conflict entered its fourth week.

Did US use ‘bunker buster’ bombs to strike Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility? What we know

The US military claimed that it had “degraded” Iran's ability to threaten the Strait of Hormuz by bombing an underground facility, which it said the Islamic Republic used to store cruise missiles and other weaponry. It added that some of the heaviest bombs in its arsenal were used to penetrate nearby missile sites.&nbsp;Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of United States Central Command (CENTCOM), said it had dropped multiple 5,000-pound bombs on a “hardened” underground facility located along Iran's coast that was used to store anti-ship cruise missiles, mobile missile launchers, and other equipment.&nbsp;“We not only took out the facility, but also destroyed intelligence support sites and missile radar relays that were used to monitor ship movements,” Cooper said in a video message posted on X.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Update from CENTCOM Commander on Operation Epic Fury: <a href="https://t.co/8yTLrVy4jk">pic.twitter.com/8yTLrVy4jk</a>&mdash; U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) <a href="https://twitter.com/CENTCOM/status/2035326118098518161?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 21, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

“Iran's ability to threaten freedom of navigation in and around the Strait of Hormuz is degraded as a result, and we will not stop pursuing these targets,” he added.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/video-iranian-missile-hits-jerusalem-warhead-lands-near-al-aqsa-mosque-on-eid-al-fitr-1774109610041">Video | Iranian missile hits Jerusalem; warhead lands near Al-Aqsa Mosque on Eid al-Fitr</a>&nbsp;The United States has come under intense pressure domestically and internationally after Iran effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, causing crude oil prices to cross $100, an increase of nearly 50 per cent. The energy crisis has also forced several countries to take emergency measures, with Washington moving to ease sanctions on Russian oil that were imposed after the start of the war in Ukraine in 2022.&nbsp;Cooper also said that the US military has so far struck over 8,000 military targets, including 130 Iranian vessels, in the past three weeks.&nbsp;The war in West Asia has entered its third week, triggered by the bombing campaign launched by the US-Israeli military on February 28. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other senior leaders, including security chief Ali Larijani, Minister of Intelligence Esmaeil Khatib, and IRGC Commander-in-Chief Mohammad Pakpour, were killed by the United States and Israel in decapitation strikes aimed at sparking regime change in Tehran.&nbsp;Despite the decapitation strikes and the massive bombing campaign, Iran remains defiant and has launched attacks on US bases across the region and disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. From March 1 to 19, commodity carriers made just 116 crossings, according to analytics firm Kpler, a decrease of 95 per cent from peacetime averages.&nbsp;(Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.)

Admiral Brad Cooper said that the US military has so far struck over 8,000 military targets, including 130 Iranian vessels, in the past three weeks.

The US military claimed that it had “degraded” Iran's ability to threaten the Strait of Hormuz by bombing an underground facility, which it said the Islamic Republic used to store cruise missiles and other weaponry. It added that some of the heaviest bombs in its arsenal were used to penetrate nearby missile sites. Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of United States Central Command (CENTCOM), said it had dropped multiple 5,000-pound bombs on a “hardened” underground facility located along Iran's coast that was used to store anti-ship cruise missiles, mobile missile launchers, and other equipment. “We not only took out the facility, but also destroyed intelligence support sites and missile radar relays that were used to monitor ship movements,” Cooper said in a video message posted on X.

Admiral Brad Cooper said that the US military has so far struck over 8,000 military targets, including 130 Iranian vessels, in the past three weeks.

US military says Hormuz threat ‘degraded’, over 8,000 targets struck across Iran since war began

Israel on Saturday (March 21) said Iran had attacked Jerusalem on Eid-ul-Fitr, with a missile hitting a few hundred metres from the Al-Aqsa Mosque, forcing hundreds of Muslim worshippers to offer Eid prayers outside the locked gates of the Old City as they were barred from entering the area for the first time in nearly 60 years.&nbsp;"An Iranian missile struck Jerusalem during Eid al-Fitr, a few hundred meters from the holiest sites for Muslims, Christians and Jews. This is the true face of the Mullahs' so-called 'religious' regime," the Israeli Foreign Ministry posted on X.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">An Iranian missile struck Jerusalem during Eid al-Fitr, a few hundred meters from the holiest sites for Muslims, Christians and Jews. This is the true face of the Mullahs’ so called ‘religious’ regime. <a href="https://t.co/m6gG03ZrqR">pic.twitter.com/m6gG03ZrqR</a>&mdash; Israel Foreign Ministry (@IsraelMFA) <a href="https://twitter.com/IsraelMFA/status/2035339087670825397?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 21, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The plateau in Jerusalem's Old City is considered the holiest site in Judaism, where the ancient Temples stood. For Muslims, it is the third-holiest site, marking the Prophet Muhammad’s Night Journey and ascension from Al-Aqsa. Christians revere it as the setting for pivotal moments in the life and teachings of Jesus.&nbsp;On Friday, a blast left a crater in a hillside just inside Jerusalem's Old City, spraying debris across a road, following a warning of incoming missiles fired from Iran.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-if-you-keep-snakes-in-your-backyard-pakistan-tops-gti-as-most-terror-affected-nation-1774102344594">‘If you keep snakes in your backyard…’: Pakistan tops GTI as most terror-affected nation</a>&nbsp;AFP reported that its journalists at the scene saw the damage just a few hundred metres from Jerusalem's revered holy sites of Al-Aqsa Mosque, the Western Wall, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.&nbsp;The Israeli military said the impact was felt near the Temple Mount. "The Old City in Jerusalem, right near the Temple Mount, was impacted by Iranian missile fragments. The Iranian regime once again proves it fires indiscriminately, whether at civilian areas or holy sites, all with the intention of destroying the State of Israel," the IDF said in a statement.&nbsp;Since the start of the US-Israel war against Iran, Israeli authorities have, for security reasons, barred access to the Old City for anyone other than residents or shop owners. The restrictions extend to all holy sites, including the Western Wall, Al-Aqsa Mosque and Church of the Holy Sepulchre, which have been closed since March 6, The Times of Israel reported.&nbsp;Iran has been launching a barrage of missiles at Israel in retaliation for the bombing campaign started by the US-Israeli military on February 28. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other senior leaders, including security chief Ali Larijani, Minister of Intelligence Esmaeil Khatib, and IRGC Commander-in-Chief Mohammad Pakpour, were killed by the United States and Israel in decapitation strikes as the war in West Asia entered its third week.&nbsp;Despite the decapitation strikes and the massive bombing campaign, Iran remains defiant and has launched attacks on US bases across the region and disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, which accounts for nearly 20 per cent of the global oil supply.&nbsp;(Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.)&nbsp;

Since the start of the US-Israel war against Iran on February 28, Israeli authorities have, for security reasons, barred access to the Old City for anyone other than residents or shop owners.

Israel on Saturday (March 21) said Iran had attacked Jerusalem on Eid-ul-Fitr, with a missile hitting a few hundred metres from the Al-Aqsa Mosque, forcing hundreds of Muslim worshippers to offer Eid prayers outside the locked gates of the Old City as they were barred from entering the area for the first time in nearly 60 years. "An Iranian missile struck Jerusalem during Eid al-Fitr, a few hundred meters from the holiest sites for Muslims, Christians and Jews. This is the true face of the Mullahs' so-called 'religious' regime," the Israeli Foreign Ministry posted on X.

Since the start of the US-Israel war against Iran on February 28, Israeli authorities have, for security reasons, barred access to the Old City for anyone other than residents or shop owners.

Video | Iranian missile hits Jerusalem; warhead lands near Al-Aqsa Mosque on Eid al-Fitr

As the conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran escalates, the UAE has faced a massive barrage of drones and missiles. Iran's strategy goes beyond military targets, aiming to destabilise a key global investment hub that recently pledged $1.4 trillion to the US economy.


As the conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran escalates, the UAE has faced a massive barrage of drones and missiles. Iran's strategy goes beyond military targets, aiming to destabilise a key global investment hub that recently pledged $1.4 trillion to the US economy.

How Iranian attacks on UAE infrastructure could impact the US economy

Iran firing missiles toward Diego Garcia raises fears of war spreading beyond West Asia, threatening a key US-UK base. Here’s why it is concerning.

Iran firing missiles toward Diego Garcia raises fears of war spreading beyond West Asia, threatening a key US-UK base. Here’s why it is concerning.

Why is Iran targeting US-UK base in Diego Garcia concerning? Explained

The United States and Israel struck Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility in an airstrike on Saturday (Mar 21), the Islamic Republic’s atomic energy organisation said. This comes as the war in West Asia enters its fourth week. According to a statement carried by Iranian media, the facility’s enrichment complex was targeted in a morning attack.&nbsp;“Following the criminal attacks by the United States and the usurping Zionist regime against our country, the... Natanz enrichment complex was targeted this morning,” the organisation said in a statement carried by the Tasnim news agency. It added that there was “no leakage of radioactive materials reported” in the area in central Iran.According to Associated Press, Natanz, Iran’s main enrichment site, was also struck in the first week of the war. Satellite images revealed damage to several buildings of the facility following the attack. In a statement, the United Nations’ International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed the damage from earlier strikes, saying that “no radiological consequence” was expected.<h2>IAEA calls for ‘military restraint’</h2>Following the attack on the nuclear facility, the IAEA said that it was looking into a report by Iran that the Natanz nuclear site was attacked during the war. It also called for military restraint to avoid any risk of a nuclear accident.&nbsp;“The IAEA has been informed by Iran that the Natanz nuclear site was attacked today. No increase in off-site radiation levels reported. IAEA is looking into the report,” the watchdog said in a statement on X. “IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi reiterates call for military restraint to avoid any risk of a nuclear accident.”<h2>Iran war enters 22nd day</h2>This comes as the conflict in West Asia has entered its 22nd day on March 21. Hostilities began on February 28 when the US and Israeli military launched strikes on Iran, killing Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei and several other top Iranian officials. The operation was named ‘Epic Fury’ by the US and ‘Lion’s Roar’ by Israel. The attacks came amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran and ongoing talks over Iran’s nuclear program.In retaliation, Iran launched attacks on Israel and US military bases in the region, including in Bahrain, Kuwait, the UAE, Iraq, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Azerbaijan. Iran has ruled out any possibility of a ceasefire, while US President Donald Trump has claimed victory multiple times, suggesting that the objective is nearly met. Meanwhile, Israel has expanded its operations in Lebanon, targeting Iran’s ally Hezbollah and has ruled out diplomacy with the Lebanese government. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos. &nbsp;

The US and Israel struck Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility, targeting its enrichment complex. Iran says no radioactive leak was reported after the airstrike.

The United States and Israel struck Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility in an airstrike on Saturday (Mar 21), the Islamic Republic’s atomic energy organisation said. This comes as the war in West Asia enters its fourth week. According to a statement carried by Iranian media, the facility’s enrichment complex was targeted in a morning attack. “Following the criminal attacks by the United States and the usurping Zionist regime against our country, the... Natanz enrichment complex was targeted this morning,” the organisation said in a statement carried by the Tasnim news agency. It added that there was “no leakage of radioactive materials reported” in the area in central Iran. According to Associated Press, Natanz, Iran’s main enrichment site, was also struck in the first week of the war. Satellite images revealed damage to several buildings of the facility following the attack. In a statement, the United Nations’ International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed the damage from earlier strikes, saying that “no radiological consequence” was expected. IAEA calls for ‘military restraint’ Following the attack on the nuclear facility, the IAEA said that it was looking into a report by Iran that the Natanz nuclear site was attacked during the war. It also called for military restraint to avoid any risk of a nuclear accident. “The IAEA has been informed by Iran that the Natanz nuclear site was attacked today. No increase in off-site radiation levels reported. IAEA is looking into the report,” the watchdog said in a statement on X. “IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi reiterates call for military restraint to avoid any risk of a nuclear accident.” Iran war enters 22nd day This comes as the conflict in West Asia has entered its 22nd day on March 21. Hostilities began on February 28 when the US and Israeli military launched strikes on Iran, killing Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei and several other top Iranian officials. The operation was named ‘Epic Fury’ by the US and ‘Lion’s Roar’ by Israel. The attacks came amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran and ongoing talks over Iran’s nuclear program. In retaliation, Iran launched attacks on Israel and US military bases in the region, including in Bahrain, Kuwait, the UAE, Iraq, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Azerbaijan. Iran has ruled out any possibility of a ceasefire, while US President Donald Trump has claimed victory multiple times, suggesting that the objective is nearly met. Meanwhile, Israel has expanded its operations in Lebanon, targeting Iran’s ally Hezbollah and has ruled out diplomacy with the Lebanese government. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

The US and Israel struck Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility, targeting its enrichment complex. Iran says no radioactive leak was reported after the airstrike.

Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility hit in US-Israeli strikes, atomic energy organisation says

Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian on Saturday (Mar 21) said that Tehran is not engaged in any “dispute” with its Gulf neighbours, even as the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) issued an evacuation warning for the UAE. Just hours before Pezeshkian’s Eid al-Fitr post, the IRGC issued a chilling ultimatum, warning residents of Ras Al-Khaimah of “imminent strikes” linked to the emirate's alleged role in operations against Iranian-controlled islands.“To the Islamic countries and our dear neighbors, you are our brothers and we are not engaged in any dispute with you. The only beneficiary of our differences is the Zionist entity,” Pezeshkian wrote on X. “We ask God on #Eid_al-Fitr to grant us strength and unity by acting upon the teachings of #Rasul_Allah to gain His pleasure.”Earlier in the day, the IRGC warned that Ras Al-Khaimah could become a target “in the near future”, urging its residents to leave the city. This comes as companies have already started evacuating the Dubai financial district amid Iranian threats against US and Israel-linked economic targets, including banks, following reported strikes on an Iranian financial institution.The conflict in West Asia has entered its 22nd day on March 21. Hostilities began on February 28 when the US and Israeli military launched strikes on Iran, killing Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei and several other top Iranian officials. The operation was named ‘Epic Fury’ by the US and ‘Lion’s Roar’ by Israel. The attacks came amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran and ongoing talks over Iran’s nuclear program.In retaliation, Iran launched attacks on Israel and US military bases in the region, including in Bahrain, Kuwait, the UAE, Iraq, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Azerbaijan. Iran has ruled out any possibility of a ceasefire, while US President Donald Trump has claimed victory multiple times, suggesting that the objective is nearly met. Meanwhile, Israel has expanded its operations in Lebanon, targeting Iran’s ally Hezbollah and has ruled out diplomacy with Lebanon government.Amid the escalating tensions in West Asia, Iran has shut down the Strait of Hormuz and warned that any vessel attempting to pass could be targeted and set on fire, with several oil tankers being hit in recent days. In recent days, at least 3 India-flagged LPG tankers have crossed the strait after discussions with Iran.The Strait of Hormuz is the only maritime outlet for ports located in the Persian Gulf. Its blockage has significantly affected global energy supply, triggering a sharp rise in oil prices.Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian says Iran has no dispute with Gulf states, but the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned of possible strikes on Ras Al-Khaimah, raising tensions.

Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian on Saturday (Mar 21) said that Tehran is not engaged in any “dispute” with its Gulf neighbours, even as the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) issued an evacuation warning for the UAE. Just hours before Pezeshkian’s Eid al-Fitr post, the IRGC issued a chilling ultimatum, warning residents of Ras Al-Khaimah of “imminent strikes” linked to the emirate's alleged role in operations against Iranian-controlled islands. “To the Islamic countries and our dear neighbors, you are our brothers and we are not engaged in any dispute with you. The only beneficiary of our differences is the Zionist entity,” Pezeshkian wrote on X. “We ask God on #Eid_al-Fitr to grant us strength and unity by acting upon the teachings of #Rasul_Allah to gain His pleasure.” Earlier in the day, the IRGC warned that Ras Al-Khaimah could become a target “in the near future”, urging its residents to leave the city. This comes as companies have already started evacuating the Dubai financial district amid Iranian threats against US and Israel-linked economic targets, including banks, following reported strikes on an Iranian financial institution. The conflict in West Asia has entered its 22nd day on March 21. Hostilities began on February 28 when the US and Israeli military launched strikes on Iran, killing Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei and several other top Iranian officials. The operation was named ‘Epic Fury’ by the US and ‘Lion’s Roar’ by Israel. The attacks came amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran and ongoing talks over Iran’s nuclear program. In retaliation, Iran launched attacks on Israel and US military bases in the region, including in Bahrain, Kuwait, the UAE, Iraq, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Azerbaijan. Iran has ruled out any possibility of a ceasefire, while US President Donald Trump has claimed victory multiple times, suggesting that the objective is nearly met. Meanwhile, Israel has expanded its operations in Lebanon, targeting Iran’s ally Hezbollah and has ruled out diplomacy with Lebanon government. Amid the escalating tensions in West Asia, Iran has shut down the Strait of Hormuz and warned that any vessel attempting to pass could be targeted and set on fire, with several oil tankers being hit in recent days. In recent days, at least 3 India-flagged LPG tankers have crossed the strait after discussions with Iran. The Strait of Hormuz is the only maritime outlet for ports located in the Persian Gulf. Its blockage has significantly affected global energy supply, triggering a sharp rise in oil prices. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian says Iran has no dispute with Gulf states, but the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned of possible strikes on Ras Al-Khaimah, raising tensions.

‘Not engaged in any dispute’: Pezeshkian calls Gulf nations ‘brothers’ even as IRGC threatens UAE

The Iranian Embassy in South Africa on Friday (Mar 20) posted a cryptic post amid war with the United States and Israel. This comes as tensions in West Asia continue to escalate, with no signs of de-escalation. The post has fueled debate on social media as US President Donald Trump faces criticism over the war that has entered its third week.In a post on X, the Iranian Embassy wrote, “For the first time in history, you can simply post he’s an idiot, and 90% of the world will know who you’re talking about.”The post sparked mixed reactions among social media users, some of whom support the US and Israel, while others back Iran in the ongoing conflict that has expanded to West Asia.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">What do you think? 😎 <a href="https://t.co/jRV4XPgxhZ">pic.twitter.com/jRV4XPgxhZ</a>&mdash; Iran Embassy SA (@IraninSA) <a href="https://twitter.com/IraninSA/status/2034955312306774479?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

“Is this official account of Iran Embassy???” one user questioned, amused. Another wrote, “Terrifyingly accurate...” and a third said, “That was so sarcastic.” Some commented, “Trump and Netanyahu came to my mind,” while others mocked Iran’s supreme leader, Khamenei.<h2>Did Trump ignore Qatar energy boss’ warning?</h2>Saad al-Kaabi, Qatar’s energy minister and QatarEnergy CEO, said that the US was warned of the dangers of provoking Iran.“I was always warning, talking to executives from oil and gas that are partnered with ‌us, talking to the U.S. Secretary of Energy, to warn him of that consequence and that that could be detrimental to us,” al-Kaabi told Reuters.“They were aware of the threat, and they were always reminded by me, almost on a daily basis, that we need to make sure that there is restraint on oil and gas facilities,” he added.In response to the claims, White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers said, “President Trump and his entire energy team were not ignorant of the reality that there would be short-term disruptions to oil and gas supply during the ongoing operations ​in Iran, and planned for these highly anticipated, temporary disruptions.”<h2>Trump considering ‘winding down’?</h2>In a surprise announcement, Trump on Friday (Mar 20) claimed that the US is “getting very close to meeting our objectives” in the war and considering “winding down” military operations in the Gulf. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump laid out five said objectives:(1) Completely degrading Iranian Missile Capability, Launchers, and everything else pertaining to them.&nbsp; (2) Destroying Iran’s Defense Industrial Base.&nbsp; (3) Eliminating their Navy and Air Force, including Anti Aircraft Weaponry.&nbsp; (4) Never allowing Iran to get even close to Nuclear Capability, and always being in a position where the U.S.A. can quickly and powerfully react to such a situation, should it take place.&nbsp; (5) Protecting, at the highest level, our Middle Eastern Allies, including Israel, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, and others.”He added that the Strait of Hormuz “will have to be guarded and policed, as necessary, by other Nations who use it.”Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

The Iranian Embassy in South Africa posted a cryptic message online, sparking debate and mixed reactions as the US–Iran–Israel war intensifies into its third week.

The Iranian Embassy in South Africa on Friday (Mar 20) posted a cryptic post amid war with the United States and Israel. This comes as tensions in West Asia continue to escalate, with no signs of de-escalation. The post has fueled debate on social media as US President Donald Trump faces criticism over the war that has entered its third week. In a post on X, the Iranian Embassy wrote, “For the first time in history, you can simply post he’s an idiot, and 90% of the world will know who you’re talking about.” The post sparked mixed reactions among social media users, some of whom support the US and Israel, while others back Iran in the ongoing conflict that has expanded to West Asia.

The Iranian Embassy in South Africa posted a cryptic message online, sparking debate and mixed reactions as the US–Iran–Israel war intensifies into its third week.

‘HE’S AN IDIOT’: Did Iranian embassy in SA mock Trump? Cryptic post amid war fuels debate

&nbsp;Iran, in a chilling warning on Friday (Mar 20), said that the UK was "putting British lives in danger" by allowing the US to use its bases. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump said he was caught off guard by what he called the United Kingdom's delayed response in allowing American forces to use British bases for strikes on Iran. "I was a little surprised," Trump told reporters, adding that London "should have acted a lot faster." The remarks came as Downing Street confirmed that UK ministers had approved expanded access for US operations, specifically targeting Iranian missile systems seen as a threat to shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irgc-warns-ras-al-khaimah-residents-to-evacuate-why-is-iran-threatening-uae-and-what-happens-next-1774064112660">IRGC warns Ras Al-Khaimah residents to evacuate — why is Iran threatening UAE?</a><h2>Tehran pushes back, warns the UK</h2>Iran’s response was swift. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that Britain’s decision risks dragging it deeper into the conflict.In a post on X, he said most British citizens "do not want any part" in what he described as a "US-Israel war of choice," adding that the move was putting British lives at risk. "Iran will exercise its right to self-defence," he wrote.According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, Tehran recently fired two ballistic missiles toward the joint US-UK military base at Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean. However, neither missile hit the target.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/us-s-oil-gambit-how-trump-is-using-iranian-crude-to-bankrupt-tehran-amid-strait-of-hormuz-blockade-in-pics-1774056598032">US's oil gambit: How Trump is using Iranian crude to bankrupt Tehran | In Pics</a><h2>What did the UK do to anger Iran?</h2>Downing Street on Friday (Mar 20) confirmed that its Cabinet ministers had approved an expansion of US access to British bases. This means the US can now use UK bases to target Iranian missile sites. The decision followed a high-level meeting of British officials as the conflict between the US, Israel and Iran continues to widen.According to the government, the arrangement falls under collective self-defence. It allows US forces to use British bases to degrade missile capabilities being used against vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Iran warns UK it is “putting British lives at risk” after allowing US to use its bases. Even as Tehran hinted at retaliation, US Prez Trump slammed London for acting too slowly. With missiles already fired near a US-UK base, is Britain now a direct target? Scroll to see what’s next

Iran, in a chilling warning on Friday (Mar 20), said that the UK was "putting British lives in danger" by allowing the US to use its bases. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump said he was caught off guard by what he called the United Kingdom's delayed response in allowing American forces to use British bases for strikes on Iran. "I was a little surprised," Trump told reporters, adding that London "should have acted a lot faster." The remarks came as Downing Street confirmed that UK ministers had approved expanded access for US operations, specifically targeting Iranian missile systems seen as a threat to shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Also read | IRGC warns Ras Al-Khaimah residents to evacuate — why is Iran threatening UAE? Tehran pushes back, warns the UK Iran’s response was swift. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that Britain’s decision risks dragging it deeper into the conflict. In a post on X, he said most British citizens "do not want any part" in what he described as a "US-Israel war of choice," adding that the move was putting British lives at risk. "Iran will exercise its right to self-defence," he wrote. According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, Tehran recently fired two ballistic missiles toward the joint US-UK military base at Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean. However, neither missile hit the target. Also read | US's oil gambit: How Trump is using Iranian crude to bankrupt Tehran | In Pics What did the UK do to anger Iran? Downing Street on Friday (Mar 20) confirmed that its Cabinet ministers had approved an expansion of US access to British bases. This means the US can now use UK bases to target Iranian missile sites. The decision followed a high-level meeting of British officials as the conflict between the US, Israel and Iran continues to widen. According to the government, the arrangement falls under collective self-defence. It allows US forces to use British bases to degrade missile capabilities being used against vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Iran warns UK it is “putting British lives at risk” after allowing US to use its bases. Even as Tehran hinted at retaliation, US Prez Trump slammed London for acting too slowly. With missiles already fired near a US-UK base, is Britain now a direct target? Scroll to see what’s next

'Putting British lives at risk': Iran issues chilling warning to Downing Street over US base access

Iran reportedly fired two intermediate-range ballistic missiles at Diego Garcia, a joint US-UK military base in the Indian Ocean. This comes as the United Kingdom approved the United States to use its bases for launching strikes on Iranian sites targeting the Strait of Hormuz. Following a meeting on Friday (Mar 20), UK ministers agreed that the US use of British bases could now be expanded to include protecting ships in the strategic waterway in the Gulf.According to a Wall Street Journal report on Friday, citing multiple US officials, Iran targeted Diego Garcia but failed to hit the base. However, the move raises significant concerns over the attempt by Iran to reach far beyond targets in West Asia and threaten US interests.The report added that one of the missiles failed in flight. The second missile was targeted by an SM-3 interceptor fired from a US warship, according to two of the people. It was not determined whether an interception was made.Diego Garcia in the Chagos Islands, which is about 2,500 miles (4,000 kilometres) from Iranian territory, is one of two bases Britain is allowing the United States to use for “defensive” operations in Iran. Amid the escalating tensions in West Asia, Iran has shut down the Strait of Hormuz and warned that any vessel attempting to pass could be targeted and set on fire, with several oil tankers being hit in recent days.The American military has stationed bombers and other equipment at the base. It has been a key hub for the US for Asia operations, including campaigns in Afghanistan and Iraq.The UK, which has been holding the Chagos Islands since the 1960s, has agreed to hand them back to Mauritius. However, it maintains a lease for the base on Diego Garcia, the largest of the islands. US President Donald Trump has criticised the decision.The conflict in West Asia has entered its 22nd day on March 21. Hostilities began on February 28 when the US and Israeli military launched strikes on Iran, killing Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei and several other top Iranian officials. The operation was named ‘Epic Fury’ by the US and ‘Lion’s Roar’ by Israel. The attacks came amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran and ongoing talks over Iran’s nuclear program. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Iran fired two missiles at Diego Garcia, missing the US-UK base. The strike raises fears of wider escalation as the UK expands US base use to protect ships in the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran reportedly fired two intermediate-range ballistic missiles at Diego Garcia, a joint US-UK military base in the Indian Ocean. This comes as the United Kingdom approved the United States to use its bases for launching strikes on Iranian sites targeting the Strait of Hormuz. Following a meeting on Friday (Mar 20), UK ministers agreed that the US use of British bases could now be expanded to include protecting ships in the strategic waterway in the Gulf. According to a Wall Street Journal report on Friday, citing multiple US officials, Iran targeted Diego Garcia but failed to hit the base. However, the move raises significant concerns over the attempt by Iran to reach far beyond targets in West Asia and threaten US interests. The report added that one of the missiles failed in flight. The second missile was targeted by an SM-3 interceptor fired from a US warship, according to two of the people. It was not determined whether an interception was made. Diego Garcia in the Chagos Islands, which is about 2,500 miles (4,000 kilometres) from Iranian territory, is one of two bases Britain is allowing the United States to use for “defensive” operations in Iran. Amid the escalating tensions in West Asia, Iran has shut down the Strait of Hormuz and warned that any vessel attempting to pass could be targeted and set on fire, with several oil tankers being hit in recent days. The American military has stationed bombers and other equipment at the base. It has been a key hub for the US for Asia operations, including campaigns in Afghanistan and Iraq. The UK, which has been holding the Chagos Islands since the 1960s, has agreed to hand them back to Mauritius. However, it maintains a lease for the base on Diego Garcia, the largest of the islands. US President Donald Trump has criticised the decision. The conflict in West Asia has entered its 22nd day on March 21. Hostilities began on February 28 when the US and Israeli military launched strikes on Iran, killing Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei and several other top Iranian officials. The operation was named ‘Epic Fury’ by the US and ‘Lion’s Roar’ by Israel. The attacks came amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran and ongoing talks over Iran’s nuclear program. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Iran fired two missiles at Diego Garcia, missing the US-UK base. The strike raises fears of wider escalation as the UK expands US base use to protect ships in the Strait of Hormuz.

Diego Garcia targeted by Iran – Is Tehran eyeing British sites as UK allows use of its bases amid war?

In a high-stakes gambit to break the global energy crisis, the Donald Trump administration has issued a shock 30-day sanctions waiver, seeking to flood the market with 140 million barrels of stranded Iranian oil. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed the move on Friday (Mar 20), stating that the US will effectively "use Iranian barrels against Tehran" to drive down prices as the Iran War enters its 22nd day. By unlocking oil currently, allegedly being "hoarded by China on the cheap," Washington aims to provide a massive 440-million-barrel cushion to the global market, undercutting Iran’s leverage over the Strait of Hormuz while ensuring the "head of the snake" remains financially strangled.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mission-accomplished-trump-reveals-5-iran-war-goals-announces-surprise-exit-strategy-as-us-nears-victory-what-are-they-and-is-the-war-ending-soon-1774045708559">'Winding down': Trump sets 5 goals—what are they and is Iran war ending soon?</a><h2>The 140 Million Barrel Surge: How the US is Using Iranian Oil to Bankrupt Tehran</h2>Taking to X, Trump's treasury secretary confirmed that the US was issuing a "narrowly tailored, short-term authorisation permitting the sale of Iranian oil currently stranded at sea."Calling Iran the "head of the snake for global terrorism," he claimed Operation Epic Fury was closer to winning the critical fight than previously anticipated. Scott Bessent revealed that America plans to use "Iranian barrels against Tehran to keep the price down".By his estimates, this move will flood the global crude market with approximately 140 million barrels of oil. This, he said, would relieve the "temporary pressures on supply caused by Iran". Since the start of the US-Israel-Iran war, Iran has effectively closed the shipping channel through which over one-fifth of global oil and one-quarter of liquefied natural gas (LNG) pass daily. This has led to the price of a barrel of North Sea Brent crude to skyrocket to $112.19 on Friday, up 3.26 per cent.The Trump aide noted Iran will not be able to access any revenue generated from this oil, effectively emptying Tehran's oil coffers, while denying it any money in return. "The United States will continue to maintain maximum pressure on Iran and its ability to access the international financial system," he added.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-we-don-t-use-it-trump-demands-other-nations-need-to-guard-strait-of-hormuz-says-us-considering-winding-down-military-operations-in-iran-1774043538465">‘US does not!’ Trump refuses to guard Strait of Hormuz amid Iran war</a><h2>Targeting the 'China Discount': Why Trump is Ending Beijing’s Cheap Energy Monopoly</h2>According to Beesent's X post, as the global markets battle soaring oil prices, China has been hoarding Iranian oil "on the cheap". By waiving off the sanctions on Iranian oil, the US is effectively flooding the market with millions of barrels of oil, temporarily bringing down the oil prices.He noted that the waiver is strictly applicable "to oil that is already in transit and does not allow new purchases or production".&nbsp;Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

US announced a 30-day "waiver" allowing the sale of Iranian crude already loaded on vessels (as of March 20). The goal? Release 140 million barrels immediately to stabilise a market rattled by Strait of Hormuz closure. The Catch: Iran is blocked from accessing the revenue.

In a high-stakes gambit to break the global energy crisis, the Donald Trump administration has issued a shock 30-day sanctions waiver, seeking to flood the market with 140 million barrels of stranded Iranian oil. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed the move on Friday (Mar 20), stating that the US will effectively "use Iranian barrels against Tehran" to drive down prices as the Iran War enters its 22nd day. By unlocking oil currently, allegedly being "hoarded by China on the cheap," Washington aims to provide a massive 440-million-barrel cushion to the global market, undercutting Iran’s leverage over the Strait of Hormuz while ensuring the "head of the snake" remains financially strangled. Also read | 'Winding down': Trump sets 5 goals—what are they and is Iran war ending soon? The 140 Million Barrel Surge: How the US is Using Iranian Oil to Bankrupt Tehran Taking to X, Trump's treasury secretary confirmed that the US was issuing a "narrowly tailored, short-term authorisation permitting the sale of Iranian oil currently stranded at sea." Calling Iran the "head of the snake for global terrorism," he claimed Operation Epic Fury was closer to winning the critical fight than previously anticipated. Scott Bessent revealed that America plans to use "Iranian barrels against Tehran to keep the price down". By his estimates, this move will flood the global crude market with approximately 140 million barrels of oil. This, he said, would relieve the "temporary pressures on supply caused by Iran". Since the start of the US-Israel-Iran war, Iran has effectively closed the shipping channel through which over one-fifth of global oil and one-quarter of liquefied natural gas (LNG) pass daily. This has led to the price of a barrel of North Sea Brent crude to skyrocket to $112.19 on Friday, up 3.26 per cent. The Trump aide noted Iran will not be able to access any revenue generated from this oil, effectively emptying Tehran's oil coffers, while denying it any money in return. "The United States will continue to maintain maximum pressure on Iran and its ability to access the international financial system," he added. Also read | ‘US does not!’ Trump refuses to guard Strait of Hormuz amid Iran war Targeting the 'China Discount': Why Trump is Ending Beijing’s Cheap Energy Monopoly According to Beesent's X post, as the global markets battle soaring oil prices, China has been hoarding Iranian oil "on the cheap". By waiving off the sanctions on Iranian oil, the US is effectively flooding the market with millions of barrels of oil, temporarily bringing down the oil prices. He noted that the waiver is strictly applicable "to oil that is already in transit and does not allow new purchases or production". Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

US announced a 30-day "waiver" allowing the sale of Iranian crude already loaded on vessels (as of March 20). The goal? Release 140 million barrels immediately to stabilise a market rattled by Strait of Hormuz closure. The Catch: Iran is blocked from accessing the revenue.

'Using their barrels against them': Trump floods market with Iranian oil to crash global prices, issues 30-day sanctions waiver

Iran claims to have hit a US F-35 stealth jet using infrared sensors. While the aircraft is invisible to radar, its massive engine heat cannot be hidden. US officials confirmed the damaged jet made a safe emergency landing.


Iran claims to have hit a US F-35 stealth jet using infrared sensors. While the aircraft is invisible to radar, its massive engine heat cannot be hidden. US officials confirmed the damaged jet made a safe emergency landing.

‘Ghost of the skies shot by Iran?’: How a US F-35 stealth jet may have been caught by its thermal signature

Iran claims to have hit a US F-35 jet using infrared sensors. While the $100 million aircraft is invisible to radar, its engine emits massive heat. Experts note physics always wins, as stealth coatings cannot hide thermal energy from passive sensors.

Iran claims to have hit a US F-35 jet using infrared sensors. While the $100 million aircraft is invisible to radar, its engine emits massive heat. Experts note physics always wins, as stealth coatings cannot hide thermal energy from passive sensors.

'Physics always wins in the end’: Iran may have found & hit an F‑35 fighter jet using a heat sensor

In 20 days of Operation Epic Fury, the US conducted 8,000 combat flights to strike 7,800 targets in Iran. The Pentagon confirmed the sinking of 120 naval vessels, aiming to dismantle Iran's military and nuclear infrastructure.

In 20 days of Operation Epic Fury, the US conducted 8,000 combat flights to strike 7,800 targets in Iran. The Pentagon confirmed the sinking of 120 naval vessels, aiming to dismantle Iran's military and nuclear infrastructure.

‘20 days of US strikes on Iran’: US hits 7,800 targets, sinks 120 ships with 8,000 flights

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

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

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

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

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

Hundreds gathered for Eid al-Fitr prayers outside Al-Aqsa Mosque as Israel shut holy sites amid war tensions, sparking clashes, grief, and fears over unprecedented restrictions.

Hundreds gathered for Eid al-Fitr prayers outside Al-Aqsa Mosque as Israel shut holy sites amid war tensions, sparking clashes, grief, and fears over unprecedented restrictions.

Eid without Al-Aqsa: Worshippers clash as Jerusalem locks down holy sites

Iran’s new supreme leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei on Friday (Mar 20) called for the “security” to be taken away from the “enemies” after the killing of Intelligence Minister Esmail Khatib. In a message addressed to the Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Khamenei offered his condolences to him and the family of Esmail Khatib.“In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful,” Khamenei said. “Honourable President, Mr. Pezeshkian, may your protection and honour be everlasting.”“After greetings and peace; hereby, I offer my congratulations and condolences to you, the esteemed government board, your colleagues in the Ministry of Intelligence, and especially to the family of the late, hardworking, and anonymous veteran minister of intelligence, Hojjatoleslam Seyyed Esmaeil Khatib, may God’s mercy be upon him,” he said.He continued, “Undoubtedly, his absence must be compensated by the intensified efforts of other officials and staff of this sensitive ministry, and security must be taken away from internal and external enemies and granted to all compatriots. I pray to Almighty God for your longevity, the continuation of your colleagues, and the elevation of the rank of that dear martyr.”On Wednesday (Mar 20), Pezeshkian confirmed that Khatib had been killed, describing the strike as a “cowardly assassination”. Israel claimed responsibility for the overnight airstrike in Tehran that killed him.&nbsp;Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said Khatib had been “eliminated” in a strike carried out late Tuesday. He emphasised that Israel’s military had been given sweeping authority to act against high-ranking Iranian officials considered threats.Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Iran’s new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei vowed to strip enemies of security after Intelligence Minister Esmail Khatib was killed, urging stronger efforts to protect Iran.

Iran’s new supreme leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei on Friday (Mar 20) called for the “security” to be taken away from the “enemies” after the killing of Intelligence Minister Esmail Khatib. In a message addressed to the Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Khamenei offered his condolences to him and the family of Esmail Khatib. “In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful,” Khamenei said. “Honourable President, Mr. Pezeshkian, may your protection and honour be everlasting.” “After greetings and peace; hereby, I offer my congratulations and condolences to you, the esteemed government board, your colleagues in the Ministry of Intelligence, and especially to the family of the late, hardworking, and anonymous veteran minister of intelligence, Hojjatoleslam Seyyed Esmaeil Khatib, may God’s mercy be upon him,” he said. He continued, “Undoubtedly, his absence must be compensated by the intensified efforts of other officials and staff of this sensitive ministry, and security must be taken away from internal and external enemies and granted to all compatriots. I pray to Almighty God for your longevity, the continuation of your colleagues, and the elevation of the rank of that dear martyr.” On Wednesday (Mar 20), Pezeshkian confirmed that Khatib had been killed, describing the strike as a “cowardly assassination”. Israel claimed responsibility for the overnight airstrike in Tehran that killed him. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said Khatib had been “eliminated” in a strike carried out late Tuesday. He emphasised that Israel’s military had been given sweeping authority to act against high-ranking Iranian officials considered threats. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Iran’s new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei vowed to strip enemies of security after Intelligence Minister Esmail Khatib was killed, urging stronger efforts to protect Iran.

‘Security must be taken away’: Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei warns ‘enemies’ after Intelligence Minister Esmail Khatib’s killing

US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth on Thursday (Mar 19) said that families of service members killed in Iran told him to “finish the job”. Addressing a press conference a day after meeting the families of six US troops, Hegseth vowed to “honour their sacrifice”. However, the father of one of the slain soldiers has denied speaking to the Pentagon chief regarding the matter.“I can’t speak for the other families. When he spoke to me, that was not something we talked about,” Charles Simmons, father of Tech. Sgt. Tyler H. Simmons told NBC News in an interview on Thursday. His 28-year-old son was among the six crew members who lost their lives when their refuelling plane crashed in Iraq last week.<h2>What did Hegseth claim?</h2>Speaking in a morning press briefing after meeting the families at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware, Hegseth said, “What I heard through tears, through hugs, through strength and through unbreakable resolve was the same from family after family. They said, ‘Finish this. Honour their sacrifice. Do not waver. Do not stop until the job is done.’”<h2>What did Simmons say?</h2>Simmons, a 60-year-old music teacher in Columbus, Ohio, recalled his interaction with Hegseth and US President Donald Trump, saying that he was grateful for the warmth that both men showed him. He added that he mostly spoke about his son, Tyler, his impressive service record and how he had advanced in the military with Hegseth.“I understand there’s a lot of peril that goes into making decisions like this, and I just certainly hope the decisions being made are necessary,” he had told Hegseth.When asked whether he said anything to Hegseth or Trump about the need to keep fighting the war, Simmons denied. “No, I didn’t say anything along those lines,” he said. He added that he had “questions” about the war and isn’t able to draw “definitive conclusions when I don’t have all the data.”“Who wants war?” he said. “Sometimes it’s a necessity, and I just don’t know what’s going on.”Speaking about when he met Trump and Hegseth, Simmons said, “I was pleasantly surprised because the perception is they [Trump and Hegseth] don’t care, they’re going to do what they want to do,” he said. “I got to see a different side of them up close and personal.”Recalling what his son had told him before volunteering for the operation in Iran, Simmons said, “He said, ‘Dad, I can’t give you any details, but if civilians knew what we knew, a lot of the criticism [of the war] would cease.” Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said families urged to “finish the job” in Iran, but the father of a slain soldier disputed the claim, saying war continuation was never discussed.

US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth on Thursday (Mar 19) said that families of service members killed in Iran told him to “finish the job”. Addressing a press conference a day after meeting the families of six US troops, Hegseth vowed to “honour their sacrifice”. However, the father of one of the slain soldiers has denied speaking to the Pentagon chief regarding the matter. “I can’t speak for the other families. When he spoke to me, that was not something we talked about,” Charles Simmons, father of Tech. Sgt. Tyler H. Simmons told NBC News in an interview on Thursday. His 28-year-old son was among the six crew members who lost their lives when their refuelling plane crashed in Iraq last week. What did Hegseth claim? Speaking in a morning press briefing after meeting the families at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware, Hegseth said, “What I heard through tears, through hugs, through strength and through unbreakable resolve was the same from family after family. They said, ‘Finish this. Honour their sacrifice. Do not waver. Do not stop until the job is done.’” What did Simmons say? Simmons, a 60-year-old music teacher in Columbus, Ohio, recalled his interaction with Hegseth and US President Donald Trump, saying that he was grateful for the warmth that both men showed him. He added that he mostly spoke about his son, Tyler, his impressive service record and how he had advanced in the military with Hegseth. “I understand there’s a lot of peril that goes into making decisions like this, and I just certainly hope the decisions being made are necessary,” he had told Hegseth. When asked whether he said anything to Hegseth or Trump about the need to keep fighting the war, Simmons denied. “No, I didn’t say anything along those lines,” he said. He added that he had “questions” about the war and isn’t able to draw “definitive conclusions when I don’t have all the data.” “Who wants war?” he said. “Sometimes it’s a necessity, and I just don’t know what’s going on.” Speaking about when he met Trump and Hegseth, Simmons said, “I was pleasantly surprised because the perception is they [Trump and Hegseth] don’t care, they’re going to do what they want to do,” he said. “I got to see a different side of them up close and personal.” Recalling what his son had told him before volunteering for the operation in Iran, Simmons said, “He said, ‘Dad, I can’t give you any details, but if civilians knew what we knew, a lot of the criticism [of the war] would cease.” Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said families urged to “finish the job” in Iran, but the father of a slain soldier disputed the claim, saying war continuation was never discussed.

Fact Check: Did families of killed US soldiers tell Hegseth to ‘finish the job’?

The United Nations' maritime watchdog has delivered a sharp message to Iran over closure of Strait of Hormuz, with India among more than 100 countries backing a landmark resolution demanding Tehran back down. In an extraordinary session in London, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council "strongly condemned" Iran's attacks on vessels and its "purported closure" of the vital waterway, warning that such actions represent "a grave danger to life, particularly seafarers, and serious risk to the marine environment".The declaration, tabled by the United Arab Emirates and co-sponsored by over 115 member states, is a record in IMO history, and also condemned Iran's broader attacks on Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states and Jordan as a "breach of international law"."Any attempt to impede lawful transit passage or freedom of navigation in these waterways constitutes a serious threat to international peace and security," the Council stated, explicitly referencing UN Security Council resolution 2817 (2026), which earlier affirmed the same principle.The IMO demanded that Iran "immediately refrain from any actions or threats aimed at closing, obstructing or otherwise interfering with international navigation through the Strait of Hormuz or against merchant or commercial vessels in and around the Strait". It reaffirmed that navigational rights for commercial shipping must be respected, amid reports of thousands of seafarers stranded on vessels trapped in the Gulf due to the disruptions.India's envoy to the UK, Vikram Doraiswami, speaking at an extraordinary session of the International Maritime Organization, expressed deep concern over escalating attacks in West Asia that have killed seven seafarers, including three Indians, injured four others, and left one missing.He extended condolences and stressed: "Attacks on commercial shipping and civilian maritime infrastructure are unacceptable."Doraiswami highlighted that 23,000 seafarers have been impacted, warning that any obstruction or closure of the Strait of Hormuz would have "direct consequences" for India's economy, global energy, and humanitarian supply chains."We remain deeply concerned about the safety and welfare of all seafarers," he said, urging respect for navigational rights and calling for dialogue and diplomacy to de-escalate the crisis.India was among the key supporters, having co-sponsored the draft declaration submitted earlier, aligning with its prior stance at the UN Security Council where it backed a similar condemnation of Iranian actions. The UAE hailed the outcome as a demonstration of "the international community's shared responsibility to ensure the freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz".The move comes against the backdrop of escalating tensions in West Asia including strikes that have crippled shipping through the narrow chokepoint, a route carrying about a fifth of the world's oil supplies. The IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez warned that "when seafarers die, statements are not enough" and stressed that "a human life cannot be replaced," amid the ongoing crisis in the Strait of Hormuz.

India was among the key supporters, having co-sponsored the draft declaration submitted earlier, aligning with its prior stance at the UN Security Council where it backed a similar condemnation of Iranian actions. 

The United Nations' maritime watchdog has delivered a sharp message to Iran over closure of Strait of Hormuz, with India among more than 100 countries backing a landmark resolution demanding Tehran back down. In an extraordinary session in London, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council "strongly condemned" Iran's attacks on vessels and its "purported closure" of the vital waterway, warning that such actions represent "a grave danger to life, particularly seafarers, and serious risk to the marine environment". The declaration, tabled by the United Arab Emirates and co-sponsored by over 115 member states, is a record in IMO history, and also condemned Iran's broader attacks on Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states and Jordan as a "breach of international law". "Any attempt to impede lawful transit passage or freedom of navigation in these waterways constitutes a serious threat to international peace and security," the Council stated, explicitly referencing UN Security Council resolution 2817 (2026), which earlier affirmed the same principle. The IMO demanded that Iran "immediately refrain from any actions or threats aimed at closing, obstructing or otherwise interfering with international navigation through the Strait of Hormuz or against merchant or commercial vessels in and around the Strait". It reaffirmed that navigational rights for commercial shipping must be respected, amid reports of thousands of seafarers stranded on vessels trapped in the Gulf due to the disruptions. India's envoy to the UK, Vikram Doraiswami, speaking at an extraordinary session of the International Maritime Organization, expressed deep concern over escalating attacks in West Asia that have killed seven seafarers, including three Indians, injured four others, and left one missing. He extended condolences and stressed: "Attacks on commercial shipping and civilian maritime infrastructure are unacceptable." Doraiswami highlighted that 23,000 seafarers have been impacted, warning that any obstruction or closure of the Strait of Hormuz would have "direct consequences" for India's economy, global energy, and humanitarian supply chains. "We remain deeply concerned about the safety and welfare of all seafarers," he said, urging respect for navigational rights and calling for dialogue and diplomacy to de-escalate the crisis. India was among the key supporters, having co-sponsored the draft declaration submitted earlier, aligning with its prior stance at the UN Security Council where it backed a similar condemnation of Iranian actions. The UAE hailed the outcome as a demonstration of "the international community's shared responsibility to ensure the freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz". The move comes against the backdrop of escalating tensions in West Asia including strikes that have crippled shipping through the narrow chokepoint, a route carrying about a fifth of the world's oil supplies. The IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez warned that "when seafarers die, statements are not enough" and stressed that "a human life cannot be replaced," amid the ongoing crisis in the Strait of Hormuz.

India was among the key supporters, having co-sponsored the draft declaration submitted earlier, aligning with its prior stance at the UN Security Council where it backed a similar condemnation of Iranian actions.&nbsp;

UAE-Tabled, India-Backed: Nations express concern over closure of Hormuz at UN Maritime Body

Here are 6 key takeaways from Benjamin Netanyahu’s press briefing on Iran

Israel PM Netanyahu claims major blows to Iran’s nuclear and missile programs, signals internal cracks, and highlights strong coordination with Donald Trump

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday (March 19) during a press conference from Jerusalem Government Press Office, Israel, said that after 20 days of war, Iran no longer has the ability to enrich uranium or develop ballistic missiles. He starte his statement in Hebrew, later translated into English, and said: “We will crush them entirely, all those capabilities.” Netanyahu claimed that Israel has degraded Iran’s capabilities ‘to such a degree’ that it can no longer achieve ‘what they have planned’. According to him, while Iran intended to cause massive destruction in Israel, "they’re falling in Lebanon and Iran" instead.&nbsp;He added, "We will change the Middle East, I promise you that," and described Iran as ‘weaker than its ever been’, while asserting that Israel is stronger. Addressing Israelis concerned about the duration of the war, he said "it will take as long as is necessary," emphasizing unity with the statement, “We together will work, and we will win together.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-not-putting-troops-in-iran-want-japan-to-step-up-says-trump-claims-iran-leadership-gone-1773939473299">‘Not putting troops in Iran, want Japan to step up,’ says Trump; claims Iran leadership ‘gone’</a><h2>What are three goals outlined by Netanyahu on Iran war?</h2>Netanyahu outlined three main objectives: eliminating the nuclear threat, removing the ballistic missile threat, especially before such systems are placed deep underground and become immune to aerial strikes, and creating conditions for the Iranian people to “grasp their freedom.” He went on to detail Israel’s military actions, including targeting missile and drone arsenals, launch systems, and nuclear-related infrastructure such as factories producing missile components. He said Israel is dismantling Iranian industry in a way "that we didn't do before," while noting "there's still more work to do, and we're going to do it."&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/aditya-dhar-officially-joins-creme-de-la-creme-of-indian-cinema-1773946772344/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/aditya-dhar-officially-joins-creme-de-la-creme-of-indian-cinema-1773946772344/embed</a>&nbsp;Finally, Netanyahu addressed what he described as "fake news" suggesting Israel drew the United States into the conflict. He remarked: "Does anyone really think that someone can tell President Trump what to do? Come on," adding that Donald Trump "always makes his decisions on what he thinks is good for America" and for "future generations."&nbsp;Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.

'I am alive and we will crush Iran entirely', says Netanyahu; reveals three goals in Iran war

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday (March 19) during a press conference from Jerusalem Government Press Office, Israel, said that after 20 days of war, Iran no longer has the ability to enrich uranium or develop ballistic missiles. He starte his statement in Hebrew, later translated into English, and said: “We will crush them entirely, all those capabilities.” Netanyahu claimed that Israel has degraded Iran’s capabilities ‘to such a degree’ that it can no longer achieve ‘what they have planned’. According to him, while Iran intended to cause massive destruction in Israel, "they’re falling in Lebanon and Iran" instead. He added, "We will change the Middle East, I promise you that," and described Iran as ‘weaker than its ever been’, while asserting that Israel is stronger. Addressing Israelis concerned about the duration of the war, he said "it will take as long as is necessary," emphasizing unity with the statement, “We together will work, and we will win together.” Also Read: ‘Not putting troops in Iran, want Japan to step up,’ says Trump; claims Iran leadership ‘gone’ What are three goals outlined by Netanyahu on Iran war? Netanyahu outlined three main objectives: eliminating the nuclear threat, removing the ballistic missile threat, especially before such systems are placed deep underground and become immune to aerial strikes, and creating conditions for the Iranian people to “grasp their freedom.” He went on to detail Israel’s military actions, including targeting missile and drone arsenals, launch systems, and nuclear-related infrastructure such as factories producing missile components. He said Israel is dismantling Iranian industry in a way "that we didn't do before," while noting "there's still more work to do, and we're going to do it." https://www.wionews.com/videos/aditya-dhar-officially-joins-creme-de-la-creme-of-indian-cinema-1773946772344/embed Finally, Netanyahu addressed what he described as "fake news" suggesting Israel drew the United States into the conflict. He remarked: "Does anyone really think that someone can tell President Trump what to do? Come on," adding that Donald Trump "always makes his decisions on what he thinks is good for America" and for "future generations." Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a press conference on Thursday (March 19) said that Israel is stronger than ever, while Iran is weaker than ever

The Iran war might not end anytime soon as reports suggest that the Pentagon has asked the White House for $200billion in funding as it prepares to deploy more troops in the region. America has already spent billions on the war. A study showed that $3.7 billion vanished in the first 100 hours of the conflict, and in a week, $11 billion of taxpayer money was poured into the war. The latest development shows that the US is gearing up for a longer conflict as it tries to gain control of the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has declared the waterway closed and warned that any ships seen attempting to cross will be bombed. The country is also laying mines in the area as a war strategy. This closure has cost the world immensely, sending oil process rocketing. Experts are concerned that a barrel of oil could even touch $200 billion because of the conflict.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-warns-iran-of-military-actions-after-attack-on-oil-facilities-12-arab-nations-issue-statement-1773895488630">Saudi Arabia warns Iran of 'military actions' after attack on oil facilities</a>&nbsp;The request for fresh funding was first reported by The Washington Post. It stated that the Pentagon has reached out to the White House to get it cleared by Congress. The White House's response to the request is not known. Reports suggest that the Trump administration believes Congress will oppose the request, since the Democrats have slammed Trump for starting the war. Earlier, a Reuters report stated that America is planning to deploy thousands of troops in the Middle East. The president is said to be considering whether to expand operations, especially to secure the Strait of Hormuz to facilitate the passage of oil tankers. Trump has threatened Iran with dire action if it does not lift the blockade.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-war-impact-brent-crude-prices-surged-over-usd-100-per-barrel-1773903922263">Iran war impact: Brent crude prices surge over USD 100 per barrel</a>&nbsp;https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-war-africa-fuel-crisis-deepens-as-iran-war-threatens-600-000-barrels-supply-wion-1773901801210/embed<h2>Trump threatens to blow up South Pars Gas Field</h2>Such an operation would mean having American troops on &nbsp;Iran's shoreline as well, two US officials told Reuters. Sending ground forces to Iran's Kharg Island is another action the Trump administration is reportedly contemplating. The island is the hub for 90 per cent of Iran's oil exports. Meanwhile, in a late-night post on Wednesday, Trump warned the US would "blow up the entirety of the South Pars Gas Field" if Iran attacks Qatar. Such an action on the huge gas field could cause oil prices to shoot up instantly. In a Truth Social post, he claimed the US did not know that Israel would attack the South Pars Field, before issuing a warning of a massive strike himself. Iran has threatened to scale up the war by hitting energy facilities across the Middle East. Explosions have been reported in Ras Laffan, the world's biggest natural gas plant, and Saudi Arabia's capital, Riyadh.

The Pentagon has reportedly asked for an additional $200 billion in funding for the Iran war. It is planning to deploy more troops to the Middle East, according to a report, which means the war will continue to escalate and expand.

The Iran war might not end anytime soon as reports suggest that the Pentagon has asked the White House for $200billion in funding as it prepares to deploy more troops in the region. America has already spent billions on the war. A study showed that $3.7 billion vanished in the first 100 hours of the conflict, and in a week, $11 billion of taxpayer money was poured into the war. The latest development shows that the US is gearing up for a longer conflict as it tries to gain control of the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has declared the waterway closed and warned that any ships seen attempting to cross will be bombed. The country is also laying mines in the area as a war strategy. This closure has cost the world immensely, sending oil process rocketing. Experts are concerned that a barrel of oil could even touch $200 billion because of the conflict. Also Read: Saudi Arabia warns Iran of 'military actions' after attack on oil facilities The request for fresh funding was first reported by The Washington Post. It stated that the Pentagon has reached out to the White House to get it cleared by Congress. The White House's response to the request is not known. Reports suggest that the Trump administration believes Congress will oppose the request, since the Democrats have slammed Trump for starting the war. Earlier, a Reuters report stated that America is planning to deploy thousands of troops in the Middle East. The president is said to be considering whether to expand operations, especially to secure the Strait of Hormuz to facilitate the passage of oil tankers. Trump has threatened Iran with dire action if it does not lift the blockade. Also Read: Iran war impact: Brent crude prices surge over USD 100 per barrel https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-war-africa-fuel-crisis-deepens-as-iran-war-threatens-600-000-barrels-supply-wion-1773901801210/embed Trump threatens to blow up South Pars Gas Field Such an operation would mean having American troops on Iran's shoreline as well, two US officials told Reuters. Sending ground forces to Iran's Kharg Island is another action the Trump administration is reportedly contemplating. The island is the hub for 90 per cent of Iran's oil exports. Meanwhile, in a late-night post on Wednesday, Trump warned the US would "blow up the entirety of the South Pars Gas Field" if Iran attacks Qatar. Such an action on the huge gas field could cause oil prices to shoot up instantly. In a Truth Social post, he claimed the US did not know that Israel would attack the South Pars Field, before issuing a warning of a massive strike himself. Iran has threatened to scale up the war by hitting energy facilities across the Middle East. Explosions have been reported in Ras Laffan, the world's biggest natural gas plant, and Saudi Arabia's capital, Riyadh.

The Pentagon has reportedly asked for an additional $200 billion in funding for the Iran war. It is planning to deploy more troops to the Middle East, according to a report, which means the war will continue to escalate and expand.

Pentagon drops a bomb, requests $200 billion funding for next phase of Iran war, report suggests

US President Donald Trump is not in a good mood, at least his Truth Social post on Wednesday (Mar 18) hints so. The US president has reacted after Israel carried out a strike on the South Pars Gas Field. Distancing America from the attack, Trump said that the US knew nothing about it. A seemingly angry Trump lashed out at Iran for attacking LNG facilities in Qatar as part of retaliation against South Pars Gas Field strike. While he declared that Israel will not carry out attacks on South Pars Field, he defended Qatar using expressions he has rarely used for any other nation. “The country of Qatar was in no way, shape, or form, involved with it, nor did it have any idea that it was going to happen.” He then issued a stern warning of blowing up the entire South Pars Gas Field if Qatar is attacked by Iran again. He said that he would do so “with or without the help of Israel” and added that he would not want to authorise such level of violent act because of the long term implications. Ahead of Trump's post, an Associated Press report stated that Israel carried out a strike on South Pars gas field in the Pesian Gulf even after Washington backed out of the plan.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-iran-political-structure-strong-araghchi-responds-after-larijani-s-killing-irgc-launches-khorramshahr-kheibar-shekan-missiles-on-israel-1773797546308">'Political structure strong': Araghchi responds after Larijani's killing; IRGC launches Khorramshahr, Kheibar Shekan missiles</a>

“Israel, out of anger for what has taken place in the Middle East, has violently lashed out at a major facility known as South Pars Gas Field in Iran. A relatively small section of the whole has been hit. The United States knew nothing about this particular attack, and the country of Qatar was in no way, shape, or form, involved with it, nor did it have any idea that it was going to happen. NO MORE ATTACKS WILL BE MADE BY ISRAEL pertaining to this extremely important and valuable South Pars Field,” Trump wrote in Truth Social post.&nbsp;Trump's Truth Social post is a hint that he might be frustrated with Israeli offensive in the war that has now entered Day 20. While he has been slamming Iran for attack on neighbouring Gulf nations, specially Qatar and UAE, his statements about Israel is being seen as a warning and also a &nbsp;hint that Benjamin Netanyahu-led country might be at its own now that the war has started.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-four-weeks-to-war-is-very-complete-to-not-won-enough-trump-contradicts-himself-about-endgame-of-iran-war-khamenei-dead-netanyahu-israel-1773117026231">From 'four weeks' to 'war is very complete' to 'not won enough': Trump contradicts himself on endgame of Iran war</a>&nbsp;He then lashed out at Iran saying “Unfortunately, Iran did not know this, or any of the pertinent facts pertaining to the South Pars attack, and unjustifiably and unfairly attacked a portion of Qatar’s LNG Gas facility” He then said that US would blow up &nbsp;South Pars Gas Field if “Iran unwisely decides to attack a very innocent, in this case, Qatar - In which instance the United States of America, with or without the help or consent of Israel, will massively blow up the entirety of the South Pars Gas Field at an amount of strength and power that Iran has never seen or witnessed before. I do not want to authorize this level of violence and destruction because of the long term implications that it will have on the future of Iran, but if Qatar’s LNG is again attacked, I will not hesitate to do so.”&nbsp;(Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.)

US President Donald Trump distanced America from Israel’s strike on South Pars Gas Field and criticised Iran for hitting Qatar’s LNG sites. He warned of massive retaliation if Qatar is attacked again, while signalling frustration with Israel’s actions.

US President Donald Trump is not in a good mood, at least his Truth Social post on Wednesday (Mar 18) hints so. The US president has reacted after Israel carried out a strike on the South Pars Gas Field. Distancing America from the attack, Trump said that the US knew nothing about it. A seemingly angry Trump lashed out at Iran for attacking LNG facilities in Qatar as part of retaliation against South Pars Gas Field strike. While he declared that Israel will not carry out attacks on South Pars Field, he defended Qatar using expressions he has rarely used for any other nation. “The country of Qatar was in no way, shape, or form, involved with it, nor did it have any idea that it was going to happen.” He then issued a stern warning of blowing up the entire South Pars Gas Field if Qatar is attacked by Iran again. He said that he would do so “with or without the help of Israel” and added that he would not want to authorise such level of violent act because of the long term implications. Ahead of Trump's post, an Associated Press report stated that Israel carried out a strike on South Pars gas field in the Pesian Gulf even after Washington backed out of the plan. Also Read: 'Political structure strong': Araghchi responds after Larijani's killing; IRGC launches Khorramshahr, Kheibar Shekan missiles

US President Donald Trump distanced America from Israel’s strike on South Pars Gas Field and criticised Iran for hitting Qatar’s LNG sites. He warned of massive retaliation if Qatar is attacked again, while signalling frustration with Israel’s actions.

'NO MORE ATTACKS': Trump distances US from South Pars Gas Field attack by Israel, but warns Iran and defends 'very innocent' Qatar

Washington: In a high-stakes congressional face-off, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard on Wednesday (Mar 18) faced accusations of sanitising intelligence to protect President Donald Trump’s justification for war with Iran. During a congressional hearing, Gabbard admitted to omitting written testimony that described Iran’s nuclear program as "obliterated," a detail that directly contradicts Trump’s claims of an "imminent" nuclear threat. This comes as the Trump administration reels from the bombshell resignation of counterterrorism chief Joe Kent, who declared Iran posed "no imminent threat". The hearing has raised questions about whether the US was misled into a conflict that has now effectively shut down the vital Strait of Hormuz. All you need to know.<h2>Did Tulsi Gabbard Omit Intel to Support Trump’s Iran War?</h2>According to AFP, in written testimony for the annual threat assessment to the Senate Intelligence Committee, Gabbard had asserted that Operation Midnight Hammer has "obliterated" Iran's nuclear enrichment programme and that Tehran had made "no efforts" to rebuild it.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chernobyl-in-the-gulf-us-israel-missile-hits-iran-s-bushehr-nuclear-plant-is-the-world-at-risk-of-regional-scale-radiological-disaster-russia-1773875738801">Iran's Bushehr nuclear plant hit by missile, are we facing a nuclear disaster?</a>However, at what was the public briefing on intelligence since the war began in late February, Gabbard did not say that. When pressed by Democratic Senator Mark Warner for the reason for skipping certain parts of her remarks, Gabbard said she trimmed her public remarks because they were "running long". In reply to this, Warner pointedly remarked, "So you chose to omit the parts that contradict the president." This was in apparent reference to Trump's claims that military action against Iran was justified because of the nation's nuclear-weapon development.<h2>Why Did Joe Kent Resign? The 'No Imminent Threat' Bombshell</h2>On March 17, 2026, citing strong opposition to the Iran war, Joe Kent publicly announced his decision to step down as the US Director of the National Counterterrorism Center. He insisted that Iran did not pose any "imminent threat" to the US and claimed external pressure, including from Israeli officials and US media, influenced the conflict, assertions the administration rejected as false."I cannot in good conscience support the ongoing war in Iran. Iran posed no imminent threat to our nation, and it is clear that we started this war due to pressure from Israel and its powerful American lobby," he wrote on X, posting a copy of his resignation.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-a-moment-of-silence-for-the-0-07-internet-reacts-as-kim-jong-un-s-perfect-election-marred-by-rare-dissent-north-korea-1773819815156">'A moment of silence for the 0.07%': Internet reacts as Kim Jong Un’s ‘perfect’ election marred by rare dissent</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">After much reflection, I have decided to resign from my position as Director of the National Counterterrorism Center, effective today. I cannot in good conscience support the ongoing war in Iran. Iran posed no imminent threat to our nation, and it is clear that we started this… <a href="https://t.co/prtu86DpEr">pic.twitter.com/prtu86DpEr</a>&mdash; Joe Kent (@joekent16jan19) <a href="https://twitter.com/joekent16jan19/status/2033897242986209689?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Was Trump Warned About the Strait of Hormuz Shutdown?</h2>At the hearing, Gabbard and CIA Director John Ratcliffe were questioned whether intelligence officials had warned Trump that Iran could potentially attack the Strait of Hormuz, the world's most critical maritime oil chokepoint. Since the start of the US-Israel-Iran war, Iran has effectively closed the shipping channel through which over one-fifth of global oil and one-quarter of liquefied natural gas (LNG) pass through daily.In reply, Ratcliffe vaguely said that "The president gets briefings constantly about intelligence". He added that the Pentagon prepared for Iran to hit "US interests in energy sites across the region" and "took measures for force protection".Gabbard meanwhile, confirmed that the threat was flagged. She noted that the intelligence community had a "longstanding assessment" that Iran "would likely hold the Strait of Hormuz". The Director of National Intelligence said that the US defence department took "pre-emptive planning measures" as a result of that intel.&nbsp;Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.&nbsp;

Did US intelligence omit key facts to support Donald Trump’s Iran war narrative? During a tense hearing, Tulsi Gabbard was accused of skipping intel that contradicted Donald Trump’s claims of an imminent threat. Did officials downplay evidence? Scroll down to find out.

Washington: In a high-stakes congressional face-off, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard on Wednesday (Mar 18) faced accusations of sanitising intelligence to protect President Donald Trump’s justification for war with Iran. During a congressional hearing, Gabbard admitted to omitting written testimony that described Iran’s nuclear program as "obliterated," a detail that directly contradicts Trump’s claims of an "imminent" nuclear threat. This comes as the Trump administration reels from the bombshell resignation of counterterrorism chief Joe Kent, who declared Iran posed "no imminent threat". The hearing has raised questions about whether the US was misled into a conflict that has now effectively shut down the vital Strait of Hormuz. All you need to know. Did Tulsi Gabbard Omit Intel to Support Trump’s Iran War? According to AFP, in written testimony for the annual threat assessment to the Senate Intelligence Committee, Gabbard had asserted that Operation Midnight Hammer has "obliterated" Iran's nuclear enrichment programme and that Tehran had made "no efforts" to rebuild it. Also read | Iran's Bushehr nuclear plant hit by missile, are we facing a nuclear disaster? However, at what was the public briefing on intelligence since the war began in late February, Gabbard did not say that. When pressed by Democratic Senator Mark Warner for the reason for skipping certain parts of her remarks, Gabbard said she trimmed her public remarks because they were "running long". In reply to this, Warner pointedly remarked, "So you chose to omit the parts that contradict the president." This was in apparent reference to Trump's claims that military action against Iran was justified because of the nation's nuclear-weapon development. Why Did Joe Kent Resign? The 'No Imminent Threat' Bombshell On March 17, 2026, citing strong opposition to the Iran war, Joe Kent publicly announced his decision to step down as the US Director of the National Counterterrorism Center. He insisted that Iran did not pose any "imminent threat" to the US and claimed external pressure, including from Israeli officials and US media, influenced the conflict, assertions the administration rejected as false. "I cannot in good conscience support the ongoing war in Iran. Iran posed no imminent threat to our nation, and it is clear that we started this war due to pressure from Israel and its powerful American lobby," he wrote on X, posting a copy of his resignation. Also read | 'A moment of silence for the 0.07%': Internet reacts as Kim Jong Un’s ‘perfect’ election marred by rare dissent

Did US intelligence omit key facts to support Donald Trump’s Iran war narrative? During a tense hearing, Tulsi Gabbard was accused of skipping intel that contradicted Donald Trump’s claims of an imminent threat. Did officials downplay evidence? Scroll down to find out.

‘No imminent threat’: Tulsi Gabbard caught ‘trimming’ key intel to fit Trump’s Iran war narrative after Joe Kent resignation

A projectile struck Iran’s only operational nuclear power plant this week, according to the UN's nuclear watchdog on Wednesday. Taking to social media, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said that they have been "informed by Iran that a projectile hit the premises of the Bushehr NPP on Tuesday evening". The strike on Tehran’s Bushehr nuclear plant, which is located on the shores of the Persian Gulf, comes as the war between the United States, Israel and Iran continues for the 19th day. Is the nuclear plant damaged? Is the region on the brink of a Chornobyl-style radiological and environmental disaster that could render the Persian Gulf uninhabitable? All you need to know.<h2>How Close Did the Projectile Get to the Bushehr Nuclear Core?</h2>In a terrifying escalation of the regional war, the IAEA has confirmed that a projectile hit the premises of Iran's only operational nuclear reactor at Bushehr. Russia’s Tass news agency, citing Rosatom CEO Alexey Likhachev, reported that the strike “hit the area adjacent to the metrology service building located at the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant site." This, he said, was "in close proximity to the operating power unit.”Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/-we-re-watching-from-above-amid-ai-and-death-rumours-netanyahu-emerges-in-war-room-to-prove-he-s-alive-after-eliminating-larijani-soleimani-1773789460421">Real or deepfake? Netanyahu mocks death rumours with Kirya war room video after wiping out Iran's top 'terror chieftains'</a>While no damage to the plant or injuries to the staff had been reported, the Vienna-based agency warned that the strike "violates the seven indispensable pillars related to ensuring nuclear safety and security during an armed conflict". Agency head Rafael Grossi reiterated "his call for restraint during the conflict to avoid any risk of a nuclear accident.""Although there was no damage to the reactor itself nor injuries to staff, any attack at or near nuclear power plants violates the seven indispensable pillars related to ensuring nuclear safety and security during an armed conflict and should never take place," read the statement.Russia, meanwhile, has erupted in fury, accusing Israel and the United States of a "wholly unacceptable" strike.<h2>Why is Russia Warning of a 'Radiological Disaster' in the Persian Gulf?</h2>Russia, which helped build the nuclear plant in Bushehr and had staff on the site, confirmed reports of a missile strike on the NPP's inner perimeter. Calling the attack "completely unacceptable," Moscow said that the US and Israel "must refrain from reckless attacks on nuclear infrastructure".Speaking during a weekly briefing, Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova noted that attacks on nuclear infrastructure "pose a real risk of a regional-scale radiological and environmental disaster". She added that her country has repeatedly warned Washington and Tel Aviv against "threatening the lives" of Russian personnel working at the plant.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-a-moment-of-silence-for-the-0-07-internet-reacts-as-kim-jong-un-s-perfect-election-marred-by-rare-dissent-north-korea-1773819815156">'A moment of silence for the 0.07%': Internet reacts as Kim Jong Un’s ‘perfect’ election marred by rare dissent</a><h2>Are the US and Israel Targeting Iranian Nuclear Sites?</h2>This was the first confirmed attack on a nuclear power plant during the course of the current United States-Israel large-scale military conflict with Iran.However, it must be noted that in June 2025, during the war that came to be known as the Twelve-Day War, Washington's Operation Midnight Hammer used B-2 stealth bombers to drop GBU-57 "bunker buster" bombs to target Iranian nuclear sites. The massive airstrikes led to significant damage at four Iranian nuclear sites. Natanz had been effectively obliterated, and the heavily fortified Fordow facility, which is buried deep underground, sustained major, potentially catastrophic structural damage. In Isfahan, the Nuclear Technology Centre was heavily damaged, while the heavy-water reactor at Arak was similarly crippled.The Bushehr plant, located in southwestern Iran, is the country’s only functioning nuclear power reactor. It was connected to the national grid in 2011 and remains central to Iran’s civilian nuclear programme.&nbsp;Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Missile strikes Iran’s only operational nuclear plant, triggering fears of a radiological disaster. IAEA confirmed that a projectile hit the premises of Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, raising alarm on Day 19 of Iran war. Was the reactor damaged? how serious is the risk? Scroll down to find out.

A projectile struck Iran’s only operational nuclear power plant this week, according to the UN's nuclear watchdog on Wednesday. Taking to social media, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said that they have been "informed by Iran that a projectile hit the premises of the Bushehr NPP on Tuesday evening". The strike on Tehran’s Bushehr nuclear plant, which is located on the shores of the Persian Gulf, comes as the war between the United States, Israel and Iran continues for the 19th day. Is the nuclear plant damaged? Is the region on the brink of a Chornobyl-style radiological and environmental disaster that could render the Persian Gulf uninhabitable? All you need to know. How Close Did the Projectile Get to the Bushehr Nuclear Core? In a terrifying escalation of the regional war, the IAEA has confirmed that a projectile hit the premises of Iran's only operational nuclear reactor at Bushehr. Russia’s Tass news agency, citing Rosatom CEO Alexey Likhachev, reported that the strike “hit the area adjacent to the metrology service building located at the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant site." This, he said, was "in close proximity to the operating power unit.” Also read | Real or deepfake? Netanyahu mocks death rumours with Kirya war room video after wiping out Iran's top 'terror chieftains' While no damage to the plant or injuries to the staff had been reported, the Vienna-based agency warned that the strike "violates the seven indispensable pillars related to ensuring nuclear safety and security during an armed conflict". Agency head Rafael Grossi reiterated "his call for restraint during the conflict to avoid any risk of a nuclear accident." "Although there was no damage to the reactor itself nor injuries to staff, any attack at or near nuclear power plants violates the seven indispensable pillars related to ensuring nuclear safety and security during an armed conflict and should never take place," read the statement. Russia, meanwhile, has erupted in fury, accusing Israel and the United States of a "wholly unacceptable" strike. Why is Russia Warning of a 'Radiological Disaster' in the Persian Gulf? Russia, which helped build the nuclear plant in Bushehr and had staff on the site, confirmed reports of a missile strike on the NPP's inner perimeter. Calling the attack "completely unacceptable," Moscow said that the US and Israel "must refrain from reckless attacks on nuclear infrastructure". Speaking during a weekly briefing, Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova noted that attacks on nuclear infrastructure "pose a real risk of a regional-scale radiological and environmental disaster". She added that her country has repeatedly warned Washington and Tel Aviv against "threatening the lives" of Russian personnel working at the plant. Also read | 'A moment of silence for the 0.07%': Internet reacts as Kim Jong Un’s ‘perfect’ election marred by rare dissent Are the US and Israel Targeting Iranian Nuclear Sites? This was the first confirmed attack on a nuclear power plant during the course of the current United States-Israel large-scale military conflict with Iran. However, it must be noted that in June 2025, during the war that came to be known as the Twelve-Day War, Washington's Operation Midnight Hammer used B-2 stealth bombers to drop GBU-57 "bunker buster" bombs to target Iranian nuclear sites. The massive airstrikes led to significant damage at four Iranian nuclear sites. Natanz had been effectively obliterated, and the heavily fortified Fordow facility, which is buried deep underground, sustained major, potentially catastrophic structural damage. In Isfahan, the Nuclear Technology Centre was heavily damaged, while the heavy-water reactor at Arak was similarly crippled. The Bushehr plant, located in southwestern Iran, is the country’s only functioning nuclear power reactor. It was connected to the national grid in 2011 and remains central to Iran’s civilian nuclear programme. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Missile strikes Iran’s only operational nuclear plant, triggering fears of a radiological disaster. IAEA confirmed that a projectile hit the premises of Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, raising alarm on Day 19 of Iran war. Was the reactor damaged? how serious is the risk? Scroll down to find out.

Chernobyl in the Gulf: US-Israel missile hits Iran's Bushehr nuclear plant. World at risk of 'regional-scale radiological disaster'?