US & ‘Israel’ at war with Iran | Day 14 coverage
The 2026 war between ‘Israel’, the United States, and Iran started on February 28 with the launch of Operation Epic Fury, a joint US-‘Israeli’ military campaign. Nearly 900 coordinated strikes were executed within the initial 12 hours, targeting Iranian missile systems, air defenses, military infrastructure, and senior leadership figures across multiple sites.
The operation resulted in the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and numerous other high-ranking officials, with explicit objectives of preventing nuclear weapon development, dismantling ballistic missile capabilities, and advancing leadership change.
Iran initiated large-scale retaliatory missile and drone attacks against ‘Israeli’ settlements, US bases, and allied targets throughout the Middle East.
The escalation also encompassed disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, where Iranian forces shut it down; heightening risks to global energy supplies.
Subsequent phases featured intensified ‘Israeli’ airstrikes on Iranian fuel depots and energy facilities in Tehran and surrounding provinces, complemented by US efforts to neutralize naval assets and remaining missile infrastructure.
The war produced over 2,000 reported deaths across Iran, ‘Israel’, and Lebanon.
Economic effects have included sharp increases in oil prices and interruptions to international shipping, prompting releases from strategic petroleum reserves to stabilize markets.
Iran FM calls on neighbors to 'expel' US forces from Middle East
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called on Saturday for neighbouring countries to expel US forces from the Middle East.
The US security umbrella in the region "has proven to be full of holes and inviting rather than deterring trouble," the top diplomat posted on X, adding that Iran called on its neighbors "to expel foreign aggressors".
Sirens blare in Jordan
Sirens blare in Jordan amid ongoing regional tensions.
‘Israel’ plans strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, official says
An 'Israeli' official told the state broadcaster that ‘Israel’ intends to carry out attacks on Iranian nuclear sites soon. The remarks, reported by the 'Israeli' Broadcasting Corporation, indicate a possible intensification of military operations against Iran amid ongoing regional tensions.
Commercial ship reports explosion near Sharjah port, UAE
A commercial vessel reported hearing the sound of an explosion near Sharjah port in the United Arab Emirates, according to maritime sources.
Trump likely to call off war in two weeks: former US envoy
Former US special envoy Elliot Abrams said President Donald Trump could end the war on Iran in about two weeks if he chooses, during an interview with CNN. Abrams, who also served as senior fellow for Middle Eastern studies at the Council on Foreign Relations, outlined two possible scenarios for concluding the conflict: an uprising against the Iranian regime or Trump declaring the operation over after achieving military objectives.
“I think it’s more likely that he will just call it off,” Abrams said, arguing that once planned targets are hit, Trump may conclude the campaign rather than prolong it. He added that while many Iranians oppose their government, it is unclear how quickly any internal change would occur.
Turkey says NATO intercepts third Iranian ballistic missile
Turkey announced on Friday that NATO intercepted a third ballistic missile from Iran over its territory, hours after sirens sounded at Incirlik air base, a NATO facility near Adana hosting US troops.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Ankara’s “top priority” is to avoid being drawn into the Middle East conflict. “We are acting very cautiously against plots, traps and provocations that seek to drag our country into war,” he said, pledging an “appropriate and measured” response. “Keeping our country out of this fire pit is our top priority.”
The Defence Ministry confirmed the missile was neutralized by NATO air and missile defence assets. Residents reported hearing sirens at 3:25 am local time, and footage circulated online showing a fast-moving object in the sky. Analysts noted that visible fragments could be from the missile or its interceptor.
Netanyahu appoints Ron Dermer to oversee Lebanon file amid war
'Israeli' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has tasked former minister Ron Dermer with managing the Lebanon file during the ongoing war, according to US and ‘Israeli’ sources.
Dermer is expected to oversee communications with the US administration and handle negotiations with the Lebanese government if talks begin in the coming weeks.
IRGC launches 45th wave of "True Promise 4"
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has released footage showcasing the launch of its 45th major wave of missiles as part of "Operation True Promise 4".
The video depicts various medium and long-range ballistic missiles being launched from underground silos and mobile platforms across Iran. According to state media, this latest barrage is a direct response to the ongoing US-led aerial campaign and recent strikes on Iranian sovereign territory.
UAE restores 44 percent of pre-war air traffic
The United Arab Emirates has restored about 44 percent of its pre-war aviation traffic, the country’s General Civil Aviation Authority said.
The authority reported that airports across the UAE handled 1.4 million passengers between March 1 and March 12 as flight operations gradually resumed.
Airlines operating in the country have returned to roughly 44.6 percent of their pre-war capacity, the authority added, as aviation activity slowly recovers amid ongoing regional disruptions.
Iranian ballistic missile carrying cluster warhead hits central ‘Israel’
'Israeli' military sources reported that an Iranian ballistic missile launched overnight targeted central ‘Israel’ and was equipped with a cluster warhead.
$10 million reward announced for information on Iranian leader Mojtaba Khamenei
The US State Department announced Friday a $10 million reward for information that leads to the location of Mojtaba Khamenei, son of Iran’s Supreme Leader. The initiative is part of Washington’s broader strategy to target key figures within Iran’s leadership amid escalating regional conflicts.
Iraq PM vows to prevent attacks after French soldier killed
Iraq’s prime minister pledged to prevent further attacks after a French soldier was killed, according to official sources.
The prime minister emphasized that security forces will take all necessary measures to protect personnel and maintain stability amid ongoing war.
US CENTCOM releases declassified footage of precision strikes on strategic targets in Iran
US Central Command (CENTCOM) has released unclassified thermal footage documenting a series of precision strikes conducted against military infrastructure across Iran. The footage shows the targeting of Iranian ballistic missile launchers, weapons storage facilities, and naval assets.
According to military officials, these strikes are part of an "overwhelming and unrelenting" campaign ordered by President Trump to neutralize threats to regional stability and international shipping lanes.
CENTCOM reports that as of today, approximately 15,000 targets have been struck since the war began on February 28. The latest operations focused on degrading the IRGC's ability to disrupt the Strait of Hormuz, which remains effectively closed.
Despite the heavy bombardment, the Pentagon maintains that AI-guided munitions are being used to ensure precision and minimize civilian impact, though independent reports continue to cite significant damage to non-military infrastructure in cities like Tehran and Shiraz.
US-‘Israel’ strike kills 2, injures 5 in western Tehran province
A US–‘Israel’ strike on the Buin Zahra area in Qazvin province, west of Tehran, killed two people and injured five others, the Iranian Mehr News Agency reported.
Larijani mocks US "desperation" during Tehran Quds day rally
Speaking from the heart of a massive demonstration in Tehran, Iranian official Ali Larijani delivered a sharp rebuke to both 'Israel' and President Donald Trump.
Larijani addressed the recent escalations, stating that the "Zionist regime" is acting out of terror and desperation rather than strength. He emphasized that the Iranian nation’s will only grows stronger under pressure, dismissing Trump's rhetoric as a failure to comprehend the "noble and powerful" nature of the Iranian people.
All crew members of US KC-135 lost in Iraq confirmed dead
All six crew members aboard a US KC-135 refueling aircraft that crashed in western Iraq on March 12 have been confirmed deceased. The aircraft was lost while flying over friendly airspace during Operation Epic Fury.
Officials said the circumstances of the incident are under investigation, but preliminary information indicates the loss was not caused by hostile or friendly fire.
The identities of the service members are being withheld until 24 hours after their next of kin have been notified.
US-'Israeli' strikes destroy dozens of buildings south of Tehran
Airstrikes carried out by US and 'Israeli' forces targeted the Javadiyeh area in southern Tehran, destroying seven buildings and damaging approximately 100 others, the Iranian Mehr News Agency reported.
Explosion heard in Dubai, says AFP
An explosion was reportedly heard in Dubai, AFP correspondent on the ground said.
Imam killed in 'Israeli' strike on southern Lebanese town
Sheikh Hassan Ghandour, an imam from the southern Lebanese town of Nabatieh al-Fawqa, has died after being injured in an Israeli strike, the National News Agency reported.
The agency said Ghandour succumbed to his injuries following Thursday’s attack on his home, part of ongoing Israeli military operations in the region.
Airlines suspend Middle East flights as regional tensions disrupt air travel
Airlines around the world have either cancelled or limited flights to several Middle Eastern destinations as security concerns continue to disrupt regional air travel.
Airlines still operating (limited schedules)
A small number of major carriers continue to operate flights, though with reduced capacity or limited routes:
- Emirates – Operating a reduced flight schedule.
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Royal Jordanian – Flights will proceed provided the airspace is safe.
- Etihad Airways – Running a limited schedule from Abu Dhabi to key destinations.
- Qatar Airways – Operating a limited flight schedule to and from Doha.
- Air India & IndiGo – Both carriers are maintaining heavy flight schedules to link Gulf countries (such as Jeddah, Dubai, Riyadh, and Muscat) with the Indian subcontinent, bypassing many of the regional disruptions.
- Ethiopian Airlines – It is currently serving as a strong alternative for long-haul travel, providing consistent routes to Dubai, Jeddah, and Riyadh via its hub in Addis Ababa.
Airlines that suspended or cancelled flights
Many international carriers have temporarily halted services to multiple destinations across the region:
- Aegean Airlines – Cancelled Tel Aviv, Beirut, Erbil and Baghdad flights until March 29; Dubai until March 28; Riyadh until March 14.
- airBaltic – Tel Aviv flights cancelled until March 28; Dubai until March 30.
- Air Canada – Tel Aviv cancelled until May 2; Dubai until March 28.
- Air Europa – Tel Aviv cancelled until March 20.
- Air France–KLM – Tel Aviv and Beirut cancelled through March 15; Dubai and Riyadh until March 14.
- Cathay Pacific – Dubai and Riyadh flights cancelled until March 31.
- Delta Air Lines – New York–Tel Aviv flights cancelled until March 31, with the route paused until Aug. 4.
- El Al ‘Israeli’ Airlines – Regular flights cancelled until March 19.
- Finnair – Doha and Dubai flights cancelled until March 29.
- ITA Airways – Tel Aviv suspended until April 2; Dubai until March 28.
- Japan Airlines – Tokyo–Doha flights suspended until March 21.
- Malaysia Airlines – Doha flights suspended until March 20.
- Pegasus Airlines – Flights to several regional destinations cancelled until March 31; Riyadh until March 23.
- Saudia – Flights to Amman, Kuwait, Abu Dhabi, Doha and Bahrain suspended until March 12.
- Turkish Airlines – Flights to Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Doha, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, Bahrain and Dammam cancelled until March 19; Iran until March 20.
- Wizz Air – Flights to ‘Israel’ suspended until March 29; Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Amman and Jeddah routes from Europe suspended until mid-September.
- Norwegian Air – Planning to resume Tel Aviv and Beirut flights on June 15.
