US & ‘Israel’ at war with Iran | Day 16 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 says Strait of Hormuz open, closed only to 'enemy vessels'
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told MS Now that the Strait of Hormuz remains open for international shipping but is closed only to tankers and vessels of countries attacking Iran.
Araghchi emphasized that strategic partnerships with Russia and China continue, including military cooperation. He added that Iran’s system has operated efficiently after the martyrdom of its top commander, and that all remains under control.
Iran accuses enemy of using Shahed 136 drones in attacks on Arab states
Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Headquarters issued a statement to neighboring countries and Muslim populations, claiming that its adversaries, the United States and 'Israel', have “copied Iranian Shahed 136 drones” and are using them to “carry out unauthorized attacks”.
The headquarters said the goal of these actions is “to cast doubt on Iran, falsely blame it for attacks, and sow discord with neighboring states”, while attempting to “misrepresent Iran’s defensive and lawful military operations.”
Iran reiterated that it “only targets US and Israeli assets” and takes responsibility for any operations it conducts.
Recent attacks in Turkey, Kuwait, and Iraq were cited as examples of strikes that “were falsely attributed to Iranian forces.”
The statement stressed that “intelligent responses by regional officials will neutralize these deceptive campaigns before they escalate.”
Abu Dhabi media: Fire contained after drone hits Ruwais oil facility
Abu Dhabi authorities said they have contained a fire that broke out at an oil facility in the Ruwais area after it was targeted by a drone, according to the Abu Dhabi Media Office.
‘Israel’ running low on missile interceptors: Report
‘Israel’ has informed the United States that it is running critically low on ballistic missile interceptors amid the ongoing conflict with Iran, according to a report by the US news website Semafor.
The outlet cited unnamed US officials familiar with the matter, saying the warning was conveyed to Washington earlier this week as missile exchanges between Iran and ‘Israel’ continue.
According to the report, US officials had been aware for months that ‘Israel’ faced limited interceptor capacity as the confrontation risked expanding.
Bahrain intercepts 125 missiles since start of attacks
Bahrain’s Defense Force says the country’s air defenses have intercepted and destroyed 125 missiles and 203 drones that targeted the kingdom since the start of the ongoing attacks in the region.
In a statement carried by state media, the Bahrain Defense Force said its air defense units successfully responded to repeated aerial threats, preventing the projectiles from reaching their intended targets.
