US & ‘Israel’ at war with Iran | Day 17 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.
Netanyahu seen in new video with US ambassador to ‘Israel’
The ‘Israeli’ Prime Minister is seen with the US ambassador to ‘Israel’ Mike Huckabee, denying once again reports circulating on social media of his death in an Iranian strike.
Western leaders issue joint statement regarding Lebanon
Leaders from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom issued a joint statement expressing deep concern over the escalating conflict between ‘Israel’ and Hezbollah. The statement urged immediate engagement between 'Israeli' and Lebanese representatives to negotiate a sustainable political solution and called for an end to attacks targeting civilians and infrastructure.
The leaders condemned Hezbollah’s participation in hostilities alongside Iran and stressed the need for the group to disarm. They also highlighted the unacceptable nature of attacks on health workers, civilian infrastructure, and the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon.
Warning of the humanitarian consequences of a major 'Israeli' ground offensive, the statement emphasized that a protracted conflict must be avoided. The leaders called for full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701 and reiterated their support for Lebanon’s government in curbing Hezbollah’s military activities.
The statement underscores growing international concern over the rising tensions in Lebanon and the potential for wider regional instability.
Iran: "Better to call this war Epic Fear instead of Epic Fury"
The spokesman for Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya headquarters responded to President of the United States Donald Trump, saying that wars are not won through tweets but on the battlefield, “in places where American forces do not dare to go.”
He also suggested it would be more accurate to call the war “Epic Fear” rather than an “Epic Fury” and emphasized that the course of the war is determined by Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei.
Alert period ends in Jordan
Alert period ends in Jordan
Sirens blare in Jordan
Sirens blare in Jordan
Trump pushes for 'enthusiasm' from allies to secure Hormuz
President Donald Trump criticized US allies on Monday for their lukewarm response to his call to help protect shipping in the Strait of Hormuz during the US war against Iran.
Trump called for more "enthusiasm" from other countries, as he said he believed France and Britain would somewhat reluctantly get involved.
"We strongly encourage the other nations to get involved with us and get involved quickly and with great enthusiasm," Trump told reporters during an event at the White House.
"The level of enthusiasm matters to me."
Trump said a number of countries that he did not name had committed to help secure the waterway, a critical choke point for the global oil trade, but lashed out at others who were not "enthusiastic."
"For 40 years, we're protecting you, and you don't want to get involved," Trump said.
NATO and other Western allies pushed back earlier Monday on Trump's demand at the weekend that the alliance help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has effectively closed.
During lengthy remarks at a meeting with the hand-picked board of Washington's Kennedy Center, which Trump has renamed after himself, Trump had only partial praise for the leaders of Britain and France.
"On a scale of zero to 10, I'd say he's been an eight," Trump said when asked about a call with French President Emmanuel Macron.
"Not perfect -- but it's France."
Trump added of Macron that "I think he's going to help" -- and said he also believed Britain would be involved in a Hormuz mission.
'Oldest ally'
But the US leader was harsher about Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who has previously faced stinging criticism from Trump over Britain's refusal to send an aircraft carrier to the region.
"I was not happy with the UK. I think they'll be involved, yeah, maybe. But they should be involved enthusiastically," Trump said.
"I said... 'You're our oldest ally, and we spend a lot of money on, you know, NATO and all of these things to protect you.'"
Starmer said earlier that London was working with allies to craft a "viable" plan to reopen the strategic waterway but ruled out a NATO mission.
Trump meanwhile insisted that Iran itself was a "paper tiger" after two weeks of joint US-Israeli airstrikes, adding that Washington was unclear whom it could negotiate with in Tehran.
"We don't know... if he's dead or not," Trump said when asked about the condition of Iran's new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei.
"A lot of people are saying that he's badly disfigured. They're saying that he lost his leg -- one leg -- and he's, you know, been hurt very badly. Other people are saying he's dead. Nobody's saying he's 100 percent healthy," he said.
"We don't know who we're dealing with" in Iran, Trump said. "We don't know who their leader is."
Air defenses are currently intercepting drone attack near US embassy in Baghdad
Iraqi air defense systems are currently engaging a drone near the US embassy in Baghdad, officials reported.
The situation is ongoing, with no immediate reports of casualties or damage.
Iranian drones target hotel and airport in Iraq
Iraqi security forces intercepted two attacks targeting Erbil International Airport and shot down a drone over the Azadi district of the city.
A separate drone reportedly targeted the Al-Rashid Hotel in central Baghdad, but officials confirmed there were no casualties.
Iranian missile intercepted over occupied Palestine
Sirens sound across 'Israel' after Iran missile launch
Air raid sirens sounded across several areas in ‘Israel’, including Ashdod, Ashkelon, the Greater Tel Aviv area, and Ben Gurion Airport, following a missile attack launched from Iran, according to the 'Israeli' Home Front Command.
Authorities also reported early warnings after detecting additional missiles heading toward northern and central parts of ‘Israel’, including the Sharon region.
Channel 12 cited sources saying that at least two missiles from the initial wave were intercepted.
Jordan condemns Iranian attack that killed civilian in UAE
Jordan on Monday strongly condemned the Iranian attack that resulted in a missile striking a civilian vehicle in the Al Bahya area of the United Arab Emirates, killing one civilian.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates said in a statement that Jordan rejects and denounces the brutal attacks, calling them a clear violation of the sovereignty of the sisterly UAE and a dangerous escalation that threatens regional security and stability.
The ministry reaffirmed Jordan’s full solidarity with the UAE in confronting Iranian attacks and expressed complete support for all measures taken by Abu Dhabi to protect its sovereignty, security, and the safety of its citizens.
The ministry also extended its sincere condolences and sympathy to the family of the victim.
Netanyahu’s ring disappears in video posted to prove he’s alive, sparking online debate
A video posted to 'Israeli' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s official account, intended to confirm that he is alive amid persistent death rumors, has gone viral for an unexpected reason: his wedding ring appears and disappears during the clip.
Social media users have debated whether the effect is caused by a phone filter, video editing, or something else entirely, fueling theories and widespread online speculation.
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Trump says unclear if new Iran leader is 'dead or not'
US President Donald Trump said Monday that he does not know whether Iran's new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei is still alive, adding that Washington was unclear whom it could negotiate with in Tehran.
"We don't know... if he's dead or not," Trump told reporters at the White House.
"A lot of people are saying that he's badly disfigured. They're saying that he lost his leg -- one leg -- and he's, you know, been hurt very badly. Other people are saying he's dead. Nobody's saying he's 100 percent healthy. You know he hasn't spoken."
"We don't know who we're dealing with" in Iran, Trump said. "We don't know who their leader is."
Trump claims US crippled Iran’s military, missile capabilities
- Trump urges other oil-dependent nations to help keep the Strait of Hormuz open.
Donald Trump claimed that US forces have significantly degraded Iran’s military, targeting its navy, air force, and missile infrastructure.
In a series of statements, Trump said the United States has destroyed much of Iran’s naval fleet, neutralized air defense and radar systems, and hit over 7,000 military and commercial targets across the country.
Trump added that Iran’s stock of ballistic missiles and drones has been severely reduced, with attacks on production sites further limiting Tehran’s capabilities. He added that additional strikes are continuing “hour by hour” from multiple directions.
Regarding strategic oil infrastructure, Trump said US forces had avoided targeting oil pipelines on Khark Island, but emphasized that the capability to do so remains at his discretion. He also urged countries reliant on oil transported through the Strait of Hormuz to assist in keeping the waterway open.
Trump described recent operations in Iran as long overdue, noting that the country now faces “very limited” missile launches compared with previous weeks. He highlighted that the US has acted decisively against threats to regional stability while emphasizing ongoing readiness to strike as necessary.
Dubai extinguishes 14-hour fuel tank fire near airport
Dubai Civil Defense confirmed that a fuel tank fire near Dubai International Airport, which had been burning for 14 hours, has been successfully extinguished. Cooling operations are now underway to prevent any flare-ups and fully secure the site.
Emergency teams worked relentlessly for more than half a day to contain the blaze.
The incident comes amid heightened regional tensions, following the interception of Iranian drones and missiles targeting the UAE.
Civil Defense teams have confirmed that the fire in a fuel tank in the vicinity of Dubai International Airport has been extinguished. Cooling operations are now underway.
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) March 16, 2026
Larijani says Iran faced ‘deceptive aggression’ during negotiations
Iranian politician Ali Larijani said Iran was subjected to what he described as “deceptive aggression” that occurred during negotiations, claiming the goal of the attack was to dismantle the country.
In remarks addressing regional developments, Larijani said the assault took place while talks were ongoing, describing it as a calculated move aimed at weakening Iran’s state structure.
He also criticized the response from the Islamic world, saying that “no Islamic country stood alongside the Iranian people except in rare cases and within limited political positions.”
Larijani added that, despite the pressure, Iran’s population had managed to confront the adversary.
He said the Iranian people, through their determination, had “suppressed the enemy” to the point where it now struggles to find a way out of what he called a “strategic impasse.”
Iran to release six-point message to Muslims worldwide
Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council of Iran, Ali Larijani, announced that a six-point message addressed to Muslims worldwide and to the governments of Islamic countries will be released shortly.
Larijani wrote on his official account on X that the statement will be directed “to Muslims across the world and to the governments of Islamic states,” without providing further details about the content of the message.
ستنشر بعد قليل رسالة من ستة بنود موجهة إلى المسلمين في أنحاء العالم وإلى حكومات الدول الإسلامية
— Ali Larijani | علی لاریجانی (@alilarijani_ir) March 16, 2026
Child injured after missile shrapnel hits home in Jordan
A child was injured on Monday after missile shrapnel struck his family’s home in the Duqara area, west of Irbid, amid ongoing regional military escalation.
Security agencies and Civil Defense teams responded immediately to the incident, transferring the child to a hospital for treatment. The impact caused significant damage to the house after fragments hit the building.
Security forces secured the area and cordoned off the site to clear the debris and ensure the safety of residents.
The incident comes as regional tensions continue to escalate. Authorities urged citizens to stay away from any unfamiliar objects that fall to the ground and to immediately report them to emergency operations rooms.
UAE: Drone attack sparks fire at Fujairah oil zone
Alert period ends in Jordan
Sirens sound signaling end of alert period in Jordan.
Qatar intercepts missile attack targeting country
Qatar’s Ministry of Defense announced that its armed forces successfully intercepted a missile attack aimed at the country.
Dashcam records moment police headquarters targeted in Hamadan
Dashcam footage captured during the early hours of March 7 shows thick plumes of black smoke rising over Hamadan skyline following a fresh wave of joint US-'Israeli' airstrikes.
Sirens blare in Jordan
Sirens blare in Jordan amid ongoing regional tensions.
Starmer says UK avoids war with Iran
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the United Kingdom will not be dragged into a full-scale war with Iran, stressing that London is working toward a rapid negotiated solution to the ongoing regional crisis.
Speaking amid rising tensions, Starmer said Britain continues diplomatic coordination with Arab partners on a daily basis to contain military escalation
Iran says it never trusted US during negotiations
Iran said it never trusted the United States during past negotiations, according to Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei.
Baghaei said the talks were conducted with Tehran’s “eyes wide open” and with complete distrust toward Washington. He added that Iran remains willing to engage in negotiations despite what he described as US crimes that have left “a stain on history.”
Sirens blare in Jordan
Sirens blare in Jordan signaling the end of the warning period.
Nearly 900 civilian buildings damaged in US-‘Israeli’ attacks on Khuzestan
At least 869 civilian building units have been damaged in Iran’s southwestern Khuzestan province since the start of US-‘Israeli’ strikes, a provincial official told Mehr News Agency.
The official said the damaged sites include 847 residential units and 22 commercial properties.
Sirens blare in Jordan
Sirens blare in Jordan amid ongoing regional tensions.
142 ‘Israelis’ injured in 24 hours amid war
The ‘Israeli’ Ministry of Health reported that 142 people were admitted to hospitals over the past 24 hours due to the ongoing war.
IRGC launches 55th wave of 'True Promise 4' against US targets
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced the execution of the 55th wave of its “True Promise 4” operation targeting sites in the heart of occupied territories.
According to Fars News Agency, the strikes hit US military positions at Al Dhafra and Sheikh Isa air bases, as well as the Al Jufair naval base.
'Israeli' army releases footage of ground operations in southern Lebanon
The 'Israeli' military has released night-vision footage showing its forces conducting what it describes as "limited and targeted ground operations" against Hezbollah strongholds in Southern Lebanon. The video, captured using thermal imaging, shows troops from the 91st "Galilee" Division navigating dense terrain and inspecting buildings.
Iranian missile hits central ‘Israel’, no injuries reported
Several ‘Israeli’ media outlets reported that at least one Iranian missile struck central ‘Israel’, though it remains unclear whether the impact was from shrapnel or a direct hit.
Haaretz said an “impact” occurred following air raid alerts across central and southern ‘Israel’, with no injuries reported.
The Times of ‘Israel’, citing rescue services, reported at least two impacts in central ‘Israel’, confirming that no casualties have been reported.
‘Israeli’ Army Radio, quoting a military source, also noted that a missile fell in the Tel Aviv area.
Tel Aviv sets three-week timeline for campaign against Hezbollah and Iran: Hebrew media
‘Israeli’ army radio cited decision-making sources estimating that the ongoing conflict will continue for an additional three weeks.
According to these assessments, this period is considered sufficient to achieve planned military objectives, including dismantling Hezbollah’s infrastructure in Lebanon and enforcing deterrence against strategic targets inside Iran.
Jordan's sirens signal end of warning period
Sirens blare in Jordan signaling the end of the warning period.
Drone strike sparks fire at Fujairah port
The Fujairah Media Office reported a fire at the Fujairah Oil Industrial Zone following a drone strike.
Authorities confirmed there were no injuries. Civil defense teams are on site, working to control the blaze and prevent further damage.
Sirens blare in Jordan
Sirens blare in Jordan amid ongoing regional tensions.
Palestinian killed in missile strike in Abu Dhabi
Authorities in Abu Dhabi responded to an incident where a missile struck a civilian vehicle in the Al Bahia area, resulting in the death of one person, identified as a Palestinian national.
Iranian missile shrapnel hits US Consul residence in Jerusalem
'Israeli' media reported that fragments from an Iranian missile landed on a building in Jerusalem where the US Consul resides. The incident occurred Saturday amid recent missile attacks launched by Tehran. Reports did not specify the extent of property damage.
‘Israeli’ army launches limited ground operation in southern Lebanon
The ‘Israeli’ army announced the start of limited ground operations by its 91st Division against Hezbollah strongholds in southern Lebanon.
According to the military, the ground assault was preceded by coordinated air and artillery strikes aimed at weakening enemy positions.
Military officials described the operations as targeted and limited in scope, focusing on strategic Hezbollah sites.
UAE air defenses respond to missile threat
The UAE Ministry of Interior announced that air defenses are actively dealing with a missile threat.
VIDEO - 'Israel' army says still has thousands of targets left to hit in Iran
Air defenses intercept drone over US embassy in Baghdad: Security source
Iraqi air defenses reportedly intercepted a drone targeting the US embassy in central Baghdad.
Saudi Arabia intercepts and destroys 55 drones in eastern region
The Saudi Ministry of Defense reported that 55 drones were intercepted and destroyed in the eastern region over the past few hours.
VIDEO - Massive explosions rock Tehran amid reports of ongoing airstrikes
Australia says won't send navy ship to Strait of Hormuz after Trump request
Australia's transport minister said Monday the country won't be sending a navy ship to the Strait of Hormuz, after US President Donald Trump called for other countries to send warships to help protect the strategic waterway.
"We won't be sending a ship to the Strait of Hormuz. We know how incredibly important that is but that's not something we've been asked or we're contributing to," Transport Minister Catherine King told national broadcaster ABC.
Dubai authorities temporarily suspend flights at Dubai International Airport
The Dubai Government Media Office announced that the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority has temporarily halted flights at Dubai International Airport.
Trump says 'we're talking' to Iran but it's not 'ready' for deal to end war
US President Donald Trump said Sunday that the United States was in discussions with Iran as the war enters its third week but that Tehran was not ready for a deal to end it.
"Yes, we're talking to them," Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One, without detailing the nature of such talks, when asked if there was any diplomacy under way to end a conflict that has spread across the Middle East and roiled global markets.
"But I don't think they're ready. But they are getting pretty close," Trump said. Iran's foreign minister earlier denied any talks with the United States were taking place.
VIDEO - Dubai authorities contain fuel tank fire near airport
The Dubai Government Media Office announced that the fire caused by damage to a fuel tank near Dubai International Airport has been successfully contained.
Video circulating online allegedly shows fuel tank fire near Dubai International Airport
Fuel tank catches fire at Dubai International Airport following drone incident
One of the fuel tanks at Dubai International Airport caught fire on Monday after being hit in a drone-related incident, authorities said.
Dubai Civil Defense teams are currently working to control the fire, and no injuries have been reported.
The Dubai Government Media Office earlier confirmed that the relevant authorities are handling the situation according to the highest safety standards.
Trump pressures NATO, China over Iran's closure of key waterway
President Donald Trump on Sunday sought to pressure NATO allies and China to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, the critical oil transport conduit that Iran has effectively closed in retaliation for the US and 'Israeli' war against Tehran.
Global oil prices have surged by 40 to 50 percent as Iran has choked off the waterway and attacked energy and shipping industry targets in its Gulf neighbours. Crude prices kept rising as markets opened late Sunday.
The US president had called on countries including China, France, Japan, South Korea and Britain Saturday to send ships to escort tankers through the strait, but various countries he listed have given only guarded responses.
"It's only appropriate that people who are the beneficiaries of the strait will help to make sure that nothing bad happens there," Trump told the Financial Times on Sunday. Unlike the United States, Europe and China are heavily dependent on the Gulf for oil imports.
He warned that no response or a negative reply to his request would be "very bad for the future of NATO." Trump also threatened to delay a planned summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping later this month if Beijing does not assist on reopening the strait.
Drone attack causes fire near Dubai International Airport
Authorities respond to a drone strike near Dubai airport, controlling the resulting fire and ensuring public safety.
Iranian missile attack targets central 'Israel'
'Israel' reports rocket strike from Iran hitting central regions.
Macron tells Iran attacks on French interests 'unacceptable'
French President Emmanuel Macron said Sunday he had told Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian it was "unacceptable" to target French interests, after an Iranian-designed drone killed a French soldier in Iraq's Kurdistan region.
"I called on him to put an immediate end to the unacceptable attacks that Iran is carrying out against countries in the region, whether directly or through proxies, as in Lebanon and Iraq," Macron said on X after the strike on Thursday evening.
"I reminded him that France acts strictly in a defensive capacity to protect its interests and those of its regional partners, and to uphold freedom of navigation, and that it is unacceptable for our country to be targeted."
VIDEO - 'Israeli' army footage of Air Force F35 on mission to strike Iran
'Israel's' army releases footage that shows what it says are aircraft “Adir” F-35I, from the 'Israeli' Air Force on their way to strike in Iran.
Bahrain alerts citizens to seek safety after siren warning
Authorities in Bahrain urge the public to remain calm and move to the nearest safe location.
VIDEO - 'Israeli' airstrike targets Beirut's southern suburbs
'Israeli' strike hits southern Beirut suburb after three airstrikes on al-Khayam in southern Lebanon.
Three 'Israeli' airstrikes hit southern Lebanon
'Israeli' raids target al-Khayam, escalating tensions in southern Lebanon.
Iran raises minimum wage by over 60% after months of protests
Iranian authorities have announced a more than 60 percent increase in the country’s minimum wage, local media reported on Sunday, in the annual adjustment that follows months of anti-government protests initially driven by economic grievances.
The Islamic Republic revises the minimum wage each year based on inflation, which had reached record levels in the months leading up to the war with the United States and 'Israel', largely under the pressure of international sanctions.
According to the semi-official Tasnim news agency, the labor minister said that “after government approval,” the monthly minimum wage will rise from 103 million rials to 166 million rials in the next Iranian year, which begins in the coming days under the solar Hijri calendar used in the country.
Based on black market exchange rates, the new minimum wage is equivalent to roughly $112 per month.
Protests erupted across Iran in late December over deteriorating living conditions, quickly evolving into broader demonstrations that included slogans against the leadership of the Islamic Republic.
Thousands of people were killed during the authorities’ crackdown on the protests, according to reports.
