US & ‘Israel’ at war with Iran | Day 18 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.
Iraqi air defenses intercept second drone near US embassy in Baghdad
Iraqi security sources report that air defenses successfully intercepted a second drone just minutes after the first near the US embassy in Baghdad.
UAE temporarily closes airspace as precautionary measure
The UAE has temporarily shut its airspace in an exceptional precautionary move, according to the Emirates News Agency.
Dubai authorities confirm successful interceptions amid security alerts
Dubai officials report that the sounds heard across the city were caused by successful interception operations, ensuring public safety, according to the Dubai Media Office.
'Israeli' military says missiles from Iran heading towards 'Israel'
'Israeli' military says missiles from Iran heading towards 'Israel'
Iraq government condemns attacks violating 'security and stability'
Iraq condemned a series of "terrorist attacks" that targeted a Baghdad hotel, the US embassy and a major oil field in the country's south late Monday, describing them as threats to Iraq's "security and stability".
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani ordered security forces to "track down and apprehend the perpetrators of these acts and bring them to justice immediately so they receive the punishment they deserve," according to a statement from his spokesman, Sabah al-Numan.
"These criminal acts have serious repercussions for our country and undermine the government's efforts toward reconstruction and prosperity," the statement said.
7,000+ targets struck in Iran since launch of Operation Epic Fury, says CENTCOM
In an update posted on X on March 16, U.S. Central Command said Operation Epic Fury has struck over 7,000 targets across Iran since the war began, damaging or destroying more than 100 Iranian vessels. Targets included command and control centers, IRGC headquarters and intelligence sites, ballistic missile bases, Iranian navy ships and submarines, and missile and drone manufacturing facilities.
Kuwait air defenses intercept hostile missiles and drones
Kuwait’s military chief of staff reported that the country’s air defense systems successfully intercepted hostile missile and drone attacks.
