US & ‘Israel’ at war with Iran | Day 21 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.
Trump says dialogue with Iran possible but no ceasefire
US President Donald Trump said that while the United States could engage in dialogue with Iran, he does not support a ceasefire. He added that a truce is not negotiated when one side is effectively overwhelming the other.
'Israeli' media reveals 20-day toll of Iranian strikes on ‘Israel’
'Israeli' newspaper Haaretz reported the human and material toll from 20 days of Iranian bombardment of ‘Israel’ since the start of the war. According to the report:
- 21 people have been killed.
- 4,000 others wounded.
- 3,000 vehicles damaged.
- 9,000 buildings affected.
Alert period ends in Jordan
Alert period ends in Jordan.
New drone attack targets US logistics base near Baghdad airport
A security source in Iraq told Al Jazeera that drones carried out a new attack on the US logistics support base surrounding Baghdad airport.
Sirens blare in Jordan
Sirens blare in Jordan amid ongoing regional tensions.
Saudi Arabia intercepts 12 drones in Eastern Province
Saudi Arabia’s Defence Ministry said its forces intercepted and destroyed three more drones in the Eastern Province, bringing the total to 12 in the last few hours.
Russia summons 'Israeli' ambassador after strike injures RT journalists
The Russian Foreign Ministry summoned the 'Israeli' ambassador in Moscow on Monday in protest over the targeting of "RT" journalists while covering events on the ground in Lebanon.
In an official statement, the ministry said the protest was formally delivered to the ambassador. It called on 'Israeli' authorities to conduct an urgent and transparent investigation into the circumstances of the crew’s injuries, hold those responsible accountable, and take strict measures to ensure journalists are not targeted in conflict zones.
US officials warn Iran could close Strait of Hormuz for up to six months
According to CNN, US intelligence officials say Iran’s influence over the Strait of Hormuz poses a significant and unresolved challenge. Defense intelligence assessments indicate Tehran could potentially keep the vital shipping route closed for one to six months.
Hezbollah denies UAE accusations of economic infiltration
Hezbollah issued a statement denying claims by UAE security authorities that it manages a network attempting to infiltrate and destabilize the national economy. The UAE’s State Security Agency said it had dismantled a “terrorist network” allegedly funded and run by Hezbollah and Iran under the cover of a fake commercial operation.
The party stated it has no presence in the UAE or any other country under any commercial or other cover, calling the accusations “completely false” and politically motivated. Hezbollah also criticized the Lebanese Foreign Ministry for quickly endorsing the foreign narrative.
WATCH: Moment rocket fragments slams into Jerusalem's Old City
The video shows debris falling from the sky, followed by an explosion and a massive plume of dust near the Western Wall and Al-Aqsa Mosque area. Ground-level footage revealed shattered stone walkways, twisted metal railings, and a partially collapsed retaining wall overlooking a public park.
Iran does not seek nuclear weapons: President Pezeshkian
Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian delivered a Nowruz message emphasizing that Iran does not seek war with neighboring countries and has no intention of acquiring nuclear weapons, according to state media.
He said regional tensions stem from “the interference of enemies” and addressed neighboring nations as “our brothers”, calling for resolution of all differences. Pezeshkian proposed creating a regional security structure led by Islamic countries, without the involvement of outside powers.
‘Israel’ army says war cost estimated at $10.5 billion, $5.4 billion received so far
A spokesperson for the ‘Israel’ army said the estimated cost of the ongoing war is around $10.5 billion, of which $5.4 billion has already been obtained. The remainder is expected to be allocated as the war
Khamenei says enemies miscalculated, praises Iranian unity
Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei said attempts by the US and ‘Israel’ to destabilize Iran have failed, calling their expectations “a gross miscalculation.” He claimed the attackers believed that targeting top officials would spread fear and allow them to dominate and dismember the country.
Instead, Khamenei said, Iranians have shown a “strange unity” across religious, intellectual, cultural, and political lines, while the enemy has begun to fracture. He framed the war as a test that has strengthened national cohesion in the face of external pressure.
Mojtaba Khamenei denies Tehran behind Turkey, Oman attacks
Iranian leader Mojtaba Khamenei said the attacks in Turkey and Oman “did not in any way come from Iran’s armed forces,” adding that they were orchestrated by the “Zionist enemy” to create division within the Muslim world.
'Israel' says senior Iranian intelligence official killed in air strike
The ‘Israel’ military said it killed a senior Iranian intelligence official in a strike on Tehran. In a statement posted on X, the military said the air force carried out the operation two days ago as part of a joint intelligence effort.
The target, identified as Mehdi Rostami Shamastan, was described as a key figure in Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence. The claim has not been independently verified, and Iran has not issued a comment.
Trump calls NATO 'cowards' over lack of support in Iran war
President Donald Trump on Friday sharply criticized NATO allies for not backing the US-‘Israel’ military campaign in Iran, labeling the countries 'cowards' in a social media post.
Trump argued that while the United States has led the war, which began on February 28 with US-‘Israel’ strikes, NATO members have avoided participating, yet continue to complain about high oil prices. He stressed that securing shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a key factor in rising energy costs, would require minimal risk for them.
“Without the U.S.A., NATO is a paper tiger,” Trump wrote, adding that he would remember the perceived lack of support.
NATO 'adjusts' Iraq mission amid security concerns: Report
NATO has temporarily withdrawn most of its mission from Iraq as security concerns mount amid the ongoing regional war, according to Iraqi officials and alliance statements.
Two Iraqi security officials told AFP that the withdrawal is precautionary and not linked to any dispute with the Iraqi government. “There is no disagreement”, one official said, describing the move as temporary and driven by concerns over the current situation.
A second official said nearly all NATO personnel have left the country, with only a small contingent remaining.
A NATO spokesperson confirmed Friday that the alliance is “adjusting” its mission in Iraq, without detailing the scale or duration of the changes.
Iran threatens to hunt down US & ‘Israeli’ officials even on vacation
Iran's military threatened on Friday to hunt down officials and army commanders from the United States and ‘Israel’ even while they were vacationing or visiting entertainment centres.
"We are watching your cowardly officials and commanders, pilots and wicked soldiers," armed forces spokesman Abolfazl Shekarchi said, quoted by state TV.
"From now on, based on the information we have on you, the promenades, resorts and tourist and entertainment centres in the world will not be safe for you either."
VIDEO - Building on fire in Tel Aviv after Iranian salvo
Footage showing a house on fire in Tel Aviv, central ‘Israel’, after an Iranian missile salvo which included cluster munitions.
‘Israel’s’ emergency service Magen David Adom said it treated two people lightly injured in an initial toll.
Switzerland halts weapons exports to US
Switzerland decided Friday it will not authorise the export of war materiel to the United States during the Middle East conflict, in line with its long-standing principle of military neutrality.
"The export of war materiel to countries involved in the international armed conflict with Iran cannot be authorised for the duration of the conflict," the government said in a statement.
"Exports of war materiel to the USA cannot currently be authorised," and existing US licences will now face regular review, it said, whilst adding that Switzerland has not issued war materiel export licences to ‘Israel’ or Iran for years.
