US-Israel-Iran War Live News Updates: Iran Launches Fresh Strike On Israel, US, Military Bases In Gulf

The first credible signs of de-escalation in the US-Iran war emerged on the 24th day, with Trump claiming that he had "very good" talks with Tehran. The American president announced a five-day pause on his planned military strikes on Iranian power facilities, while stating that the two countries are close to a deal.

Iran, however, denied, claiming that Trump was resorting to "fake news" to manipulate the oil and equity markets.

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"Had a detailed telecon this evening with US @SecRubio. Our discussions focused on the West Asia conflict and its impact on the international economy. We particularly spoke about energy security concerns. Agreed to remain in touch," Jaishankar said in a post.

Iran stated that the '77th wave' of strikes against Israel and US's military bases in the Gulf region was underway.

(Source: Al Jazeera)

No negotiations have been held with the US, and fakenews is used to manipulate the financial and oil markets and escape the quagmire in which the US and Israel are trapped, said Iran Parliament Speaker in a post on X. 

President Trump says the US would take Iran's uranium if a deal is reached. This potential inclusion of a nuclear asset transfer adds a whole new layer to the "total resolution" he mentioned earlier.

The Strait of Hormuz will open very soon if  an agreement with Iran is worked out. President Trump stated that the waterway will be open very soon "if it works" and indicated that the strait will be jointly controlled by himself and the Ayatollah. While the President suggests the passage will open soon, he remains not clear on conditions for this resolution.

The Israeli Air Force said that it has begun, a short while ago, another wave of strikes targeting infrastructure of the Iranian terror regime across Tehran. 

The statement came even as Donald Trump hinted at a resolution for the conflict.

Tasnim news media from Tehran alleged Trump of making these announcements just to trim crude oil prices, once again iterating that no talks for resolutions were held. 

The news agency added that Iran will "continue to defend itself". 

Notably, the Iranian Foreign Ministry was reported as saying that Trump's claims are just a way for him to "buy time" as regional de-escalation efforts continue. 

Iran Military News cited a senior Foreign Ministry official as saying that, "There are no negotiations underway with the United States."

Further, the official rejected Trump's claim about ongoing talks, and said that Islamic Republic of Iran will not accept any negotiations until "its objectives in the war are achieved."

"Trump's remarks are a retreat from his earlier threats, but Iran's position has not changed. As for the Strait of Hormuz, we reaffirm that this passage will remain closed to aggressors," the official added. 

According to Iranian media reports, the regime did not have any direct or intermediary contact with President Trump and alleged him of backing down from his 48-hour ultimatum. 

🚨 #BREAKING
Trump, fearing Iran's response, backed down from his 48-hour ultimatum:
'I told the Department of Defense not to carry out any attacks on Iran's energy infrastructure for the time being' https://t.co/XIGrdtIPKE

— IRIB (Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting) (@iribnews_irib) March 23, 2026

The Dow Jones Industrial Average futures jumped 1,100 points right after Trump announced that he has postponed any all all strikes on Iranian power plants and infra. The futures indicate a sharply higher opening of the Wall Street. 

"I AM PLEASE TO REPORT THAT THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, AND THE COUNTRY OF IRAN, HAVE HAD, OVER THE LAST TWO DAYS, VERY GOOD AND PRODUCTIVE CONVERSATIONS REGARDING A COMPLETE AND TOTAL RESOLUTION OF OUR HOSTILITIES IN THE MIDDLE EAST. BASED ON THE TENOR AND TONE OF THESE IN DEPTH, DETAILED, AND CONSTRUCTIVE CONVERSATIONS, WITCH WILL CONTINUE THROUGHOUT THE WEEK, I HAVE INSTRUCTED THE DEPARTMENT OF WAR TO POSTPONE ANY AND ALL MILITARY STRIKES AGAINST IRANIAN POWER PLANTS AND ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE FOR A FIVE DAY PERIOD, SUBJECT TO THE SUCCESS OF THE ONGOING MEETINGS AND DISCUSSIONS. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER! PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP", Trump Said in a post on truth social.

In an official statement Iran has denied reports stating that it took $2 million for a safe Hormuz passage for oil vessels. 

"In response to certain claims regarding the alleged receipt of a sum of 2 million dollars by the Islamic Republic of Iran from vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, it is emphasized that such claims are unfounded. The statements made in this regard merely reflect the personal views of individuals and do not, in any way, represent the official position of the Islamic Republic of Iran," it said. 

PM Narendra Modi, in his remarks in the Lok Sabha said, "India has opposed attacks on energy and transport infrastructure. Attacks on commercial ships and disruptions to international waterways, including trade through the Strait of Hormuz, are unacceptable. India is making continuous diplomatic efforts to ensure the safe movement of Indian vessels even amid the ongoing conflict. We have always raised our voice in favour of humanity and peace, and believe that dialogue and diplomacy are the only solutions. All our efforts are aimed at reducing tensions and ending the conflict. Any threat to human life is not in the interest of humanity, and India is urging all sides to reach a peaceful resolution at the earliest."

VIDEO | Parliament session: PM Narendra Modi, in his remarks in the Lok Sabha on the ongoing West Asia conflict, says, “India has opposed attacks on energy and transport infrastructure. Attacks on commercial ships and disruptions to international waterways, including trade… pic.twitter.com/RedJsMic32

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) March 23, 2026

PM Narendra Modi, in his remarks in the Lok Sabha says, "During such crises, some elements try to take advantage of the situation. Therefore, all law enforcement agencies have been kept on alert to maintain law and order, and security arrangements are being further strengthened. India’s effort is to encourage all sides to reach a peaceful resolution at the earliest. Given the ongoing war, the challenging global situation may persist for a long time, and we must remain prepared and united. Just as we faced the COVID-19 period, we need to be ready to respond in a similar manner again."

VIDEO | Parliament session: PM Narendra Modi, in his remarks in the Lok Sabha on the ongoing West Asia conflict, says, “India has opposed attacks on energy and transport infrastructure. Attacks on commercial ships and disruptions to international waterways, including trade… pic.twitter.com/RedJsMic32

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) March 23, 2026

PM Modi said, "India has placed strong emphasis on electric mobility and ethanol blending. The country is on track to achieve 20% ethanol blending in petrol, which has helped reduce oil imports by nearly 4.5 crore barrels. These steps have further strengthened India’s energy resilience at a time when energy security efforts have become more relevant than ever."

PM Modi said, "With the upcoming summer season, electricity demand is expected to rise. To meet this demand, India has significantly strengthened its renewable energy sector. India’s total renewable energy capacity now stands at 250 GW, with solar power capacity increasing from 3 GW to 140 GW in recent years."

"The government has also promoted nuclear power through the SHANTI Act and plans to add 1,500 MW of small hydro power capacity over the next five years. Renewable energy has played a key role in supporting India’s power requirements," Modi added.
 

PM Modi said that the government is in touch with multiple nations to source crude oil and gas and has formed an inter‑ministerial group to closely monitor the situation. India currently has a strategic petroleum reserve of 5.3 million tonnes. Strict monitoring is being carried out to prevent hoarding and black marketing, ensuring that essential supplies remain available to the public.

PM Modi said, "Middle East is crucial for India’s energy needs, as a major portion of crude oil, natural gas, and fertiliser supplies come from the region. Supplies through the Strait of Hormuz have been impacted due to the war, even though the Strait Of Hormuz is vital for

India’s energy security. India imports nearly 60% of its LPG requirements. In response, the government has prioritised domestic LPG needs, increased domestic LPG production, and diversified imports of coal, LNG, and LPG. Petrol and diesel supplies remain uninterrupted, and coal supply at power plants is currently sufficient, Modi informed in Lok Sabha.

PM Modi said:

• Nearly 1,000 Indians returned home safely, including over 700 medical students.
• 3.75 lakh Indians returned home safely since the beginning of West Asia war.
• CBSE cancelled Class 10, 12 board exams in war-hit countries; govt taking steps to ensure uninterrupted education.

PM Narendra Modi, in his remarks in the Lok Sabha on the ongoing Middle East conflict, says, "…The government has focused on ensuring that common families face minimal inconvenience. We import nearly 60% of our LPG requirement, and amid supply uncertainties, domestic consumption has been prioritised. Over the past 11 years, India has diversified its energy imports, from 27 countries earlier to 41 today. India has also strengthened crude oil storage for times of crisis. At present, the country has over 5.3 million metric tonnes of strategic petroleum reserves, and efforts are underway to expand this to more than 6.5 million metric tonnes…"

PM Modi's comments in Lok Sabha

• A large number of Indians are also employed on commercial ships operating in the Middle East.

• In such situations, it is important for the country to speak with one unified voice.

• Since the outbreak of the war, assistance has been provided to every Indian in need. The Indian government has spoken to the premiers of all concerned countries at least twice, and all of them have assured their support.

• However, there have been casualties. The families of those affected have been supported, and the injured are receiving proper medical treatment.

• Indians working in the region, as well as tourists, have been provided help in all possible ways.

PM Modi's comments in Lok Sabha

• The global economy and the lives of people across the world have been significantly affected.

• Due to the war, India has faced several challenges, including economic difficulties, national security concerns, and humanitarian issues.

• India maintains trade relations with many nations, and the war has affected these trade ties.

• The supply of LPG has also been impacted, as the affected region is a major supplier of gas.

Middle East conflict zone an important route for India's trade with other nations, PM Modi informs Lok Sabha.

Challenges posed by the Middle East crisis have economic, national security and humanitarian aspects, says PM Modi

PM Narendra Modi's will start his address in Lok Sabha soon amid the ongoing budget session of Parliament, outlining key aspects of the ongoing Middle East conflict and India's position on the matter.

Prime Minister's Office, the Cabinet Secretary earlier gave a detailed presentation on the global situation and the mitigating measures taken so far and being planned regarding the conflict by all concerned Ministries/Departments of the Government of India.

On March 12, PM Modi had said that the war in the Middle East has triggered a worldwide energy crisis, posing a critical test of national character that requires dealing with circumstances through peace, patience and increased public awareness.

Modi on Sunday reviewed with senior ministers the situation related to crude, gas and other petroleum products, and power and fertiliser sectors in view of the evolving Middle East situation. Government sources said the focus of the meeting was on ensuring uninterrupted supply, stable logistics and efficient distribution across the country.

The situation related to crude, gas, petroleum products, and power and fertiliser sectors was reviewed in view of the evolving Middle East situation, the sources said.

An American fighter jet has reportedly crashed in Kuwait. According to the Al-Ahd news network, the aircraft was hit and went down just minutes ago.

A quick check of global crude prices at this hour shows that Brent crude has risen above $100 per barrel (currently $113.69). The Nymex is also trading at $101.25 per barrel.

China has warned that escalating attacks in the Middle East could push the region into an "uncontrollable situation" following US President Donald Trump's threat to "obliterate" Iran's power plants. Foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said that if the conflict widens further, the entire region risks spiraling beyond control.

Al Jazeera reports that a US-Israeli strike on a radio station in Iran's Bandar Abbas city has killed one person. The station's director claims the attack violates international law, as journalists and media equipment are protected under international humanitarian law. The 100 kW AM transmitter belongs to Iran's national broadcaster IRIB's Persian Gulf Center.
 

1. Saudi Arabia's Defense Ministry said Monday it intercepted a ballistic missile targeting the kingdom's capital, Riyadh, while another struck an "uninhabited area."

2. The United Arab Emirates said its air defences were working to intercept incoming missiles from Iran early Monday, without elaborating.

3. Both Bahrain and Kuwait sounded missile alerts early Monday over incoming Iranian fire, though it wasn't clear if there was any immediate damage from the barrages.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the Lok Sabha at 2 PM today amid the ongoing budget session of Parliament, outlining key aspects of the ongoing West Asia conflict and India's position on the matter. Prime Minister's Office, the Cabinet Secretary gave a detailed presentation on the global situation and the mitigating measures taken so far and being planned regarding the conflict by all concerned Ministries/Departments of the Government of India.

(Source: ANI)

The top commander of the US military's Central Command said the US campaign against Iran is "ahead or on plan." US Navy Adm. Brad Cooper gave his first one-on-one interview of the war to the Farsi-language satellite network Iran International, which aired it early Monday.

Cooper said Iran's continued attacks on Gulf Arab states and the wider Mideast put civilians at risk. He added that the US and Israel were targeting missile and drone manufacturing sites as well. "We're also going after the manufacturing," he said. “So it's not just about the threat today. We're eliminating the threat of the future, both in terms of the drones, the missiles, as well as the navy."

Cooper also said it isn't time for the Iranian public to come to the streets, although both Israel and the US have said they hope the Iranian public would topple the country's theocracy as a result of the strikes. "They're launching missiles and drones from populated areas and you need to stay inside for right now,” Cooper said. “There will be a clear signal at some point, as the president has indicated, for you to be able to come out."

(Source: AP)

More than 40 energy assets across nine countries in the Middle East have been 'severely or very severely' damaged by the war in the Middle East, International Energy Agency Executive Director Fatih Birol said, potentially prolonging disruptions to global supply chains after the conflict ends, reports Bloomberg.

The damage means it will take some time for the oil fields, refineries and pipelines to come back online, Birol said Monday at Australia’s National Press Club in the capital, Canberra.
 

Iran has put stickers of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on missiles headed for Israel, thanking him for condemning the US-Israel military offensive against Tehran. The stickers feature Sanchez's image and a quote saying, "Of course, this war is not only illegal, but also inhuman. Thank you, Prime Minister".
 

The head of the US military's Central Command says Iran is "operating in a sign of desperation" by targeting civilian sites in the war.

In an interview with the Farsi-language satellite network Iran International aired early Monday, US Navy Adm. Brad Cooper said: “They're operating in a sign of desperation. ... In the last couple of weeks, they've attacked civilian targets very deliberately, more than 300 times.”

Cooper also noted the slowdown in Iranian incoming fire across the Mideast as the war has entered its fourth week. "At the beginning of the conflict, you saw large volumes in the dozens of drones and missiles," Cooper said. "You no longer see that. It's all one or two at a time."

Iran claims it intercepted and shot down a US F-15 fighter jet near Strait Of Hormuz after the aircraft allegedly entered Iranian airspace. The Iranian military says the jet was hit by a surface-to-air missile, reports NDTV.

🔴 #BREAKING | ईरानी सेना का F15 को मार गिराने का दावा#IranIsraelUSWar | @ranjanasingh95

देखें LIVE: https://t.co/689WjV66bO pic.twitter.com/ENbSLVoXDD

— NDTV India (@ndtvindia) March 23, 2026

US President Donald Trump wrote on his Truth Social website early Monday: “PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH, TO PUT IT MILDLY!!!”

The Kuwaiti air defenses are currently confronting hostile missile and drone attacks. The General Staff of the Army notes that any explosion sounds heard are the result of air defense systems intercepting the hostile attacks. 

تتصدى حالياً الدفاعات الجوية الكويتية لهجمات صاروخية وطائرات مسيرة معادية.

تنوه رئاسة الأركان العامة للجيش أن أصوات الانفجارات إن سمعت فهي نتيجة اعتراض منظومات الدفاع الجوي للهجمات المعادية.

يرجى من الجميع التقيد بتعليمات الأمن والسلامة الصادرة عن الجهات المختصة.… pic.twitter.com/vsePv8eVAI

— KUWAIT ARMY - الجيش الكويتي (@KuwaitArmyGHQ) March 22, 2026

Iranian state television read out the statement on air Monday morning.

“What we have done is to announce our decision that if the power plants are attacked, Iran will retaliate by targeting the power plants of the occupying regime and the power plants of regional countries that supply electricity to US bases, as well as the economic, industrial and energy infrastructures in which Americans have shares,” the statement said, referring to Israel as an “occupying regime.”

It added: “Do not doubt that we will do this.”

As Trump's deadline on Strait of Hormuz approaches, Iran threatens to attack Mideast electrical plants powering US bases, reports AP.

Israel Defense Forces find an anti-tank missile post and weapons while operating in southern Lebanon. See photos:

🔍 DISCOVERED: IDF soldiers found an anti-tank missile post and weapons while operating in southern Lebanon. pic.twitter.com/XQFtmabawi

— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) March 22, 2026

Iran said the Strait of Hormuz, crucial to oil and other exports, would be "completely closed” immediately if the US follows up on President Donald Trump's threat to attack its power plants. 
 

David Roche, Strategist, Quantum Strategy elaborated on the problem for the United States which he says, unfolds in three stages. "The first is political. Donald Trump is heading into the midterm elections, and the question is what the outcome will be if he continues with this war, given that the U.S. electorate does not think highly of it."

"The second issue is military capacity: does the U.S. have enough bombs and missiles left? Much is said about Iran’s shortages, but it’s worth remembering that in the first two days of this war, the U.S. used more Patriot missiles than it supplied to Ukraine over the entire course of that conflict. The question is whether there is enough left to sustain this war."

The third issue is whether the war is being won or lost. My view is that while Iran may be losing tactically, it is gaining strategic power. Iran’s new 'nuclear weapon,' in effect, is the Strait of Hormuz. No one can take that away from them. They can disrupt or block the strait using relatively low levels of missile and drone capability. If they continue to do so, the disruption to the global economy—and the cost of the war—will keep rising. These are the three chapters that matter. In my view, the war will continue, and Trump will become increasingly embedded in a conflict that he can no longer win in strategic terms."

Watch full interview here:

IRGC spokesman in English to Trump: "Hey Trump, you are fired! You are familiar with this sentence. Thank you for your attention to this matter."

IRGC spokesman in English to Trump:

"Hey Trump, you are fired! You are familiar with this sentence.
Thank you for your attention to this matter."

🤣🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/o1WILwnTEb

— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) March 22, 2026

UAE air defences are currently responding to incoming missile and drone threats from Iran. The Ministry of Defense said that the sounds heard are the result of the Air Defence Systems intercepting missiles and drones.

The Israeli Defence Forces on Monday have begun a fresh wave of strikes on targets in Iran, as per a report by the Times of Israel. In its statement the IDF said, "IDF launches a wave of extensive strikes targeting infrastructure of the Iranian terror regime in Tehran"

In Israel, no injuries were reported after damage was caused at several locations in central Israel after cluster munitions hit the area following Iran's latest ballistic missile attack, Times of Israel said.

Earlier, the IDF said that it had targeted several security bodies in Iran in a wide-scale wave of strikes. 

(Source: ANI)

Saudi Aramco Chief Executive Amin Nasser has cancelled his planned appearance at the CERAWeek energy conference in Houston to ‌remain in Saudi Arabia because of the Iran conflict, an industry source told Reuters.

The CEO of the world's top oil exporter for more than a decade, Nasser is usually one of the headline speakers at the conference.
 

The Abu Dhabi Media Office said that an Indian national suffered minor injuries from falling debris after the UAE's air defence systems successfully intercepted a ballistic missile. "Relevant authorities in Abu Dhabi have responded to an incident involving debris falling in the Al Shawamekh area following the successful interception of a ballistic missile by air defence systems. The incident resulted in a minor injury to an Indian national," the Abu Dhabi media office said.

Relevant authorities in Abu Dhabi have responded to an incident involving debris falling in the Al Shawamekh area following the successful interception of a ballistic missile by air defence systems. The incident resulted in a minor injury to an Indian national.

The public is…

— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@ADMediaOffice) March 22, 2026

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)  has mocked Donald Trump, referencing his famous catchphrase from The Apprentice, saying "Hey Trump, you're fired" and adding "Thank you for your attention to this matter". This comes after Trump issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, threatening severe consequences if not complied with. 

Trump uses the phrase 'Thank you for your attention to this matter' in most of his Truth Social posts, which the IRGC spokesperson chose to mock, reported NDTV.
 

The International Energy Agency (IEA) has raised an alarm, stating that the situation in the Middle East is "very severe" and warning that the conflict poses a threat to global energy supplies. The IEA believes the solution lies in reopening the Strait of Hormuz, saying the current crisis is potentially worse than the 1970s energy crisis, reported NDTV.

Copper extended declines to the lowest level in more than three months as the Middle East war sapped risk appetite across financial markets and raised concerns about global inflation and growth, reports Bloomberg.
 

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has condemned Israel's recent attacks on critical infrastructure, calling them "collective punishment" on Lebanese civilians. The strikes have displaced an estimated one million people, making it challenging for the government and humanitarian organizations to provide aid, especially in southern Lebanon. Aoun believes Israel's actions, including targeting bridges and infrastructure, are an attempt to create a de facto buffer zone and may be a precursor to a wider ground invasion, reports Al Jazeera.

Iran has reportedly limited its attacks on Saudi Arabia due to concerns that continued strikes could trigger a direct military response from Saudi Arabia. Since the war began, Iran has launched over 430 missiles and drones targeting Saudi Arabia, focusing on oil refineries in the Eastern Province and Prince Sultan Air Base in Al-Kharj, two sources told The Jerusalem Post.

The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom spoke to the President of the United States, Donald Trump and discussed the current situation in the Middle East, and in particular, the need to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to resume global shipping. They agreed that reopening the Strait of Hormuz was essential to ensure stability in the global energy market. They agreed to speak again soon, UK government said.

Iran's Parliament Speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, has warned that financial institutions financing the US military budget are legitimate targets, alongside military bases.

In a post on X, he wrote, "Alongside military bases, those financial entities that finance the US military budget are legitimate targets. US treasury bonds are soaked in Iranians' blood. Purchase them, and you purchase a strike on your HQ and assets. We monitor your portfolios. This is your final notice."

Alongside military bases, those financial entities that finance the US military budget are legitimate targets. US treasury bonds are soaked in Iranians' blood. Purchase them, and you purchase a strike on your HQ and assets.

We monitor your portfolios. This is your final notice.

— محمدباقر قالیباف | MB Ghalibaf (@mb_ghalibaf) March 22, 2026

The Department of State advises Americans worldwide, and especially in the Middle East, to exercise increased caution.  Americans abroad should follow the guidance in security alerts issued by the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.  Periodic airspace closures may cause travel disruptions.  U.S. diplomatic facilities, including outside the Middle East, have been targeted.  Groups supportive of Iran may target other U.S. interests overseas or locations associated with the United States and/or Americans throughout the world.

Hello and welcome!

There has been no sign of an uprising, nor of an end to the fighting that has shaken the global economy, sent oil prices surging and endangered some of the world's busiest air corridors. The war, which the US and Israel launched February 28, has killed over 2,000 people. Here are some overnight developments that took place.