American aerial refueling tanker crashes in Iraq
The United States Central Command announced late Thursday the loss of a Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker refueling aircraft belonging to the United States Air Force.
The incident occurred in “friendly airspace” during Operation Epic Fury.
Rescue efforts are currently underway.
Two aircraft were involved in the incident. One aircraft crashed in western Iraq, while the second aircraft landed safely.
Refueling tankers usually have a crew of six (pilot, co-pilot, and four technicians responsible for the refueling operation).
It is recalled that the United States lost three F-15 fighter jets to friendly fire over Kuwait during the first days of the operation. Their pilots were rescued.
Larijani: If Trump cuts off electricity to Iran in one hour, we will cut it across the Middle East in half an hour
Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, warned that if Trump carries out his threat to cut electricity to Iran “within one hour,” then Iran would cause a power outage in all countries of the region “within half an hour.”
“Donald Trump said: ‘I could have cut Iran’s electricity in one hour, but I didn’t.’ However, if he did that, it would take only half an hour for a complete blackout across the entire region, and the darkness would provide a suitable opportunity to locate and capture the American soldiers who had fled into the area,” he wrote on his X account.
Turkish Foreign Minister: Iranian Attacks on Gulf Countries Are Illegal
Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan also described Iran’s attacks on Gulf countries as illegal.
“We are in contact with both the Iranian and the American side. Just as the unprovoked attack against Iran is illegal, the unprovoked attack by Iran against the Gulf countries is equally illegal. We have conveyed this message to our Iranian counterparts,” he said.
15:15 – Israel Intensifies Strikes on Drones and Launchers in Iran
According to an update, the Israeli Air Force has so far struck more than 250 drones, launchers, and dozens of launch sites inside Iran.
Netanyahu May Call Early Elections in Israel
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly considering the possibility of calling early elections in Israel, according to Protothema.gr correspondent Giannis Charamidis.
According to the report, Netanyahu aims to capitalize on the rise in his approval ratings following the start of attacks on Iran and may call elections for May instead of October, when they are currently scheduled.
Turkey Warns Israel’s “Dirty War” Risks Pushing Lebanon Toward Collapse
Turkey has warned that Israel’s military operations in Lebanon could drive the country toward collapse, urging Israel to halt its bombardments.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said the continuation of the attacks poses serious risks to Lebanon’s stability. Speaking in Ankara during a joint press conference with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, Fidan criticized the expansion of Israel’s military operations in the region.
Israeli strikes in Lebanon have killed 687 people, including 98 children and 52 women, according to Lebanese Information Minister Paul Markos. Israel has warned that it may expand its military operations in the country as the conflict continues to escalate.
Meanwhile, Iranian authorities have arrested several individuals suspected of having links to the United States and Israel, according to local media reports citing security agencies. In the province of Kerman, six people were detained following intelligence operations and tips from citizens, with authorities claiming they were involved in arson attacks during protests in January and were planning further actions. Another man in the same province was also arrested for allegedly preparing an armed attack, while in Khorramabad police detained a suspect said to be connected to Israel’s Mossad, seizing electronic equipment and communication devices from his home.
At the same time, Iranian state media reported that the country’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is expected to release his first public message shortly after remaining out of public view since his election over the weekend. The announcement comes amid rising regional tensions that have also affected aviation, with Lufthansa suspending flights to Dubai until at least March 28, a day after a similar decision by KLM. Iran has also accused the European Union of “complicity” in the attacks carried out by the United States and Israel.
The Israeli military bombed an Iranian nuclear facility near Tehran, escalating tensions in the region following a joint attack by Iran and Hezbollah for the first time. The Iranian Parliament speaker warned that “we will fill the Persian Gulf with the blood of invaders” if there is any attempt to breach Kharg Island.
Meanwhile, two tankers were hit in the Persian Gulf, one of them Greek-owned, operated by Benetech, belonging to Giorgos and Vasilis Michail, and flying the Maltese flag. Another vessel near the Strait of Hormuz, the Liberian-flagged container ship Source Blessing, was struck by missile fragments, causing a fire, though not a direct hit. Three sailors from a Thai commercial ship attacked on March 11 remain missing, possibly trapped in the engine room, according to its owner, Precious Shipping.
In response to the escalating conflict, Russia has called on the United States and Israel to halt attacks against Iran and return to negotiations, describing the ongoing escalation as deeply concerning. The Israeli military also reported eliminating a Revolutionary Guards commander, Abu Dr. Mohamandi, who coordinated missile operations between Hezbollah in Lebanon and Iran, acting as a key liaison with senior Iranian officials. Images from southern Beirut show damage after Israeli airstrikes, reflecting the widening scope of regional hostilities and the growing risk to maritime and civilian targets.
International Energy Agency: “Global Energy Markets at a Critical Turning Point”
Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency (IEA), has warned that global energy markets are at a “critical turning point,” one day after the IEA recommended a coordinated release of strategic oil reserves to mitigate the impact of the war in Iran.
At the same time, an IEA report notes that Gulf countries have reduced oil production by 10 million barrels per day due to the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, marking the largest disruption in oil supply in history.
12/03/2026 11:48 – Channel 12: Hezbollah Fires 200 Rockets Wednesday Night into Thursday
Hezbollah launched 200 rockets toward Israel Wednesday night into Thursday. The IDF acknowledged that they erred by not informing the public in time, according to Israeli Channel 12.
“We made a mistake; we should have informed the public earlier,” said a spokesperson for the Israeli military.
According to the report, Israel had intelligence on Wednesday that Hezbollah planned to launch the largest number of rockets since the start of the war. Israel carried out preemptive strikes, neutralizing several launchers, but 200 rockets were ultimately fired.
12/03/2026 11:46 – Ankara Provokes Over Patriots in Karpathos: “Illegal Action, Greece Exploiting Regional Crises”
Turkey has escalated its response to the deployment of Patriot missiles in Karpathos, calling it an “illegal action” by Greece, which “exploits crises in the region.”
“We do not accept Greece’s actions, which do not serve their stated purpose and aim to exploit crises in our region, and we are taking all necessary measures in this regard,” the Turkish Ministry of Defense stated.
Middle East Conflict Escalates: Tankers Targeted, Oil Surges, and Casualties Mount
The Middle East is witnessing a sharp escalation in violence, with multiple attacks on shipping, energy infrastructure, and cities over the past 48 hours.
One of the two tankers struck in the Persian Gulf is Greek-owned. The vessel, operated by Benetech—owned by Giorgos and Vasilis Michail—was sailing under the Maltese flag. The attack, however, did not result in injuries; all 22 Georgian crew members aboard the Zefyros tanker are reported safe. Benetech operates a fleet of six tankers, and Vasilis Michail is married to Christina Vakaki, the daughter of Jumbo’s founder. In total, six ships have been targeted in the Persian Gulf over the last two days.
For the first time, Iran and Hezbollah have claimed a coordinated attack on Israel, signaling a new level of military collaboration in the region. Israel responded with airstrikes on Beirut and Tehran, escalating tensions further.
The attacks have also had a major impact on global energy markets. Oil prices have surged past $100 per barrel, despite the International Energy Agency’s decision to release 400 million barrels from global reserves. Market analysts attribute the jump to fears of disruptions in supply amid rising regional instability.
Meanwhile, former U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the United States has “won the war,” reiterating his position despite ongoing conflict.
Tragically, a U.S. military strike in Iran mistakenly hit a school, resulting in the deaths of at least 168 children and 14 teachers, according to Iranian state media.
As the situation develops, the region faces heightened geopolitical risks, with implications for global shipping, energy markets, and civilian safety.
European Markets Fall Amid War and Oil Rally
Oil prices are in the spotlight after the International Energy Agency (IEA) announced on Wednesday the release of 400 million barrels of oil.
Read more
12/03/2026 10:43
Kuwait Airport Hit by Drones
Kuwait International Airport was struck by multiple drones, according to the country’s national news agency, which cites the civil aviation authorities. The report states that the attack resulted in “only material damage.”
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defense announced that two additional drones heading toward the Shaybah oil field were intercepted and destroyed over the desert.
This was the third drone attack within 24 hours targeting Shaybah.
According to Saudi Aramco, the field has the capacity to produce 1 million barrels of crude oil per day.
12/03/2026 – 09:12
Asian stock markets fall after extreme fluctuations in oil prices.
12/03/2026 – 09:09
Video shows the rescue of crews from tankers that were hit in the Persian Gulf.
12/03/2026 – 09:07
Missile hits Italian base in Erbil, Iraq, with no injuries reported.
Italy’s Ministry of Defense announced that a missile struck an Italian military base in Erbil, in the Kurdistan region, during the night, but no casualties were reported.
“A missile hit our base in Erbil. There are no casualties or injuries among Italian personnel. Everyone is well,” the Italian ministry said in a post on X.
Defense Minister Guido Crosetto was in contact with senior military commanders following the incident.
In a separate message, Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said that soldiers took shelter during the attack and confirmed that everyone is “safe and well.”
Italy currently has about 300 troops stationed in Erbil, where they are involved in training Kurdish security forces.
12/03/2026 – 09:02
Iraq suspends oil port operations after tanker attacks.
Iraq’s oil ports have completely halted operations following Iranian attacks on two tankers in its waters.
Activities at Iraq’s oil terminals have been entirely suspended, but commercial ports remain operational, said Farhan al-Fartousi, Director General of the Iraqi Ports Company, speaking to the Iraqi News Agency on Thursday.
12/03/2026 – 08:42
Switzerland closes its embassy in Iran until further notice.
Switzerland has closed its embassy in Tehran due to the “increasing security risk” to its diplomats, authorities in Bern announced Wednesday.
For decades, Swiss diplomacy has represented U.S. interests in Iran. Washington “respects the decision of the Swiss government” and expressed “deep gratitude for the dedication” of the staff, according to the U.S. embassy in Bern.
The work of Swiss diplomats “remains absolutely essential for protecting U.S. interests and supporting our citizens,” the statement added.
The Swiss government also assured that, within the framework of its “good offices,” and in coordination with the countries concerned, it will try to maintain an open communication channel between Washington and Tehran.
12/03/2026 – 08:41
Video released by U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) showing American strikes against three Iranian military aircraft at an airport in Kerman, southeastern Iran.
The conflict in the Middle East continues to escalate as Iran and Hezbollah launched their first coordinated joint attack against Israel, targeting more than 50 locations with missiles and drones over a five-hour period. In response, Israeli forces carried out large-scale airstrikes on Tehran and Beirut. At the same time, Israel reported a new barrage of missiles fired from Iran toward its territory, with air-defense systems activated to intercept the incoming threats.
Tensions have also spread across the Gulf region. Several drone incidents were reported overnight, including interceptions by Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, while a drone strike reportedly hit a residential building in southern Kuwait, injuring at least two people. Iran also claimed responsibility for a drone strike on a building in Dubai allegedly housing U.S. military personnel, though authorities said the resulting fire was quickly extinguished with no injuries reported.
Meanwhile, maritime security in the Persian Gulf has deteriorated significantly. A container ship near the Strait of Hormuz was struck by an unknown projectile, marking the sixth attack on commercial vessels in just two days. One of the targeted ships was a Greek-owned tanker carrying a Georgian crew, all of whom were reported safe despite a fire breaking out on board after the strike. Amid the escalating attacks on shipping routes and energy infrastructure, global oil prices surged again, climbing back to around $100 per barrel.
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