“The IDF detected an Iranian missile attack targeting southern Israel”

The IDF detected another Iranian attack with ballistic missiles, once again targeting southern Israel.

Sirens are expected to sound in the coming minutes.

“Modi emphasized to Trump the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open”

Donald Trump spoke on Tuesday with India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, with the main topic of discussion being the evolving situation in the Middle East. The two leaders emphasized the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open amid escalating tensions in the region.

This update was shared by the U.S. ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, who stated that the two leaders reviewed the current crisis and its broader implications, particularly regarding global energy supply and maritime security.

“The leaders discussed the current situation in the Middle East, including the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open,” the ambassador said in a statement.

Qatar: It is up to Iran to restore trust between us – “Coexistence is the only way”

The spokesperson for Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Majed Al-Ansari, stated that the “brotherly relationship” between the peoples of Qatar and Iran should prevail over any political disagreements, despite tensions that have arisen during the war.

He noted that Tehran must now decide how it will restore the trust that, according to Doha, was shaken due to attacks on Qatar’s sovereignty. “It is now up to Iran to decide how it will rebuild the trust that was lost after the attack on our sovereignty,” he said.

Responding to a question about the future of relations between Gulf countries and Iran, Al-Ansari emphasized that the peoples of the region are historically and culturally connected, making it necessary to find ways to coexist.

“Iran is here and has been here for millennia. The peoples of the region are here and have been here for millennia. No one is going anywhere. Total annihilation is not an option,” he said, stressing that geographical and historical reality makes cooperation essential.

“We will live side by side, we will be neighbors for the future of humanity, and we must find ways to coexist,” he added.

Continuing his remarks, Al-Ansari said that Qatar has not recorded any attacks in recent days that would justify issuing security warnings, though he clarified that this does not mean the country has not been targeted.

Iranian military: “We will fight until complete victory”

A spokesperson for Iran’s top military leadership said that the country’s armed forces will fight “until complete victory.”

According to comments by Ali Abdollahi Aliabadi from the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, broadcast on state television, “Iran’s powerful armed forces are proud, victorious, and unwavering in defending the country’s integrity, and this path will continue until complete victory.”

The general did not specify what “complete victory” would mean, but it appears likely that the Iranian military was signaling against making concessions in any potential negotiations with the United States.

Israeli strike in Beirut: One Iranian killed**

A correspondent reported an Israeli strike inside Beirut that resulted in the death of one Iranian national, whose identity has not yet been disclosed.

Protothema.gr’s correspondents in Israel, Giannis Charamidis and Dimitris Tsigas, document the aftermath of the massive Iranian strikes in Tel Aviv early Tuesday morning, which left six people injured.

24/03/2026
LIVE UPDATES

Two Israeli brothers are accused of contacting an Iranian agent in exchange for about €28,000

The indictment states that contact with the alleged agent began in August, when the latter reached out to the defendant via Telegram, asking if he was interested in earning money. Suspecting that he was dealing with an Iranian agent, the defendant responded positively using a false name and claimed to be a computer science student about to join Unit 8200 of the Israeli Military Intelligence Directorate, which is responsible for signals collection and intelligence analysis.

He then invented a story about a friend serving in that unit, using personal information of a real individual whose identity and driver’s license he had found online. He even created supposed conversation screenshots with the “soldier” to convince the agent that he was attempting to recruit him for collaboration with Iran.

The defendant created a Telegram group including himself, the agent, and the supposed “soldier,” who was in fact also himself. The agent requested proof of the “soldier’s” identity, and the defendant sent a video and the driver’s license of an Israeli citizen he had found online. When the agent asked for a photo of the “soldier” holding an identity document, the defendant generated an image using AI software, showing a face making an “OK” gesture.

Later, when asked for a document proving that the “soldier” served in Unit 8200, the defendant sent a fake document he had found online, edited with the supposed person’s details.

The indictment also reveals that after the death of then-Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash, the agent asked whether Israel had been involved. The defendant responded affirmatively, sending a document he created with the help of ChatGPT that referenced alleged Israeli involvement.

When the agent requested further verification of the “soldier’s” credibility, the defendant used ChatGPT to answer questions about Unit 8200 and the supposed role of the person, compiling the information into a password-protected PDF.

The lawyer for the main defendant called the indictment “scandalous,” arguing that “these are two patriotic Zionist brothers who attempted to deceive the Iranians.” He added, “The Jewish mind is known for its innovations, and as faithful representatives of the start-up nation, they sold fabricated information to the Iranians using ChatGPT in exchange for money.” According to him, “Their goal was to harm and mislead the Iranian enemy, which they achieved, and instead of an indictment, the state should award them the Israel Prize for their contribution to national security.”

The nationwide internet blackout in Iran approaches 580 hours

The nationwide internet shutdown imposed by Iranian authorities across the country has entered its 25th day, according to monitoring group NetBlocks, surpassing 576 hours.

The blackout has left “the public isolated from the world, while accounts on the exception list try to control the narrative,” the group said. “The measure deprives citizens of vital updates and the ability to express themselves on the international stage.”

⚠️ Update: #Iran's internet blackout has entered its 25th day after 576 hours, leaving the public isolated from the world as whitelisted accounts seek to take control of the narrative. The measure leaves civilians without vital updates and without a voice on the global stage. pic.twitter.com/64N51Is1bS

— NetBlocks (@netblocks) March 24, 2026

Israel: Over 4,800 injured have been taken to hospitals since the start of the war

Israel’s Ministry of Health reported that 4,829 injured people have been admitted to hospitals since the beginning of the war.

Of these, 111 remain hospitalized, while 12 are in serious condition.

24/03/2026 11:34
Revolutionary Guards: We will strike Israel “without limits” if it targets civilians in Lebanon and Gaza

The Revolutionary Guards accused Israel on Tuesday morning of exploiting the current “wartime conditions” to commit “extensive war crimes against civilians” in Lebanon and Palestine.

They stated that if such actions continue, they will launch “intense missile and drone attacks” against Israeli forces in northern Israel and near Gaza “without limits,” according to the Iranian news agency IRNA.

A large crater from the impact of a missile in Tel Aviv that carried bombs weighing 100 kg

According to Israeli officials, it is estimated that only one missile was launched from Iran toward Tel Aviv this morning. It is believed to have been either a new variant of a medium-range ballistic missile or a new type of cluster warhead, containing 3–4 large bombs of about 100 kg each that fell to the ground.

24/03/2026 08:36

Two people killed by an Israeli strike in the village of Bsamoun in Lebanon

Two people were killed in an Israeli raid targeting the village of Bsamoun, southeast of Beirut, the Lebanese Health Ministry announced. Bombardments continued overnight against the southern suburbs of the capital.

“The raid carried out by the Israeli enemy against the village of Bsamoun, in the Aley district, resulted in the death of two civilians and injured five others,” the ministry said in a statement.

Bsamoun, located in the mountainous Aley region—mainly inhabited by Druze—lies southeast of Beirut, away from the traditional strongholds of the pro-Iranian movement Hezbollah.

According to Lebanon’s official news agency ANI, seven additional strikes were carried out overnight on neighborhoods in the southern suburbs of Beirut, considered Hezbollah strongholds. No casualty toll has been announced so far.

Israeli warplanes were also heard flying at low altitude over Beirut and surrounding areas last night.

Early this morning, the Israeli army called on residents to evacuate two coastal settlements near the city of Tyre in southern Lebanon, stating it is conducting operations against Hezbollah.

24/03/2026 08:25

Iran launches new missile attack on Tel Aviv, six injured

Six people were lightly injured in Tel Aviv following a new Iranian missile attack shortly after 7:00 a.m. (Greece time), according to the emergency service Magen David Adom.

Reports indicate multiple impact sites in central Tel Aviv after the latest missile barrage launched by Tehran.

Emergency crews were dispatched to several locations across central Israel where damage from the attack was recorded.

24/03/2026 08:11

Damage reported in southern Israel from Iranian missiles, says IDF

Damage in areas of southern Israel was recorded by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) following new missile launches from Iran overnight.

According to an official statement, units are being deployed to “multiple areas” in the southern part of the country where missile impacts have been reported.

During the night, repeated alerts were issued for missile launches from Iran toward Israel, with warning sirens activated across various regions.

Large crater from one of the Iranian medium-range ballistic missile impacts in Tel Aviv, Israel. pic.twitter.com/YC21uKn6D2

— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) March 24, 2026

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More than 2,000 U.S. Marines arrive in the Middle East on Friday

Thousands of U.S. Marines are expected to arrive in the Middle East on Friday, the day President Trump has set as the deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

The amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli, based in Japan, the amphibious transport dock USS New Orleans, and approximately 2,200 Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit will transfer to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), which is responsible for American forces in the Middle East, on Friday, the Wall Street Journal reports.

It will take a few more days for the unit to reach the Strait of Hormuz.

The Pentagon has also ordered the deployment of another Marine unit to CENTCOM—the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit based in California, which is embarked on the amphibious ready group USS Boxer.

This unit will depart in a few weeks and will arrive in the CENTCOM area several weeks later.

Trump: The U.S. will “just keep bombing” if negotiations with Iran fail

The American president also stated that the U.S. will “just keep bombing” if negotiations with Iran fail.

Fox: Elite U.S. military units have arrived in the Middle East, the George H.W. Bush will replace the Gerald R. Ford

According to indications from aircraft observers cited by Fox News, elements of the 82nd Airborne Division have arrived in the Middle East via cargo flights from Fort Bragg and possibly from Fort Campbell.

Additionally, the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford, which returned to Crete, will be replaced by the USS George H.W. Bush, which is preparing to depart from Norfolk.

The amphibious ready group USS Tripoli is expected to arrive in the Middle East in the coming days with more than 2,000 Marines, while the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit aboard the USS Boxer is expected to arrive in about a month after departing from San Diego.

23/03/2026 07:27 – UPDATES

Iran says it struck an air base in Saudi Arabia
A spokesperson for the Revolutionary Guards said their forces carried out missile and drone attacks against the Prince Sultan air base in Saudi Arabia and the U.S. Fifth Fleet in Bahrain.

23/03/2026 08:43
Concern over rising attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz
Maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz remains at an extremely critical level, with latest assessments ranking the risk at the highest level (5/5), indicating that a serious incident is now highly likely.

At the same time, risk remains high (4/5) across the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, increasing concern within the international shipping community.

Authorities and security services recommend postponing all transits through the Strait of Hormuz and avoiding approach to critical ports in the region.

23/03/2026 08:36
Sirens in northern Israel
In the past hour, sirens sounded in northern Israel, with authorities believing a coordinated attack by Hezbollah and Iran may be underway.

23/03/2026 08:35
Explosions in Tehran
Powerful explosions were heard in Tehran as air defense systems were activated in central areas of the Iranian capital.

According to international media, loud blasts were heard in both eastern and western parts of the city.

23/03/2026 08:19
Saudi Arabia shot down two drones
The Saudi Ministry of Defense announced that its forces intercepted and destroyed two drones in the eastern region of the country.

Earlier, Saudi air defenses had also intercepted another drone in the same area, as well as a missile targeting Riyadh. Another missile fell in an open area.

23/03/2026 08:08
Time for announcements on new economic support measures (fuel pass, diesel intervention, ferry tickets)
Given the widespread assessment that the war in the Middle East will not end soon—and even if it did, the economic consequences would remain severe—the government is preparing a second round of support measures.

These will focus on fuel, ferry tickets, and fertilizers, following earlier price cap decisions on fuel and food profit margins.

According to reports, the announcements may be made today by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, followed by detailed explanations.

23/03/2026 07:56
U.S. bombed Iranian facility linked to drone engine production in Qom
The U.S. military reported targeting a turbine engine production facility in Qom province, used for drone and aircraft components linked to Iran’s Revolutionary Guards (IRGC).

CENTCOM stated the facility produced gas turbine engines for attack drones and aircraft components used by the IRGC.

23/03/2026 07:44
Hezbollah claims over 60 operations against Israel on Sunday
The Lebanese group said it carried out 63 military operations using missiles, drones, and artillery against Israeli forces in Israel and southern Lebanon.

The statement was posted on Hezbollah’s Telegram channel early Monday morning.

23/03/2026 07:31
Revolutionary Guards troll Trump again in English: “You are fired!”
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards once again attempted to mock U.S. President Donald Trump amid the ongoing war that began on February 28.

This time, they used a mix of Trump’s past and present:
“Hey Trump, you’re fired! You know this phrase well. Thank you for your attention to this matter.”

23/03/2026 07:30
Oil: U.S. crude above $100 before stabilizing “temporarily” – Brent at $113
Oil prices rose further in early trading after markets opened, as the U.S. and Israel made clear over the weekend that the war against Iran—launched on February 28 and disrupting hydrocarbon transport through the Strait of Hormuz—will last at least several more weeks.

West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude for May delivery rose 1.78% to $100.10 per barrel shortly after trading began on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, before stabilizing just below $100 at $98.86.

Brent crude for May delivery rose 1.73% to $113.44 per barrel, currently standing at $112.60.

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“We will respond proportionally to any attack on our vital infrastructure,” says Iran

Another Iranian official, Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi, has joined the growing list of figures condemning Donald Trump’s threat to target Iran’s power generation facilities.

In remarks reported by the Mehr News Agency, Gharibabadi stated that threats against Iran’s “power plants and vital infrastructure” amount to threats against civilian targets, which should not be attacked during wartime.

“Given the failure of the [UN] Security Council to fulfill its duty to address aggression and end violations, and considering Iran’s inherent right to self-defense, any attack on Iran’s vital infrastructure will be met with a proportional response,” he said.

He added that “full legal responsibility and all consequences of any further escalation will lie with those who initiated it.”

Alert in northern Israel – Hezbollah drone attack

Iran arrests 25 people accused of collaborating with the U.S. and Israel

Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence announced that 23 individuals were arrested in Markazi province, in the central-western part of the country.

According to the ministry, the suspects shared coordinates of military installations with an international media platform allegedly linked to Israel, and worked to incite “unrest in the streets.”

It also reported that two more individuals were arrested in the northeastern province of Golestan, accused of planning an “attack on police centers.”

Pro-Trump senator compares potential Iran action to Iwo Jima

U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, a close ally of Donald Trump, voiced support for a possible offensive to seize Iran’s Kharg Island.

He argued: “Just as we took Battle of Iwo Jima, we can do the same with Kharg.”

Iran threatens “irreversible” destruction of energy infrastructure

The Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, warned that any attack on Iran’s power plants would be met with immediate retaliation against energy and oil infrastructure across the region.

“Critical infrastructure and energy facilities throughout the region will be considered legitimate targets and will be destroyed irreversibly. Oil prices will remain high for a long period,” Ghalibaf said.

The statement comes after Donald Trump threatened to strike Iranian power plants if free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz is not fully restored within 48 hours.

Explosion near vessel off the UAE

A cargo ship reported an explosion from an unidentified projectile near its position off the coast of the United Arab Emirates, with all crew members safe, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO).

The incident occurred about 15 nautical miles north of Sharjah. The intended target of the attack has not been confirmed, and authorities are investigating the case. Ships in the area have been advised to proceed with caution.

Omani citizens safely repatriated from Iran

The Foreign Ministry of Oman announced that a group of its citizens has safely returned from Iran as part of ongoing repatriation efforts.

The operation was coordinated through diplomatic missions in Tehran and Ankara, while the ministry confirmed that monitoring of Omani citizens abroad continues “around the clock” to ensure their safety and protection.

Iran: “Military doctrine has shifted from defense to offense,” says commander of unified operations headquarters

The shift in Iran’s doctrine—from a defensive to an offensive orientation—was announced by Brigadier General Ali Abdollahi Aliabadi, commander of the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters of the Iranian armed forces.

“As we have previously announced, the doctrine of the armed forces for defending the Islamic Republic of Iran has changed from defensive to offensive,” he said, adding that the shift is accompanied by significant adjustments in battlefield tactics, as part of a broader strategy to strengthen the country’s military capabilities.

According to the official, the armed forces—leveraging the capabilities of new scientists—have developed advanced equipment and weapons systems, through which they aim to disrupt the enemy’s plans.

“The criminal enemy” has already begun to perceive aspects of this growing power on the battlefield, he said, adding that the process will continue in the future with “new surprises” for the adversary.

Abdollahi also claimed that Iran and its armed forces, supported by a “brave, informed, and resilient people,” have managed to assert control on the battlefield in the best possible way.

At the same time, he referred to what he described as historic national unity and cohesion between the Iranian people and the armed forces, under the leadership of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution, calling it a clear promise of future victories.

Air raid sirens in central and northern Israel

Air raid sirens sounded in central Israel following an Iranian missile attack, while a separate rocket launch from Lebanon triggered alarm systems in the northern part of the country, according to Channel 12.

Israel’s ambulance service reported no casualties in central Israel, while one person was injured in the north. Authorities remain on high alert.

Iran without internet for a fourth week

The internet blackout in Iran has entered its fourth week, exceeding 500 hours, as authorities have imposed an almost complete shutdown of services amid the war with the United States and Israel.

According to NetBlocks, international connectivity has been cut off and domestic access is severely limited. The government is also suppressing the use of satellite connections and VPNs, leaving few ways to bypass restrictions.

The organization has called for the blockade to be lifted, noting that many families are unable to communicate with loved ones.

Residents told Al Jazeera they are facing extreme difficulties in contacting the outside world, and with the war showing no signs of ending, there is no clear timeline for restoring internet access.

One injured in central Israel

Israel’s Home Front Command said rescue teams were dispatched to central Israel following reports of a strike during the first wave of Iranian missiles.

According to Channel 12, at least one person was injured in the city of Holon.

The Israeli military said its air defense systems are working to intercept a new wave of missiles launched by Iran.

Tehran open to cooperation on Gulf maritime security

Ali Mousavi, Iran’s representative to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), said Tehran is ready to cooperate to improve safety and protect sailors in the Gulf, according to Iran’s Mehr news agency.

He stated that the Strait of Hormuz remains open to navigation, except for vessels linked to “Iran’s enemies,” adding that safe passage is possible through coordination with Tehran.

“Diplomacy remains Iran’s priority. However, a complete halt to attacks and mutual trust and assurance are even more important,” he said, accusing Israeli and U.S. actions of being “the root cause of the current situation in the Strait of Hormuz.”

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US bombers continue operations from RAF Fairford

American fighter-bombers continue to operate from the RAF Fairford base in Gloucestershire.

With its long runway, the base can accommodate all three types of long-range bombers of the US Air Force – B-1, B-2 and B-52.

Since the first day of the US air raids on February 28, B-52 and B-1 aircraft have been spotted at the base.

A resident of the village of Down Ampney, a few kilometers from the base, told the BBC that “the whole house shakes” when the planes fly overhead.

21/03/2026 13:42

Israel continues wave of strikes against Hezbollah

The Israeli military announced that it carried out a series of strikes against Hezbollah fighters in the southern suburbs of Beirut.

Smoke rose into the sky, fires broke out, and loud explosions were heard in central parts of the city, hours after the Israeli army renewed evacuation warnings for seven neighborhoods in the area.

Israeli attacks against Hezbollah in Lebanon have caused more than 1,000 deaths and displaced over one million people, according to the Lebanese government.

In Iran, more than 1,300 people have been killed during the war, while in Israel 15 people were killed by Iranian missiles and four more in the occupied West Bank.

At least 13 members of the US military have been killed and more than 200 have been injured.

21/03/2026 13:38

Child killed in airstrike in western Iran

Iran’s Mehr news agency reports that a child was killed in an attack by US or Israeli forces in the city of Ahvaz, in Khuzestan province in southwestern Iran, while the child’s parents were injured.

“In this attack, a family of three was hit, with the parents injured and their child dead,” the statement said.

21/03/2026 13:32

US: Sale of already-loaded Iranian oil will not benefit Tehran

The United States said that its decision to allow the sale of up to 140 million barrels of Iranian oil already on ships will not provide any substantial economic benefit to Iran.

The oil remains under US Treasury sanctions and much of it is already in tankers in Asian waters, according to analysts.

“Iran will have difficulty accessing any revenue generated, and the United States will continue to maintain maximum pressure on Tehran and its access to the international financial system,” Scott Bessent said on X on Friday.

The suspension of sanctions is valid for a limited period, until April 19, and applies only to oil already loaded onto ships. The 140 million barrels correspond to about 1.5 days of global consumption. This move, like the corresponding one for Russian oil, aims to reduce crude prices, which surged after restrictions on navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

Most Iranian oil goes to China via sanctioned tankers. Analysts note that it is unclear whether payment has already been made by Asian buyers. Iran often requests payments in yuan to bypass US sanctions.

Beyond China, the released oil may be directed to other Asian markets such as Malaysia, India, and Indonesia. Shipping data show that in February Iranian exports via the main terminal on Kharg Island accelerated to over 2 million barrels per day to China — nearly double the usual rate. Since the start of the conflict three weeks ago, Iran has continued to export more than 1 million barrels per day from Kharg Island.

21/03/2026 13:28

No Iranian missile reached Diego Garcia base

According to BBC information, reports of the launch of two Iranian missiles toward the British base at Diego Garcia are accurate, but neither missile reached the base.

The Wall Street Journal first reported the news, citing anonymous US officials, while separate sources confirmed to the BBC that the information is correct.

The UK Ministry of Defence has neither confirmed nor denied the launch, stating only that “Iran’s reckless attacks in the region pose a threat to British interests and allies.”

The UK has authorized US military forces to carry out defensive operations from the Diego Garcia base. So far, there are no reports of strikes launched from that base, while the US has conducted operations from RAF Fairford. The UK has not authorized offensive missions from RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus.

US prepares ground intervention in Iran, CBS says – Iran launched ballistic missiles at Diego Garcia base

As the war enters its fourth week, the Trump administration proceeded with a temporary easing of sanctions, allowing Iran to release significant quantities of oil, in an effort to stabilize international markets.

At the same time, military movements continue on multiple fronts, with attacks, interceptions and warnings escalating tensions across the wider region.

Key points:

Temporary sanctions relief: The US government granted Iran permission to sell approximately 140 million barrels of oil already stored in tankers — an amount equivalent to about 1.5 days of global demand.

Military movements:
Donald Trump stated that a “gradual reduction” of military operations in the Middle East is being considered; however, an Iranian source claims there is no de-escalation. At the same time, US forces are being reinforced with additional marines and naval personnel.

According to the American network CBS, about 2,500 marines, along with the amphibious ship Boxer and accompanying warships, will be deployed to the region, while a White House spokesperson stressed that the mission will take four to six weeks to complete.

Strait of Hormuz: Bahrain appears willing to contribute to reopening the Strait of Hormuz, aligning with EU countries, Japan and Canada.

Developments on the ground:

Indian Ocean: Iran launched medium-range ballistic missiles at the Diego Garcia base (a joint US–UK base), without hitting the target.

Gulf: Tehran warned the UAE it would strike the port of Ras al-Khaimah if attacks on Iranian islands continue. Kuwait and Saudi Arabia intercepted missiles and drones overnight.

Israel – Lebanon: Israel announced new missile launches from Iran toward its territory and carried out strikes against Hezbollah targets in Beirut.

21/03/2026 08:12

China and Iran: The biggest customer

China, the world’s largest oil importer, is now facing increased competition following the US’s temporary 30-day sanctions relief on Iranian oil, putting its position as the main buyer of Iranian crude to the test.

According to a Reuters analysis using Kpler data:

• China buys more than 80% of Iran’s exported oil.
• Last year, China imported an average of 1.38 million barrels per day, about 13.4% of the total 10.27 million barrels/day it imported by sea.
• This gives Chinese refineries a significant economic advantage.

Iranian light crude trades at $8–10 per barrel below Brent when delivered to China, saving Chinese buyers significant amounts. In February, the discount exceeded $10 per barrel. After the first US-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, Iranian oil flows dropped significantly, with limited deals at around a $9 discount per barrel.

Iranian oil imported by China is often recorded as originating from other countries, such as Malaysia and Indonesia, which act as transshipment hubs. Chinese customs data has not shown shipments from Iran since July 2022, according to Reuters.

21/03/2026 09:16
Strait of Hormuz: Not just oil, it “feeds” 100 million people

Oil and liquefied natural gas tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz transport around 20% of the world’s energy supply. For Gulf countries, however, this passage is not just an energy route: it is a vital lifeline for more than 100 million people.

Now, the war between the US and Israel with Iran has choked this critical corridor, severely impacting food supply in the region.

21/03/2026 09:11
Israel strikes Hezbollah targets in Beirut

The Israeli military announced it struck Hezbollah targets in Beirut. According to Lebanese media, Israeli warplanes carried out two air raids, with no reports of casualties so far.

The strikes followed evacuation orders issued by the Israeli army for seven neighborhoods in Beirut’s southern suburbs, known as Dahieh, where Hezbollah is based. Additional Israeli strikes were also reported in the south of the country.

Reports indicate that a house in the town of Ghandouriyeh was hit and at least one person was killed. Since the start of the conflict, more than a thousand people have died in Lebanon and over one million have been displaced.

At the same time, Hezbollah announced it launched rockets at Israel’s Filon base, near the northern city of Rosh Pina.

21/03/2026 09:05
Hundreds of thousands gather in Karbala to pray

Tens of thousands of Shiite Muslims gathered in the Iraqi city of Karbala to pray, marking the end of Ramadan.

Sheikh Ahmad al-Safi, who led the prayers in Karbala, according to Iraqi and Iranian media, condemned US and Israeli attacks on Iran and Lebanon and called for international support for those affected by deadly airstrikes.

Photos published by Iran’s Mehr agency show thousands of worshippers praying in the central Bayn al-Haramayn square, located between the holy shrines of Imam Hossein and Abu Fadhl al-Abbas.

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Only a Handful of Ships Now Pass Through Hormuz, Says Iranian MP

Ship traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has dropped to extremely low levels, according to statements by an Iranian parliamentarian, who claims that the critical waterway is under Tehran’s full control.

Ismail Hosseini, a member of the Energy Committee of the Iranian Parliament, told the Russian news agency RIA Novosti that navigation through the Strait of Hormuz has decreased drastically, reaching levels that, as he specifically said, “can be counted on the fingers of one hand.”

“The Strait of Hormuz is under full control of Iran. At this moment, the number of ships passing through can be counted on the fingers of one hand, whereas previously 130 to 140 ships passed daily,” the source added.

This statement reflects a significant change in traffic through one of the world’s most strategic maritime passages, through which a large portion of global energy flows passes.

Referring to negotiations with other countries regarding ship passage through the Strait, the Iranian official noted that, if talks are conducted, they concern individual cases—one or two ships at a time—taking into account the prevailing conditions. He added that the entire process is carried out in coordination with Iran, implying an increased degree of Tehran’s control over the passage of international shipping.

WSJ: U.S. warplanes begin the battle to free the Strait of Hormuz

A report by the Wall Street Journal states that this effort “is gaining new urgency as oil prices skyrocket.”

Fire at a Kuwaiti refinery due to a drone raid

A fire broke out at a refinery belonging to Kuwait’s state oil company following a drone attack, the official Kuwaiti news agency KUNA reported.

“The Mina Al-Ahmadi refinery, owned by the Kuwait National Petroleum Company (KNPC), was targeted early this morning by hostile drone attacks, which caused fires in some of its units,” according to the agency, following a previous attack on the same facility that had also caused a fire.

Today’s attack on the Mina Al-Ahmadi refinery caused no casualties but led to the shutdown of some units at the facility, while firefighters are working to contain the blaze, according to the official Kuwaiti news agency.

Wall Street Journal: U.S. approves $7 billion arms and ammunition sale to the UAE

The Trump administration approved the sale of additional weapons and ammunition worth $7 billion to the United Arab Emirates without requiring the State Department to publicly announce it or notify Congress, as normally required by U.S. law for such transactions, the Wall Street Journal reported Thursday.

These purchases were added to $16.5 billion in sales announced earlier the same day, according to the newspaper.

The sale includes PAC-3 missiles for Patriot systems worth about $5.6 billion and CH-47 Chinook helicopters worth $1.32 billion, according to the report, which explains that the sales were not publicly announced because they are extensions of already approved agreements.

EU leaders call for de-escalation, moratorium on attacks in the Middle East, and support for Cyprus

Leaders of the 27 EU member states expressed strong concern about developments in the Middle East and support for Cyprus, calling for de-escalation of violence and protection of critical infrastructure amid escalating tensions and humanitarian crises.

Oil declines after Netanyahu’s statements, shock forecasts of $180 if crisis continues beyond April

The price of Brent crude fell by 2.55% to $105.88 per barrel, after nearing $120 on Thursday.

Israeli military announces new wave of airstrikes on regime infrastructure in Tehran

Following the recent launch of ballistic missiles from Iran toward northern Israel, the Israel Defense Forces announced a new wave of airstrikes on the Iranian capital.

It said the attacks target “infrastructure of the Iranian terrorist regime throughout Tehran.”

Three barrages of missiles toward Jerusalem

Explosions were heard in the skies over Jerusalem from Thursday night into Friday after the Israeli army announced new missile barrages launched from Iran and the activation of air raid sirens in the city, AFP correspondents reported.

The Israeli military said there were three barrages of missiles in recent hours, the latest just before midnight (local time and Greece time), and another about 10 minutes before 03:00.

According to Israeli media, debris fell in the city of Haifa and at an educational institution in one of its suburbs. No casualties were reported.

New missile attacks on Gulf countries

The United Arab Emirates and Kuwait announced in the early hours that their air defense systems were activated to respond to missile attacks.

Elsewhere in the Gulf, Bahrain’s Interior Ministry reported that air defense sirens were activated, while Saudi Arabia’s Defense Ministry said it intercepted a drone in the eastern part of the country.

Iran struck a refinery in Kuwait again

According to Kuwaiti state media, the Mina Al-Ahmadi refinery was attacked by Iranian drones.

As a result, fires broke out in several units of the refinery, with no reports so far of injuries or casualties.