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.