KEY DEVELOPMENTS

• Trump: Iran really wants to make a deal, but they are afraid to say it so they won’t get killed
• Six injured from a barrage of Iranian missile attacks on Israel: The city of Kafr Qasim and the West Bank were hit
• The five conditions set by Iran for ending the war (read more)
• Financial Times: Russia is sending drones and assistance to Iran, according to Western intelligence services
• CNN: Iran is reinforcing forces on Kharg Island ahead of a possible U.S. strike
• Iran threatens a new front in the strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait in the event of a U.S. ground invasion

Trump: NATO members have done nothing to help us – Iran should get serious before it is too late

In new posts on Truth Social, Donald Trump once again accused NATO allies of failing to help the United States in the war against what he called the “crazy” people of Iran. At the same time, he commented on messages being sent in recent hours by Tehran regarding peace negotiations, urging Iranian officials to “get serious” before it is too late.

“The NATO countries have done absolutely nothing to help with the paranoid nation, which has now been militarily crushed, Iran. The United States does not need anything from NATO, but we ‘never forget’ this very important moment!” he wrote about NATO.

In a new post on negotiations with Iran, he stated: “Iranian negotiators are very different and ‘strange.’ They are ‘begging’ us to make a deal, something they should be doing after having been militarily destroyed, with no possibility of return, yet they publicly state that they are only ‘considering our proposal.’ WRONG!!! They had better get serious soon, before it is too late, because once that happens, THERE IS NO TURNING BACK and it will not be pretty!”

26/03/2026 12:46
Iran attacked Kuwait International Airport

26/03/2026 12:35
Israel Katz confirmed that the IDF eliminated the head of the Revolutionary Guards’ Navy
The Israeli Defence Minister, Israel Katz, announced that the commander of the Navy of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Alireza Tangsiri, was killed in an Israeli airstrike.

“The IDF eliminated the commander of the Guards’ Navy, who was directly responsible for the terrorist operation of laying mines and blocking maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz,” Katz said during an assessment meeting held this morning with military officials.

Katz noted that the attack is a “message” to the Guards: “The IDF will hunt you down and eliminate you one by one.” “We will continue to operate in Iran with full force to achieve the goals of the war,” he added.

Tangsiri was reportedly hit in the Iranian port city of Bandar Abbas while meeting senior Navy commanders of the Guards, according to Israeli officials.

26/03/2026 12:21
Hoax claim about Russia sending drones to Iran, says Kremlin
The Kremlin has denied reports about the transfer of Russian drones to Iran, with the presidential spokesperson calling them inaccurate information spread by Western media outlets.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov described reports of the delivery of Russian unmanned aerial vehicles to Tehran as “false.”

The denial came after a Financial Times report claiming the “sending of drones” to Iran. “There is a lot of misinformation in the media. Even highly reputable publications do not hesitate to publish such untruths. Do not pay attention,” Peskov told journalists.

Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said Russia sent humanitarian aid to Iran on the orders of President Putin.

Peskov also rejected as baseless Western media reports claiming that Moscow is no longer interested in a deal regarding the war in Ukraine following the US and Israeli operation against Tehran. He stressed that Russia remains open to negotiations and that such reports do not reflect reality.

26/03/2026 12:13
G7 meets in France: pressure expected on the US to end the “destructive” war in the Middle East
Foreign ministers of the world’s seven largest advanced economies – the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, and Japan – are expected to meet in a two-day summit focusing on the war in Iran and the conflict in Ukraine.

European leaders and ministers warned about the economic consequences of the conflict ahead of the meeting, where they are expected to encourage the US to seek a diplomatic solution with Tehran.

Concerns are being raised amid an ongoing deadlock over a possible ceasefire, while the risk of further escalation remains, including the possibility of deploying ground forces.

“To be absolutely clear, this war is a disaster for the world’s economies,” said German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius during a press briefing in Australia. “European partners and Germany made it clear from the beginning that we were not consulted. Nobody asked us in advance. This is not our war,” he added.

Global energy prices have surged since the conflict began in late February, as energy infrastructure in Iran and neighbouring Gulf states has been damaged by US and Israeli airstrikes, as well as Iranian retaliation.

The near-total disruption of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway through which about one-fifth of global oil and gas supplies pass, has significantly reduced energy flows, with the European Union calling the situation “critical.”

French Finance Minister Roland Lescure said the international community now faces a conflict that “has changed character and therefore its economic consequences have also changed.” “Today, 30% to 40% of refining capacity in the Gulf has been damaged or destroyed. I spoke with Qatar’s energy minister, who said that 17% of gas production capacity has been destroyed due to attacks on these facilities and that it will take years – about three – to restore them,” he said.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stressed that the crisis in the Middle East “concerns everyone and, if it continues, could cause economic and social consequences affecting more countries, especially the most vulnerable, starting from Africa.”

26/03/2026 12:03
Britain and France lead a coalition of 30 countries to reopen the Strait of Hormuz
Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the Netherlands declared last week that they were ready “to contribute to appropriate efforts to ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz,” with another 24 countries signing the statement.

According to a British defence official, “the expectation is that a new meeting at military level will take place within the week, involving the chiefs of defence of the wider group of countries that have now signed.”

26/03/2026 11:57
Cairo estimates there is hope for direct US–Iran negotiations
Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty said Egyptian mediation between the US and Iran is ongoing, in cooperation with regional and international actors including Turkey and Pakistan.

In comments to Al Arabiya, he confirmed that a US message containing a comprehensive proposal to resolve the crisis was delivered to Tehran.

He said contacts continue with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, focusing on de-escalation and preventing further escalation, aiming to end the conflict.

“There is hope for direct negotiations between the two sides,” he said, adding that differences may exist around the US proposal.

He also stressed there is “a sincere intention, in coordination with major regional and international powers, to begin direct talks, form a common framework for dialogue, converge views, and avoid military escalation.”

From the Iranian side, a former senior political and security official reportedly said Tehran rejected the US proposal delivered via mediators, stating it is ready to continue defence and attacks until five key conditions are met.

Military and political analysts described Tehran’s “five conditions” as a very high negotiation threshold, suggesting they aim at achieving a political or diplomatic victory.

26/03/2026 11:55
New security alert from the US Embassy in Iraq
The US Embassy in Iraq issued a new security warning stating that Iran-backed armed groups have carried out “extensive” attacks against US citizens and targets linked to Washington across Iraq, including the Kurdistan region.

The embassy urged US citizens to leave Iraq and not travel to the embassy in Baghdad or the consulate in Erbil due to ongoing risks from missiles, drones, and rockets in Iraqi airspace.

It advised those leaving to use land routes to Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey, as airspace remains closed.

26/03/2026 08:36
LIVE UPDATES
Draft bill from Iran to impose tolls for passage through the Strait of Hormuz
The Iranian parliament is working on a draft bill providing for the imposition of a fee on ships seeking safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, according to the semi-official Fars news agency.

Fars, citing a lawmaker, reported that the bill is expected to be finalized next week and will legally establish Iran’s oversight over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime corridor that connects some of the largest oil and natural gas producers in the Persian Gulf to the rest of the world.

This narrow sea passage has effectively remained closed since U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran began nearly a month ago, turning it into a central focal point of the conflict. In the meantime, only a limited number of vessels have managed to cross it, as Tehran strengthens its control—mainly ships with Iranian or Chinese ties, as well as a few that secured safe-passage permits from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

The proposed legislation will formalize a unilateral practice already widely reported in the shipping industry, with demands of up to $2 million from vessels as an informal “toll.” Crews have been asked, through intermediaries, to provide details about personnel, cargo, and voyage, while in some cases payment has been requested, although no systematic enforcement has yet been observed.

26/03/2026 08:40
The United Arab Emirates intercept new drone and missile attacks from Iran
The United Arab Emirates announced on Thursday morning that they are intercepting Iranian missile and drone attacks over their territory.

They report that air defense systems are being deployed to intercept ballistic missiles, while fighter jets are in the air to shoot down incoming drones.

This is the third such warning issued by the Emirati Ministry of Defense since Wednesday evening.

26/03/2026 08:38
New video of damage caused by a missile that struck the city of Kafr Qasim in Israel

🐁|Zionist Media: Severe damage has been reported at the impact site in Kafr Qasim following the latest rocket salvo directed toward central Israel. Footage from the scene shows a crater in the road and vehicles overturned by the force of the explosion. pic.twitter.com/b8EV7D4R6n

— Aprajita Nafs Nefes 🦋 Ancient Believer (@aprajitanefes) March 26, 2026

26/03/2026 08:34
Barrage of missile launches from Iran toward Israel, 6 injured
Six people have been injured following a barrage of missile attacks launched by Iran toward Israel on Thursday morning.

Five people were injured by a cluster bomb, according to Israeli sources, in the city of Kafr Qasim, while one more person was injured by an explosion in the West Bank.

26/03/2026 08:25
Mysterious videos on the White House social media spark confusion and speculation even about… a nuclear strike
Two short clips posted on X and Instagram without any explanation fueled theories about a cyberattack or a prelude to a major strike against Iran

26/03/2026 08:18
Diesel on the rise: Increase of up to 5 cents in fuel prices, moving toward €2.14
A new upward surge is being recorded in the fuel market, with diesel entering another phase of price increases under the weight of international developments. Already for today, prices are expected to rise by around 5 cents per liter, incorporating the costs of recent days, while the market anticipates further increases depending on the escalation of tensions in the Middle East.

Estimates converge that diesel is moving toward €2.13–2.14 per liter, with the scenario of approaching €2.20—seen as possible last Tuesday (before Trump’s statements about a five-day ceasefire)—remaining active as long as hostilities continue and Tehran’s peace terms are not accepted. The fuel market has entered a phase of heightened geopolitical sensitivity, with international developments directly affecting price formation.

Flashpoints from the Middle East to the Russia–Ukraine front, where 40% of Russia’s exports have been disrupted due to Ukrainian drone attacks, are altering oil flows and increasing volatility.

Read more

26/03/2026 08:12
Turkish oil tanker hit by drones in the Black Sea
A Turkish oil tanker carrying crude oil was targeted in a drone attack in the Black Sea, near Istanbul, according to the NTV television network.

The attack on the M/T Altura occurred about 15 nautical miles from the Bosphorus Strait, according to the same outlet.

The Suezmax-type tanker was fully loaded with approximately 1 million barrels of Russian Urals crude from Novorossiysk, according to vessel tracking data. The Altura is under sanctions by the United Kingdom and the European Union, but not by the United States.

According to the Turkish maritime portal HaberDenizde, an explosion occurred on the ship’s bridge, while water also entered the engine room.

There are no reports of injuries so far.

26/03/2026 08:11
Oil prices above $104
International oil prices are climbing again amid intense geopolitical uncertainty and conflicting signals from the United States and Iran regarding the potential end of the conflict that has led to the near-total closure of the Strait of Hormuz—one of the most important energy corridors globally.

Global benchmark Brent crude futures are up 1.75%, reaching $104 per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate futures rose 1.68% to $91.84 per barrel.

On Wednesday, Brent had dropped by more than 2%, with West Texas Intermediate trading near $92. While the White House insisted that peace talks were ongoing, Tehran rejected U.S. proposals and presented its own terms, including sovereign control over the critical maritime route.

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Tehran’s initial response to the US proposal was not positive.

Iran’s initial response to the US proposal to end the war was not positive, a senior Iranian official told Reuters, adding that Tehran is still reviewing it.

The official noted that Iran’s initial response was delivered to Pakistan in order to be conveyed to the United States.

Hezbollah rejects talks with Israel while attacks continue

Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem said that no negotiations with Israel can take place as long as military operations against Lebanon continue, describing such a scenario as a “forced surrender.”

In a statement released via Telegram, he argued that the demand for exclusive control over weapons to satisfy Israeli terms—while operations and the presence of Israeli forces continue—constitutes a development that, as he said, leads to the weakening of Lebanon.

“Negotiating with the ‘Israeli’ enemy under fire amounts to forced surrender and deprives Lebanon of all its capabilities. Negotiations with an enemy that occupies territory and attacks daily are completely unacceptable,” he added.

Iran’s 5 conditions to end the war: Trump’s demands in the 15-point plan seen as “excessive”

Iran reviewed the 15-point proposal attributed to Donald Trump to end the war and “considers the demands excessive,” according to an official cited by Iranian state television.

According to the same official, Tehran has made it clear that hostilities will end only when its own conditions are met, emphasizing that “Iran will end the war at a time of its own choosing, provided its terms are satisfied.”

The official also stressed that “Iran will not allow Trump to dictate the timeline for the end of the war.” According to the same information, Tehran informed Washington through an intermediary channel that it will continue to defend itself, setting out five key conditions under which it could agree to end the conflict.

These include a halt to “attacks and assassinations,” as well as the establishment of specific mechanisms to ensure that Iran will not be targeted again. At the same time, Iran is demanding clear guarantees for compensation for war-related damages, as well as the cessation of hostilities on all fronts and for all groups involved in the regional conflicts.

Additionally, Tehran is seeking international recognition and guarantees regarding its sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial passage for global shipping and the energy market.

These developments come amid conflicting statements about whether negotiations are underway. Pakistani officials earlier confirmed that Iran received the US 15-point proposal to end the attack attributed to the US and Israel.

Donald Trump had claimed that Washington is in talks with Tehran for a ceasefire, stating that the US is speaking with the “right people” in Iran and that they “very much want to reach an agreement.” However, Iranian officials have repeatedly denied that direct negotiations with the United States are taking place.

Airstrikes target positions of Iraqi paramilitary forces in Al-Habbaniyah

A source from the Iraqi police told Al Jazeera that airstrikes hit positions of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) in Al-Habbaniyah, in the western province of Anbar.

The source did not specify who carried out the attack.

Diplomatic off-ramps are necessary for the US and Iran, says former Pakistani ambassador

Masood Khan, former Pakistani ambassador to the US and the UN, said that beyond reports and statements from US and Iranian leaders, there are strong indications that all sides need a “diplomatic exit” to limit the massive strategic and economic damage.

“Historically, the more intense a war, the greater the need for de-escalation pathways,” he told Al Jazeera.

“The military escalation unfolding alongside behind-the-scenes diplomacy aims to demonstrate the deterrent power of the countries involved. This does not necessarily undermine talks, but it raises the level of risk in many areas and limits political space for compromise.”

However, the former diplomat noted that in the current context there is a huge deficit of trust, especially on Iran’s side, as the US attacked the country while two rounds of talks were still underway and had not yet concluded.

Images from the Israeli strikes in Beirut

At least 9 dead in Lebanon

Israel continues its offensive in Lebanon, where at least nine people have been killed in airstrikes targeting communities in southern Lebanon, considered a stronghold of the Shiite movement Hezbollah, according to Lebanon’s official news agency ANI.

The Israeli military also ordered residents of seven neighborhoods in southern Beirut—another Hezbollah stronghold aligned with Iran—to evacuate urgently ahead of bombardments.

Since Lebanon was drawn into the war on March 2, Israeli bombardments have killed more than a thousand people and displaced over a million, according to authorities.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said yesterday that the country’s military had been ordered to “maneuver inside” Lebanon and establish a “forward defensive line” up to the Litani River, about 30 km from the border between the two countries, defying calls—especially from France—not to launch a ground invasion or attempt to seize Lebanese territory.

Fire in fuel tank in Kuwait

In Kuwait, a drone strike caused a fire in a fuel tank at the emirate’s international airport, according to the civil aviation authority, which reported no casualties.

What Iran demands to return to ceasefire talks with the US

Iran has set strict conditions for returning to ceasefire talks with the Trump administration.

According to people familiar with the matter, Tehran is demanding significant concessions, including:

• Closure of all US bases in the Gulf
• Compensation for attacks against Iran
• A new regime in the Strait of Hormuz allowing Iran to collect transit fees
• Guarantees that war will not resume
• An end to Israeli attacks on Hezbollah
• Full lifting of sanctions
• The right to maintain its missile program without restrictions

A US official described the demands as unrealistic, while Arab and American officials said they make reaching an agreement even more difficult.

At least 243 students and educators killed in Iran since start of war

At least 243 students and educators have been killed since the war began on February 28, according to an official from Iran’s Ministry of Education.

Saudi Arabia says 25 drones and a ballistic missile intercepted overnight

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defense announced early in the morning that dozens of drones and a ballistic missile were intercepted.

The US and Israel attacked Iran on February 28; the war has spread across the Middle East. Tehran is retaliating against Israel and Washington’s allies in the Gulf, targeting military and energy installations and other infrastructure.

According to a series of Defense Ministry statements posted on X between 01:42 and 04:41, 25 drones and a ballistic missile were intercepted, most of them over the eastern part of the kingdom.

Iranian military spokesperson: The US is negotiating with itself

The US is negotiating with itself, said a spokesperson for the Iranian military, according to state media, one day after US President Donald Trump said Tehran wants to reach an agreement to end the war in the Middle East.

A 15-point plan aimed at ending the war, drafted by Washington, was conveyed to Tehran, a source familiar with the matter told Reuters yesterday.

“Has the level of your internal conflict reached the point where you are negotiating with yourselves?” said Ebrahim Zolfaghari, spokesperson for Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters.

“People like us can never get along with people like you.”

Zolfaghari added that US investments and pre-war energy prices will not return as long as Washington does not accept that regional stability is guaranteed by Iran’s armed forces.