Articles about Iran

A U.S. military aircraft crashed in western Iraq on March 14, 2026, killing its entire crew of six, as disclosed by U.S. Central Command, bringing total confirmed American deaths in Iran operations to 13. The incident follows a prior refueling plane crash that killed four, heightening scrutiny on operational safety during escalated regional tensions. Pentagon officials cite mechanical failure pending investigation, while congressional calls grow for briefings on mission risks. Families demand transparency as recruitment challenges intensify.

Crude oil benchmarks hover near $100 per barrel, up 70% since early January, with forecasts of $150 highs if the Strait of Hormuz remains disrupted. U.S. fuel prices have risen nearly 35% from January lows, though domestic supplies prevent shortages. Energy producers like Exxon Mobil and Chevron hit record highs, while the Dow Jones fell 6% in a month amid stagflation concerns. Prolonged conflict could reverse Fed rate cuts and pressure consumer sectors further.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated Friday that Iran is exercising 'sheer desperation' in counterattacks against the US and Israel, following the crash of a refueling plane in western Iraq that killed six airmen. The incident raises the total US troop deaths in the operation to 13, with officials confirming no hostile fire involvement. Hegseth's remarks precede reports of 2,500 Marines and a warship deploying to the region, signaling escalation. Analysts warn of prolonged conflict risks amid rising casualties and regional instability.

An unidentified air strike targeted a house in Baghdad's Karrada district early Saturday, killing at least one person and wounding two others, according to Iraqi security officials and Iranian-backed group affiliates. The Iraqi military condemned the attack as a violation of humanitarian values and international conventions. This incident occurs as US Embassy in Baghdad faces repeated threats from Iran-aligned militias. Investigations continue to determine the strike's origin amid ongoing regional hostilities.

The US military reports striking 15,000 targets in Iran since the war began, with President Trump stating forces 'totally obliterated' military sites on Kharg Island vital to Iran's oil network and threatening further action on oil infrastructure. This escalates as Iran reports 43,000 residential and commercial units damaged from US and Israeli strikes. Government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani detailed the widespread destruction on Saturday. Global oil markets remain volatile with Hormuz disruptions.

Yara’s Svein Tore Holsether says it would be ‘catastrophic’ if the strait of Hormuz was closed for a year The boss of one of the world’s largest fertiliser companies has said global food supplies could be badly damaged this year if the Iran war becomes an extended conflict.Svein Tore Holsether, the chief executive of Norway’s Yara International, has called on global leaders to consider the impact that soaring food prices will have in some of the world’s poorest countries “before it is too late”. Continue reading...

The US military is deploying 2,500 additional Marines and another warship to the Middle East amid the Iran conflict entering its 14th day on March 14, 2026. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth described Iran's counterattacks as 'sheer desperation' following six more US casualties this week. The buildup responds to disrupted shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and Iranian drone strikes on Saudi Arabia, which intercepted 28 drones. Pentagon officials warn of potential Navy escorts for tankers to counter economic disruptions.

A US military refueling aircraft crashed in western Iraq on March 13, 2026, killing all six crew members and raising the total confirmed US deaths in operations against Iran to 13. US Central Command confirmed the incident was not due to hostile fire, as reported in ongoing Middle East escalations entering their 14th day. The crash underscores rising casualties for US forces amid intensified strikes by US, Israel, and Iran. Defense officials indicate further troop deployments, including 2,500 Marines, are underway to bolster regional presence.

A French soldier was killed in an attack in Iraq on March 14, 2026, amid strikes by pro-Iranian factions targeting bases with foreign troops. Iranian media reported fresh explosions in Tehran, with the conflict showing no signs of abating despite economic fears. The incident highlights expanding risks to international forces beyond US assets. NATO allies are reassessing deployments in the region.

Iranian missile and drone strikes have halted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz as of March 14, 2026, prompting US Navy plans to escort oil tankers amid surging global prices. President Trump directed military options to keep the strait open, with officials confirming anticipation of such blockades. Saudi Arabia reported intercepting 28 Iranian drones targeting its defenses. The move aims to mitigate impacts on US energy markets and economy.

President Donald Trump announced US forces 'obliterated' military targets on Iran's Kharg Island, primary terminal for its oil exports, prompting threats of escalated retaliation from Iran's Parliament speaker. Iranian media reported 15 explosions on the island targeting air defenses, naval bases, and helicopter hangars, with no oil facilities damaged. The strikes coincide with Iran closing the Strait of Hormuz, halting shipping and surging global oil prices, as the US considers Navy escorts for tankers. Trump warned of further action against Iran's oil infrastructure if attacks continue.

The US is sending 2,500 additional Marines and an amphibious assault ship to the Middle East, nearly two weeks into the war with Iran, according to anonymous officials. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated all military assets are focused on destroying Iran's offensive capabilities amid ongoing missile and drone exchanges. The deployment responds to rising US casualties, now at 13, and Iran's disruption of the Strait of Hormuz affecting global oil flows. President Trump anticipates Iranian pressure tactics but vows to keep the strait open.

President Donald Trump announced US forces 'obliterated' military targets on Iran's Kharg Island, primary terminal for oil exports, prompting threats of escalated retaliation from Iran's Parliament speaker. Iranian media reported 15 explosions targeting air defenses, naval bases, and airport facilities with no oil damage confirmed. The strikes occur as Iran has halted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting a fifth of global traded oil. Trump warned of further action against Iran's oil assets if disruptions continue.[4][1]

The US is sending 2,500 additional Marines and an amphibious assault ship to the Middle East nearly two weeks into the war with Iran, according to a US official. This reinforcement comes amid stepped-up attacks by US, Israel, and Iran with no end in sight. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth noted six more US casualties recently, bringing total American troop deaths to 13. The moves signal preparation for prolonged conflict.[2][4]

Meta halted construction on a key segment of its 2Africa subsea cable project on March 13, 2026, citing security threats from the escalating US-Iran conflict disrupting Middle East routes. The $1.2 billion initiative, spanning 37,000 km to connect Africa and Europe, faces delays costing millions in potential bandwidth losses. This pause underscores geopolitical risks to global tech infrastructure investments, as Iran tensions threaten undersea cables vital for AI data flows. Meta plans rerouting assessments, with resumption eyed post-ceasefire.

US-Israeli strikes on oil facilities have caused black rain to fall on Tehran, but the black smoke filling the air is likely to be a bigger health risk

The US and Iran are trading blows in the Gulf with a simple drone that costs as little as $50,000 to make. But why is a slow, cheap and relatively primitive drone seeing use in 2026 alongside hypersonic missiles and stealth jets?

Iranian military said in a statement that oil and energy infrastructure belonging to firms that cooperated with the US would ‘immediately be destroyed’How have you been affected by the latest Middle East events?Saudi Arabia’s defence ministry is saying that two drones have been intercepted and destroyed in the eastern region.More now after reports of explosions in Dubai on Friday morning: thick black smoke rose over the financial hub’s skyline after what authorities described as a fire in an industrial area of the city-state. Continue reading...

From fuel caps to four-day work weeks, the Middle East conflict has left the world’s top crude oil importing region desperate to shore up suppliesDonald Trump has scrambled in recent days to reassure the world that the economic impact of his war on Iran can be contained.Sure, one of the most important waterways in global trade has, in effect, been shut for almost two weeks – but it might reopen before long. In the meantime, US oil-related sanctions on “some countries” will be lifted. And besides, the entire conflict could be over soon. Continue reading...

Treasury minister Spencer Livermore trails new strategy as chancellor pins hopes on benefits of AI amid global uncertaintyThe NHS and Ministry of Defence will be urged to buy British tech, as the government pins its hopes on the benefits of artificial intelligence to kickstart growth in the face of the Iran crisis, Treasury minister Spencer Livermore has said.The chancellor, Rachel Reeves, will restate her economic strategy in a high profile lecture on Tuesday, just as rocketing oil prices have raised fears of higher inflation and weaker growth. Continue reading...

Refusal to kowtow to US president has won public backing – and left Badenoch and Farage playing catch-upIt is not often that Keir Starmer’s allies believe he has Nigel Farage and Kemi Badenoch on the run – but on Iran, they think he is on the right side of history and public opinion.“It could be the making of him,” said Emily Thornberry, the Labour chair of the foreign affairs committee, who was first out of the blocks to say she thought Donald Trump’s strikes on Iran were illegal. “You’ve not had a British prime minister say no to an American president since Vietnam. This is a big deal.” Continue reading...

President says forces ‘obliterated’ military targets on Kharg Island and warned its oil infrastructure could be nextMiddle East crisis – live updatesDonald Trump said Friday that US forces have “obliterated” military targets on Iran’s Kharg Island and warned that the oil infrastructure there could be next.“For reasons of decency, I have chosen NOT to wipe out the Oil Infrastructure on the Island,” Trump wrote on social media. “However, should Iran, or anyone else, do anything to interfere with the Free and Safe Passage of Ships through the Strait of Hormuz, I will immediately reconsider this decision.” Continue reading...

‘Stopgap measure’ designed to keep oil flowing into global market as Middle East crisis disrupts crude shipmentsBusiness live – latest updatesThe US has temporarily allowed India to buy Russian oil currently stuck at sea in an effort to keep global supplies flowing and temper further price increases.The US treasury has issued a 30-day waiver allowing India to buy Russian oil, having previously imposed heavy sanctions related to the war in Ukraine. Continue reading...

Urgent request to dock is submitted by vessel after US submarine sank Iranian warship in same area on TuesdayMiddle East crisis – live updatesSri Lanka has evacuated 208 crew members from an Iranian navy vessel that made an emergency request to dock, a day after a US submarine strike sank another Iranian frigate, killing more than 80 people on board.Sri Lanka’s president, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, on Thursday confirmed that the country’s navy would take over Iranian military support ship IRIS Bushehr and allow it to dock at the north-eastern port of Trincomalee. Continue reading...

Tehran residents report relentless bombing with US and Israeli planes launching wave of attacks Middle East crisis – live updatesDonald Trump has said Iran will be hit “very hard” in the coming days, describing leaders of the regime as “deranged scumbags” who it was a “great honor” to kill, as Tehran residents reported relentless bombing and violence continued to spiral across the Middle East.The US president’s comments, which signaled an intensification of the US-Israeli campaign, came as Israeli and US warplanes launched successive waves of attacks on the Iranian capital and elsewhere on Friday. One strike reportedly hit close to a square near Tehran University where crowds were gathered in support of Iran’s regime. The area is home to many government buildings. Continue reading...

White House contends with reality of shoddy preparations for war and unclear conditions for victoryMiddle East crisis – live updatesSign up for the Breaking News US newsletter emailAs US and Israeli jets descended to deliver the opening salvos of the war in Iran, Donald Trump’s back-of-the-envelope plan for regime change in Tehran was about to run into the reality of the largest US intervention in the Middle East since the start of the Iraq war in 2003.That reality came quickly. Continue reading...

Iran’s is trying to create wedges between Gulf states and the US, but Trump is very comfortable on the ‘escalatory ladder’In its current phase, the Israeli-US war against Iran and its proxies has become a proving ground for two competing concepts of military escalation, each of which threatens to become a trap.On one side, Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu have failed thus far in their ill-defined and shifting strategic aims. Despite killing Iran’s supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, and other key leaders in the opening salvo of the campaign, the clerical regime remains and Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium is unsecured. Airstrikes are intensifying and hitting a greater number of targets. Continue reading...

Four of six crew members died when a US refueling aircraft crashed on March 13, 2026, amid escalating tensions with Iran following drone attacks. The incident occurred during operations linked to regional responses, prompting investigations into mechanical failure or hostile action. Military officials confirmed the deaths, with two crew members surviving. This tragedy underscores risks to US forces in the Middle East hotspot.