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By Amanda Castro, Matthew Robinson, Brendan Cole, and John Feng

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A new wave of strikes across Beirut, Tehran, and the Persian Gulf underscored the accelerating pace of the U.S.–Israeli war with Iran, now in its 12th day. Heavy bombardment, drone attacks on urban checkpoints, and fresh assaults on shipping lanes signaled a conflict widening on multiple fronts with no indication of slowing.

What To Know On Day 12

• Beirut was hit by one of the heaviest barrages of the war; Israel issued an evacuation order for large sections of the city’s southern suburbs.
• Tehran saw repeated drone strikes on Basij‑manned checkpoints, killing several people and heightening fears about basic movement inside the capital.
• Israeli strikes across Lebanon have killed more than 600 people and displaced over 800,000, according to Lebanese officials.
• Three cargo ships were attacked in or near the Strait of Hormuz, with Iran appearing to claim responsibility for one strike.
• Oil prices climbed above $92 a barrel despite a historic 400‑million‑barrel release from IEA member reserves.
• President Donald Trump told Axios the war could end soon because there is “practically nothing left to target,” though he has also demanded Iran’s “unconditional surrender.”
• Iran’s death toll remains unclear; officials last reported about 1,300 killed days ago.
• Major banks, including Citi and HSBC, temporarily closed Gulf offices after Iran threatened U.S. and Israeli financial institutions.
• A Pentagon review found the U.S. was responsible for the strike on an Iranian school that killed 175 people, contradicting Trump’s earlier suggestion that Iran was to blame.
• Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has not appeared publicly; officials say he may have been injured in early strikes and is avoiding detection.

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Mar 11, 2026 at 08:05 PM EDT

Oman rescues 20 sailors after attack on Thai ship in Strait of Hormuz

Oman’s navy has rescued 20 Thai sailors after their cargo vessel came under attack in the Strait of Hormuz, according to the state‑run Oman News Agency. The ship was struck about 13 nautical miles (24 kilometers) off Oman’s coast, prompting a rapid response from naval forces.

All those rescued were Thai nationals, and officials said several suffered injuries during the incident.

Mar 11, 2026 at 07:53 PM EDT

Qatar urges UN Security Council to intervene in widening Middle East war

Qatar’s ambassador to the United Nations, Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al Thani, called on the UN Security Council to take urgent action to halt the escalating conflict sweeping the Middle East, warning that continued inaction risks emboldening attacks on countries not involved in the fighting.

Speaking to reporters in New York, she condemned Iran’s ongoing strikes on Qatari territory, saying they “do not reflect good faith” and undermine the foundations of the two countries’ relationship. She stressed that the Security Council has a responsibility to respond decisively.

“Failure to respond would send a dangerous signal that attacks against uninvolved neighbours carry no consequences,” she said.

Mar 11, 2026 at 07:39 PM EDT

Lebanese village mourns priest killed in Israeli strike

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Dozens of worshippers gathered in Qlayaa, a Christian village in southern Lebanon, on Wednesday to honor Father Pierre Al‑Raai, the priest killed by Israeli fire earlier this week. Footage from the Noursat Network showed pallbearers carrying his white coffin through sunlit streets as parishioners wept outside Saint George’s Church.

Father Al‑Raai is among the 634 people killed in Lebanon since Israeli strikes began on March 2, according to the country’s disaster risk management unit. The bombardment has displaced hundreds of thousands from Beirut and the south, while the World Health Organization says 49 primary care centers and five hospitals have been forced to shut.

The violence has now reached several Christian communities near the border, prompting Israel to issue new evacuation calls for six additional villages on Wednesday.

At the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV paid tribute to the slain priest, mourning the “civilian victims” of the conflict and praising Father Al‑Raai as “a true shepherd” who remained with his community until the end. “May the blood he shed be a seed of peace for beloved Lebanon,” he said.

In southern Tyre, mourners also buried a Red Cross paramedic killed while aiding survivors of a separate strike, underscoring the growing toll on first responders as the conflict widens.

Mar 11, 2026 at 07:25 PM EDT

Israel braces for expanded attacks as Netanyahu convenes emergency meeting

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is gathering senior political and security officials as the country prepares for what sources describe as a possible major escalation from Iran and Hezbollah. Two Israeli officials told CNN that the military is expecting a “significant expansion” of attacks as early as tonight.

A senior commander in Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed the country has missiles capable of being launched from underwater, hinting they could be used in the coming days.

In Washington, President Donald Trump said the war with Iran would end “soon,” arguing there was little left to strike and insisting the final decision rests with him. He also said he did not believe Iran had successfully laid mines in the Strait of Hormuz, adding that the U.S. had destroyed “just about all” of Iran’s mining vessels.

The U.S. Central Command issued a new advisory urging civilians to avoid ports near the strait as threats to shipping intensify. The conflict has already forced major disruptions: Danish shipping giant Maersk halted operations at the Port of Salalah in Oman until further notice.

Meanwhile, the International Energy Agency announced its member states had unanimously approved the largest emergency oil release in the agency’s history to stabilize global markets.

In a separate development, Iran’s sports minister said the national soccer team will not participate in this summer’s FIFA World Cup, citing the country’s war with tournament co‑hosts the United States and Israel.

Mar 11, 2026 at 07:08 PM EDT

Iran threatens regional ports after U.S. warning on Strait of Hormuz

Iran’s Armed Forces warned Wednesday that ports and docks across the region could become targets if Iranian port facilities come under attack, escalating tensions around the Strait of Hormuz as the waterway remains effectively shut to commercial traffic.

The threat followed a statement from U.S. Central Command, which accused Iran of using civilian ports along the strait to support military operations that endanger international shipping. CENTCOM said any civilian port used for military purposes would lose protected status under international law.

In comments carried by Iranian media, Armed Forces spokesperson Abolfazl Shekarchi said: “If Iran’s ports are threatened, all ports and docks in the region will be our legitimate targets.”

The warning comes as Iran continues to threaten vessels transiting the strait in response to U.S.–Israeli strikes, a campaign that has pushed oil prices sharply higher. Roughly one‑fifth of the world’s oil supply normally passes through the narrow chokepoint, leaving global markets highly exposed to any prolonged disruption.

Mar 11, 2026 at 06:55 PM EDT

WATCH: Trump gives update on Strait of Hormuz reopening

Mar 11, 2026 at 06:40 PM EDT

Syria warns Lebanon violence could widen regional conflict

Syria has cautioned that the escalating fighting in Lebanon risks triggering a broader regional crisis, using a meeting of the UN Security Council to voice alarm over the rapidly deteriorating situation.

Syria’s ambassador, Ibrahim Olabi, condemned the strikes hitting Lebanese towns, infrastructure, and civilians, calling the surge in violence a “dangerous escalation” that threatens both Lebanon and neighboring states. He said continued attacks could expand the conflict’s scope in ways that would destabilize the wider region.

Olabi also rejected any actions that could force civilians from their homes and praised the Lebanese government’s insistence that military operations be carried out only by state institutions, not armed groups.

Mar 11, 2026 at 06:27 PM EDT

Lebanon death toll climbs as fighting intensifies

More than 630 people have been killed in Lebanon since the war between Israel and Hezbollah erupted a week ago, according to the country’s health ministry.

Officials say over 1,500 others have been injured as strikes continue across the south and in areas where civilians have been fleeing heavy bombardment.

Mar 11, 2026 at 06:14 PM EDT

Expert says tankers in Strait of Hormuz can withstand damage but remain vulnerable

A former merchant‑ship captain says the massive tankers moving through the Strait of Hormuz are sturdier than many assume, but still face serious risks as attacks in the waterway escalate. Seyedvahid Vakili, now a research fellow at the University of Southampton, said large tankers are built as “robust, highly engineered structures” and do not necessarily sink after a single strike.

He cautioned, however, that these vessels are not designed for combat. Even one hit can trigger fires, flooding, machinery failures, pollution, crew injuries, and long disruptions to operations — all of which can render a ship unsafe or commercially unusable.

Vakili noted that the strait remains a critical artery for global oil shipments, with few viable alternatives. Rerouting adds significant cost and time, which is why shipping companies continue to use the narrow passage despite rising threats.

As the conflict intensifies, he said decisions about expanding naval escorts will hinge on security assessments. From a maritime standpoint, escorts can lower risk but cannot eliminate it, especially in a chokepoint as exposed as the Strait of Hormuz.

Mar 11, 2026 at 05:59 PM EDT

US official says Baghdad embassy’s airport support center hit by Iranian proxy drone

There were no deaths or injuries reported after a U.S. Embassy operations center at Baghdad’s airport was hit by a drone launched by Iraq-based Iranian proxies, a State Department official said.

The official, speaking on condition of anonymity because an investigation into the attack is still ongoing, said Wednesday that the Baghdad Diplomatic Support Center “was targeted by Iran-backed terrorist militias overnight.” The actual U.S. Embassy compound in Baghdad was not struck in the attack.

The official condemned the strike and said the U.S. was in close contact with Iraqi authorities “regarding steps to protect U.S. personnel and facilities.”

By Associated Press

Mar 11, 2026 at 05:46 PM EDT

Iran’s attacks slow as U.S. and Israeli strikes degrade Arsenal

Iran’s missile and drone fire has dropped sharply after nearly two weeks of U.S. and Israeli strikes that have destroyed launch sites, storage depots, and naval assets. U.S. officials say Iran just recorded its lowest 24‑hour missile count since the war began, a sign its arsenal is being depleted or deliberately conserved.

Gulf states report similar trends. The UAE says daily drone attacks have fallen from more than 100 to about 35, and ballistic missile launches have dropped from more than 160 in the first two days to fewer than a dozen. Bahrain has seen strikes fall from dozens per day to only a handful.

Analysts say Iran may be rationing weapons for a prolonged conflict while leaning more heavily on proxies like Hezbollah. Even so, Iran continues to use short‑range ballistic missiles and large numbers of drones to hit targets across the region, underscoring the central role these systems play in its strategy.

The U.S. says it has also sunk dozens of Iranian naval vessels, though experts warn Iran still retains enough capability to threaten shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

Mar 11, 2026 at 05:33 PM EDT

European militaries bolster presence in Cyprus as Iran conflict escalates

European governments are rapidly expanding their military footprint around Cyprus as the war between the United States, Israel, and Iran intensifies, turning the eastern Mediterranean into a key staging ground. The island — an EU member but outside NATO — hosts two sovereign British military bases and sits close to the conflict zone, making it a focal point for regional defense planning.

Since the first U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, several European nations have announced new deployments aimed at strengthening air and maritime defenses. France is sending one of the largest contingents, including eight frigates, two amphibious helicopter carriers, and the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier to the eastern Mediterranean and Red Sea. Spain is contributing its Cristóbal Colón frigate as part of a joint mission alongside French and Greek vessels.

Greece has dispatched two frigates, four F‑16 Viper jets, and positioned a Patriot missile system on the island of Karpathos. Italy has deployed a frigate in what Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described as both a gesture of European unity and a precautionary move. The Netherlands is sending the HNLMS Evertsen to operate with the French carrier group through early April.

The United Kingdom has reinforced its bases on Cyprus with the HMS Dragon destroyer and two Wildcat anti‑drone helicopters, while Germany’s frigate FGS Nordrhein‑Westfalen arrived in Limassol over the weekend. Turkey, which controls the northern part of the island not recognized internationally, has deployed six F‑16s and air‑defense systems to its self‑declared territory.

The surge of European military activity underscores Cyprus’s strategic importance as the conflict widens — and the growing concern that instability in the region could spill into the Mediterranean.

Mar 11, 2026 at 05:27 PM EDT

Trump questions decision to sink Iranian warship, jokes about strike

President Donald Trump offered a strikingly candid — and at times flippant — account of the U.S. strike that sank an Iranian warship near Sri Lanka, telling supporters at a rally in Hebron, Kentucky, that he initially challenged the military’s decision to kill the crew rather than capture the vessel.

“I said, Why the hell did we kill them? Why didn’t we just capture them and use them in our Navy?” Trump recounted, adding that commanders told him the sailors “wouldn’t have qualified.” He went on to say that one general remarked the strike was “a lot more fun,” a comment that drew applause from the crowd.

Trump also referenced Iran’s recent attacks on commercial vessels in and around the Strait of Hormuz, claiming the country had “knocked out 54 ships in two days,” which he described as “real ships.”

Mar 11, 2026 at 05:22 PM EDT

Trump claims Iran war nearing total victory in Kentucky speech

President Donald Trump offered an overwhelmingly optimistic assessment of the U.S.–Israeli campaign in Iran during an economic speech in Kentucky, declaring that American forces were on the verge of eliminating Iran’s remaining military capacity. He repeated an unverified claim that the United States had destroyed dozens of Iranian mine‑laying vessels and predicted that by the time he finished speaking, “they’ll all be gone.”

“Over the past 11 days, our military has virtually destroyed Iran,” Trump said, asserting that Iran’s air force, radar systems, and air‑defense network had been wiped out. He also claimed Iranian missile capabilities were down 90 percent and drone capacity down 85 percent, adding, “We’re blowing up the factories where they’re made left and right.”

Mar 11, 2026 at 05:19 PM EDT

India faces cooking gas shortage as Middle East conflict disrupts supply

A nationwide shortage of cooking gas is reshaping daily life across India, where kitchens that typically rely on hot meals and steaming cups of tea are turning to unheated foods and simple drinks like lemon water. The disruption stems from the Middle East conflict, which has squeezed supplies of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to one of the world’s largest importers.

The Indian government has invoked emergency powers to push domestic refiners to boost output, but canteens, hostels, and factory kitchens say cylinders remain difficult to secure. Many have been forced into rapid menu overhauls. In Gujarat, an auto‑parts plant has eliminated fried foods, replaced tea with lemon water, and swapped hot soups for buttermilk or curd to conserve fuel.

The strain on India’s food services comes as the conflict continues to hit civilian infrastructure elsewhere in the region. The World Health Organization reported that since February 28 it has verified 18 attacks on healthcare facilities in Iran, resulting in the deaths of eight health workers. In Lebanon, 25 attacks over the same period have killed 16 people and injured 29, underscoring the widening humanitarian toll.

As supply chains remain unstable and regional violence escalates, India’s kitchens — from industrial canteens to student hostels — are bracing for continued shortages and further adjustments to daily routines.

Mar 11, 2026 at 05:17 PM EDT

Trump downplays war’s toll, calls Iran campaign an ‘excursion’

President Donald Trump minimized the scale and consequences of the U.S.–Israeli war with Iran on Wednesday, even as the conflict has killed at least seven American service members and more than 1,000 Iranian civilians, including children. Speaking to reporters before touring a pharmaceutical facility in Ohio, Trump described the ongoing military campaign as “an excursion that will keep us out of a war.”

“For them, it is a war,” he said. “For us, it’s turned out to be easier than we thought.”

Mar 11, 2026 at 05:06 PM EDT

WATCH: How much the Iran war costs the US every day

Mar 11, 2026 at 04:52 PM EDT

Iranian commander claims country has underwater-launched missiles

A senior commander in Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has asserted that the country possesses missiles capable of being launched from underwater and suggested they could be deployed soon, according to statements carried by Iranian state media. The official, Ali Fadavi, described the weapons as high‑speed systems and claimed that only Iran and Russia have developed similar technology. The claims have not been independently verified.

The remarks come as Iranian officials intensify public messaging around the country’s missile and naval capabilities, part of what analysts view as a broader effort to project strength and deter further military pressure. In recent days, Tehran has highlighted a range of systems designed for use in and around strategic waterways.

The IRGC has long emphasized asymmetric naval tactics, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow passage between Iran and Oman that serves as one of the world’s most important routes for oil and gas shipments. As tensions rise, Iranian leaders appear intent on signaling that they have multiple options for responding to U.S. and regional military activity.

Mar 11, 2026 at 04:43 PM EDT

Israeli strikes hit multiple towns across southern Lebanon

Israeli air strikes and artillery fire hit several areas of southern Lebanon on Wednesday, according to correspondents on the ground. Two air attacks targeted Al‑Sama’iyah and Zawtar al‑Sharqiyah, while artillery shelling was reported in Naqoura, Wadi Hamool, Jabal al‑Batoum, and Siddiqin.

Local officials have not yet confirmed whether the strikes caused casualties, as assessments in the affected areas are still underway.

Mar 11, 2026 at 04:40 PM EDT

State Department shifts resources as tens of thousands of Americans return from Middle East

The State Department has redirected its global operations to focus almost entirely on helping U.S. citizens leave the Middle East, pausing many routine consular services as the crisis continues to unfold. Officials say the safety of Americans remains the government’s top priority, and that embassies and consulates have been instructed to concentrate staff and resources on evacuation and emergency assistance.

According to the department, more than 43,000 U.S. citizens have returned home since February 28. A 24/7 task force has provided direct support to over 30,000 Americans abroad, offering security guidance, coordinating travel, and helping citizens navigate rapidly changing conditions across the region.

As personnel are reassigned to crisis operations, some embassies and consulates have temporarily halted standard visa processing. Applicants affected by these pauses are being notified individually, and officials are urging anyone seeking updates to check the website of their local U.S. embassy or consulate.

The department says it will continue operating around the clock until all Americans who wish to leave the region can do so.

Mar 11, 2026 at 04:31 PM EDT

Iranian official vows retaliation after strike on historic bank branch

A senior Iranian diplomat accused the United States and Israel of escalating their campaign against the country after a strike hit a branch of Iran’s oldest bank, killing employees who were preparing for the New Year holiday. Seyed Abbas Araghchi, a former deputy foreign minister, said the attack was part of a broader assault on Iran’s national infrastructure.

Araghchi wrote that staff inside the bank were “laboring to ensure Iranians have food on the table” when the building was bombed. He warned that Iran’s armed forces would “exact retribution,” signaling that Tehran sees the strike as a direct attack on civilian economic institutions.

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Mar 11, 2026 at 04:26 PM EDT

U.S. military warns it cannot guarantee safety of ports in Strait of Hormuz

The U.S. military said Wednesday it can no longer guarantee the safety of shipping ports along the Strait of Hormuz, warning that facilities used by Iranian forces could become military targets as the conflict intensifies. In a statement, U.S. Central Command said Iran is operating from civilian ports to conduct missions that “threaten international shipping,” stripping those sites of their protected status under international law.

The warning comes after a series of attacks on commercial vessels in and around the strait over the past 24 hours, underscoring how quickly the waterway has become one of the most dangerous flashpoints of the war. CENTCOM’s statement signals a widening of the conflict’s scope, as ports that support both commercial and military activity may now be at risk.

The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow chokepoint through which a significant share of the world’s oil supply normally passes, has seen traffic collapse since the fighting began. The U.S. has repeatedly vowed to keep the route open, but the latest warning highlights the growing difficulty of securing the region as Iranian forces escalate their efforts to disrupt shipping.

Mar 11, 2026 at 04:22 PM EDT

Poll shows voters reject Trump administration’s push for AI-driven surveillance and warfare

A new survey from Data for Progress shows broad public opposition to the Trump administration’s efforts to compel AI companies to provide unrestricted access to their technology for military and surveillance use. The poll, released by Demand Progress, found that 53 percent of voters — including 62 percent of independents — oppose allowing the government to force AI firms to support military operations.

Concerns were even stronger regarding domestic surveillance. Two‑thirds of voters said the government should not be able to require AI companies to grant open access to Americans’ personal data, a view shared by majorities across party lines.

The findings come days after AI company Anthropic sued the federal government, following the administration’s move to label the firm a supply‑chain risk after it refused to give the Defense Department unrestricted access to its systems.

The poll also captured deep skepticism toward renewing Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act without reforms. Only 12 percent of voters support reauthorizing the warrantless surveillance authority as‑is, while pluralities favor either adding new restrictions or letting it expire entirely.

“Americans are deeply concerned about the government’s ability to use AI technology to make life‑or‑death military decisions and pry into the personal lives of people in the United States,” said Colin McGlynn, an AI policy advisor at Demand Progress. He urged Congress to rein in the use of AI and data‑brokered information in national‑security operations.

Mar 11, 2026 at 04:12 PM EDT

Maersk halts operations at Oman’s port of Salalah amid ongoing incident

Maersk announced Wednesday that all operations at the Port of Salalah in Oman have been suspended following what the company described as an “ongoing incident” near the port’s general cargo terminal. The shipping giant did not provide details about the nature of the disruption but said safety protocols were immediately activated.

According to a statement provided to CNN, Maersk staff “are following the established evacuation protocol,” and the terminal is coordinating closely with local authorities to manage the situation. The company said all activity at the port has been paused until further notice.

Mar 11, 2026 at 03:59 PM EDT

China’s ‘Art of War’ move in navigating oil crisis

The U.S. and Israel's war with Iran, now in its second week, has snarled shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and sent crude oil prices to their highest levels in years.

Facing a fight for its survival, the Iranian regime has vowed to attack ships transiting the strait, saying not "one liter" of oil will make it out.

China has called for the critical chokepoint to remain open. But while it is the top buyer of Iran’s oil and a key diplomatic supporter, its leverage over Tehran appears to be falling short.

Still, there may be a silver lining for Beijing amid the oil chaos, experts say. The U.S. is facing the biggest blowbacks from the critical strait being effectively shut.

"President Xi is a fan of Sun Tzu's The Art of War. One of the most memorable quotes from that book is 'never interrupt your enemy when they are making mistakes'," Chris Weafer, CEO of strategic consultancy Macro-Advisory CEO, told Newsweek.

"That is how Beijing views the U.S. action—a major mistake which is damaging the Western economy while China can get all the oil and gas it needs from its neighbor Russia."

Read more here.

Mar 11, 2026 at 03:46 PM EDT

Iran war: First images of Thai ship hit in Hormuz Strait

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Thick black smoke billowed from the Thai cargo vessel Mayuree Naree after it was struck in the Strait of Hormuz, according to images released by the Royal Thai Navy. The photos show the ship’s upper deck scorched and life rafts deployed alongside it, capturing the aftermath of an attack that came as the vessel attempted to navigate the strait despite Iranian threats. The narrow waterway, which sits between Iran and Oman, is one of the world’s most important shipping corridors, carrying roughly a fifth of global oil supplies.

The strike on the Mayuree Naree — along with two other attacks on commercial vessels the same day — underscores the growing difficulty the United States faces in securing the waterway more than 10 days into the war that began with U.S. and Israeli airstrikes. Iran has repeatedly vowed to halt shipping through the strait, and the attacks have contributed to a sharp rise in global oil prices. Thailand has maintained neutrality in the conflict, making the targeting of its vessel especially notable.

The 30,000‑ton bulk carrier had departed Khalifa, UAE, before it was hit, Thai navy spokesperson Rear Admiral Parach Rattanachaiyapan said. The Omani navy rescued 20 crew members and brought them to Khasab, while three others remain missing. Thai officials said the cause of the attack is still under investigation.

The Strait of Hormuz is not only vital for oil and natural gas shipments but also for fertilizer exports, meaning any prolonged disruption could quickly ripple into global food prices. Despite Iranian threats, some vessels continue attempting the passage, often switching off their transponders to avoid detection. But traffic has collapsed: the Hormuz Strait Monitor recorded only two ships crossing in the past 24 hours, representing less than two percent of normal tonnage.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations agency reported three attacks on Wednesday alone, bringing the total number of incidents across the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman to 17 since the conflict began. The U.S. has announced the destruction of dozens of Iranian naval vessels, including 16 minelayers, though President Donald Trump said there are no confirmed reports that Iran has actually mined the strait.

Iran, meanwhile, continues to assert control over the waterway. As the conflict intensifies, the ability — or failure — of the United States to secure shipping lanes will shape global markets. A prolonged disruption could send oil prices soaring even higher, while Iran’s continued dominance of the strait would mark a significant strategic victory.

Read more here.

Mar 11, 2026 at 03:32 PM EDT

Mojtaba Khamenei’s wounds may help keep the shadow supreme leader alive

Just days into his tenure of Iran's highest office, reports have mounted that Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei was wounded in the U.S.-Israeli strikes that killed his father and predecessor, along with other family members, at the start of an ongoing war against the Islamic Republic.

Rather than shorten Khamenei's rule in the immediate term, however, his status may further entrench a long-established elusive nature that could ultimately contribute to his survival in the face of U.S. and Israeli threats.

"His primary concern right now is staying alive, so he will continue to stay out of the public eye, especially if reports that he is injured are true," Alan Eyre, a former U.S. State Department expert on Iran now serving as distinguished diplomatic fellow at the Middle East Institute, told Newsweek.

That does not necessarily mean Khamenei would remain in the shadows as questions surround the future fate of the exalted supreme leader's office still, at least officially, at the helm of the Islamic Republic founded in 1979 by the late Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, who was succeeded upon his death a decade later by Khamenei's father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

"Once the war ends, if he is still alive, it is likely he will significantly increase his public profile," Eyre said. "His death would not mean the end of the 'Velayat-e Faqih' system of governance, although as a practical matter the theological underpinning of this system have eroded greatly since the time of Khomeini, as Iran has become less of a theocracy and more of a military-security state."

Read more here.

Mar 11, 2026 at 03:18 PM EDT

Expert warns U.S. escorts through Hormuz would be risky, resource-heavy

In exclusive comments to Newsweek, Frank Galgano, PhD, a military‑geography expert at Villanova University, said any U.S. effort to escort commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz would echo past operations but face far greater dangers today.

Galgano pointed to Operation Earnest Will in 1987, when the Reagan administration reflagged Kuwaiti tankers and escorted them through the Gulf amid Iranian attacks. “We convoyed them without the loss of a ship,” he said, noting that Iran had armed oil platforms and was firing on vessels at the time.

But the professor stressed that the modern threat environment is far more complex. “Weapons technology now is way different — there weren’t really any attack drones then,” he said. Even with strong defensive capabilities, U.S. ships would face a high‑risk mission requiring “substantially more” naval assets, especially because tankers move slowly and are difficult to protect.

He compared the challenge to a high‑stakes pursuit. “When you are convoying all these ships, you have to be lucky every day. The Iranians only have to be lucky once to sink a ship and cause not only potential loss of lives, but further chaos given today’s media age.”

Galgano said the historical precedent shows escorts are possible — but far from simple in the current conflict.

Mar 11, 2026 at 03:05 PM EDT

Analysts doubt record IEA oil release will slow price surge

Energy analysts say the International Energy Agency’s unprecedented plan to release 400 million barrels from emergency reserves is unlikely to tame soaring crude prices, given the scale of the current supply shock.

Experts note that today’s disruption — driven by the war and the near‑shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz — is far larger than the losses seen in 2022, when the IEA last coordinated a major release after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Oil prices barely moved after the announcement, a sign that markets had already anticipated the move. Gary Ross, CEO of Black Gold Investors, said the muted reaction reflects the severity of the crisis.

“The reality of what we’re dealing with is the current outage is double that of the Russian outage in 2022,” Ross said, adding that the situation cannot be stabilized “without some demand destruction and much higher prices, unless the conflict ends.”

Mar 11, 2026 at 03:03 PM EDT

Trump hints at further strikes on emerging Iranian leadership

President Donald Trump suggested the United States may target Iran’s newly elevated leadership, telling reporters, “We knocked out their leadership twice. Now they have a new group coming up. Let’s see what happens to them.”

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Mar 11, 2026 at 02:59 PM EDT

State Department says 43,000 Americans evacuated from Middle East

The State Department says more than 43,000 U.S. citizens have now returned home from the Middle East since February 28, marking the largest American evacuation effort of the conflict. Assistant Secretary Dylan Johnson said the department has completed over 30 charter flights, along with extensive ground‑transport operations, under the direction of President Donald Trump and Secretary Marco Rubio.

With commercial flights steadily reopening, officials say demand for U.S. government evacuation options has sharply declined. On March 11, the department contacted nearly 9,000 Americans in the UAE to offer charter seats, but the flights departed with space still available.

Most Americans who initially sought help have ultimately declined it, choosing to remain in place or travel commercially. The State Department’s 24/7 task force has provided direct assistance to more than 30,000 people, including security guidance and travel support.

Officials say this will be the final daily update given the scale of completed operations and reduced demand, though additional information will be released as needed. Americans still seeking assistance can call the State Department’s 24/7 line at +1‑202‑501‑4444.

Mar 11, 2026 at 02:55 PM EDT

UNESCO warns of growing threat to Iran’s cultural heritage

The director of the UNESCO World Heritage Centre, Lazare Eloundou Assomo, said he is “deeply concerned” about the fate of world heritage sites in Iran and across the wider region as the conflict continues to escalate.

His warning follows confirmed damage to Golestan Palace in Tehran — a landmark often likened to France’s Versailles — which has already been affected by recent strikes.

Mar 11, 2026 at 02:51 PM EDT

UAE says air defenses intercepting missiles and drones from Iran

The United Arab Emirates says its air‑defense systems are actively responding to incoming missiles and drones launched from Iran, according to a statement from the country’s Ministry of Defense. Officials said loud blasts heard across parts of the UAE were the result of interceptors destroying ballistic missiles, while fighter jets engaged drones and loitering munitions.

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Mar 11, 2026 at 02:51 PM EDT

Iran says two ships ignored warnings before being hit near Hormuz

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard said two vessels came under attack near the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday after allegedly refusing orders to halt, according to a statement posted on Telegram.

One of the ships, sailing under the Liberian flag, was struck by Iranian projectiles after what the Guard described as an “illegal” attempt to transit the strait, which Iran has sought to close to all maritime traffic.

Mar 11, 2026 at 02:38 PM EDT

Dozens injured in Kuwait drone strike that killed six U.S. troops, sources say

The Iranian drone attack that killed six U.S. service members at Shuaiba port in Kuwait was far more devastating than initially disclosed, with dozens suffering serious injuries ranging from traumatic brain wounds to burns and shrapnel damage, multiple sources told CBS News.

The strike hit a tactical operations center in the early hours of March 1, unleashing chaos as smoke filled the building and rescuers struggled to reach those trapped inside. At least one service member required a limb amputation, sources said.

More than 30 U.S. personnel remained hospitalized as of Tuesday night. Patients are being treated at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Walter Reed outside Washington, D.C., and Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany. Roughly 20 troops arrived at Landstuhl on Tuesday with injuries classified as “urgent,” including traumatic brain injuries, memory loss and concussions, according to three sources familiar with the situation.

Mar 11, 2026 at 02:24 PM EDT

Burgum says oil price spike is temporary, signals possible reserve release

U.S. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum on Wednesday repeated the Trump administration’s view that the jump in oil prices tied to the war with Iran reflects a short‑term disruption rather than a deeper supply crisis. But he also made clear that Washington is weighing its options to keep global energy markets steady.

In an interview with Fox News, Burgum said the administration could consider tapping the Strategic Petroleum Reserve if needed, calling it one of the tools available to ease price pressures. “These are the moments these reserves are used for,” he said, arguing that the current strain stems from a “temporary” transit issue in the Strait of Hormuz that the U.S. believes can be resolved diplomatically.

Oil prices climbed again on Wednesday amid fears that the conflict could prolong shipping delays through the vital waterway.

Burgum insisted that stability would ultimately bring prices down and suggested that U.S. partnerships in the region could emerge stronger. He pointed to the Abraham Accords, saying the crisis could eventually give way to “long‑term transformation of peace and prosperity,” which he argued would help lower energy costs worldwide.

Mar 11, 2026 at 02:09 PM EDT

Israeli VC says war has created ‘once-in-a-generation’ chance for Iranians

Michael Eisenberg, general manager of the Aleph venture capital fund, said he believes Iranians should seize what he called a rare moment to claim their freedom as the war reshapes the region. Speaking to The Associated Press, he argued that the conflict has created the only viable path for Iranians to determine their future.

Eisenberg acknowledged the risks of public uprising, saying that “freedom has a price,” and that people sometimes pay with their lives. But he insisted the joint U.S.-Israeli campaign has lowered the barriers for Iranians seeking political change.

“What Israel and the United States have done together is reduce the cost of freedom for the Iranian people,” he said, calling for the country to move beyond what he described as an “evil death cult regime.”

When asked whether there was an alternative strategy if an uprising does not materialize, Eisenberg said, “Plan B is not on the table right now.”

Mar 11, 2026 at 01:56 PM EDT

Shrapnel punches through several floors of a Palestinian family home in shelter-less West Bank

Imad Darwish of Biddya — a northern West Bank town of more than 10,000 people — told The Associated Press that his two nieces panicked as the debris tore through concrete, sparking a small fire fueled by rocket propellant.

“Thankfully there were no injuries, only minor panic,” Darwish said. He had been at nightly Ramadan prayers at the time.

The Israeli-occupied West Bank does not have the same siren and shelter system Israelis rely on, although warning sirens from nearby Israeli settlements can often be heard. No Palestinians have been killed by Iranian missiles or falling debris from Israeli interceptions, but large fragments have hit multiple homes.

Palestinian Civil Defense crews arrived to remove the debris from the Darwish’s ceiling and extinguish the fire.

By The Associated Press

Mar 11, 2026 at 01:51 PM EDT

FBI warns California police of possible Iranian drone threat

The FBI has alerted police departments across California that Iran may attempt to retaliate for U.S. strikes by launching drones from a vessel off the West Coast, according to an intelligence bulletin reviewed by ABC News. The warning, issued in late February, described the information as unconfirmed but said Iran had “aspired” to carry out such an attack if the U.S. targeted the Islamic Republic.

The alert surfaced just as the Trump administration began its current military campaign, which has prompted Iranian drone strikes across the Middle East. The FBI’s Los Angeles office declined to comment, and the White House has not responded to inquiries.

U.S. intelligence officials have also raised concerns about the growing weaponization of drones by Mexican drug cartels, including the possibility that explosive‑laden devices could be used against U.S. personnel near the border. Former Homeland Security intelligence chief John Cohen said the combination of Iran’s regional networks, drone capabilities, and current incentives makes the threat worth taking seriously.

Officials have long worried that Iran could pre‑position equipment on land or at sea to enable rapid retaliation if attacked, though the FBI bulletin offered no details on how close such a vessel could get to the U.S. mainland.

Mar 11, 2026 at 01:43 PM EDT

Iran says dozens of schools, clinics damaged in Lorestan strikes

The governor of Lorestan province says U.S. and Israeli strikes have caused extensive destruction across the region, damaging 52 schools and five medical centers, according to the Tasnim news agency.

He said more than 2,500 residential and commercial buildings have been destroyed across 10 counties, alongside damage to 13 sports facilities and two Red Crescent and rescue bases.

Mar 11, 2026 at 01:30 PM EDT

Iran says it cannot compete in World Cup after Khamenei’s killing

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Iran will not take part in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the country’s sports minister Ahmad Donyamali said Wednesday, arguing that the team cannot safely travel to a tournament co‑hosted by the United States after the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in U.S.-Israeli strikes.

“Given that this government has assassinated our leader, we cannot participate in the World Cup. Our players do not have security,” Donyamali said, adding that Iran has “no possibility” of joining the competition.

The World Cup is scheduled to run from June 11 to July 19 across the U.S., Mexico and Canada.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino said earlier this week that President Donald Trump had assured him the Iranian team would be welcome to compete, calling the tournament an opportunity “to bring people together now more than ever.”

Mar 11, 2026 at 01:16 PM EDT

Lebanon updates Death toll from Israeli strikes

Lebanon’s disaster risk management unit has issued a new update on casualties from Israeli attacks, reporting a rising death toll since strikes began on March 2.

The agency says the number of people killed has continued to climb as bombardment intensifies across the south and other affected regions.

Mar 11, 2026 at 01:16 PM EDT

Israel’s Katz says Iran operation has ‘no time limit’

Defense Minister Israel Katz said Wednesday that Israel’s military campaign inside Iran will continue indefinitely, declaring that the operation — known as Roaring Lion — will not be bound by a timeline.

Speaking at IDF headquarters in Tel Aviv, Katz said the campaign would run “until we reach all the goals and decisively win the campaign,” though he did not specify what those goals are. Instead, he argued that the future of Iran ultimately rests with its citizens, saying Israel’s actions are meant to create conditions for them to “rise and act” against the regime.

His remarks drew sharp criticism from opposition politician Yair Golan, head of the left‑wing Democrats party, who wrote on X that “a war doesn’t need a time limit, it needs an exit strategy,” accusing Katz of reckless leadership and a government that “opens fronts and gets stuck there.”

Mar 11, 2026 at 01:10 PM EDT

Trump declines to weigh in on Mojtaba Khamenei’s rise as Iran’s new leader

President Donald Trump on Wednesday refused to address whether the elevation of Mojtaba Khamenei as Iran’s new supreme leader affects his ability to claim victory in the ongoing conflict. Asked outside the White House if the U.S. can declare success while the late ayatollah’s son remains in power, Trump twice said he did not want to comment.

The president has previously called Mojtaba Khamenei’s appointment “unacceptable,” but his silence marks a shift as Washington continues its military campaign against Iran. The succession has become a central question in how the U.S. defines its objectives and endgame in the war.

Mar 11, 2026 at 01:03 PM EDT

IEA to release emergency oil stocks as conflict chokes Hormuz

The International Energy Agency has detailed its plan to inject 400 million barrels of emergency oil reserves into the market, a record‑setting move aimed at countering severe supply disruptions caused by the widening war in the Middle East.

The release — approved by all 32 member states — is intended to stabilize global flows as the conflict sharply reduces shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, where export volumes have fallen to less than 10 percent of pre‑war levels.

IEA executive director Fatih Birol said each country will determine its own timeline for releasing barrels, noting that this marks only the sixth coordinated stock action since the agency’s creation in 1974. Previous releases occurred during the 1991 Gulf War, Hurricane Katrina, the 2011 Libya conflict, and twice in 2022 after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The agency said Asia is currently the most affected region, with operators across the Gulf forced to shut in or curtail production. Member nations collectively hold more than 1.2 billion barrels in emergency reserves, with another 600 million barrels in industry stocks under government obligation.

Mar 11, 2026 at 12:50 PM EDT

HSBC closes all Qatar branches amid Iranian threats

HSBC has shut all of its branches in Qatar until further notice, telling customers via text message that the move is intended to protect both staff and clients.

The decision follows warnings from Iran, which threatened to target economic and banking interests linked to the United States and Israel in the region after an attack on an Iranian bank.

Mar 11, 2026 at 12:36 PM EDT

Israel says airstrike in southern Lebanon killed enemy fighters

Israel’s military said Wednesday that its air force struck a building near where its forces are operating in southern Lebanon, killing what it described as enemy fighters.

In a statement, the military said troops are also conducting “targeted raids” in southern Lebanon as part of what it calls a “forward defence operation.” According to the statement, soldiers recovered assault rifles, ammunition and Hezbollah‑branded vests during those raids.

The operations come amid intensifying clashes along the border, with Israel expanding both air and ground activity against Hezbollah positions in recent days.

Mar 11, 2026 at 12:22 PM EDT

Patriot system spotted in eastern Turkey after Ankara confirms deployment

A U.S.-made Patriot air‑defense system was seen moving along a highway in eastern Turkey on Wednesday, hours after Ankara announced it would deploy the system near a key NATO radar installation, according to footage aired by Turkish media.

Video from Malatya province showed a Patriot launcher traveling on a flatbed truck, part of what Turkey’s defense ministry said was a planned deployment to the Kürecik radar base. The site provides early‑warning data for NATO’s missile‑defense network and has played a central role in recent regional alerts.

According to Reuters, the base helped detect two Iranian ballistic missiles that headed toward Turkey in the past week. Iran has denied targeting Turkey, insisting it is not at war with neighboring states despite its ongoing confrontation with the United States and Israel.

Mar 11, 2026 at 12:09 PM EDT

Iran condemns new EU sanctions targeting officials over rights abuses

Iran sharply criticized a new round of European Union sanctions announced this week, denouncing the measures as illegitimate and politically motivated. The response came after EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas confirmed that member states had approved penalties against 19 Iranian officials and entities over what the bloc described as serious human rights violations.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei dismissed the sanctions as unlawful and immoral, arguing they were designed to punish Tehran for what it views as legitimate self‑defense under the UN Charter. He framed the EU’s move as part of a broader Western effort aligned with U.S. and Israeli pressure on Iran.

The condemnation adds to escalating tensions between Tehran and European governments, which have increasingly targeted Iranian security officials and institutions over crackdowns, detentions, and alleged abuses. The latest measures expand a sanctions regime that has grown steadily over the past several years.

European officials say the new listings reflect ongoing concerns about Iran’s treatment of its own citizens. Tehran, meanwhile, continues to portray the pressure campaign as unjustified interference in its internal affairs.

Mar 11, 2026 at 12:08 PM EDT

Pahlavi urges Iranians to stay home as ‘Final Struggle’ nears

Exiled opposition figure Reza Pahlavi said Wednesday that Iran has entered “the decisive stage of our final struggle,” urging people to avoid the streets and prepare for potential unrest as the conflict with the United States and Israel intensifies.

In a message circulated online, Pahlavi called on Iranians to stock essential supplies, remain indoors and continue nationwide strikes by refusing to report to work. He framed the moment as a critical juncture requiring caution and discipline.

Pahlavi also appealed directly to members of Iran’s security forces, urging them to break with what he described as “oppressive forces” and align themselves with the public. “Await my final call,” he said, signaling that he expects a broader mobilization ahead.

Mar 11, 2026 at 11:59 AM EDT

Von der Leyen announces $109 million in aid, backs Lebanon’s ban on Hezbollah military activity

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said she reaffirmed the EU’s support for Lebanon during a call with President Joseph Aoun, announcing a major humanitarian package as the country struggles with the widening regional conflict.

Von der Leyen said the EU is providing about $109 million in humanitarian assistance and has already delivered more than 44 U.S. tons of supplies. Additional aid flights are being organized, she said, as Europe ramps up support for civilians affected by the crisis.

She also praised the Lebanese government’s decision to ban all Hezbollah military activities and its call for an immediate end to hostilities, describing the move as an important step toward restoring stability.

“We must ensure a sovereign and stable Lebanon for its people,” von der Leyen said, emphasizing Europe’s commitment to helping the country navigate the current emergency.

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Mar 11, 2026 at 11:54 AM EDT

Spain withdraws ambassador to Israel amid sharp criticism of U.S.-Israeli War

Spain has formally withdrawn its ambassador to Israel, the government announced Tuesday, escalating its diplomatic break with Jerusalem as the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran continues to widen. The decision, published in the government’s official bulletin, dismissed Ana María Sálomon Pérez from her post “at the proposal” of Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares, with thanks for her service but no explanation.

Reuters, citing Spanish government sources, reported that Madrid does not plan to appoint a new ambassador. Instead, Spain will downgrade its representation to a chargé d’affaires — a rare step between close Western partners.

The move comes as Spain has emerged as one of Europe’s most outspoken critics of the conflict launched on Feb. 28. Madrid has refused to allow the U.S. military to use bases in southern Spain for operations against Iran and has repeatedly condemned the strikes as violations of international law.

Speaking Tuesday, Albares said Europe must “defend the international order, because the alternative… is chaos, no order."

Mar 11, 2026 at 11:40 AM EDT

Iran signals role in ship attack as IRGC commander names targeted vessel

Iran appeared to claim responsibility for at least one of the recent attacks on commercial vessels in the Gulf region after a senior Revolutionary Guard commander publicly identified one of the ships struck. Alireza Tangsiri, the naval chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, named the Mayuree Naree in a social media post, saying the vessel had “ignored the warnings” issued by Iranian forces and “ended up getting caught.”

His comments mark one of the clearest indications yet that Iran is directly acknowledging involvement in the escalating series of maritime attacks near the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments. The incident is part of a broader surge in regional strikes as the conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel continues to widen.

Mar 11, 2026 at 11:26 AM EDT

Trump says Iranian men’s team welcome at 2026 World Cup, FIFA chief says

FIFA president Gianni Infantino said Wednesday that President Donald Trump has assured him the Iranian men’s national soccer team will be allowed to compete in this summer’s World Cup, despite rising political tensions.

Infantino, who met with Trump to discuss tournament preparations across the United States, Mexico and Canada, wrote on Instagram that the president “reiterated that the Iranian team is, of course, welcome.” He added that the World Cup is needed “to bring people together now more than ever.”

Iran, however, has publicly questioned whether it will participate. The head of Iran’s soccer federation, Mehdi Taj, suggested the country may reconsider after Australia granted humanitarian visas to six members of Iran’s women’s team who feared returning home from a tournament there. Taj said that if the World Cup environment mirrors those circumstances, “no reasonable person would agree to be sent to the U.S.”

Mar 11, 2026 at 11:12 AM EDT

U.S. probe finds Tomahawk strike on Iranian school was a targeting error

A preliminary U.S. military investigation has concluded that the United States was responsible for the Feb. 28 Tomahawk missile strike that hit the Shajarah Tayyebeh elementary school in Minab, killing at least 175 people, most of them children, according to U.S. officials familiar with the findings.

Investigators say the school was mistakenly identified as a military target because outdated coordinates—originally labeling the building as part of a nearby Islamic Revolutionary Guards Navy base—were passed to U.S. Central Command by the Defense Intelligence Agency. The school had been separated from the base years earlier, but that change was not reflected in the data used to generate the strike package.

Officials stressed that the findings are preliminary, and key questions remain about why the information was not re‑verified, especially in the opening hours of the war. Multiple agencies, including the National Geospatial‑Intelligence Agency, are under review for their role in the targeting chain.

The strike is already being described by current and former officials as one of the most devastating U.S. targeting failures in decades. Satellite imagery, verified videos and timing analysis all point to a precision strike on the school occurring alongside attacks on the adjacent naval facility.

The incident has cast a heavy shadow over the broader U.S. campaign in Iran. While Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has declined to comment beyond acknowledging the ongoing investigation, President Donald Trump has repeatedly suggested—without evidence—that Iran may have been responsible, contradicting the emerging findings.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Tuesday that the president will accept the final results of the inquiry once it is complete.

Investigators are also examining whether systemic issues—such as strained intelligence workflows, outdated databases, or human error under wartime pressure—contributed to the failure. Early indications suggest the mistake was not caused by artificial intelligence or automated targeting tools but by lapses in verification.

The tragedy echoes past intelligence failures, including the 1999 bombing of the Chinese Embassy in Belgrade, when outdated maps led to a fatal misidentification.

The U.S. military has not released a timeline for completing the investigation.

Mar 11, 2026 at 11:07 AM EDT

CENTCOM warns Iranian civilians to avoid ports used for military activity

U.S. Central Command issued a public warning on Wednesday urging civilians in Iran to stay away from ports along the Strait of Hormuz, saying Iranian forces are using commercial facilities to stage military operations that threaten international shipping.

CENTCOM said the presence of Iranian naval vessels and military equipment inside civilian ports puts workers, crews and nearby residents at risk. Under international law, the command noted, civilian sites used for military purposes lose their protected status and can become legitimate targets.

The statement urged dockworkers, administrative staff and commercial ship crews to avoid areas where Iranian naval forces are operating. While acknowledging it cannot guarantee civilian safety near those facilities, CENTCOM said U.S. forces will continue taking all feasible precautions to limit harm.

The warning comes as the conflict around the strait intensifies, with Iran positioning military assets in ports that normally serve commercial maritime traffic.

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Mar 11, 2026 at 10:59 AM EDT

Meloni says US-Israeli strikes on Iran breach international law

Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni, a close ally of U.S. President Donald Trump, told the Italian Senate on Wednesday that the ongoing U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iran violates international law. Her remarks marked one of her strongest public criticisms of the operation since the conflict began.

Meloni described a widening global crisis “in which threats are becoming increasingly terrifying and unilateral interventions outside the confines of international law are multiplying.” She said the actions taken by the United States and Israel against the Iranian regime must be viewed within that broader pattern of destabilizing behavior.

Mar 11, 2026 at 10:46 AM EDT

WATCH: EU warns against temptation of Russian gas and oil as Iran war hikes energy prices

Mar 11, 2026 at 10:36 AM EDT

Trump says Iran war will end ‘soon,’ claims U.S. is ahead of schedule

President Donald Trump said Wednesday that the war with Iran is nearing its conclusion, insisting he alone will decide when the conflict stops and arguing that U.S. forces have already exhausted most viable targets.

“Little this and that… Any time I want it to end, it will end,” he told Axios in a brief phone interview.

Trump said the campaign has progressed faster than expected, claiming the United States has inflicted far more damage than initially projected. “The war is going great. We are way ahead of the timetable. We have done more damage than we thought possible, even in the original six‑week period,” he said.

Mar 11, 2026 at 10:33 AM EDT

EU says war is costing Europe billions in energy price hikes

The European Union’s top official says the Iran war has already cost the 27-nation bloc’s citizens around 3 billion euros ($3.5 billion) in energy imports and warns Europe must resist the temptation to buy Russian oil and gas again.

“Gas prices have risen by 50% and oil prices have risen by 27%. If you translate that into euros — the 10 days of war have already cost European taxpayers an additional 3 billion euros in fossil fuel imports,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said.

“That is the price of our dependency,” she told EU lawmakers in Strasbourg, France, noting the price of European renewables and nuclear energy has remained steady.

Von der Leyen rejected calls for the EU to return to buying Russian energy, which the bloc has stopped doing since President Vladimir Putin ordered Russian troops into Ukraine in 2022.

BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Mar 11, 2026 at 10:19 AM EDT

Ukrainian sends defense delegation to Gulf as regional tensions rise

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Tuesday that a Ukrainian delegation is heading to several Gulf countries as Kyiv looks to share its air‑defense expertise amid escalating tensions following Iranian attacks.

The team, led by Defense Council Secretary and chief negotiator Rustem Umerov, includes military specialists who Zelensky said can help strengthen protective measures and support efforts to stabilize the region. In his nightly address, he emphasized that Ukraine's experience in countering drones and missiles could be used to “protect lives” far beyond Ukraine’s borders.

Zelensky cautioned that the duration of the crisis is impossible to predict but argued that urgent steps are needed to safeguard civilians and restore stability — goals he said are vital not only for the Middle East but also for Ukraine, which continues to face its own security threats.

Mar 11, 2026 at 10:05 AM EDT

Iran holds funeral for senior commanders killed early in war

Iran held a large funeral ceremony in Tehran on Wednesday for senior military leaders and others killed in the opening days of the war with Israel and the United States. State television broadcast crowds gathering in Enqelab Square, even as Israeli airstrikes continued to hit parts of the capital.

Among those honored were Lt. Gen. Abdolrahim Mousavi, Iran’s armed forces chief of staff, and Lt. Gen. Mohammad Pakpour, the longtime commander of the Revolutionary Guard’s ground forces. Both men were killed in the initial wave of strikes that marked the start of the conflict.

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Mar 11, 2026 at 09:51 AM EDT

U.S. says oil reserves could offset ‘temporary’ disruptions from Iran strikes

U.S. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said Wednesday that tapping strategic oil reserves may be an appropriate tool to counter what he called a “temporary transit problem” driving up global oil prices as strikes continue inside Iran.

Burgum stressed that the current spike is not the result of a global supply shortage but of disrupted shipping routes and instability linked to the conflict. “These are the kinds of moments that these reserves are used for,” he said, arguing that emergency stockpiles exist precisely to cushion markets during short‑term shocks.

Mar 11, 2026 at 09:42 AM EDT

Israeli drone strike injures two in Hanouiyeh as attacks intensify across Lebanon

Two people were injured Wednesday after an Israeli drone struck a motorcycle in Hanouiyeh, a town in southern Lebanon’s Tyre district, according to the country’s National News Agency.

The attack is part of a sharp escalation in Israeli strikes across Lebanon, where at least 21 people have been killed today in multiple bombardments targeting towns, villages and suspected militant positions.

Mar 11, 2026 at 09:37 AM EDT

U.S. says it hit major Iranian missile plant in overnight strike

The United States struck what it described as a “large ballistic missile manufacturing facility” inside Iran, the head of U.S. Central Command, Gen. Brad Cooper, said in a video update on Wednesday, marking one of the most significant targets hit so far in Operation Epic Fury.

Cooper said the U.S. is “methodically dismantling” Iran’s ability to fire missiles and drones by hitting both active launch sites and the country’s wider defense‑industrial network. The overnight strike, he said, was an example of efforts to eliminate not only current threats but also Iran’s future production capacity.

According to Cooper, U.S. forces have hit more than 5,500 targets since the war began, including over 60 ships. He added that American forces destroyed the last of four Soleimani‑class warships, effectively removing the entire class from Iran’s fleet.

Cooper also highlighted sustained U.S. air operations aimed at curbing Iran’s ability to threaten shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, saying back‑to‑back waves of advanced fighters have kept “constant pressure” on Iranian forces. He emphasized that the campaign reflects the strength of U.S. alliances, calling the effort “a testament to our iron‑clad partnerships.”

Mar 11, 2026 at 09:23 AM EDT

IEA poised to back record oil release as prices surge amid Iran conflict

The International Energy Agency is expected to recommend the release of 400 million barrels of strategic oil reserves when it publishes its guidance at 1300 GMT, a move that would mark the largest coordinated stock release in the agency’s history. The extraordinary step comes as crude prices soar in response to the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran, which has severely disrupted global energy flows.

A source familiar with the plan said the release would be staggered over at least two months, allowing governments to manage the flow of emergency barrels into the market. Spain’s energy minister added that participating countries would have up to 90 days to deliver their share.

The scale of the proposal far exceeds the IEA’s previous record intervention in 2022, when member nations released 182.7 million barrels in two phases after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Mar 11, 2026 at 09:10 AM EDT

France says planned oil reserve releases are part of coordinated global strategy

France’s finance minister Roland Lescure said Tuesday that several countries’ decisions to tap their strategic oil reserves reflect “a highly coordinated strategy” aimed at easing pressure from surging energy prices linked to the war in the Middle East. His comments come as governments scramble to contain the economic fallout from disrupted supply routes and market volatility.

Japan announced it would release part of its emergency reserves to help counter the spike in oil costs, marking one of its most significant interventions in years. A German government source told AFP that Germany is preparing to do the same, signaling a broader willingness among major economies to act in tandem.

Mar 11, 2026 at 08:40 AM EDT

First images of ship struck by Iran in Strait of Hormuz

The Thai Navy has released images which they say show the aftermath of a strike against a Thai ship in the Strait of Hormuz.

Thai officials have said that a search is underway for three missing crew members after the ship Mayuree Naree was struck and set ablaze on Wednesday. The navy said that 20 crew members have already been rescued by the Omani navy and brought ashore in Khasab. The missing crew members were reportedly in the engine room when the explosion occurred.

Images posted on the Thai Navy's Facebook page show smoke billowing out the back of the vessel and damage to the hull.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center, had earlier reported that the Thai-registered vessel had been hit just north of Oman in the strait and was coordinating with domestic and international agencies for the search and rescue operation.

Iran’s military has said that that any vessels belonging to the United States Israel or their allies passing through the strategic strait could be targeted.

Image from the Thai Navy shows the aftermath of strikes on the Thai-registered Mayuree Naree near Oman after which 20 crew members were rescued.

Mar 11, 2026 at 08:20 AM EDT

World’s largest oil company warns of “catastrophic consequence” from Iran War

Saudi Arabia’s state oil company Saudi Aramco has said that a prolonged war with Iran could result in a significant fallout for the global economy.

On Tuesday, after releasing its full-year results which revealed a drop in fourth-quarter and annual profits, Aramco’s CEO Amin Nasser told an earnings call that the conflict was “by far the biggest crisis the region's oil and gas industry has faced.”

Nasser cited the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz as a key issue, and said this had caused a “severe chain reaction” extending beyond the energy sector, resulting in a “drastic domino effect” now impacting “aviation, agriculture, automotive and other industries.”

“There will be catastrophic consequences for the world’s oil market,” he said. “The longer the disruption goes on, the more drastic the consequences for the global economy.”

The price of oil has surged since February 28, rising to nearly $120 per-barrel before falling to around $90 after President Donald Trump suggested that the conflict could be more short-lived than some feared.

Trump said this week that the war was "very complete, pretty much” in an call with CBS News, and told a press conference that it could be over “very soon.”

Mar 11, 2026 at 08:00 AM EDT

Estimates Suggest Iran War Costing US Around $1 Billion a Day

Several think tanks and insider sources are warning that the Iran War is carrying a daily price tag of around $1 billion for the U.S.

Early on, the D.C.-based Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) calculated that the U.S. spent around $3.7 billion within the first 100 hours, coming out to $891.4 million per day. This was made up of $3.1 billion worth of munitions as well as $196.3 million in operations and support costs and $359 million in “combat losses and infrastructure damage.”

But these estimates vary significantly. Anonymous congressional sources told The Hill and The Washington Post that the U.S. went through around $5.6 billion worth of munitions in the first 48 hours.

And Kent Smetters, faculty director at the University of Pennsylvania’s Penn Wharton Budget Model, told CNN on March 6 that a two-month engagement could cost between $40 billion and $95 billion, or $680 million to $1.6 billion daily.

And costs were mounting even ahead of the strikes on February 28. Elaine McCusker, a Pentagon official during the first Trump administration, told the Wall Street Journal that simply repositioning U.S. forces in the Middle East was expected to have cost roughly $630 million.

CSIS has projected that the move toward less expensive munitions, and the “steep decline of Iranian drone and missile launches” will lower the costs associated with Epic Fury in the weeks ahead, but added that this “will depend mostly on the intensity of operations and the effectiveness of Iranian retaliation.”

Mar 11, 2026 at 07:36 AM EDT

Thai vessel attacked in Strait of Hormuz: report

A bulk carrier registered with Thailand was attacked in the strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, it has been reported as images on social media shared by Thai media purport to show the aftermath of the strikes.

The Mayuree Naree was attacked in the strait after leaving Khalifa port in the United Arab Emirates, according to the Thai navy. The AFP reported that the vessel, owned by Thai transport company, Precious Shipping, was heading to Kandla in India.

The Thai navy accounted for 20 crew members rescued so far and efforts were being made to rescue the remaining three crew members, the navy said, according to the AFP. Media outlet the Thai Enquirer posted images on social media released by the Thai Navy, showing smoke coming out from the vessel and damage to the hull.

Two vessels were attacked in the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, according to the British military.

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Mar 11, 2026 at 07:18 AM EDT

Lebanon says its death toll has risen to 570

Lebanon’s Health Ministry has said that the number of fatalities in the country since the start of the latest round of Israel-Hezbollah fighting has risen to 570.

The minister said that since the operation started on March 2, the number of injured was 1,444, and among the dead were 86 children and 45 women.

The figures revealed Wednesday come as the Israeli military said it is simultaneously carrying out strikes on Hezbollah infrastructure in Beirut as well as Iran.

Pope Leo XIV paid tribute to a Maronite priest killed in southern Lebanon, Rev. Pierre El Raii, as he tried to rescue a wounded parishioner. The Vatican has expressed concern about how the war is affecting Lebanon.

The Pope said in a statement on Wednesday, “may the Lord grant that his shed blood be a seed of peace for beloved Lebanon.”

Mar 11, 2026 at 06:46 AM EDT

Iran says it will target U.S. and Israeli economic centers and banks

Economic centers and banks in the Middle East belonging to the United States and Israel will be targets for Iranian attacks, Tehran has said.

The spokesman for Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters Ebrahim Zolfaghari issued the warning after what he said had been a U.S. and Israeli strike on a bank in Iran overnight.

“Americans should wait for our painful response,” Zolfaghari said, warning people in the region from being within one kilometer of a bank.

It comes as Iran’s president Masoud Pezeshkian warned that global order and security would be shaken if the U.S. and Israel were not held accountable for attacks on Iran.

He made the comments in a phone call with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, according to Iranian media, he said Tehran did not intend to target countries in the region, adding “only bases from which attacks are launched against our territory will be targeted, within the framework of our legitimate right of self-defense.”

Mar 11, 2026 at 06:40 AM EDT

Erratic energy prices caused by war keep investors on edge: analyst

Crude oil prices remain highly volatile amid uncertainty about how long the Iran war will continue, an energy analyst has told Newsweek.

There have been wild swings in Brent crude which traded close to $90 a barrel on Tuesday as Saudi Aramco, the world’s largest oil producer, warns of catastrophic consequences from the conflict.

“Erratic energy prices are keeping investors on edge as the war in Iran rages with no clear end in sight,” Susannah Streeter, Chief Investment Strategist, at the Wealth Club said Wednesday.

Its CEO Amin Nasser said on an earnings call that it was the biggest crisis oil and gas producers have faced as supplies seize up with the key Strait of Hormuz remaining impassable, and storage facilities quickly filling up across the region.

Brent crude is still largely holding onto its dramatic decline, but is highly volatile, trading at between $83 and $94 a barrel over 24 hours.

“There’s fresh concern about chaos in the market given how seriously production is being disrupted,” said Streeter. Also, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard has again vowed to destroy ships using the passage and President Donald Trump’s pledge to escort ships "for now seems unworkable on a mass scale," added Streeter.

"The US military has destroyed a fleet of mine-laying ships, but as attacks on US allies continue, shipping companies look likely to give the channel a wide berth until there’s a resolution to the conflict."

Mar 11, 2026 at 06:20 AM EDT

UK support for US action on Iran “too late” says Trump envoy

President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff has said that the U.K. support for Operation Epic Fury has come too late but ties between the countries could be repaired.

Trump had complained that U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer took too long to allow American forces to use British bases overseas and took a swipe at the British premier as “not Winston Churchill that we’re dealing with.”

Witkoff told GB News that Starmer’s eventual agreement to allow UK bases to be used “does fall into the category of too little too late” adding that the leaders still have “a good, solid relationship, and hopefully they’ll be able to repair it.”

Witkoff went on to say that Trump’s position is that the U.S. does “plenty” for Europe and the UK regarding trad and defense, “and I think sometimes the response back, the reciprocity back, is a little bit lacking. I would leave it at that, okay?”

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Mar 11, 2026 at 06:00 AM EDT

Israeli strikes kill 14 in Lebanon says its health ministry

Israeli strikes on eastern and southern Lebanon have killed 14 people and wounded more than two dozen people according to the country’s health ministry.

A strike on the southern village of Chehabiyeh killed seven and injured 11 while a separate strike on the village of Tamnine el-Tahta in the eastern Bekaa valley killed seven and wounded 18.

An Israeli airstrike on an apartment building in central Beirut wounded four people, the health ministry said. Lebanon’s minister of social affairs has said that the war has so far displaced 780,000 people in the country.

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Mar 11, 2026 at 05:45 AM EDT

Exiled prince urges Iranians to stay at home

Reza Pahlavi, the son of the last shah of Iran and key opposition figure in exile, has called on Iranians to stay in their homes and conduct rooftop chants while awaiting his final call.

“We have now reached a very sensitive stage of the final struggle,” he said Wednesday in a video message,” “I ask you to secure the necessary supplies as soon as possible and, for your safety, leave the streets and remain in your homes.”

He called for nightly rooftop chants to continue as a sign of unity and appealed to Iranian police and military to join the people and end their crackdown on the population.

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Mar 11, 2026 at 05:30 AM EDT

Dubai struck by projectiles

Air defenses intercepted two drones near Dubai airport injuring four people, the Dubai government said on X.

Two Ghanaian nationals and one Bangladeshi national suffered minor injuries while an Indian national sustained moderate ones in the incidents in the biggest city of the United Arab Emirates.

Also on Wednesday, an unknown projectile struck a bulk carrier just north of Dubai, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations agency reported.

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Mar 11, 2026 at 05:15 AM EDT

Iran vouches for condition of new supreme leader despite injuries

Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei is “safe and sound” despite war injuries, the Iranian government has said.

Khamenei who was appointed to the role following the assassination of his father was said to have suffered unspecified injuries during the first days of the U.S. and Israeli attacks on the Islamic Republic.

However, Yousef Pezeshkian, a government adviser and the son of Iran’s president, posted on Telegram on Wednesday that he had asked those connected to the leader who told him “thank God, he is safe and sound.”

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Mar 11, 2026 at 04:57 AM EDT

Cargo Vessels Hit in the Strait of Hormuz

Cargo vessels have been hit in the Strait of Hormuz, the critical waterway by Iran through which one fifth of oil transits.

A cargo vessel was hit by an unidentified projectile causing a fire on board and prompting the crew to evacuate, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency said on Wednesday.

The agency had reported that earlier, there was a similar incident 25 nautical miles northwest of Ras Al Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates following a strike from a suspected unidentified projectile.

The Hormuz sea passage would normally have about 100 vessels a day travelling through it but Iran has effectively shut the waterway attacking at least 10 ships in retaliation for the U.S. and Israeli attacks in Operation Epic Fury.

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