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President Donald Trump announced a 10‑day pause on U.S. strikes against Iran’s energy infrastructure on Thursday, saying the move came at Tehran’s request and insisting that back‑channel talks are progressing despite public denials and political noise surrounding the negotiations.

What to Know:

• Trump told his Cabinet the U.S. would “keep blowing them away” if Iran rejects the peace plan.
• Trump insisted Iran is privately negotiating despite its public denials.
• Envoy Steve Witkoff said he and Jared Kushner are still trying to convince Iran it has no viable alternative to ending the war.
• Israel said it killed Alireza Tangsiri, an Iranian naval commander tied to shutting down the Strait of Hormuz.
• Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the Israeli military to hit as much of Iran’s arms industry as possible before any cease‑fire.
• Pakistan confirmed it is relaying a 15‑point U.S. proposal between Washington and Tehran.
• Iranian missile launches toward Israel continued throughout Thursday despite Trump’s claims that Iran is “obliterated.”
• Diplomats say the U.S. plan demands Iran end its nuclear program and sharply limit its missile arsenal.
• Iran said it will not halt attacks unless the U.S. pays war reparations and recognizes Iranian control of the Strait of Hormuz.
• Israel struck targets in Isfahan, while Iran launched attacks on U.S. partners in the Persian Gulf.
• Falling missile debris killed two people in Abu Dhabi, authorities said.
• More than 1,440 civilians have been killed in Iran, nearly 1,100 in Lebanon, at least 15 in Israel, and 13

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Mar 26, 2026 at 08:10 PM EDT

WATCH: Trump blasts NATO in Truth Social post

Mar 26, 2026 at 07:57 PM EDT

Rubio says ‘concrete progress’ made in Iran talks, urges G7 to help secure Hormuz

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U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Thursday that negotiations with Iran have produced “some concrete progress,” though he declined to specify which intermediaries have been involved. Speaking before departing for a G7 foreign ministers’ meeting in France, Rubio described the diplomatic effort as “ongoing and fluid.”

His comments followed confirmation from special envoy Steve Witkoff that the United States has been communicating with Iran through Pakistan, which has relayed a 15‑point American proposal aimed at ending the war.

Rubio said he plans to encourage other G7 nations to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, arguing that the waterway’s closure affects their economies even more than that of the United States. “The other countries get far more of their fuel from there than we do,” he said.

Asked whether he was concerned about how he might be received amid the conflict, Rubio dismissed the idea. “I’m not there to make them happy,” he said. “The people I’m interested in making happy are the people of the United States.”

Mar 26, 2026 at 07:44 PM EDT

Analyst warns negotiations show ‘no clear signs’ of easing Iran conflict

Richard Gardiner, Senior Analyst for Strategic Intelligence at S‑RM, told Newsweek on Thursday that there is little evidence current negotiations between the United States and Iran are producing meaningful progress, warning that both sides remain deeply distrustful as the war grinds on.

Gardiner noted that talks have unfolded alongside the deployment of additional U.S. forces to the Middle East, while Iran has continued its strikes across the region. “There are currently no clear signs that negotiations have or will produce meaningful progress or a de‑escalation,” he said, adding that neither side appears willing to scale back military activity.

He warned that a breakdown in diplomacy would likely trigger intensified U.S. and Israeli strikes aimed at further degrading Iran’s military capabilities and potentially hitting critical infrastructure to force concessions. Based on Iran’s “eye for an eye” pattern of retaliation during the first month of the conflict, Gardiner said Tehran would probably escalate attacks on U.S.-linked assets as well as civilian and military sites in Israel and the Gulf.

Gardiner also cautioned that a prolonged war could see fluctuating levels of violence as both sides confront operational limits, including munitions shortages, personnel losses, and the need to rotate forces.

Mar 26, 2026 at 07:31 PM EDT

Trump says gas-tax suspension still on the table but not imminent

President Donald Trump signaled Thursday that he is not yet prepared to push for a suspension of the federal gas tax, though he acknowledged the option remains available as his administration confronts soaring energy prices.

“We’ve thought about it, I guess,” Trump said during a Cabinet meeting. “It’s something we have in our pocket if we think it’s necessary.”

The administration has been scrambling for ways to ease oil and gas prices since launching the war in Iran, which prompted Tehran to effectively shut down access to the Strait of Hormuz. The closure has rattled global markets and driven U.S. gas prices sharply higher.

Trump suggested he is reluctant to pursue a gas‑tax holiday — a move that would likely require cooperation from Congress or state governments — arguing that the economic strain will ease once the conflict ends.

“We’re going to take a little bit of a hit, a short‑term hit,” he said. “It’s going to go up much higher than it was, in my opinion.”

Mar 26, 2026 at 07:18 PM EDT

Houthi leader warns group could join Iran war if conflict escalates

Abdel Malek al‑Houthi, leader of Yemen’s Houthi movement, warned Thursday that his forces could enter the Israeli‑U.S. war on Iran if the conflict reaches a point that demands their involvement.

“At the slightest development in the conflict calling for a military response, we will intervene without delay … as we did in previous phases,” al‑Houthi said in a televised address. He noted that while the group has not yet joined the fighting, it remains prepared to act.

The Houthis control large swaths of northern Yemen and sit near the Bab al‑Mandeb, a strategic chokepoint that governs access to the Red Sea and major global shipping lanes.

Mar 26, 2026 at 07:05 PM EDT

EU’s Kallas accuses Russia of aiding Iran with intelligence to ‘kill Americans’

Kaja Kallas, the European Union’s top diplomat, accused Russia on Thursday of providing intelligence support that enables Iran to target and kill U.S. personnel, urging Washington to increase pressure on the Kremlin.

Speaking to reporters at a G7 gathering outside Paris, Kallas said Moscow is supplying Tehran with intelligence and drones used in attacks on neighboring countries and U.S. military bases. “We see that Russia is helping Iran with intelligence to target Americans, to kill Americans,” she said, according to Agence France‑Presse.

Kallas argued that the wars in the Middle East and Europe are “very much interlinked,” insisting that if the United States wants Iran to halt its attacks, it must also constrain Russia’s ability to assist Tehran.

Mar 26, 2026 at 06:52 PM EDT

U.S. envoy says Iran showing ‘strong signs’ it could accept peace deal

U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff said Thursday that Washington sees “strong signs” Iran may be persuadable on a peace agreement, confirming that the United States delivered a 15‑point proposal to Tehran through Pakistan.

“We will see where things lead, and if we can convince Iran that this is the inflection point with no good alternatives for them, other than more death and destruction,” Witkoff said during a Cabinet meeting. “We have strong signs that this is a possibility.”

Witkoff accused Iran of “stalling talks” and repeatedly rejecting U.S. requests for direct negotiations, while simultaneously searching for an “off‑ramp” from the war. He said multiple regional governments have approached Washington offering to help mediate a peaceful end to the conflict.

The envoy also claimed Iranian negotiators told the United States they possess 460 kilograms of enriched uranium, enough for 11 nuclear weapons—a disclosure that underscores the stakes of the ongoing diplomacy.

Mar 26, 2026 at 06:39 PM EDT

Iranian missile fire continues despite Trump’s claims of ‘obliterated’ military

Missile launches from Iran toward Israel continued throughout Thursday, even as President Donald Trump insisted Tehran’s military had been “obliterated.” The Israel Defense Forces said it detected fresh launches in the afternoon, marking the eighth such announcement since midnight.

Israel’s emergency service reported that at least seven people were injured in central Israel following the latest barrages, which struck multiple areas despite ongoing air‑defense interceptions.

Mar 26, 2026 at 06:26 PM EDT

Rep. Brian Mast says ground role in Iran unlikely, defends Trump’s war powers

Rep. Brian Mast told CNN’s Sara Sidner on Thursday that a large‑scale U.S. ground operation in Iran remains improbable, though he acknowledged limited, highly specialized missions could be possible in the future.

Asked whether he would support “boots on the ground,” Mast said it was “highly unlikely” the administration would pursue such an option. He noted that certain U.S. special‑operations units might one day be needed to secure or clean up nuclear or fissile material, but emphasized that any such scenario would be narrow in scope. He also referenced discussions about Kharg Island and Hormuz Island, describing them as industrial zones where a small U.S. presence could help secure the Strait of Hormuz.

Mast’s comments came after Rep. Nancy Mace expressed strong opposition to deploying troops, saying she had seen no justification in recent intelligence briefings.

The Florida Republican also defended President Donald Trump’s authority to wage the war, arguing the president is acting within his Article II powers. Mast said Trump’s objective has been consistent: to eliminate Iranian military assets capable of striking the United States now or in the future. He added that Congress may eventually need to weigh in but insisted the administration’s current actions fall within constitutional bounds.

Mast further pointed to growing cooperation among Gulf Cooperation Council states, saying regional governments now recognize the scale of the threat posed by Iran after being hit by “waves and waves of rockets.”

Mar 26, 2026 at 06:13 PM EDT

Germany urges NATO unity with U.S. in Iran war, calls for swift end to conflict

Germany’s Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul on Thursday urged NATO allies to align closely with the United States as the Israel‑U.S. war on Iran continues, saying the alliance must quickly form a unified position to help bring the conflict to an end.

“Of course it is now important, together with our closest allies within NATO, particularly with the United States, to develop a common position,” Wadephul said ahead of a G7 meeting in France.

He added that Germany, France, and Britain are already coordinating their approach and that upcoming talks with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will be central to shaping the alliance’s next steps.

Wadephul also called for the Strait of Hormuz to reopen, stressing that Iran must not threaten regional states or global energy routes. His remarks reflect growing pressure within Europe to balance support for Washington with concerns about the legality and long‑term consequences of the war.

Mar 26, 2026 at 06:00 PM EDT

Rutte defends support for U.S. and Israel, says Europe needs time on Hormuz mission

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NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said Thursday that European governments need time to “come together” on plans to secure the Strait of Hormuz, responding to growing criticism that he has aligned too closely with the United States and Israel in a war many alliance members view as unlawful.

Speaking at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Rutte argued that Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs have long posed a threat not only to the Middle East but to Europe itself. He pointed to recent Iranian strikes on Turkey and a joint U.S.–British base in the Indian Ocean as evidence of the danger. “And what the United States is doing now is degrading that capability, and yes, I applaud it,” he said.

Rutte also revealed he told President Donald Trump that European leaders could not be expected to immediately assist in the Gulf because they were not given advance notice of the February 28 attack on Iran. Trump has repeatedly criticized NATO members for failing to help protect commercial shipping in the strait, saying Thursday that the alliance has done “absolutely nothing.”

Rutte countered that Europe needed time to coordinate after being blindsided by Washington’s decision. “It takes some time for Europe to come together, and that’s happening now,” he said, adding that more than 30 countries — most of them NATO members — are now planning how to ensure the waterway remains open.

Still, he acknowledged that most allies are unwilling to participate until a cease‑fire is in place. “That begs the question of the ‘what,’ the ‘when,’ and the ‘where,’” he said, noting that British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is leading the multinational planning effort.

Rutte again voiced strong support for Trump, saying the United States “under this president” is taking actions “crucial for the alliance.”

Mar 26, 2026 at 05:47 PM EDT

Kremlin dismisses report of drone shipments to Iran as ‘lies’

The Kremlin on Thursday rejected a report claiming Russia is preparing to send drones and other supplies to Iran, calling the allegation part of a wave of misinformation surrounding the war.

During a daily briefing, spokesman Dmitry Peskov was asked about a Financial Times story citing Western intelligence that said Moscow was close to completing phased shipments of drones, medicine, and food to Tehran. Peskov dismissed the report outright.

“There are so many lies floating around in the media right now, and even the most respected publications aren’t above publishing them. Ignore them,” he said.

Mar 26, 2026 at 05:33 PM EDT

WATCH: Epic Fury and the new geopolitical map

Mar 26, 2026 at 05:20 PM EDT

Iran says it doubts U.S. intentions as Tehran awaits response to peace proposal

Iran has “complete doubt” about Washington’s willingness to negotiate, the semi‑official Tasnim News Agency reported Thursday, citing an unnamed source said to be familiar with the latest exchanges between the two sides.

According to the source, Tehran formally delivered its response last night to the 15‑point U.S. proposal aimed at ending the war and is now waiting for Washington’s reply. The contents of the American plan remain unclear, but Iranian state media have outlined several conditions for any cease‑fire.

On Wednesday, Press TV reported that an Iranian official listed five demands, including a halt to “aggression and assassinations” and guaranteed Iranian sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy corridor. Tasnim’s source echoed those points, adding that Tehran views the U.S. outreach as a “third deception project.”

The source claimed Washington is using the appearance of negotiations to keep oil prices down and to buy time for potential new military action in southern Iran, possibly involving a ground incursion. It remains unclear whether the individuals cited by either outlet are authorized to speak for Iran’s leadership, which has been shaken by a series of high‑level assassinations.

Mar 26, 2026 at 05:07 PM EDT

Vance calls Iran war a ‘resounding success,’ says offensive expands U.S. options

Vice President JD Vance on Thursday defended the administration’s strategy in Iran, arguing that the U.S. offensive has significantly weakened Tehran’s ability to threaten American forces and opened new avenues to prevent the regime from ever obtaining a nuclear weapon.

“They don’t have the ability to hit us like they could have even a few weeks ago,” Vance said during a Cabinet meeting. “What that does is that gives us options.” He said those options include continued military pressure as well as a potential diplomatic path toward ending the conflict.

Vance’s comments come as his role in managing the war faces renewed scrutiny, given his long history of skepticism toward U.S. military interventions abroad. He has largely stayed out of the public spotlight during the conflict, leaving Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and special envoy Steve Witkoff to make the administration’s case.

At the meeting, Vance sought to explain why the administration believed striking Iran now was necessary, framing the campaign as essential to preventing Tehran from ever posing a nuclear threat. “That is the most important American national security objective that exists for any administration at any time,” he said. “That’s why the president is doing this.”

Mar 26, 2026 at 04:54 PM EDT

ANALYSIS: How Iran’s effective fightback has forced Trump to consider an invasion

Nearly one month into the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran, the Islamic Republic continues to demonstrate the capacity to strike back in ways that complicate the joint campaign and narrow the White House's options.

While the conflict has undoubtedly dealt severe blows to Iran, with the slaying of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and the targeting of other senior officials along with military capabilities, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has fought on, launching hundreds of drones and missiles against Israel and Arab states hosting U.S. military bases.

Iranian strikes disrupting regional energy production, paired with efforts to close the Strait of Hormuz trade chokepoint, have sent global markets into disarray, directing international criticism not only toward Iran but also at the United States and Israel for their decision to launch the conflict. The tempo of Iran's barrages may have slowed over the past week, but the Islamic Republic's retaliation rages according to plan.

For U.S. President Donald Trump, who has expressed surprise at the scope of Iran's response, there appear to be little more than two choices ahead: a negotiated de-escalation or a military escalation.

And while the U.S. leader has repeatedly hinted at progress toward the former option, all signs on the ground, including a substantial build-up of additional U.S. forces, indicate the White House is actively planning for the latter path.

"Iran's retaliation has clearly created a more challenging situation than the United States expected, given that it anticipated it could meaningfully destroy the vast majority of Iran's military capabilities, which it has, and yet it has not led the Iranians to actually stop having meaningful ability to strike the Gulf, to strike Israel, to strike the U.S.," Jonathan Panikoff, former deputy national intelligence officer for the Near East at the National Intelligence Council who's now serving as director of the Atlantic Council's Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative, told Newsweek.

"It just looks different. It's at a different rate," Panikoff said. "So, I think President Trump now is having to reconsider a number of different options."

Read more here by subscribing to Newsweek.

Mar 26, 2026 at 04:41 PM EDT

What emergency E15 waiver could mean for gas prices

As gas prices continue inching closer to a national average of $4 per gallon, the Trump administration has announced it will allow U.S. refiners and retailers to supply two gasoline blends with more ethanol than usually allowed in the summer season, starting in May.

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has disrupted transit through the crucial Strait of Hormuz, has caused crude oil prices to jump over $100 per barrel since the U.S. and Israel launched joint strikes on Iran on February 28.

As a result, gas prices have skyrocketed all across the world and in the U.S., where the cost of refueling a vehicle on Thursday was the highest drivers have faced in nearly three years, according to AAA data. The average national price of gas was standing at $3.981 per gallon on March 26, up from $2.983 a month earlier.

A recent study by Stanford University researchers found that the typical U.S. family will pay an extra $68 this month as a result of higher gas prices, while over the remainder of the year they will pay $740 more in gas costs, they estimated.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced on Wednesday that it was issuing a temporary emergency fuel waiver to allow sales of E15, a blend of gasoline mixed with 15 percent ethanol. The sale of E15 is normally restricted in half of the country in the summer months due to regulations to prevent air pollution.

Read more here.

Mar 26, 2026 at 04:38 PM EDT

Trump pauses strikes on Iran’s energy sites for 10 days, citing Tehran’s request

President Donald Trump announced Thursday that he is pausing U.S. strikes on Iran’s energy infrastructure for 10 days, saying

Mar 26, 2026 at 04:28 PM EDT

South Korea activates emergency energy measures as Iran war drives prices higher

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung urged the public to cut electricity use on Thursday, warning that the war in Iran has pushed global energy prices to levels requiring an “emergency economic response system.”

Speaking at an emergency economic meeting, Lee said South Korea — which relies almost entirely on imported fuel — must confront the crisis through collective restraint. “We must come together, pool our wisdom and share the burden in solidarity,” he said.

The government has ordered civil servants to limit vehicle use to every other day, part of a broader effort to reduce national energy consumption. Lee also appealed directly to citizens, encouraging them to use public transportation and adopt “small, everyday actions” to conserve power.

He added that the government is working to stabilize energy prices and contain broader inflationary pressures across the private sector as the conflict continues to disrupt global oil and gas markets.

Mar 26, 2026 at 04:15 PM EDT

Trump casts doubt on Iran peace deal, says U.S. may not pursue talks

President Donald Trump on Thursday questioned whether the United States will continue pursuing a peace agreement with Iran, despite recent signals from his administration that negotiations were underway.

“They are begging to work out a deal,” Trump said at the start of a Cabinet meeting. “I don’t know if we’ll be able to do that. I don’t know if we’re willing to do that.”

Trump pushed back against reports suggesting he is eager for a diplomatic off‑ramp, insisting instead that Iranian leaders have been the ones pressing to restart talks. He described Iranian officials as “very smart” and “great negotiators,” but argued that any opportunity for a breakthrough may have already passed.

“They should have done that four weeks ago,” he said, referring to the early stages of the conflict.

Mar 26, 2026 at 04:02 PM EDT

U.S. Central Command chief says killing of IRGC naval commander ‘makes the region safer’

Adm. Brad Cooper, the head of U.S. Central Command, said Thursday that Israel’s assassination of IRGC Navy Commander Alireza Tangsiri improves regional security, offering one of Washington’s strongest public endorsements of the strike to date.

Cooper said Tangsiri’s forces had “attacked hundreds of vessels over the years” and “harassed thousands of innocent merchant mariners,” framing the commander’s death as a blow to Iran’s ability to disrupt maritime traffic.

Israel has claimed responsibility for the operation, describing Tangsiri as a central architect of Iran’s naval campaign, including actions that contributed to the shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran has not yet commented on the killing, which marks the latest in a series of high‑level assassinations targeting senior Revolutionary Guard figures since the U.S.–Israeli campaign began in late February.

Mar 26, 2026 at 03:49 PM EDT

Trump presses Iran while facing domestic strains and rising speculation over troop moves

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President Donald Trump spent Thursday morning unleashing a series of social‑media attacks on NATO and Democrats, even as he confronts mounting domestic frustrations — from long airport security lines to rising fuel costs and a worsening cost‑of‑living crunch.

Advisers say Trump remains fixated on ending the war with Iran within the four‑to‑six‑week timeline he has repeatedly promised, eager to claim vindication if the conflict winds down on his terms. But his administration continues to expand the U.S. military footprint in the Middle East, announcing yet another deployment of Marines on Wednesday.

The buildup has fueled speculation that the White House may eventually authorize boots on the ground, though analysts believe any such move would likely focus on Kharg Island, not mainland Iran.

Trump’s posts also revived his long‑running grievances with NATO, accusing the alliance of failing to provide the support he wants. While insisting the United States “doesn’t need NATO,” he added a pointed warning: Americans should “never forget this very important time” — a remark that raised fresh questions about the alliance’s future.

Mar 26, 2026 at 03:26 PM EDT

Israel declines to address report it dropped Iranian officials from target list

The Israel Defense Forces declined to confirm or deny reports that two senior Iranian officials were removed from a list of potential targets amid ongoing efforts to broker peace talks between Washington and Tehran.

According to a Reuters report citing an unnamed Pakistani official, Israel had the coordinates to strike Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi and parliamentary speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf. Pakistan, which is facilitating back‑channel communication between the United States and Iran, reportedly warned Washington that killing either figure would leave “no one else to talk to,” prompting Israel to step back. CNN has not independently verified the claim.

Asked about the report on Thursday, IDF international spokesperson Nadav Shoshani would not address the alleged targets directly. Instead, he emphasized the military’s multilayered approval process for any strike.

“We have a rigorous process before every operation we carry out,” Shoshani said, noting that legal, intelligence, and operational experts — along with senior commanders and, in high‑profile cases, political leaders — review each proposed target. “I’m not going into specific potential targets,” he added.

Mar 26, 2026 at 03:13 PM EDT

U.S. ramps up troop movements as White House pushes Iran peace plan

Even as the Trump administration insists it is pursuing a deal to end the war with Iran, the United States is pressing ahead with one of its largest military mobilizations in years, preparing thousands of additional troops and naval forces for deployment to the Middle East.

More than 1,000 soldiers from the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division are preparing to deploy in the coming days, according to two sources familiar with the planning. The group includes a battalion from the division’s 1st Brigade Combat Team, and officials say more paratroopers could follow if conditions deteriorate.

At sea, the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit and the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group have had their deployment rerouted and accelerated. U.S. officials say it remains unclear whether the entire ARG‑MEU, which typically fields about 4,500 Marines and sailors, will head to the region or whether only select elements will be sent.

A second major formation — the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit aboard the USS Tripoli — is also moving toward the Middle East after being spotted near Singapore last week. The 31st MEU, based in Okinawa, brings thousands more Marines trained for rapid‑response missions and limited special operations.

These reinforcements will join an already substantial U.S. presence. U.S. Central Command says roughly 50,000 American troops are currently stationed across the Middle East as part of the ongoing campaign against Iran, a figure that predates the latest deployments.

Mar 26, 2026 at 03:00 PM EDT

WATCH: Trump’s 15-point Iran peace plan: What we know

Mar 26, 2026 at 02:47 PM EDT

Iran sends response to U.S. peace plan, rejects terms and accuses Washington of bad faith

Iran has delivered its formal response to the United States’ 15‑point peace proposal, according to the semi‑official Tasnim News Agency, which cited an “informed source” familiar with the exchange. The reply was reportedly sent overnight through intermediaries.

Tasnim, which is closely aligned with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, said Iran’s message demanded an end to U.S. “aggression and assassination,” guarantees that the conflict will not resume, and a commitment to pay damages and war compensation. The outlet repeated Tehran’s long‑standing claim that Washington is not negotiating in good faith.

According to the source quoted by Tasnim, President Donald Trump is “feigning diplomacy” to project a peace‑seeking image internationally, keep global oil prices down, and buy time to prepare for “a new act of aggression in southern Iran through a ground incursion.”

The comments echo reporting from Press TV, Iran’s state broadcaster, which said Wednesday that Tehran had “responded negatively” to the U.S. proposal and issued the same set of counter‑demands.

Mar 26, 2026 at 02:34 PM EDT

Israel sees strategic messaging opportunity in claimed killing of IRGC naval chief

Israel’s reported killing of IRGC Navy Commander Alireza Tangsiri is being framed in Jerusalem as both a diplomatic signal and a domestic win, even as officials acknowledge it will not alter the broader trajectory of the war with Iran.

For the Israeli government, the strike offers a chance to show President Donald Trump that Israel is helping efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a message officials see as politically useful as Washington pushes to restore global shipping routes. At home, the operation plays well with an Israeli public that views high‑profile assassinations as tangible achievements in a grinding conflict.

But within Israel’s military and intelligence services, there is little illusion that killing senior figures—something Israel has done hundreds of times, including inside Iran—can fundamentally shift the strategic balance. Officials privately concede that while such operations may create short‑term disruption, they do not change Iran’s capabilities or its resolve.

“There is a war, it is raging,” one analyst said, noting that Israeli leaders understand Iran sees the conflict as existential. That reality, they argue, limits the impact of even the most high‑value targeted killings.

Mar 26, 2026 at 02:21 PM EDT

EU’s Kallas accuses Russia of aiding Iran to target U.S. forces, urges Washington to respond

The European Union’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, accused Russia of providing intelligence and drone support to Iran in the Middle East war, claiming Moscow is helping Tehran target and kill American personnel. Speaking at a G7 meeting in France, Kallas said the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East are “interlinked” and urged the United States to increase pressure on the Kremlin.

“We see that Russia is helping Iran with intelligence to target Americans,” she told reporters, adding that Moscow is also supplying drones used in attacks on neighboring countries and U.S. military sites. Kallas argued that if Washington wants Iran to halt its strikes, it must also curb Russia’s ability to assist Tehran.

Her comments come as Western intelligence agencies continue to scrutinize Russia’s role in supporting Iran during the U.S.–Israeli campaign. The Kremlin has repeatedly denied the allegations, with spokesperson Dmitry Peskov dismissing the claims as media “lies.”

Mar 26, 2026 at 02:08 PM EDT

WATCH: Can we talk about Israel? with Glenn Greenwald | The 1600

Mar 26, 2026 at 01:54 PM EDT

Severe storms bring flooding threat to Gulf and Iran region

Strong thunderstorms are sweeping across eastern Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Iraq, and western Iran today, bringing the risk of torrential rain, damaging winds, and even isolated tornadoes, according to regional meteorological agencies.

Forecasters warn that the storms are capable of producing large hail and bursts of intense rainfall that could overwhelm drainage systems in urban areas. The threat of flash flooding is expected to increase as the system continues to track eastward.

Over the next 48 hours, an additional 10–80 millimeters (0.5–3 inches) of rain is possible across the region. In desert and mountain environments where the ground absorbs water poorly, even modest rainfall totals can trigger sudden, dangerous flooding.

Mar 26, 2026 at 01:41 PM EDT

OECD says U.K. faces sharpest economic hit among developed nations from Iran war

The United Kingdom is expected to suffer the largest economic blow of any major developed economy from the war in Iran, according to a new forecast from the Organisation for Economic Co‑operation and Development (OECD). The Paris‑based group issued steep downgrades to Britain’s outlook in its interim report released Thursday.

The OECD now projects U.K. inflation will rise to 4% this year, a jump of 1.5 percentage points from its December estimate, while 2026 growth is expected to slow to 0.5%, down 0.5 points from its prior forecast. No other major economy saw revisions as large.

The conflict has already rattled global markets, with the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and damage to regional energy infrastructure driving up international oil and gas prices. The OECD said the war is testing the global economy’s resilience and has created an outlook “surrounded by high uncertainty.”

Britain is particularly exposed because it imports most of its oil and natural gas and has limited gas storage capacity. Inflation, which held at 3% in February, is now expected to climb again.

The worsening outlook complicates the Bank of England’s path forward. Before the war, policymakers were expected to cut interest rates this spring from 3.75%, but those expectations have evaporated. Some economists warn that rate hikes could even return if the conflict drags on.

The OECD urged central banks to stay alert and keep inflation expectations anchored, saying further policy adjustments may be needed if price pressures broaden or growth weakens.

The British government has pledged targeted support for households most affected by rising energy costs. But Finance Minister Rachel Reeves ruled out broad subsidies and insisted her fiscal rules—designed to limit borrowing and reduce national debt—remain “ironclad,” despite the economic shock triggered by the war.

Mar 26, 2026 at 01:28 PM EDT

Russian delegation arrives in U.S. as Ukraine talks remain stalled

A delegation of Russian officials arrived in the United States on Thursday for meetings with American counterparts, marking the first such visit since relations collapsed over Moscow’s war in Ukraine.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said the trip represents “tentative steps” toward reviving bilateral engagement. He added that President Vladimir Putin set the delegation’s directives and will be “thoroughly briefed” on the discussions.

The visit comes as U.S.-brokered negotiations aimed at ending the war in Ukraine remain effectively frozen. Multiple rounds of talks since President Donald Trump returned to office have failed to produce movement, with Moscow rejecting compromises to halt its years‑long offensive.

Western intelligence agencies have also accused Russia of backing Iran as Tehran wages war against the U.S. and Israel. The Financial Times reported this week that Moscow is close to supplying drones to Iran—an allegation Peskov dismissed, saying the media is spreading “lies.”

Russia, meanwhile, launched one of its largest aerial assaults of the conflict this week, firing 948 drones in 24 hours as it shifted troops and equipment toward the front line.

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky issued a fresh plea for air‑defense munitions, warning that Kyiv faces a looming shortage while Washington focuses on the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran. Talks between Ukraine and the U.S. in Florida last weekend again failed to secure the long‑sought security guarantees Kyiv is seeking.

Mar 26, 2026 at 01:14 PM EDT

EU urges early gas storage refill as Iran war roils global energy markets

The European Commission has urged EU governments to begin refilling natural gas storage sites as early as April, warning that the war in Iran is driving up prices and destabilizing global fuel markets, according to diplomats who briefed Reuters on Thursday’s closed‑door meeting.

Officials stressed there is no immediate threat to Europe’s gas supply, which now relies heavily on Norway and the United States rather than Middle Eastern producers. Still, they encouraged capitals to move quickly to avoid a scramble for gas later in the year that could trigger another round of price spikes.

European gas prices have surged more than 70% since the U.S.–Israeli conflict with Iran began on February 28. The fighting has effectively shut the Strait of Hormuz, a corridor that normally carries one‑fifth of the world’s oil and LNG shipments, while Iranian strikes have knocked out 17% of Qatar’s LNG export capacity.

EU storage levels are unusually low for late March—just 28% full, according to Gas Infrastructure Europe. Some countries are in far worse shape, with the Netherlands at only 6% of capacity.

To ease pressure, the Commission reminded governments that EU law allows them to lower their pre‑winter storage target to 80%, down from the formal 90% requirement, if market conditions warrant it.

Mar 26, 2026 at 01:01 PM EDT

OPINION: Iran’s regime destroyed its myth—and triggered its slow decline

Mojtaba Khamenei’s elevation is already being read as proof that the Islamic Republic’s command structure remains intact, that the regime has absorbed another shock and moved on. That reading is wrong. What happened is not continuity. It is the moment a revolutionary republic founded against monarchy made supreme authority a matter of bloodline. That contradiction may damage Iran more durably than the bombs falling on it.

Iran’s system was designed, in theory at least, to rest on something other than heredity. The 1979 revolution overthrew a dynasty. The constitution says the leader is to be chosen by the Assembly of Experts and measured against standards of scholarship, piety, political judgment and administrative capacity. Ali Khamenei himself reportedly opposed his son’s candidacy because he did not want a slide toward hereditary rule in a state born from overthrowing the Shah. A revolutionary republic can survive war. It cannot so easily survive becoming what it said it replaced.

What happened was not a normal constitutional transfer. By multiple accounts, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps was decisive in Mojtaba Khamenei’s elevation, underscoring how far succession has shifted from clerical selection toward security management. That is the crucial point. Once the men with guns become the effective arbiters of juristic authority, the Assembly of Experts no longer looks like a body of selection. It looks like a ceremonial stamp on a decision made elsewhere.

Mojtaba Khamenei’s profile deepens the problem. He had never held a formal government position. He operated as gatekeeper to his father, built close ties with the Guards over two decades and was widely regarded as a hardliner hostile to reformist engagement with the West. As the Middle East Institute’s Alex Vatanka has noted, “Mojtaba owes his position to the Revolutionary Guards and as such he is not going to be as supreme as his father was.” That gives him leverage. It does not give him recognized clerical standing, the very thing the office is supposed to confer. His rise translates revolutionary legitimacy into network power and security patronage. He can command obedience. He does not automatically command belief. He can inherit his father’s machinery. He cannot inherit his father’s myth.

Read more about the assistant professor of international politics and security at the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies, Muhanad Seloom, here.

Mar 26, 2026 at 12:48 PM EDT

Houthis signal readiness to join war if Iran calls on their forces

Houthi leaders in Yemen say the group is prepared to enter the fight against the United States and Israel if Iran requests additional military support, according to comments shared with Reuters.

A senior Houthi official, speaking anonymously because of the sensitivity of the issue, said the militia is “fully militarily ready with all options” should its involvement become necessary. Decisions on timing, he added, would be made by the group’s top leadership as they monitor developments on the battlefield.

The official said Iran currently appears to be “doing well” in the conflict, but suggested the Houthis could reassess their posture if the situation shifts.

If the group opens a new front, analysts say the most likely flashpoint would be the Bab al‑Mandab Strait, the narrow chokepoint off Yemen that controls access to the Suez Canal. The waterway has taken on heightened strategic importance after Iran effectively shut down the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting global shipping and energy flows.

Mar 26, 2026 at 12:35 PM EDT

Analysts say TTF could approach $110/MWh if Qatari LNG halt lasts three months

European natural gas prices could surge toward €100/MWh (about $110/MWh) if the Middle East war keeps Qatari LNG exports offline for another three months, according to a new Montel News analyst poll.

Forecasts vary, but most point to a sharp jump if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed. Wood Mackenzie and Montel Analytics estimate the front‑month TTF contract would climb to around €90/MWh, while ICIS projects €85/MWh and ABN Amro sees €75/MWh.

One of the highest projections came from SEB commodities analyst Ole R. Hvalbye, who told Montel that prices could hit €115–155/MWh if roughly 21 million tons of LNG are removed from the global market. He warned that Europe would enter summer with “critical” storage levels, potentially forcing government‑mandated rationing reminiscent of the 2022 energy crisis.

Analysts say the most likely scenario is a two‑month halt, which would push TTF into the €85–120/MWh range as Europe loses about 14 million tons of LNG.

A longer disruption would be far more severe. A six‑month shutdown of the strait would drive average prices close to €160/MWh, according to the poll. Hvalbye said such a scenario could trigger a squeeze “as bad as or worse than 2022,” with prices potentially reaching €240/MWh. Filling storage for next winter would be “close to impossible,” he added.

Energy Aspects analyst Tom Purdie said that if transit remains blocked through August, Europe would struggle to reach 82 bcm of storage by late October — even with summer prices near €250/MWh.

The TTF benchmark last peaked at €345/MWh during the 2022 crisis following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Mar 26, 2026 at 12:22 PM EDT

What to know about death of Senior IRGC Naval Commander Alireza Tangsiri

Alireza Tangsiri, the powerful head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps’ naval forces, has become the latest senior Iranian military figure targeted in Israel’s monthlong campaign of strikes inside Iran. Israel said Thursday that it killed Tangsiri in an operation, though Tehran has not yet commented on the claim.

Tangsiri played a central role in Iran’s near‑total closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a move that has disrupted global shipping and driven up the economic costs of the war for the United States and its allies. His death raises questions about whether Iran will adjust its strategy after signaling earlier this week that “non‑hostile” vessels could pass through the waterway.

According to the U.S. Treasury, which sanctioned Tangsiri in 2019 and 2023, he oversaw the IRGC Navy’s drone and cruise‑missile programs and chaired a company involved in manufacturing and testing naval drones—capabilities that have enabled Iran to exert unprecedented control over the strait.

In recent weeks, Tangsiri had become a prominent voice on social media, posting updates on ships denied passage, threatening U.S.-linked energy sites, and warning Washington against striking Kharg Island, Iran’s main oil export hub.

Tangsiri was appointed to lead the IRGC Navy in 2018 by Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in an airstrike at the outset of the U.S.–Israeli offensive last month. His death marks another major blow to Iran’s military leadership as the conflict grinds on.

Mar 26, 2026 at 12:09 PM EDT

Israel reports low casualties despite new waves of Iranian missile fire

Air‑raid sirens sounded repeatedly across central Israel on Thursday morning, but the military said its air‑defense network remains strong and that Iran’s missile barrages are becoming less effective nearly a month into the conflict.

Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani, the Israel Defense Forces’ international spokesperson, said the pace of Iranian launches has held steady in the “high single digits and low teens” per day since the early stages of the war. “We haven’t seen anything different recently, not in the amounts or the munitions used,” he said.

Israel’s multilayered defense system—combined with early‑warning alerts and widespread access to public shelters—has kept fatalities relatively low despite hundreds of missiles and drones fired from Iran. Still, recent breaches have raised questions about vulnerabilities in the system.

Twin direct hits in southern Israel over the weekend injured at least 180 people, while several missiles that slipped past interceptors in central Tel Aviv earlier this week wounded fewer than ten, according to health officials. In the north, a woman was killed and two others injured by rockets launched by Hezbollah, Iran’s ally.

Despite multiple sirens on Thursday, authorities reported very few casualties, underscoring Israel’s continued reliance on its defensive shield as the conflict grinds on.

Mar 26, 2026 at 11:56 AM EDT

Trump escalates public pressure on Iran to accept U.S. peace terms

President Donald Trump is intensifying his public push for Iran to accept his administration’s proposal to end the war, issuing one of his sharpest warnings yet on Thursday.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump urged Iranian leaders to move quickly, writing that “they better get serious soon, before it is too late,” adding that once events pass a certain point, “there is NO TURNING BACK, and it won’t be pretty.”

Mar 26, 2026 at 11:55 AM EDT

Trump suggests U.S. routinely redirects munitions, links Ukraine aid to NATO’s Iran stance

President Donald Trump on Thursday declined to directly confirm reports that the United States is considering diverting munitions from Ukraine to the Middle East, but said such reallocations are common. “We do that all the time,” he told reporters, adding that Washington still hopes to “get the war in Ukraine solved,” though he emphasized the conflict is “thousands of miles away” and does not directly affect the United States.

Trump then pivoted to his frustration with NATO allies, drawing a pointed comparison between Europe’s reluctance to join his war against Iran and their expectations of U.S. support for Ukraine. He cited comments from Germany’s leadership describing the Iran conflict as “not our war.”

“When I heard the head of Germany say ‘this is not our war’ about Iran, I said, ‘Well, Ukraine’s not our war,’” Trump said.

Mar 26, 2026 at 11:43 AM EDT

WATCH: Johnson calls troop deployment ‘buildup,’ not ‘boots on the ground’

Mar 26, 2026 at 11:30 AM EDT

Gulf investment pledges at risk as Iran war hammers regional economies

President Donald Trump’s plans for a U.S. economic boom powered by massive Gulf investment are facing new strain as the war with Iran nears its fifth week and the Middle East’s economy contracts sharply. According to people familiar with internal discussions, the administration is increasingly worried that hundreds of billions of dollars pledged by Gulf governments for U.S. projects may no longer materialize.

Officials say Gulf leaders have privately warned Washington that they may soon need to pull back tens of billions of dollars from U.S. markets to stabilize their own economies. The effective shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz has choked off oil and gas revenue, while Iranian strikes on infrastructure and luxury districts have brought tourism in hubs like Dubai and Doha to a halt.

Analysts note that sovereign wealth funds in Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates—once seen as deep-pocketed partners for U.S. tech firms, investment houses and defense contractors—are now under pressure to redirect capital toward domestic recovery. Economists had already questioned whether the region could fulfill the eye‑catching investment commitments Trump announced during his high-profile visit last year.

The White House insists the disruption is temporary, arguing that the administration’s strategy will ultimately strengthen economic ties with Gulf allies. But experts say the longer the conflict drags on, the more likely it becomes that Gulf states will slow or delay their U.S. investment plans as they rebuild missile defenses, repair damaged energy facilities and shore up national budgets.

For Trump, the timing is politically fraught. His economic agenda relies heavily on foreign capital inflows, even as polls show voter frustration with the cost of living and skepticism about his handling of the economy. With the war still escalating and U.S. troops deploying in greater numbers, the financial fallout in the Gulf is emerging as a new and unpredictable challenge.

Mar 26, 2026 at 11:23 AM EDT

U.S. confirms death of senior IRGC naval commander in Israeli strike

The United States on Thursday confirmed the death of Admiral Alireza Tangsiri, the powerful commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy, following an Israeli airstrike earlier this week.

In a post on X, U.S. Central Command said Tangsiri was killed in the operation, marking Washington’s first official acknowledgment of the strike after Israeli media reported his death. Iran has not yet formally confirmed the loss of one of its most senior military figures.

CENTCOM commander Admiral Brad Cooper issued a stark warning to IRGC naval personnel, urging them to “abandon their post and return home to avoid further risk of unnecessary injury or death.” His statement underscored the extent to which the U.S. views the IRGC Navy as a central driver of regional instability.

Mar 26, 2026 at 11:20 AM EDT

Rubio defends Iran war rationale, echoes Trump’s claims of longstanding conflict

Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday backed President Donald Trump’s assertion that Iran has effectively been at war with the United States for nearly half a century, arguing during a Cabinet meeting that “every president should have done this,” referring to the current military campaign.

Rubio’s comments aligned closely with Trump’s narrative that the offensive is overdue. But they also glossed over the fact that previous administrations — including Barack Obama’s, which pursued the nuclear deal — sought to curb Iran’s program through diplomacy rather than force. And the omission was particularly notable given that this is Trump’s second term, meaning he himself opted against war during his first four years in office.

In 2019, Trump called off a planned strike on Iran after the downing of a U.S. drone, saying he halted the operation minutes before impact because of the potential for Iranian casualties.

Mar 26, 2026 at 11:19 AM EDT

Trump downplays gas price surge, says market impact ‘not as severe’ as he thought

President Donald Trump on Thursday dismissed concerns about soaring gas prices and market volatility linked to the war with Iran, saying the economic fallout has been milder than he anticipated.

“Frankly, I thought the oil prices would go up more, and I thought the stock market would go down more. Hasn’t been nearly as severe as I thought,” Trump said as he opened a Cabinet meeting at the White House. He added that investors “have confidence in maybe the American president and maybe the people sitting around this table.”

The national average for a gallon of regular gas has climbed to $3.981, according to AAA—just shy of the $4 mark and up $1 in a month. The spike has become a growing political vulnerability for Republicans ahead of the November midterms, with many Americans telling CNN they are cutting back on essentials to cope with higher fuel costs.

Trump predicted oil prices might “go up a little bit more” but insisted they would “all come back down to where it was and probably lower.”

Mar 26, 2026 at 11:18 AM EDT

Trump urges Iran to drop nuclear program, warns U.S. strikes will continue

President Donald Trump on Thursday pressed Iran to permanently abandon its nuclear ambitions, warning that the United States will continue its military campaign if Tehran refuses to change course.

Speaking at a Cabinet meeting at the White House, Trump said Iran now has an opportunity to “chart a new path forward” by giving up its nuclear program. “We’ll see if they want to do it,” he said. “If they don’t, we’re their worst nightmare. In the meantime, we’ll just keep blowing them away, unimpeded, unstopped.”

The remarks came hours after Trump voiced growing frustration with Iran’s stance, suggesting that time is running out for a negotiated end to the conflict. He insisted the burden is on Tehran to return to talks, despite Iranian officials publicly rejecting the latest U.S. proposal.

Mar 26, 2026 at 11:17 AM EDT

Trump uses cabinet meeting to threaten Iran, attack NATO and Democrats

President Donald Trump opened his second Cabinet meeting of the year with a barrage of political and military warnings, using the session to threaten Iran, criticize NATO allies, and blame Democrats for the partial shutdown at the Department of Homeland Security.

Hours earlier, Trump posted a flurry of social‑media messages insisting the United States is winning the war in Iran and accusing European partners of failing to join the fight. He also renewed pressure on congressional Republicans to “terminate” the Senate filibuster, arguing that Democrats are obstructing his agenda.

Inside the meeting, Trump repeated his claim that the war is “ahead of schedule” and that Iran’s military has been “obliterated.” He dismissed reports that Tehran is refusing to negotiate, insisting that Iranian leaders are already seeking talks. “They’ll tell you, ‘we’re not negotiating,’” Trump said. “Of course, they’re negotiating. They’ve been obliterated.”

He added that Iran still has time to abandon its nuclear ambitions but warned that U.S. strikes would continue. “In the meantime, we’ll just keep blowing them away, unimpeded, unstopped,” he said.

Mar 26, 2026 at 11:04 AM EDT

Iran war drives deadly toll and mass displacement, UN warns

More than 1,500 people have been killed in Iran since the war began, according to new humanitarian assessments, underscoring the scale of destruction unfolding across the country. But aid agencies say the human cost extends far beyond the rising death toll.

The UN refugee agency (UNHCR) estimates that 3.2 million people—over 3 percent of Iran’s population—have already been displaced inside the country since U.S.–Israeli strikes began on February 28. The pace of movement has accelerated in recent days as airstrikes and missile attacks spread across multiple provinces.

Twenty‑seven days into the conflict, neighboring states and international relief groups are preparing for the possibility that internal displacement could spill across borders. Officials say civilians are beginning to flee areas hit hardest by bombardment, raising fears of a broader refugee crisis if the fighting intensifies.

Mar 26, 2026 at 10:51 AM EDT

Iranian official says war death toll has reached nearly 2,000

An Iranian health official says the death toll from the war inside Iran has climbed to at least 1,937 people, offering one of the most detailed casualty updates in weeks.

Deputy Health Minister Ali Jafarian gave the figures to Al Jazeera on Thursday, saying the dead include 240 women and 212 children. He added that more than 24,800 people have been wounded since the conflict began.

Iran has not released an official nationwide tally in several days, leaving regional and international observers reliant on scattered updates from provincial authorities and occasional statements from government ministries.

Mar 26, 2026 at 10:38 AM EDT

Germany caps gas station price hikes to curb wartime gouging

German lawmakers approved a new measure on Thursday limiting gas station owners to one price increase per day, a rapid response to mounting public anger over soaring fuel costs. The rule was added to existing legislation as global oil prices continue to climb amid the effective shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy corridors.

Officials said the cap is intended to deter price gouging at the pump and provide consumers with some stability as international markets remain volatile. Germany already has some of Europe’s highest fuel costs, with average prices reaching about $8.50 per gallon.

Mar 26, 2026 at 10:25 AM EDT

Pakistan confirms it is relaying U.S.–Iran messages but downplays talk of summit

Pakistan is helping facilitate quiet exchanges between the United States and Iran, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said Thursday, confirming that Islamabad has passed along a 15‑point U.S. proposal aimed at ending the war.

Dar’s remarks follow Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s declaration earlier in the week that Pakistan is prepared to mediate if both sides agree. But the government signaled a more cautious posture on Thursday: Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tahir Andrabi declined to address reports that American and Iranian envoys could soon travel to Islamabad or that a high‑level meeting was imminent.

Mar 26, 2026 at 10:12 AM EDT

UAE intercepts new wave of Iranian missiles and drones; two killed by debris

The United Arab Emirates’ Defence Ministry says its air‑defense systems intercepted 15 ballistic missiles and 11 drones launched from Iran on Thursday, marking one of the largest single‑day attacks on the country since the conflict began.

Officials said the interceptions occurred across multiple areas of the UAE, with debris falling over populated zones. Earlier in the day, authorities in Abu Dhabi confirmed that shrapnel from one intercepted missile struck a residential district, killing two people.

Mar 26, 2026 at 10:00 AM EDT

New U.S. security alert urges Americans in Iran to prepare for extended shelter-in-place

The Virtual Embassy Tehran issued a new security alert on March 26, warning Americans in Iran that commercial flights remain suspended and advising them to be prepared to shelter in place if they do not use available land‑border departure routes.

U.S. officials said there is no change to current guidance on departure options or protecting‑power operations, but emphasized that the government is closely tracking the regional conflict and stands ready to help citizens leave the Middle East. The alert reiterated that President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio consider the safety of U.S. nationals their top priority.

The advisory again cautioned that the Iranian government may block U.S. citizens from leaving or impose exit fees, and reminded U.S.–Iranian dual nationals that Tehran treats them solely as Iranian citizens. Simply showing a U.S. passport or having ties to the United States, the alert warned, can lead to questioning, arrest, or detention.

With air travel halted, the United States outlined the status of land routes: – Armenia and Turkey are open to U.S. travelers, though Turkey’s border region remains a Level 4 – Do Not Travel zone. – Turkmenistan requires advance government authorization. – Azerbaijan remains closed to routine traffic and will only consider entry requests on an emergency basis.

Americans who remain in Iran were urged to stay indoors, avoid windows, stock essential supplies, and maintain communication with family. The alert also noted that the Swiss Embassy’s Foreign Interests Section in Tehran, which represents U.S. interests, is temporarily closed due to the security situation.

The State Department encouraged U.S. citizens to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) and keep travel documents accessible as the conflict continues to evolve.

Mar 26, 2026 at 09:58 AM EDT

Iran says it struck ‘sensitive’ Israeli sites in drone attacks on Haifa

Iran’s army says it launched a new wave of drone attacks overnight targeting what it described as “sensitive and strategic” Israeli sites in the port of Haifa, escalating a week of intensifying cross‑border strikes.

In a statement carried by Iranian state media, the military said its drones hit fuel tanks used by Israeli fighter jets and struck a facility involved in the manufacturing and maintenance of naval vessels in the eastern Mediterranean. Israel has not yet commented on the claims.

Mar 26, 2026 at 09:54 AM EDT

Gulf bloc accuses Iran of charging ships to transit Strait of Hormuz

The head of the Gulf Cooperation Council has publicly accused Iran of imposing fees on vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, escalating regional concerns over Tehran’s tightening control of the vital shipping corridor.

GCC Secretary‑General Jasem Mohamed al‑Budaiwi said at a news conference in Riyadh that Iran had effectively closed the strait and begun charging ships to move through it—actions he described as a violation of international maritime law. “They closed the Strait of Hormuz and imposed fees for passing through it,” he said, calling the move an act of aggression and a breach of the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Iran has previously threatened to strike any American, Israeli or allied vessels attempting to transit the waterway. A British naval monitor has recorded 16 attacks on commercial ships since the war began, but al‑Budaiwi’s remarks mark the first formal accusation from a senior regional official that Iran is collecting payments for passage.

The GCC—made up of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates—has warned repeatedly that instability in the strait threatens global energy markets.

Mar 26, 2026 at 09:50 AM EDT

Trump’s approval rating falls to new second-term low as Iran war continues

President Donald Trump’s approval rating has slipped to its lowest point of his second term, according to polling averages compiled by Nate Silver’s Silver Bulletin, as the conflict with Iran shows no sign of easing.

A White House spokesperson defended the administration’s standing, telling Newsweek that the 2024 election remained the clearest measure of public support for Trump’s agenda.

The decline comes at a politically sensitive moment. Trump entered office promising global stability, but the Iran war has not produced the traditional surge in public backing that presidents often see at the start of major military operations. With the 2026 midterms approaching, persistent voter unease could shape the broader electoral landscape.

New analysis from Silver’s team shows Trump’s net approval rating falling to roughly minus 16.7, with senior analyst Eli McKown‑Dawson noting that the expected “rally‑around‑the‑flag” effect never materialized. A separate average tracking attitudes toward the Iran war shows support hovering near 40 percent, while opposition has climbed above 50 percent.

The administration has circulated a 15‑point peace proposal to Tehran, though officials have not indicated whether negotiations are advancing. Meanwhile, additional U.S. troops continue deploying to the Middle East as the conflict expands.

Other polling aggregates show similar trends, with Trump’s approval underwater across most major trackers. Analysts say the president’s standing is likely to remain closely tied to developments overseas and the economic pressures accompanying the conflict.

Mar 26, 2026 at 09:46 AM EDT

UNFPA warns Middle East war is delaying lifesaving reproductive health supplies

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) says conflict‑driven disruptions to major shipping and air routes in the Middle East are slowing the delivery of critical reproductive health supplies to women and girls in humanitarian crises worldwide. The agency warned that even brief delays can leave women giving birth without skilled care, prevent survivors of rape from receiving urgent treatment, and deprive health facilities of essential equipment.

UNFPA reports that many shipments—especially sea freight moving between Asia, the Middle East and Africa—are now facing delays of up to a month. Items affected include reproductive health kits used for safe childbirth, emergency obstetric care, contraception, and clinical support for survivors of sexual violence. Equipment for hospitals and field operations has also been held up.

Sixteen countries supported by UNFPA are already experiencing shortages, affecting labor and delivery equipment for dozens of hospitals and more than 1.2 million condoms. The agency estimates the delays could hinder safe delivery care for 18,000 pregnant women, limit treatment for nearly 2,000 women facing miscarriage or abortion complications, and slow access to post‑rape care for more than 30,000 survivors.

“The conflict has dismantled the routes we rely on,” said Eric Dupont, UNFPA’s acting head of supply chain management. He noted that rising shipping costs, insurance premiums and “war risk” surcharges are further reducing the agency’s ability to move supplies at scale.

With major corridors such as the Strait of Hormuz and Suez Canal compromised, carriers are rerouting vessels around the Horn of Africa, adding weeks to delivery timelines. Air freight through hubs like Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi has also been constrained.

UNFPA highlighted Lebanon as an example of how alternative logistics can work: through the EU Humanitarian Air Bridge, reproductive health kits reached the country within days, bypassing the delays affecting commercial routes.

The agency says it is working with private‑sector partners to map new pathways, reposition stock and draw from global warehouses in the Netherlands, Türkiye, China and Gibraltar. Despite the disruptions, UNFPA says it remains committed to ensuring women and girls can access lifesaving reproductive and maternal health care wherever they are.

Mar 26, 2026 at 09:42 AM EDT

WATCH: Iranian military mocks US for ‘strategic failure’

Mar 26, 2026 at 09:38 AM EDT

Zelensky says U.S. tying security guarantees to Ukraine’s withdrawal from Donbas

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says Washington will only finalize long‑promised security guarantees if Kyiv agrees to relinquish all of eastern Donbas to Russia, a condition he warned Ukraine cannot accept. His comments come as negotiations to end more than four years of war continue at a slow pace, overshadowed by the U.S. focus on the conflict in the Middle East.

Ukraine has sought to strengthen its standing with Washington by sending air‑defense specialists to the Gulf to help the U.S. and its partners counter Iranian drone attacks—support that comes as Kyiv watches scarce Patriot interceptor missiles diverted to the region. Meanwhile, Russia has intensified its own campaign, launching nearly 1,000 drones in a single day as its economy benefits from a temporary easing of U.S. oil sanctions.

Zelensky said Kyiv is being pushed toward concessions it views as dangerous, noting that giving up the remaining Ukrainian‑held areas of Donetsk and Luhansk would expose the country to future attacks. Ukraine’s constitution also prohibits ceding territory, and public opposition to such a move remains overwhelming.

He added that it remains unclear how any U.S. security guarantees would be funded or enforced, and whether allies would respond decisively if Russia attempted to restart its invasion. The Ukrainian leader also accused Moscow of sharing intelligence with Iran in an effort to pressure Washington to scale back support for Kyiv.

The U.S., facing heavy demand for missile defenses in the Middle East, is reportedly considering rerouting some weapons originally intended for Ukraine. American forces have struck more than 10,000 targets inside Iran since late February, while Iranian retaliation has forced the U.S. and Gulf states to expend large numbers of Patriot missiles—systems Ukraine relies on to stop Russian ballistic strikes.

Mar 26, 2026 at 09:34 AM EDT

Japan begins releasing oil from national reserves amid Middle East turmoil

Japan began drawing down its national oil reserves on Thursday, moving ahead with a plan to help stabilize global supplies disrupted by the war in the Middle East.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced earlier this month that Tokyo would release 53 million barrels—roughly a month of domestic consumption—by the end of April. The move marks one of Japan’s largest emergency drawdowns and reflects growing concern over tightening energy markets as shipping routes remain strained.

Mar 26, 2026 at 09:30 AM EDT

Israel responds to new missile fire as blast injuries reported near Tel Aviv

The Israeli military said search‑and‑rescue teams were deployed to an impact site in central Israel on Thursday, shortly after detecting missile launches from Iran. The strike triggered emergency responses across several communities as authorities assessed damage.

Israel’s national rescue service reported that paramedics were treating people suffering from blast injuries in Kafr Qassem, a city northeast of Tel Aviv. Officials did not immediately release details on the number or severity of casualties.

Mar 26, 2026 at 09:26 AM EDT

Iran forces tankers into ‘Tehran toll booth’ route through Strait of Hormuz

Only a handful of oil tankers are still navigating the Strait of Hormuz, and those that do are being pushed into a narrow passage controlled by Iran, where some vessels are reportedly being charged millions of dollars to transit the strategic chokepoint.

Maritime analyst Tomer Raanan of Lloyd’s List told NBC News that ships are now funneled into a single channel inside Iranian territorial waters, where the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps checks vessel information and effectively operates “a Tehran toll booth.”

Before the war, roughly 110 ships moved through the strait each day. Traffic has now collapsed to 10 or fewer, according to shipping data reviewed by the outlet.

Iranian state media has reported that lawmakers are drafting legislation to impose long‑term transit fees to fund war‑related reconstruction. Raanan said the implication is clear: vessels that refuse to pay could face future attacks, further heightening risks in one of the world’s most critical energy corridors.

Mar 26, 2026 at 09:22 AM EDT

WTO chief says postwar global order has ‘irrevocably changed’

The head of the World Trade Organization delivered a stark warning about the state of global governance, telling delegates at the WTO’s annual conference in Cameroon that the international system built after World War II is no longer functioning as it once did.

Director‑General Ngozi Okonjo‑Iweala said the world is entering a period defined by disruption, citing geopolitical rifts, climate pressures and rapid technological shifts. Speaking in Yaoundé, she said governments and institutions were already struggling to manage rising tensions before the conflict in the Gulf further destabilized trade in energy, fertilizer and food.

Mar 26, 2026 at 09:18 AM EDT

Oil prices jump 5% as reports emerge of U.S.–Iran backchannel talks

Oil prices climbed sharply on Thursday after fresh reports suggested that Washington and Tehran are engaged in quiet diplomatic contacts aimed at easing the conflict. Traders interpreted the possibility of behind‑the‑scenes negotiations as a sign that both sides may be testing pathways to de‑escalation, adding new volatility to energy markets.

Brent crude surged 5.2 percent to $107.54 a barrel, extending a week of heavy swings driven by the war’s impact on global supply routes. West Texas Intermediate, the main U.S. benchmark, rose 4.9 percent to $94.71.

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