Iran-Israel war LIVE: Iran-backed Iraqi group claims responsibility for downing U.S. military aircraft
Kartavya Desk Staff
#### Key Updates
• Trump administration takes steps to ease sanction on Russian oil
• Iran sets three conditions for ending war
• Iran not going to close Strait of Hormuz, Tehran’s UN Envoy says
#### U.S.-Israel war on Iran - Day 13
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#### U.S. intelligence says Iran government is not at risk of collapse, say sources
U.S. intelligence indicates that Iran’s leadership is still largely intact and is not at risk of collapse any time soon after nearly two weeks of relentless U.S. and Israeli bombardment, according to three sources familiar with the matter.
A “multitude” of intelligence reports provide “consistent analysis that the regime is not in danger” of collapse and “retains control of the Iranian public,” said one of the sources, all of whom were granted anonymity to discuss U.S. intelligence findings.
Read the full story here
U.S. intelligence says Iran government is not at risk of collapse, say sources
U.S. intelligence reports confirm Iran's leadership remains stable and not at risk of collapse amid ongoing military operations.
• March 13, 2026 08:16 Israeli military says missiles from Iran heading towards IsraelIsrael said on Friday (March 13, 2026) that Iran fired waves of missiles toward Israel, with emergency services reporting that two were injured in the country’s north.“A short while ago, the IDF identified missiles launched from Iran toward the territory of the State of Israel. Defensive systems are operating to intercept the threat,” the Israeli military wrote on its official Telegram channel.It issued a similar alert a short time later.-AFP
Israel said on Friday (March 13, 2026) that Iran fired waves of missiles toward Israel, with emergency services reporting that two were injured in the country’s north.
“A short while ago, the IDF identified missiles launched from Iran toward the territory of the State of Israel. Defensive systems are operating to intercept the threat,” the Israeli military wrote on its official Telegram channel.
It issued a similar alert a short time later.
• March 13, 2026 08:15 War lays a political and diplomatic minefield for ModiThe U.S. torpedoing the Iranian ship IRIS Dena in the Indian Ocean may force Prime Minister Narendra Modi into taking a clear position on the West Asian war. Not only was the ship within India’s asserted sphere of influence — the Indian Ocean — but it was also returning from joint exercises with the Indian Navy, and was unarmed as a condition of these exercises. The position Mr. Modi takes will be a product of a number of forces. On the one hand, Iranian regime-change or state collapse will weaken New Delhi’s ambitions of becoming a pole in a multipolar world, and exacerbate uncertainty for India’s energy imports. India has now permitted another Iranian ship to have refuge in Kochi and issued public statements that the Navy assisted Sri Lanka in rescuing Dena. However, New Delhi is still subject to U.S. economic pressure and influential segments of India’s elite have an interest in stronger ties with Israel.Read the full story hereWar lays a political and diplomatic minefield for ModiModi faces political challenges as U.S.-Iran tensions complicate India's foreign policy and domestic support amid geopolitical pressures.
The U.S. torpedoing the Iranian ship IRIS Dena in the Indian Ocean may force Prime Minister Narendra Modi into taking a clear position on the West Asian war. Not only was the ship within India’s asserted sphere of influence — the Indian Ocean — but it was also returning from joint exercises with the Indian Navy, and was unarmed as a condition of these exercises. The position Mr. Modi takes will be a product of a number of forces. On the one hand, Iranian regime-change or state collapse will weaken New Delhi’s ambitions of becoming a pole in a multipolar world, and exacerbate uncertainty for India’s energy imports. India has now permitted another Iranian ship to have refuge in Kochi and issued public statements that the Navy assisted Sri Lanka in rescuing Dena. However, New Delhi is still subject to U.S. economic pressure and influential segments of India’s elite have an interest in stronger ties with Israel.
Read the full story here
War lays a political and diplomatic minefield for Modi
Modi faces political challenges as U.S.-Iran tensions complicate India's foreign policy and domestic support amid geopolitical pressures.
• March 13, 2026 08:08 Trump administration denounces CNN for airing messages from Iranian leadersThe Trump administration denounced CNN on Thursday (March 12, 2026) for airing a portion of the new Iranian supreme leader’s public statement, the second time in three days that he’s targeted the network for reporting on how the regime is responding to the American attacks.The White House said on social media that “fake news CNN just aired four straight minutes of uninterrupted Iranian state TV, run by the same psychotic and murderous regime that prided itself on brutally slaughtering Americans for 47 years.”Two days earlier, White House communications director Steven Cheung took issue with CNN anchor Erin Burnett’s interview with Seyed Hossein Mousavian, a former Iranian nuclear negotiator. Burnett asked Mousavian what he had been hearing about the Iranian government’s interest in having talks with the United States. There wasn’t much, he said.-AP
The Trump administration denounced CNN on Thursday (March 12, 2026) for airing a portion of the new Iranian supreme leader’s public statement, the second time in three days that he’s targeted the network for reporting on how the regime is responding to the American attacks.
The White House said on social media that “fake news CNN just aired four straight minutes of uninterrupted Iranian state TV, run by the same psychotic and murderous regime that prided itself on brutally slaughtering Americans for 47 years.”
Two days earlier, White House communications director Steven Cheung took issue with CNN anchor Erin Burnett’s interview with Seyed Hossein Mousavian, a former Iranian nuclear negotiator. Burnett asked Mousavian what he had been hearing about the Iranian government’s interest in having talks with the United States. There wasn’t much, he said.
• March 13, 2026 07:57 U.S. has burned through 'years' of munitions since start of Iran war, FT reportsThe Trump administration has burned through “years” of critical munitions since the start of the war with Iran, the Financial Times reported on Thursday (March 12, 2026), citing sources.The rapid depletion of weaponry included advanced long-range Tomahawk missiles, the newspaper said.Reuters could not immediately verify the report.-Reuters
The Trump administration has burned through “years” of critical munitions since the start of the war with Iran, the Financial Times reported on Thursday (March 12, 2026), citing sources.
The rapid depletion of weaponry included advanced long-range Tomahawk missiles, the newspaper said.
Reuters could not immediately verify the report.
-Reuters
• March 13, 2026 07:48 Trump administration takes steps to ease sanction on Russian oil The U.S. on Thursday (March 12, 2026) issued a new Russia-related general license that allows the sale of Russian crude oil and petroleum products loaded on vessels through April 11, according to the Treasury Department website.The license, which covers oil and petroleum products loaded on vessels as of March 12, comes a day after the U.S. Department of Energy announced that the U.S. would be releasing 172 million barrels of oil from the strategic petroleum reserve in an effort to curb sky-rocketing oil prices in the wake of the war in Iran.Read the full story hereTrump administration takes steps to ease sanction on Russian oilU.S. eases sanctions on Russian oil, allowing sales through April amid efforts to stabilize rising oil prices.
The U.S. on Thursday (March 12, 2026) issued a new Russia-related general license that allows the sale of Russian crude oil and petroleum products loaded on vessels through April 11, according to the Treasury Department website.
The license, which covers oil and petroleum products loaded on vessels as of March 12, comes a day after the U.S. Department of Energy announced that the U.S. would be releasing 172 million barrels of oil from the strategic petroleum reserve in an effort to curb sky-rocketing oil prices in the wake of the war in Iran.
Read the full story here
Trump administration takes steps to ease sanction on Russian oil
U.S. eases sanctions on Russian oil, allowing sales through April amid efforts to stabilize rising oil prices.
• March 13, 2026 07:45 Is India tailing the U.S. in its West Asia policy?A major war has erupted in West Asia, with Israel, the U.S., and Iran locked in direct conflict. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Israel just before the country, along with the U.S., attacked Iran. India has not condemned the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Meanwhile, the war has resulted in rising energy prices, economic risks, and put at risk the safety of hundreds of thousands of Indian families in the region. Is India tailing the U.S. in its West Asia policy? Talmiz Ahmad, former Indian diplomat and Kabir Taneja, Executive Director of Observer Research Foundation Middle East, discuss this question in a conversation moderated by Smriti Sudesh. Edited excerpts:Read the full interview hereIs India tailing the U.S. in its West Asia policy?Is India tailing the U.S. in its West Asia policy?
A major war has erupted in West Asia, with Israel, the U.S., and Iran locked in direct conflict. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Israel just before the country, along with the U.S., attacked Iran. India has not condemned the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Meanwhile, the war has resulted in rising energy prices, economic risks, and put at risk the safety of hundreds of thousands of Indian families in the region. Is India tailing the U.S. in its West Asia policy? Talmiz Ahmad, former Indian diplomat and Kabir Taneja, Executive Director of Observer Research Foundation Middle East, discuss this question in a conversation moderated by Smriti Sudesh. Edited excerpts:
Read the full interview here
Is India tailing the U.S. in its West Asia policy?
Is India tailing the U.S. in its West Asia policy?
• March 13, 2026 07:39 U.K. Defence Minister suggests Putin's 'hidden hand' behind Iran tacticsU.K. Defence Minister John Healey suggested on Thursday (March 12, 2026) that Russia was influencing Iran’s use of drone attacks in its war with the United States and Israel.Mr. Healey said Russian President Vladimir Putin’s “hidden hand” may be behind some of the tactics deployed by Tehran in the West Asian conflict, which started when the United States and Israel struck Iran on February 28.He told reporters that officials were analysing an Iranian-made drone that hit the U.K.’s Akrotiri air force base in Cyprus on March 1 “for any evidence of Russian or any other foreign components and parts”.-AFP
U.K. Defence Minister John Healey suggested on Thursday (March 12, 2026) that Russia was influencing Iran’s use of drone attacks in its war with the United States and Israel.
Mr. Healey said Russian President Vladimir Putin’s “hidden hand” may be behind some of the tactics deployed by Tehran in the West Asian conflict, which started when the United States and Israel struck Iran on February 28.
He told reporters that officials were analysing an Iranian-made drone that hit the U.K.’s Akrotiri air force base in Cyprus on March 1 “for any evidence of Russian or any other foreign components and parts”.
• March 13, 2026 07:28 Israeli military says struck Hezbollah command postsThe Israeli military said on Thursday (March 12, 2026) that it hit Hezbollah command posts in “several waves of strikes” on Beirut and southern Lebanon, shortly after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Beirut must restrain the armed group.“The IDF struck several Hezbollah command centers, from which Hezbollah terrorists operated to advance terror attacks against the State of Israel and its civilians,” the Israeli military said on its official Telegram channel.-AFP
The Israeli military said on Thursday (March 12, 2026) that it hit Hezbollah command posts in “several waves of strikes” on Beirut and southern Lebanon, shortly after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Beirut must restrain the armed group.
“The IDF struck several Hezbollah command centers, from which Hezbollah terrorists operated to advance terror attacks against the State of Israel and its civilians,” the Israeli military said on its official Telegram channel.
• March 13, 2026 07:20 Brent stays above $100, Asia stocks fallBrent crude inched further above $100 a barrel and stocks fell in early Asian trade on Friday (March 13, 2026), after Iran vowed to attack oil resources in the Middle East and keep choking the Strait of Hormuz.Having risen above $100, Brent was up 0.20% at $100.66 at around 0020 GMT, while West Texas Intermediate was flat at $95.75.In Japan, the Nikkei was down 1.4% at 53,687.30 points while the Kospi in South Korea fell 2.2% to 5,462.97.-AFP
Brent crude inched further above $100 a barrel and stocks fell in early Asian trade on Friday (March 13, 2026), after Iran vowed to attack oil resources in the Middle East and keep choking the Strait of Hormuz.
Having risen above $100, Brent was up 0.20% at $100.66 at around 0020 GMT, while West Texas Intermediate was flat at $95.75.
In Japan, the Nikkei was down 1.4% at 53,687.30 points while the Kospi in South Korea fell 2.2% to 5,462.97.
• March 13, 2026 07:17 Qatar condemns Israeli attacks on south LebanonQatar on Friday (March 13, 2026) condemned Israeli attacks on southern Lebanon and said they considered the attacks a blatant violation of international humanitarian law and UN Security Council Resolution 1701.In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Qatar, called on the international community to compel Israel to cease their ‘repeated attacks’ on Lebanon and to ‘respect international conventions and laws’.
Qatar on Friday (March 13, 2026) condemned Israeli attacks on southern Lebanon and said they considered the attacks a blatant violation of international humanitarian law and UN Security Council Resolution 1701.
In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Qatar, called on the international community to compel Israel to cease their ‘repeated attacks’ on Lebanon and to ‘respect international conventions and laws’.
• March 13, 2026 07:09 Iran sets three conditions for ending warIran on Wednesday (March 11, 2026), the 12th day of the war, set three conditions for ending the conflict, including guarantees against future attacks even as the U.S. and Israel continued their air strikes in the country.“Talking to leaders of Russia and Pakistan, I reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to peace in the region,” President Masoud Pezeshkian wrote in a social media post. “The only way to end this war — ignited by the Zionist regime and U.S. — is recognising Iran’s legitimate rights, payment of reparations, and firm international guarantees against future aggression,” he said.Read the story hereIran sets three conditions for ending warIran sets three conditions to end the war, including reparations and guarantees against future attacks amid ongoing U.S. and Israeli strikes.
Iran on Wednesday (March 11, 2026), the 12th day of the war, set three conditions for ending the conflict, including guarantees against future attacks even as the U.S. and Israel continued their air strikes in the country.
“Talking to leaders of Russia and Pakistan, I reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to peace in the region,” President Masoud Pezeshkian wrote in a social media post. “The only way to end this war — ignited by the Zionist regime and U.S. — is recognising Iran’s legitimate rights, payment of reparations, and firm international guarantees against future aggression,” he said.
Read the story here
Iran sets three conditions for ending war
Iran sets three conditions to end the war, including reparations and guarantees against future attacks amid ongoing U.S. and Israeli strikes.
• March 13, 2026 07:03 U.S. Navy could escort vessels in Strait of Hormuz with international coalition, Bessent saysThe U.S. Navy, perhaps with an international coalition, will escort vessels through the Strait of Hormuz when it is militarily possible, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told Sky News in an interview on Thursday (March 12, 2026).The plan to escort ships would go ahead as soon as the U.S. has “complete control of the skies and ... (Iran’s) rebuilding capabilities for the missiles completely degraded,” he said.U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran and the subsequent response by Tehran have widened regional tensions and paralyzed shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting vital oil and gas flows in West Asia and sending energy prices higher.Read the full story hereU.S. Navy could escort vessels in Strait of Hormuz with international coalition, Bessent saysU.S. Navy plans to escort vessels through Strait of Hormuz as tensions rise amid Iran-Israel conflict, says Treasury Secretary.
The U.S. Navy, perhaps with an international coalition, will escort vessels through the Strait of Hormuz when it is militarily possible, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told Sky News in an interview on Thursday (March 12, 2026).
The plan to escort ships would go ahead as soon as the U.S. has “complete control of the skies and ... (Iran’s) rebuilding capabilities for the missiles completely degraded,” he said.
U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran and the subsequent response by Tehran have widened regional tensions and paralyzed shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting vital oil and gas flows in West Asia and sending energy prices higher.
Read the full story here
U.S. Navy could escort vessels in Strait of Hormuz with international coalition, Bessent says
U.S. Navy plans to escort vessels through Strait of Hormuz as tensions rise amid Iran-Israel conflict, says Treasury Secretary.
• March 13, 2026 07:00 Iran-backed Iraqi group claims responsibility for downing U.S. military aircraftThe Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella group of Iran-backed armed factions, claimed responsibility for downing a U.S. military refueling aircraft in western Iraq on Thursday (March 12, 2026).The group said in a statement it had shot down the KC-135 aircraft “in defence of our country’s sovereignty and airspace”.-Reuters
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella group of Iran-backed armed factions, claimed responsibility for downing a U.S. military refueling aircraft in western Iraq on Thursday (March 12, 2026).
The group said in a statement it had shot down the KC-135 aircraft “in defence of our country’s sovereignty and airspace”.
-Reuters
• March 13, 2026 06:48 Saudi forces down drones after Iran vows to target oil resourcesSaudi forces intercepted more than two dozen drones on Friday (March 13, 2026) after Iran vowed to attack oil resources in West Asia and said it would maintain a chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz that has sent crude prices soaring.Israel also came under attack from missiles launched by Iran, with the Israeli military saying its air defences were working to intercept them.Mr. Trump has faced intense political pressure as the global economic fallout of the crisis has mounted, and he has given mixed messages as to when the US campaign might end.-AFP
Saudi forces intercepted more than two dozen drones on Friday (March 13, 2026) after Iran vowed to attack oil resources in West Asia and said it would maintain a chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz that has sent crude prices soaring.
Israel also came under attack from missiles launched by Iran, with the Israeli military saying its air defences were working to intercept them.
Mr. Trump has faced intense political pressure as the global economic fallout of the crisis has mounted, and he has given mixed messages as to when the US campaign might end.
• March 13, 2026 06:40 Reports of Iran allowing Indian ships through Strait of Hormuz ‘premature’: CentreThe External Affairs Ministry on Thursday (March 12, 2026) said it is rather “premature” to discuss reports about India receiving permission for ships to cross the Strait of Hormuz.“External Affairs Minister and Foreign Minister of Iran have had three conversations in the last few days. The last one discussed issues pertaining to safety of shipping and India’s energy security. Beyond that, it would be premature for me to say anything,” said Randhir Jaiswal, official spokesperson of the Ministry.Read the full story hereReports of Iran allowing Indian ships through Strait of Hormuz ‘premature’: CentreIndia's Ministry of External Affairs calls reports on Iranian permission for Indian ships through the Strait of Hormuz "premature."
The External Affairs Ministry on Thursday (March 12, 2026) said it is rather “premature” to discuss reports about India receiving permission for ships to cross the Strait of Hormuz.
“External Affairs Minister and Foreign Minister of Iran have had three conversations in the last few days. The last one discussed issues pertaining to safety of shipping and India’s energy security. Beyond that, it would be premature for me to say anything,” said Randhir Jaiswal, official spokesperson of the Ministry.
Read the full story here
Reports of Iran allowing Indian ships through Strait of Hormuz ‘premature’: Centre
India's Ministry of External Affairs calls reports on Iranian permission for Indian ships through the Strait of Hormuz "premature."
• March 13, 2026 06:39 Iran not going to close Strait of Hormuz, Tehran’s UN Envoy saysIran’s U.N. Ambassador said on Thursday (March 12, 2026) that Tehran was not going to close the Strait of Hormuz, but added that it was Iran’s right to preserve the security of the key shipping route.Amir Saeid Iravani made his comments to reporters at the United Nations when asked about remarks by new Iranian supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, who said that the “lever of blocking the Strait of Hormuz must continue to be used.”Read the full story hereIran not going to close Strait of Hormuz, Tehran’s UN Envoy saysIran's UN envoy affirms the Strait of Hormuz will remain open, urging ships to coordinate with its navy for security.
Iran’s U.N. Ambassador said on Thursday (March 12, 2026) that Tehran was not going to close the Strait of Hormuz, but added that it was Iran’s right to preserve the security of the key shipping route.
Amir Saeid Iravani made his comments to reporters at the United Nations when asked about remarks by new Iranian supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, who said that the “lever of blocking the Strait of Hormuz must continue to be used.”
Read the full story here
Iran not going to close Strait of Hormuz, Tehran’s UN Envoy says
Iran's UN envoy affirms the Strait of Hormuz will remain open, urging ships to coordinate with its navy for security.
• March 13, 2026 06:38 Netanyahu threatens Iran new leader, says government collapse uncertainPrime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday (March 12, 2026) issued a veiled threat to kill Iran’s new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei even as he acknowledged that Israel’s joint air war with the U.S. may not lead to a collapse of Tehran’s clerical government.Holding his first press conference since the start of the war, the Israeli leader said that Iran was “no longer the same” after nearly two weeks of bombardment and that Tehran had suffered blows to its elite Revolutionary Guards Corps and Basij paramilitary force.He vowed to keep hitting Lebanon’s Hezbollah after the Iran-backed group opened fire on March 2 to avenge Israel’s killing of Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei - Mojtaba Khamenei’s father - at the start of the war.-Reuters
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday (March 12, 2026) issued a veiled threat to kill Iran’s new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei even as he acknowledged that Israel’s joint air war with the U.S. may not lead to a collapse of Tehran’s clerical government.
Holding his first press conference since the start of the war, the Israeli leader said that Iran was “no longer the same” after nearly two weeks of bombardment and that Tehran had suffered blows to its elite Revolutionary Guards Corps and Basij paramilitary force.
He vowed to keep hitting Lebanon’s Hezbollah after the Iran-backed group opened fire on March 2 to avenge Israel’s killing of Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei - Mojtaba Khamenei’s father - at the start of the war.
-Reuters
• March 13, 2026 06:35 Trump tells Iran team to skip FIFA World Cup for 'their own life and safety'President Donald Trump suggested on Thursday (March 12, 2026) that Iran’s national soccer team should withdraw from the upcoming FIFA World Cup as a personal safety measure.Mr. Trump wrote on Truth Social, the social media platform he owns, that Iran is welcome to play this summer in the United States, “but I really don’t believe it is appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”Read the full story hereTrump tells Iran team to skip FIFA World Cup for 'their own life and safety'Trump advises Iran's soccer team to skip the FIFA World Cup for safety, amid rising tensions and recent geopolitical events.
President Donald Trump suggested on Thursday (March 12, 2026) that Iran’s national soccer team should withdraw from the upcoming FIFA World Cup as a personal safety measure.
Mr. Trump wrote on Truth Social, the social media platform he owns, that Iran is welcome to play this summer in the United States, “but I really don’t believe it is appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”
Read the full story here
Trump tells Iran team to skip FIFA World Cup for 'their own life and safety'
Trump advises Iran's soccer team to skip the FIFA World Cup for safety, amid rising tensions and recent geopolitical events.
• March 13, 2026 06:34 U.S. military says refuelling aircraft crashed in Iraq ‘during Operation Epic Fury’A U.S. military refuelling aircraft crashed in western Iraq on Thursday (March 12, 2026), in an incident U.S. Central Command said involved another aircraft but was not the result of hostile or friendly fire.In a statement, U.S. Central Command said it was carrying out rescue efforts after the U.S. KC-135 refuelling aircraft went down. The second aircraft landed safely.“The incident occurred in friendly airspace during Operation Epic Fury, and rescue efforts are ongoing,” the statement said, using the name of the U.S. operation against Iran.Read the full story hereU.S. military says refuelling aircraft crashed in Iraq ‘during Operation Epic Fury’; rescue effort under wayA U.S. KC-135 refuelling aircraft crashed in Iraq during Operation Epic Fury; rescue efforts are currently underway.
A U.S. military refuelling aircraft crashed in western Iraq on Thursday (March 12, 2026), in an incident U.S. Central Command said involved another aircraft but was not the result of hostile or friendly fire.
In a statement, U.S. Central Command said it was carrying out rescue efforts after the U.S. KC-135 refuelling aircraft went down. The second aircraft landed safely.
“The incident occurred in friendly airspace during Operation Epic Fury, and rescue efforts are ongoing,” the statement said, using the name of the U.S. operation against Iran.
Read the full story here
U.S. military says refuelling aircraft crashed in Iraq ‘during Operation Epic Fury’; rescue effort under way
A U.S. KC-135 refuelling aircraft crashed in Iraq during Operation Epic Fury; rescue efforts are currently underway.
Published - March 13, 2026 06:33 am IST
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