Iran-Israel war LIVE: Will completely close Strait of Hormuz if U.S. targets power plants, says Iran

#### Key Updates

• West Asia war at 'perilous stage' with strikes around nuclear sites: WHO

• Iran has fired 400 missiles at Israel, 92% intercepted since start of war: military

• Israel instructs its military to speed up demolition of Lebanese homes in 'frontline villages'

• Britain sees no evidence that Iran is targeting Europe with missiles

• Iran says 'terrorist, cyber attacks' by U.S., Israel caused heavy damage to water, energy infra

• Iran state media says drone strikes target military base near Baghdad airport

• Iran army says will target energy, desalination infrastructure after U.S. threats

• Trump threatens Iran with power plant strikes over Hormuz blockade

• March 23, 2026 04:18 Iraqi pro-Iran group prolongs pause in U.S. embassy attacksKataeb Hezbollah, an influential pro-Iran Iraqi armed group, announced on Monday that it would extend a pause on its attacks on the U.S. embassy in Baghdad by five days.“The deadline given to the embassy of American evil will be extended by an additional five days,” the group said in a statement.The group warned that it would respond if it came under attack and denied involvement in a drone strike that hit an Iraqi intelligence building on Saturday, killing an officer.-AFP

Kataeb Hezbollah, an influential pro-Iran Iraqi armed group, announced on Monday that it would extend a pause on its attacks on the U.S. embassy in Baghdad by five days.

“The deadline given to the embassy of American evil will be extended by an additional five days,” the group said in a statement.

The group warned that it would respond if it came under attack and denied involvement in a drone strike that hit an Iraqi intelligence building on Saturday, killing an officer.

• March 23, 2026 00:19 Israel to advance ground operations in Lebanon after striking key bridgeThe Israeli military announced it was expanding its ground campaign against Hezbollah in Lebanon, warning of a lengthy operation, after Beirut condemned what it called Israel’s flagrant violations of Lebanese sovereignty.Israeli forces were ordered earlier Sunday to destroy bridges they said were used by the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah to cross the Litani River, and Lebanese official media reported Israeli raids in several areas of the south.An AFP correspondent saw smoke billowing from a bridge that was hit outside the city of Tyre.“The operation against the Hezbollah terrorist organisation has only begun... This is a prolonged operation,” Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir said in a statement.“We are now preparing to advance the targeted ground operations and strikes according to an organised plan,” he added. -AFP

The Israeli military announced it was expanding its ground campaign against Hezbollah in Lebanon, warning of a lengthy operation, after Beirut condemned what it called Israel’s flagrant violations of Lebanese sovereignty.

Israeli forces were ordered earlier Sunday to destroy bridges they said were used by the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah to cross the Litani River, and Lebanese official media reported Israeli raids in several areas of the south.

An AFP correspondent saw smoke billowing from a bridge that was hit outside the city of Tyre.

“The operation against the Hezbollah terrorist organisation has only begun... This is a prolonged operation,” Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir said in a statement.

“We are now preparing to advance the targeted ground operations and strikes according to an organised plan,” he added.

• March 22, 2026 21:41 Treasury Secretary Bessent says U.S. has 'plenty' of funds for Iran war The U.S. government has “plenty of money” to fund the ‌war against Iran, but is requesting supplemental funding from Congress to ensure the military is well supplied in the future, U.S. ⁠Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Sunday.--- Reuters

The U.S. government has “plenty of money” to fund the ‌war against Iran, but is requesting supplemental funding from Congress to ensure the military is well supplied in the future, U.S. ⁠Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Sunday.

--- Reuters

• March 22, 2026 21:39 Iran to completely close Hormuz if Trump executes threats on Iranian energy, Revolutionary Guards say Iran will completely shut the strategic Strait ‌of Hormuz if U.S. President ⁠Trump executes threats to target Iranian energy facilities, ‌the country’s Revolutionary Guards said ‌in a statement ‌on ⁠Sunday.Mr. Trump on ⁠Saturday threatened to “obliterate” Iran’s power plants if Tehran did not ‌fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz within 48-hours, suggesting a ‌significant escalation barely a day after he talked about “winding ⁠down” the war, now in ‌its fourth week.In their Sunday statement Iran’s Revolutionary Guards also said companies with U.S. shares ‌will be ‘completely destroyed’, if Iranian energy facilities were targeted by ⁠Washington and energy facilities ⁠in countries that host U.S. ‌bases will be ‘lawful’ targets. -- Reuters

Iran will completely shut the strategic Strait ‌of Hormuz if U.S. President ⁠Trump executes threats to target Iranian energy facilities, ‌the country’s Revolutionary Guards said ‌in a statement ‌on ⁠Sunday.

Mr. Trump on ⁠Saturday threatened to “obliterate” Iran’s power plants if Tehran did not ‌fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz within 48-hours, suggesting a ‌significant escalation barely a day after he talked about “winding ⁠down” the war, now in ‌its fourth week.

In their Sunday statement Iran’s Revolutionary Guards also said companies with U.S. shares ‌will be ‘completely destroyed’, if Iranian energy facilities were targeted by ⁠Washington and energy facilities ⁠in countries that host U.S. ‌bases will be ‘lawful’ targets. -- Reuters

• March 22, 2026 19:00 Israeli military strikes bridge in south Lebanon after warning: AFP

• March 22, 2026 18:59 Iran minister says U.S., Israeli strikes caused 'heavy damage' to water, energy infrastructure Iran’s critical water and energy infrastructure have suffered extensive damage due to U.S. and Israeli strikes on tens of thousands of civilian sites, officials said on Sunday.Israel and the United States launched strikes on Iran on February 28, killing the Islamic republic’s supreme leader and sparking a war that has since spread across the Middle East.“The country’s vital water and electricity infrastructure has suffered heavy damage following terrorist and cyber attacks by the United States and the Zionist regime,” said energy minister Abbas Aliabadi, according to ISNA news agency.-- AFP

Iran’s critical water and energy infrastructure have suffered extensive damage due to U.S. and Israeli strikes on tens of thousands of civilian sites, officials said on Sunday.

Israel and the United States launched strikes on Iran on February 28, killing the Islamic republic’s supreme leader and sparking a war that has since spread across the Middle East.

“The country’s vital water and electricity infrastructure has suffered heavy damage following terrorist and cyber attacks by the United States and the Zionist regime,” said energy minister Abbas Aliabadi, according to ISNA news agency.-- AFP

• March 22, 2026 18:46 West Asia tensions hit Surat: Migrant workers leave over LPG shortageWest Asia tensions hit Surat: Migrant workers leave over LPG shortageMigrant workers in Surat flee home due to LPG shortages amid West Asia tensions, despite available employment opportunities.

West Asia tensions hit Surat: Migrant workers leave over LPG shortage

Migrant workers in Surat flee home due to LPG shortages amid West Asia tensions, despite available employment opportunities.

• March 22, 2026 18:18 Israel PM visits town hit by Iran strike, vows to target Guards leaders Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed on Sunday to pursue senior commanders of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards “personally”, during a visit to a town struck by an Iranian missile the previous day.“We’re going after the regime. We’re going after the IRGC, this criminal gang,” Netanyahu said, as he inspected the damage in the southern Israeli town of Arad.“We’re going after them personally, their leaders, their installations, their economic assets. We’re going after them personally.”The second town struck by an Iranian missile on Saturday was Dimona, widely believed to house Israel’s undeclared nuclear arsenal.--- AFP

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed on Sunday to pursue senior commanders of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards “personally”, during a visit to a town struck by an Iranian missile the previous day.

“We’re going after the regime. We’re going after the IRGC, this criminal gang,” Netanyahu said, as he inspected the damage in the southern Israeli town of Arad.

“We’re going after them personally, their leaders, their installations, their economic assets. We’re going after them personally.”

The second town struck by an Iranian missile on Saturday was Dimona, widely believed to house Israel’s undeclared nuclear arsenal.--- AFP

• March 22, 2026 18:10 Iran warns of 'irreversible damage' to regional infrastructure if power plants attacked, post on X Critical infrastructure and energy facilities ‌in the Middle East could ⁠be “irreversibly destroyed” should Iranian power plants be ‌targeted, Iran’s Parliament Speaker ‌Mohammad Baqer ‌Qalibaf ⁠said in ⁠comments posted on X on Sunday.His comments come after ‌U.S. President Donald Trump warned that Iranian power ‌plants would be targeted if the Strait ⁠of Hormuz is not “fully open” within ‌48 hours.Qalibaf said regional infrastructure would become “legitimate targets” should Iran’s ‌facilities be hit, and that its retaliation would increase ⁠the price of ⁠oil for a while.-- Reuters

Critical infrastructure and energy facilities ‌in the Middle East could ⁠be “irreversibly destroyed” should Iranian power plants be ‌targeted, Iran’s Parliament Speaker ‌Mohammad Baqer ‌Qalibaf ⁠said in ⁠comments posted on X on Sunday.

His comments come after ‌U.S. President Donald Trump warned that Iranian power ‌plants would be targeted if the Strait ⁠of Hormuz is not “fully open” within ‌48 hours.

Qalibaf said regional infrastructure would become “legitimate targets” should Iran’s ‌facilities be hit, and that its retaliation would increase ⁠the price of ⁠oil for a while.-- Reuters

• March 22, 2026 18:08 "It's time for them to act": Netanyahu calls on world leaders to "join up" with U.S.-Israel war on Iran Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday urged global leaders to join with Israel and the United States’ war effort against Iran, citing recent attacks on Israeli territory as evidence of what he described as a growing global threat.Speaking at the site of a missile strike by Iran in Israel’s Arad, Netanyahu said recent developments over the past 48 hours demonstrate that Iran poses a danger not only to Israel but also to the wider international community.The Israeli PM stated that Iran has targeted civilian areas and key religious sites in Jerusalem, including the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Al-Aqsa Mosque.“If you want proof that Iran endangers the entire world, the last 48 hours have given it. In the last 48 hours, Iran targeted a civilian area. They’re doing that as a mass murder weapon. Luckily, no one was killed, but that’s due to luck, not their intention. Their intention is to murder civilians,” Mr. Netanyahu said.-- ANI

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday urged global leaders to join with Israel and the United States’ war effort against Iran, citing recent attacks on Israeli territory as evidence of what he described as a growing global threat.Speaking at the site of a missile strike by Iran in Israel’s Arad, Netanyahu said recent developments over the past 48 hours demonstrate that Iran poses a danger not only to Israel but also to the wider international community.The Israeli PM stated that Iran has targeted civilian areas and key religious sites in Jerusalem, including the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Al-Aqsa Mosque.“If you want proof that Iran endangers the entire world, the last 48 hours have given it. In the last 48 hours, Iran targeted a civilian area. They’re doing that as a mass murder weapon. Luckily, no one was killed, but that’s due to luck, not their intention. Their intention is to murder civilians,” Mr. Netanyahu said.-- ANI

• March 22, 2026 17:49 Iran has fired 400 missiles at Israel, 92% intercepted since start of war: military Israel’s military said on Sunday that Iran had fired more than 400 ballistic missiles at Israel since the start of the West Asia war, with around 92% of them intercepted.The figures were announced a day after Iranian missiles struck two towns in southern Israel, leaving around 175 people needing medical treatment.“Iran has fired over 400 ballistic missiles. We have had great interception rates. We have approximately a 92% successful interception rate,” Israeli military spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani told journalists.--- AFP

Israel’s military said on Sunday that Iran had fired more than 400 ballistic missiles at Israel since the start of the West Asia war, with around 92% of them intercepted.

The figures were announced a day after Iranian missiles struck two towns in southern Israel, leaving around 175 people needing medical treatment.

“Iran has fired over 400 ballistic missiles. We have had great interception rates. We have approximately a 92% successful interception rate,” Israeli military spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani told journalists.

• March 22, 2026 17:38 Rocket fire from Lebanon kills one in north Israel as Hezbollah claims attacks Israel said rocket fire from Lebanon killed one person on Sunday as Hezbollah said it attacked soldiers in northern Israel, the first fatality there in fire from Lebanon since the latest war erupted.Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said Sunday that the army had been ordered to destroy more bridges over Lebanon’s Litani River that are allegedly being used by Hezbollah in the country’s south, and to step up the demolition of houses.Lebanon was pulled into the Middle East war when Hezbollah began firing rockets into Israel on March 2 to avenge the killing of Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei in Israeli-US attacks.Israel has sent troops into Lebanon and carried out extensive airstrikes in the country, while Hezbollah continues to fire rocket barrages across the border.-- AFP

Israel said rocket fire from Lebanon killed one person on Sunday as Hezbollah said it attacked soldiers in northern Israel, the first fatality there in fire from Lebanon since the latest war erupted.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said Sunday that the army had been ordered to destroy more bridges over Lebanon’s Litani River that are allegedly being used by Hezbollah in the country’s south, and to step up the demolition of houses.

Lebanon was pulled into the Middle East war when Hezbollah began firing rockets into Israel on March 2 to avenge the killing of Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei in Israeli-US attacks.

Israel has sent troops into Lebanon and carried out extensive airstrikes in the country, while Hezbollah continues to fire rocket barrages across the border.-- AFP

• March 22, 2026 17:15 Israel PM visits town hit by Iran strike, vows to target Guards leaders Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed on Sunday to pursue senior commanders of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards “personally”, during a visit to an Israeli town struck by an Iranian missile the previous day.“We’re going after the regime. We’re going after the IRGC, this criminal gang,” Netanyahu said, as he inspected the damage in the southern town of Arad.“We’re going after them personally, their leaders, their installations, their economic assets. We’re going after them personally.”-- AFP

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed on Sunday to pursue senior commanders of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards “personally”, during a visit to an Israeli town struck by an Iranian missile the previous day.

“We’re going after the regime. We’re going after the IRGC, this criminal gang,” Netanyahu said, as he inspected the damage in the southern town of Arad.

“We’re going after them personally, their leaders, their installations, their economic assets. We’re going after them personally.”-- AFP

• March 22, 2026 16:29 West Asia war at 'perilous stage' with strikes around nuclear sites: WHO The West Asia war has reached a “perilous stage” with strikes around nuclear sites in Iran and Israel, the World Health Organization warned Sunday, as it called for maximum restraint.“Attacks targeting nuclear sites create an escalating threat to public health and environmental safety,” WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on X. “I urgently call on all parties to exercise maximum military restraint and avoid any actions that could trigger nuclear incidents.”-- AFP

The West Asia war has reached a “perilous stage” with strikes around nuclear sites in Iran and Israel, the World Health Organization warned Sunday, as it called for maximum restraint.

“Attacks targeting nuclear sites create an escalating threat to public health and environmental safety,” WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on X. “I urgently call on all parties to exercise maximum military restraint and avoid any actions that could trigger nuclear incidents.”-- AFP

• March 22, 2026 16:04 Iran has fired 400 missiles at Israel, 92% intercepted since start of war: military Israel’s military said on Sunday (March 22, 2026) that Iran had fired more than 400 ballistic missiles at Israel since the start of the war, with around 92% of them intercepted.“Iran has fired over 400 ballistic missiles. We have had great inception rates. We have approximately a 92% successful interception rate,” Israeli military spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani told journalists.AFP

Israel’s military said on Sunday (March 22, 2026) that Iran had fired more than 400 ballistic missiles at Israel since the start of the war, with around 92% of them intercepted.

“Iran has fired over 400 ballistic missiles. We have had great inception rates. We have approximately a 92% successful interception rate,” Israeli military spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani told journalists.

• March 22, 2026 16:01 F-15 fighter jet shot down by Iranian air defence systems near Hormuz Island: state media“An enemy’s F-15 fighter jet was shot down by Iranian air defence systems near Hormuz Island after being intercepted over the country’s southern coast,” Iran’s Press TV reported on Sunday (March 22, 2026).The United States has lost multiple aircraft during the conflict so far — including three F-15s mistakenly shot down by Kuwaiti forces, and a KC-135 refuelling aircraft that crashed in Iraq — but none that are known to have been hit by Iranian fire

“An enemy’s F-15 fighter jet was shot down by Iranian air defence systems near Hormuz Island after being intercepted over the country’s southern coast,” Iran’s Press TV reported on Sunday (March 22, 2026).

The United States has lost multiple aircraft during the conflict so far — including three F-15s mistakenly shot down by Kuwaiti forces, and a KC-135 refuelling aircraft that crashed in Iraq — but none that are known to have been hit by Iranian fire

• March 22, 2026 15:48 Projectile hits vessel off UAE's Sharjah, UKMTO saysAn unknown projectile struck a ‌vessel 15 nautical ‌miles ‌north ⁠of the ⁠United Arab Emirates’ Sharjah, the United Kingdom ‌Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said early on Sunday (March 22, 2026).It ‌said that all crew were ⁠reported safe.The UKMTO said ‌in a later statement that the target ‌of the incident could not be conclusively ⁠identified and authorities were ⁠investigating.Reuters

An unknown projectile struck a ‌vessel 15 nautical ‌miles ‌north ⁠of the ⁠United Arab Emirates’ Sharjah, the United Kingdom ‌Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said early on Sunday (March 22, 2026).

It ‌said that all crew were ⁠reported safe.

The UKMTO said ‌in a later statement that the target ‌of the incident could not be conclusively ⁠identified and authorities were ⁠investigating.

• March 22, 2026 15:35 Israel instructs its military to speed up demolition of Lebanese homes in 'frontline villages'Israel’s Defence Minister Israel ‌Katz said on ⁠Sunday (March 22, 2026) that he and Prime ‌Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had ‌instructed ‌the ⁠military ⁠to accelerate the demolition of Lebanese homes ‌in “frontline villages” to end threats to Israeli ‌communities. The military was also told to immediately ⁠destroy all bridges over ‌Lebanon’s Litani river which he said were ‌used for “terrorist activity”.Reuters

Israel’s Defence Minister Israel ‌Katz said on ⁠Sunday (March 22, 2026) that he and Prime ‌Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had ‌instructed ‌the ⁠military ⁠to accelerate the demolition of Lebanese homes ‌in “frontline villages” to end threats to Israeli ‌communities. The military was also told to immediately ⁠destroy all bridges over ‌Lebanon’s Litani river which he said were ‌used for “terrorist activity”.

• March 22, 2026 15:21 Britain sees no evidence that Iran is targeting Europe with missilesBritish Cabinet minister Steve Reed ‌said on Sunday (March 22, 2026) that there was no assessment that backed ⁠claims Iran is planning to strike Europe with ballistic missiles, or that it ‌even has the capacity to do so.On Saturday (March 21, 2026), the ‌Israel Defence Forces posted on ‌social media ⁠that Iran has missiles “that ⁠can reach London, Paris or Berlin”.“There is no assessment to substantiate what’s being said,” British Housing Secretary Reed ‌told the BBC.“I’m not aware of any assessment at all that they are even trying to target ‌Europe, let alone that they could if they tried.”Reuters

British Cabinet minister Steve Reed ‌said on Sunday (March 22, 2026) that there was no assessment that backed ⁠claims Iran is planning to strike Europe with ballistic missiles, or that it ‌even has the capacity to do so.

On Saturday (March 21, 2026), the ‌Israel Defence Forces posted on ‌social media ⁠that Iran has missiles “that ⁠can reach London, Paris or Berlin”.

“There is no assessment to substantiate what’s being said,” British Housing Secretary Reed ‌told the BBC.

“I’m not aware of any assessment at all that they are even trying to target ‌Europe, let alone that they could if they tried.”

• March 22, 2026 15:14 Iran says 'terrorist, cyber attacks' by U.S., Israel caused heavy damage to water, energy infra Iran’s critical water and energy infrastructure have suffered extensive damage due to U.S. and Israeli strikes, the country’s energy minister said on Sunday (March 22, 2026).“The country’s vital water and electricity infrastructure has suffered heavy damage following terrorist and cyber attacks by the United States and the Zionist regime,” said energy minister Abbas Aliabadi, according to ISNA news agency.“The attacks targeted dozens of water transmission and treatment facilities and destroyed parts of critical water supply networks,” he noted, adding that efforts were underway to repair the damage.AFP

Iran’s critical water and energy infrastructure have suffered extensive damage due to U.S. and Israeli strikes, the country’s energy minister said on Sunday (March 22, 2026).

“The attacks targeted dozens of water transmission and treatment facilities and destroyed parts of critical water supply networks,” he noted, adding that efforts were underway to repair the damage.

• March 22, 2026 15:08 Overnight attacks target U.S. centre at Baghdad airport: security officialsEight overnight attacks targeted a U.S. diplomatic and logistics centre at Baghdad’s International Airport, an Iraqi security official said on Sunday (March 22, 2026), adding that “some rockets landed near the base”.A second security official said there had been at least six strikes, with a police source saying a rocket launcher was discovered in a Baghdad district near the airport.The U.S. diplomatic and logistics hub is located in the international airport complex, which has been repeatedly targeted since the start of the war on February 28.Pro-Iran armed groups have claimed responsibility for attacks on U.S. interests in Iraq and across the region, while strikes have also targeted these groups.AFP

Eight overnight attacks targeted a U.S. diplomatic and logistics centre at Baghdad’s International Airport, an Iraqi security official said on Sunday (March 22, 2026), adding that “some rockets landed near the base”.

A second security official said there had been at least six strikes, with a police source saying a rocket launcher was discovered in a Baghdad district near the airport.

The U.S. diplomatic and logistics hub is located in the international airport complex, which has been repeatedly targeted since the start of the war on February 28.

Pro-Iran armed groups have claimed responsibility for attacks on U.S. interests in Iraq and across the region, while strikes have also targeted these groups.

• March 22, 2026 14:09 West Asia conflict: Modi calls ministerial meeting to review energy situation Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair a meeting on Sunday (March 22) evening with senior Ministers to review and take stock of the petroleum, power, and fertiliser sectors in view of the evolving West Asia situation, sources have said.The focus of the meeting is to ensure uninterrupted supply, stable logistics and efficient distribution across the country, and the government is taking proactive steps to this end, they said. Continuous monitoring of global developments to protect consumer and industry interests is the key focus of the government, they said.- PTI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair a meeting on Sunday (March 22) evening with senior Ministers to review and take stock of the petroleum, power, and fertiliser sectors in view of the evolving West Asia situation, sources have said.

The focus of the meeting is to ensure uninterrupted supply, stable logistics and efficient distribution across the country, and the government is taking proactive steps to this end, they said.

Continuous monitoring of global developments to protect consumer and industry interests is the key focus of the government, they said.

• March 22, 2026 13:34 Hezbollah says it has attacked soldiers in north Israel's Misgav AmLebanon’s Iran-backed Hezbollah militant group said it attacked Israeli soldiers in northern Israel’s Misgav Am, where first responders said rocket fire from Lebanon killed one person.In a statement, the group said its fighters targeted “a gathering of Israeli enemy soldiers” in Misgav Am “with a rocket barrage” -- one of a series of attacks it claimed against Israeli troops in northern Israel and southern Lebanon on Sunday.The death is the first Israeli fatality from fire from Lebanon since fighting started with Hezbollah on March 2.- AFP

Lebanon’s Iran-backed Hezbollah militant group said it attacked Israeli soldiers in northern Israel’s Misgav Am, where first responders said rocket fire from Lebanon killed one person.

In a statement, the group said its fighters targeted “a gathering of Israeli enemy soldiers” in Misgav Am “with a rocket barrage” -- one of a series of attacks it claimed against Israeli troops in northern Israel and southern Lebanon on Sunday.

The death is the first Israeli fatality from fire from Lebanon since fighting started with Hezbollah on March 2.

• March 22, 2026 12:55 Rocket fire from Lebanon kills one in northern Israel: emergency unitIsraeli first responders said rocket fire from Lebanon killed one person on Sunday (March 22) close to Israel’s northern border.The ZAKA 360 emergency response unit said a person was pronounced dead after a strike on their vehicle “carried out by a rocket fired from Lebanon”.Local firefighters said flames had engulfed two vehicles after a “direct hit”.- AFP

Israeli first responders said rocket fire from Lebanon killed one person on Sunday (March 22) close to Israel’s northern border.

The ZAKA 360 emergency response unit said a person was pronounced dead after a strike on their vehicle “carried out by a rocket fired from Lebanon”.

Local firefighters said flames had engulfed two vehicles after a “direct hit”.

• March 22, 2026 12:48 One killed after fire in vehicles near Israel's Galilee, emergency service says after strikes from Lebanon One person ‌was killed after a ⁠fire broke out in ‌two vehicles ‌near ‌Israel’s ⁠northern Galilee, the ⁠Israeli emergency service said on ‌Sunday (March 22), after the Israeli military reported ‌strikes from Lebanon toward a ⁠community along the north ‌border.Damage and wounded were reported, the ‌Israeli military said, without further elaborating.- Reuters

One person ‌was killed after a ⁠fire broke out in ‌two vehicles ‌near ‌Israel’s ⁠northern Galilee, the ⁠Israeli emergency service said on ‌Sunday (March 22), after the Israeli military reported ‌strikes from Lebanon toward a ⁠community along the north ‌border.

Damage and wounded were reported, the ‌Israeli military said, without further elaborating.

•Reuters

• March 22, 2026 12:33 Iran says Hormuz open to all but ‘enemy-linked’ ships amid US threatThe Strait of Hormuz remains open ‌to all shipping except vessels linked to “Iran’s enemies”, Iran’s ⁠representative to the U.N. maritime agency said on Sunday (March 22), after U.S. President ‌Donald Trump threatened to target Iranian power plants if ‌the waterway was not “fully ‌open” ⁠within 48 hours.The threat of ⁠Iranian attacks during the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran has kept most ships from getting through ‌the narrow strait, the conduit for around a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas ‌supplies, threatening a global energy shock.- Reuters

The Strait of Hormuz remains open ‌to all shipping except vessels linked to “Iran’s enemies”, Iran’s ⁠representative to the U.N. maritime agency said on Sunday (March 22), after U.S. President ‌Donald Trump threatened to target Iranian power plants if ‌the waterway was not “fully ‌open” ⁠within 48 hours.

The threat of ⁠Iranian attacks during the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran has kept most ships from getting through ‌the narrow strait, the conduit for around a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas ‌supplies, threatening a global energy shock.

•Reuters

• March 22, 2026 12:09 Blasts heard, sirens in Jerusalem after Iran missile alertsBlasts were heard, and air raid sirens sounded in Jerusalem on Sunday (March 22), AFP journalists said, after the Israeli military warned of incoming missile fire from Iran.The army issued several alerts saying it had identified that “missiles were launched from Iran toward the territory of the State of Israel”.Israel’s Magen David Adom emergency medical service said after the first warning that there were no immediate reports of casualties.Blasts heard, sirens in Jerusalem after Iran missile alertsBlasts and sirens sounded in Jerusalem as Israel warned of incoming Iranian missile threats amid escalating tensions.- AFP

Blasts were heard, and air raid sirens sounded in Jerusalem on Sunday (March 22), AFP journalists said, after the Israeli military warned of incoming missile fire from Iran.

The army issued several alerts saying it had identified that “missiles were launched from Iran toward the territory of the State of Israel”.

Israel’s Magen David Adom emergency medical service said after the first warning that there were no immediate reports of casualties.

Blasts heard, sirens in Jerusalem after Iran missile alerts

Blasts and sirens sounded in Jerusalem as Israel warned of incoming Iranian missile threats amid escalating tensions.

• March 22, 2026 11:47 Iran ready to cooperate for Gulf maritime safety, IMO representative says Iran is ready to cooperate with the ‌International Maritime Organisation to improve maritime safety ⁠and protect seafarers in the Gulf, the ‌Iranian representative to the U.N. maritime ‌agency said, ‌the semi-official ⁠Mehr news agency ⁠reported on Sunday (March 22).Ali Mousavi said the Strait of Hormuz ‌remains open to all shipping except vessels linked to “Iran’s enemies”, adding ‌that passage through the narrow waterway was possible by ⁠coordinating security and safety arrangements with Tehran.- Reuters

Iran is ready to cooperate with the ‌International Maritime Organisation to improve maritime safety ⁠and protect seafarers in the Gulf, the ‌Iranian representative to the U.N. maritime ‌agency said, ‌the semi-official ⁠Mehr news agency ⁠reported on Sunday (March 22).

Ali Mousavi said the Strait of Hormuz ‌remains open to all shipping except vessels linked to “Iran’s enemies”, adding ‌that passage through the narrow waterway was possible by ⁠coordinating security and safety arrangements with Tehran.

•Reuters

• March 22, 2026 11:14 Iran threatens Middle East infrastructure after Trump ultimatum Iran on Sunday (March 22) threatened to attack key infrastructure across the Middle East if U.S. President Donald Trump follows through on his vow to “obliterate” the Islamic Republic’s power plants unless the Strait of Hormuz swiftly reopens. Iran’s military operational command responded that if the country’s facilities were hit, “all energy, information technology, and desalination infrastructure belonging to the U.S.” in the region would be targeted.- AFP

Iran on Sunday (March 22) threatened to attack key infrastructure across the Middle East if U.S. President Donald Trump follows through on his vow to “obliterate” the Islamic Republic’s power plants unless the Strait of Hormuz swiftly reopens.

Iran’s military operational command responded that if the country’s facilities were hit, “all energy, information technology, and desalination infrastructure belonging to the U.S.” in the region would be targeted.

• March 22, 2026 11:13 Blasts heard after Iran missile alerts in central Israel: SourcesSeveral blasts could be heard from Jerusalem on Sunday (March 22), AFP journalists said, after the Israeli military warned of incoming missile fire from Iran towards central Israel.Israel’s Magen David Adom emergency medical service said there were no immediate reports of casualties.-AFP

Several blasts could be heard from Jerusalem on Sunday (March 22), AFP journalists said, after the Israeli military warned of incoming missile fire from Iran towards central Israel.

Israel’s Magen David Adom emergency medical service said there were no immediate reports of casualties.

• March 22, 2026 10:50 Iran state media says drone strikes target military base near Baghdad airport Iran’s official IRNA news agency said on Sunday (March 22, 2026) that a drone attack targeted a military base near the Baghdad International Airport.The “military base, located near Baghdad International Airport, has again been the target of drone strikes,” IRNA wrote, referring to a compound that was used in the past by the U.S. military. - AFP

Iran’s official IRNA news agency said on Sunday (March 22, 2026) that a drone attack targeted a military base near the Baghdad International Airport.

The “military base, located near Baghdad International Airport, has again been the target of drone strikes,” IRNA wrote, referring to a compound that was used in the past by the U.S. military.

• March 22, 2026 10:27 Sri Lanka raises fuel prices by 25% as war bites Sri Lanka raised fuel prices by 25% Sunday (March 22), the second increase in two weeks, as the country prepared for more impact from the war in the West Asia.Regular petrol was increased to 398 rupees ($1.30) per litre, up from 317 rupees, while diesel, the fuel commonly used for public transport, rose by 79 rupees to 382.- AFP

Sri Lanka raised fuel prices by 25% Sunday (March 22), the second increase in two weeks, as the country prepared for more impact from the war in the West Asia.

Regular petrol was increased to 398 rupees ($1.30) per litre, up from 317 rupees, while diesel, the fuel commonly used for public transport, rose by 79 rupees to 382.

• March 22, 2026 10:07 Iran strikes near Israeli nuclear research centre as Trump threatens attacks on Iranian power plants Iran strikes near Israeli nuclear research center as Trump threatens attacks on Iranian power plantsIran's missile strikes near Israel's nuclear site escalate tensions as Trump threatens retaliation against Iranian power plants.

Iran strikes near Israeli nuclear research center as Trump threatens attacks on Iranian power plants

Iran's missile strikes near Israel's nuclear site escalate tensions as Trump threatens retaliation against Iranian power plants.

• March 22, 2026 09:53 Iranian missiles sow panic, destruction in Israeli towns Sheltering from an Iranian missile attack on his town in southern Israel on Saturday, 17-year-old Ido Franky heard “terrifying” blasts like nothing he had experienced before.An Iranian missile hit Franky’s town of Arad, hours after another struck Dimona – home to a nuclear facility – wounding dozens and leaving entire apartment blocks with heavy damage. Franky rushed to shelter with his family as air raid sirens sounded, warning of an incoming attack.“There was a ‘boom, boom!’, my mother was screaming,” he said near the impact site, where an AFP correspondent saw three damaged buildings and firefighters reported a blaze. “This was terrifying; this town had never seen anything like this,” the teenager told AFP.-AFP

Sheltering from an Iranian missile attack on his town in southern Israel on Saturday, 17-year-old Ido Franky heard “terrifying” blasts like nothing he had experienced before.

An Iranian missile hit Franky’s town of Arad, hours after another struck Dimona – home to a nuclear facility – wounding dozens and leaving entire apartment blocks with heavy damage. Franky rushed to shelter with his family as air raid sirens sounded, warning of an incoming attack.

“There was a ‘boom, boom!’, my mother was screaming,” he said near the impact site, where an AFP correspondent saw three damaged buildings and firefighters reported a blaze. “This was terrifying; this town had never seen anything like this,” the teenager told AFP.

• March 22, 2026 09:28 Japan could consider Hormuz minesweeping if ceasefire reached, Minister says Japan could consider deploying its military for minesweeping in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery for global oil supplies, if a ceasefire ‌is reached in the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran, Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said on Sunday (March 22).“If ⁠there were to be a complete ceasefire, hypothetically speaking, then things like minesweeping could come up,” Mr. Motegi said during a Fuji ‌TV programme. “This is purely hypothetical, but if a ceasefire were established and naval mines ‌were creating an obstacle, then I think that ‌would ⁠be something to consider.”Japan could consider Hormuz minesweeping if ceasefire reached, says Foreign Minister MotegiJapan may consider minesweeping in the Strait of Hormuz post-ceasefire, says Foreign Minister Motegi, amid ongoing regional tensions.- Reuters

Japan could consider deploying its military for minesweeping in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery for global oil supplies, if a ceasefire ‌is reached in the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran, Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said on Sunday (March 22).

“If ⁠there were to be a complete ceasefire, hypothetically speaking, then things like minesweeping could come up,” Mr. Motegi said during a Fuji ‌TV programme. “This is purely hypothetical, but if a ceasefire were established and naval mines ‌were creating an obstacle, then I think that ‌would ⁠be something to consider.”

Japan could consider Hormuz minesweeping if ceasefire reached, says Foreign Minister Motegi

Japan may consider minesweeping in the Strait of Hormuz post-ceasefire, says Foreign Minister Motegi, amid ongoing regional tensions.

•Reuters

• March 22, 2026 08:53 UAE says responding to Iranian missile, drone attacksThe United Arab Emirates said it was responding to incoming aerial attacks from Iran on Sunday (March 22, 2026).“UAE air defences are currently responding to incoming missile and drone threats from Iran,” the Defence Ministry said in a statement explaining, “the sounds heard are the result of the Air Defence Systems intercepting missiles and drones”.A ministry spokesperson said three drones had been intercepted and destroyed in the country’s eastern region. - AFP

The United Arab Emirates said it was responding to incoming aerial attacks from Iran on Sunday (March 22, 2026).

“UAE air defences are currently responding to incoming missile and drone threats from Iran,” the Defence Ministry said in a statement explaining, “the sounds heard are the result of the Air Defence Systems intercepting missiles and drones”.

A ministry spokesperson said three drones had been intercepted and destroyed in the country’s eastern region.

• March 22, 2026 08:42 Japanese national detained in Iran last year has been released, says Japan's Foreign Minister Japan’s Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said Sunday (March 22) that one of two Japanese nationals detained in Iran has been released and will be returning to Japan.Mr. Motegi, speaking on a Fuji Television talk show, said the person had been detained since last year and was released on Wednesday (March 18).- AP

Japan’s Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said Sunday (March 22) that one of two Japanese nationals detained in Iran has been released and will be returning to Japan.

Mr. Motegi, speaking on a Fuji Television talk show, said the person had been detained since last year and was released on Wednesday (March 18).

• March 22, 2026 08:39 Saudi Arabia reports three ballistic missiles targeted Riyadh area Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defence said Sunday (March 22) three ballistic missiles were detected around the capital, as the kingdom and its Gulf neighbours face Iranian strikes in retaliation for U.S.-Israeli attacks.“One missile was intercepted, while the other two fell in an uninhabited area,” a spokesperson for the Ministry posted on social media.Early Sunday (March 22) morning, the Saudi Civil Defence issued a warning, before cancelling it seven minutes later after determining the danger had passed.Saudi Arabia reports three ballistic missiles targeted Riyadh areaSaudi Arabia intercepts one of three ballistic missiles targeting Riyadh amid ongoing regional tensions and threats from Iran.- AFP

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defence said Sunday (March 22) three ballistic missiles were detected around the capital, as the kingdom and its Gulf neighbours face Iranian strikes in retaliation for U.S.-Israeli attacks.

“One missile was intercepted, while the other two fell in an uninhabited area,” a spokesperson for the Ministry posted on social media.

Early Sunday (March 22) morning, the Saudi Civil Defence issued a warning, before cancelling it seven minutes later after determining the danger had passed.

Saudi Arabia reports three ballistic missiles targeted Riyadh area

Saudi Arabia intercepts one of three ballistic missiles targeting Riyadh amid ongoing regional tensions and threats from Iran.

• March 22, 2026 08:37 Iran missile strikes injure over 100 in two southern Israeli townsIranian missile strikes on two southern Israeli towns injured more than 100 people on Saturday (March 21), medics said, after Israeli air defence systems failed to intercept the projectiles.The two direct hits tore open the fronts of residential buildings and carved craters into the ground.Magen David Adom first responders said 84 people were wounded in the town of Arad, 10 of them seriously, hours after 33 were wounded in nearby Dimona.- AFP

Iranian missile strikes on two southern Israeli towns injured more than 100 people on Saturday (March 21), medics said, after Israeli air defence systems failed to intercept the projectiles.

The two direct hits tore open the fronts of residential buildings and carved craters into the ground.

Magen David Adom first responders said 84 people were wounded in the town of Arad, 10 of them seriously, hours after 33 were wounded in nearby Dimona.

• March 22, 2026 07:45 Iran strikes near Israeli nuclear research centreIranian missiles struck two communities in southern Israel late on Saturday, leaving buildings shattered and dozens injured in dual attacks not far from Israel’s main nuclear research centre, while President Donald Trump warned the U.S. will “obliterate” Iranian power plants if it doesn’t fully open the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours.-AP

Iranian missiles struck two communities in southern Israel late on Saturday, leaving buildings shattered and dozens injured in dual attacks not far from Israel’s main nuclear research centre, while President Donald Trump warned the U.S. will “obliterate” Iranian power plants if it doesn’t fully open the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours.

• March 22, 2026 07:41 Israel military says it is striking central TehranThe Israeli military said its forces launched a wave of strikes on Tehran early Sunday, hours after Iranian missile fire hit two cities in southern Israel.A brief statement said Israeli forces were “currently conducting strikes on Iranian terror regime targets in the heart of Tehran”.-AFP

The Israeli military said its forces launched a wave of strikes on Tehran early Sunday, hours after Iranian missile fire hit two cities in southern Israel.

A brief statement said Israeli forces were “currently conducting strikes on Iranian terror regime targets in the heart of Tehran”.

• March 22, 2026 07:04 India’s dual dependence on West Asia for urea productionIndia’s dual dependence on West Asia for urea productionData indicate that the US-Israel and Iran war threatens both domestic urea production and the stability of its supply chain.

India’s dual dependence on West Asia for urea production

Data indicate that the US-Israel and Iran war threatens both domestic urea production and the stability of its supply chain.

• March 22, 2026 07:02 Iran army says will target energy, desalination infrastructure after U.S. threatsIran’s military renewed threats on Sunday against the region’s infrastructure after the U.S. President vowed to “obliterate” power plants in the Islamic Republic if the Strait of Hormuz is not swiftly reopened.Read more here

Iran’s military renewed threats on Sunday against the region’s infrastructure after the U.S. President vowed to “obliterate” power plants in the Islamic Republic if the Strait of Hormuz is not swiftly reopened.

• March 22, 2026 06:39 Trump threatens Iran with power plant strikes over Hormuz blockadeU.S. President Donald ‌Trump threatens to “obliterate” Iran’s power plants if Tehran does not fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours, a dramatic ⁠escalation that came barely a day after he talked about “winding down” the war.“If Iran doesn’t FULLY OPEN, WITHOUT THREAT, the Strait of Hormuz, within 48 HOURS from this exact point in ‌time, the United States of America will hit and obliterate their various POWER PLANTS, STARTING WITH THE BIGGEST ONE FIRST!” Trump said on social ‌media.*Read more here *

U.S. President Donald ‌Trump threatens to “obliterate” Iran’s power plants if Tehran does not fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours, a dramatic ⁠escalation that came barely a day after he talked about “winding down” the war.

“If Iran doesn’t FULLY OPEN, WITHOUT THREAT, the Strait of Hormuz, within 48 HOURS from this exact point in ‌time, the United States of America will hit and obliterate their various POWER PLANTS, STARTING WITH THE BIGGEST ONE FIRST!” Trump said on social ‌media.

Published - March 22, 2026 06:38 am IST