Iran-Israel war updates on March 14, 2026: Trump says other countries 'must take care' of Hormuz
Kartavya Desk Staff
#### Key Updates
• Iran has allowed some Indian vessels to pass the Strait of Hormuz, envoy says
• U.S. is begging world, India, to buy Russian oil: Iran’s Foreign Minister Araghchi
• Hamas urges Iran to stop 'targeting neighbouring' countries
• Donald Trump says Iran ‘totally defeated’, ‘wants a deal’ he won’t accept
• Missile strikes a helipad inside U.S. Embassy compound in Baghdad, Iraqi security officials say
• U.S. offers $10 million reward for information on Iran's supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei, senior officials
#### Profile | Kharg Island: The pearl of the Persian Gulf
A U.S. attack has “totally obliterated every military target” on Kharg Island, Iran’s crown jewel in the Persian Gulf, said President Donald Trump in a social media post on March 14. Trump described the attack as “one of the most powerful bombing raids in the history of the Middle East”. The attack came after Mr. Trump’s earlier warning to Iran not to shut the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime checkpoint connecting the Gulf with the Arabian Sea. The strait remains effectively closed.
Kharg Island: The pearl of the Persian Gulf
The Hindu profile on Kharg Island, Iran's vital oil hub, faces escalating conflict amid U.S.-Israel tensions, threatening global energy supply and prices.
#### Trump says U.S. forces destroyed military targets on Iran’s Kharg Island that handles oil exports
President Donald Trump said on Friday (March 13, 2026) that U.S. forces have “obliterated” military targets on Iran’s Kharg Island and warned that the oil infrastructure there could be next.
The small island in the Persian Gulf is the primary terminal through which Iran’s oil exports pass. Mr. Trump announced the action in a Truth Social post as he prepared to fly to Florida for the weekend.
“The United States Central Command executed one of the most powerful bombing raids in the History of the Middle East, and totally obliterated every MILITARY target in Iran’s crown jewel, Kharg Island,” Mr. Trump said on social media.
Read the full story here
Trump says U.S. forces destroyed military targets on Iran’s Kharg Island that handles oil exports
Trump announces U.S. military strikes on Iran's Kharg Island, emphasizing naval escorts for tankers to restore oil exports.
• March 15, 2026 04:58 U.S. may hit Iran's Kharg Island again, Trump tells NBC News U.S. President Donald Trump said on Saturday that the United States may carry out more strikes on Iran’s Kharg Island oil export hub, saying that while Tehran appears ready to make a deal to end the conflict, “the terms aren’t good enough yet.”He said the U.S. strikes had “totally demolished” most of Kharg Island, telling NBC News that “we may hit it a few more times just for fun.”- Reuters
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Saturday that the United States may carry out more strikes on Iran’s Kharg Island oil export hub, saying that while Tehran appears ready to make a deal to end the conflict, “the terms aren’t good enough yet.”
He said the U.S. strikes had “totally demolished” most of Kharg Island, telling NBC News that “we may hit it a few more times just for fun.”
- •Reuters
• March 15, 2026 04:22 UAE has 'right to defend itself' but chooses 'restraint': senior official The United Arab Emirates has the right to defend itself against Iran’s ongoing strikes but chooses restraint, a senior UAE official has said, as Tehran continues its retaliatory attacks across the Gulf.“The UAE has the right to defend itself against this imposed terrorist aggression, but it is still prioritising reason and logic, continuing to exercise restraint and seeking a way out for Iran and the region,” presidential adviser Anwar Gargash said late Saturday on X.The UAE “made sincere efforts until the very last moment to mediate between Washington and Tehran to avoid this war”, he wrote.- AFP
The United Arab Emirates has the right to defend itself against Iran’s ongoing strikes but chooses restraint, a senior UAE official has said, as Tehran continues its retaliatory attacks across the Gulf.
“The UAE has the right to defend itself against this imposed terrorist aggression, but it is still prioritising reason and logic, continuing to exercise restraint and seeking a way out for Iran and the region,” presidential adviser Anwar Gargash said late Saturday on X.
The UAE “made sincere efforts until the very last moment to mediate between Washington and Tehran to avoid this war”, he wrote.
• March 15, 2026 04:02 Bahrain, Saudi Arabia Formula One grands prix cancelled due to Iran war The Formula One grands prix in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia have been cancelled due to the United States’ and Israel’s war with Iran, motorsport’s governing body the FIA announced Saturday.“It has been confirmed today that, after careful evaluations, due to the ongoing situation in the Middle East region, the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix will not take place in April,” the FIA said in a statement.- AFP
The Formula One grands prix in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia have been cancelled due to the United States’ and Israel’s war with Iran, motorsport’s governing body the FIA announced Saturday.
“It has been confirmed today that, after careful evaluations, due to the ongoing situation in the Middle East region, the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix will not take place in April,” the FIA said in a statement.
• March 15, 2026 03:41 Drone attack on military base at Baghdad airport: security sources A drone attack targeted the Baghdad airport complex, which houses a military base and a US diplomatic facility, two security sources told AFP.One security source told AFP that drones “targeted the military base” but were brought down just outside the complex, which previously housed anti-jihadist US-led coalition troops, while a second source said a crashed drone sparked a huge fire outside.- AFP
A drone attack targeted the Baghdad airport complex, which houses a military base and a US diplomatic facility, two security sources told AFP.
One security source told AFP that drones “targeted the military base” but were brought down just outside the complex, which previously housed anti-jihadist US-led coalition troops, while a second source said a crashed drone sparked a huge fire outside.
• March 15, 2026 03:08 Swiss reject two flyover requests from US for flights related to Iran war, permits three othersThe Swiss government said on Saturday that it discussed requests by U.S. military and official aircraft to fly over the country, and based on its law of neutrality, rejected two Iran-related war flights but permitted three others.“The law on neutrality prohibits overflights by parties to the conflict that serve a military purpose related to the conflict. Permitted are humanitarian and medical transits, including the transport of wounded persons, as well as overflights that are unrelated to the conflict,” the government said in a statement.The three approved requests were applicable to two transportation and one maintenance aircraft.- Reuters
The Swiss government said on Saturday that it discussed requests by U.S. military and official aircraft to fly over the country, and based on its law of neutrality, rejected two Iran-related war flights but permitted three others.
“The law on neutrality prohibits overflights by parties to the conflict that serve a military purpose related to the conflict. Permitted are humanitarian and medical transits, including the transport of wounded persons, as well as overflights that are unrelated to the conflict,” the government said in a statement.
The three approved requests were applicable to two transportation and one maintenance aircraft.
- •Reuters
• March 15, 2026 02:10 Hezbollah says engaged in 'direct clashes' with Israeli forces in south Lebanon Lebanese militant group Hezbollah said it was involved in “direct clashes” with Israeli forces in the southern Lebanese town of Khiam late on Saturday.In a statement, it said the clashes were ongoing, having started at 9:20 pm (1920 GMT) and involved “light and medium weapons as well as rocket-propelled projectiles”.It said it had also targeted Israeli forces in three border villages.- AFP
Lebanese militant group Hezbollah said it was involved in “direct clashes” with Israeli forces in the southern Lebanese town of Khiam late on Saturday.
In a statement, it said the clashes were ongoing, having started at 9:20 pm (1920 GMT) and involved “light and medium weapons as well as rocket-propelled projectiles”.
It said it had also targeted Israeli forces in three border villages.
• March 15, 2026 00:52 'Several drones' strike Kuwait international airport: aviation authority Several drones struck Kuwait’s international airport on Saturday and hit its radar system but did not injure anyone, the country’s civil aviation authority said.“Kuwait International Airport was targeted by several drones this evening, which struck its radar system,” the authority said. “Thankfully, no injuries were recorded.”- AFP
Several drones struck Kuwait’s international airport on Saturday and hit its radar system but did not injure anyone, the country’s civil aviation authority said.
“Kuwait International Airport was targeted by several drones this evening, which struck its radar system,” the authority said. “Thankfully, no injuries were recorded.”
• March 15, 2026 00:23 Drone strike halts operations at refinery in Iraq's Erbil, officials say Operations at the Lanaz refinery in the northern Iraqi city of Erbil have been suspended until a fire caused by a drone strike on Saturday is extinguished, provincial officials said.Work will remain suspended until the extent of the damage is assessed, officials at the Kurdistan Region’s Ministry of Natural Resources told Reuters. - Reuters
Operations at the Lanaz refinery in the northern Iraqi city of Erbil have been suspended until a fire caused by a drone strike on Saturday is extinguished, provincial officials said.
Work will remain suspended until the extent of the damage is assessed, officials at the Kurdistan Region’s Ministry of Natural Resources told Reuters.
- •Reuters
• March 15, 2026 00:09 Iran envoy says Ukraine support to U.S., Gulf is a 'joke' Iran’s envoy to Ukraine, Shahriar Amouzegar, dismissed the support Kyiv has offered to the United States and its Gulf allies, after Ukraine advertised its expertise in destroying Iranian-designed drones launched by Russia.“As for the actions Ukraine is taking in the Middle East against drones, we essentially consider them nothing more than a joke and a showy gesture,” Amouzegar told AFP in an exclusive interview.- AFP
Iran’s envoy to Ukraine, Shahriar Amouzegar, dismissed the support Kyiv has offered to the United States and its Gulf allies, after Ukraine advertised its expertise in destroying Iranian-designed drones launched by Russia.
“As for the actions Ukraine is taking in the Middle East against drones, we essentially consider them nothing more than a joke and a showy gesture,” Amouzegar told AFP in an exclusive interview.
• March 14, 2026 23:48 Indian Navy keeping close watch over Indian vessels carrying LPGThe Indian Navy is keeping a close watch on the movement of two LPG carrier vessels — Shivalik and Nanda Devi — as they have successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz and are on their way to India, according to sources. - Saurabh Trivedi
The Indian Navy is keeping a close watch on the movement of two LPG carrier vessels — Shivalik and Nanda Devi — as they have successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz and are on their way to India, according to sources.
- •Saurabh Trivedi
• March 14, 2026 23:33 Jordan says intercepted 79 Iran missiles, drones in war's second week Jordan’s military said on Saturday that it had intercepted 79 missiles and drones launched by Iran at the kingdom during the second week of the West Asia war.Jordan’s armed forces said in a statement that “85 missiles and drones were launched directly from Iran” toward Jordan “during the second week of the war, targeting vital sites”.- AFP
Jordan’s military said on Saturday that it had intercepted 79 missiles and drones launched by Iran at the kingdom during the second week of the West Asia war.
Jordan’s armed forces said in a statement that “85 missiles and drones were launched directly from Iran” toward Jordan “during the second week of the war, targeting vital sites”.
• March 14, 2026 23:05 Iran launches new wave of missiles at Israel: Iranian state TV
• March 14, 2026 23:02 U.S. Embassy urges Americans to leave Iraq U.S. citizens should leave Iraq immediately, the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad said in an updated security alert on Saturday, following an overnight missile attack on the embassy’s building.“U.S. citizens choosing to remain in Iraq are strongly encouraged to reconsider in light of the significant threat posed by Iran-aligned terrorist militia groups,” the embassy said.-- Reuters
U.S. citizens should leave Iraq immediately, the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad said in an updated security alert on Saturday, following an overnight missile attack on the embassy’s building.
“U.S. citizens choosing to remain in Iraq are strongly encouraged to reconsider in light of the significant threat posed by Iran-aligned terrorist militia groups,” the embassy said.-- Reuters
• March 14, 2026 23:00 India facilitating negotiations within BRICS on West Asia conflict: Jaiswal India facilitating negotiations within BRICS on West Asia conflict: JaiswalIndia is facilitating BRICS negotiations on the West Asia conflict amid ongoing tensions involving key member states.
India facilitating negotiations within BRICS on West Asia conflict: Jaiswal
India is facilitating BRICS negotiations on the West Asia conflict amid ongoing tensions involving key member states.
• March 14, 2026 22:51 Iran 'not taking responsibility' for missile fire on Turkey: FM Turkey’s top diplomat said Saturday that Iran was denying responsiblity for firing ballistic missiles towards Turkey despite evidence from technical data.Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said he had spoken with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi after NATO defence systems on Friday shot down another ballistic missile from Iran -- the third in nine days.“Once again, they are not taking responsibility for this incident. They claim they did not order any such attack, nor are they linked to it,” Mr. Fidan said.“Of course, there is technical data available... and we are discussing the discrepancy between their statements and the reality with them,” he said, adding it was being discussed at a diplomatic and military level.--- AFP
Turkey’s top diplomat said Saturday that Iran was denying responsiblity for firing ballistic missiles towards Turkey despite evidence from technical data.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said he had spoken with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi after NATO defence systems on Friday shot down another ballistic missile from Iran -- the third in nine days.
“Once again, they are not taking responsibility for this incident. They claim they did not order any such attack, nor are they linked to it,” Mr. Fidan said.
“Of course, there is technical data available... and we are discussing the discrepancy between their statements and the reality with them,” he said, adding it was being discussed at a diplomatic and military level.--- AFP
• March 14, 2026 21:58 UN chief says 'diplomatic avenues' available to stop war in Lebanon UN chief Antonio Guterres said Saturday on a visit to Beirut that diplomatic channels remained open to end the war between Israel and Hezbollah and urged the international community to support Lebanon.Lebanon was dragged into the West Asia war last week when Hezbollah attacked Israel in response to the killing of Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in US-Israeli strikes, and the Tehran-backed group’s leader has said the militants were ready for a long confrontation with Israel.On Saturday, Israel kept up strikes on Lebanon as Hezbollah claimed attacks against northern Israel and Beirut said the death toll in the country since March 2 had climbed to 826, including 106 children.-- AFP
UN chief Antonio Guterres said Saturday on a visit to Beirut that diplomatic channels remained open to end the war between Israel and Hezbollah and urged the international community to support Lebanon.
Lebanon was dragged into the West Asia war last week when Hezbollah attacked Israel in response to the killing of Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in US-Israeli strikes, and the Tehran-backed group’s leader has said the militants were ready for a long confrontation with Israel.
On Saturday, Israel kept up strikes on Lebanon as Hezbollah claimed attacks against northern Israel and Beirut said the death toll in the country since March 2 had climbed to 826, including 106 children.-- AFP
• March 14, 2026 21:48 Turkey says fears Netanyahu might commit 'new genocide' in Lebanon Turkey expressed deep concern Saturday over Israel’s ongoing strikes on Lebanon over concerns it would commit “a new genocide” under the guise of fighting Hezbollah.“We are frankly concerned (Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu is moving toward a new genocide under the pretext of fighting Hezbollah,” Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said, urging the international community to “take immediate action”.--- AFP
Turkey expressed deep concern Saturday over Israel’s ongoing strikes on Lebanon over concerns it would commit “a new genocide” under the guise of fighting Hezbollah.
“We are frankly concerned (Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu is moving toward a new genocide under the pretext of fighting Hezbollah,” Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said, urging the international community to “take immediate action”.--- AFP
• March 14, 2026 21:08 Israel and Lebanon expected to hold direct talks in coming days, Haaretz reports Israel and Lebanon are expected to hold direct talks in the coming days, their first since the start of the Iran war that has drawn Lebanon deeper into conflict, Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported on Saturday, citing two sources with knowledge of the matter.U.S. President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner will be involved in the talks that may be held in Paris or in Cyprus, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s confidant Ron Dermer leading the Israeli delegation, Haaretz said.-- Reuters
Israel and Lebanon are expected to hold direct talks in the coming days, their first since the start of the Iran war that has drawn Lebanon deeper into conflict, Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported on Saturday, citing two sources with knowledge of the matter.
U.S. President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner will be involved in the talks that may be held in Paris or in Cyprus, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s confidant Ron Dermer leading the Israeli delegation, Haaretz said.-- Reuters
• March 14, 2026 20:37 Trump urges other nations to send ships to secure Strait of Hormuz U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday urged other nations to send ships to help secure the Strait of Hormuz, the critical chokepoint for global oil supplies disrupted by the West Asian war.Mr. Trump, who has said the United States will soon start escorting tankers through the Strait, posted on Truth Social that “Many countries, especially those who are affected by Iran’s attempted closure of the Strait of Hormuz, will be sending War Ships, in conjunction with the United States of America, to keep the Strait open and safe.”The U.S. president added: “Hopefully China, France, Japan, South Korea, the UK, and others, that are affected by this artificial constraint, will send Ships to the area.”Read more.--- AFP
U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday urged other nations to send ships to help secure the Strait of Hormuz, the critical chokepoint for global oil supplies disrupted by the West Asian war.
Mr. Trump, who has said the United States will soon start escorting tankers through the Strait, posted on Truth Social that “Many countries, especially those who are affected by Iran’s attempted closure of the Strait of Hormuz, will be sending War Ships, in conjunction with the United States of America, to keep the Strait open and safe.”
The U.S. president added: “Hopefully China, France, Japan, South Korea, the UK, and others, that are affected by this artificial constraint, will send Ships to the area.”Read more.--- AFP
• March 14, 2026 20:09 Around 1430 Iranian missiles fired at the center north and south of Israel minutes apart: MDA spokespersonAround 1430 Iranian missiles fired at the center north and south of Israel minutes apart. At the south, in the city of Eilat, cluster munitions caused several incidents in the city,” Magen David Adom (MDA), Israel’s national emergency medical service spokesperson said.MDA EMTs and paramedics are providing medical treatment and evacuating 2 casualties with shrapnel injuries to Yoseftal Hospital: a 12-year-old boy in serious condition, conscious with injuries to his body, and a 39-year-old man in moderate condition with head and limb injuries.--- Kallol Bhattacherjee
Around 1430 Iranian missiles fired at the center north and south of Israel minutes apart. At the south, in the city of Eilat, cluster munitions caused several incidents in the city,” Magen David Adom (MDA), Israel’s national emergency medical service spokesperson said.
MDA EMTs and paramedics are providing medical treatment and evacuating 2 casualties with shrapnel injuries to Yoseftal Hospital: a 12-year-old boy in serious condition, conscious with injuries to his body, and a 39-year-old man in moderate condition with head and limb injuries.--- Kallol Bhattacherjee
• March 14, 2026 20:00 Trump has lost control of this war: Chris Murphy, U.S. Senator from Connecticut
• March 14, 2026 19:44 West Asia crisis: The Indians caught in the crossfire West Asia crisis: The Indians caught in the crossfireWhen Israel and the U.S. jointly attacked Iran, plunging the entire West Asian region into war, thousands of Indian tourists and expatriates have been left stranded across the Gulf. Indian missions have struggled to keep up with requests and demands. From missile and drone strikes, to soaring prices, to communication blackouts, the conflict has left civilians vulnerable.
West Asia crisis: The Indians caught in the crossfire
When Israel and the U.S. jointly attacked Iran, plunging the entire West Asian region into war, thousands of Indian tourists and expatriates have been left stranded across the Gulf. Indian missions have struggled to keep up with requests and demands. From missile and drone strikes, to soaring prices, to communication blackouts, the conflict has left civilians vulnerable.
• March 14, 2026 19:24 Trump says most planes targeted in attack on Saudi Arabia had little damage U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday said four of five tanker planes targeted by an attack in Saudi Arabia suffered “virtually no damage.”--- Reuters
U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday said four of five tanker planes targeted by an attack in Saudi Arabia suffered “virtually no damage.”--- Reuters
• March 14, 2026 19:10 Discussions ongoing within BRICS on a common position on West Asia Situation: MoPNG Discussions within BRICS on a common position are ongoing through the Sherpa channel due to the involvement of some member countries in the current situation. India continues to facilitate consultations as BRICS Chair and remains engaged with partners, including Russia, through high-level diplomatic contacts, an MEA spokesperson said.
Discussions within BRICS on a common position are ongoing through the Sherpa channel due to the involvement of some member countries in the current situation. India continues to facilitate consultations as BRICS Chair and remains engaged with partners, including Russia, through high-level diplomatic contacts, an MEA spokesperson said.
• March 14, 2026 18:55 Iranian official says Kharg oil exports 'normal', no casualties after U.S. strikes Oil export operations from Iran’s Kharg island in the Gulf were proceeding as normal Saturday after U.S. strikes on the crude export hub which caused no casualties, a regional official said.Activities of oil companies “at this export terminal are continuing as normal”, said Ehsan Jahaniyan, deputy governor of Iran’s southern Bushehr province, quoted by the IRNA news agency.The Fars news agency, citing sources on the island, earlier reported there had been no damage to oil facilities after U.S. President Donald Trump said US strikes had destroyed only military targets.-- AFP
Oil export operations from Iran’s Kharg island in the Gulf were proceeding as normal Saturday after U.S. strikes on the crude export hub which caused no casualties, a regional official said.
Activities of oil companies “at this export terminal are continuing as normal”, said Ehsan Jahaniyan, deputy governor of Iran’s southern Bushehr province, quoted by the IRNA news agency.
The Fars news agency, citing sources on the island, earlier reported there had been no damage to oil facilities after U.S. President Donald Trump said US strikes had destroyed only military targets.-- AFP
• March 14, 2026 17:06 U.S. is begging world, India, to buy Russian oil: Iran’s Foreign Minister Araghchi U.S. is begging world, India, to buy Russian oil: Iran’s Foreign Minister AraghchiIran's Foreign Minister claims the U.S. is now urging India to buy Russian oil after pressuring them to stop imports.
U.S. is begging world, India, to buy Russian oil: Iran’s Foreign Minister Araghchi
Iran's Foreign Minister claims the U.S. is now urging India to buy Russian oil after pressuring them to stop imports.
• March 14, 2026 16:36 Israeli Defence Minister says war with Iran entering 'decisive phase' Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz said on Saturday (March 14, 2026) the war with Tehran was entering a “decisive phase”, praising U.S. strikes on what Washington called military targets on Iran’s Kharg Island oil export hub.“The global and regional struggle against Iran, led by U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is escalating and entering the decisive phase that will continue as long as necessary,” Mr. Katz told military top brass in a televised statement.- AFP
Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz said on Saturday (March 14, 2026) the war with Tehran was entering a “decisive phase”, praising U.S. strikes on what Washington called military targets on Iran’s Kharg Island oil export hub.
“The global and regional struggle against Iran, led by U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is escalating and entering the decisive phase that will continue as long as necessary,” Mr. Katz told military top brass in a televised statement.
• March 14, 2026 16:23 Bahrain and Saudi F1 races set to be cancelled due to West Asia war Next month’s Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Formula One Grands Prix are set to be cancelled due to the West Asia conflict.Multiple sources told Reuters an announcement, seen within the sport as just a matter of time, was expected with a March 20 deadline looming for freight that has to be transported to Bahrain for logistical reasons.
Next month’s Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Formula One Grands Prix are set to be cancelled due to the West Asia conflict.
Multiple sources told Reuters an announcement, seen within the sport as just a matter of time, was expected with a March 20 deadline looming for freight that has to be transported to Bahrain for logistical reasons.
• March 14, 2026 16:17 Iran has allowed some Indian vessels to pass the Strait of Hormuz, envoy says Iran has allowed some Indian vessels to sail through the Strait of Hormuz, Tehran’s Ambassador to India Mohammad Fathali said on Saturday (March 14, 2026), confirming a rare exception to the blockade that has disrupted global energy supplies.Mr. Fathali did not confirm the number of vessels that have been provided safe passage. He was speaking at broadcaster India Today’s conclave in New Delhi.Since the United States and Israel launched a bombing campaign on Iran, Tehran has largely halted traffic through the strait, which runs past its coast and through which around 20% of global oil and seaborne liquefied natural gas is supplied. - Reuters
Iran has allowed some Indian vessels to sail through the Strait of Hormuz, Tehran’s Ambassador to India Mohammad Fathali said on Saturday (March 14, 2026), confirming a rare exception to the blockade that has disrupted global energy supplies.
Mr. Fathali did not confirm the number of vessels that have been provided safe passage. He was speaking at broadcaster India Today’s conclave in New Delhi.
Since the United States and Israel launched a bombing campaign on Iran, Tehran has largely halted traffic through the strait, which runs past its coast and through which around 20% of global oil and seaborne liquefied natural gas is supplied.
- Reuters
• March 14, 2026 16:07 Will increase usage of 'upgraded weapons': Iran Iran’s Defense Ministry spokesperson said that they will increase usage of ‘upgraded weapons’, according to state media.He said that Iran will use “ballistic missiles and different types of missiles with greater destructive power” and greater precision.- Reuters
Iran’s Defense Ministry spokesperson said that they will increase usage of ‘upgraded weapons’, according to state media.
He said that Iran will use “ballistic missiles and different types of missiles with greater destructive power” and greater precision.
- Reuters
• March 14, 2026 15:54 Macron urges Israel to hold 'direct talks' with Lebanon French President Emmanuel Macron on Saturday (March 14, 2026) said Lebanon was ready to engage in “direct talks” with Israel and offered to host negotiations in Paris.“The Lebanese government has signalled its willingness to engage in direct talks with Israel,” he said on X.“France is ready to facilitate these talks by hosting them in Paris,” Mr. Macron said, adding he had spoken to the President and Prime Minister of Lebanon.- AFP
French President Emmanuel Macron on Saturday (March 14, 2026) said Lebanon was ready to engage in “direct talks” with Israel and offered to host negotiations in Paris.
“The Lebanese government has signalled its willingness to engage in direct talks with Israel,” he said on X.
“France is ready to facilitate these talks by hosting them in Paris,” Mr. Macron said, adding he had spoken to the President and Prime Minister of Lebanon.
• March 14, 2026 15:47 Oil exports from Kharg Island continues normally despite attack: IranOil exports from Iran’s Kharg Island continue normally despite attack, reported Iran’s official IRNA news agency, citing a senior provincial official.
Oil exports from Iran’s Kharg Island continue normally despite attack, reported Iran’s official IRNA news agency, citing a senior provincial official.
• March 14, 2026 15:31 Iran urges UAE residents to stay away from ports Iran’s military warned on Saturday (March 14, 2026) that it considers ports in the United Arab Emirates to be legitimate targets and urged residents to avoid them, in a statement carried by state TV.Tehran “considers it its legitimate right to defend its national sovereignty and territory by striking American enemy missiles located in ports, docks and U.S. military hideouts” in the UAE, the military’s central operational command, Khatam Al-Anbiya, said.The statement urged civilians to “evacuate” port areas.- AFP
Iran’s military warned on Saturday (March 14, 2026) that it considers ports in the United Arab Emirates to be legitimate targets and urged residents to avoid them, in a statement carried by state TV.
Tehran “considers it its legitimate right to defend its national sovereignty and territory by striking American enemy missiles located in ports, docks and U.S. military hideouts” in the UAE, the military’s central operational command, Khatam Al-Anbiya, said.
The statement urged civilians to “evacuate” port areas.
• March 14, 2026 15:08 Iran threatens U.S.-linked facilities in UAE after strikes on Iranian islands Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said on Saturday (March 14, 2026) that U.S. interests in the United Arab Emirates, including ports, docks and military locations, are legitimate targets after U.S. forces attacked Iranian islands, Iranian state media reported.In its statement, IRGC urged residents in UAE to evacuate ports, docks, and U.S. military shelters to avoid civilian casualties.- Reuters
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said on Saturday (March 14, 2026) that U.S. interests in the United Arab Emirates, including ports, docks and military locations, are legitimate targets after U.S. forces attacked Iranian islands, Iranian state media reported.
In its statement, IRGC urged residents in UAE to evacuate ports, docks, and U.S. military shelters to avoid civilian casualties.
- Reuters
• March 14, 2026 15:07 Macron thanks Iraqi PM for 'measures' to safeguard French forces President Emmanuel Macron on Saturday (March 14, 2026) said he had expressed gratitude to the Iraqi Prime Minister to taking measures to protect French forces, after a drone strike killed a French soldier in Iraq’s Kurdistan region.“Yesterday, I spoke with the Iraqi Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia al-Sudani,” Mr. Macron said on X.“I thank him for his commitment to getting to the bottom of this attack and to strengthening measures to protect our forces, who are present in Iraq to fight, alongside the Iraqis, against the scourge of terrorism.”- AFP
President Emmanuel Macron on Saturday (March 14, 2026) said he had expressed gratitude to the Iraqi Prime Minister to taking measures to protect French forces, after a drone strike killed a French soldier in Iraq’s Kurdistan region.
“Yesterday, I spoke with the Iraqi Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia al-Sudani,” Mr. Macron said on X.
“I thank him for his commitment to getting to the bottom of this attack and to strengthening measures to protect our forces, who are present in Iraq to fight, alongside the Iraqis, against the scourge of terrorism.”
• March 14, 2026 14:51 UAE's Fujairah media office says fire occurred after debris fell during interception of drone, no injuries reported Earlier, some oil loading operations in the port of UAE’s Fujairah, outside the Strait of Hormuz, have been suspended after a drone attack and fire on Saturday (March 14, 2026) morning, Bloomberg News reported on Saturday (March 14, 2026) citing people familiar with the matter.
Earlier, some oil loading operations in the port of UAE’s Fujairah, outside the Strait of Hormuz, have been suspended after a drone attack and fire on Saturday (March 14, 2026) morning, Bloomberg News reported on Saturday (March 14, 2026) citing people familiar with the matter.
• March 14, 2026 14:47 Iran says museums and historic sites damaged in war Iran’s Cultural Heritage and Tourism Ministry said on Saturday that at least 56 museums and historic sites across the country have been damaged, as the West Asia war entered its 15th day.In Tehran, U.S.-Israeli strikes damaged the UNESCO-listed Golestan Palace in the early days of the conflict, local media reported.The palace complex is one of the oldest sites in the Iranian capital and once served as the residence of the Qajar dynasty.The Ministry said Tehran has recorded the highest number of damaged monuments, with 19 suffering varying levels of harm.- AFP
Iran’s Cultural Heritage and Tourism Ministry said on Saturday that at least 56 museums and historic sites across the country have been damaged, as the West Asia war entered its 15th day.
In Tehran, U.S.-Israeli strikes damaged the UNESCO-listed Golestan Palace in the early days of the conflict, local media reported.
The palace complex is one of the oldest sites in the Iranian capital and once served as the residence of the Qajar dynasty.
The Ministry said Tehran has recorded the highest number of damaged monuments, with 19 suffering varying levels of harm.
• March 14, 2026 14:04 Graphic | On Kharg IslandKharg Island.jpg.jpeg
Kharg Island.jpg.jpeg
• March 14, 2026 13:35 Israel strikes north Beirut suburb, south Lebanon An Israeli strike hit an apartment building in a northern Beirut suburb that had been targeted a day earlier, Lebanese state media said on Saturday (March 14, 2026), also reporting strikes in the country’s south.An overnight Israeli strike killed a dozen medical staff at a clinic in south Lebanon, health authorities said earlier Saturday (March 14, 2026), after Iran-backed Hezbollah’s leader, Naim Qassem, said his group was ready for a long confrontation with Israel.Lebanon was drawn into the West Asian war last week when the militant group attacked Israel in response to the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in U.S.-Israeli strikes.- AFP
An Israeli strike hit an apartment building in a northern Beirut suburb that had been targeted a day earlier, Lebanese state media said on Saturday (March 14, 2026), also reporting strikes in the country’s south.
An overnight Israeli strike killed a dozen medical staff at a clinic in south Lebanon, health authorities said earlier Saturday (March 14, 2026), after Iran-backed Hezbollah’s leader, Naim Qassem, said his group was ready for a long confrontation with Israel.
Lebanon was drawn into the West Asian war last week when the militant group attacked Israel in response to the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in U.S.-Israeli strikes.
• March 14, 2026 13:26 India repatriates non-essential crew members of Iranian ship in Kochi India has repatriated the non-essential crew members of an Iranian warship that docked in Kochi on March 4 amid the escalating military conflict between Iran and the US, people familiar with the matter said on Saturday (March 14, 2026).Over 50 of the 183 crew members have stayed back as the ship, IRIS Lavan, remains in Kochi, they said.The non-essential sailors left India by a Turkish airline aircraft. The aircraft landed in Kochi late last night after picking up the bodies from Colombo of over 80 Iranian sailors of another warship that was sunk by a US submarine off the coast of Sri Lanka on March 4.- PTI
India has repatriated the non-essential crew members of an Iranian warship that docked in Kochi on March 4 amid the escalating military conflict between Iran and the US, people familiar with the matter said on Saturday (March 14, 2026).
Over 50 of the 183 crew members have stayed back as the ship, IRIS Lavan, remains in Kochi, they said.
The non-essential sailors left India by a Turkish airline aircraft. The aircraft landed in Kochi late last night after picking up the bodies from Colombo of over 80 Iranian sailors of another warship that was sunk by a US submarine off the coast of Sri Lanka on March 4.
• March 14, 2026 11:48 Iranian media reports no damage to Kharg oil infrastructure after U.S. strike No oil infrastructure was damaged in U.S. strikes on Kharg Island, Iranian media reported on Saturday (March 14, 2026).Fars news agency, citing sources on the ground, reported there had been no damage to oil facilities after President Donald Trump said U.S. bombardment of the island had destroyed military targets.Mr. Trump had threatened in a social media post to target oil infrastructure on the island, a crucial hub for Iran, if Tehran continued to block the strategic Strait of Hormuz.- AFP
No oil infrastructure was damaged in U.S. strikes on Kharg Island, Iranian media reported on Saturday (March 14, 2026).
Fars news agency, citing sources on the ground, reported there had been no damage to oil facilities after President Donald Trump said U.S. bombardment of the island had destroyed military targets.
Mr. Trump had threatened in a social media post to target oil infrastructure on the island, a crucial hub for Iran, if Tehran continued to block the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
• March 14, 2026 11:28 U.S. is begging world, India, to buy Russian oil: Iran’s Foreign Minister Araghchi U.S. is begging world, India, to buy Russian oil: Iran’s Foreign Minister AraghchiIran's Foreign Minister claims the U.S. is now urging India to buy Russian oil after pressuring them to stop imports.
U.S. is begging world, India, to buy Russian oil: Iran’s Foreign Minister Araghchi
Iran's Foreign Minister claims the U.S. is now urging India to buy Russian oil after pressuring them to stop imports.
• March 14, 2026 11:25 Hamas urges Iran to stop 'targeting neighbouring' countries Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas on Saturday called on Iran to refrain from targeting neighbouring countries, while affirming Tehran’s right to defend itself against Israel and the United States.“While affirming the right of the Islamic Republic of Iran to respond to this aggression by all available means in accordance with international norms and laws, the movement calls on the brothers in Iran to avoid targeting neighbouring countries,” Hamas said in a statement.- AFPRead more here
Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas on Saturday called on Iran to refrain from targeting neighbouring countries, while affirming Tehran’s right to defend itself against Israel and the United States.
“While affirming the right of the Islamic Republic of Iran to respond to this aggression by all available means in accordance with international norms and laws, the movement calls on the brothers in Iran to avoid targeting neighbouring countries,” Hamas said in a statement.
• March 14, 2026 11:23 Iran, U.S. threaten attacks on oil facilities Iran threatened on Saturday to reduce U.S.-linked oil facilities to “a pile of ashes” as the two-week-old West Asia war spilled over into a global oil price crisis.Iranian armed forces issued the warning after U.S. President Donald Trump said he may decide to “wipe out” Iran’s largest oil export hub on its Kharg Island.Waves of drone, missile and aerial bombing have displaced millions in the region and reportedly killed more than 1,200 people in Iran since the United States and Israel opened hostilities on February 28.- AFPRead more here
Iran threatened on Saturday to reduce U.S.-linked oil facilities to “a pile of ashes” as the two-week-old West Asia war spilled over into a global oil price crisis.
Iranian armed forces issued the warning after U.S. President Donald Trump said he may decide to “wipe out” Iran’s largest oil export hub on its Kharg Island.
Waves of drone, missile and aerial bombing have displaced millions in the region and reportedly killed more than 1,200 people in Iran since the United States and Israel opened hostilities on February 28.
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• March 14, 2026 11:19 Israeli military tells residents in parts of Iran's Tabriz to leave The Israeli army told people in an industrial zone in the west of Iran’s northern city of Tabriz to leave ahead of military operations on Saturday.“Urgent warning to all people located in the industrial area west of Tabriz,” the Israeli military posted on X, adding it would “continue to operate in the area in the coming hours”.Internet shutdowns in Iran since U.S.-Israeli strikes late last month triggered a war in West Asia meant that residents were unlikely to be able to access online evacuation warnings.- AFP
The Israeli army told people in an industrial zone in the west of Iran’s northern city of Tabriz to leave ahead of military operations on Saturday.
“Urgent warning to all people located in the industrial area west of Tabriz,” the Israeli military posted on X, adding it would “continue to operate in the area in the coming hours”.
Internet shutdowns in Iran since U.S.-Israeli strikes late last month triggered a war in West Asia meant that residents were unlikely to be able to access online evacuation warnings.
• March 14, 2026 10:53 Sri Lanka repatriates remains of 84 Iranian sailors killed in U.S. torpedo strikeSri Lanka has repatriated the remains of 84 Iranian sailors who were killed when their frigate was sunk by a U.S. submarine, an official said.“Human remains were sent by the Iranian embassy on Friday (March 13, 2026) - all 84”, a Foreign Ministry spokesman said.They were sent on a chartered Turkish airliner, which departed on Friday, reporters present at the Mattala international airport in the southern district of Hambantota said.-PTIRead more here
Sri Lanka has repatriated the remains of 84 Iranian sailors who were killed when their frigate was sunk by a U.S. submarine, an official said.
“Human remains were sent by the Iranian embassy on Friday (March 13, 2026) - all 84”, a Foreign Ministry spokesman said.
They were sent on a chartered Turkish airliner, which departed on Friday, reporters present at the Mattala international airport in the southern district of Hambantota said.
• March 14, 2026 10:39 White House AI czar says U.S. should 'declare victory and get out' of Iran warWhite House AI czar David Sacks said on Friday (March 13, 2026) the U.S. should “declare victory and get out” of its war on Iran, a rare instance of a prominent figure in Donald Trump’s administration calling for an exit from the Iran conflict.“This is a good time to declare victory and get out,” Sacks, Trump’s crypto and AI czar, said in an appearance on the “All-In Podcast.”Sacks said the U.S. had degraded Iran’s military capabilities.-Reuters
White House AI czar David Sacks said on Friday (March 13, 2026) the U.S. should “declare victory and get out” of its war on Iran, a rare instance of a prominent figure in Donald Trump’s administration calling for an exit from the Iran conflict.
“This is a good time to declare victory and get out,” Sacks, Trump’s crypto and AI czar, said in an appearance on the “All-In Podcast.”
Sacks said the U.S. had degraded Iran’s military capabilities.
-Reuters
• March 14, 2026 10:01 Donald Trump says Iran ‘totally defeated’, ‘wants a deal’ he won’t acceptU.S. President Donald Trump said Friday (March 13, 2026) that Iran has been “totally defeated” in the U.S.-Israeli military campaign against the country and wanted a deal he would not accept, despite Iranian officials pledging to continue the fight.“The Fake News Media hates to report how well the United States Military has done against Iran, which is totally defeated and wants a deal — But not a deal that I would accept!” Mr. Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform, without elaborating.Read the story hereDonald Trump says Iran ‘totally defeated’, ‘wants a deal’ he won’t acceptTrump claims Iran is "totally defeated" and desires a deal he won't accept amidst ongoing tensions in the region.
U.S. President Donald Trump said Friday (March 13, 2026) that Iran has been “totally defeated” in the U.S.-Israeli military campaign against the country and wanted a deal he would not accept, despite Iranian officials pledging to continue the fight.
“The Fake News Media hates to report how well the United States Military has done against Iran, which is totally defeated and wants a deal — But not a deal that I would accept!” Mr. Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform, without elaborating.
Read the story here
Donald Trump says Iran ‘totally defeated’, ‘wants a deal’ he won’t accept
Trump claims Iran is "totally defeated" and desires a deal he won't accept amidst ongoing tensions in the region.
• March 14, 2026 09:55 Qatar intercepts two missiles, evacuates key areasQatar said on Saturday (March 14, 2026) it intercepted two missiles, after blasts were heard in the capital Doha and authorities said they had evacuated some key areas.Interceptors were seen downing two projectiles over the Qatari capital’s downtown area and blasts were heard, according to AFP journalists, as Iran presses on with its retaliatory air campaign against Gulf states.Earlier, the Interior Ministry said in a statement it was “evacuating several key areas as a temporary precautionary measure, within the framework of ensuring public safety until the danger has passed”.-AFP
Qatar said on Saturday (March 14, 2026) it intercepted two missiles, after blasts were heard in the capital Doha and authorities said they had evacuated some key areas.
Interceptors were seen downing two projectiles over the Qatari capital’s downtown area and blasts were heard, according to AFP journalists, as Iran presses on with its retaliatory air campaign against Gulf states.
Earlier, the Interior Ministry said in a statement it was “evacuating several key areas as a temporary precautionary measure, within the framework of ensuring public safety until the danger has passed”.
• March 14, 2026 09:39 Missile strikes a helipad inside U.S. Embassy compound in Baghdad, Iraqi security officials sayA missile struck a helipad inside the U.S. Embassy compound in Baghdad, two Iraqi security officials said.Associated Press footage showed a column of smoke rising on Saturday (March 14, 2026) morning over the embassy compound.The sprawling embassy complex, one of the largest U.S. diplomatic facilities in the world, has been repeatedly targeted by rockets and drones fired by Iran-aligned militias.Read the story hereMissile strikes a helipad inside U.S. Embassy compound in Baghdad: Iraqi security officialsMissile strikes U.S. Embassy helipad in Baghdad, highlighting ongoing threats from Iran-aligned militias amid heightened security alerts.
A missile struck a helipad inside the U.S. Embassy compound in Baghdad, two Iraqi security officials said.
Associated Press footage showed a column of smoke rising on Saturday (March 14, 2026) morning over the embassy compound.
The sprawling embassy complex, one of the largest U.S. diplomatic facilities in the world, has been repeatedly targeted by rockets and drones fired by Iran-aligned militias.
Read the story here
Missile strikes a helipad inside U.S. Embassy compound in Baghdad: Iraqi security officials
Missile strikes U.S. Embassy helipad in Baghdad, highlighting ongoing threats from Iran-aligned militias amid heightened security alerts.
• March 14, 2026 09:22 Facing rockets, Arabs in northern Israel fume over lack of sheltersThreatened by volleys of Hezbollah rockets and missiles from Iran, residents of Arab towns in northern Israel are complaining about a lack of public shelters.“The state is obliged to build public shelters so that the entire population has access to safe havens,” Mazen Ghanayem, mayor of the town of Sakhnin, told AFP.“Yet our town doesn’t have a single public shelter worthy of the name.”
Threatened by volleys of Hezbollah rockets and missiles from Iran, residents of Arab towns in northern Israel are complaining about a lack of public shelters.
“The state is obliged to build public shelters so that the entire population has access to safe havens,” Mazen Ghanayem, mayor of the town of Sakhnin, told AFP.
“Yet our town doesn’t have a single public shelter worthy of the name.”
• March 14, 2026 09:11 U.S., Israel wanted quick win, but they failed: Mohammad MarandiAlmost two weeks after the U.S. and Israel started the war on Iran, the conflict has spread across the region. Iran retaliated by attacking Arab countries in the Persian Gulf, American assets in the region as well as Israel. The Strait of Hormuz, a critical international maritime checkpoint, remains effectively shut, sending fuel prices through the roof.“The U.S. and Israel miscalculated big time,” Mohammad Marandi, professor of English literature and orientalism at Tehran University, told The Hindu in an interview. He said the Arab countries in the Gulf are not neutral players as they are hosting American bases. “As time goes on, the price of oil is going to go up. And the world knows that this is not Iran’s fault. This is the fault of the Trump regime and Netanyahu,” he added. Edited excerpts:Read the story hereU.S., Israel wanted quick win, but they failed: Mohammad MarandiMohammad Marandi discusses the miscalculations of the U.S. and Israel in their conflict with Iran and its repercussions.
Almost two weeks after the U.S. and Israel started the war on Iran, the conflict has spread across the region. Iran retaliated by attacking Arab countries in the Persian Gulf, American assets in the region as well as Israel. The Strait of Hormuz, a critical international maritime checkpoint, remains effectively shut, sending fuel prices through the roof.
“The U.S. and Israel miscalculated big time,” Mohammad Marandi, professor of English literature and orientalism at Tehran University, told The Hindu in an interview. He said the Arab countries in the Gulf are not neutral players as they are hosting American bases. “As time goes on, the price of oil is going to go up. And the world knows that this is not Iran’s fault. This is the fault of the Trump regime and Netanyahu,” he added. Edited excerpts:
Read the story here
U.S., Israel wanted quick win, but they failed: Mohammad Marandi
Mohammad Marandi discusses the miscalculations of the U.S. and Israel in their conflict with Iran and its repercussions.
• March 14, 2026 08:58 U.S. says oil from strategic reserve to start reaching market next week The Trump administration said on Friday (March 13, 2026) it expects early deliveries of oil from the U.S. strategic petroleum reserve to reach the market by the end of next week as part of an effort to combat the energy price spike since the start of the Iran war.The oil will be released in the form of loans that companies will return with extra barrels as a premium, the U.S. Energy Department said in a statement. This system was meant to stabilize markets “at no cost to American taxpayers,” it said.The Energy Department said it had requested companies to bid for 86 million barrels of crude oil, which will be the first from the release of 172 million barrels that Washington announced this week.-Reuters
The Trump administration said on Friday (March 13, 2026) it expects early deliveries of oil from the U.S. strategic petroleum reserve to reach the market by the end of next week as part of an effort to combat the energy price spike since the start of the Iran war.
The oil will be released in the form of loans that companies will return with extra barrels as a premium, the U.S. Energy Department said in a statement. This system was meant to stabilize markets “at no cost to American taxpayers,” it said.
The Energy Department said it had requested companies to bid for 86 million barrels of crude oil, which will be the first from the release of 172 million barrels that Washington announced this week.
-Reuters
• March 14, 2026 08:51 Iranian leaders determined to prove Islamic republic's staying powerIran’s leaders are seeking to show the staying power of their near half-century old clerical-based system and prove that it can withstand the killing of its longtime ruler and war with United States and Israel, analysts said.But analysts said the system he led, based on Shia Islam and hostility to the West, remained firmly in place, even if it was likely to be adapted by his son and successor Mojtaba Khamenei.This was likely to mean even greater influence for the Revolutionary Guards, the ideological arm of the military created to ensure the survival of the system and whose influence is felt across Iran, including in the economy.-AFP
Iran’s leaders are seeking to show the staying power of their near half-century old clerical-based system and prove that it can withstand the killing of its longtime ruler and war with United States and Israel, analysts said.
But analysts said the system he led, based on Shia Islam and hostility to the West, remained firmly in place, even if it was likely to be adapted by his son and successor Mojtaba Khamenei.
This was likely to mean even greater influence for the Revolutionary Guards, the ideological arm of the military created to ensure the survival of the system and whose influence is felt across Iran, including in the economy.
• March 14, 2026 08:38 Trump, Xi prepare to meet amid Iran war, uncertain goalsJust over two weeks before President Donald Trump is due to meet his counterpart Xi Jinping in Beijing, Chinese uncertainty over the U.S. leader’s goals and the impact of the Iran war hang over the highly anticipated state visit.Mr. Trump’s trip, his first to China in his second term, is aimed at sealing a trade war truce the two leaders shook hands on when they met in South Korea in October.But for Beijing, which likes to carefully choreograph such events to avoid any possibility of embarrassment, Mr. Trump’s free-wheeling style is proving a challenge.A source familiar with negotiations told AFP that Chinese officials were expecting more ambitious preparations for such a summit between the leaders of the rival superpowers.-AFP
Just over two weeks before President Donald Trump is due to meet his counterpart Xi Jinping in Beijing, Chinese uncertainty over the U.S. leader’s goals and the impact of the Iran war hang over the highly anticipated state visit.
Mr. Trump’s trip, his first to China in his second term, is aimed at sealing a trade war truce the two leaders shook hands on when they met in South Korea in October.
But for Beijing, which likes to carefully choreograph such events to avoid any possibility of embarrassment, Mr. Trump’s free-wheeling style is proving a challenge.
A source familiar with negotiations told AFP that Chinese officials were expecting more ambitious preparations for such a summit between the leaders of the rival superpowers.
• March 14, 2026 08:17 New explosion heard in Baghdad: AFP journalistAn explosion was heard in Iraq’s capital Baghdad on Saturday (March 14, 2026), an AFP journalist reported, hours after a missile struck a powerful Iran-backed group in the city.Residents in the Zayouna district in eastern Baghdad told AFP that the force of the blast shook their houses.Explosions were heard earlier in Baghdad, which appeared to be a missile strike on a house used by the powerful Iran-backed group Kataeb Hezbollah, killing “a key figure” and wounding two others, according to a security source.
An explosion was heard in Iraq’s capital Baghdad on Saturday (March 14, 2026), an AFP journalist reported, hours after a missile struck a powerful Iran-backed group in the city.
Residents in the Zayouna district in eastern Baghdad told AFP that the force of the blast shook their houses.
Explosions were heard earlier in Baghdad, which appeared to be a missile strike on a house used by the powerful Iran-backed group Kataeb Hezbollah, killing “a key figure” and wounding two others, according to a security source.
• March 14, 2026 08:08 Israeli strikes kill four in Gaza as regional offensives escalate Israeli strikes in Gaza killed four Palestinians, including two 17-year-olds, in two separate attacks, Palestinian medics said on Friday (March 13, 2026), with violence continuing in the West Bank and Gaza even as Israel expands its offensive across the region. Israel has used lethal force in Iran, Lebanon, Gaza and the occupied West Bank over the past 24 hours.After nearly two weeks of war, 2,000 people have been killed, most of them in Iran, with several million people displaced from their homes.The Israeli military told Reuters it was not aware of the earlier airstrike reported in Gaza, which paramedics said killed three people, including two 17-year-old males.-Reuters
Israeli strikes in Gaza killed four Palestinians, including two 17-year-olds, in two separate attacks, Palestinian medics said on Friday (March 13, 2026), with violence continuing in the West Bank and Gaza even as Israel expands its offensive across the region. Israel has used lethal force in Iran, Lebanon, Gaza and the occupied West Bank over the past 24 hours.
After nearly two weeks of war, 2,000 people have been killed, most of them in Iran, with several million people displaced from their homes.
The Israeli military told Reuters it was not aware of the earlier airstrike reported in Gaza, which paramedics said killed three people, including two 17-year-old males.
-Reuters
• March 14, 2026 07:59 Partial flight resumptions restore some gold flows from key hub DubaiThe resumption of some flights from Dubai has allowed gold flows from this major global trading hub to partially resume this week, three sources familiar with the matter told Reuters on Friday (March 13, 2026).Deliveries of physical gold to and from Dubai — a major hub supplying Switzerland, Hong Kong and India — have been affected since the start of the U.S.–Israeli war on Iran on February 28, which triggered widespread passenger flight cancellations across West Asia.Read the story herePartial flight resumptions restore some gold flows from key hub DubaiPartial flight resumptions from Dubai are helping to restore gold flows, but demand in India remains weak.
The resumption of some flights from Dubai has allowed gold flows from this major global trading hub to partially resume this week, three sources familiar with the matter told Reuters on Friday (March 13, 2026).
Deliveries of physical gold to and from Dubai — a major hub supplying Switzerland, Hong Kong and India — have been affected since the start of the U.S.–Israeli war on Iran on February 28, which triggered widespread passenger flight cancellations across West Asia.
Read the story here
Partial flight resumptions restore some gold flows from key hub Dubai
Partial flight resumptions from Dubai are helping to restore gold flows, but demand in India remains weak.
• March 14, 2026 07:59 U.S. offers $10 million reward for information on Iran's supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei, senior officials The United States is offering a reward of up to $10 million for information about senior Iranian military and intelligence officials, including its new Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei.The reward targets 10 officials associated with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), according to the State Department website.Read the story hereU.S. offers $10 million reward for information on Iran's supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei, senior officialsThe U.S. offers a $10 million reward for information on Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, and key officials.
The United States is offering a reward of up to $10 million for information about senior Iranian military and intelligence officials, including its new Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei.
The reward targets 10 officials associated with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), according to the State Department website.
Read the story here
U.S. offers $10 million reward for information on Iran's supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei, senior officials
The U.S. offers a $10 million reward for information on Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, and key officials.
• March 14, 2026 07:57 Qatar evacuated parts of Doha with government offices, U.S. university branch campuses, witnesses sayQatari authorities evacuated parts of Doha’s Msheireb district, which includes government offices and a Google office, early on Saturday (March 14, 2026), witnesses said.The witnesses also said authorities evacuated parts of Doha’s education city, which is home to branch campuses of six U.S. universities.The evacuation orders come after Qatar’s interior ministry said authorities were evacuating a “number of specified areas as a temporary precautionary measure,” without providing details on the areas. It came about an hour before authorities reported missile interceptions in Qatar.-Reuters
Qatari authorities evacuated parts of Doha’s Msheireb district, which includes government offices and a Google office, early on Saturday (March 14, 2026), witnesses said.
The witnesses also said authorities evacuated parts of Doha’s education city, which is home to branch campuses of six U.S. universities.
The evacuation orders come after Qatar’s interior ministry said authorities were evacuating a “number of specified areas as a temporary precautionary measure,” without providing details on the areas. It came about an hour before authorities reported missile interceptions in Qatar.
-Reuters
• March 14, 2026 07:50 Watch | U.S. President Trump says gas prices will fall after war at Joint Base Andrews
• March 14, 2026 07:40 Iran threatens attacks on oil infrastructure after U.S. hits Kharg IslandThe Iranian armed forces said on Saturday (March 14, 2026) that any attack on Iran’s oil and energy infrastructure will lead to attacks on energy infrastructure owned by oil companies cooperating with the United States in the region, Iranian media reported.The warning came after President Donald Trump said that the United States destroyed military targets on Iran’s main oil hub of Kharg Island. The island serves as the export terminal for 90% of Iran’s oil shipments. -Reuters
The Iranian armed forces said on Saturday (March 14, 2026) that any attack on Iran’s oil and energy infrastructure will lead to attacks on energy infrastructure owned by oil companies cooperating with the United States in the region, Iranian media reported.
The warning came after President Donald Trump said that the United States destroyed military targets on Iran’s main oil hub of Kharg Island. The island serves as the export terminal for 90% of Iran’s oil shipments.
-Reuters
• March 14, 2026 07:35 Two Indians killed in attack in Oman’s SoharTwo Indian nationals lost their lives in an attack in Oman’s Sohar amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia, the Ministry of External Affairs’ spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on Friday (March 13, 2026). Several other nationals were also injured.A drone crashed on Friday (March 13, 2026) in an industrial area in the region of Sohar, “killing two foreigners and wounding other people”, the Oman News Agency said.Read the story hereWest Asia conflict: Two Indians killed in attack in Oman’s SoharTwo Indians were killed in a drone attack in Sohar, Oman, amid the ongoing West Asia conflict.
Two Indian nationals lost their lives in an attack in Oman’s Sohar amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia, the Ministry of External Affairs’ spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on Friday (March 13, 2026). Several other nationals were also injured.
A drone crashed on Friday (March 13, 2026) in an industrial area in the region of Sohar, “killing two foreigners and wounding other people”, the Oman News Agency said.
Read the story here
West Asia conflict: Two Indians killed in attack in Oman’s Sohar
Two Indians were killed in a drone attack in Sohar, Oman, amid the ongoing West Asia conflict.
• March 14, 2026 07:29 Iran war puts many in U.S. on high alert, but synagogue attack shows limitsU.S. law enforcement officials are on heightened alert as the Iran war enters its third week, but the limits of their vigilance were on display as seeming lone-wolf attacks unfolded more than 500 miles apart in Virginia and Michigan on Thursday (March 12, 2026) alone.In Michigan, where a Lebanon-born gunman rammed a pickup truck laden with fireworks and jugs of gasoline into a synagogue, sparking a fire, it appeared to be one of the first known instances of a specific bombing in the Iran war leading to retaliatory violence on American soil since the U.S. and Israel launched airstrikes on Iran on February 28.Authorities have not suggested a motive for the attack on Temple Israel in the Detroit suburb of West Bloomfield, which ended when the pickup driver fatally shot himself in the head in the midst of a gunfight with a security guard.-Reuters
U.S. law enforcement officials are on heightened alert as the Iran war enters its third week, but the limits of their vigilance were on display as seeming lone-wolf attacks unfolded more than 500 miles apart in Virginia and Michigan on Thursday (March 12, 2026) alone.
In Michigan, where a Lebanon-born gunman rammed a pickup truck laden with fireworks and jugs of gasoline into a synagogue, sparking a fire, it appeared to be one of the first known instances of a specific bombing in the Iran war leading to retaliatory violence on American soil since the U.S. and Israel launched airstrikes on Iran on February 28.
Authorities have not suggested a motive for the attack on Temple Israel in the Detroit suburb of West Bloomfield, which ended when the pickup driver fatally shot himself in the head in the midst of a gunfight with a security guard.
-Reuters
• March 14, 2026 07:25 Pentagon elevates investigation into Iran school strikeThe U.S. military said on Friday (March 13, 2026) it has elevated the investigation into a devastating February 28 strike on an Iranian girls’ school after media reports revealed the probe shows U.S. forces were likely responsible.Iran has said the strike on the Shajareh Tayyebeh School killed 168 children. If U.S. fault is confirmed, it would rank among the worst incidents of civilian deaths in decades of U.S. military strikes in West Asia. Reuters first reported the investigation’s initial findings on March 5.Read the story herePentagon elevates investigation into Iran school strikePentagon escalates investigation into a deadly strike on an Iranian school, potentially implicating U.S. forces in civilian casualties.
The U.S. military said on Friday (March 13, 2026) it has elevated the investigation into a devastating February 28 strike on an Iranian girls’ school after media reports revealed the probe shows U.S. forces were likely responsible.
Iran has said the strike on the Shajareh Tayyebeh School killed 168 children. If U.S. fault is confirmed, it would rank among the worst incidents of civilian deaths in decades of U.S. military strikes in West Asia. Reuters first reported the investigation’s initial findings on March 5.
Read the story here
Pentagon elevates investigation into Iran school strike
Pentagon escalates investigation into a deadly strike on an Iranian school, potentially implicating U.S. forces in civilian casualties.
• March 14, 2026 07:18 Washington orders some U.S. diplomatic staff to leave OmanThe United States on Friday (March 13, 2026) told its non-emergency U.S. government employees in Oman and their family members to leave the Gulf country as war rages in West Asia.The State Department updated its advisory to warn Americans of “safety risks,” noting “there has been an ongoing threat of drone and missile attacks from Iran and significant disruptions to commercial flights.”Two people were killed by drone in northern Oman, state media reported on Friday (March 13), as Iran continues its retaliatory attacks on neighbouring countries.-AFP
The United States on Friday (March 13, 2026) told its non-emergency U.S. government employees in Oman and their family members to leave the Gulf country as war rages in West Asia.
The State Department updated its advisory to warn Americans of “safety risks,” noting “there has been an ongoing threat of drone and missile attacks from Iran and significant disruptions to commercial flights.”
Two people were killed by drone in northern Oman, state media reported on Friday (March 13), as Iran continues its retaliatory attacks on neighbouring countries.
• March 14, 2026 07:06 Abu Dhabi police arrest 45 people of ‘various nationalities’ for filming, spreading misinformation on Iran attacksPolice in the Emirati capital Abu Dhabi said on Saturday (March 14, 2026) they had arrested 45 people, including foreigners, for “spreading misinformation and filming and sharing event locations” as Iran continued to strike the Gulf.“The Abu Dhabi Police Criminal Investigation Department arrested 45 individuals of various nationalities for filming different locations during ongoing events and posting them on social media platforms,” the police said.Read the story hereAbu Dhabi police arrest 45 people of ‘various nationalities’ for filming, spreading misinformation on Iran attacksAbu Dhabi police arrest 45 individuals for filming and spreading misinformation amid ongoing tensions related to Iran attacks.
Police in the Emirati capital Abu Dhabi said on Saturday (March 14, 2026) they had arrested 45 people, including foreigners, for “spreading misinformation and filming and sharing event locations” as Iran continued to strike the Gulf.
“The Abu Dhabi Police Criminal Investigation Department arrested 45 individuals of various nationalities for filming different locations during ongoing events and posting them on social media platforms,” the police said.
Read the story here
Abu Dhabi police arrest 45 people of ‘various nationalities’ for filming, spreading misinformation on Iran attacks
Abu Dhabi police arrest 45 individuals for filming and spreading misinformation amid ongoing tensions related to Iran attacks.
• March 14, 2026 07:04 One killed in strike on powerful Iran-backed group in Baghdad: security sourceA missile struck a house used by the powerful Iran-backed group Kataeb Hezbollah in Iraq’s capital Baghdad on Saturday (March 14, 2026), killing one person and wounding two others, a security source told AFP.“At 02:15 a.m. (1115 GMT Friday), a missile struck a house that was being used by Kataeb Hezbollah,” said the security source, adding that “a key figure was martyred,” and two members of the group were wounded.
A missile struck a house used by the powerful Iran-backed group Kataeb Hezbollah in Iraq’s capital Baghdad on Saturday (March 14, 2026), killing one person and wounding two others, a security source told AFP.
“At 02:15 a.m. (1115 GMT Friday), a missile struck a house that was being used by Kataeb Hezbollah,” said the security source, adding that “a key figure was martyred,” and two members of the group were wounded.
• March 14, 2026 06:52 U.S. orders 2,500 Marines, amphibious assault ship to West Asia after almost 2 weeks of war The American military has ordered 2,500 Marines and an amphibious assault ship to West Asia, a U.S. official said on Friday (March 13, 2026), in a major addition of forces in the region after nearly two weeks of war with Iran. Hours later, President Donald Trump said U.S. forces had “obliterated” military targets on Iran’s Kharg Island — the primary terminal that handles Iran’s oil exports — and warned that the island’s oil infrastructure there could be next.Meanwhile in the Iranian capital, a large explosion rocked a central square where thousands were gathered for an annual state-organised rally to support the Palestinians and call for Israel’s demise. Israel had warned that it would target the area in central Tehran.-AP
The American military has ordered 2,500 Marines and an amphibious assault ship to West Asia, a U.S. official said on Friday (March 13, 2026), in a major addition of forces in the region after nearly two weeks of war with Iran. Hours later, President Donald Trump said U.S. forces had “obliterated” military targets on Iran’s Kharg Island — the primary terminal that handles Iran’s oil exports — and warned that the island’s oil infrastructure there could be next.
Meanwhile in the Iranian capital, a large explosion rocked a central square where thousands were gathered for an annual state-organised rally to support the Palestinians and call for Israel’s demise. Israel had warned that it would target the area in central Tehran.
• March 14, 2026 06:48 At least 12 medical staff killed in Israeli strike on health centre in southern LebanonAt least 12 medical personnel were killed in an Israeli strike on a healthcare center in the town of Borj Qalaouiya in southern Lebanon, the Lebanese state news agency reported on Saturday (March 14, 2026), citing the health ministry.The health ministry said the death toll was preliminary, with rescue operations underway to search for missing persons.Read the story hereAt least 12 medical staff killed in Israeli strike on health centre in southern Lebanon: ministryIsraeli airstrike kills at least 12 medical staff in southern Lebanon, marking a second attack on healthcare within hours.
At least 12 medical personnel were killed in an Israeli strike on a healthcare center in the town of Borj Qalaouiya in southern Lebanon, the Lebanese state news agency reported on Saturday (March 14, 2026), citing the health ministry.
The health ministry said the death toll was preliminary, with rescue operations underway to search for missing persons.
Read the story here
At least 12 medical staff killed in Israeli strike on health centre in southern Lebanon: ministry
Israeli airstrike kills at least 12 medical staff in southern Lebanon, marking a second attack on healthcare within hours.
• March 14, 2026 06:48 West Asia crisis: The Indians caught in the crossfirePriti Prakash, a travel blogger, had planned a vacation with her family to Dubai, an Instagrammable city of skyscrapers, beach adventures, and pure consumerism in the UAE, months before the war broke out in West Asia. On February 28, she arrived early at New Delhi’s international airport to board an Emirates flight scheduled for that afternoon. She was excited to go to the country known as the ‘land of endless possibilities’.Soon after the flight took off, Prakash switched on the in-flight entertainment service. She noticed then that most of her co-passengers were glued not to movies, but to CNN’s live coverage of the unfolding situation in the region. Israel and the U.S. had jointly attacked Iran, plunging the region into chaos.Read the full story hereWest Asia crisis: The Indians caught in the crossfireWhen Israel and the U.S. jointly attacked Iran, plunging the entire West Asian region into war, thousands of Indian tourists and expatriates have been left stranded across the Gulf. Indian missions have struggled to keep up with requests and demands. From missile and drone strikes, to soaring prices, to communication blackouts, the conflict has left civilians vulnerable.
Priti Prakash, a travel blogger, had planned a vacation with her family to Dubai, an Instagrammable city of skyscrapers, beach adventures, and pure consumerism in the UAE, months before the war broke out in West Asia. On February 28, she arrived early at New Delhi’s international airport to board an Emirates flight scheduled for that afternoon. She was excited to go to the country known as the ‘land of endless possibilities’.
Soon after the flight took off, Prakash switched on the in-flight entertainment service. She noticed then that most of her co-passengers were glued not to movies, but to CNN’s live coverage of the unfolding situation in the region. Israel and the U.S. had jointly attacked Iran, plunging the region into chaos.
Read the full story here
West Asia crisis: The Indians caught in the crossfire
When Israel and the U.S. jointly attacked Iran, plunging the entire West Asian region into war, thousands of Indian tourists and expatriates have been left stranded across the Gulf. Indian missions have struggled to keep up with requests and demands. From missile and drone strikes, to soaring prices, to communication blackouts, the conflict has left civilians vulnerable.
Published - March 14, 2026 06:44 am IST
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USA / Iran / Israel-US strikes on Iran / Donald Trump / West Asia / Live news / war / unrest, conflicts and war