Iran-Israel war updates on March 18, 2026: Iran targets Gulf energy sites after intel chief killed
Kartavya Desk Staff
#### Key Updates
• Iranian Intelligence Minister Esmail Khatib killed: Israel
• Iran's judiciary says 'attack' struck southern Iran, killing and wounding civilians, judicial staff
• Iran's nuclear doctrine not likely to change: Foreign Minister Araghchi
• Top U.S. intelligence officials set to testify about Iran war
• Israeli strike hits central Beirut after evacuation warning
• Israel's military warns of imminent strike in central Beirut area
• At least 6 dead, 24 wounded in Israeli strikes on central Beirut
• Iraqi security official says drone hits U.S. Embassy in Baghdad
• Projectile hits premises of Iran's Bushehr nuclear plant: IAEA
#### Larijani’s killing won’t destabilise Iran, says Foreign Minister Araghchi
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said the assassination of Ali Larijani, Secretary of Supreme National Security Council, by Israel will not destabilise Iran’s political system, even as the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) vowed “definite revenge”.
Larijani’s killing won’t destabilise Iran, says Foreign Minister Araghchi; IRGC vows ‘revenge’
Iran's Foreign Minister asserts Larijani's assassination won't destabilize the political system, while the IRGC pledges revenge.
• March 19, 2026 05:53 U.S. weighs military reinforcements as Iran war enters possible new phasePresident Donald Trump’s administration is considering deploying thousands of U.S. troops to reinforce its operation in West Asia, as the U.S. military prepares for possible next steps in its campaign against Iran, said a U.S. official and three people familiar with the matter.Click below to read more:U.S. weighs military reinforcements as Iran war enters possible new phaseU.S. considers troop deployments as Iran war escalates, evaluating options to secure oil passage and strengthen military operations.
President Donald Trump’s administration is considering deploying thousands of U.S. troops to reinforce its operation in West Asia, as the U.S. military prepares for possible next steps in its campaign against Iran, said a U.S. official and three people familiar with the matter.
Click below to read more:
U.S. weighs military reinforcements as Iran war enters possible new phase
U.S. considers troop deployments as Iran war escalates, evaluating options to secure oil passage and strengthen military operations.
• March 19, 2026 05:29 Vessel hit by projectile catches fire off UAE coast, UKMTO says A vessel caught fire after being hit by an unknown projectile 11 nautical miles east of the United Arab Emirates’ Khor Fakkan, UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said on Thursday.- Reuters
A vessel caught fire after being hit by an unknown projectile 11 nautical miles east of the United Arab Emirates’ Khor Fakkan, UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said on Thursday.
- •Reuters
• March 19, 2026 05:24 Saudi Arabia says it reserves right to military action after Iran attacks Saudi Arabia reserves the right to take military actions “if deemed necessary” following Iranian attacks on Gulf countries, the kingdom’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan said early on Thursday.- Reuters
Saudi Arabia reserves the right to take military actions “if deemed necessary” following Iranian attacks on Gulf countries, the kingdom’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan said early on Thursday.
- •Reuters
• March 19, 2026 05:02 Pentagon seeks more than $200 billion in budget request for Iran war, Washington Post reports The Pentagon has asked the White House to approve a more than $200 billion request to the U.S. Congress to fund the war in Iran, the Washington Post reported on Wednesday, citing a senior administration official.- Reuters
The Pentagon has asked the White House to approve a more than $200 billion request to the U.S. Congress to fund the war in Iran, the Washington Post reported on Wednesday, citing a senior administration official.
- •Reuters
• March 19, 2026 04:23 Pro-Iran Iraqi armed group says will stop US embassy attacks, under conditions An influential pro-Iranian armed group in Iraq pledged early Thursday to stop attacking the US embassy for five days, presenting a series of conditions.Kataeb Hezbollah said the group’s secretary-general had “issued orders to suspend operations targeting the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad for a period of five days”, but stipulated several conditions, notably preventing Israeli bombing of a southern Beirut neighbourhood, and “a commitment to refrain from bombing residential areas in Baghdad and other provinces”.- AFP
An influential pro-Iranian armed group in Iraq pledged early Thursday to stop attacking the US embassy for five days, presenting a series of conditions.
Kataeb Hezbollah said the group’s secretary-general had “issued orders to suspend operations targeting the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad for a period of five days”, but stipulated several conditions, notably preventing Israeli bombing of a southern Beirut neighbourhood, and “a commitment to refrain from bombing residential areas in Baghdad and other provinces”.
• March 19, 2026 04:02 Foreign worker killed in Israel after Iranian missile attack, ambulance authority says A foreign worker was pronounced dead in central Israel’s Moshav Adanim after an Iranian missile attack, Israel’s ambulance service said early on Thursday.Three Palestinians were also killed in a missile attack in the Israeli-occupied West Bank on Wednesday.- Reuters
A foreign worker was pronounced dead in central Israel’s Moshav Adanim after an Iranian missile attack, Israel’s ambulance service said early on Thursday.
Three Palestinians were also killed in a missile attack in the Israeli-occupied West Bank on Wednesday.
- •Reuters
• March 19, 2026 03:58 Operations suspended at UAE's Habshan gas facility following missile interception Operations were suspended at the United Arab Emirates’ Habshan gas facility as authorities responded to two incidents of fallen debris after the successful interception of a missile, Abu Dhabi’s media office said on Thursday.Bab oil field was also targeted, the office added. No injuries were reported.Iran issued an evacuation warning for several oil facilities across Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar, saying they would be targeted by strikes “in the coming hours,” Iranian state media reported on Wednesday.- Reuters
Operations were suspended at the United Arab Emirates’ Habshan gas facility as authorities responded to two incidents of fallen debris after the successful interception of a missile, Abu Dhabi’s media office said on Thursday.
Bab oil field was also targeted, the office added. No injuries were reported.
Iran issued an evacuation warning for several oil facilities across Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar, saying they would be targeted by strikes “in the coming hours,” Iranian state media reported on Wednesday.
- •Reuters
• March 19, 2026 03:16 Iran warns will destroy Gulf energy industry if its own attacked again Iran warned on Wednesday that it would destroy the oil and gas industry of its Gulf neighbours, which it considers American interests, it its own energy sector is harmed again.“We warn you once again that you made a big mistake in attacking the energy infrastructure of the Islamic Republic, the response to which is being implemented,” the Revolutionary Guards announced, in a statement carried by Iranian media.“If it is repeated again, further attacks on your energy infrastructure and that of your allies will not stop until it is completely destroyed, and our response will be much more severe than tonight’s attacks.”- AFP
Iran warned on Wednesday that it would destroy the oil and gas industry of its Gulf neighbours, which it considers American interests, it its own energy sector is harmed again.
“We warn you once again that you made a big mistake in attacking the energy infrastructure of the Islamic Republic, the response to which is being implemented,” the Revolutionary Guards announced, in a statement carried by Iranian media.
“If it is repeated again, further attacks on your energy infrastructure and that of your allies will not stop until it is completely destroyed, and our response will be much more severe than tonight’s attacks.”
• March 19, 2026 03:11 Trump opposes further strikes on Iranian energy sites after Israel hits South ParsU.S. President Donald Trump does not want any further strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure after Israel’s attack on the South Pars gas field on Wednesday, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing U.S. officials.Trump, who knew about the Israeli strike on South Pars in advance, supported it as a message to Tehran over its blocking of the Strait of Hormuz, and could again be open to targeting more Iranian energy facilities depending on Tehran’s future actions in the waterway, the Journal said.- Reuters
U.S. President Donald Trump does not want any further strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure after Israel’s attack on the South Pars gas field on Wednesday, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing U.S. officials.
Trump, who knew about the Israeli strike on South Pars in advance, supported it as a message to Tehran over its blocking of the Strait of Hormuz, and could again be open to targeting more Iranian energy facilities depending on Tehran’s future actions in the waterway, the Journal said.
- •Reuters
• March 19, 2026 02:48 At least two women killed in Iranian missile attack near Hebron, Palestinian Red Crescent says At least two Palestinian women were killed after an Iranian missile attack near Hebron in the West Bank, said the Red Crescent on Wednesday.- Reuters
At least two Palestinian women were killed after an Iranian missile attack near Hebron in the West Bank, said the Red Crescent on Wednesday.
- •Reuters
• March 19, 2026 02:36 Israel Army says begins striking north Iran The Israeli military said Wednesday it had launched airstrikes in northern Iran for the first time since the war began on February 28.“The Israeli Air Force, acting on navy and IDF intelligence, began striking targets in northern Iran for the first time during Operation Roaring Lion,” the military said.Israeli media reports said the air force was striking Iranian navy vessels at the port city of Bandar Anzali, on the coast of the Caspian Sea.- AFP
The Israeli military said Wednesday it had launched airstrikes in northern Iran for the first time since the war began on February 28.
“The Israeli Air Force, acting on navy and IDF intelligence, began striking targets in northern Iran for the first time during Operation Roaring Lion,” the military said.
Israeli media reports said the air force was striking Iranian navy vessels at the port city of Bandar Anzali, on the coast of the Caspian Sea.
• March 19, 2026 02:23 Qatar declares security, military attache in Iran's Embassy as persona non grata Qatar has declared the security and military attache in Iran’s embassy as “persona non grata”, asking them to leave the country within a period of maximum 24 hours, the foreign ministry said on Wednesday.Doha attributed the decision to Iran’s repeated attacks on the country, the latest of which targeted Qatar’s Rass Laffan industrial city.- Reuters
Qatar has declared the security and military attache in Iran’s embassy as “persona non grata”, asking them to leave the country within a period of maximum 24 hours, the foreign ministry said on Wednesday.
Doha attributed the decision to Iran’s repeated attacks on the country, the latest of which targeted Qatar’s Rass Laffan industrial city.
- •Reuters
• March 19, 2026 02:01 Saudi Arabia says 5 drones intercepted approaching energy facility in east Saudi Arabia’s defence ministry said on Wednesday that five drones approaching an energy facility were intercepted in the kingdom’s east, in the latest strikes to target the Gulf’s energy installations.The official spokesman for the ministry reported the “interception and destruction of 5 drones that attempted to approach one of the energy facilities in the Eastern Region”, according to a post on its official X account.- AFP
Saudi Arabia’s defence ministry said on Wednesday that five drones approaching an energy facility were intercepted in the kingdom’s east, in the latest strikes to target the Gulf’s energy installations.
The official spokesman for the ministry reported the “interception and destruction of 5 drones that attempted to approach one of the energy facilities in the Eastern Region”, according to a post on its official X account.
• March 19, 2026 01:32 Ballistic missile fragment falls near refinery south of Riyadh: Saudi statement Saudi Arabia intercepted four ballistic missiles on Wednesday, with a fragment falling near a refinery south of Riyadh, its defence ministry said, as Iran threatened Gulf gas facilities following US-Israeli attacks on its own infrastructure.“Four ballistic missiles launched toward the city of Riyadh were intercepted and destroyed, a fragment of one of the ballistic missiles landed near a refinery south of Riyadh,” the ministry said in a statement on X.
Saudi Arabia intercepted four ballistic missiles on Wednesday, with a fragment falling near a refinery south of Riyadh, its defence ministry said, as Iran threatened Gulf gas facilities following US-Israeli attacks on its own infrastructure.
“Four ballistic missiles launched toward the city of Riyadh were intercepted and destroyed, a fragment of one of the ballistic missiles landed near a refinery south of Riyadh,” the ministry said in a statement on X.
• March 19, 2026 01:09 UAE says air defences responding to new missile threat Emirati air defence was countering a missile threat Wednesday, authorities said, as Iran hit a major Qatar gas facility after threatening others across the Gulf following a US-Israeli attack on its own infrastructure.“UAE air defences are currently responding to incoming missile and drone threats from Iran. MOD asserts that the sounds heard are the result of the air defence systems intercepting missiles and drones,” the ministry of defence said.- AFP
Emirati air defence was countering a missile threat Wednesday, authorities said, as Iran hit a major Qatar gas facility after threatening others across the Gulf following a US-Israeli attack on its own infrastructure.
“UAE air defences are currently responding to incoming missile and drone threats from Iran. MOD asserts that the sounds heard are the result of the air defence systems intercepting missiles and drones,” the ministry of defence said.
• March 19, 2026 00:42 U.S. informed about plan for Israeli strike on Iranian gas fieldU.S. was informed about plan for Israeli strike on Iranian gas field but did not take part in it, AP source says.Iranian state media said Wednesday that Israel attacked Iran’s South Pars natural gas field — part of the world’s largest such gas resource and a pillar of the country’s energy supplies.- AP
U.S. was informed about plan for Israeli strike on Iranian gas field but did not take part in it, AP source says.
Iranian state media said Wednesday that Israel attacked Iran’s South Pars natural gas field — part of the world’s largest such gas resource and a pillar of the country’s energy supplies.
• March 19, 2026 00:05 Qatar says Iran attack sparks fire in area hosting major gas facility Qatar’s interior ministry said on Wednesday that an Iranian attack set a fire at the Gulf state’s main gas facility, situated on its north coast.“Civil defence is dealing with a fire in the Ras Laffan area following an Iranian targeting,” the ministry said in a statement after Tehran said it would target energy infrastructure across the Gulf following a US-Israeli attack on its own gas facilities.- AFP
Qatar’s interior ministry said on Wednesday that an Iranian attack set a fire at the Gulf state’s main gas facility, situated on its north coast.
“Civil defence is dealing with a fire in the Ras Laffan area following an Iranian targeting,” the ministry said in a statement after Tehran said it would target energy infrastructure across the Gulf following a US-Israeli attack on its own gas facilities.
• March 19, 2026 00:05 Second wave of explosions heard in Riyadh: AFP journalists A second round of loud explosions rang out over Riyadh on Wednesday, AFP journalists reported, after authorities previously said they intercepted four ballistic missiles headed towards the Saudi capital.The Gulf kingdom has been regularly targeted by Iranian missile and drone attacks since the Middle East war began, including some aimed at its massive energy installations and the capital’s diplomatic quarter. Iran had threatened earlier on Wednesday to target regional energy facilities.- AFP
A second round of loud explosions rang out over Riyadh on Wednesday, AFP journalists reported, after authorities previously said they intercepted four ballistic missiles headed towards the Saudi capital.
The Gulf kingdom has been regularly targeted by Iranian missile and drone attacks since the Middle East war began, including some aimed at its massive energy installations and the capital’s diplomatic quarter. Iran had threatened earlier on Wednesday to target regional energy facilities.
• March 18, 2026 23:31 22 India-bound ships on Hormuz evacuation list 22 India-bound vessels in the Persian Gulf region have been identified for evacuation and safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz by the Indian government. Of these, 20 vessels have been assessed as critical to India’s energy security, carrying some 2.15 lakh metric tonnes of liquefied natural gas (LNG), 3.21 lakh tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and 16.76 lakh tonnes of crude oil. These vessels are both Indian-flagged and foreign-flagged but all are bound for India.Click below to read more:22 India-bound ships on Hormuz evacuation listIndian government coordinates evacuation of 22 vessels in the Persian Gulf, critical for energy security amidst regional tensions.
22 India-bound vessels in the Persian Gulf region have been identified for evacuation and safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz by the Indian government. Of these, 20 vessels have been assessed as critical to India’s energy security, carrying some 2.15 lakh metric tonnes of liquefied natural gas (LNG), 3.21 lakh tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and 16.76 lakh tonnes of crude oil. These vessels are both Indian-flagged and foreign-flagged but all are bound for India.
Click below to read more:
22 India-bound ships on Hormuz evacuation list
Indian government coordinates evacuation of 22 vessels in the Persian Gulf, critical for energy security amidst regional tensions.
• March 18, 2026 23:28 Reported attack hits South Pars natural gas field, an energy lifeline for Iran Iran’s state media said Wednesday that Israel attacked its South Pars gas field — the largest in the world and one that is shared with Qatar to the south across the Persian Gulf.Facilities associated with the gas field near Asaluyeh on Iran’s Gulf coastline were on fire on Wednesday, state media reported, and Iran vowed it would attack energy facilities in other Gulf countries in retaliation.The Iran war has dealt a massive energy shock to the global economy by choking off exports of crude oil and liquefied natural gas through the Strait of Hormuz. - AP
Iran’s state media said Wednesday that Israel attacked its South Pars gas field — the largest in the world and one that is shared with Qatar to the south across the Persian Gulf.
Facilities associated with the gas field near Asaluyeh on Iran’s Gulf coastline were on fire on Wednesday, state media reported, and Iran vowed it would attack energy facilities in other Gulf countries in retaliation.
The Iran war has dealt a massive energy shock to the global economy by choking off exports of crude oil and liquefied natural gas through the Strait of Hormuz.
• March 18, 2026 22:59 Iran vows to attack Gulf energy centres after U.S.-Israel strike on its gas fieldIran vows to attack Gulf energy centres after U.S.-Israel strike on its gas fieldIran threatens retaliation against Gulf energy facilities following U.S.-Israel strikes, escalating tensions in the region.
Iran vows to attack Gulf energy centres after U.S.-Israel strike on its gas field
Iran threatens retaliation against Gulf energy facilities following U.S.-Israel strikes, escalating tensions in the region.
• March 18, 2026 22:36 IAEA confirms structure 350 metres from Iran's Bushehr NPP reactor was hit by projectile The International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed on Wednesday that a structure 350 meters from Iran’s Bushehr nuclear power plant reactor was hit and destroyed.There was no damage to the reactor itself nor injuries to staff, Director General of the IAEA Rafael Grossi said.-- Reuters
The International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed on Wednesday that a structure 350 meters from Iran’s Bushehr nuclear power plant reactor was hit and destroyed.
There was no damage to the reactor itself nor injuries to staff, Director General of the IAEA Rafael Grossi said.-- Reuters
• March 18, 2026 20:53 Trump issues 60-day waiver from Jones Act to lower oil pricesTrump temporarily waives maritime shipping law to ease energy costsTrump temporarily waives maritime law to lower energy costs amid rising gasoline prices from the Iran-Israel conflict.
Trump temporarily waives maritime shipping law to ease energy costs
Trump temporarily waives maritime law to lower energy costs amid rising gasoline prices from the Iran-Israel conflict.
• March 18, 2026 20:27 Iran government 'intact' and to rebuild if survives: U.S. intel chiefIran’s government has suffered heavy blows in the U.S.-Israeli war but remains “intact” and will rebuild its military if it survives, the U.S. intelligence chief said on Wednesday.The U.S. intelligence community “assesses the regime in Iran to be intact but largely degraded due to attacks on its leadership and military capabilities,” Tulsi Gabbard, director of national intelligence, told a Senate hearing. -AFP
Iran’s government has suffered heavy blows in the U.S.-Israeli war but remains “intact” and will rebuild its military if it survives, the U.S. intelligence chief said on Wednesday.
The U.S. intelligence community “assesses the regime in Iran to be intact but largely degraded due to attacks on its leadership and military capabilities,” Tulsi Gabbard, director of national intelligence, told a Senate hearing.
• March 18, 2026 20:10 Iraq's gas imports from Iran halted due to war: Electricity MinistryIraq’s gas imports from Iran were completely halted on Wednesday, the Electricity Ministry spokesperson said, after U.S.-Israeli strikes on a major Iranian gas facility.Ahmed Moussa told the Iraqi News Agency (INA) that “due to regional developments, Iranian gas supplies to Iraq completely halted an hour ago,” cutting about 3,100 megawatts of power, which will “certainly affect the grid.”Despite Iraq’s abundant oil and gas reserves, its power plants are highly dependent on gas imported from Iran. -AFP
Iraq’s gas imports from Iran were completely halted on Wednesday, the Electricity Ministry spokesperson said, after U.S.-Israeli strikes on a major Iranian gas facility.
Ahmed Moussa told the Iraqi News Agency (INA) that “due to regional developments, Iranian gas supplies to Iraq completely halted an hour ago,” cutting about 3,100 megawatts of power, which will “certainly affect the grid.”
Despite Iraq’s abundant oil and gas reserves, its power plants are highly dependent on gas imported from Iran.
• March 18, 2026 19:59 Trump temporarily waives maritime shipping law to ease energy costs U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday temporarily waived a century-old shipping law to help ease energy costs that have surged since US-Israeli strikes on Iran plunged the West Asia into war.Trump’s move to issue a 60-day Jones Act waiver would lift a ban on foreign-flagged vessels transporting cargo between U.S. ports over this period.The 1920 law was aimed at promoting American shipbuilding, but critics argue that it hampers free trade and has raised costs for consumers.--- AFP
U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday temporarily waived a century-old shipping law to help ease energy costs that have surged since US-Israeli strikes on Iran plunged the West Asia into war.
Trump’s move to issue a 60-day Jones Act waiver would lift a ban on foreign-flagged vessels transporting cargo between U.S. ports over this period.
The 1920 law was aimed at promoting American shipbuilding, but critics argue that it hampers free trade and has raised costs for consumers.--- AFP
• March 18, 2026 19:08 Iran warns of strikes on Gulf oil facilities 'in coming hours', state media reports Iran issued an evacuation warning for several oil facilities across Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar, saying they would be targeted by strikes “in the coming hours”, Iranian state media reported on Wednesday.The warning was directed at Saudi Arabia’s Samref Refinery and Jubail Petrochemical Complex, the United Arab Emirates’ Al Hosn Gas Field, and Qatar’s Mesaieed Petrochemical Complex, Mesaieed Holding Company and Ras Laffan Refinery.“These centres have become direct and legitimate targets and will be targeted in the coming hours. Therefore, all citizens, residents, and employees are requested to immediately leave these areas and move to a safe distance without any delay,” the warning said.--- Reuters
Iran issued an evacuation warning for several oil facilities across Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar, saying they would be targeted by strikes “in the coming hours”, Iranian state media reported on Wednesday.
The warning was directed at Saudi Arabia’s Samref Refinery and Jubail Petrochemical Complex, the United Arab Emirates’ Al Hosn Gas Field, and Qatar’s Mesaieed Petrochemical Complex, Mesaieed Holding Company and Ras Laffan Refinery.
“These centres have become direct and legitimate targets and will be targeted in the coming hours. Therefore, all citizens, residents, and employees are requested to immediately leave these areas and move to a safe distance without any delay,” the warning said.--- Reuters
• March 18, 2026 19:03 PM Modi speaks to Crown Prince of Kuwait; says safe, free navigation through Strait of Hormuz top priorityPrime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday exchanged views on the evolving situation in West Asia with Crown Prince of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah and said that ensuring safe and free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz remains the foremost priority.In their telephonic conversation, the two leaders agreed that sustained diplomatic engagement remains essential for regional peace and stability.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday exchanged views on the evolving situation in West Asia with Crown Prince of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah and said that ensuring safe and free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz remains the foremost priority.
In their telephonic conversation, the two leaders agreed that sustained diplomatic engagement remains essential for regional peace and stability.
• March 18, 2026 18:54 Qatar says targeting of Iran gas facility 'dangerous and irresponsible' Doha on Wednesday condemned attacks on an Iranian facility on the Gulf coast serving a massive gas field it shares with Qatar.“Israel’s targeting of facilities linked to Iran’s South Pars gas field, which represents an extension of Qatar’s North Field, is a dangerous and irresponsible step amid the current military escalation in the region,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari wrote on X.“Targeting energy infrastructure constitutes a threat to global energy security, to the peoples of the region, and to its environment.”--- AFP
Doha on Wednesday condemned attacks on an Iranian facility on the Gulf coast serving a massive gas field it shares with Qatar.
“Israel’s targeting of facilities linked to Iran’s South Pars gas field, which represents an extension of Qatar’s North Field, is a dangerous and irresponsible step amid the current military escalation in the region,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari wrote on X.
“Targeting energy infrastructure constitutes a threat to global energy security, to the peoples of the region, and to its environment.”--- AFP
• March 18, 2026 18:53 Trump has full confidence in Gabbard, Leavitt says U.S. President Donald Trump has full confidence in Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told Fox News on Wednesday, after a top security official resigned over the war in Iran--- Reuters
U.S. President Donald Trump has full confidence in Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told Fox News on Wednesday, after a top security official resigned over the war in Iran--- Reuters
• March 18, 2026 18:25 2 lakh MT LPG, 16.7 lakh MT crude stuck in India-flagged vessels in Strait of Hormuz: Officials 2 lakh MT LPG, 16.7 lakh MT crude stuck in India-flagged vessels in Strait of Hormuz: OfficialsIndian-flagged vessels in the Strait of Hormuz carry 2 lakh MT LNG and 16.7 lakh MT crude, amidst geopolitical tensions.
2 lakh MT LPG, 16.7 lakh MT crude stuck in India-flagged vessels in Strait of Hormuz: Officials
Indian-flagged vessels in the Strait of Hormuz carry 2 lakh MT LNG and 16.7 lakh MT crude, amidst geopolitical tensions.
• March 18, 2026 18:19 Israel claims another top Iranian official killed while Iran's attacks kill 2 near Tel AvivIsrael claims another top Iranian official killed while Iran's attacks kill 2 near Tel AvivIsrael claims to have killed another top Iranian official as Iran's missile attacks near Tel Aviv leave two dead.
Israel claims another top Iranian official killed while Iran's attacks kill 2 near Tel Aviv
Israel claims to have killed another top Iranian official as Iran's missile attacks near Tel Aviv leave two dead.
• March 18, 2026 17:45 Iran holds funerals for Ali Larijani, Basij Chief Gholamreza Soleimani in Tehran A funeral ceremony is underway in Tehran on Wednesday for top security official, Ali Larijani, and head of the Basij forces, Major General Gholamreza Soleimani, according to the Iranian state media Press TV.According to Press TV, Iran is holding funerals for Ali Larijani and Gholamreza Soleimani, as well as for the slain sailors of the Iranian naval vessel IRIS Dena.The ceremony is taking place in Tehran as the country mourns the loss of top officials and sailors.-- ANI
A funeral ceremony is underway in Tehran on Wednesday for top security official, Ali Larijani, and head of the Basij forces, Major General Gholamreza Soleimani, according to the Iranian state media Press TV.According to Press TV, Iran is holding funerals for Ali Larijani and Gholamreza Soleimani, as well as for the slain sailors of the Iranian naval vessel IRIS Dena.The ceremony is taking place in Tehran as the country mourns the loss of top officials and sailors.-- ANI
• March 18, 2026 17:31 Russian says Middle east crisis threatens global energy security Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Wednesday that the conflict in the West Asia threatens global energy security.--- Reuters
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Wednesday that the conflict in the West Asia threatens global energy security.--- Reuters
• March 18, 2026 16:05 Iranian Intelligence Minister Esmail Khatib killed: IsraelIsrael’s Defence Minister said that the Israeli military killed Iranian Intelligence Minister Esmail Khatib.Israel Katz announced Khatib’s killing and said that “significant surprises are expected throughout this day on all the fronts,” without elaborating.Khatib’s killing follows Israel’s killing of top Iranian security official Ali Larijani and the head of the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard’s all-volunteer Basij force.-AP
Israel’s Defence Minister said that the Israeli military killed Iranian Intelligence Minister Esmail Khatib.
Israel Katz announced Khatib’s killing and said that “significant surprises are expected throughout this day on all the fronts,” without elaborating.
Khatib’s killing follows Israel’s killing of top Iranian security official Ali Larijani and the head of the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard’s all-volunteer Basij force.
• March 18, 2026 15:07 Watch | Inter-Ministerial briefing on recent developments in West Asia
• March 18, 2026 14:59 Iran says nuclear doctrine unlikely to change, Hormuz Strait needs new protocolIran’s stance against the development of nuclear weapons will not significantly change, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi told Al Jazeera in remarks relayed by Iranian media on Wednesday (March 18, 2026), cautioning that the new supreme leader is yet to publicly express his view on the matter.Read more here
Iran’s stance against the development of nuclear weapons will not significantly change, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi told Al Jazeera in remarks relayed by Iranian media on Wednesday (March 18, 2026), cautioning that the new supreme leader is yet to publicly express his view on the matter.
• March 18, 2026 14:48 Israeli strikes on central Beirut kill 12: MinistryIsraeli strikes on central Beirut on Wednesday morning killed at least 12 people, the Lebanese health ministry said in updated tolls.The Ministry said that the strikes on the Basta and Zuqaq al-Blat neighbourhoods in central Beirut killed at least 12 people and wounded 41.-AFP
Israeli strikes on central Beirut on Wednesday morning killed at least 12 people, the Lebanese health ministry said in updated tolls.
The Ministry said that the strikes on the Basta and Zuqaq al-Blat neighbourhoods in central Beirut killed at least 12 people and wounded 41.
• March 18, 2026 14:19 Iran's judiciary says 'attack' struck southern Iran, killing and wounding civilians, judicial staffIran’s judiciary reported on Wednesday that an “attack” hit southern Iran, killing and wounding civilians and judicial staff.The judiciary’s Mizan news agency reported the attack at a judiciary site in Larestan County in Iran’s Fars province.The site “was targeted in an attack by the enemy,” Mizan said. “A number of staff members and civilians were martyred and injured; the exact number is still unknown.” It wasn’t clear if the attack was an airstrike or an attack by militants.-AP
Iran’s judiciary reported on Wednesday that an “attack” hit southern Iran, killing and wounding civilians and judicial staff.
The judiciary’s Mizan news agency reported the attack at a judiciary site in Larestan County in Iran’s Fars province.
The site “was targeted in an attack by the enemy,” Mizan said. “A number of staff members and civilians were martyred and injured; the exact number is still unknown.” It wasn’t clear if the attack was an airstrike or an attack by militants.
• March 18, 2026 14:19 Indian vessel 'Jag Laadki' carrying over 80,000 MT crude oil reaches Gujarat's Mundra PortThe Indian-flagged tanker ‘Jag Laadki’, carrying around 80,886 metric tonnes (MT) of crude oil, arrived at Mundra Port in Gujarat on Wednesday (March 18, 2026) amid the West Asia conflict, officials said.A day earlier, the LPG carrier ‘Nanda Devi’ arrived at Vadinar port in Gujarat’s Devbhumi Dwarka district, carrying 46,500 metric tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and navigating through the Strait of Hormuz. On Monday (March 16, 2026), another vessel — ‘Shivalik’ — carrying LPG docked at Mundra Port.Read more here
The Indian-flagged tanker ‘Jag Laadki’, carrying around 80,886 metric tonnes (MT) of crude oil, arrived at Mundra Port in Gujarat on Wednesday (March 18, 2026) amid the West Asia conflict, officials said.
A day earlier, the LPG carrier ‘Nanda Devi’ arrived at Vadinar port in Gujarat’s Devbhumi Dwarka district, carrying 46,500 metric tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and navigating through the Strait of Hormuz. On Monday (March 16, 2026), another vessel — ‘Shivalik’ — carrying LPG docked at Mundra Port.
• March 18, 2026 14:10 Israeli strike hits car in Sidon, southern LebanonAn Israeli strike hit a car in the centre of Sidon, southern Lebanon’s largest city, State media reported.An AFP correspondent at the scene said the strike hit near the city’s civil defence headquarters and the seaside road, where many displaced people are sleeping in their cars.-AFP
An Israeli strike hit a car in the centre of Sidon, southern Lebanon’s largest city, State media reported.
An AFP correspondent at the scene said the strike hit near the city’s civil defence headquarters and the seaside road, where many displaced people are sleeping in their cars.
• March 18, 2026 13:29 Saudi Arabia says intercepted two drones targeting Riyadh diplomatic quarterSaudi Arabia said it had intercepted two drones targeting the diplomatic quarter of its capital, Riyadh, as Iran pressed on with its attacks on the Gulf.Two drones were downed as they attempted “to approach the embassy quarter”, the Defence Ministry posted on X.The authorities had earlier said they intercepted several drones over the country’s Eastern Province, as well as a ballistic missile close to the major Prince Sultan air base housing U.S. forces south east of Riyadh.-AFP
Saudi Arabia said it had intercepted two drones targeting the diplomatic quarter of its capital, Riyadh, as Iran pressed on with its attacks on the Gulf.
Two drones were downed as they attempted “to approach the embassy quarter”, the Defence Ministry posted on X.
The authorities had earlier said they intercepted several drones over the country’s Eastern Province, as well as a ballistic missile close to the major Prince Sultan air base housing U.S. forces south east of Riyadh.
• March 18, 2026 12:43 Iraq resumes limited oil exports via Turkey: authorities Iraq announced on Wednesday (March 18, 2026) it had resumed limited oil exports of 250,000 bpd through the Turkish port of Ceyhan after the country’s output plunged due to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.A founding member of the OPEC cartel, crude oil sales make up 90 percent of Iraq’s budget revenues. Before the outbreak of war on February 28, Iraq mainly shipped its oil -- roughly 3.5 million barrels per day -- from the southern Basra fields via the Strait of Hormuz.The state-owned North Oil Company said it “has begun operating the Sarlo pumping station to resume pumping and exporting Kirkuk oil to the port of Ceyhan with an initial capacity of 250,000 barrels per day”.AFP
Iraq announced on Wednesday (March 18, 2026) it had resumed limited oil exports of 250,000 bpd through the Turkish port of Ceyhan after the country’s output plunged due to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.
A founding member of the OPEC cartel, crude oil sales make up 90 percent of Iraq’s budget revenues. Before the outbreak of war on February 28, Iraq mainly shipped its oil -- roughly 3.5 million barrels per day -- from the southern Basra fields via the Strait of Hormuz.
The state-owned North Oil Company said it “has begun operating the Sarlo pumping station to resume pumping and exporting Kirkuk oil to the port of Ceyhan with an initial capacity of 250,000 barrels per day”.
• March 18, 2026 12:19 Iran's nuclear doctrine not likely to change: Foreign Minister AraghchiIran’s stance against the development of nuclear weapons won’t significantly change, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in remarks relayed by Iranian media on Wednesday (March 18, 2026), cautioning that the new supreme leader is yet to publicly express his view on the matter.Reuters
Iran’s stance against the development of nuclear weapons won’t significantly change, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in remarks relayed by Iranian media on Wednesday (March 18, 2026), cautioning that the new supreme leader is yet to publicly express his view on the matter.
• March 18, 2026 12:00 Iran says U.S. forces' relocation out of military bases has led to urban-area strikes in Gulf Iranian strikes near Gulf countries’ urban areas are due to U.S. forces relocating out of military bases into hotels inside cities, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in remarks relayed in Iranian media on Wednesday (March 18, 2026).“Wherever there were American forces gathering, wherever there were facilities belonging to them, they were targeted. It is possible some of these places were near urban areas,” the top Iranian diplomat said.He acknowledged that regional countries are “upset and their people have been harmed or bothered” by Iranian strikes, but added that the blame lay entirely with the U.S. for starting the war on February 28. Reuters
Iranian strikes near Gulf countries’ urban areas are due to U.S. forces relocating out of military bases into hotels inside cities, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in remarks relayed in Iranian media on Wednesday (March 18, 2026).
“Wherever there were American forces gathering, wherever there were facilities belonging to them, they were targeted. It is possible some of these places were near urban areas,” the top Iranian diplomat said.
He acknowledged that regional countries are “upset and their people have been harmed or bothered” by Iranian strikes, but added that the blame lay entirely with the U.S. for starting the war on February 28.
• March 18, 2026 11:58 Iranian Red Crescent Society receives first shipment of medical aid from IndiaThe Iranian Embassy in India said on Wednesday (March 18, 2026) that the Iranian Red Crescent Society had received the first shipment of medical aid from India. “We sincerely thank the kind people of India,” the Embassy wrote in a post on X.
The Iranian Embassy in India said on Wednesday (March 18, 2026) that the Iranian Red Crescent Society had received the first shipment of medical aid from India. “We sincerely thank the kind people of India,” the Embassy wrote in a post on X.
• March 18, 2026 11:09 What to know about Iran’s Bushehr nuclear power plant? Iran and Russia both allege a projectile struck the grounds of the Bushehr nuclear power plant in the Islamic Republic, raising the spectre of a radiological incident as Tehran’s war with Israel and the United States rages.Russia’s state-run Tass news agency quoted Rosatom CEO Alexey Likhachev late Tuesday as claiming “a strike hit the area adjacent to the metrology service building located at the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant site, in close proximity to the operating power unit.” Russian technicians from Rosatom operate the plant, using Russian-made, low-enriched uranium.“There were no casualties among Rosatom State Corporation personnel,” Likhachev said. “The radiation situation at the site is normal.”The Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran later issued a statement saying “no financial, technical, or human damage occurred, and no part of the plant was harmed.”The International Atomic Energy Agency, in a statement, says, “The IAEA has been informed by Iran that a projectile hit the premises of the Bushehr NPP on Tuesday evening,” the United Nations agency said, using an acronym for nuclear power plant. “No damage to the plant or injuries to staff reported.”-AP
Iran and Russia both allege a projectile struck the grounds of the Bushehr nuclear power plant in the Islamic Republic, raising the spectre of a radiological incident as Tehran’s war with Israel and the United States rages.
Russia’s state-run Tass news agency quoted Rosatom CEO Alexey Likhachev late Tuesday as claiming “a strike hit the area adjacent to the metrology service building located at the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant site, in close proximity to the operating power unit.” Russian technicians from Rosatom operate the plant, using Russian-made, low-enriched uranium.
“There were no casualties among Rosatom State Corporation personnel,” Likhachev said. “The radiation situation at the site is normal.”
The Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran later issued a statement saying “no financial, technical, or human damage occurred, and no part of the plant was harmed.”
The International Atomic Energy Agency, in a statement, says, “The IAEA has been informed by Iran that a projectile hit the premises of the Bushehr NPP on Tuesday evening,” the United Nations agency said, using an acronym for nuclear power plant. “No damage to the plant or injuries to staff reported.”
• March 18, 2026 10:36 Top U.S. intelligence officials set to testify about Iran warTop Trump administration national security officials facing back-to-back congressional hearings starting Wednesday (March 18, 2026) are expected to be pressed on the war in Iran, including a deadly strike on a school, as well as the FBI’s capacity to prevent terror attacks inside the United States.The annual worldwide threats hearings involving the government’s senior-most intelligence officials are taking place at a time of scrutiny over the US military campaign in the Middle East and heightened concerns about terrorism in the homeland following recent attacks at a Michigan synagogue and Virginia university.AP
Top Trump administration national security officials facing back-to-back congressional hearings starting Wednesday (March 18, 2026) are expected to be pressed on the war in Iran, including a deadly strike on a school, as well as the FBI’s capacity to prevent terror attacks inside the United States.
The annual worldwide threats hearings involving the government’s senior-most intelligence officials are taking place at a time of scrutiny over the US military campaign in the Middle East and heightened concerns about terrorism in the homeland following recent attacks at a Michigan synagogue and Virginia university.
• March 18, 2026 10:02 Israeli strike hits central Beirut after evacuation warningAn Israeli airstrike hit Beirut’s Bachoura neighbourhood in the centre of the city on Wednesday (March 18, 2026), a Reuters witness said, with a loud explosion heard in the area after the Israeli military warned residents to evacuate a building ahead of the strike.The attack was part of a broader wave of Israeli strikes on Lebanon on Wednesday, including raids on other parts of the Lebanese capital, as well as southern and eastern areas of the country, signalling an intensification of Israel’s campaign against the Iran-backed Hezbollah.Read full report
An Israeli airstrike hit Beirut’s Bachoura neighbourhood in the centre of the city on Wednesday (March 18, 2026), a Reuters witness said, with a loud explosion heard in the area after the Israeli military warned residents to evacuate a building ahead of the strike.
The attack was part of a broader wave of Israeli strikes on Lebanon on Wednesday, including raids on other parts of the Lebanese capital, as well as southern and eastern areas of the country, signalling an intensification of Israel’s campaign against the Iran-backed Hezbollah.
• March 18, 2026 09:10 Qatar intercepts missile attack as blasts heard in DohaQatar’s defence ministry said it intercepted a missile attack on Wednesday (March 18, 2026) as blasts were heard in Doha.“Armed forces intercepted missile attack which targeted State of Qatar,” the ministry of defence said in a statement, released shortly after an AFP journalist in the capital heard several blasts.AFP
Qatar’s defence ministry said it intercepted a missile attack on Wednesday (March 18, 2026) as blasts were heard in Doha.
“Armed forces intercepted missile attack which targeted State of Qatar,” the ministry of defence said in a statement, released shortly after an AFP journalist in the capital heard several blasts.
• March 18, 2026 09:00 Global repercussions of war 'will hit all': Iranian FMThe repercussions of the war in West Asia would be felt globally, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Wednesday (March 18, 2026), suggesting more Western officials should push back against the conflict.“Wave of global repercussions has only begun and will hit all - regardless of wealth, faith, or race,” Mr. Araghchi posted on X, accompanied by a copy of the US National Counterterrorism Center director’s resignation announcement prompted by the war on Tuesday (March 17, 2026).“A rising number of voices - (including) European and U.S. officials - exclaim that the war on Iran is unjust. More members of the international community should follow suit,” the post added.AFP
The repercussions of the war in West Asia would be felt globally, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Wednesday (March 18, 2026), suggesting more Western officials should push back against the conflict.
“Wave of global repercussions has only begun and will hit all - regardless of wealth, faith, or race,” Mr. Araghchi posted on X, accompanied by a copy of the US National Counterterrorism Center director’s resignation announcement prompted by the war on Tuesday (March 17, 2026).
“A rising number of voices - (including) European and U.S. officials - exclaim that the war on Iran is unjust. More members of the international community should follow suit,” the post added.
• March 18, 2026 08:23 Top U.S. counterterrorism official resigns over Iran war, says Iran posed no imminent threatJoe Kent, the director of the National Counterterrorism Centre, announced his resignation on Tuesday (March 17, 2026), saying he “cannot in good conscience” back the Trump administration’s war in Iran.Mr. Kent said on social media, Iran “posed no imminent threat to our nation, and it is clear that we started this war due to pressure from Israel and its powerful American lobby.” There was no immediate comment from the White House.Joe Kent, top U.S. counterterrorism official, resigns over Iran war concernsJoe Kent resigns as National Counterterrorism Centre head, citing Iran poses no imminent threat amid war pressures from Israel.
Joe Kent, the director of the National Counterterrorism Centre, announced his resignation on Tuesday (March 17, 2026), saying he “cannot in good conscience” back the Trump administration’s war in Iran.
Mr. Kent said on social media, Iran “posed no imminent threat to our nation, and it is clear that we started this war due to pressure from Israel and its powerful American lobby.” There was no immediate comment from the White House.
Joe Kent, top U.S. counterterrorism official, resigns over Iran war concerns
Joe Kent resigns as National Counterterrorism Centre head, citing Iran poses no imminent threat amid war pressures from Israel.
• March 18, 2026 08:17 Early indications show Israel tank fire hit U.N. Lebanon baseInitial findings by an internal U.N. inquiry suggest Israeli tank fire hit a U.N. position in southern Lebanon on March 6, wounding Ghanaian peacekeepers, according to a Western military source, underscoring the growing risks as Israeli operations expand.The U.N. peacekeeping mission known as UNIFIL is stationed in southern Lebanon to monitor hostilities along the demarcation line with Israel — an area that is at the heart of clashes between Israeli troops and Iran-backed Hezbollah fighters.Read full report here
Initial findings by an internal U.N. inquiry suggest Israeli tank fire hit a U.N. position in southern Lebanon on March 6, wounding Ghanaian peacekeepers, according to a Western military source, underscoring the growing risks as Israeli operations expand.
The U.N. peacekeeping mission known as UNIFIL is stationed in southern Lebanon to monitor hostilities along the demarcation line with Israel — an area that is at the heart of clashes between Israeli troops and Iran-backed Hezbollah fighters.
• March 18, 2026 08:10 Israel's military warns of imminent strike in central Beirut areaThe Israeli military called on residents of a central Beirut neighbourhood to evacuate early Wednesday (March 18, 2026), warning of an imminent attack on the Lebanese capital targeting Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah.In a statement on social media, the military’s Arabic-language spokesman Avichay Adraee issued “an urgent warning to residents of... Bashoura neighbourhood”, saying Israeli forces would operate against a Hezbollah facility there.A map posted alongside the statement showed a building in Bashoura, telling residents to stay at least 300 metres (985 feet) from it “for your safety”.AFP
The Israeli military called on residents of a central Beirut neighbourhood to evacuate early Wednesday (March 18, 2026), warning of an imminent attack on the Lebanese capital targeting Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah.
In a statement on social media, the military’s Arabic-language spokesman Avichay Adraee issued “an urgent warning to residents of... Bashoura neighbourhood”, saying Israeli forces would operate against a Hezbollah facility there.
A map posted alongside the statement showed a building in Bashoura, telling residents to stay at least 300 metres (985 feet) from it “for your safety”.
• March 18, 2026 07:48 WATCH | Trump says Iran was ‘two weeks away’ from nuclear weapon
• March 18, 2026 07:34 Saudi Arabia to host Arab, Islamic ministers in Riyadh on regional security Saudi Arabia will host a consultative meeting of foreign ministers from a number of Arab and Islamic countries in Riyadh on Wednesday evening (March 18, 2026) to discuss ways to support regional security and stability, the kingdom’s foreign ministry said.Reuters
Saudi Arabia will host a consultative meeting of foreign ministers from a number of Arab and Islamic countries in Riyadh on Wednesday evening (March 18, 2026) to discuss ways to support regional security and stability, the kingdom’s foreign ministry said.
• March 18, 2026 07:14 Oil prices drop as U.S. crude inventories show an increaseOil prices slightly fell on Wednesday (March 18, 2026) morning after sources citing American Petroleum Institute figures showed an increase in U.S. crude inventories.Brent futures dropped $1.15, or 1.11%, to $102.27 a barrel by 0108 GMT.A Reuters poll showed that U.S. crude oil stockpiles were expected to have risen by about 380,000 barrels in the week to March 13. In terms of supply, Iraq’s oil minister said on Tuesday that the Iraqi government and the Kurdistan Regional Government reached an agreement to resume oil exports to Turkey’s Ceyhan energy hub starting on Wednesday (March 18, 2026).Oil flow from Ceyhan port is expected to start at 10 a.m. local time (0700 GMT) on Wednesday (March 18, 2026).Reuters
Oil prices slightly fell on Wednesday (March 18, 2026) morning after sources citing American Petroleum Institute figures showed an increase in U.S. crude inventories.
Brent futures dropped $1.15, or 1.11%, to $102.27 a barrel by 0108 GMT.
A Reuters poll showed that U.S. crude oil stockpiles were expected to have risen by about 380,000 barrels in the week to March 13. In terms of supply, Iraq’s oil minister said on Tuesday that the Iraqi government and the Kurdistan Regional Government reached an agreement to resume oil exports to Turkey’s Ceyhan energy hub starting on Wednesday (March 18, 2026).
Oil flow from Ceyhan port is expected to start at 10 a.m. local time (0700 GMT) on Wednesday (March 18, 2026).
• March 18, 2026 07:03 Iran confirms security chief Larijani killed as Israel vows to target new Supreme LeaderIran confirmed Tuesday (March 17, 2026) the death of its powerful national security chief, after Israel said he was killed in an airstrike and vowed to hunt down and “neutralise” Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei.The death of Ali Larijani represents a major blow to Iran, whose long-serving leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed less than three weeks ago in US-Israeli strikes that ignited the war in West Asia.Iran confirms security chief Larijani killed as Israel vows to target new Supreme LeaderIran confirms the assassination of security chief Ali Larijani as Israel vows to eliminate the new Supreme Leader, escalating tensions.
Iran confirmed Tuesday (March 17, 2026) the death of its powerful national security chief, after Israel said he was killed in an airstrike and vowed to hunt down and “neutralise” Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei.
The death of Ali Larijani represents a major blow to Iran, whose long-serving leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed less than three weeks ago in US-Israeli strikes that ignited the war in West Asia.
Iran confirms security chief Larijani killed as Israel vows to target new Supreme Leader
Iran confirms the assassination of security chief Ali Larijani as Israel vows to eliminate the new Supreme Leader, escalating tensions.
• March 18, 2026 06:54 Australia says Iranian projectile hits UAE airbase, all personnel safeAustralian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said an Iranian projectile on Wednesday (March 18, 2026) hit near its Al Minhad Air Base in the United Arab Emirates, and that all Australian defence personnel were safe.“There was minor damage to an accommodation block and a medical facility due to a small fire that was created as a result of that projectile hitting on a road leading up to that base,” PM Albanese told reporters in Tasmania. Reuters
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said an Iranian projectile on Wednesday (March 18, 2026) hit near its Al Minhad Air Base in the United Arab Emirates, and that all Australian defence personnel were safe.
“There was minor damage to an accommodation block and a medical facility due to a small fire that was created as a result of that projectile hitting on a road leading up to that base,” PM Albanese told reporters in Tasmania.
• March 18, 2026 06:52 At least 6 dead, 24 wounded in Israeli strikes on central Beirut Lebanon’s health ministry said that two Israeli strikes on central Beirut early Wednesday (March 18, 2026) killed at least six people and wounded 24 others, noting the toll was preliminary.“Human remains were also recovered from the site and their identities will be determined after DNA testing,” the ministry statement said.AFP
Lebanon’s health ministry said that two Israeli strikes on central Beirut early Wednesday (March 18, 2026) killed at least six people and wounded 24 others, noting the toll was preliminary.
“Human remains were also recovered from the site and their identities will be determined after DNA testing,” the ministry statement said.
• March 18, 2026 06:49 Iraqi security official says drone hits U.S. Embassy in BaghdadAn explosion was heard in Baghdad early Wednesday (March 18, 2026), an AFP journalist said, as Iraqi officials reported a drone and rocket attack targeting the U.S. embassy.Another witness saw a fire on the edge of the embassy grounds from her balcony, and a security official said the blaze was caused by a drone. “The embassy was the target of a drone and rocket attack,” the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.Another drone, targeting a U.S. diplomatic and logistics centre at Baghdad’s airport, was shot down, according to another security official.Hours later, an AFP journalist heard another explosion, with a security official saying “a drone directly hit the embassy”. The official did not specify whether there had been any casualties or damage.AFP
An explosion was heard in Baghdad early Wednesday (March 18, 2026), an AFP journalist said, as Iraqi officials reported a drone and rocket attack targeting the U.S. embassy.
Another witness saw a fire on the edge of the embassy grounds from her balcony, and a security official said the blaze was caused by a drone. “The embassy was the target of a drone and rocket attack,” the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Another drone, targeting a U.S. diplomatic and logistics centre at Baghdad’s airport, was shot down, according to another security official.
Hours later, an AFP journalist heard another explosion, with a security official saying “a drone directly hit the embassy”. The official did not specify whether there had been any casualties or damage.
• March 18, 2026 06:46 Projectile hits premises of Iran's Bushehr nuclear plant: IAEA A projectile struck the premises of Iran’s Bushehr nuclear power plant on Tuesday (March 17, 2026) evening with no damage to the plant or injuries to staff reported, Iran told the U.N. nuclear watchdog International Atomic Energy Agency, the IAEA said on X.
A projectile struck the premises of Iran’s Bushehr nuclear power plant on Tuesday (March 17, 2026) evening with no damage to the plant or injuries to staff reported, Iran told the U.N. nuclear watchdog International Atomic Energy Agency, the IAEA said on X.
• March 18, 2026 06:38 Several loud explosions heard in DubaiSeveral loud explosions rang out early on Wednesday (March 18, 2027) in the United Arab Emirates’ Dubai, AFP journalists said, as Iran continued to target Gulf countries with its retaliatory strikes.The authorities said air defences were “responding to incoming missile and drone threats from Iran”, with the UAE saying it has been the target of over 2,000 Iranian drones and missiles since the start of the war.AFP
Several loud explosions rang out early on Wednesday (March 18, 2027) in the United Arab Emirates’ Dubai, AFP journalists said, as Iran continued to target Gulf countries with its retaliatory strikes.
The authorities said air defences were “responding to incoming missile and drone threats from Iran”, with the UAE saying it has been the target of over 2,000 Iranian drones and missiles since the start of the war.
• March 18, 2026 06:37 U.S. targets Iranian missile sites near Strait of HormuzThe United States military said on Tuesday (March 17, 2026) that it targeted sites along Iran’s coastline near the Strait of Hormuz because Iranian anti-ship missiles posed a risk to international shipping there. *See this report for more details*
The United States military said on Tuesday (March 17, 2026) that it targeted sites along Iran’s coastline near the Strait of Hormuz because Iranian anti-ship missiles posed a risk to international shipping there.
• March 18, 2026 06:37 Two killed near Tel Aviv after Iranian missile launches: Israeli medicsTwo people were killed near Tel Aviv during an Iranian missile barrage, Israeli medics said on Wednesday (March 18, 2026), as security services reported that falling munitions had hit multiple sites.The deaths brought the toll from missiles fired on Israel to 14 and came after another day of another day of heavy Israeli bombardments of targets in Iran and Lebanon.Two killed near Tel Aviv after Iranian missile launches: Israeli medicsTwo killed near Tel Aviv in Iranian missile attack, raising the death toll from ongoing conflict to 14, say medics.
Two people were killed near Tel Aviv during an Iranian missile barrage, Israeli medics said on Wednesday (March 18, 2026), as security services reported that falling munitions had hit multiple sites.
The deaths brought the toll from missiles fired on Israel to 14 and came after another day of another day of heavy Israeli bombardments of targets in Iran and Lebanon.
Two killed near Tel Aviv after Iranian missile launches: Israeli medics
Two killed near Tel Aviv in Iranian missile attack, raising the death toll from ongoing conflict to 14, say medics.
Published - March 18, 2026 06:34 am IST
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