By Amanda Castro, Brendan Cole, and John Feng

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The White House is portraying the U.S. campaign against Iran as entering a decisive phase, with officials saying American forces have shattered much of Tehran’s military capacity and warning that President Donald Trump is ready to “unleash hell” if Iran rejects emerging diplomatic channels. Even as Washington signals that talks are underway, Iran has publicly dismissed the latest U.S. proposal, and Israel has accelerated its own operations to strike Iranian weapons sites before any potential cease-fire takes shape.

What To Know On Day 26

• The White House says Operation Epic Fury has destroyed more than 9,000 Iranian targets, sharply reducing missile and drone launches.
• U.S. officials claim Iran’s navy has been largely wiped out, calling it the biggest elimination of a naval force since World War II.
• American forces dropped 5,000‑pound bombs on an underground site near the Strait of Hormuz, targeting anti‑ship missile infrastructure.
• Trump has temporarily paused planned strikes on Iranian power plants as U.S. envoys engage in what the administration calls “productive conversations.”
• Despite that pause, Trump warned Iran he is prepared to “unleash hell” if Tehran refuses to accept the current terms.
• Iran publicly rejected the U.S. proposal, with state media quoting an official saying Tehran will not allow Trump to “dictate the timing” of the war’s end.
• Iran has outlined its own conditions, including reparations and recognition of its sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz.
• Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered a 48‑hour surge to destroy as much of Iran’s arms industry as possible before any potential deal.
• Israel launched new strikes on Wednesday, including attacks near Beirut and across southern Lebanon.
• The Pentagon is sending 2,000 additional U.S. troops to the region, bringing recent deployments to nearly 7,000.
• Iran’s parliament speaker warned the U.S. not to “test our resolve” as Tehran monitors troop movements.
• Iran claims it fired cruise missiles at the USS Abraham Lincoln; Trump says more than 100 were intercepted.
• Oil prices fell sharply as markets weighed the possibility of a diplomatic off‑ramp; U.S. stocks rose in early trading.
• Iran told the U.N. maritime agency that “nonhostile” ships may pass safely through the Strait of Hormuz, though analysts doubt tankers will return soon.
• Iraq summoned the U.S. chargé d’affaires after a strike killed seven members of the Popular Mobilization Forces; responsibility remains unclear.
• Civilian death tolls continue to climb: Iran reports at least 1,348 killed, Lebanon nearly 1,100, and Israel says 15 people have died in Iranian attacks. The U.S. has lost 13 service members.

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Mar 25, 2026 at 08:07 PM EDT

Israel races to hit Iranian targets as U.S.–Iran talks appear to near

Israeli leaders have ordered an intensified wave of strikes inside Iran amid growing signs that Washington and Tehran may soon enter negotiations to halt the war, according to several Israeli officials familiar with the discussions. The push reflects deep concern in Jerusalem that a diplomatic breakthrough could freeze the conflict before Israel achieves its core military objectives.

Two senior officials said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu instructed the military on Tuesday to use the next 48 hours to inflict maximum damage on Iran’s weapons‑production network. The directive followed Israel’s receipt of a U.S.-drafted proposal outlining a potential framework to end the fighting — a document that alarmed Israeli defense chiefs, who fear the plan may not sufficiently restrict Iran’s missile and nuclear capabilities.

The Trump administration has not confirmed the existence of the proposal, nor whether it has been formally conveyed to Iran. But Israeli officials say the mere possibility of imminent talks has triggered a scramble to strike remaining high‑value targets.

Inside Israel’s security establishment, there is disagreement over how long the war should continue. Some officials argue that Israel still has meaningful targets left and would welcome another week of operations. Others say the campaign’s most significant gains came early and warn that prolonging the conflict risks mounting costs — from international backlash to rising casualties and economic strain at home.

Former military intelligence officer Danny Citrinowicz said Israel faces difficult choices regardless of whether the war ends soon or continues. He noted that Iran is unlikely to accept any deal that strips it of ballistic‑missile development, uranium enrichment, or control over the Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint Tehran has largely closed to global shipping.

“The Iranians won’t capitulate,” he said. “I can’t see a good outcome here.”

Israeli officials also acknowledge that the ultimate decision on ending the war rests with President Donald Trump, leaving Netanyahu with limited influence over the timing of any cease-fire announcement.

Mar 25, 2026 at 07:54 PM EDT

Retired 82nd Airborne officer Richard Ojeda blasts deployment decision amid Iran crisis

Retired Army major Richard Ojeda, a former paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division and now a Democratic congressional candidate in North Carolina, sharply criticized the Trump administration on Wednesday over plans to send elements of the division to the Middle East as tensions with Iran continue to rise.

Ojeda said the deployment represents a dangerous escalation without a clear justification, arguing that service members and their families are being asked to shoulder the burden of political decisions made in Washington. Drawing on his own experience leaving home for long overseas tours, he described the emotional toll on troops preparing to deploy. “Our soldiers deserve honesty about why they’re being sent into harm’s way,” he said, adding that families “pay the price long before the first boots hit the ground.”

The Pentagon has confirmed that parts of the division headquarters, support units, and the 1st Brigade Combat Team will move into the U.S. Central Command region, though officials have not disclosed the mission or duration of the deployment.

Ojeda warned that sending one of the Army’s most rapidly deployable and combat‑ready units signals far more than a symbolic show of force. “When the 82nd moves, it means something serious,” he said, questioning whether Iran poses a new or imminent threat that warrants such a step.

He placed responsibility squarely on President Donald Trump, accusing the administration of stoking tensions and risking American lives for political effect. “This is life and death,” Ojeda said. “You don’t gamble with service members to score points or project toughness.”

The retired officer said he intends to speak out as both a veteran and a candidate, arguing that military deployments must be grounded in clear objectives and transparent reasoning. “Our troops deserve a mission rooted in truth,” he said. “Anything less is a betrayal.”

Mar 25, 2026 at 07:41 PM EDT

WATCH: US to deploy about 1,000 82nd airborne troops to the Middle East: What we know

Mar 25, 2026 at 07:28 PM EDT

UNRWA chief says West Bank settler violence ‘unabated’ as term ends

The head of the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees warned Wednesday that violence by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank has surged in recent months, accusing Israel of allowing attacks on Palestinian communities to continue with “total impunity.”

Philippe Lazzarini, the outgoing commissioner‑general of UNRWA, said extremist settler assaults have intensified while global attention is fixed on the war in Iran. U.N. figures show 25 Palestinians were killed by settlers or Israeli forces between Jan. 1 and March 15, alongside a wave of new settlement activity that Palestinians fear is accelerating de facto annexation.

“The fact that large groups of settlers storm Palestinian communities, brutalize residents and torch buildings is an outrage in itself,” Lazzarini wrote on X. “What is worse is that these egregious acts are accompanied by total impunity.”

His comments follow unusually sharp criticism from within Israel’s own security establishment. Last week, IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir called the rise in settler violence “morally and ethically unacceptable,” while Israeli rights groups have accused the government of failing to curb attacks by extremist settlers.

Lazzarini, whose mandate ends March 31, also pointed to a recent International Court of Justice opinion stating that Israel’s occupation of the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, is unlawful and must end. Despite that, he said, settlement expansion and land seizures continue.

“Settlers run riot, settlements expand and de facto annexation accelerates,” he wrote. “That must end.”

Mar 25, 2026 at 07:15 PM EDT

Ghalibaf warns of alleged plot to seize Iranian island

Iran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf claimed Wednesday that Iran’s adversaries, backed by an unnamed regional government, are preparing to seize one of the country’s islands — a warning that underscores rising tensions across the Persian Gulf.

In a statement posted on X, Ghalibaf said Iranian intelligence had detected indications of a coordinated plan to occupy the territory. He did not identify the island or the state he accused of supporting the effort.

Ghalibaf insisted that Iran’s military was tracking all activity in the area and issued a pointed threat toward the unnamed country. If any move is made against Iranian territory, he said, the nation’s “vital infrastructure” would be targeted in what he described as unrestricted retaliation.

Mar 25, 2026 at 07:02 PM EDT

White House says Iran’s military is ‘crippled’ as U.S. claims major gains in Operation epic Fury

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White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt offered one of the administration’s most forceful assessments yet of the war with Iran on Wednesday, declaring that U.S. forces have severely degraded Tehran’s ability to wage war and are closing in on the objectives of Operation Epic Fury. Speaking from the White House podium, Leavitt said American strikes over the past three weeks have dismantled key elements of Iran’s military, from missile launch sites to naval assets, and have sharply reduced the volume of attacks targeting U.S. and allied forces.

According to Leavitt, U.S. operations have destroyed more than 9,000 Iranian targets, cutting ballistic‑missile and drone launches by roughly 90 percent. She also said American forces have eliminated over 140 Iranian naval vessels, including dozens of minelayers, calling it the largest destruction of a navy in such a short period since World War II. The U.S., she added, has continued hitting underground facilities tied to anti‑ship weapons along the Strait of Hormuz, which Washington views as central to protecting global energy flows.

Leavitt argued that Iran’s military capacity is eroding “day by day,” claiming the regime’s ability to threaten the United States, Israel, and regional partners has been “significantly weakened.” She said the administration believes Iran’s nuclear ambitions have been set back even further than during previous U.S. operations.

The press secretary also confirmed that President Donald Trump has paused planned strikes on Iranian power infrastructure while U.S. officials engage in what she described as “productive conversations” with Tehran. She said the pause is temporary and contingent on Iran’s willingness to abandon its nuclear ambitions and halt attacks on American and allied forces.

Leavitt warned that if Iran rejects the diplomatic opening, the president is prepared to escalate. “President Trump does not bluff,” she said, adding that he is ready to “unleash hell” if Iran continues to resist negotiations.

Mar 25, 2026 at 06:49 PM EDT

EPA temporarily lifts summer gasoline rules to counter Iran war price spike

The Trump administration moved Wednesday to loosen federal fuel regulations for the summer driving season, issuing emergency waivers aimed at easing gasoline prices that have surged during the war with Iran. The Environmental Protection Agency authorized expanded sales of E15, a gasoline blend containing 15 percent ethanol that is normally restricted in hotter months because of smog concerns.

EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, speaking at the CERAWeek energy conference in Houston, said the waivers were intended to boost fuel supplies and blunt the rapid rise in pump prices. Analysts estimate the move could trim 10 to 25 cents per gallon in some regions, though they caution it will only partially offset the broader price shock caused by disrupted oil flows from the Middle East.

The agency also suspended federal limits on sales of E10, the more common 10‑percent ethanol blend, with both waivers set to take effect May 1. Federal law allows such steps when fuel supplies are deemed at risk — a determination the administration says is justified as the conflict continues to constrain global crude shipments.

Gasoline prices have climbed roughly 34 percent since late February, reaching a national average near $3.98 per gallon, intensifying political pressure on the White House to act. Ethanol blends can be cheaper because of production costs and federal incentives, but E15 remains available at only a small share of U.S. stations and is approved for use only in vehicles built since 2001.

Energy experts say the waivers may offer short‑term relief but are unlikely to counteract the broader market strain as long as fighting near the Strait of Hormuz — a key chokepoint for global oil shipments — continues. “This helps at the margins,” one analyst said, “but it’s not a solution to the underlying supply shock.”

Mar 25, 2026 at 06:36 PM EDT

Ghalibaf becomes central figure as Iran balances defiance and diplomacy

Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the speaker of Iran’s parliament and one of the most senior officials still in power since the war began, is emerging as both a hard‑line voice and a potential diplomatic channel as pressure mounts on Tehran. A former commander in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Ghalibaf warned on Wednesday that Iran was watching U.S. troop movements closely, telling Washington not to underestimate the country’s willingness to defend itself.

Despite that confrontational tone, regional officials say Ghalibaf has been approached as a possible intermediary. According to Iranian and Pakistani sources, Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, recently contacted him with a proposal for Islamabad to host talks between the United States and Iran. Munir is believed to have longstanding ties to the IRGC, making him a rare figure with access to both sides.

Ghalibaf, 64, has become one of the most influential survivors of the war’s opening strikes, which killed several top Iranian leaders. Before the attacks, he had been tapped to help oversee Iran’s wartime command structure and remains close to Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, who succeeded his father as supreme leader.

His political résumé spans decades: fighter pilot, police chief, mayor of Tehran, and multiple‑time presidential contender. Though a pillar of Iran’s conservative establishment, he has at times projected a more technocratic image — even ordering public art installations across Tehran during his mayoralty. He has also faced corruption allegations and criticism over his family’s spending abroad, charges he denies.

Ghalibaf has long taken a tough line on dissent, including during student crackdowns in the early 2000s, and he has echoed the government’s uncompromising rhetoric since the war began. This month, he rejected any suggestion of a cease-fire and insisted Iran must continue striking its adversaries. He also dismissed President Donald Trump’s claim that negotiations were underway, calling it misinformation.

As the United States pushes for a diplomatic off‑ramp and Iran signals mixed messages, Ghalibaf’s role — part enforcer, part potential negotiator — has become increasingly central to Tehran’s wartime posture.

Mar 25, 2026 at 06:23 PM EDT

Netanyahu says Israel’s wider campaign against Iran continues

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told local leaders on Wednesday that Israel’s broader fight against Iran remains underway, even as the United States pursues diplomatic engagement with Tehran.

Speaking to mayors from communities along Israel’s northern border, Netanyahu said the military’s operations against Hezbollah are directly tied to Israel’s wider confrontation with Iran. He called the dismantling of Hezbollah “a top priority” and said Israel is committed to “fundamentally changing the situation in Lebanon.”

Netanyahu said Israeli forces are expanding their presence inside southern Lebanon, describing the area as a growing “buffer zone” meant to push Hezbollah fighters and anti‑tank missile teams farther from the border. He said the zone now prevents any ground incursion into the Galilee, framing it as a “broader safety belt” for northern towns.

The prime minister also claimed Israel has neutralized “most of Hezbollah’s missile threat,” while acknowledging that additional work remains. He said the military has eliminated what he described as Hezbollah’s plan for a large‑scale ground assault by Radwan special‑operations units, calling that threat “no longer existent.”

Mar 25, 2026 at 06:10 PM EDT

Hezbollah leader rejects talks with Israel, vows to fight ‘without limits’

Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem warned that negotiating with Israel while under fire would amount to “imposed surrender,” according to a televised speech read on his behalf Wednesday on a Hezbollah‑affiliated channel.

The address called for unity across Lebanon against Israel’s military campaign and said Hezbollah fighters were prepared to continue the battle “without limits,” signaling no shift in the group’s stance despite intensifying strikes.

Qassem also urged the Lebanese government to lift its ban on Hezbollah’s military activities, arguing that the group must be free to respond fully as the conflict widens.

Mar 25, 2026 at 05:57 PM EDT

Egypt says it’s ready to host talks as push for Iran ceasefire widens

Egypt’s foreign minister, Badr Abdelatty, said Wednesday that Cairo is prepared to host meetings aimed at ending the war, signaling growing regional support for a diplomatic track, according to Reuters.

Speaking at a news conference, Abdelatty said Egypt backs President Donald Trump’s effort to open negotiations with Iranian leaders. Asked about Tehran’s apparent rejection of the U.S. proposal, he stressed that diplomacy must continue. “We have to keep working. This is about negotiations and political solutions,” he said.

Abdelatty’s comments come as Pakistan’s prime minister has also offered to host U.S.–Iran talks, positioning both countries as potential mediators at a moment when the conflict shows signs of shifting toward dialogue.

Mar 25, 2026 at 05:43 PM EDT

Iranian commander warns U.S. after strikes on Israeli cities

Iranian commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Seyed Majid Moosavi issued a sharp warning to Washington on Wednesday, saying any threat or ultimatum directed at Iran should be considered an act of war.

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Mar 25, 2026 at 05:30 PM EDT

Johnson says no U.S. ‘boots on the ground’ as Iran war nears end

House Speaker Mike Johnson insisted Wednesday that the United States does not have ground forces fighting in the Middle East, even as thousands of additional American troops have been deployed to the region during the war with Iran.

“We don’t have boots on the ground,” Johnson told reporters, while warning Tehran to pay attention to the growing U.S. military presence nearby. “I think Iran should watch that buildup, and they need to take note of that.”

Johnson also urged Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to commercial oil and gas traffic, calling the waterway’s closure a threat to global stability.

Despite the continued military activity, Johnson said he believes the conflict is approaching its conclusion. “Operation Epic Fury is almost done,” he said, arguing that the mission’s objectives “have been met.”

Mar 25, 2026 at 05:17 PM EDT

Wall Street rises as hopes for Iran war pause lift markets

U.S. stocks climbed again on Wednesday as signs of possible progress toward halting the U.S.–Israeli war on Iran helped steady investor sentiment and pushed oil prices lower.

The S&P 500 was up 0.8% by mid‑morning after the United States delivered a proposal to Iran outlining a potential pause in fighting. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 323 points, or 0.7%, while the Nasdaq composite rose 1.3%.

The rebound was far from smooth. The S&P 500 gave up more than half of its early surge — an initial 1.2% jump — within the first 30 minutes of trading, underscoring how fragile market confidence remains.

Financial markets have been on a roller coaster since the conflict erupted more than three weeks ago, with sharp reversals driven by shifting headlines and uncertainty over how long the war will last. Oil prices, which have spiked repeatedly during the crisis, eased on Wednesday as traders weighed the possibility of a diplomatic opening.

Mar 25, 2026 at 05:11 PM EDT

Global stocks rise as oil retreats amid mixed signals on U.S.–Iran talks

Global markets climbed on Wednesday while oil prices pulled back, as investors weighed conflicting reports about potential peace talks between the United States and Iran. The possibility — however uncertain — that Washington is seeking a path to end the conflict helped steady sentiment after weeks of geopolitical‑driven volatility.

The S&P 500 rose as much as 1.2 percent in early trading before paring gains to close 0.5 percent higher, extending a cautious rebound across major equity markets. Energy prices also eased, with Brent crude falling 2.2 percent to $102.22 a barrel, reversing part of the surge triggered by supply disruptions linked to the war.

Mar 25, 2026 at 05:04 PM EDT

WATCH: Epic Fury and the new geopolitical map

Mar 25, 2026 at 04:51 PM EDT

Netanyahu says Israel expanding ‘buffer zone’ in southern Lebanon

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Wednesday that Israeli forces are widening a security belt inside southern Lebanon as the military intensifies its campaign against Hezbollah.

In a video statement, Netanyahu said Israel has already established “a genuine security zone” designed to prevent infiltration toward the Galilee and communities along the northern border. He added that the military is now pushing that line farther north.

According to Netanyahu, the goal is to move anti‑tank missile threats farther from Israeli towns and create what he described as a broader, more durable buffer area. The expansion comes as Israeli ground and air operations continue across southern Lebanon amid escalating clashes with Hezbollah.

Mar 25, 2026 at 04:38 PM EDT

UN chief warns Middle East conflict is ‘out of control’

UN Secretary‑General Antonio Guterres issued one of his starkest warnings yet on Wednesday, saying the war in the Middle East has spun “out of control” and that the world is “staring down the barrel of a wider war.”

Guterres said it is “high time” for the United States and Israel to halt their campaign against Iran, while also urging Tehran to stop launching attacks on neighboring states “that are not part of the conflict.” He called on all sides to reverse course before the region slides into an even more dangerous phase.

“It is time to stop climbing the escalation ladder, and start climbing the diplomatic ladder,” he said, adding that a return to full respect for international law is urgently needed as the conflict enters its fourth week.

Mar 25, 2026 at 04:25 PM EDT

Iran outlines its own terms for ending the war, state media says

An Iranian official has sketched out a set of conditions Tehran says must be met before it will consider ending the war, according to a report published Wednesday by Press TV, Iran’s state‑run English‑language outlet. The individual was described as a senior political‑security figure familiar with the U.S. proposal now circulating between the two countries, though it remains unclear whether he is authorized to speak for Iran’s leadership.

Press TV said the official listed five requirements in response to the 15‑point plan drafted by the United States. They include a complete halt to attacks and targeted killings, guarantees that hostilities cannot resume, and a framework for reparations tied to wartime damage. Another condition demands that the conflict end across every front where Iran or its regional allies are involved — including Israeli strikes in Lebanon. The final point calls for international recognition of Iran’s authority over the Strait of Hormuz, a position Tehran has emphasized repeatedly in recent days.

The official also rejected the idea that President Donald Trump could dictate the timing of a ceasefire, saying Iran would decide when the war ends and only after its own terms are met.

Mar 25, 2026 at 04:12 PM EDT

EasyJet warns summer fares could rise if Middle East war drags on

EasyJet is urging travelers to book early as the airline braces for potential fare increases later this summer if the Middle East conflict continues to disrupt global fuel markets, a company spokesperson told CNN.

The spokesperson said ticket prices depend on “a number of different factors,” including capacity, operating costs and demand, but noted that passengers are more likely to secure lower fares by booking in advance.

CEO Kenton Jarvis told Reuters this week that EasyJet is well‑protected in the short term because its fuel needs are heavily hedged. But he cautioned that higher costs will begin “feeding through to the consumer towards the back end of the summer” if the war persists.

Jarvis made similar comments to CNN’s Richard Quest days earlier, stressing that the airline will not introduce a fuel surcharge, saying such fees contradict EasyJet’s budget‑focused model.

The aviation sector is under mounting pressure as oil prices surge amid the near‑shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint that normally carries about 20% of the world’s oil supply. Airlines across Europe are now weighing how long they can shield customers from the fallout.

Mar 25, 2026 at 03:49 PM EDT

IDF says strike on Iranian facility damaged submarine program

The Israel Defense Forces said Wednesday that it carried out a strike on an underwater research center in Iran’s Isfahan province, claiming the attack dealt a major blow to Tehran’s ability to build and modernize submarines.

According to the IDF, the facility — hit on Tuesday — was Iran’s sole center responsible for designing and developing submarines and related support systems for the Iranian Navy. The military said the strike has “significantly” reduced Iran’s capacity to produce new, advanced vessels and to upgrade its existing fleet.

Mar 25, 2026 at 03:36 PM EDT

Iran says it now controls passage through the Strait of Hormuz

An Iranian military spokesman declared Wednesday that the Strait of Hormuz will not return to its previous status, insisting that Tehran alone will decide which vessels may pass through the vital waterway.

In a video statement, spokesman Ebrahim Zolfaghari said “the authority to issue passage permits is ours,” adding that global oil prices are effectively “in our hands.” His remarks signaled a hardening stance as the war enters its fourth week and U.S. officials continue to push for negotiations.

Zolfaghari dismissed American diplomatic efforts, saying the United States was “negotiating with yourselves.” He warned that Iran’s military strength was growing “with every passing moment,” even as Washington seeks a path to de‑escalation.

Mar 25, 2026 at 03:23 PM EDT

Israel races to hit key targets before possible U.S.–Iran talks

Israel is accelerating its military campaign inside Iran amid growing signs that the United States may soon push for negotiations to end the war, according to two senior Israeli officials and two people briefed on internal discussions.

The officials said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday ordered the military to strike as many high‑value sites as possible within a 48‑hour window, focusing on Iran’s weapons production network. The directive followed Israel’s receipt of a U.S.-drafted, 15‑point peace proposal that Washington is said to have passed to Tehran through intermediaries.

The urgency, the officials said, reflects a fear inside the Israeli government that President Donald Trump could announce talks at any moment — potentially freezing the battlefield before Israel achieves its core objectives. Those goals include dismantling Iran’s ballistic‑missile capabilities, preventing any future nuclear weapons program and weakening the Iranian leadership enough to spur internal revolt.

Israeli lawmakers aligned with Netanyahu echoed that view. Boaz Bismuth, who chairs Parliament’s foreign affairs and defense committee, said the war cannot end without meeting all three aims.

Although the U.S. plan is described as broad and preliminary, Israeli officials said it raised alarms within the war cabinet and military command, who believe it does not go far enough to constrain Iran’s nuclear and missile programs.

Netanyahu delivered his order during a tense meeting deep inside Israel’s military headquarters in Tel Aviv, after briefings from the heads of the air force and military intelligence on what targets remained viable.

The Trump administration has not confirmed the existence of the peace plan or whether it has been shared with Iran.

Mar 25, 2026 at 03:10 PM EDT

Israeli strike kills two paramedics in Nabatieh, Lebanon says

Two paramedics were killed in Nabatieh after an Israeli strike hit their motorcycle as they headed to a rescue mission, Lebanon’s Health Ministry said Wednesday. The victims, Ali Jaber and Joud Suleiman, were in full medical gear, and their motorcycle was clearly marked with emergency lights, according to the ministry.

Images from their funeral showed large crowds gathering to honor the pair, whose deaths have become another flashpoint in a region already reeling from weeks of bombardment.

Israeli strikes continued across Lebanon on Wednesday. The Israel Defense Forces said it targeted Hezbollah sites nationwide, including locations in Dahieh, the southern suburb of Beirut, and several towns in the south.

Lebanon’s Health Ministry said the death toll from Israeli attacks has now reached 1,094 people since March 2, including at least 121 children.

Mar 25, 2026 at 02:57 PM EDT

Energy leaders warn Europe could face shortages by late April

A top oil executive and Germany’s economic minister are warning that Europe could begin feeling real energy shortages as early as next month if the war with Iran continues to choke global fuel supplies.

Speaking at the CERAWeek conference in Texas, Shell CEO Wael Sawan said the conflict that erupted on Feb. 28 has already tightened global markets, first hitting jet fuel and now moving toward diesel and gasoline. The near‑closure of the Strait of Hormuz — normally a route for about one‑fifth of the world’s oil and LNG — combined with repeated attacks on regional energy facilities, has created cascading disruptions.

Sawan said the shock has moved “from South Asia to Southeast Asia, Northeast Asia, and now toward Europe as we get into April,” underscoring how quickly the supply strain is spreading.

Germany’s Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy, Katherina Reiche, offered a similarly stark assessment. Asked how the crunch was affecting Europe’s largest economy, she said Germany has not yet seen shortages in available volumes but warned that could change soon. “If the conflict doesn’t end, we see this probably later, April or May,” she said in remarks posted by the conference.

Mar 25, 2026 at 02:43 PM EDT

China calls for de-escalation and urgent return to dialogue

China urged all sides in the Middle East to halt fighting and revive diplomacy, reiterating its support for efforts to cool a conflict that has widened across the region.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said at a news conference that “China supports all efforts that help ease tensions, de‑escalate the situation, and restore dialogue.” Beijing has positioned itself as one of the few major powers maintaining open channels with both Washington and Tehran.

The appeal followed a call on Tuesday between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, during which Wang said all parties must “seize every opportunity and window for peace” and push for talks “as soon as possible.”

Mar 25, 2026 at 02:30 PM EDT

India receives first Iranian LPG cargo in years after sanctions pause

India has taken delivery of its first cargo of Iranian liquefied petroleum gas in several years after the United States temporarily lifted sanctions on Tehran’s oil and refined fuel exports, according to industry sources cited by Reuters.

New Delhi halted all energy purchases from Iran in 2019 under pressure from U.S. and European sanctions. The resumption marks a significant shift at a moment when India is struggling with soaring fuel costs and supply disruptions linked to the U.S.–Israel war on Iran.

The sanctioned tanker Aurora, carrying Iranian LPG, is expected to dock shortly at the port of Mangalore on India’s west coast. The shipment will be divided among the country’s three major state‑run fuel retailers — Indian Oil Corp, Bharat Petroleum Corp, and Hindustan Petroleum Corp.

India has been among the countries hit hardest by the near‑shutdown of tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for its LPG imports.

Mar 25, 2026 at 02:20 PM EDT

CENTCOM denies Iranian claim of Downing U.S. fighter jet

U.S. Central Command on Wednesday rejected a claim by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps that it had shot down an American F/A‑18 over the coastal city of Chabahar, calling the allegation entirely false.

In a statement posted on social media, CENTCOM said no U.S. aircraft had been hit or lost in the conflict. “No U.S. fighter aircraft have been shot down by Iran,” the command wrote, directly contradicting Tehran’s assertion that a new air‑defense system had struck the jet.

The IRGC has issued a series of battlefield claims in recent days as fighting intensifies across the region, but U.S. officials say many of those statements are aimed at projecting strength amid heavy losses to Iran’s military infrastructure.

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Mar 25, 2026 at 02:17 PM EDT

Senate Republicans block Democrats’ third attempt to halt Iran war

Senate Republicans on Tuesday again stopped Democrats from forcing an end to the Iran war without explicit congressional authorization, marking the third failed attempt since President Donald Trump launched the offensive last month.

The chamber voted 53–47 to block a resolution that would require Trump to withdraw U.S. forces from hostilities unless Congress approved Operation Epic Fury, now in its fourth week. Only Senator Rand Paul broke with Republicans, while Senator John Fetterman opposed the measure from the Democratic side — mirroring the vote breakdown of earlier efforts.

Democrats argued the resolution was necessary to reassert Congress’s constitutional authority over war powers and prevent the United States from waging a prolonged conflict without debate or approval. Republicans countered that limiting Trump’s actions would undermine U.S. operations already underway alongside Israel.

Mar 25, 2026 at 02:04 PM EDT

Iran steps up drone and missile strikes on Gulf energy hubs

A new wave of drones and missiles has hit the Gulf region, with Saudi Arabia absorbing the brunt of the attacks as tensions with Iran continue to escalate.

Saudi officials say that nearly 30 drones and one ballistic missile have been intercepted since midnight, most of them aimed at the kingdom’s Eastern Province — home to roughly 70 percent of Saudi Arabia’s oil reserves and the core of its energy infrastructure. The targeting pattern, analysts say, is deliberate.

Iran “is not firing randomly,” regional officials note. The strikes appear designed to disrupt energy flows from the Gulf’s coastal states, threatening a region that supplies a significant share of the world’s oil.

The attacks have not been limited to the east. Iran has also directed drones toward Yanbu, a major Red Sea port and another key node in Saudi Arabia’s energy network.

The sustained pressure is rattling Gulf economies and deepening diplomatic rifts. Regional governments already wary of Tehran’s military posture now face a campaign that threatens both global energy stability and their own security.

Mar 25, 2026 at 01:51 PM EDT

Rutte faces backlash for backing Trump’s war on Iran

NATO Secretary‑General Mark Rutte, long known in European capitals as a “Trump whisperer,” is facing mounting criticism for openly supporting President Donald Trump’s decision to go to war alongside Israel against Iran. Rutte’s approach — a blend of public praise and private guidance meant to keep Trump engaged with NATO and supportive of Ukraine — has often required a thick skin. Last year he even jokingly referred to Trump as the alliance’s “Daddy.”

But his latest comments have crossed a line for many allies. The issue, critics say, is no longer flattery. It is that Rutte is endorsing a war of choice that most of NATO’s 31 other members view as unnecessary and, in the words of German President Frank‑Walter Steinmeier, illegal under international law.

On CBS’s Face the Nation on Sunday, Rutte defended Trump’s campaign against Iran, arguing that degrading Tehran’s nuclear and missile capabilities would make “the whole world safe.” He framed Iran as an exporter of “chaos” and said Trump was acting decisively to curb that threat.

Two senior European officials, speaking anonymously, said Rutte’s stance risks deepening instability. They warned that the war could harden Iran’s leadership, push it closer to pursuing a nuclear weapon and prolong the global energy shock already battering Europe. They also fear the conflict will siphon weapons and political attention away from Ukraine, while Russia profits from soaring energy prices.

Rutte’s defenders say his job is uniquely difficult: he must keep a 32‑nation alliance unified while managing a U.S. president whose support is indispensable but unpredictable. Former NATO ambassador Ivo Daalder said Rutte’s position on Iran “makes no sense” when nearly all allies oppose the war, adding that the secretary‑general’s top priority should be protecting NATO — and that “the biggest threat to NATO is Trump.”

Other analysts say Rutte is leaning too far toward Washington. Fabian Zuleeg of the European Policy Center called his posture “over the top,” while Nathalie Tocci, a former EU official, said Rutte now looks like “Trump’s cheerleader,” a role that undermines NATO’s identity as a defensive alliance.

Former NATO chief George Robertson, who led the alliance during the divisive Iraq War, said the job often requires deference to powerful members. With Trump, he noted, Rutte is dealing with a leader who is “unpredictable and at times capricious,” yet whose cooperation remains essential to holding the alliance together.

Mar 25, 2026 at 01:38 PM EDT

Merz warns Germany can’t fully shield public from energy shock

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Wednesday that while his government is exploring ways to soften the energy shock triggered by the U.S.–Israel war on Iran, it cannot fully insulate households and businesses from rising costs.

Speaking during a parliamentary question session, Merz said there were “measures we can consider” to ease pressure on consumers. But he cautioned that Germany’s public finances have limits, adding that “we cannot offset every price trend through tax measures or measures funded from the federal budget.”

Mar 25, 2026 at 01:25 PM EDT

WATCH: Hegseth warns Iran that US ‘negotiates with bombs’

Mar 25, 2026 at 01:12 PM EDT

Mace rejects sending South Carolinians to fight in Iran

Rep. Nancy Mace reiterated her opposition to deploying U.S. ground forces to Iran, saying she will not support sending “South Carolina’s sons and daughters to war.”

In a statement posted on social media, Mace said President Donald Trump has been “enormously successful so far” in the conflict but warned against allowing what she called the “Washington War Machine” to turn Iran into “another Iraq.”

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Mar 25, 2026 at 12:59 PM EDT

Israel says Hezbollah has fired 3,500 projectiles since March 2

Hezbollah has launched more than 3,500 rockets, missiles and drones at Israel since March 2, according to a letter sent Wednesday by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar to UN Security Council president Mike Waltz. Saar posted the letter publicly on social media, warning that the scale of attacks reflects direct coordination with Tehran.

Israeli authorities said a Hezbollah strike on Tuesday killed an Israeli woman in the country’s north. Saar called the cross‑border fire “indiscriminate” and accused the group of “acting at the request and behest of its patrons in Tehran.”

Mar 25, 2026 at 12:46 PM EDT

UN rights council to hold urgent debate on deadly Minab school strike

The UN Human Rights Council will convene a second urgent debate on Friday to address the deadly strike on an elementary school in Minab, a southern Iranian city hit on the first day of the war on Feb. 28.

Council president Sidharto Reza Suryodipuro announced the session, which will focus on the protection of children and educational institutions in armed conflict. The debate was requested by Iran, China and Cuba, reflecting growing international pressure over the attack.

Speaking before the council, Iranian diplomat Somayeh Karimdoost condemned the strike as “a grave breach of international humanitarian law and international human rights law.” She said the attack killed 168 children between the ages of seven and 12 and left many more wounded.

Mar 25, 2026 at 12:40 PM EDT

Did Nancy Mace walk out of an Iran war briefing?

Rep. Nancy Mace said Wednesday that she will not support deploying American ground forces to Iran, reiterating her position after leaving a classified House Armed Services Committee briefing on the conflict.

“Just walked out of a House Armed Services briefing on Iran,” she wrote on social media. “I will not support troops on the ground in Iran, even more so after this briefing.”

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Mar 25, 2026 at 12:33 PM EDT

Markets lift as hopes for U.S.–Iran talks ease investor jitters

Investors welcomed early signs of possible U.S.–Iran diplomacy, helping steady global markets after weeks of war‑driven volatility. Even though negotiations remain uncertain, traders viewed the prospect of dialogue as a signal that Washington may be looking to cool tensions.

Brent crude fell below $100 a barrel on Wednesday, extending a sharp pullback as fears of supply disruption eased. In equities, the S&P 500 rose 0.6 percent, rebounding from a modest decline the previous day.

Mar 25, 2026 at 12:23 PM EDT

Iranian officer warns Tehran could target Bab al-Mandeb if conflict escalates

An Iranian military official has warned that Iran is prepared to threaten the Bab al‑Mandeb Strait if “enemy action” occurs in southern Iran, according to comments circulated Monday on a local Telegram channel and attributed to Tasnim News Agency.

The official said Iranian forces are closely tracking U.S. and allied movements and would respond by opening new fronts if Iran’s territory or coastal positions come under attack. He suggested that any American attempt to secure the Strait of Hormuz through military pressure could prompt Iran to expand the conflict to another critical waterway.

The Bab al‑Mandeb, which connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden, is one of the world’s most important shipping chokepoints. The official claimed Iran has “both the will and the capability” to pose a “credible threat” there, warning that Tehran is “fully prepared to escalate the situation.”

The message ended with a pointed challenge: if the United States miscalculates, Iran could respond in ways that “double the cost” of any operation.

The remarks come as tensions remain high across the region, with fighting stretching from the Strait of Hormuz to Yemen and the Red Sea, and as U.S. officials weigh next steps in the broader conflict.

Mar 25, 2026 at 12:20 PM EDT

Top House Democrat pushes to subpoena Trump officials over Iran war

Representative Gregory Meeks of New York, the ranking Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, is calling for a vote to subpoena senior Trump administration officials to testify about the ongoing war in Iran.

Meeks wants Secretary of State Marco Rubio and White House advisers Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff — the two figures leading Middle East negotiations — to appear before the committee before the end of April.

“We have many outstanding questions, and if this committee cannot hold hearings on a war involving U.S. forces, the diplomacy around it and its impacts on our allies and partners, then we are not meeting our most basic oversight responsibility,” Meeks said.

Mar 25, 2026 at 12:07 PM EDT

U.S. sends Iran 15-point peace plan as troop deployments increase

The United States has delivered a 15‑point proposal to Iran aimed at ending the war, according to two regional sources and a U.S. official, even as President Donald Trump authorizes additional troop deployments to the Middle East.

The plan was passed to Iranian officials through Pakistan, a channel first reported by The New York Times. It remains unclear whether Tehran has agreed to any of the terms. Trump confirmed the existence of the 15 points on Monday and voiced optimism, emphasizing that preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon is the top priority. “They’re not going to have a nuclear weapon… They will never have a nuclear weapon,” he said. Iran maintains it is not pursuing one.

Despite the diplomatic outreach, Trump has approved sending more than 1,000 soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division to the region. They have not yet departed but could deploy in the coming days.

In Tehran, parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned that Iran is “closely monitoring all U.S. movements in the region, especially troop deployments,” adding in a social media post: “Do not test our resolve to defend our land.”

Mar 25, 2026 at 11:54 AM EDT

UN rights council condemns Iran’s ‘egregious attacks’ on Gulf states

The UN Human Rights Council has condemned what it called Iran’s “egregious attacks” on its Gulf neighbors, adopting a resolution that demands swift and full reparation for all victims of recent strikes.

The measure, introduced by the six Gulf Cooperation Council countries along with Jordan, denounces Iran’s efforts to close the Strait of Hormuz and urges Tehran to immediately “cease all unprovoked attacks.” The resolution passed with majority support in the 47‑member body.

Mar 25, 2026 at 11:41 AM EDT

U.S. stocks rise, oil falls as conflicting Iran war reports jolt markets

U.S. stocks climbed Wednesday morning while global oil prices slid, extending a stretch of volatile trading as investors reacted to a steady stream of conflicting headlines about the war in Iran.

Futures for the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 initially jumped more than 1% after reports suggested the United States had delivered a 15‑point peace plan to Tehran. But unconfirmed stories from Iranian media, citing an anonymous source, quickly pushed back, claiming Iran would reject a ceasefire and refuse talks with Washington.

The contradictory reports briefly knocked index futures off their highs and lifted crude prices from early‑morning lows.

Despite the turbulence, U.S. markets opened higher, and U.S. crude oil dropped more than 4% in morning trading, reflecting traders’ ongoing struggle to price risk amid fast‑shifting signals from the conflict.

Mar 25, 2026 at 11:36 AM EDT

Trump accuses Democrats of undermining Iran war effort

President Donald Trump escalated his attacks on Democrats on Wednesday, claiming they are trying to sow domestic turmoil to distract from what he described as major U.S. military gains in Iran.

In a post on his social media platform, Trump said the “Radical Left, Country Hating Democrats” were attempting to create “inner chaos” as the administration touts progress in its month‑long campaign alongside Israel. He argued that his critics “hate seeing us win so completely and decisively,” insisting that the public understands the political motivations behind the pushback.

Mar 25, 2026 at 11:28 AM EDT

Iraq summons U.S. diplomat after deadly strike on PMF site in Anbar

Iraq has summoned the U.S. Embassy’s chargé d’affaires in Baghdad after a strike killed seven soldiers at a Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) site in western Anbar on Wednesday morning, according to a statement from Iraq’s military spokesman.

The spokesman said Prime Minister Mohammed al‑Sudani directed the Foreign Ministry to deliver a “strongly worded letter of protest,” a message posted on the prime minister’s official social media account. It marks one of Baghdad’s sharpest public rebukes of Washington since the conflict began.

The attack was the second lethal strike in as many days on military infrastructure in western Iraq. Iran‑aligned groups have repeatedly targeted U.S. forces in the region, prompting American retaliatory strikes on PMF units, which are formally part of Iraq’s security apparatus but maintain close ties to Tehran.

Mar 25, 2026 at 11:25 AM EDT

Iran says it fired cruise missiles at U.S. carrier as tensions escalate

Iran’s military claimed Wednesday that it launched cruise missiles at the USS Abraham Lincoln, according to the semiofficial Mehr news agency, marking the latest escalation in a conflict increasingly centered on naval power and long‑range strikes.

Just minutes before the report, a senior Iranian navy commander warned that the force was closely tracking the American carrier’s movements and would attack if it came within range, comments carried by the Fars news outlet.

In Washington, President Trump said Tuesday that Iran had fired more than 100 missiles at the Abraham Lincoln and insisted that “every single one of them was knocked down.” The Pentagon has not yet issued its own account of the incident.

Mar 25, 2026 at 11:12 AM EDT

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

Mar 25, 2026 at 10:59 AM EDT

Israel expands target list as strikes intensify across Iran and Lebanon

Israel’s defense ministry said Wednesday that Defense Minister Israel Katz and Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir have approved a new round of targets in Iran and Lebanon, signaling a further escalation in the weeks‑long conflict.

According to the ministry, the Israeli military has already fired more than 15,000 munitions across Iran since the war began on Feb. 28—over four times the number used during the 12‑day confrontation with Iran last June.

Military officials said that by midday Wednesday, several waves of strikes had been carried out against government‑linked infrastructure in Tehran. The statement added that on Tuesday, Israeli warplanes hit production facilities in Isfahan, including sites it said were involved in developing submarines and support systems for the Iranian Navy.

Mar 25, 2026 at 10:57 AM EDT

Johnson says Operation Epic Fury nearing its end

House Speaker Mike Johnson suggested Wednesday that the U.S. campaign in Iran is entering its final phase.

Asked whether he still believed the United States was not at war, Johnson replied that “we’re wrapping up Operation Epic Fury” and predicted the mission would conclude “in short order.”

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Mar 25, 2026 at 10:46 AM EDT

Iraq summons U.S. diplomat after strike on military clinic kills soldiers

Iraq has summoned the U.S. charge d’affaires in Baghdad after a strike on a military medical clinic killed several soldiers and wounded others, escalating tensions between the two partners.

The attack hit the Habbaniyah military clinic, which is operated by Iraq’s Defence Ministry, early Wednesday. Iraqi officials handed the American diplomat a formal protest note, denouncing the strike as a “flagrant violation of international law” and an insult to the broader Iraqi‑American relationship.

In its statement, the government said it reserves the right to respond “by all available means” permitted under the U.N. Charter, and confirmed it will file a detailed complaint with the U.N. Security Council.

Mar 25, 2026 at 10:33 AM EDT

China backs Pakistan’s offer to host U.S.–Iran talks

China has signaled support for Pakistan’s proposal to host negotiations between the United States and Iran, framing diplomacy as the only viable path to ending the war. Speaking in Beijing, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said “ceasefire and peace talks are more important tasks at hand,” underscoring Beijing’s preference for de‑escalation over continued military action.

Lin said China “supports all efforts conducive to easing tensions, de‑escalating the situation and restoring dialogue,” aligning Beijing with Islamabad’s push to bring the two adversaries to the table.

Addressing Iran’s control of the Strait of Hormuz, Lin stressed the global stakes, noting that “maintaining peace and stability in the Middle East and keeping shipping routes safe serves the common interests of the international community.”

Mar 25, 2026 at 10:20 AM EDT

Iran claims it fired cruise missiles at U.S. carrier as Navy vows retaliation

Iran’s Navy says it launched cruise missiles toward the U.S. aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln, claiming the barrage forced the strike group to alter course, according to state news agency IRNA. The move was framed as a demonstration of Iran’s “naval dominance” amid what officials described as growing threats from “hostile fleets.”

There has been no immediate response from the Pentagon. On Tuesday, President Trump told reporters the Abraham Lincoln had been targeted with more than 100 missiles, all of which he said were intercepted. He has repeatedly asserted that the United States has “effectively obliterated” Iran’s naval forces.

IRNA quoted Navy Chief Admiral Shahram Irani as saying the carrier group’s movements are being closely tracked and would be targeted “as soon as it comes within missile range.” He added that Iran’s forces will not rest until they avenge the sailors killed when a U.S. submarine torpedoed an Iranian warship in international waters earlier this month.

The U.S. has not commented on Iran’s latest claims, which come amid escalating maritime tensions and repeated exchanges of fire across the region.

Mar 25, 2026 at 10:07 AM EDT

Israel intercepts missile and rocket fire as two injured in northern blast

Israel’s air‑defense systems have been working continuously over the past several hours to intercept waves of missiles and rockets launched from Iran and Lebanon, according to military officials.

Amid the barrage, Israel’s ambulance service reported treating two men with minor blast injuries on Wednesday afternoon. The incident occurred at a bus stop in the area of Karmiel in northern Israel, where debris from an intercepted projectile appears to have fallen.

The latest strikes come as cross‑border fire intensifies on multiple fronts, stretching Israel’s defensive systems and heightening concerns about further escalation.

Mar 25, 2026 at 09:54 AM EDT

Iran arrests 39, seizes weapons and Starlink devices as blackout reaches day 26

Iran’s Intelligence Ministry says it has detained 39 people in Tehran, announcing the seizure of weapons, ammunition, and at least seven Starlink devices as the country’s sweeping internet shutdown enters its 26th day.

Officials reported confiscating 49 homemade bombs, two Kalashnikov rifles, 16 handguns, 50 magazine clips, and more than 1,500 rounds of ammunition during the arrests. Authorities did not provide details on the individuals detained or the allegations against them.

The crackdown comes as Iran remains under a nationwide internet blackout, now in its fourth week, according to monitoring group NetBlocks. Connectivity has been severely restricted since early January, cutting off most digital communication as protests and security operations continue across the country.

Mar 25, 2026 at 09:41 AM EDT

Lebanese army says Iranian-made missile exploded midair over Lebanon

The Lebanese army said Monday that a rocket that broke apart over Lebanese territory was an Iranian‑made guided ballistic missile, identifying it as a Qader‑110 after collecting debris from multiple sites.

According to the military, the missile detonated at high altitude, a sign “suggesting that its target was outside Lebanese territory.” In a statement posted on X, officials said specialized units recovered scattered components and determined the weapon had been carrying several smaller munitions.

The army said a technical malfunction or interception by another missile likely caused the midair explosion.

Mar 25, 2026 at 09:28 AM EDT

UN rights chief warns war near nuclear sites risks ‘unmitigated catastrophe’

U.N. human rights chief Volker Türk issued one of his starkest warnings yet on Wednesday, urging coordinated international action to halt the widening war involving Iran, Israel, and their regional rivals. Speaking at the opening of a Human Rights Council debate on Iran’s cross‑Gulf attacks, Türk said countries were “flirting with unmitigated catastrophe” as missile strikes land dangerously close to nuclear facilities in both Iran and Israel.

Türk cautioned that the conflict now carries “an unprecedented power to ensnare countries across borders and around the world,” arguing that the combination of escalating strikes, nuclear‑adjacent targets, and regional alliances has created a uniquely volatile moment. He pressed governments to intervene diplomatically before the situation crosses what he described as an irreversible threshold.

Mar 25, 2026 at 09:15 AM EDT

Pakistan and Turkey playing key roles in possible talks

More regarding that speculation of Pakistan’s role as an intermediary in the war, and a senior Iranian official told Reuters Tehran had received a U.S. proposal via Pakistan, which could host de-escalation talks.

The unnamed official suggested that despite Tehran’s public denials of agreeing to negotiate with Washington, as President Donald Trump had touted, it might be willing to consider diplomatic proposals.

Pakistan has offered to host talks to be attended by senior U.S. officials as early as this week. A senior ruling party official in Turkey, Harun Armagan, told Reuters Ankara was also passing messages between Iran and the U.S.

Reuters also said Israel had been briefed on the proposal, which included removing Iran's stocks of highly enriched uranium, halting enrichment, curbing its ballistic ⁠missile program and ending funding for regional allies.

Mar 25, 2026 at 09:00 AM EDT

Israel says it carried out strikes on Iran submarine center

Israel’s military has said it struck an underwater research center in Isfahan used by Iran’s navy.

The IDF said Wednesday that the attack yesterday had targeted the only site in Iran that developed submarines and support systems, and that unmanned vessels were also produced there.

The was part of a broader wave of attacks on Iran’s military production facilities and aimed to degrade naval assets. Also on Wednesday, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said that a new list of targets had been approved for an attack on Iran.

The Israeli Air Force has dropped more than 15,000 bombs in Iran since the start of the war four times more munitions than used in the 12-day war between Iran and Israel last year.

Mar 25, 2026 at 08:45 AM EDT

Trump gets daily montage of Iran War showing “stuff blowing up”: report

U.S. military officials compile a daily video report showing the biggest strikes on Iranian targets, according to NBC News, citing an unnamed former American official.

The outlet said these clips lasting two minutes, sometimes longer, have raised concerns among some of Trump’s allies that he may not be getting the complete picture of the war.

As well as the highlight reel of U.S. Central Command bombing Iranian equipment and military sites, Trump is also updated through conversations with top military and intelligence advisers, foreign leaders and news report, the official said.

Two current officials and the former official said the videos are behind Trump’s increasing frustration with news coverage of the war and has led to him asking why his administration can’t better influence the public narrative, NBC reported.

The outlet cited White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt as rejecting claims that Trump doesn’t receive the full range of information about the war’s successes and setbacks.

“Anyone who has been present for conversations with President Trump knows he actively seeks and solicits the opinions of everyone in the room and expects full throated honesty from all of his top advisors," Leavitt said in a statement.

Mar 25, 2026 at 08:18 AM EDT

Most Americans think U.S. action against Iran has gone too far

A poll released Wednesday has given a snapshot of American public opinion of the Iran War, with over one half (59 percent) believing that it has gone too far.

As the U.S. deploys more troops and warships to the Middle East, the survey by the Associated Press and NORC found that 45 percent of respondents were “extremely” or “very” concerned about being able to afford gas at the pumps, an increase from 30 percent soon after Trump won re-election on pledges to lower the cost of living.

However, about two-thirds of Americans have said that was extremely or very important to stop Iran from getting a nuclear weapon, one of Trump’s professed aims of the war.

Around 4 in 10 respondents continue to approve of Trump’s performance as president, the same as last month and his approval rating on forein policy also largely stayed the same.

...

Mar 25, 2026 at 07:46 AM EDT

Russian workers at Iranian nuclear plant evacuated

More on those concerns about the dangers the Iran War poses to nuclear safety, and the head of Russia’s state nuclear firm Rosatom has said that more of its workers are being evacuated from the Russian-built nuclear power plant in Bushehr.

Alexei Likhachev said last week that Rosatom had 480 workers at the plan. He said on Wednesday another group had left and more will be pulled out later this week as the firm reduces the staffing to a minimum until the situation stabilizes. .

Likhachev said there had another strike on the plant’s territory close to the nuclear reactor following an attack last week, raising alarm at the consequences of further strikes.

Mar 25, 2026 at 07:20 AM EDT

Strikes around nuclear sites could cause “unmitigated catastrophe” says UN

The UN human rights chief, Volker Türk, has issued a dire warning of the consequences of strikes around Iran and Israel’s nuclear sites.

His comments follow Iranian missile strikes on the southern Israeli cities of Dimona and Arad which are close to Israel’s main nuclear research centre in the Negev desert.

The strikes on Saturday came after Tehran’s main nuclear enrichment facility at Natanz had been hit although Israel denied responsibility for the strike.

“Recent missile strikes near nuclear sites in both Israel and Iran underscore the immense danger of further escalation,” he said. “states are flirting with unmitigated catastrophe.”

...

Mar 25, 2026 at 06:51 AM EDT

Satellite imagery shows US warship on way to Iran War

The USS Tripoli has been spotted heading towards the Middle East to join the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran, according to satellite imagery.

The 844-foot warship was docked at the remote island of Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean, according to images from MizarVision, an AI startup in Hangzhou, China, that specializes in geospatial intelligence.

The images were taken during a pass over the Indian Ocean at 11:46 a.m. Beijing time on Monday in what might be one of the last sightings of the Tripoli before it arrives in the Middle East later this week.

The Tripoli redeployed from the South China Sea last week, with satellites showing it sailing southwest at high speed under escort by at least two destroyers.

The amphibious transport dock USS San Diego, is likely not far behind, according to imagery that appears to show the vessel clearing the Strait of Malacca on its way to the Middle East as the U.S. beefs up its presence in the area.

Read More: Chinese Satellites Spot US Warship Racing Toward Iran War

Mar 25, 2026 at 06:16 AM EDT

Iran has high bar for ceasefire: report

Iran has a list of tough conditions for any return to negotiations on a ceasefire, according to the Wall Street Journal, citing officials familiar with the matter.

The series of conditions, as outlined in the newspaper, suggest that that any agreement between Iran and the U.S. appears a long way off.

The demands include the closure of all U.S. bases in the Persian Gulf and reparations for attacks on Iran, as well as a new arrangement for the Strait of Hormuz that would allow Iran to collect transit fees, according to the newspaper.

There are other guarantees that the war would not restart, an end to Israeli strikes on Hezbollah, the lifting of all sanctions on Iran, and preserving Iran’s missile program without talks to limit it.

Mar 25, 2026 at 06:00 AM EDT

U.S. to send more troops to Middle East: report

The U.S. will beef up its military presence in the Middle East with a further deployment of 1,000 troops from its 82nd Airborne Division, it has been reported, as a Newsweek video shows the daily life of such a soldier.

The Pentagon is also deploying two Marine units that will add about 5,000 Marines and thousands of sailors to the region, according to the Associated Press citing unnamed sources with knowledge of the matter.

Trump did not refer to a further troop deployment when he spoke in the Oval Office and it has not been announced by the Defence Department.

A possible deployment would likely aim to pressure Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and also could be used to take over Kharg Island which houses oil storage and loading facilities and accounts for roughly 90 percent of Iran’s oil exports.

Mar 25, 2026 at 05:45 AM EDT

Pakistan-mediated talks making progress: report

There are conflicting accounts about interactions between Washington and Tehran but a security analyst in Pakistan has told the Associated Press that talks facilitated by Islamabad are making progress.

Syed Muhammad Ali told the AP that there had been “significant and rapid progress” in indirect talks which are being facilitated by Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir and some senior Pakistani officials.

However, Iranian leaders are deeply distrustful towards the U.S. following its “decapitation strikes” on their leadership and would only agree to talks in Pakistan if there were guarantees to halt attacks, he added.

Mar 25, 2026 at 05:30 AM EDT

Iran mocks Trump’s claims of talks

Despite Donald Trump's claims of talks and reports of a 15-point plan being offered to Tehran, a spokesperson for Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarter said Tehran would not engage in negotiations and no agreement will be reached with its adversaries.

Ebrahim Zolfaqari warned pre-war energy prices would not return unless Washington accepted that regional stability is guaranteed by Iran’s armed forces.

“Has the level of your internal struggle reached the point where you are negotiating with yourselves?” Zolfaqari said, cited by Iranian media, adding, “people like us can never get along with people like you.”

Mar 25, 2026 at 05:14 AM EDT

U.S. gives Iran 15-point peace plan: report

Iran has received a 15-point proposal from the U.S. to reach a ceasefire in the war, the Associated Press has reporting, citing two officials from Pakistan which is acting as an intermediary.

The plan includes sanctions relief, civilian nuclear cooperation, rolling back Iran’s nuclear program, monitoring by the International Atomic Energy Agency, missile limits and access for shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, according to the report.

However talks of any imminent negotiations have been dismissed by Tehran. Iran’s ambassador to Pakistan, Reza Amiri Moghadam, said there have been no talks with the United States although did acknowledge that Pakistan was ready to host negotiations if both sides agree.

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