Highlights: Iran strikes Israeli cities, US bases as war enters day 27; Washington says it 'will hit harder'
THE TIMES OF INDIA | Mar 26, 2026, 16:46:40 IST
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Highlights: Iran strikes Israeli cities, US bases as war enters day 27; Washington says it 'will hit harder'

Tensions in the Middle East continue to escalate sharply as diplomatic signals from Tehran and Washington remain deeply contradictory. Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi has firmly rejected claims of ongoing negotiations with the United States, insisting that Tehran’s current policy is rooted in “resistance” rather than dialogue.
Speaking on state television, he dismissed any talk of negotiations as premature and even as an “admission of defeat,” underscoring Iran’s hardened stance amid nearly a month of active conflict.

Trump administration had proposed a 15-point ceasefire plan to Iran, according to a person familiar with the proposal, even as the US military prepares to deploy at least 1,000 additional troops to a region where around 50,000 are already stationed.

The proposal was conveyed to Tehran through intermediaries from Pakistan, which has also offered to host renewed talks between Washington and Tehran. The New York Times earlier reported that the plan had already been delivered to Iranian officials.

At the same time, the Pentagon is deploying two Marine Expeditionary Units, adding roughly 5,000 Marines and thousands of sailors to the region. Israeli officials, who have been urging Donald Trump to continue military action against Iran, were reportedly caught off guard by the ceasefire proposal. The move is being framed as an attempt by Trump to maintain “maximum flexibility” as the situation evolves. The White House has not commented.

Earlier, Trump said the US was engaged in talks with Iran to end the conflict, even as fighting intensified, with airstrikes hitting Iranian targets and Tehran launching missiles and drones toward Israel and other locations. Iran, however, has denied that any negotiations are underway. Meanwhile, tensions around the Strait of Hormuz have disrupted global shipping, driven up fuel prices and raised concerns about the global economy.

Any potential negotiations face significant hurdles. Disagreements over Iran’s missile and nuclear programmes persist, and it remains unclear who within Iran’s leadership would be authorised—or willing—to negotiate amid ongoing Israeli strikes. Tehran also remains deeply distrustful of Washington following past attacks during diplomatic engagements.

Separately, at least 1,000 troops from the 82nd Airborne Division are expected to be deployed to the Middle East in the coming days. Known as a rapid-response force, the unit is trained for operations in hostile environments, including securing key infrastructure. The Marine deployments have also fuelled speculation that the US could attempt to seize Kharg Island, a critical node in Iran’s oil network. Iran has warned it could mine the Persian Gulf if US troops appear poised to land.

Trump has also held off on earlier threats to target Iran’s power infrastructure as talks potentially take shape, a move analysts say could buy time for military positioning while leaving the door open for a diplomatic off-ramp.

Key points:

  • US proposes a 15-point ceasefire plan to Iran via Pakistani intermediaries
  • Additional US troop deployments signal continued military buildup in the region
  • Iran denies talks even as conflict with Israel intensifies
  • Strait of Hormuz tensions disrupt global shipping and fuel markets
  • Any negotiations face major hurdles amid distrust and ongoing strikes
23:59 (IST) Mar 24
Iran-Israel War: Israel says will take 'control' of security zone in south Lebanon
Israel said on Tuesday that its military would take control of south Lebanon up to the Litani River, around 30 kilometres (20 miles) from the border, as deadly strikes pounded the country.

In the latest unprecedented step by Lebanese authorities since a new war erupted between Israel and Hezbollah, Beirut's foreign ministry declared the Iranian ambassador persona non grata, giving him until Sunday to leave the country.

Hezbollah strongly objected to the move, calling on the government to reverse it.

Lebanon was pulled into the Middle East war when the Tehran-backed Hezbollah militant group began firing rockets into Israel on March 2 to avenge the killing of Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Israel has since launched strikes across Lebanon, killing at least 1,072 people and displacing more than a million others in more than three weeks of fighting. It has also sent ground troops into the country's south.
23:36 (IST) Mar 24
Iran news: France urges Israel 'to refrain' from seizing south Lebanon zone
Israel should "refrain" from sending in forces to take control of a zone in south Lebanon, France's foreign minister told AFP on Tuesday, warning that such a move would have "major humanitarian consequences".

"We urge the Israeli authorities to refrain from such ground operations, which would have major humanitarian consequences and would exacerbate the country's already dire situation," Jean-Noel Barrot said in an interview with news agency AFP.

His comments came after Israel earlier said its military would take control of south Lebanon up to the Litani River, around 30 kilometres (20 miles) from the border.

Lebanon was pulled into the Middle East war when the Tehran-backed Hezbollah militant group began firing rockets into Israel on March 2 to avenge the killing of Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Israel has since launched strikes across Lebanon, killing at least 1,072 people and displacing more than a million others in more than three weeks of fighting. It has also sent ground troops into the country's south.
23:33 (IST) Mar 24
US, regional mediators explore high-level peace talks with Iran
The United States and a group of regional mediators are discussing the possibility of holding high-level peace talks with Iran, Reuters reported citing Axios, signalling a potential diplomatic opening amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East.

The discussions, still at an exploratory stage, come as Washington weighs options to de-escalate the conflict, even as military activity continues in the region. No official confirmation or timeline for the proposed talks has been announced so far.
23:32 (IST) Mar 24
Iran news: Israel says it attacked explosives manufacturing plant in Iran
23:20 (IST) Mar 24
Iran-Israel WarIran-Israel War: 'No talks with US' - Iran rejects Trump’s negotiation claims, says meant to manipulate markets
Iran’s Ambassador to India, Dr Mohammad Fathali, said there are currently no negotiations underway with the United States, dismissing claims made by US President Donald Trump.

He said, “According to Iranian officials, there are currently no negotiations underway with the United States, neither direct nor indirect. The claim made by Donald Trump on social media appears to be aimed more at manipulating financial and oil markets and escaping the difficult situation in which the United States and Israel find themselves,” news agency ANI reported.

Rejecting Trump’s warning, he added, “We neither fear Trump’s 48-hour ultimatum nor consider his calls for talks to be genuine.” Fathali further said, “From our perspective, unless there is a real change in the behaviour of the opposing side, there is fundamentally no basis for the formation of any diplomatic path. The United States speaks of dialogue while simultaneously carrying out attacks against our economic and civilian infrastructure, and under such circumstances, any talk of negotiations is effectively meaningless.”
23:13 (IST) Mar 24
Iran news: No further financial commitment pending on Chabahar Port; India engaged with all parties: MEA
India on Tuesday said there is no further financial commitment pending on the Chabahar Port project, while affirming that it remains engaged with all concerned stakeholders.

The ministry of external affairs (MEA) said New Delhi continues to stay involved in discussions related to the strategic port in Iran, underscoring its importance for regional connectivity, but clarified that no additional financial obligations are currently outstanding.
23:10 (IST) Mar 24
Iran-Israel War: US eyes deploying thousands of 82nd airborne troops to Middle East amid Iran tensions
The Pentagon is expected to deploy thousands of troops from the elite 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East, Reuters reported, citing two people familiar with the matter, in a move that would further bolster the growing US military presence in the region even as the Trump administration pursues talks with Iran. The officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, did not specify the exact destination or timeline for the deployment. The US military referred queries to the White House, which did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
23:05 (IST) Mar 24
Woman killed in northern Israel as dozens of rockets fired from Lebanon: Emergency services
A woman was killed in northern Israel on Tuesday after rockets were fired from Lebanon, Israeli emergency services said, amid ongoing fighting between Israeli forces and Iran-backed Hezbollah.

“Following a launch toward northern Israel... teams are reporting a woman of about 30 with no signs of life and severe multi-system trauma, and have pronounced her dead at the scene,” Israel’s Magen David Adom said in a statement.

The agency added that two other people were being treated for mild shrapnel injuries. News agency AFP reported that the Israeli military said dozens of rockets were launched from Lebanon at the time of the incident.
22:11 (IST) Mar 24
Hezbollah condemns Lebanon’s move to expel Iranian envoy; urges immediate reversal
Hezbollah on Tuesday strongly criticised Lebanon’s decision to expel the newly appointed Iranian ambassador, calling the move a “sin” and urging authorities to reverse it without delay.

“Hezbollah calls on the President of the Republic and the Prime Minister to demand that the minister of foreign affairs, immediately reverse this decision because of its dangerous repercussions,” the Iran-backed group said in a statement, warning of the potential fallout.

Describing the expulsion as a “national and strategic sin,” Hezbollah’s response underscores rising political tensions in Lebanon over ties with Iran. The foreign ministry had earlier instructed the Iranian diplomat to leave the country by Sunday.
21:54 (IST) Mar 24
Trump amplifies Pakistan PM’s mediation offer on Middle East crisis
US President Donald Trump reshared the post by Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on his social media platform, Truth Social, amplifying Islamabad’s offer to help mediate escalating tensions in the Middle East.

In the original message, Sharif expressed Pakistan’s readiness to play a constructive role in defusing the crisis through dialogue and diplomacy, stressing the need for urgent international efforts to prevent further escalation. Trump’s decision to reshare the statement comes amid heightened regional instability and signals attention within his political circle to Pakistan’s proposed diplomatic outreach, though he did not add any personal comment alongside the repost.
21:44 (IST) Mar 24
Hezbollah calls Lebanon's decision to expel Iranian ambassador a 'sin'
21:40 (IST) Mar 24
China urges peace talks in call with Iran as conflict intensifies
China’s foreign minister Wang Yi has urged all sides to seize every opportunity to begin peace talks as soon as possible during a phone conversation with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi, according to a statement from China’s foreign ministry.

“Talking is always better than fighting,” Wang told Araghchi, adding that “all hotspot issues should be resolved through dialogue and negotiation, not by using force.”

Araghchi, in response, said “the Iranian side is committed to achieving a comprehensive end to the conflict, not just a temporary ceasefire,” and thanked China for its humanitarian assistance, the statement added.
21:19 (IST) Mar 24
PM Modi discusses Middle East tensions with Sri Lankan President Dissanayake; energy security concerns
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Tuesday to discuss the escalating tensions in Middle East and their potential impact on global energy security.

PM Modi, posting about the interaction on X said that the two leaders focused on disruptions in energy supply chains amid the ongoing conflict and reviewed progress on key initiatives to deepen India-Sri Lanka energy cooperation. Emphasising their roles as close and trusted partners, Modi and Dissanayake reaffirmed their commitment to work together in addressing shared regional challenges and ensuring stability in the face of evolving geopolitical risks.

He wrote, "Spoke with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and discussed the evolving situation in West Asia, with particular focus on disruptions affecting global energy security. We reviewed progress on key initiatives aimed at strengthening India-Sri Lanka energy cooperation and enhancing regional security."

"As close and trusted partners, we reaffirmed our commitment to work closely together in addressing shared challenges," he added.
21:17 (IST) Mar 24
UAE says Iranian missile strike in Bahrain kills contractor; injures five personnel
A civilian contractor working with the United Arab Emirates armed forces was killed and five Emirati military personnel were wounded in an Iranian missile strike in Bahrain, the UAE Defense Ministry said on Tuesday.

In a statement, the ministry said the Moroccan national contractor was killed during a “routine mission” when the missile targeted the kingdom, while five defense personnel sustained injuries. No further details on the timing or exact location of the strike were disclosed. The incident comes amid escalating regional tensions, as ongoing US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran since February 28 have triggered retaliatory drone and missile attacks by Tehran across Israel and other countries hosting US military assets, impacting infrastructure and global markets.
20:11 (IST) Mar 24
Israel Iran War News: Airstrike hits Christian town near Beirut in first strike on new area
An airstrike struck the Lebanese Christian town of Sahel Alma, north of Beirut, on Tuesday, marking the first time the area has been targeted in the expanding conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, according to state media.

There were no immediate reports of casualties. Witnesses told Reuters they heard multiple blasts and saw white smoke rising from the town, raising concerns about the widening geographic scope of the conflict beyond previously hit regions.
20:05 (IST) Mar 24
S Jaishankar meets Iran envoy, discusses West Asia conflict
19:50 (IST) Mar 24
Israel targets Lebanon fuel stations; claims links to Hezbollah funding
The Israeli army said it carried out strikes on fuel stations across Lebanon, alleging that the sites were being used to generate funds for Hezbollah’s activities.

The military claimed the targeted locations were part of the group’s financial network, though details on the extent of damage or casualties were not immediately clear. The strikes mark a further escalation in cross-border tensions, with concerns rising over the widening scope of targets beyond conventional military sites.
19:39 (IST) Mar 24
Pakistan offers to broker ‘meaningful’ talks to end Iran war
Pakistan’s prime minister, Shehbaz Sharif, has said the country is prepared to “facilitate meaningful and conclusive talks” aimed at ending the ongoing conflict involving Iran, signalling Islamabad’s willingness to play a diplomatic role amid escalating regional tensions.

Emphasising the need for dialogue over continued hostilities, he underscored that a negotiated settlement is essential to restore stability and prevent further humanitarian and economic fallout in the region. The offer comes as global concern mounts over the widening impact of the war, and calls grow for immediate de-escalation.

He wrote, "Pakistan welcomes and fully supports ongoing efforts to pursue dialogue to end the WAR in Middle East, in the interest of peace and stability in region and beyond. Subject to concurrence by the US and Iran, Pakistan stands ready and honoured to be the host to facilitate meaningful and conclusive talks for a comprehensive settlement of the ongoing conflict."
19:27 (IST) Mar 24
Iran Israel War News: Strikes damage 498 schools, 281 medical facilities across Iran
Attacks by US and Israeli forces on Iran have caused widespread damage to civilian infrastructure, with schools, hospitals and homes bearing the brunt of the strikes, according to the Iranian Red Crescent Society.

More than 82,000 civilian structures have been damaged or destroyed, including around 62,000 homes, underscoring the scale of disruption to daily life. Critical public services have also taken a hit, with 281 medical facilities — including hospitals and pharmacies — and 498 schools reported damaged. Emergency response capacity has been further strained, with 17 rescue points and 12 rescue vehicles also affected, highlighting the growing humanitarian and infrastructure crisis triggered by the conflict.
19:06 (IST) Mar 24
PM Modi tells Trump an accessible Hormuz strait is 'essential for world'
18:24 (IST) Mar 24
US President Donald Trump on Tuesday spoke with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss the evolving situation in the Middle East, with both leaders emphasising the strategic importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open.
18:18 (IST) Mar 24
PM Modi speaks to Trump on Middle East crisis; stresses Strait of Hormuz access
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken with US President Donald Trump to discuss the escalating situation in the Middle East, with a focus on maintaining stability in global energy routes, the US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, said in a post on X. The two leaders emphasised the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open, a కీల chokepoint for global oil supplies that has come under strain amid the ongoing conflict in the region.

"President Donald Trump just spoke with Prime Minister Modi. They discussed the ongoing situation in the Middle East, including the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open," he wrote.
18:10 (IST) Mar 24
Iran war news: Israel vows continued strikes despite US restraint on energy targets
Israel will continue its military operations against Iran and Lebanon, focusing on key military targets, despite the United States holding back on striking energy infrastructure, Israel’s Ambassador to India Reuven Azar said. Responding to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s remarks, Azar said, "We are continuing the operation because we still have military targets, both over Iran and especially in Lebanon, as a result of the Hezbollah continuation of the attacks against us, they are firing missiles and rockets against Israel. They started unilaterally, and they should know that this is completely unacceptable. We will do whatever we need in order to defend ourselves. So, the fact that the President of the United States has temporarily decided not to fulfil the threat of hitting energy targets, doesn't mean that we won't continue targeting military targets as we are doing..."
18:03 (IST) Mar 24
US Iran War: Rubio to attend G7 meet in France, Ukraine and the Middle East in focus
US secretary of state Marco Rubio will attend the G7 ministerial meeting in France on Friday, where discussions are set to focus on the ongoing war in Ukraine and the evolving situation in the Middle East, the State Department said. His participation comes amid heightened global tensions, with conflicts in both regions continuing to shape international diplomatic priorities.
17:33 (IST) Mar 24
Missiles fly despite US peace push, no let-up in Iran-Israel war
Airstrikes pounded Iran while Iranian missiles and drones targeted Tel Aviv and other sites across the Middle East on Tuesday, underscoring the continuation of intense hostilities even as US President Donald Trump said Washington was in talks with Tehran to end the war.

The continued exchange of heavy barrages from both sides suggests little immediate prospect of de-escalation, as per the Associated Press reports. Thousands of additional US Marines are being deployed to the Gulf, and the conflict’s pace remains high, a day after Trump delayed his self-imposed deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Iran’s control over the critical waterway has disrupted global shipping, driven fuel prices sharply higher, and raised concerns over the wider world economy.

While the US has signalled openness to negotiations, Tehran has denied that any talks are underway, highlighting a significant gap between diplomatic messaging and ground realities. Even if talks were to begin, they would face major obstacles, including disagreements over Iran’s ballistic missile and nuclear programmes—long-standing sticking points in US-Iran relations.

Uncertainty also surrounds who within Iran’s leadership would be willing or authorised to negotiate, particularly as Israel continues targeting senior figures. Tehran remains deeply distrustful of Washington, especially after previous US strikes during periods of high-level diplomatic engagement, including the February 28 attacks that triggered the current conflict.
17:14 (IST) Mar 24
Iran war news: Qatar warns Gulf security system has ‘broken down’ amid escalating war

Qatar on Tuesday delivered a stark warning that the escalating Middle East war, fueled by Iran's intensifying aerial assaults on neighbours, has shattered the Gulf region's long-standing security framework, forcing a desperate rethink of collective defences.

Qatar foreign ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari, speaking in Doha, declared the conflict's "most important outcome" as the outright "breakdown" of this system, stressing that Gulf states must now confront a post-war reality.

"The Gulf states, which have been working closely and in parallel to ensure their security, are in need of a post-war re-evaluation of what a shared regional security framework truly entails," he added.
17:01 (IST) Mar 24
Israel Iran War News: Israel launches ‘wide-scale’ airstrikes in Iran, hits Isfahan
Israel’s military said it had carried out a major wave of airstrikes across multiple locations in Iran, including the central city of Isfahan. In a statement, the military said, "The IDF has completed a large wave of strikes in Isfahan," adding that it had launched a "wide-scale wave of strikes, in several areas in Iran".
16:57 (IST) Mar 24
Iran Israel War News: Lebanon expels Iranian envoy, cites ‘diplomatic norms’ violation
Lebanon has withdrawn the accreditation of Iran’s ambassador and declared him persona non grata, ordering him to leave the country by Sunday, Lebanon's ministry of foreign affairs said. The move signals a sharp escalation in diplomatic tensions, with Beirut accusing Tehran of breaching established diplomatic norms and practices. The ministry also summoned the Lebanese ambassador to Iran for consultations, underscoring the seriousness of the dispute between the two countries.
16:45 (IST) Mar 24
Israel Iran War News: Israel vows to seize ‘security zone’ in South Lebanon up to Litani river
Israeli defence minister Israel Katz said that the military will take control of South Lebanon up to the Litani River, signalling a significant escalation in Israel’s security posture along its northern border.

Speaking during a visit to a military command centre, Katz stated, "All five bridges over the Litani that were used by Hezbollah for the passage of terrorists and weapons have been blown up, and the IDF (Israeli military) will control the rest of the bridges and the security zone up to the Litani." He further added that the hundreds of thousands of south Lebanon residents displaced by the ongoing Middle East conflict this month "will not return south of the Litani River until security is guaranteed for the residents of the north" of Israel.
16:26 (IST) Mar 24
US Iran war: Zolqadr appointed Iran's security council chief after Larijani killed in strike
Mohammad Baqer Zolqadr has been appointed as the new secretary of Iran’s supreme national security council (SNSC), the country’s highest security decision-making body, following the death of his predecessor, Ali Larijani, in a strike last week.

The announcement was made on Tuesday by the Iranian president’s deputy of communications in a post on X, confirming a swift leadership transition at a critical time for the country’s security establishment.

Ali Larijani, a prominent conservative politician and former parliament speaker, was killed in a strike that has further escalated tensions in the region. His death marks a significant loss for Iran’s leadership, prompting a rapid appointment to ensure continuity in national security decision-making.
16:00 (IST) Mar 24
Iran Israel war: Estimated death toll in US-Iran-Israel war tops 5,500 as regional fighting spreads
Nearly 5,500 people have been killed across the Middle East as the US-Iran-Israel conflict enters its fourth week, according to figures compiled from official statements and rights groups as of Tuesday.

In Iran, rights group HRANA estimates 3,268 deaths, including at least 217 children, while state media reports a far lower toll of 1,270.

Israeli strikes in Lebanon have killed over 1,000 people, and 81 deaths have been recorded in Iraq. Iranian missile attacks have killed 16 in Israel and four in the West Bank, while the United States has reported 13 military fatalities.

Civilian and military casualties have also been confirmed in several Gulf states, including the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain, as well as one French soldier in Iraq — underscoring the widening scope of a conflict that now spans more than a dozen countries.
15:11 (IST) Mar 24
Poll
IRGC issues warning over possible strikes. What could happen next?
14:51 (IST) Mar 24
Iran war news: IRGC warns of ‘unrestrained’ strikes on Israel if civilians targeted in Lebanon, Gaza
In a statement, Iran’s IRGC has accused Israel of exploiting the current “wartime conditions” to carry out “extensive war crimes against civilians” in Lebanon and Palestine. It said if such acts continue, the IRGC will wage “heavy missile and drone attacks” at Israeli troops in northern Israel and the area near Gaza “without restraint”, according to Iran’s IRNA news agency.
14:36 (IST) Mar 24
Israel Iran war: IRGC says drone destroyed over Tehran
The IRGC says it intercepted and destroyed an armed Hermes drone over Tehran.
14:18 (IST) Mar 24
Israel Iran war: Israel says it hit IRGC intelligence HQ in Tehran
The Israeli army says overnight air strikes struck ballistic missile storage facilities and various government buildings in Iran, including two IRGC intelligence headquarters and one of Iran’s Intelligence Ministry in Tehran.
14:03 (IST) Mar 24
Israel Iran war: Senior IRGC officer warns US of ‘quagmire’ if Iran attacked
Mohsen Rezaee, a senior officer in Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and member of the country’s powerful Expediency Discernment Council, has warned that Iran will “paralyse” the United States and “sink” its ships in the Arabian Gulf if it attacks Iranian infrastructure, echoing previous threats from former President Donald Trump.

“The final deadlines for saving America are approaching, and there is not much time left to rescue the United States from this quagmire,” Rezaee said, according to the state-run IRNA news agency.
13:45 (IST) Mar 24
Israel Iran war: Israeli air strikes target homes and bridge across Lebanon
Reports indicate multiple Israeli air attacks across Lebanon, hitting residential areas and critical infrastructure. In the northeast, Hermel was targeted, while southern towns including Deir Intar, Habboush, Chehabiyeh, Hanine, and Majdal Selem saw several homes come under fire, according to Lebanon’s National News Agency.
13:19 (IST) Mar 24
US Iran War: Iran arrests three in Shahroud for alleged spying on military sites
Iranian authorities have detained three individuals in Shahroud, Semnan province, on charges of spying, a local police commander said. The suspects are accused of attempting to collect information and documents from military and law enforcement sites and passing them to foreign adversaries, according to Iran’s Tasnim news agency.

Police said they seized communication devices and other prohibited items from the suspects, who reportedly had connections with the United States and Israel.
13:02 (IST) Mar 24
US Iran war: Government calls all-party meeting on West Asia crisis tomorrow at 5 PM
12:54 (IST) Mar 24
Israel Iran war news: Israel issues warning for Burj Shemali in south Lebanon
The Israeli army has issued an evacuation warning for residents of Burj Shemali in southern Lebanon, signalling possible strikes in the area. The town is located near the coastal city of Tyre.

In its advisory, the military urged civilians to leave immediately and move north of the Zahrani River for safety.
12:47 (IST) Mar 24
Israel Iran war news: Iran plays down threat of strikes on energy infrastructure
Iran’s Energy Minister Abbas Aliabadi has downplayed concerns over possible attacks on the country’s power infrastructure, saying Iran is prepared to respond quickly if facilities are hit.

Speaking to state broadcaster IRIB, Aliabadi said Iran’s electricity production system is decentralised, reducing the risk of major disruption. “People should not be concerned at all; if power plants are hit, they will be rebuilt and modernised quickly,” he said.
12:24 (IST) Mar 24
Israel Iran war news: Strike in western Iraq kills 15 fighters
12:15 (IST) Mar 24
Iran war news: Hezbollah claims strikes on five Israeli targets
Hezbollah said it launched a series of attacks on five Israeli targets early Tuesday, targeting military positions across the border. In multiple statements, the group said the strikes were carried out at dawn using rockets and drones.

According to Hezbollah, the targets included Israeli troop gatherings, a barracks, a radar site and artillery positions. It said rockets were fired at Israeli soldiers near the Fatima Gate in the town of Kfar Kila in southern Lebanon.

The group also claimed it targeted a radar site near Ma’alot-Tarshiha, along with artillery positions in the northern Israeli settlements of Sasa and Ein HaKovshim, marking a continued escalation in cross-border attacks.
11:36 (IST) Mar 24
Iran war news: Iran says 208 children killed since war began
The number of children killed in Iran since the war began on February 28 has risen to 208, according to the country’s emergency services. In a video statement released by state broadcaster IRIB, emergency chief Jafar Miadfar shared updated figures on the civilian toll.

He said that 168 of the children were killed in US missile strikes that hit a girls’ school in Minab city at the start of the conflict. Miadfar added that 13 of the children were under the age of five, with the youngest victim just three days old.

Overall, more than 1,500 civilians have been killed across Iran so far, according to official government figures, as the humanitarian impact of the war continues to grow.
11:21 (IST) Mar 24
The White House on Monday said there is no confirmation yet regarding reports that US Vice President JD Vance, special envoy Steve Witkoff and former presidential adviser Jared Kushner may meet Iranian officials in Islamabad.US press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the situation remains “sensitive” and “fluid,” cautioning against drawing conclusions.Responding to an ANI query on the reported meeting, she said such developments should not be treated as final unless formally announced by the White House.
10:51 (IST) Mar 24
Middle East news: Rajnath Singh to chair key meeting today on West Asia situation
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has called a meeting on Tuesday morning to review the evolving situation in West Asia.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to address the Rajya Sabha later in the day, where he is expected to speak on the ongoing conflict and its implications for India’s energy security.
10:45 (IST) Mar 24
Middle East news: Two killed, five injured in Israeli strike on Lebanon
At least two people were killed and five others injured after an Israeli strike hit Bechamoun, a town located south of Beirut. Lebanon’s state media also said Israeli forces carried out at least seven raids overnight in southern parts of the capital.
10:27 (IST) Mar 24
Middle East news: Amazon says AWS Bahrain hit by disruption after drone activity
Amazon said its Amazon Web Services ‌region ⁠in ⁠Bahrain has "been disrupted" amid the current conflict in the Middle East. The ⁠disruption is ‌due to a ⁠drone activity in the area, an Amazon spokesperson said, following a Reuters inquiry. ‌Amazon said it is helping to migrate ⁠customers to alternate AWS regions while it recovers.
09:53 (IST) Mar 24
US Iran war: Missile alert in Israel; air defences activated
Israel has issued a new missile alert after detecting incoming projectiles from Iran, with its air defence systems activated in response. The Israeli military said the warning was issued in the past few minutes as part of precautionary measures.

The military has directed the public to enter a protected space and remain there until further notice.
09:36 (IST) Mar 24
US Iran war: US allies Saudi, UAE move closer to joining Iran war, report says
Key US allies in the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, are moving closer to backing military action against Iran, according to a report. The shift comes after repeated Iranian attacks that have disrupted their economies and raised concerns over Tehran’s influence on the Strait of Hormuz.

The Wall Street Journal report said both countries are increasingly aligning with the United States and Israel, taking steps that could support airstrikes and widen pressure on Iran’s financial networks. However, they have not yet committed to directly deploying their militaries in the conflict.
13 More Updates
The Iran war has continues unabated, with military escalation spreading across the Middle East even as diplomatic signals remain deeply contradictory. At the centre of the confusion is the sharp disconnect between US President Donald Trump’s claim that Iran “wants to make a deal” and Tehran’s outright denial that any negotiations are taking place.

On the ground, the conflict continues to intensify. Israeli strikes on Lebanon have killed over 1,000 people and displaced nearly a million, while Iran has reported more than 1,500 deaths. Casualties have also been recorded in Israel and among US troops, underlining how the war has already moved beyond a limited confrontation into a wider regional crisis. The involvement of multiple actors, from Iran-backed militias in Iraq to actions by Iran, the US, and Israel, has increased the risk of a prolonged, multi-front conflict with no clear exit.

At the same time, the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz remains a key pressure point. Trump’s decision to delay strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure has temporarily eased global tensions, particularly in energy markets. Oil prices, which had surged past $100 per barrel amid fears of supply disruptions, showed signs of stabilising after the announcement. However, markets remain highly sensitive to developments, with sharp swings reflecting the uncertainty around how the conflict may evolve.

The war’s geopolitical complexity is further deepened by emerging international alignments. Ukraine has warned of growing military cooperation between Russia and Iran, particularly in drone warfare and intelligence sharing. This raises concerns that the conflict could intersect with other global flashpoints, potentially drawing in more countries and widening its impact beyond the Middle East.

Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts are quietly underway behind the scenes. Countries like Egypt, Turkey, Oman and Pakistan are reportedly acting as intermediaries, attempting to de-escalate tensions and prevent attacks on critical energy infrastructure. While these backchannel efforts suggest that communication has not completely broken down, public statements from both Washington and Tehran indicate that trust remains extremely low and positions remain far apart.

Humanitarian concerns are also mounting. Millions have been displaced across Iran and Lebanon, while repeated strikes on infrastructure, including power grids and oil facilities, threaten to worsen living conditions. In several areas, access to electricity and basic services has already been disrupted. Beyond the region, the economic impact is being felt globally. Rising fuel prices have pushed up transport and daily costs, forcing households in many countries to cut back on routine spending.