Iran’s Space Research Centre severely damaged in strikes
NewsFeed Video has revealed the Iranian Space Research Centre in west Tehran has suffered significant damage from Israeli-US strikes. The ISRC is Iran’s leading satellite and intelligence mapping research agency. Published On 15 Mar 202615 Mar 2026 Click here to share on social media share2 Share plus2googleAdd Al Jazeera on Googleinfo Adblock test (Why?)
Former CIA chief reveals early knowledge of Israeli attack plans
NewsFeed Former CIA chief General David Petraeus says the US attacked Iran to scuttle its ability to defend itself against a premeditated Israeli attack. The comments back up those of Secretary of State, Marco Rubio who later tried to backtrack on the admission. Published On 15 Mar 202615 Mar 2026 Click here to share on social media share2 Share plus2googleAdd Al Jazeera on Googleinfo Adblock test (Why?)
Barrage of US-Israeli strikes target Isfahan
NewsFeed A US-Israeli strike on a factory in Isfahan has killed least 15 people, according to Iranian media. Several sites, including an IRGC airbase, were also struck in the barrage. Published On 15 Mar 202615 Mar 2026 Click here to share on social media share2 Share plus2googleAdd Al Jazeera on Googleinfo Adblock test (Why?)
Experts doubt Hegseth claim no need to ‘worry about’ Hormuz
NewsFeed “The US Navy at this point can’t even get anywhere close to the Strait of Hormuz without being attacked.” Experts are pouring cold water on Pete Hegseth’s claims that the US is working effectively to reopen the world’s most crucial shipping lane. Published On 14 Mar 202614 Mar 2026 Click here to share on social media share2 Share plus2googleAdd Al Jazeera on Googleinfo Adblock test (Why?)
Projectile falls, explodes in Israel’s Negev
[unable to retrieve full-text content] Video from the Negev in southern Israel captured the moment a projectile following an Iranian missile attack.
Trump claims US ‘way ahead of schedule’ in Iran war
NewsFeed US President Donald Trump said the United States is “way ahead of schedule” in its war with Iran, responding to a reporter’s questions about when the war will end. Trump also claimed Iran had been “decimated.” Published On 14 Mar 202614 Mar 2026 Click here to share on social media share2 Share plus2googleAdd Al Jazeera on Googleinfo Adblock test (Why?)
Afghanistan accuses Pakistan of air attacks on homes in Kabul, Kandahar
Women and children were among those killed in the attacks, according to the Taliban. Listen to this article Listen to this article | 2 mins info Published On 13 Mar 202613 Mar 2026 Click here to share on social media share2 Share plus2googleAdd Al Jazeera on Googleinfo Afghanistan’s Taliban government has accused Pakistan of targeting civilian homes in overnight air attacks in the capital Kabul and the southern province of Kandahar, as fighting between the two neighbours entered its third week, overshadowed by the United States-Israel war on Iran igniting the middle East. Women and children were among those killed in the attacks, according to the Taliban. Recommended Stories list of 3 itemsend of list Government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said on X Friday that Pakistan’s aircraft also struck fuel depots belonging to the private airline Kam Air near Kandahar airport. There was no immediate comment from Pakistan’s military or government. Calls for restraint from the international community have gone unheeded by both sides. On Thursday, the Taliban government said four members of the same family, including two children, were killed by Pakistani artillery and mortar fire in eastern Afghanistan. The deaths reported on Thursday brought the toll to seven people killed in Afghanistan since Tuesday in cross-border clashes, according to authorities in Kabul. That could rise with the latest attacks on Friday. Fighting between the two countries intensified on February 26 when Afghanistan launched an offensive along their shared border in retaliation for earlier Pakistani air attacks on the Pakistan Taliban, just two days before the US and Israel attacked Iran, starting a sprawling regional war. Pakistan maintains that it does not target civilians, and casualty claims from both sides are difficult to verify independently. Advertisement Islamabad accuses Kabul of harbouring fighters from the Pakistan Taliban, which has claimed responsibility for a series of deadly attacks inside Pakistan, and from the ISIS (ISIL) affiliate in Khorasan province. Afghan authorities deny the charge. The United Nations mission in Afghanistan has said 56 civilians have been killed there, including 24 children, by Pakistani military operations from February 26 to March 5. Pakistani officials have confirmed about 12 soldiers were killed and 27 wounded in the latest bout of fighting, while the Taliban claims to have killed more than 150. About 115,000 people have been forced to leave their homes, according to the UN. Adblock test (Why?)
How Israel-US war on Iran puts $50bn in Indian remittances at risk
As the United States-Israeli war on Iran completes two weeks, it has triggered a global energy crisis, even as Iran’s retaliation threatens to pull the rest of the Middle East into the conflict. The Strait of Hormuz, through which some 20 to 30 percent of global crude and liquefied natural gas (LNG) pass, has effectively been closed because of the conflict, sending crude prices soaring and disrupting oil and gas supplies. Recommended Stories list of 4 itemsend of list From Southeast Asia to Pakistan, the ripple effects of the war are being felt across Asia and beyond. But one country in particular could face a double whammy if the conflict intensifies: India, the world’s fourth-largest economy, depends on the Gulf for its energy needs and also for remittances sent by a vast workforce resident in the Middle East. We unpack how the war is bleeding India’s economy. Energy shortage More than 80 percent of India’s gas and up to 60 percent of its oil pass through the Strait of Hormuz, which connects the Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea and is currently at the centre of retaliatory tactics Iran is deploying against the US and Israel. By threatening all shipping coming through, Iran has effectively closed the strait – leaving Gulf oil producers with no sea route by which to deliver oil and LNG. Most shipping insurers have cancelled war risk coverage for tankers in the strait. Then on Wednesday, a Thai ship heading to India was attacked, drawing criticism from India. Hotels and restaurants in India are already weighing closure and people are queueing to stock up on LPG (cooking gas) cylinders amid fears of a shortage, even though the government assures the public it has approximately one month’s supply in storage. Such is the panic, however, that the government has gone as far as to invoke emergency measures to discourage hoarding, urging people to remain calm. Advertisement Iran has invoked the right to self-defence to justify the retaliatory attacks and has used the strait as leverage in an attempt to end the war. More than 1,300 civilians have been killed and properties have been damaged across Iran amid the US-Israeli attacks. Iran’s tactics seem to be working, as stocks have plunged and oil prices have spiked, reaching nearly $120 a barrel on Sunday before settling at about $100 this week, which is still about $40 more than before the war began. This week, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it would not allow “one litre of oil” to pass the strait, and warned the world to expect oil to reach $200 per barrel. The International Energy Agency’s (IEA) move on Wednesday to release a record 400 million barrels of crude oil has failed to stabilise oil prices. “India’s energy security will be impacted significantly, as it relies on the Middle East for a substantial portion of its energy requirements,” said Harsh V Pant, vice president of the Observer Research Foundation think tank in New Delhi. “Energy markets are already volatile and costs are rising, which could eventually translate into broader economic and inflationary pressures,” he said. Indian expats in the Gulf India is also worried for some 9.1 million of its citizens who work in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries – the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain. They send some $50bn in annual remittances back home. If the war is prolonged, Pant says, “it will result in the loss of remittances … part of that also helps in balancing the trade balance”. “It will hurt the wider economic robustness of the Indian economy. India’s hope of continuing to have a high rate of growth will suffer,” Pant said. “It’s not simply a question of energy security – it is also a question of economic security.” Several Indian blue-collar workers and professionals across the Gulf have told Al Jazeera they fear potentially losing jobs if the war escalates further. Several oil and gas firms have shut operations amid the Iranian attacks. “I hope this does not prolong as I support my family with this job,” an Indian construction worker, who chose to remain anonymous, told Al Jazeera. “Every Indian who works in the Gulf supports at least four to five people back home. Forty to 50 million Indians directly benefit from their employment in the Gulf,” Talmiz Ahmad, a former Indian ambassador to Saudi Arabia, told Al Jazeera. Another concern is the physical safety of people amid expanding Iranian attacks. Several Asian workers, including Indians, are among those killed in the Iranian attacks across the Gulf. Indian nationals Ram Krishna, who works on his laptop, and his wife Vijian Lakshmi at a government provided shelter for people living near the US Navy Base during Iranian drone attacks, at Ghazi Al Gosaibi Secondary Girls School in Hamad Town, Bahrain, March 4, 2026 [Hamad I Mohammed/Reuters] Can India evacuate nine million citizens? If the war escalates beyond control, India could be faced with the huge challenge of evacuating its people, who form the largest expatriate community in most Gulf nations. Advertisement Thousands of Western expats have already left or been evacuated by their countries, but the sheer scale of Indian population makes it a logistical nightmare. Some 35 million expats live in the Gulf countries, which have emerged as major economic and aviation hub in addition to the oil wealth. Of them, 9.1 million are from India – almost double the 4.9 million Pakistanis who come in second place. Ahmad, the former Indian ambassador, said that “there is no way, in a war situation, any country, including India, can evacuate nine or 10 million people”. His message to Indians in the region: “We have been shoulder to shoulder with our Gulf brethren in the good times; we will be shoulder to shoulder with them in the bad times.” Ahmad, however, pointed out that India had successfully evacuated nationals in past conflicts, including the 1991 Gulf War, when he was India’s
Iran war: What is happening on day 14 of US-Israel attacks?
Listen to this article Listen to this article | 6 mins info Heavy Israeli strikes have hit Tehran, Iran, as its allies launch attacks across Gulf states, and shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has been severely disrupted, sending global oil prices soaring. Meanwhile, political pressure is mounting in Washington as the conflict spreads across the region. Recommended Stories list of 1 itemend of list Here is what we know about what has been happening in the past 24 hours: In Iran Supreme leader speaks: Appointed last week following the assassination of his father, Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has issued his first statement, warning that attacks on Israel and US military assets and infrastructure in the Middle East will continue unless bases hosting US forces in the region are closed. Heavy strikes on Tehran: The Israeli military has launched a new “extensive wave” of air attacks on Iran’s capital, Tehran, leaving the city covered in thick smoke on Friday morning. Strait of Hormuz closure and surging oil prices: The Strait of Hormuz, which connects the Gulf to the Gulf of Oman, is closed, causing Brent crude oil prices to surge past $100 per barrel. The strait, which falls into the territorial waters of Iran and Oman, is the only waterway to the open sea available to oil and gas producers in the Gulf. Iran has stated that the strait is under Iranian control and US-and Israel-linked ships are banned. Other vessels must receive Iranian permission to pass. Civilian casualties: Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani, said at least 1,348 civilians have been killed, with victims ranging in age from eight months to 88 years old. A navy vessel is seen sailing in the Strait of Hormuz [Sahar Al Attar/AFP] In Gulf countries Regional retaliation and attacks: Iran has launched waves of drones and missiles towards Gulf countries that host US military assets and troops, and has targeted oil tankers and facilities. Advertisement Bahrain: The nation has reported intercepting 114 missiles and 190 drones since the war began on February 28. Saudi Arabia: The country intercepted 10 drones over its eastern region and later destroyed an additional 28 drones that breached its airspace. Attacks on the UAE: The country has strongly condemned Iranian strikes on the region, and said they have hit Dubai International Airport and some hotels. Evacuations: Australia has ordered all “non-essential” officials to leave the United Arab Emirates and Israel, and urged its citizens to evacuate the Middle East while it is still safe to do so Qatar’s response: Qatar’s airspace is officially closed, but Qatar Airways has scheduled more than 140 special flights to help repatriate stranded residents and citizens. Qatar has strongly rejected Israeli media claims that it intentionally paused liquefied natural gas (LNG) production to manipulate US energy prices; officials clarified that the suspension was actually forced by an Iranian drone attack. A view of the damaged part of the Dubai Creek Harbour tower after it was hit by an Iranian drone attack in Dubai, United Arab Emirates [EPA] In the US Trump claims war moving ‘rapidly’: US President Donald Trump told reporters the war against Iran was moving “very rapidly”. “It’s doing very well, our military is unsurpassed,” he said at the White House, not directly responding to the latest comments from Iran’s new supreme leader. Domestic opposition: More than 250 US organisations have signed a letter calling on Congress to halt funding for the war. They argue the $11.3bn spent in the first six days of the conflict is diverting crucial funds from urgent domestic needs, such as food benefits. No ‘need’ for ground troops in Iran: US Senator Lindsey Graham has played down the possibility of US troops being deployed to Iran, but suggested the war could continue for some time. “I don’t see this conflict ending today,” the Republican senator told reporters in Washington, DC. In Israel New missile wave launched at Israel: The Israeli military said early on Friday that Iran had fired a new barrage of missiles towards Israel, and instructed people in affected areas to head to shelters. Israel strikes Basij force: Israel’s military said it had struck checkpoints set up in Tehran by the Basij force of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards as part of efforts to undermine control by the authorities. Regime change: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel can create conditions for regime change, but it is up to Iran’s people to take to the streets. He also said Israel is aiming to stop Iran from moving nuclear and ballistic projects underground. Advertisement In Lebanon, Iraq Downed US aircraft: A US KC-135 refuelling aircraft crashed in western Iraq. While the Islamic Resistance in Iraq claimed it shot the aircraft down using air defence systems, US Central Command (CENTCOM) stated the aircraft went down in “friendly airspace” and was not the result of hostile fire. Iraqi port closures: Iraq has shut its port operations after an Indian crew member was killed during an attack on a US-owned oil tanker in Iraqi waters. Six French soldiers hurt: A drone attack wounded six French soldiers in Erbil, in Iraq’s autonomous Kurdish region, President Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday. Deadly attacks in southern Lebanon: Israeli bombardments continue on southern towns and villages. A strike on the village of Arki, near Sidon, killed nine people, including five children. Mounting death toll and mass displacement: Lebanese officials have reported that at least 687 people have been killed in Israeli attacks on Lebanon since last Monday, including 98 children. The intense bombardments have displaced an estimated 700,000 to 750,000 people from their homes. Adblock test (Why?)
US military ‘not ready’ to escort oil ships through Hormuz, official says
Listen to this article Listen to this article | 4 mins info The United States military is “not ready” to accompany oil ships through the Strait of Hormuz, a top official in President Donald Trump’s administration says as Iran continues to block the strategic waterway. US Energy Secretary Chris Wright told the CNBC business news channel on Thursday that the markets are experiencing a “short-term disruption”, predicting that the war would go on for “weeks, not months”. Recommended Stories list of 3 itemsend of list Despite Trump’s repeated threats, Iran has largely succeeded in shutting down the strait, which links the Gulf to the Indian Ocean. The closure has sent oil prices soaring. Wright described the effects of the crisis as “short-term pain for long-term gain”, arguing that the US is “destroying” Iran’s ability to threaten the energy market. Last week, Trump suggested that the US Navy would escort ships through the Gulf, but Wright said on Thursday that the move “can’t happen now”. “We’re simply not ready. All of our military assets right now are focused on destroying Iran’s offensive capabilities and the manufacturing industry that supplies their offensive capabilities,” the energy secretary said. “We don’t want this to be a brush-off for a year or two. We want to permanently destroy their ability to build missiles, to build roads, to have a nuclear programme.” His comments came as Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, affirmed in his first public comment since being selected to succeed his assassinated father, Ali Khamenei, that the Strait of Hormuz should remain closed during the war. Advertisement “The will of the people is to continue effective and deterrent defence,” Khamenei said in a written statement. “The tactic of closing the Strait of Hormuz must also continue to be used.” The Iranian military has said it would “welcome” the US Navy escorting oil ships, suggesting it is prepared to strike US forces in the narrow waterway. On Wednesday, three commercial vessels were attacked near the strait. Wright announced earlier this week on social media that the US Navy had escorted an oil ship through the strait, then quickly deleted the post. The White House subsequently confirmed that the claim was not true. It is not clear why the statement was released and then retracted. Assurances by US officials that Washington would open the strait have temporarily calmed markets, only for prices to spike again. The price of a barrel of oil peaked at about $120 on Sunday, up from about $70 before the US and Israel launched the war on February 28. It has been yo-yoing between $80 and $100 for the past few days. In addition to the marine blockade, Iran has targeted oil installations across the Gulf. As one of the world’s largest oil producers, the US is largely self-sufficient. But possible shortages in Asia and Europe have put a strain on prices globally. According to data from the American Automobile Association, the average price of one gallon (3.78 litres) of petrol in the US is now $3.60, up from $2.94 last month. Rising energy prices could fuel inflation and affect the cost of basic goods, including food. But Trump suggested on Thursday that the US is benefitting from skyrocketing oil prices. “The United States is the largest Oil Producer in the World, by far, so when oil prices go up, we make a lot of money,” the US president wrote in a social media post. “BUT, of far greater interest and importance to me, as President, is stopping an evil Empire, Iran, from having Nuclear Weapons, and destroying the Middle East and, indeed, the World.” Iran denies seeking a nuclear weapon, and Trump reiterated for months before the current conflict that US strikes against Iranian facilities in June had “obliterated” the country’s nuclear programme. Adblock test (Why?)