US-Iran war March 2026
One page that accretes the verified record as the story develops. Every fact keeps its date and its sources.
Iran war live blog: Khamenei says U.S. hostility will persist after midterms (Al Jazeera)
Trump said the attack on Iran was necessary to prevent Tehran from developing a nuclear weapon.
US President Donald Trump admitted that launching the attack on Iran largely caused the Republican Party to lose the midterm US elections.
Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei dismissed the idea that the outcome of the US midterm elections changes anything.
US held secret talks with Tehran to deport Iranians amid war
The Trump administration held secret talks with Iran on deporting Iranians during the war, according to court documents.
Judge Ana Reyes ordered the government to give the court 24-hour notice of any finalized deportation plans and five days' written notice before any deportation is carried out.
Judge Reyes warned she would initiate contempt proceedings if the administration violated her order to give advance notice of planned deportation flights.
US sanctions Indian and Turkish firms accused of aiding Iran
The couple issued fake flags and certifications that allowed sanctioned tankers carrying Iranian oil to continue operating, including vessels working for the Iranian military and its allied groups.
The measures are part of the Trump administration's 'Operation Economic Outcast', which aims to cut off oil revenue Iran uses to fund its war effort.
The Treasury sanctioned Turkiye-based Fugo Ground Services.
Judge blocks administration plan to deport Iranians to Iran during wartime
The lawsuit was brought by the Iranian American Legal Defense Fund against the Trump administration.
DOJ attorney Dimitar Georgiev stated that the administration had changed its answer on planned removals to Iran from no to yes.
The Trump administration said during a court hearing that it has been making plans to deport Iranian immigrants back to Iran.
Iran says U.S. reply to Hormuz plan unconvincing; Trump confirms strikes
The IRGC claimed its forces had seized two vessels.
Trump told Fox News that the US strikes had targeted an anti-aircraft facility.
Mohsen Rezaei is the secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council.
“If the 40-day bombing campaign didn’t work, how is the three-day bombing campaign going to work?”
Trump's post-midterm remarks on Iran war unpopularity and White House ballroom
Trump boasted that the White House ballroom has 50ft-high ceilings, can hold more than 300 guests, and has a 'drone-proof' roof and military-grade bunker.
Trump said he would likely get along with Democrats unless they wanted to be destructive, but that he has the power of the veto.
Trump asserted that if he had been on the ballot, Republicans would have won.
Giant banner of Trump, Vance, and Netanyahu burnt at Tehran rally
A giant banner depicting US President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was burnt at a rally in Tehran.
The banner burning occurred after the Republican party's major midterm elections loss.
Trump insists Iran war was necessary after GOP midterm losses
Former White House press secretary Ari Fleischer argued the administration's decision to stop the fighting and mixed messaging, not the war itself, cost Republicans the midterms.
Vance urged Trump to seek a deal with Iran instead of resuming military strikes, Axios reported.
Trump ruled out replacing War Secretary Pete Hegseth.
“There is no difference between Democrats and Republicans for us, but it is evident that Trump, with his repeated mistakes—especially his empty ambitions regarding Iran—has become the most contemptible and unsuccessful president in the history of the United States, and if he does not learn from this, his situation will undoubtedly worsen day by day,”
Iran marks US embassy takeover anniversary with rallies against US and Israel
The war disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
Tehran Mayor Alireza Zakani told the crowd that the US and Israel had suffered a 'decisive defeat'.
Iran marked the anniversary of the 1979 takeover of the United States embassy in Tehran on Wednesday with mass rallies in the capital.
US bombs Iran; Iran rejects US reply on Hormuz plan
Trump warned of further military action, saying 'If we have to, we'll have to.'
US officials told US media that the strikes had been 'defensive' and followed Iranian fire at an American aircraft.
US President Donald Trump confirmed the US had launched strikes on an Iranian island near the Strait of Hormuz.
“If the 40-day bombing campaign didn’t work, how is the three-day bombing campaign going to work?”
US military strikes Iran's Qeshm Island
The U.S. military carried out strikes on Iran's Qeshm Island on Monday, November 3, 2026.
President Donald Trump said the U.S. would not launch strikes on Iran before Tuesday's midterm elections.
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said Iran has delivered a firm and rational response to the American side and that the ball is now in America's court to prevent a war.
“If we have to, we’ll have to.”
US conducts defensive strikes against Iran's Qeshm Island
Iran's delegation departed from Doha on Sunday, but a draft proposal was still being circulated.
The Wall Street Journal reported that the strikes appeared limited and were not a resumption of a major operation.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei had given the government certain authorities over talks with the US.
US carries out airstrikes on Iran's Qeshm Island in Strait of Hormuz
A U.S. official said Iran's claim of shooting down two RQ-170 reconnaissance drones was false.
U.S. officials described the strikes as defensive and limited in scope.
“One way or the other, we will do something, but there is no rush. We crippled them financially,”
Will Trump relaunch war on Iran after midterm elections (opinion)
Officials leaked plans for joint US-Israeli military strikes targeting Iran's underground nuclear facilities, missile arsenals, and civilian infrastructure.
Netanyahu's rightwing governing coalition failed to secure a majority in Israel's parliamentary elections last week.
A US official told Axios last week that if Trump feels embarrassed or disenfranchised he will do something bold.
“Will a deal be made with Iran that lets them rebuild and create a far greater country than it ever was before?”
Rubio says Trump wants to end Iran war 'peacefully' as both sides prepare for strikes
Tehran accused the U.K. of participating in the U.S.-Iran war by allowing American forces access to British military and logistical bases.
Reports suggest both the U.S. and Iran are preparing for additional military strikes after the midterm elections.
Rubio said Trump has not made a decision on military action but expressed confidence in the U.S. military's ability to act if needed.
Iran war live blog: tankers hit in Hormuz, Trump says conflict to end soon
Trump warned that Tehran will either make a deal or "we'll just end it".
Iran's IRGC said two crude oil tankers caught fire after hitting mines in the Strait of Hormuz.
US President Donald Trump said the war on Iran will end "very soon, one way or the other".
Iran pushing accelerated plan for ceasefire talks with US
Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has granted powers to the government to accelerate talks with the US, according to the state IRNA news agency.
Iran has proposed a seven-step ceasefire plan to the United States.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Tehran is prepared for both diplomacy and military confrontation.
“If Iran’s demands are met, it is possible that both security will be restored to the Strait of Hormuz and the negotiation process will begin within a short period of time,”
US crude falls below $100 amid US-Iran diplomatic efforts; Iran says talks could resume
Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said Qatar is facilitating indirect talks based on Iran's seven-step peace plan.
Tehran says its seven-step peace plan could be implemented within two days if its demands are met.
Iranian authorities signaled a deal is still possible following two days of talks mediated by Qatar, as long as demands are implemented tangibly.
“hasn't made a decision...what the president expresses to you is incredible confidence that if we needed to do something militarily, we would have the ability to do it, and we really we have everything we need to be successful. But we would prefer to do it peacefully,”
Oil price falls amid hope of breakthrough to end Iran war
Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said consultations through mediators are very intensive and that Iran has presented its conditions and proposals.
Reports on Monday indicated that Iran's supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei had granted powers to his government in its talks with the US.
Donald Trump said Iran would receive "the hammer" unless there was progress.
“The news is manna from heaven for stock markets, which have felt increasingly pressured by oil’s rise, but of course there is still a risk that Trump will try one last throw of the iron dice after the midterms.”
Iran says 'ball is in the US court' on deal to end war as Trump keeps intentions veiled
An attack on an Indian-crewed vessel in the Strait of Hormuz killed at least one mariner.
Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty asked Iran to show flexibility in negotiations amid an impasse with U.S. talks.
Senior Iranian security official Mohsen Rezaei said the U.S. response to Iran's rights and demands was not convincing.
China steps up Middle East diplomacy with Iran and Oman meetings
Wang Yi reaffirmed China's support for Iran's sovereignty and security.
China and Oman issued a joint statement calling for safe navigation to resume through Hormuz and urging the US and Iran to restart dialogue.
Wang Yi told Ali Bagheri Kani that dialogue and negotiation remained the only viable path forward.
Latest efforts to end US war on Iran
An Iranian delegation is in Doha talking to Qatari mediators.
No direct US-Iran talks are planned.
The foreign ministers of the US and Iran say a diplomatic end to the war is still possible.
Iranian 'ghost fleet' filmed evading US blockade en route to China
The SOGL was added to the U.S. Treasury Department's OFAC sanctions list on Oct. 8 over alleged involvement in transporting Iranian petroleum products since 2025.
UANI chartered a supply vessel on September 16 and traveled to the Malaysian Eastern Outer Port Limits Anchorage to observe the SOGL.
UANI says the SOGL loaded Iranian LPG from Assaluyeh Port, Iran, in late August.
Iran war live updates roundup
Iran's top diplomat told Al Jazeera that Tehran has reached a plan with Qatari mediators to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within two days if the US meets its conditions.
Trump said talks are 'going fine.'
Iranian man recounts loss of 12 family members
Hamed Mirzaei stated he is the only surviving member of his family.
The building that was hit was built by Hamed Mirzaei's grandfather and his father's uncle.
Five additional missiles struck Hamed Mirzaei's home after the first one.
“March 9 was a Monday. At about 1:00 in the afternoon, I left home to check in at work. At 2:30 pm, my wife messaged me, asking me to buy her some headache medicine on my way back. I called her to ask which medicine she wanted, but her phone was busy. We were expecting guests at home, so I called our guest’s phone. That line was busy, too. I hung up, intending to call my wife again.”
Opinion: Iran war deepening US energy crisis ahead of winter
Families who heat their homes with oil are facing bills that could be 50% higher this winter, adding nearly $900 to the cost of keeping their homes warm.
A Consumer Reports survey found that more than a quarter of families reported reducing heating and cooling in their homes to uncomfortable levels to save money.
Mark Wolfe is the executive director of the National Energy Assistance Directors Association (Neada).
US weighs new Iran strikes as Vance reaches out
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian told Al Jazeera in September that Iran no longer trusts negotiations with Washington because attacks had come during previous rounds of talks.
The US and Israel attacked on February 28, 2026, two days after talks in Geneva that mediator Oman said had made "significant progress".
In February, Iran's then supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the initial attacks by Israel and the United States, and his son became the new supreme leader.
Oil prices rise despite increased flows as Iran turmoil eases
Crude exports from the Gulf averaged 24.6 million barrels per day in the week to October 18, exceeding the pre-war average, according to Kpler.
Brent crude is trading up more than 60 percent compared with before the war.
Brent crude front-month futures rose more than 2 percent to briefly top $117 a barrel on Friday.
GOP lawmaker says Americans frustrated about Iran war ahead of midterms
Pat Harrigan said Trump needs to involve Congress if he chooses to renew military action against Iran.
Vice President JD Vance promised that Donald Trump will not let Iran become a forever war.
Pat Harrigan is running for re-election in North Carolina's 10th Congressional District.
Pakistan army cautiously optimistic about US-Iran mediation efforts
Chaudhry's comments to Reuters were the first since a high-level delegation visited Tehran this week.
Chaudhry said the wording of the pact does not bar new members, when asked whether Iran could join.
Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan signed a joint defence pact on August 7 stating that an attack on any signatory will be treated as an attack on all.
Pentagon reports Iran war cost US taxpayers $47 billion
On Wednesday, the average price of a gallon of diesel in the US hit $6.35, compared with $3.75 last year, according to the AAA.
The US Navy has spent $1.5bn on two dozen warships and aircraft carriers.
The Pentagon told Congress that the cost of the US-Israel war on Iran as of October 16 had risen to at least $47.1bn.
Iran war live updates: Tehran presses 7-day Hormuz plan
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says Iran is in close and ongoing contact with mediators on ideas to implement its seven-day plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
US President Donald Trump denied media reports that he directed Vice President JD Vance to begin peace talks with Iran.
Trump suggested the contact with Iran was about Tehran's need for help with medical supplies.
Trump says Iran war will end 'when I want it to' as costs balloon to $47 billion
The $184 million damage figure counts damage to U.S. diplomatic facilities in Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates from Iranian strikes.
The U.S. evacuated diplomats from Saudi Arabia earlier in the month.
Trump's approval rating stands at 32% according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll on Monday.
Iranian and Qatari leaders meet at Russian energy forum
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian met Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani in Moscow.
The meeting took place on the sidelines of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum Summit in Moscow.
Pezeshkian and Sheikh Tamim discussed energy cooperation and how to enhance bilateral relations, according to Iranian state media.
Iran war live blog: Pezeshkian says Middle East can solve own issues without US
Pezeshkian made these remarks at a summit for gas exporting countries in Russia.
Pezeshkian said the Middle East can solve its own issues without the US.
Iran war live updates: US 'not serious' about talks; ship ablaze off Iraq
UKMTO reported a vessel caught fire 63 nautical miles (117km) southeast of al-Faw, Iraq.
Officials from the Mecca Alliance met with Iran's president and security chief in Tehran.
Senior officials from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkiye make up the newly-formed Mecca Alliance.
Oil prices edge lower amid diplomatic efforts to end Mideast conflict
Brent crude futures for December delivery were down 90 cents to $114.91 a barrel as of 8:14 a.m. ET on Tuesday.
U.S. President Donald Trump said in an interview with Fox News on Sunday that he was approaching a decision on whether to strike a deal with Iran or intensify military operations.
Iran-backed Houthi militants continued their attacks on Saudi Arabia over the weekend.
Qatar's Emir and Putin call for diplomacy amid US-Iran conflict
Vladimir Putin and Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani discussed bilateral ties.
Vladimir Putin and Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani discussed the impact of US–Iran tensions on regional stability and energy markets.
Qatar’s Emir and Putin called for diplomacy amid the US-Iran conflict.
Iran war live roundup: Trump rules out strikes, missile downed near Riyadh
The Saudi-led coalition has carried out attacks on Houthi-held territory in Yemen, including Sanaa.
US President Donald Trump has ruled out imminent military action against Iran.
The Houthis claimed a ballistic missile attack on the Riyadh airport.
US military says it helped Gulf states export 1.5 billion barrels of oil
At least 16.5 million barrels of oil per day left the region in September, according to market intelligence firm Kpler.
Brad Cooper said the primary transit routes for vessels in the strait were free of Iranian mines.
The US military command said that more than 3,000 commercial vessels had transited the Strait of Hormuz with its support over the past six months.
Israel conducts massive military drill for surprise attack scenario
The exercise was scheduled just ahead of Israel's elections on Oct. 27.
Ehud Eilam said it remains uncertain whether there will eventually be an Israeli attack on Iran because it depends on U.S. authorization.
The IDF said troops would practice scenarios including a surprise attack and infiltration into Israeli territory by air and land, incorporating lessons learned from the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas-led attacks.
Trump says he'll decide whether to make a deal with Iran or 'finish it off'
The Makkah Joint Defence Agreement stipulates that an armed attack against one member would be regarded as an attack against all.
Houthi missiles and drones targeted sites across Saudi Arabia, including Riyadh airport and an administrative building belonging to Saudi Aramco.
Qatar has played a key role in efforts to negotiate an agreement between Washington and Tehran.
Africa food security threatened by Iran war
In Zimbabwe, more than 70 percent of the population depends on agriculture, according to minister Monica Mutsvangwa.
Doha hosted UNCTAD's World Investment Forum on October 25 and 26.
Fuel prices in Uganda have more than doubled, according to minister Sanjay Tanna.
Analysis: US-Israeli war on Iran's impact on Europe
Brent crude settled at $72.48 a barrel on February 27, before the war began, and reached $126.41 at the end of April.
The leaders of Britain, France and Germany issued a joint statement condemning Iran's retaliatory strikes but their statement did not condemn the opening US-Israeli attacks.
Germany said early in the war that it would not restrict US use of its bases, including Ramstein.
Iran warns US warships as Trump considers new attacks
The IRGC claimed on Friday that two supertankers struck mines.
US mid-term elections are scheduled for November 3.
The four regional countries demanded unrestricted passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
“Iran has reached its verdict. It will no longer negotiate under bombardment, honour agreements the other side treats as optional, or accept the killing of its children and the penury of its people as routine instruments of policy,”
US intelligence memo warns Iran increased efforts to target Americans abroad
U.S. officials confirmed the authenticity of the unclassified intelligence memo.
The memo states that intelligence officials will work to downgrade the classification of certain intelligence so it can be shared with State Department personnel.
The intelligence memo was first reported by Axios.
“The lethal plotting efforts by the Iranians against U.S. citizens have reached advanced stages in both the Middle East and certain other countries,”
American embassies tighten security amid Iran threat warnings
The U.S. ordered non-emergency government employees to leave Saudi Arabia.
The Trump administration has vowed to put off military strikes on Iran after the midterm elections on Nov. 3.
Washington rebuffed Iran's proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for lifting the naval blockade.
US oil rises above $100, Brent at five-month high as Iran prepared for warfare
U.S. President Donald Trump accused Iran of lying about attacks on ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday.
Trump wrote on Truth Social that Iran is doing everything they can to drive up the price of Oil prior to the U.S. Midterm Election.
Brent futures were on track for a weekly rise of 3.3%, on course for their third consecutive week of gains.
Iran war live updates: Trump hints at new strikes
US President Donald Trump has signalled possible further military action against Iran.
Iran says seven oil tankers have sustained damage in the Strait of Hormuz in a single day.
Iran says the seven damaged oil tankers mark the highest daily toll since the US-Israel war with Tehran began.
US-Iran war: how the landscape has changed since February (Al Jazeera analysis)
CNN reported in March that the Pentagon and US National Security Council had significantly underestimated Iran’s willingness to restrict passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
Yemen's war has expanded to Saudi Arabia via Houthi missile and drone attacks targeting Saudi airports and oil infrastructure.
Diesel has doubled in price in the US.
Are global oil reserves sufficient for renewed US-Iran war (Al Jazeera analysis)
China's onshore crude stocks stand at 1.13 billion barrels, enough for about 80 days of refinery intake.
Brent crude rose to $110.85 a barrel on Wednesday, close to a five-month peak.
Nearly half of available usable reserves are in Japan.
European and Middle East ministers urge US-Iran diplomacy
The eight ministers discussed Israel's war on Gaza, escalating fighting in Yemen and prospects for ending the Russia-Ukraine war.
Cairo has yet to decide whether to join the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement.
Antonio Tajani said he does not believe the problem can be solved from a purely military standpoint and that dialogue must be promoted to reopen Hormuz.
New electronics reach Iran but prices soar amid government fees and US sanctions
The UAE announced a halt to trade, commercial exchanges and financial transactions with Iran on August 19.
After adding other levies and warranties from domestic companies, extra charges for some phones can amount to more than half of the total price paid.
The Iranian government charges import duties of up to 6 percent for phones worth below 600 euros, up to 15 percent for phones between 600 and 900 euros, and up to 30 percent for phones valued above 900 euros.
Trump: Iran must not turn military defeat into diplomatic victory (Fox opinion)
Abbas Araghchi, described as a former IRGC member, made reopening the Strait of Hormuz conditional on acceptance of Tehran's proposed plan.
The article claims Tehran is deliberately dragging out negotiations to weaken Trump's political standing ahead of the Nov. 3 midterm elections.
The article states that after eight months of war, Iran suffered devastating military and economic losses.
US and Israel drawing up plans to resume attacks on Iran post-election
The New York Times was the first to report on the planning for renewed joint strikes.
Israeli sources said the strikes would almost certainly take place after the U.S. midterm elections due to President Trump's reluctance to destabilize oil markets during the campaign.
The Israeli Defense Forces and the U.S. military have drawn up plans to renew joint strikes on Iran in the coming weeks, according to two Israeli sources.
“We regularly move U.S. service members and assets to optimize mission readiness. We do not discuss related movements for operational security reasons. U.S. forces remain vigilant and ready to protect American personnel and interests across the region.”
Netanyahu promises Iran regime change
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that overthrowing Iran's government remains Israel's primary objective.
Netanyahu faces declining support in the polls before national elections scheduled for the week following his remarks.
Netanyahu's remarks about regime change in Iran came after conversations with US President Donald Trump on Sunday and a visit to Israel by Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth.
Netanyahu says he discussed 'eliminating' Iran's regime with Trump
Benjamin Netanyahu says he discussed the need to topple Iran's regime with US President Donald Trump on Sunday.
Benjamin Netanyahu says dismantling the Iranian government is key to preventing it from rebuilding its nuclear programme and the so-called Axis of Resistance.
US envoy says US leaving oil-for-security approach, not Middle East
Tom Barrack said the United States is moving away from its traditional security-for-oil relationship with the Middle East.
Political analyst Luciano Zaccara described Barrack as probably the most realistic of Trump's allies in his assessment of US involvement in the Middle East.
Tom Barrack said the US had been involved in 23 regime changes across the wider Middle East.
“The bargain is not to control, but to not leave. We’re not leaving.”
Oil prices fall as traders hope for diplomatic progress in Middle East
Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei said Tehran would respond to any American strike in equal measure, if not more forcefully.
The November WTI contract expired on Tuesday.
The WTI December contract was down 26 cents at $98.28 per barrel.
Analysis: Why the war on Iran could backfire on US regime-change goals
Negar Mortazavi said the war on Iran could strengthen Iranian nationalism rather than trigger regime change.
Negar Mortazavi said external attacks unite people around their homeland despite deep domestic grievances.
Analyst Negar Mortazavi spoke to Al Jazeera at the Global Security Forum about the war on Iran.