US-Israel-Iran War News Live Updates: Israel begins 'wide-scale wave of strikes' on Iran; airstrike hits residential buildings
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THE TIMES OF INDIA | Mar 23, 2026, 08:55:16 IST
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US-Israel-Iran War News Live Updates: Israel begins 'wide-scale wave of strikes' on Iran; airstrike hits residential buildings

US Israel Iran War Live: The war between US Israel and Iran has now entered its fourth week. The conflict has already seen thousands of deaths in Iran, and hundreds on the US-Israeli side, since the conflict began on February 28.

Meanwhile, US president Donald Trump on Saturday issued a stark 48-hours ultimatum to Iran demanding reopening of Strait of Hormuz or face the destruction of its energy infrastructure, as Tehran carried out its most severe strike yet against Israel. The warning followed his earlier suggestion of scaling back military action after three weeks of conflict, even as the vital oil route remained effectively shut and additional US Marines deployed to the region.

Over 100 people, including children, were injured after Iranian missile strikes hit the southern Israeli towns of Arad and Dimona on Sunday, according to authorities in Tel Aviv. The attacks caused extensive damage to residential areas and reportedly occurred after air defence systems failed to intercept the incoming missiles. This came as a day earlier Iran also reportedly fired two-long range ballistic missiles towards the US-UK base at Diego Garcia underscoring its expanding capabilities. Neither missile struck its target.

At the same time, Washington moved to ease pressure on global energy markets by temporarily lifting sanctions on Iranian oil already loaded onto tankers, allowing sales until 19 April. Officials estimate the measure could release around 140 million barrels of crude, helping to stabilise prices amid supply disruptions linked to tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.

Despite these signals, fighting has continued. Iran launched fresh drone and missile attacks on Saudi Arabia, UAE and other Gulf and Arab countries.


Key points

  • SaudiArabia tracked the launch of three ballistic missiles towards Riyadh, intercepting one, while the other two fell in an uninhabited area.
  • The ministry also said it downed six drones headed toward the kingdom’s eastern region, one of its least densely populated areas near Iran and home to major oil installations.
  • Fresh “large explosions” were heard to the west of the Iraqi capital of Baghdad, moments after an Iraqi security official said that air defences intercepted two drones near a US logistics camp in the vicinity of the Baghdad international airport.
  • Donald Trump issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Iran demanding reopening of Strait of Hormuz.
  • The projectile struck close to a bulk carrier, causing an explosion, the British military’s United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center said early Sunday.
  • The United States temporarily eased sanctions on Iranian oil shipments already at sea to stabilise global supply, despite Tehran insisting it has no surplus crude.
08:55 (IST) Mar 23
US Iran war: US strikes Iran's Qom turbine engine production plant; before-after images reveal scale of damage
08:50 (IST) Mar 23
Iran war news: UAE air defences respond to incoming missile threat from Iran
The UAE’s National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority says the country’s air defence systems are currently responding to an incoming missile threat from Iran and has urged people to stay in a safe place. The alert comes as the UAE’s air defence forces intercept missiles and drones launched from Iran amid the wider regional conflict.
08:25 (IST) Mar 23
US Iran war: Iranians march in border cities against US-Israel attacks
Iranians took to the streets in multiple cities to protest the ongoing US-Israel war and the threat of continued bombardments, Fars news agency reported.

Late on Sunday, a large crowd gathered in the southeastern city of Kerman, waving flags and carrying images of the country’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, according to Fars.

Similar demonstrations were reported in South Khorasan Province near the Afghanistan border, in Urmia in West Azerbaijan Province near the Turkiye and Iraq borders, and in Ardabil near the border with Azerbaijan.
08:07 (IST) Mar 23
Israel Iran war news: Israel launches 'wide-scale wave of strikes' on Tehran infrastructure
Israeli forces have launched a wide-scale wave of strikes targeting Iranian infrastructure in Tehran, the military said, signalling a sharp escalation in the conflict.

In northwestern Iran, an airstrike flattened residential buildings in Urmia, with rescue teams searching for people trapped under the rubble, according to state-affiliated Nour News.
07:54 (IST) Mar 23
Iran war news: Oil steady as US-Iran tensions offset by prospect of more Iranian supply
Oil prices were largely steady on Monday as investors weighed escalating US-Iran threats to target energy infrastructure against the potential release of millions of barrels of Iranian oil into global markets following Washington’s decision to lift sanctions.

Brent crude futures slipped 8 cents to $112.11 a barrel, after closing at their highest level since July 2022 in the previous session.
07:42 (IST) Mar 23
Israel Iran war news: Explosions rock Tehran as air defences activated across capital
As reported by Al Jazeera, a series of powerful explosions were heard across central, southern, and eastern Tehran.

Iran’s air defence systems were also activated across the capital in response.


07:32 (IST) Mar 23
Israel Iran War News: ‘Enough is enough’: Schumer demands end to Iran war, flags rising costs



Chuck Schumer, the US Senate’s minority leader, has called for an end to the American military operation against Iran.

“Enough is enough. End this war,” he said in a statement posted on X.

Schumer added that even some Republican senators have admitted they are unclear about the administration’s objectives in the Middle East.

In an earlier post on X, he also criticised the rising cost of the conflict, saying tens of billions of dollars are being spent on the war, with average gasoline prices reaching $3.94 per gallon.
07:12 (IST) Mar 23
Iran war news: US-Israel strike hits Iran broadcaster in Bandar Abbas; 1 dead
US and Israeli forces struck a 100-kilowatt AM transmitter operated by the Persian Gulf Central Broadcasting Company in the southern port city of Bandar Abbas, according to Iran’s Mehr news agency.

The attack left one person dead and another injured, the report said, citing the broadcaster’s director general. Despite the strike, the company’s programmes continue to be aired without disruption.

07:11 (IST) Mar 23
Iran war news:Iran is posing direct threat to Europe: Israeli PM Netanyahu
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday said the US and Israel would continue to act against Iran.
Netanyahu visited Arad, which was hit by Iran on Sunday.

The Prime Minister's Office said in a post on X, "Iran continues to prove why they are an enemy to civilization and the free world, while now posing a direct threat to European countries. Israel and the US will continue to act with great force against the Ayatollah terror regime."

Netanyahu visited Dimona and said, "If anyone needed an explanation of why Iran is the enemy of civilisation, and the enemy and the danger to the entire world. You got it in the last 48 hours. In the last 48 hours, they fired a terror weapon on civilians, on children. There's a children's nursery here. There's an old person's home here. Civilians, families, they fire terror weapons on civilians, and often they use cluster bombs, which are forbidden by international law."

"The second thing that they did was that they fired on Jerusalem right next to the holy places. They sent ballistic missiles that could have destroyed the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Western Wall. The three holiest sites to the three monotheistic religions, they don't care. They're firing on everything. The third thing they did is they fired an intercontinental ballistic missile 4,000 kilometres right into Diego Garcia, the American-British base," he added.
07:10 (IST) Mar 23
Israel Iran War News: Indian injured from falling missile debris in Abu Dhabi
The Abu Dhabi Media Office said on Monday that an Indian national suffered minor injuries from falling debris after the UAE's air defence systems successfully intercepted a ballistic missile targeting the country's capital.

The incident occurred in Abu Dhabi's Al Shawamekh area, it said.

In a post on X, the Abu Dhabi Media Office said, "Relevant authorities in Abu Dhabi have responded to an incident involving debris falling in the Al Shawamekh area following the successful interception of a ballistic missile by air defence systems. The incident resulted in a minor injury to an Indian national. The public is reminded to obtain information from official sources only and avoid spreading rumours or unverified information."
06:01 (IST) Mar 23
Iran war news: 'Exercise increased caution,' US issues worldwide advisory for its citizens
US department of state consular affairs, in a social media post on X, said, "Worldwide Caution: The department of state advises Americans worldwide, and especially in the Middle East, to exercise increased caution. Americans abroad should follow the guidance in security alerts issued by the nearest US embassy or consulate. Periodic airspace closures may cause travel disruptions."

"US diplomatic facilities, including outside the Middle East, have been targeted. Groups supportive of Iran may target other US interests overseas or locations associated with the United States and/or Americans throughout the world," it added.
05:50 (IST) Mar 23
Israel Iran War News: Gulf air defenses intercept missiles and drones, sirens in Bahrain
Kuwait said early Monday that its air defenses are intercepting hostile missile and drone attacks, while the UAE said its air defenses are dealing with missile and drone strikes coming from Iran.

Air raid sirens have sounded in Bahrain.
04:02 (IST) Mar 23
Iran war news: Starmer, Trump discuss reopening Strait of Hormuz amid crisis
Keir Starmer and Donald Trump held a phone call on Sunday to discuss the escalating Middle East conflict and the urgent need to reopen the Strait of Hormuz effects on global trade and economic stability.

The conversation comes ahead of a Cobra meeting that Starmer is set to chair on Monday, focusing on the impact of the conflict on the UK’s cost of living, energy prices, and supply chains. Officials said the meeting will consider both domestic measures and international coordination to mitigate the crisis.

The discussions underscore the high-level coordination between the UK and US as they navigate the evolving Iran war, with both leaders emphasizing the need for urgent, collaborative action to restore safe passage through one of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints.
03:34 (IST) Mar 23
Iran war news: Influential Iraqi pro-Iran group prolongs pause in US embassy attacks
02:31 (IST) Mar 23
Iran war news: Air Defences intercepts 25 UAVs, 4 ballistic missiles in latest Iranian attack
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Sunday said its air defence systems intercepted multiple Iranian aerial threats, including 25 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and 4 ballistic missiles, amid continuing West Asia conflict.

In a post on X, the Ministry of Defence said, "UAE Air Defences engaged Iranian Ballistic and Cruise Missiles and UAVs Attacks," intercepting 25 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and 4 ballistic missiles in the latest wave of Iranian "attacks".

The ministry also released cumulative figures of attacks since the "onset of the blatant Iranian aggression."

According to the statement, 1,773 UAVs, 15 cruise missiles, and 345 ballistic missiles have been recorded to be intercepted since the start of the escalation.

Earlier, the United Arab Emirates' Ministry of Defence announced that the nation's military capabilities are actively engaged in defensive operations following a fresh wave of aerial attacks on Sunday morning. According to an official statement from the Ministry, the country's air defences are "currently responding to incoming missile and drone threats from Iran."
02:18 (IST) Mar 23
Israel Iran War News: Strait of Hormuz open to all except those who violate Iranian soil: Iran President
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Sunday took a jab at US President Donald Trump's statement and said that the illusion of erasing Iran from the map shows desperation against the will of a history-making nation.

Pezeshkian said that the Strait of Hormuz remains open to all nations except Iran's enemies.

In a post on X, he said, "The illusion of erasing Iran from the map shows desperation against the will of a history-making nation. Threats and terror only strengthen our unity. The Strait of Hormuz is open to all except those who violate our soil. We firmly confront delirious threats on the battlefield."
02:10 (IST) Mar 23
Iran war news: IDF spokesman says 'several more weeks' of fighting still to come
IDF spokesman Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin said Israel expects “several more weeks of fighting” against Hezbollah and Iranian forces in Lebanon.

He added that Israel is gradually weakening what he called the “terror regime” and its proxies, vowing that they will not be allowed to threaten the State of Israel.
02:06 (IST) Mar 23
Iran war news: How many people have been killed in the US-Israeli war on Iran?
Thousands have been killed across the Middle East since US and Israeli strikes on Iran triggered a wider conflict, with casualties reported across multiple countries as of March 22.

In Iran, rights group HRANA put the toll at 3,230, including 1,406 civilians, though official figures range between 1,270 and 1,332. Lebanon has reported around 1,029 deaths from Israeli strikes, while Iraq has recorded at least 60 fatalities.

Israel has reported over a dozen civilian deaths along with military casualties, while the United States has lost 13 service members. Smaller death tolls have also been reported in United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Syria, Oman, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, reflecting the widening regional impact of the conflict.
01:29 (IST) Mar 23
Iran war news: Trump's changing course on Strait of Hormuz strategy raises questions about US war preparation
Amid the ongoing conflict with Iran, Donald Trump is facing mounting criticism over his changing approach to reopening the Strait of Hormuz, with opponents questioning US war preparedness.

Trump has moved from calls for diplomatic resolution and sanctions relief to issuing a 48-hour ultimatum threatening to “obliterate” Iran’s power plants if the waterway is not reopened. His aides have defended the shift as a pressure tactic, but critics say it reflects a lack of a clear exit strategy.

Democratic senators Ed Markey and Chris Murphy accused Trump of miscalculating the conflict, with Markey calling the threat a potential “war crime” and Murphy alleging the president is “panicking” amid the escalating crisis.
00:49 (IST) Mar 23
Israel Iran War News: NATO chief 'absolutely convinced' alliance will reopen Strait of Hormuz
Nato chief Mark Rutte said he is “absolutely convinced” that NATO will be able to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, amid escalating tensions with Iran.

Speaking to Fox News, Rutte responded to criticism from Donald Trump, saying the alliance needed time to calibrate its response due to the sensitive nature of the military operation.

He said European allies and global partners have been coordinating over the past weeks to plan a collective approach alongside the US. Rutte also described the American operation as “crucial,” citing what he called an “existential threat” from Iran.
00:28 (IST) Mar 23
Israel Iran War News: Three strikes target Iraqi pro-Iranian group
Three strikes targeted an influential pro-Iranian armed group in its stronghold south of the capital late Sunday, while another targeted a US diplomatic and logistic centre at Baghdad International Airport.

The US diplomatic and logistics hub is located in the international airport complex, which has been repeatedly targeted since the start of the war in the Middle East on February 28.

It was targeted eight times overnight, and an Iraqi security source -- who spoke anonymously citing sensitivities -- said on Saturday that there had been several waves of American departures from the facility to the airport.

Pro-Iran armed groups have claimed responsibility for attacks on US interests in Iraq and across the region, while strikes have also targeted these groups.

Late Sunday, three strikes targeted the former paramilitary coalition Hashed al-Shaabi, also known as the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF), which is part of Iraq's regular armed forces but also includes some pro-Iranian groups.

An official with the influential pro-Iranian Kataeb Hezbollah said the three strikes had targeted them.
00:10 (IST) Mar 23
Iran war news: Iran threatens to close the Strait of Hormuz if US targets energy infrastructure
Iran’s military has threatened to shut the Strait of Hormuz indefinitely if the US carries out strikes on its power plants, as warned by Donald Trump.

It said the vital shipping route would stay closed until any damaged energy infrastructure is fully rebuilt. Tehran also warned it would target Israeli energy and communications networks, as well as companies in the region with US shareholders.
23:55 (IST) Mar 22
Israel Iran War News: 'Prelude to ground invasion', Lebanon president as Israel strikes power infrastructure
Lebanese president Joseph Aoun warned that Israel’s destruction of infrastructure and vital facilities in southern Lebanon could be a precursor to a ground invasion.

Condemning the attacks, he said they “constitute a dangerous escalation and a blatant violation of Lebanese sovereignty and are a prelude to a ground invasion, which Lebanon has repeatedly warned against through diplomatic channels.”
23:49 (IST) Mar 22
Israel Iran war: Iran war not to end soon? Treasury's Bessent says US has 'plenty of money to fund this war'

US treasury secretary Scott Bessent on Sunday said the United States has "plenty of money to fund" its war against Iran, asserting that President Donald Trump is keeping "all options on the table" amid the ongoing Middle East conflict.



Speaking to NBC News, Bessent defended the administration’s actions, saying Trump acted within his legal authority."President Trump was within his authority under the War Powers Act to initiate this action, and we actually now have plenty of money to fund this war. What we are doing is supplemental," he said.



"President Trump has built up the military as he did in his first term, as he is now doing in his second term, and he wants to make sure that the military is well supplied going forward," he added.

Read more

23:34 (IST) Mar 22
Israel Iran war: Israel to 'advance targeted ground operations' in Lebanon
Israel's military will expand its ground operations in Lebanon against Hezbollah, its army chief said Sunday, warning that the offensive against the group was still in its early stages.

"The operation against the Hezbollah terrorist organisation has only begun... This is a prolonged operation," Zamir said in a statement.

"We are now preparing to advance the targeted ground operations and strikes according to an organised plan," he added.
22:49 (IST) Mar 22
Israel Iran war: Israel orders intensified strikes on bridges, homes in Southern Lebanon
Israel’s defence minister Israel Katz on Sunday said he has ordered the military to step up the destruction of bridges and houses in southern Lebanon, raising concerns over the scale of the ongoing offensive against Hezbollah.

In a statement, Katz said Israeli forces have been instructed to target additional bridges over the Litani River, alleging that the Iran-backed group is using them to move reinforcements to the south.

However, the routes are also used by civilians, including those attempting to flee north to safer areas. The move has heightened fears that Israel is aiming to effectively cut off large parts of southern Lebanon from the rest of the country.

The escalation comes amid a widening offensive that has already killed more than 1,000 people and displaced over 1 million across Lebanon.
22:41 (IST) Mar 22
Iran says it intercepted, struck F-15 jet near Hormuz island; US rejects claim
22:16 (IST) Mar 22
Israel Iran war: Iran says 25 arrested for alleged links to US, Israel
Iran’s intelligence ministry said 25 people have been arrested on suspicion of working with the United States and Israel. According to officials, 23 individuals were detained in Markaz province in west-central Iran for allegedly sharing coordinates of military sites with an international media platform it claims is linked to Israel, and for attempting to incite “street unrest”.

The ministry said two more suspects were arrested in the northeastern province of Golestan, accused of plotting attacks on police centres, as reported by the semiofficial Mehr news agency.

Authorities also said they had identified the “criminal activities” of 15 Persian-speaking individuals based abroad who were allegedly acting as agents of Israel, and shared the information with the judiciary.

Iran has previously warned citizens abroad against cooperating with entities linked to the US or Israel, saying such actions could lead to confiscation of their property in the country.
22:13 (IST) Mar 22
Israel Iran war: Fresh Iranian missile salvo detected
Israel’s military said it has detected a new wave of missiles launched from Iran towards its territory, marking what Israeli media reports as the eighth salvo since midnight.

According to Times of Israel reports, air raid sirens are expected to sound in southern parts of the country as air defence systems move to intercept the incoming projectiles.
22:12 (IST) Mar 22
Iran war news: PM Modi chairs CCS meet to review supplies, mitigation plan amid Middle East crisis
Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security to review the situation arising from the ongoing West Asia conflict and assess ongoing and proposed mitigation measures.

Short-, medium- and long-term steps to ensure the continued availability of essential supplies were discussed in detail. The meeting also reviewed alternate sources of fertilisers to secure future availability for farmers.

Officials discussed measures to diversify import sources for key sectors, including chemicals, pharmaceuticals and petrochemicals, while also exploring new export destinations to promote Indian goods in the near future.
21:37 (IST) Mar 22
'Strait open to all except violators’: Iran’s Pezeshkian warns against threats

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said attempts to “erase Iran” reflect desperation, asserting that threats would only strengthen national unity amid the ongoing conflict.

“The illusion of erasing Iran from the map shows desperation against the will of a history-making nation. Threats and terror only strengthen our unity,” he said.

Pezeshkian added that the Strait of Hormuz remains open but issued a warning to adversaries, saying, “The Strait of Hormuz is open to all except those who violate our soil. We firmly confront delirious threats on the battlefield.”
20:57 (IST) Mar 22
Iran war news: Turkish FM engages Iran, Egypt, US and EU in efforts to de-escalate war
Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has held talks with counterparts from Iran, Egypt, the United States and the European Union to discuss steps to end the ongoing conflict, a Turkish diplomatic source told Reuters.

According to the source, Fidan held separate calls with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, and US officials, though no further details were shared.
20:25 (IST) Mar 22
Iran war news: IDF says it hit arms sites, intelligence and military HQs in overnight Tehran strikes
The Israeli military said it carried out overnight airstrikes in Tehran, targeting multiple Iranian weapons production facilities and key military and intelligence headquarters.

According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), Israeli Air Force fighter jets struck an army training base that included a storage site for anti-aircraft missiles, a weapons production and storage facility linked to Iran’s defence ministry, and a weapons production site of the IRGC air force.

The strikes also targeted the headquarters of Iran’s intelligence ministry and the Khatam al-Anbiya central command.

The IAF said dozens of bombs were dropped during the operation, describing it as part of a “phase of deepening the damage to the core systems of the Iranian terror regime and its foundations.”
19:57 (IST) Mar 22
Iran war news: IRGC warns of Strait of Hormuz closure if power plants are targeted
The IRGC has issued a statement warning that if power plants are targeted, the Strait of Hormuz will be “completely” closed and will not reopen until the facilities are rebuilt.

It also said Israel’s power plants, energy infrastructure, and information and communication systems would be “extensively targeted”, adding that companies in the region with American shareholders would be “completely destroyed”.

The statement further warned that power plants in countries hosting US bases in the region would be considered legitimate targets.
19:39 (IST) Mar 22
Israel Iran war: ‘What are you waiting for?’ Netanyahu calls on world leaders amid Iran tensions
19:32 (IST) Mar 22
Israel Iran war: Four killed, seven injured in Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon
At least four people were killed and seven others wounded in Israeli air raids on southern Lebanon, according to a report citing the country’s Health Ministry.

Lebanon’s National News Agency said strikes on the town of Al-Sultaniyah killed three people and injured three others, while a separate attack on as-Sawana left one person dead and four wounded.

According to Lebanese authorities, Israeli attacks on Lebanon since March 2 have killed at least 1,024 people and injured 2,740.
19:31 (IST) Mar 22
Iran warns of ‘complete closure’ of Strait of Hormuz if Trump targets energy facilities
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have warned that the strategic Strait of Hormuz would be “completely closed” if the United States follows through on threats to strike the country’s energy infrastructure, escalating tensions in the Gulf. The warning comes after US President Donald Trump issued an ultimatum demanding Iran reopen the vital oil shipping lane or face attacks on its power plants.
19:28 (IST) Mar 22
Israel begins 'wave of strikes' on Hezbollah in Lebanon; Netanyahu claims fighting for entire world
Israeli airstrikes have hit the southern Lebanese towns of Al-Sultaniyah and as-Sawana, Lebanon’s National News Agency reported, citing the health ministry. Three people were killed and three injured in Al-Sultaniyah, while one person was killed and four wounded in as-Sawana. Lebanese authorities say Israeli attacks since March 2 have killed at least 1,024 people and injured 2,740.
19:16 (IST) Mar 22
'Radical Left now America’s greatest enemy’: Trump after Iran conflict
US President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social saying, "Now with the death of Iran, the greatest enemy America has is the Radical Left, Highly Incompetent, Democrat Party! Thank you for your attention to this matter."

19:11 (IST) Mar 22
Iran war: Israel detects wave of Iranian missiles, urges people to take shelter


Israel’s military said it has detected a wave of Iranian missiles heading towards the country.

It added that people in affected areas would receive mobile alerts and urged them to follow standard safety procedures, including taking shelter.
18:57 (IST) Mar 22
Israel Iran war: Israel pounds south Lebanon towns with shelling, air strikes

Israeli artillery shelling and air strikes were reported across several towns in southern Lebanon.

Shelling hit areas including Arnoun, Zawtar al-Sharqiyah and Yahmar al-Shaqif, while an air strike targeted the outskirts of Yahmar al-Shaqif.

There were no immediate reports of casualties.
18:28 (IST) Mar 22
Israel Iran war: Pope Leo calls war in Middle East a 'scandal' to humanity
Death and suffering caused by the war in the Middle East are a “scandal to the whole human family”, Pope Leo said, renewing his call for an immediate ceasefire.

The American pontiff said he continues to follow the situation in the Middle East and other conflict-hit regions with “dismay”.

“We cannot remain silent in the face of the suffering of so many people, the defenceless victims of these conflicts. What hurts them hurts the whole of humanity,” Leo said during his weekly Angelus prayer in St Peter’s Square.

“I strongly renew my appeal for us to persevere in prayer, so that hostilities may cease and the way may finally be paved for peace,” he added.
18:19 (IST) Mar 22
Israel Iran war: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visits missile strike site in Arad, Israel
17:45 (IST) Mar 22
Iran war news: UAE air defences intercept 4 missiles, 25 drones in latest attack
The UAE said its air defence systems engaged four ballistic missiles and 25 UAVs launched from Iran on March 22. Since the start of the conflict, the UAE said it has intercepted a total of 345 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles and 1,773 drones.

The attacks have resulted in the deaths of two members of the armed forces, along with six civilians of Pakistani, Nepali, Bangladeshi and Palestinian nationalities.

A total of 160 people have been injured, with cases ranging from minor to severe. The injured include nationals from multiple countries, including the UAE, India, Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, the Philippines, Pakistan, Iran, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and others.

The ministry of defence said it remains fully prepared to deal with any threats and will take firm action to protect the country’s sovereignty, security and stability, while safeguarding national interests.
17:28 (IST) Mar 22
Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a high-level meeting to review the situation related to petroleum, crude oil, natural gas, power and fertiliser sectors amid the evolving situation in the Middle East.

The meeting focused on ensuring uninterrupted supply of essential resources, maintaining stable logistics, and streamlining distribution across the country. Officials briefed the Prime Minister on preparedness measures to tackle any potential disruptions arising from geopolitical developments in the region.

The government is closely monitoring the situation to safeguard energy security and ensure that supply chains remain resilient, with an emphasis on minimising any impact on consumers and key sectors of the economy.
17:18 (IST) Mar 22
Iran war news: PM Modi chairs high-level meet to review fuel, fertiliser supply amid Middle East crisis
Iran war news: PM Modi chairs high-level meet to review fuel, fertiliser supply amid Middle East crisis
17:12 (IST) Mar 22
US Iran war: US Central Command said it destroyed an Iranian military facility earlier this month where close-, short- and medium-range ballistic missiles were being assembled.
16:52 (IST) Mar 22
Israel Iran war: Iran missiles targeting Diego Garcia base fell short, intercepted, says UK minister
UK minister Steve Reed said Iran launched two missiles targeting the joint UK-US military base at Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean, with one falling short and the other intercepted.

“Our assessment is that the Iranians certainly targeted Diego Garcia,” Reed told the BBC, referring to the base located about 4,000 kilometres from Iran.

“As we understand it, one missile fell short, failed, the other was intercepted and prevented,” he said.

Reed added that the attack was not unexpected, saying Iran had been “recklessly firing missiles around the region”.

Diego Garcia, part of the Chagos Islands, is one of two bases the UK has allowed the United States to use for what it describes as “defensive operations” in its war against Iran.
16:31 (IST) Mar 22
Iran war news: Israel army will destroy more bridges in south Lebanon
Israeli defence minister Israel Katz said that the army had been ordered to destroy more bridges over the Litani river being used by Hezbollah in south Lebanon and to step up the demolition of houses.

"Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and I instructed the IDF to immediately destroy all the bridges over the Litani River that are used for terrorist activity, in order to prevent Hezbollah terrorists and weapons from moving south," Katz said in a statement.

He said the military was also instructed to "accelerate the demolition of Lebanese houses in the contact villages in order to thwart threats to Israeli communities".
16:27 (IST) Mar 22
Israel Iran war: Explosion near vessel off UAE coast; crew safe, probe underway
A bulk carrier reported an explosion caused by an unknown projectile near its position off the UAE coast, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said.

In a post on X, UKMTO said the incident occurred about 15 nautical miles north of Sharjah. All crew members on board were reported safe.

The agency said the intended target could not be identified and investigations are ongoing. Vessels in the area have been advised to proceed with caution.
32 More Updates
Tensions in the Middle East continue to escalate as the conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States widens, raising fears of a broader regional war.

In the Gulf, Saudi Arabia reported that three ballistic missiles were detected near its capital on Sunday. According to its Defense Ministry, one missile was successfully intercepted while the remaining two landed in an uninhabited area. Authorities also said five drones were shot down overnight. A brief civil defense alert issued early Sunday was lifted within minutes after officials determined there was no ongoing threat. These incidents come amid continued Iranian retaliation against Gulf nations following US-Israeli strikes, with some attacks reportedly targeting energy infrastructure, heightening concerns over global oil supply disruptions.

Meanwhile, in Israel, the human toll continues to rise. Iranian missile strikes on the southern towns of Arad and Dimona left more than 100 people injured, including children. Israeli officials said air defense systems failed to intercept the incoming missiles. Medics reported 75 injured in Arad, with 10 in serious condition, and 33 others wounded earlier in Dimona. Residential areas sustained heavy damage, underscoring the growing vulnerability of civilian zones.

In Washington, the Pentagon is actively preparing contingency plans for a possible expansion of US military involvement. According to reports, officials have developed strategies for the potential deployment of ground troops into Iran, although Donald Trump has publicly stated he is not currently planning to authorize such a move. The US military has nonetheless increased readiness, positioning elements of the 82nd Airborne Division and Marine units closer to the region. Naval deployments carrying thousands of Marines are also underway, signaling a significant buildup aimed at preserving strategic flexibility.

Diplomatic tensions persist alongside military developments. Japan confirmed that one of two nationals detained in Iran has been released after months in custody, while efforts continue to secure the release of the second detainee, reportedly a journalist. Japanese officials say negotiations are ongoing with Iranian counterparts.

The conflict, which intensified following coordinated US-Israeli strikes late last month, shows no signs of de-escalation. With continued missile exchanges, military mobilization, and geopolitical fallout affecting energy markets and international relations, the situation remains highly volatile and unpredictable.