US-Israel war on Iran: What’s happening on day 26 of attacks?

The war launched by the United States and Israel against Iran continues, even as efforts to reach a diplomatic solution increase and there are conflicting claims about possible negotiations.

Strikes and missile attacks have been reported in Iran, Israel and across the Gulf. At the same time, the US has signalled both military escalation and openness to a deal. The conflict continues to roil global energy markets, especially because of disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.

Here is what we know:

In Iran

Tehran rejects US peace plan: Iran confirmed receiving a 15-point peace proposal from the US, but a high-ranking Iranian diplomatic source dismissed it as “extremely maximalist and unreasonable”.
Massive US troop deployment: US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed there are now more than 50,000 US troops in the Middle East, a deployment that includes two aircraft carriers, 200 combat aircraft, and thousands of arriving forces such as the 82nd Airborne and Marine Expeditionary Units.
Iran sees US military build-up as escalation: Iranian officials say Washington’s push for talks alongside troop deployments shows a lack of genuine diplomatic intent.
US strikes Iranian infrastructure: CENTCOM released a video showing recent strikes aimed at degrading the military infrastructure and capabilities of the Iranian regime.
Domestic confusion: Al Jazeera’s Mohamed Vall reports “total confusion” among Iranians over US claims of diplomacy, as the reality on the ground remains focused on bombardment, missile launches and defence.
Iran’s war aims: Analyst Negar Mortazavi said Tehran wants to end the war on its “own terms” and establish enough deterrence to ensure the conflict does not resume once it ends.
Crisis in the Strait of Hormuz: Approximately 2,000 vessels and 20,000 seafarers are stranded in the Strait of Hormuz, creating severe logistical and humanitarian challenges. In response, France’s military chief is planning talks to help restore maritime navigation.

War diplomacy

Islamabad talks offer: Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Islamabad is prepared to host negotiations to stop the US-Israeli war with Iran.

China, France urge talks: China’s top diplomat Wang Yi told Iran that “talking is always better than fighting”, while French President Emmanuel Macron urged Tehran to engage in good-faith negotiations to end the war.

In the Gulf

Kuwait airport fire and interceptions: A drone attack hit a fuel tank at Kuwait International Airport, which sparked a fire. Kuwait’s Civil Aviation Authority initiated emergency procedures and reported that the damage was limited to property, with no casualties.

Saudi Arabia intercepts missiles: The Saudi Ministry of Defence reported multiple attacks against the Eastern Province, home to many of the country’s biggest and most important oil facilities, including at Ras Tanura, Ghawar and Abqaiq. Saudi forces shot down at least 32 drones and a ballistic missile in the eastern region over the past 11 hours.

Casualties in Bahrain: The attacks have also resulted in casualties within Bahrain. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) reported that an Iranian attack in Bahrain killed a Moroccan civilian who was working alongside the UAE’s armed forces.

GCC demands to join negotiations: Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are insisting on being represented in any peace talks, demanding guarantees for the free flow of energy and the cessation of threats from Iranian missiles, its nuclear programme, and regional proxies.

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In the US

US domestic political pressure: The White House is facing pressure to reach a deal as American voters express growing concern over rising prices and interest rates. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump accused his political opponents of attempting to undermine what he called a “great military achievement” in Iran.

Sanctions and oil pressure: The US has eased some sanctions on Iranian oil due to global demand pressures caused by the war, but economist Steve Hanke warned the move could undermine the global sanctions regime.

In Israel

Missile strikes: Israeli police reported that a cluster missile fired from Lebanon struck a neighborhood in Kiryat Shmona, prompting officers to search the area for unexploded munitions

‘Security zone’: Israel said its military will seize control of an area 30km (19 miles) into Lebanon as a “security zone”, as it presses its fight against Iran-backed Hezbollah.

Diverging diplomatic tracks: Israel’s United Nations Ambassador Danny Danon said that Israel is not part of US-Iran talks and that military operations will continue until Iran’s nuclear and missile capabilities are eliminated.

Diplomatic action against Hezbollah: Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar urged the UN Security Council to condemn Hezbollah and designate it a “terrorist” organisation, saying the group has fired more than 3,500 missiles and drones at Israel since March 2.

In Lebanon and Iraq

Casualties in Lebanon: The Lebanese Ministry of Public Health and Disaster Risk Management Unit report that at least 1,072 people have been killed and 2,966 wounded since the offensive escalated on March 2, with 33 deaths in the last 24 hours alone.

Ground invasion threat: Lebanese officials warn that Israel may launch a ground invasion south of the Litani River, while Israel has ordered mass evacuations in Beirut’s southern suburbs as it intensifies strikes on Hezbollah targets.

Lebanon must not become ‘next Gaza’: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said fighting between Israel and Hezbollah must not condemn Lebanon to the same fate as Gaza, the Palestinian territory devastated by years of conflict.

Hezbollah retaliation: Hezbollah says it is attacking Israeli soldiers and infrastructure in southern Lebanon and the occupied Golan Heights with rockets, artillery and drones in response to Israel’s offensive.

International reaction: Canada condemned Israel’s plans to occupy territory in southern Lebanon, saying Lebanese sovereignty must be respected, while also calling on Hezbollah to stop attacks and disarm.

Iraq’s war balance: Iraq is struggling to balance its reliance on both the US and Iran. Following a suspected US attack on a paramilitary base in Anbar that killed 15 people, the Iraqi government granted Iran-backed paramilitary groups the right to respond to US attacks.

Attacks on US interests: The Islamic Resistance in Iraq claims to have launched 23 operations against “enemy bases” over the past 24 hours.

Iraq summons US, Iran diplomats: Iraq said it would summon the US charge d’affaires and the Iranian ambassador after deadly strikes blamed on their countries.

Oil, energy markets and Hormuz

Oil prices slip on reports of US plan: Oil prices tumbled and stock markets rallied on reports of a US plan to end the war with Iran – which promptly rejected Washington’s overtures, according to state media.

Energy policy and fossil fuel reliance: Ketan Joshi, an independent energy analyst, suggests that current suggestions for people to ration fuel or work from home are “just the beginning” and could become enforced rules because governments urgently need to reduce their short-term dependency on complex global fossil fuel supply chains.

Sri Lanka switches off lights: Sri Lanka ordered street lights, neon signs and billboard lighting to be switched off as part of measures to cut energy consumption by 25 percent and tackle supply shortages.

Philippines declares energy emergency: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr declared a national energy emergency, as rising fuel prices triggered strike threats and the government moved to secure fuel and essential goods supplies.